Planning a trip to Vanautu doesn't have to be difficult. Known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities, this country is a warm and relaxing destination. Our travel cost guide will help you plan a perfect trip on your ideal budget. We've collected tons of travel cost data from previous travelers, and we're revealing average hotel prices and dining costs along with sightseeing and transportation tips. Now you'll be able to craft a memorable adventure without blowing your budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Vanautu?
You should plan to spend around $474 (VUV56,300) per day on your vacation in Vanautu. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $36 (VUV4,323) on meals
- $26 (VUV3,065) on local transportation
- $830 (VUV98,485) on hotels
A one week trip to Vanautu for two people costs, on average, $6,639 (VUV788,200). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is Vanautu expensive to visit?
Vanautu is a somewhat more expensive destination to visit. It is in the top 25% of countries in the world for its overall travel expenses. When visiting, expect to pay fairly high prices for accommodation, food, and things to do.
Within the Pacific, which is known to be an expensive region, Vanautu is very expensive compared to the other countries. It is in the top 10% of countries in the Pacific for its travel costs. There are only a few countries as expensive or more expensive than Vanautu in the region.
In Vanautu, you'll find accommodation and activities that cater to both budget travelers and those seeking a more lavish experience. You'll find budget hotels if you're looking to save, but there are also luxurious options for those who want to spend more, plus mid-range hotels for families and couples.
Vanautu doesn't have to break the bank if you follow simple tips like eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying free activities.
On average, budget travelers spend $205 (VUV24,329) per person per day, mid-range travelers spend $474 (VUV56,300) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $943 (VUV111,976) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Vanautu.
For more details, see Is Vanautu Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Vanautu?
The average Vanautu trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Vanautu travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Vanautu cost?
Vanautu on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$179
(VUV21,294)
|
$415
(VUV49,243)
|
$823
(VUV97,724)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$11
(VUV1,301)
|
$26
(VUV3,065)
|
$54
(VUV6,437)
|
|
Food 2
|
$16
(VUV1,859)
|
$36
(VUV4,323)
|
$74
(VUV8,738)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$6.18
(VUV734)
|
$14
(VUV1,677)
|
$27
(VUV3,205)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$2-7
(VUV280-840)
|
$5-16
(VUV640-1,920)
|
$10-31
(VUV1,223-3,669)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to set realistic expectations about your travel budget. While many people consider themselves "budget" travelers, the truth is that most people don't find this shoestring travel style to be enjoyable. Consider what you genuinely appreciate on a trip and think about your previous travel experiences. Do you lean more towards staying in nice resorts, or mid-range hotels, or maybe even hostels? Is dining out in nice restaurants something you prioritize? Your answers will have a big impact on your overall travel budget.
The Truth on Budget Travel
People often say you can visit Vanautu for just $205 daily, but unless you're okay with sacrificing many comforts, be ready to shell out a lot more.
Backpackers can typically make that budget work, but it usually requires sleeping in dorm-style hostels, eating at the most affordable restaurants or fast food spots, taking public transit or walking, and sticking to free sights.
Is Your Travel Style Average?
If you're on vacation as a couple or with family, you'll likely choose a mid-range hotel, eat at popular restaurants, and visit the must-see attractions, which often come with entry fees. Most travelers will want to visit the major sights, and landmarks. As most things cost money, it's best to expect a daily budget of about $474 per person.
Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?
To experience a truly luxurious getaway, where everything from the service to the accommodation is elevated, plan for a daily price near $943. This means booking luxury hotels, dining in five-star restaurants, enjoying exclusive excursions, and hiring private drivers. You'll be vacationing among the wealthy in destinations like the major cities and resort areas.
Accommodation Budget in Vanautu
Vanautu offers hotels with a wide range of prices. You might be surprised at the difference between budget and high-end options, especially during peak season when prices increase significantly. To save, visit in the off-season, and book early for better deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Vanautu for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $830 (VUV98,485). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $415 (VUV49,243) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Vanautu? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Local Transportation Budget in Vanautu
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $26 (VUV3,065) per person, per day, on local transportation in Vanautu. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Vanautu is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Local Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$26
VUV3,065
If you're in Vanautu, you'll find that public transportation is quite limited. It's probably a good idea to rent a car or organize some form of transportation ahead of time, like a tour or taxi service. However, this could reduce your overall trip budget.
Food Budget in Vanautu
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Vanautu can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Vanautu is $36 (VUV4,323) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$36
VUV4,323
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Vanautu is about $36 (VUV4323) per person. Previous travelers have typically spent from $16 to $74 per day. Generally, breakfast and lunch will cost less than dinner, but that will vary based on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Vanautu are as follows:
- Breakfast: $7 to $11
- Lunch: $5 to $18
- Dinner: $13 to $29
- Coffee: $3
- Fast Food or Street Food: $6
The capital city of Port-Vila has the largest concentration of restaurants and eateries. Typical meals include things like sandwiches, bacon and eggs, burgers, fries, salads, steak, seafood, and a variety of fresh-squeezed juices. Some dishes more traditional to the region include:
Lap-lap: a root vegetable cake usually made from manioc (kasava), sweet potato, taro, or yam shaved into the middle of a banana leaf with island cabbage and sometimes a chicken wing on top. This is then wrapped up and cooked in hot stones underground until it melts into a cake.
