Vanuatu isn’t a destination you visit to be entertained, it’s a place you go to experience. This guide breaks down what Vanuatu is really like, which islands to choose, how to get around, what things cost, and why it’s one of the most grounding trips you can take in the South Pacific.

If you’ve got one week in Vanuatu and you want more than just a resort stay, this itinerary is for you. We chose to slow down and explore two islands properly, Efate and Tanna, combining waterfalls, villages, volcanoes and island life in a way that felt raw, grounding and unforgettable.