Discover the Perks of a Tropical Holiday Season In Vanuatu
Christmas is a time for joy and peace, being with loved ones and giving and sharing. But sometimes, the Xmas holidays can also be overwhelming and stressful. So why not break the routine this year and find somewhere far away from the stress to relax and recharge? Imagine, you could spend quality time with your family and friends and even put aside some time for yourself! Here are our top 10 reasons why you should pick Vanuatu as your next Christmas holiday destination.
Pro Tip: A reliable rainwater tank and a backup power solution are not just amenities here; they are considered essential household infrastructure.
1. Less travelling, more relaxing Christmas in Vanuatu
It takes less than half the time to get to Vanuatu than other popular island destinations like Fiji (and less than a 3rd of the time to get to Bali). We’re talking around 2.5 hours from Brisbane or 4.5 hours from Sydney – the upshot is you get to spend more time relaxing and less time travelling. More importantly, unlike other crowded destinations in Asia and Indonesia, there are no huge lines at the airport, no vendors hassling you and no crazy traffic. Instead, there is just that welcoming, laid-back island vibe!
2. The Vanuatu people celebrate Christmas just like you do
Vanuatu is predominantly Christian (83% of the population), primarily Presbyterians, Roman Catholics, Anglicans and Seventh-day Adventists. So why not join in with the local communities/churches for Christmas in Vanuatu and attend a religious service or celebration in Vanuatu style? Singing alone is worth it (Vanuatu people sing in perfect harmony and with great passion).
3. You can have a white Christmas
No, not snow, but sand! Beaches like Champagne Beach on Espiritu Santo have some of the whitest, fluffiest sand in the south Pacific. Let the kids build sandcastles while you swim and snorkel on the nearby reef – Christmas in Vanuatu sounds good, right?
4. No cleaning or washing up
Many of the larger resorts/restaurants put on Christmas lunches and dinners for their guests, so instead of being stuck washing dishes and cleaning up on Christmas day, let someone else do it for you! Best of all, you can choose from a traditional style Christmas feast (roast turkey/ham with all the trimmings) or go the tropical version (fresh seafood/sliced meats, tropical fruits and salads)
5. You can avoid the stress and the running around
When you turn your Christmas into a Vanuatu holiday, all that last minute rushing around for presents, food, finding car parks, dealing with traffic, organising parties, and entertaining relatives is….gone! Rather, you can kick back and relax with your family and friends and enjoy Christmas day and all the days leading up to it!
6. Give something back
In recent years Vanuatu’s rural communities have suffered from numerous natural disasters (cyclones, volcanic eruptions etc.) – many of the poorer villages live in third-world conditions. So instead of making Christmas all about you, why not hook up with one of the many charitable organisations scattered throughout the islands and give something back? You’ll be a better person for it, and so will your family. Christmas in Vanuatu – a unique giving experience.
7. No awkward family get-togethers
Guess what? When you spend Christmas in Vanuatu, you can choose whom you spend your time with! Everyone else is far, far away. Imagine – no in-fighting, no arguments, no distant cousins sponging off you, no politics or scandals – just your closest family/friends enjoying the tropical paradise on your doorstep. And best of all you don’t have to break the bank to do it. In addition to the fancy resorts and hotels, Vanuatu has a great range of value-for-money self-contained holiday houses, apartments and bungalows like Turtle Bay Beach House!
8. Ditch the presents for an experience
Trying to buy the right presents for your friends/family is always a challenge. So this Christmas, break the rules and put the money towards an extraordinary once-in-a-lifetime experience instead. Stop collecting things and start collecting memories! In Vanuatu, this could mean a sailing trip to a tropical island, a hike up a volcano, a dive on a world-class shipwreck or a cocktail and a stroll along a palm-fringed beach. Christmas in Vanuatu – the choice is yours!
9. You have an excuse to drink cocktails every day Christmas in Vanuatu
Sure, at home, you could probably get away with a cocktail or two on Christmas Day and maybe Boxing Day but when you’re in Vanuatu on holidays, well….every day is a cause for celebration (and every sunset is an excuse for happy hour!). And the good news is, Vanuatu has the most amazing tropical fruits so those cocktails will taste extra yummy (Vanuatu is also blessed with fantastic beer and a great selection of Aussie wines!).
10. You’ll be happier – and so will everyone around you
Your family/friends will love you for choosing to spend Christmas in Vanuatu –what’s not to love about a tropical island paradise? You’ll be relaxed, less stressed and happy. And so will the people around you – literally. Vanuatu, after all, has been voted the happiest place on the planet, not once but twice! So as the saying goes, don’t worry, be happy.
And just like that, you have all the information you need to decide if Vanuatu is the place to go for the Holidays!
