The climate is in Vanuatu can be hot and humid. While historically November to March is the 'wet' season, over the last few years El Nino has sort of reversed the seasons. Yes, there can be cyclones 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). Summer is from November to March, the average temperature is 28°C (up to 32°C). Winter is from April to October with the temperature averaging 23°C. Sea temperature varies from 22-28°C degrees making swimming enjoyable all year round.

Communication is sophisticated for a third world country. Parents and schools can stay in touch with the group via mobile telephony - either through Global Roaming or with a local SIM card and phone number (Small Guide Travel provides this service).

The currency is the vatu and the exchange rate is stable (around 86 vatu to the dollar October 2007. All major credit cards are accepted and there are ATM's at the airport, supermarkets and outside the ANZ and Westpac banks. The best exchange rate is at Goodies souvenir shop or 7/11 store in the main street. The worst exchange rate is at the airport prior to departure (73 vatu to the dollar October 2007).

Despite what your doctor or travel agent says, malaria tablets aren't necessary or recommended unless you are going to the outer islands Malekula, Banks etc). You don't need vaccinations against exotic tropical diseases but an up-to-date tetanus shot can be handy in case of coral cuts - and take out medical insurance. We can offer this at competitive prices. While there are good doctors and regular flights out, you shouldn't travel anywhere without insurance. It is a good idea to get parents to sign a 'permission' form for administration of medication - headaches can happen after a hot day full of activity - a change of time zone, routine and diet can trigger upset tummies. A first aid kit containing Panadol, Imodium & Buscapan, Hydrogen Peroxide & antiseptic powder, band-aids, bandages. The most common cause to reach for a first aid kit is a coral cut or graze (can happen playing sport) - any graze can have coral dust in the wound - pour on some Hydrogen Peroxide - if it fizzes, you've made the right move! Continue treating with a Hydrogen Peroxide 'wash' followed by antiseptic and then cover the wound.

Visitors from most countries including Australia, New Zealand and USA do not require a visa - visitors are given entry with a stamp in their passport at Customs.

Travel Tips

• Town water is safe to drink.
• There are no real 'nasties' (spiders, insects, animals or reptiles) in Vanuatu. However, coral can cut and there are some spiky marine creatures that can hurt so reef shoes are recommended. If you do get a coral cut, a squeeze of lime or lemon is a natural remedy or hydrogen peroxide and antiseptic treatment as above. In the tropics, cuts should be covered.
• You may see sea snakes when snorkelling - yes, these are potentially nasty, but their mouths are too small to bite (bit like Daddy Long Legs being deadly spiders with mouths too small to bite).
• While the ozone layer is in better shape here than down south, the sun can be severe so slip, slop, slap.
• The tropical heat can dehydrate, so taking a bottle of water on excursions is recommended.
• Tipping is not part of Melanesian culture. The ni-Vanuatu people are among the friendliest in the world and a smile and 'tank yu tumas' is plenty.
• It is recommended that teachers take charge of all documentation (tickets, passports) and also take a colour photocopy of the students' passports. From our observation every school group has one 'class clown' who will push the boundaries and one person who is prone to losing things (shoes, hat, wallet etc). Curiously, if both these students withdraw from the trip, there always seems to be someone else to take over those roles.
• Souvenirs will inevitably be purchased. Any wooden/shell products must be declared on arrival at Australian customs (in most cases there will be no problem). It is recommended that souvenir shopping time be allocated towards the end of the visit so the purchase is more calculated than impulse.

Packing Suggestion - Vila

• Clothing suitable for warm days and mild evenings.
• Enough shorts and t-shirts for seven days - eg 5 t-shirts and 5pairs of shorts
• Sneakers and several pairs of socks
• Walking shoes
• Old shoes for reef walking
• Toiletries - soap, washer, deodorant, shavers, shampoo/conditioner, toothpaste and brush
• Torch with batteries
• Camera with loads of film/disc space
• Roll-on mosquito repellent and Factor 30+ Sunscreen + lip balm
• Jeans and a nice shirt for wearing to dinner
• Plenty of underwear
• Comb and brush
• 2 pens/pencils, eraser and note paper with clipboard
• address book for sending postcards
• beach swimmers and beach towel
• thongs
• a pack of cards - some kind of lightweight wet weather activity
• book to read
• handkerchiefs
• sunglasses and hat
• optional snorkelling gear
• smile
• backpack + water bottle
• cash for exchange - recommend no more than $300.00
• manners

Packing Suggestion - Tanna

• shorts and -shirt
• strong walking shoes and socks
• beach swimmers and towel
• toiletries
• torch
• undies
• mosquito repellent and sunscreen
• clipboard and pencil
• camera
• hat
• waterbottle
• cash for national park entry fee (2250 vatu)
• curiosity and spirit of adventure !
• loads of energy and common sense

Do Not Bring

• mobile phones
• anything flammable
• any sharps
• bad manners
• too much cash
• surfboards or boogie boards!

For a comprehensive list of what to see and do, plus some history and quirky personal observations on Vanuatu, visit Vanuatu A to Z.