Fiji has what I call the 'Bula factor'. The Fijians greet you with outgoing flashing smiles and “Bula” - the ni-Vanuatu people are more shy and reserved (but just as friendly).

Here are a few things that swing me to Vanuatu… The richness of the Melanesian culture and the unique Bislama language… The accessibility to good snorkelling, diving and deep-sea fishing… the French influence.

Apart from the language, there's the cuisine and range of excellent, accessible restaurants. Outside the Fiji resorts there's not much to tempt apart from a few authentic Indian eateries. The Vanuatu beef is the best you'll ever taste and the seafood sensational … Island time - while things may happen slowly (and occasionally be frustrating) it's this atmosphere that really makes you unwind…

Safety and no hassles - you won't be badgered by souvenir or copy watch vendors beating down a price in Vanuatu there's no haggling or tipping in Melanesian culture… Availability of luxuries and necessities - everything you get at home, you'll find in the shops, supermarkets and chemists. Things you won't find at home include hair braiding, fresh produce from the markets, duty free shopping and baby-sitting for under $15.00 a night.

Vanuatu compared to New Caledonia, the Cook Islands or Australia? Well, New Caledonia is more expensive and 'first world' so you have to get out of Noumea to find Melanesian culture … the Cook Islands, as wonderful as they are, come with a longer flight and a more expensive airfare. And while there's no place like home, home doesn't have the different culture, language and experiences.

However, as I said, different strokes for different folks and I have had a great time in all the above destinations - which is why we now also have a Tropical Honeymoons website that can arrange travel to all the above destinations. And, as well as our Vanuatu A to Z information site, we now have Fiji A to Z and Cook Islands A to Z.

Firstly, to get rid of a few myths. Vila water is perfectly safe to drink. It does, however, have a high calcium content so those little white specks floating in your tea doesn't mean the milk is 'off' (it will be long-life milk anyway!).

Despite what your doctor or travel agent says, malaria tablets aren't necessary or recommended unless you are going to the outer islands. You don't need vaccinations against exotic tropical diseases but you should have an up-to-date tetanus shot in case of coral cuts and take medical insurance.

While there are good doctors and regular flights out, you shouldn't travel anywhere without insurance. And you can take wood carvings home with you, as long as you present them at Customs for inspection.

At the bottom of this page there's a link to another site I have written with everything you'd want to know about Vanuatu but, in a nutshell.... the climate is hot can be very humid. While historically November to March is the 'wet' season, over the last couple of years El Nino has sort of reversed the seasons. Yes, there are cyclones (I've been through two) but they come, they go and they are part of the tropics (even in Australia). There are also occasional earth tremors, as there are in any place with volcanic activity (like New Zealand).

The currency is the vatu and the exchange rate is stable. All major credit cards are accepted and there are ATM's at supermarkets, the airport and outside the ANZ and Westpac banks. The best exchange rate is at Goodies souvenir shop.

Guidebooks are pretty thin on the ground for Vanuatu. Lonely Planet is, as always, reliable, with the latest updated edition June 2003. However, about half the book is on other islands apart from Efate where most visitors spend their holiday. Moon Handbooks South Pacific, written by David Stanley, is an excellent publication. Visit the Vanuatu section of David's website, The South Pacific Organiser.

We have compiled what we believe to be the definitive information web site, Vanuatu A to Z, but if you have any specific queries, drop us an email and we'll do the best to help you out.