Vanuatu

This is like the OG of tropical paradises. The place that has always been. And the happiest place on Earth. Bali Hai is calling!

I’ve always said that Australia is going to be the first place outside of the U.S. continent that I visit. I would like to climb that huge red rock that is a crashed meteor, and study it so I actually know what I’m talking about when I mention this. I would also like to watch the new years firework display in Sydney, because I’ve heard that it is the most beautiful showing of explosive artwork in the world.

British based New Economics Foundation has revealed that a study of 178 countries around the world has found that Vanuatu is the happiest place on earth.

The study measured people’s well-being and their impact of their environment, as well as life satisfaction and expectancy.

It was reported that island nations generally performed well, but Vanuatu’s 200,000 strong population topped the poll.

My wife and I spent 2 years in Vanuatu as Peace Corps volunteers, and they were 2 of the best years of our lives. The people are the friendliest I have met anywhere and we have maintained a lasting friendship with our host family. We even managed a trip a few years back to visit them again.

I miss the isalnds and the weather every day (even the rainy season). For any tourist, this is one of the easiest countries to get around in. There are planes between the islands, small boats to tour the coastlines, bungalows at many of the islands, and willing guides for pretty much any activity you can think of.

The snorkeling and scuba diving is phenomenal and be sure to try some of the inland jungle treks to either waterfalls or volcanoes. If you’re brave enough, try the kava. It tastes horrible, but you get a decent buzz off of it. Just have a light meal about 1.5 hours ahead of time and bring something to snack on (like chips, crackers, or cheese puffs…something to take the taste out of your mouth). Take advantage of the kava bars to chat up the locals. They are very curious and quite talkative once you get them going.

I could go on for hours about Vanuatu, but I’ll stop here for now.

They attempted a coup against the French colonialists and the military were driving around the island in armoured troop carriers. The gendarme came out in Port Villa to protect the PM’s residence near where we were staying. Vanuatu is a special experience if you mix with the locals but the main island is a poor pile of mud. This is not a tourist destination but an experience of the plight of one of the poorest countries in the South Pacific ring. Wreck diving is the main attraction of the other islands but beware because of Malaria.