Vanuatu is a beautiful collection of lush green islands located in the Pacific off the coast of Australia and New Zealand. Bordering the islands are white sand beaches and crystal clear waters that contain the most diverse marine life in the Pacific. Of all the things to see and do in Vanuatu, none are more exciting than touring Yasa Volcano on the southern island of Tanna. This is the only place in the world where you are allowed to stand on the edge of an active volcano. At night the sight of fireballs shooting from the volcano is incredible. you could be forgiven for thinking you were on another planet.

Nightlife in Port Vila, one of the three main islands of the Vanuatu archipelago, is very lively, especially on Melanesian party nights. On Melanesian party nights, traditional dance and good food are the center of the party. Local string bands perform music that will have you in a wondrous trance as kava, a local drink, fills your stomach. Kava isn’t intoxicating, but don’t take more than 4 shells (50 vatu) if you’re not used to it, and leave 15 minutes between each.

There is also a lot to do during the day. Due to its marine diversity and crystal clear waters, Vanuatu offers one of the best fishing experiences you will ever have. The Easter Challenge fishing competition takes place at Easter, so if you’re ever there at that time, make sure you take part as it’s a lot of fun. The island also offers many other fun and relaxing activities, such as deep water diving to see shipwrecks, diving with snorkel in coral reefs, swimming with dolphins and riding a horse on the beautiful white sand beaches.

If you don’t like the sea, you can take several tours around the island by bus, helicopter, buggy or by your own means; You can even stop at a waterfall and enjoy a nice swim in the cool, pristine water of the river or sunbathe in the flowing water below the waterfall itself. The resorts in Vanuatu also have several beautiful golf courses for those of us who fancy a good swing.

The months of June to September are when the people of the island really come to life, as it is the festival season. If you find yourself there at this time of year, you definitely don’t want to miss the Danza Rom, which is a two-day community festival that follows an ancient traditional dance called the Rom. The Rom is a mysterious performance that takes place hidden behind a cloak and propelled by rhythmic music played by a Tam-Tam, the largest standing instrument in the world. Other festivals that are worth attending are the diving festival on land or Nagol from April to June, the Fanla Arts Festival, the Pankumo circumcision festival (the ancestral rite of children’s passage to men to men ) in August and the Maewo Special Cultural Festival in September.

Vanuatu is a beautiful island that offers you a luxury resort getaway fused with local traditions. A trip here would be like no other I’ve ever had or will ever have again, unless I come back.