Not all destinations are created equal when you’re travelling solo.
In bustling cities, it’s easy for solo travellers to blend into the crowd and fill days with cafes, museums, galleries, restaurants and bars. In urban environments, solo travellers rarely feel alone.
Compare that experience to a tropical island destination, which typically caters to couples and families. Life here moves at a slower pace, crowds are smaller and there are fewer activities, bars, restaurants and cafes to get lost in. It’s a very different kind of solo travel experience.
I recently chose to take a solo trip to Vanuatu to explore the South Pacific island. Vanuatu is an archipelago of more than 80 islands, many of which are uninhabited.
The international airport is located in the country’s capital of Port Vila and is easily accessible from Australia – just 2.5 hours flight from Brisbane and 3.5 hours from Sydney – making it a very appealing and convenient tropical escape for Australian travellers. This seven-day itinerary balances sightseeing and down time, making it ideal for a solo tropical adventure.
Day 1
After touching down in Port Vila, I made a beeline for the ATM. Vanuatu has a strong cash-based economy, so it’s important to have plenty on hand. Taxis were readily available outside the airport and airport transfers can also be booked in advance for convenience.
I stayed at the idyllic Erakor Island Resort, just a short boat shuttle across the lagoon. The villas are minimally furnished with quality linens and tropical artwork. Fitted with ceiling fans and air-conditioning, plus essential flyscreens on the louvre windows (to keep the bugs out), cool tiled floors and a drying rack on the porch for beach towels, the rooms are well-equipped for island living.
For the afternoon, the sun lounges on the private beach called my name. I settled in with my book and swam in the warm turquoise water, easing into island time. Golden sunset cocktails, followed by a delicious fresh fish dinner at the resort restaurant, made for the perfect first day in tropical paradise.
Day 2
After a generous tropical buffet breakfast featuring fresh fruit and made-to-order poached eggs, I packed my day pack with sunscreen, a towel and snorkelling gear.
I met my tour guide for a day trip to the outer islands, specifically Pele Island. The small tour group was friendly and we casually chatted on the hour-long drive across the island. Road conditions in Vanuatu can be rough, as drivers dodge potholes and give way to other vehicles on narrow roads, so be mindful that day trips may take longer than anticipated.
We arrived at a jetty and took a small boat across the bay to Pele Island. The day was spent snorkelling, swimming, sunbathing, meeting the locals and enjoying a barbecue lunch. The snorkelling was outstanding, with spectacular marine life and coral both off the beach and in the deeper waters. This was easily a highlight of the trip.
Day 3
Another early start took me to Eden on the River, a lush property on the Rentapao River, about 30 minutes from Port Vila.
After a warm welcome and safety briefing, I was kitted up with a harness and helmet. I joined a small family group and our guide led us through the rainforest, pointing out native plants along the way.
At the bottom of the valley, a series of rope bridges and a small flying fox hung over the river. Upon safely completing the rope course, I boarded an inflatable tube to float on the river, relaxing among the peaceful rainforest.
I enjoyed a hearty barbecue lunch and took time to unwind in the beautiful surroundings, followed by a private transfer back to the city. That evening, I enjoyed dinner on the harbour at the Waterfront Bar and Grill indulging in freshly caught fish and vegetables, as well as a huge watermelon cocktail.
Day 4
This was a slower day, with a well-earned sleep in, a long breakfast and a beach day. I claimed a lounge chair on the beach and made the most of the complimentary activities and equipment offered by the resort, including snorkelling, kayaking, paddle boarding and, of course, lazing in the sun.
Lunch, consisting of fresh seafood, was even served on the beach! There was nothing on the agenda today apart from complete relaxation.
Day 5
I met my private guide, Richard, for a customised half-day tour of some of the island’s popular attractions. A flat-rate fee was charged and I was able to plan the schedule.
We visited several popular attractions, including a swim in the Rarru Cascades, a visit to the Avi Bay Turtle Sanctuary, and the iconic Blue Lagoon. It was a fantastic way to explore the island at my own pace and Richard even stopped to buy me an ice-cream along the way.
Day 6
A glorious, sunny morning called for an early swim at the resort beach before I headed into town. Walking through the Central Market, chatting to the locals and taking in all the tropical fruits and vegetables, I purchased a few fresh limes to add to my water bottle.
Wandering along the waterfront, I came across the local handicraft market – perfect for picking up a few souvenirs. In the afternoon, I ventured back to the resort and treated myself to a massage at the day spa.
To end the day, I enjoyed a laid back dinner at Three Pigs, a friendly local restaurant serving generous western-style dishes.
Day 7
The final day ended with a sunny breakfast and a lovely morning walk around Erakor Island. Farewelling the kind resort staff, the final boat transfer took me back to the mainland and to the airport for the short flight back to Australia.
A solo trip to Vanuatu was incredibly accessible from Australia and stress-free. As a solo traveller, there are are no limits to participating in activities in Vanuatu. Booking tours and restaurants for one is openly accepted and there is always a welcome smile and a place at the bar.
The destination feels safe and many of the resorts have preferred drivers for guests to ensure safe passage to attractions. While a solo island trip is very different to a busy city destination, it can be just as rewarding to slow down, embrace island life and enjoy your own company.
