Tropics with delightful authentic French pastries – Vanuatu! The French influence on the islands is subtle but has found its way to the bakeries and restaurants of the capital Port Vila. The seafood is amazing, the baquettes fresh and there’s always a good cup of coffee to be had. The pleasant city is so small that you can walk through it in less than thirty minutes provided that you will not be lured in by the outdoor coffee shops or mesmerized by the beautiful ocean views. Don’t pass by the center of the city market with stalls of local produce. Here you can get a glimpse of what the locals eat and watch the matrons dressed in their traditional mumus gather the goods for that night’s dinner. Everyone here is welcoming and friendly but sometimes shy – if you have a smile, they will reward you with one that will make your day.

The core of Vanuatu is a step away from Port Vila’s fineries. Here you find traditional village life with an amazing cultural variety with over 100 local languages, an active volcano – one of the most accessible in the world if it’s behaving – and all the rest of the scenery you expect from a gorgeous tropical destination. You may witness the original bungee jumping coming-of-age ritual at Pentecost Island, explore the volcano on Tanna Island and dive the famous USS Coolidge on Espiritu Santo Island, also called the “Diver’s Mecca”. Diving in Vanuatu is excellent and the islands have been called the best place in the world for snorkelers.