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Vanuatu Travel Itinerary for the Adventurous Traveler

Vanuatu Travel Itinerary for the Adventurous Traveler

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Why Visit Vanuatu?

Vanuatu offers a mix of natural attractions, cultural experiences, and outdoor adventures. With Port Vila as your starting point and Tanna Island as your adventure base, you’ll get the best of both city and remote island travel.

Port Vila: Gateway to the Islands

Things to Do

Blue Lagoon – A calm spot for swimming in clear waters. Vanuatu Jungle Zipline & Canopy Swing – A fun way to see the forest from above. Adventure Quad Tours – Ride through trails and backroads for a different view of the island. Mele Cascades – A short hike to waterfalls and natural pools.

Where to Stay

Ramada Resort – Good choice if reliable WiFi is important. Warwick Le Lagon – A more upscale option with beautiful grounds, though WiFi in the rooms can be weak.

Tanna: Volcano and Blue Cave

Getting There

Air Vanuatu operates flights, but cancellations are common. For more dependable travel, book with Air Taxi or a local charter company in advance. Avoid day trips—you’ll want to see Mount Yasur at night and also have time for the Blue Cave.

What to Do

Mount Yasur Volcano – Watch the eruptions at night from the crater’s edge. Blue Cave – Swim through a short tunnel to reach this hidden spot with striking blue water.

Where to Stay

White Grass Ocean Resort & Spa – The most comfortable option on Tanna. The managers are known for their kindness—when my baggage didn’t arrive, the manager lent me swimsuits so I could enjoy the water.

Important Tip

There are no shops on Tanna. Pack everything you may need in your carry-on in case your luggage doesn’t make it.

Packing List for Vanuatu (Carry-On Essentials)

  • Passport and travel documents
  • Swimsuit(s)
  • Lightweight clothing for hot weather
  • Rain jacket or poncho
  • Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
  • Headlamp or flashlight (for visiting Mount Yasur at night)
  • Basic toiletries
  • Sunscreen and insect repellent
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Power bank for charging devices
  • Camera

My Stay at the Cairo Marriott

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I was invited by the Cairo Marriott to experience and share about the hotel for a weekend getaway.

The Cairo Marriott isn’t just a hotel – it’s a historical palace rich in history. The palace, originally called Palace Al Gezira, was built in 1869 to serve as a guest palace during the Suez Canal inaugural celebrations. The palace hosted several noteworthy weddings and other important ceremonies throughout history. The hotel’s meeting rooms were once bedrooms. Much of the furniture and decor has been preserved. You really feel like you are in a palace.

The hotel staff are friendly and accommodating. We are vegan and Saraya Gallery made us a delicious vegan dinner.

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The rooms are spacious and the beds are comfortable. And of course the location is excellent! The hotel is conveniently located near the historic sights around Cairo – including the pyramids, Sphinx, and Nile River. There is a lot to do around Cairo, and the Cairo Marriott is the perfect place to stay to immerse yourself in history.

Finally, for those of you who are worried that Egypt is an unsafe place to visit, it is not. Before visiting Egypt, I was admittedly concerned. Once I arrived, I felt 100% safe. In fact, I felt safer than I do in many European countries. Egyptian people are kind and friendly.

My Stay at the Inn at Gig Harbor

My Stay at the Inn at Gig Harbor

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During my last trip to Washington, I did something new.  In the past, I’ve always stayed in Seattle or ventured off to the national parks.  But there is so much more to see in the area!  This time, I decided to visit a small town called Gig Harbor, on a peninsula right outside of Seattle.  Gig Harbor is close enough to visit for a quick overnight trip from Seattle.  Despite being so close to Seattle, Gig Harbor feels like a different world.  It’s quaint and filled with history and culture.  If you’re looking for a place to get away and relax, I can’t recommend Gig Harbor enough!

Below are some photos from my stay at the Inn at Gig Harbor

Touring the Great American Southwest from the Inn at Entrada

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I received a complimentary stay from The Inn at Entrada and complimentary tour from ATV & Jeep Adventure Tours in exchange for writing a review.

We spent six nights in southern Utah and I still feel like we haven’t even scratched the surface on seeing this beautiful area, but here is what we did:

 

ATV Tour with ATV &a Jeep Adventure Tours

We started our trip riding ATVs around the desert. The views were gorgeous and our guide was knowledgeable. It was a great introduction to the area.



Zion

Most people think of Zion when Southern Utah comes up – and for good reason. Zion is one of the most beautiful national parks I’ve been to. It’s filled with red rocks, crazy drop offs, and beautiful water. The downside to Zion is that everyone knows how great it is, so it can get really busy. To avoid the crowds, we got permits for a technical canyon. Talk about an amazing adventure! It was a tough 15 miles filled with rappels, downclimbs, and sliding into pools. If you have the technical skills, getting permits for a canyon is a great way to avoid the crowds at Zion. We didn’t see another group all day!

The Wave

The Wave is probably one of the most insta-famous and iconic locations in the world, and we were lucky enough to be one of the 20 people to score a permit one day! For those of you wondering, there are two ways to get a permit for the Wave. The first is to apply online at the BLM website four months in advance. https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/permits-and-passes/lotteries-and-permit-systems/arizona/coyote-buttes. The second is to show up to the BLM visitor center in Kanab and enter the drawing for a next-day permit. Either way, your chances of getting a permit are very slim. There are about 2,000 applicants a day for 20 permits. If you do happen to be lucky enough, it’s a fairly easy hike – about 3 miles each way, however the trail is not well marked. Please be careful and study a map beforehand. And don’t forget to bring enough water!



The Inn at Entranada

Last but certainly not least, our beautiful accommodation. We stayed in a casita at the Inn at Entranada in St. George. I cannot recommend this place enough! It’s conveniently located about an hour from Zion and right next to Snow Canyon State Park. The Inn in stunning. The staff are friendly. Every last detail is looked after meticulously. The property blends right in with its surroundings, and you enjoy nature even when you’re inside. If you’re ever in St. George, you know where to stay!