Tuluk: similar to lap-lap, the cake is rolled into a cylinder with meat in the middle, tasting a lot like a sausage roll. This and lap-lap are common in most village markets.
Steak: Vanuatu is known for its meat because it is all naturally grown.
Kava: a local drink made from the roots of a type of pepper. It is intoxicating with sedative effects, should be enjoyed slowly, and should not be mixed with alcohol. Traditionally served in a shell, usually coconut, though some bars serve it in a bowl.
Traveling with kids? Look for restaurants that have a dedicated kids menu. This can help you save some cash since those meals are often cheaper. Additionally, some restaurants might not list the childrens' options, so don't forget to ask the waiter first.
Many hotels have breakfast included in the room rate, while some charge for it separately. The cost and quality of breakfast can differ from hotel to hotel. Being aware of this ahead of time can help you choose whether to enjoy the hotel buffet or opt for a more affordable option at a nearby bakery or café.
Opt to carry a water bottle with you instead of splurging on drinks all the time. It's a choice that benefits the environment too.
If you're organizing a tour, take the time to find out which meals are included ahead of time. Having to pay for some of your meals can increase your total expenses.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Vanautu
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Vanautu typically cost an average of $14 (VUV1,677) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$14
VUV1,677
A nice way to explore destinations in Vanautu is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Bridges of Eden with Yumi Tours for $60 details
- Taste See and Swim Full Day Adventure in Vanuatu for $91 details
- Port Vila's Guided Food Experience for $118 details
- Explore Discover and Indulge Efate Tour for $124 details
Nightlife Budget in Vanautu
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $11 (VUV1,280) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Vanautu per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$11
VUV1,280
Nightlife can be fun, but trimming your drink expenses can make a big difference in your travel savings.
Traveling in Vanautu
Vanautu
Previously known as the New Hebrides Islands, Vanuatu is an archipelago nation consisting of 83 islands in the southwest Pacific Ocean. It is located just east of Australia and north of New Zealand, covering a large north-south spread of islands. This makes for a range of tropical climates from hot and humid in the north to mild and dry in the south. Some of the more popular activities include experiencing local culture, hiking and visiting natural wonders of the islands, beach-going, and water sports.
At a Glance
The islands of Vanuatu are grouped into six geographic provinces:
Torba consists of the northern Torres and Banks Island groups.
Sanma includes the largest island of Espiritu Santo and the smaller island, Malo. Santo is also home to the nation's largest town called Luganville. It is a place bustling with markets, friendly locals, restaurants, cafes, and bars. The biggest draw to the Island is the wreck of the SS President Coolidge, a WWII troop carrier sunk by mines in 1942.
Penama includes the central-eastern islands of Pentecost, Ambae, and Maewo, which are all fairly large and rural with jungle villages, volcanic mountainsides, and a more traditional way of life practiced by the natives.
Malampa includes the central islands of Malakula, Ambrym, and Paama, as well as the Ambrym Volcanoes and its active lava lakes. Some trek out to the volcanoes and camp on the ash plain to get the full experience, though it is important to be fully stocked on food and water.
The province of Shefa includes the islands Epi, Efate, and 14 others with the Shepherd Islands. The nation's capital, Port-Vila, is located on Efate and has become a point of entry and hub for most tourist activity. Outside of the capital, Efate is made up of coconut plantations, local villages, jungle, coves, beaches, and tropical reefs.
Tafea is the southernmost province and includes the islands of Erromango, Tanna, Anatom, Futuna, and Aneityum. Mount Yasur Volcano is a popular attraction located on the island Tanna.
As far as activities goes, a visit to the Vanuatu Islands can be anything from a leisurely tropical beach escape to an action-packed adventure of volcanoes, bungee jumping, and scuba diving. The abundance of wrecks, underwater volcanoes, and diverse marine life make Shefa's outlying islands a popular destination for snorkeling and scuba diving, while Malampa and the island of Tanna are attractive locations for the volcano enthusiasts.
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Top Tourist Attractions
Vanuatu is a unique archipelago, thriving with traditional culture and unique landscapes. Natives are often very cooperative with those wishing to take photos of the daily life, though it is polite to ask first as there are the exceptions. When photographing events or festivals, there may be a fee. As far as landscapes go, the islands of Vanuatu are abundant in jungles, beaches, volcanoes, waterfalls, caves, and cultural villages. Some of the top attractions include:
Mount Yasur Volcano: Located on the island Tanna of the Tafea province, this volcano is often called the most accessible active volcano on earth. It is said that the glow of the volcano was what attracted Captain James Cook to the island in 1774. Guided hikes can be taken up to the rim with great photo opportunities.
Land diving in Pentecost: Pentecost Island is known for being the spiritual birthplace of bungee jumping. The extreme sport originates from an old ritual called nanggol, or land diving. The ceremony is ongoing between April and June where men jump from tall towers with vines tied to their feet. Tourists can participate for a fee at certain locations on Saturdays during the season.
SS Coolidge Dive in Santo: The island Espirto Santo is home to the wreck of the SS President Coolidge, one of the top 10 wreck dives in the world. This is one of the top attractions on Santo.
Mele Waterfall and Cascades: One of the most-visited natural sites in Efate, the cascades is a series of picturesque falls surrounded by gardens.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.