So, your flights and accommodation are booked. Now the countdown is on to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life bound for your tropical island destination, and for your Vanuatu resort holiday to begin! The next thing on your list will be to start packing for the trip. Not sure where to start? Don’t worry! We have your Vanuatu resort packing list covered for year-round travel.
The Essentials
First up, the essentials…do not forget these! Unless you have prior travel planned, we suggest you start packing these right now.
- Passport – check the expiry date on all passports. You need a minimum 6-month validity on it, and renewals and new passports are taking longer than 6 weeks.
- Travel insurance – yes you need it!
- Printed copies of your plane tickets and accommodation – Vanuatu is old school and having printed copies will make your immigration process that much easier
- Hand sanitiser. Sanitise every time you touch something – a chair, money, the car door, something in a shop. This will help to prevent yourself from getting a funny tummy or something else.
What To Consider When Packing For Your Vanuatu Resort Holiday
Vanuatu is the perfect destination for a hot and sunny resort holiday, all year round. The first step in planning what to pack is to answer the below questions. This will make your packing a whole lot easier.
- How long will you be away for?
- What kind of activities will you be doing?
- Are you celebrating anything special?
What To Pack Into Your Hand Luggage
Everyone knows someone or has experienced for themselves checked-in bags that go missing until the last day of their holiday – so we suggest planning ahead in the unlikely instance that happens. To circumnavigate a lost bag ruining your Vanuatu resort holiday, try and pack as many options in your carry-on bag as possible. Confirm with your carrier what your luggage requirements are, but the general rule of thumb is a 7 to 10kg carry-on plus a handbag, which is quite a lot of luggage!
We suggest packing the following into your hand luggage:
- Pyjamas
- Pair of casual shoes such as slides or flipflops
- 2 pairs of bathing suits
- 2 pairs of clothes (one nice set, one casual set)
- Reef-safe sunscreen under 100ml
- Toiletries – non-battery-operated toothbrush and toothpaste (under 100ml), deodorant (under 100ml)
- Camera (we suggest bringing an underwater camera)
- Laptop / iPad
- Headphones
- Phone and camera charger. Vanuatu has the same plugs as Australia and New Zealand
Clothing & Accessories To Pack For Your Vanuatu Resort Holiday
Clothing
- 3 to 5 bathing suits. Why so many? Who likes putting on a wet bathing suit… not us!
- Flowy dresses – local tip: take the lining out of double-lined clothing to make dresses cooler
- Lightweight tops or shorts such as cotton or linen
- Shoes for the ocean such as flip flops, crocs or reef walkers
- Comfortable shoes for walking
- Enough underwear for the duration of your trip, plus a couple of extras. I don’t think we need to expand on this one!
Accessories
- A hat is essential – the wider the brim, the better
- Sunglasses – polaroid if possible. You don’t want to be the one that misses the turtle swimming by
- Small clutch to carry the basics around the resort such as room key, sunglasses, sunscreen etc
- Cross-body bag for island adventures
- Backpack to carry towels, sunscreen etc on day trips
- Phone and camera charger. Vanuatu has the same plugs as Australia and New Zealand
Some Extra Items To Consider Bringing on Your Tropical Vanuatu Resort Holiday
- Mosquito repellent
- Sun-safe sunscreen. Bring from your home country, you won’t be able to buy in Vanuatu
- Extra hand sanitiser
- First aid kit; band-aids, Panadol, anti-nausea, motion-sickness tablets
- Reusable water bottle. Vanuatu is plastic free so please help us keep it that way
- Snorkelling gear. Aore Island Resort provides our in-house guests with personal mask and snorkel, but check with your accommodation.
- After sun and hydrating face mask to soothe your skin after a day in the salty water
- Underwater camera or waterproof phone case to capture Vanuatu’s amazing underwater world!
- Drone. You do not need a licence to fly in Vanuatu
- A good book. You will find Wi-Fi is not very strong in Vanuatu, so we recommend using your Vanuatu resort holiday as the perfect opportunity to grab a book, order a cocktail and spend the afternoon in a hammock
Travelling to a developing country allows you the privilege to bring some extra items for the community. Aore Island Resort supports our local primary school, and we encourage items other than lollies or chocolate. Diabetes is a huge issue in Vanuatu so trying to educate the younger generations is key. If you would like to bring something to donate, we have found the below to be beneficial.
Donations
- Milk powder
- Band-Aids – not plastic ones, they come off in the heat. Waterproof or tough strips are the best.
- Books – any picture or educational books
- Vita-gummies
Tips To Avoid Overpacking
- You only need one or two fancy outfits; you will be in your bathing suits and coverups most of the time!
- Check what your resort provides. For example, Aore Island Resort provides snorkelling gear, beach towels, shampoo and conditioner etc
- Leave the heavy makeup at home – it will just sweat off
- Embrace your salty hair and leave your hair styling products at home such as straighteners and hair curlers
Need More Help Getting Ready For Your Vanuatu Resort Holiday?
If you have booked a holiday with us at Aore Island Resort and need help with what to bring, what to do, where to explore on Aore, or anything else relating to your Vanuatu Resort Holiday, we’d love to help so please get in touch! We provide snorkelling gear, can provide cots for small children on request, and can assist with any other queries you might have. Our family can’t wait to welcome you to our boutique Vanuatu resort close to the heart of the real Vanuatu!