12 days in Vanuatu & New Caledonia Itinerary

Composed of 83 rugged islands spread out over a stretch of nearly 1,300 km (810 mi), Vanuatu features a huge diversity of natural environments and cultures. A fusion of British, French, Polynesian, and Melanesian influences, the nation combines devout religious devotion with the slow, relaxed pace of island life. Lush rainforests and thriving coral sanctuaries abound across the island chain and feature a colorful array of native wildlife and plant species that make for fantastic snorkeling, diving, and hiking excursions. Active volcanoes remain among the biggest attractions in Vanuatu, along with the chain's stunning beaches and shimmering blue waters. Despite the nation's harsh volcanic landscapes, rocky coast, and lack of arable land, Vanuatu is a warm and welcoming place to visit, as its people do everything they can to make tourists feel right at home.

An archipelago consisting of the sizable Grande Terre as well as a scattering of smaller surrounding islands, New Caledonia has many of the tourist draws characteristic of the South Pacific: long sandy beaches, swaying palm trees, azure lagoons, and coral reefs. It also supports many unique species of plants and animals, such as the tall conifers that tower above the palm trees lining the waterside. Nature lovers on holiday in New Caledonia should head to the lagoon that surrounds Grande Terre: a World Heritage Site and one of the largest lagoons in the world, it is home to countless species of marine life, including endangered dugongs and green sea turtles. The local culture blends French chic and Melanesian warmth, and it is usually a only short walk from the beach to a stylish bar, cafe, or gourmet restaurant.