Quick Facts
Capital: Porta Villa
Population: 243,304
Size: 12,189 square km.
Power Outlets: 220-240V
Official Languages: Bislama, English, French
Currency: Vanuatu Vatu
Time Zone: UTC +11
Calling Code: +678

Weather: The climate in Vanuatu is sub-tropical with hot, rainy weather and the possibility of cyclones from December through April. June through November has cooler, drier weather, with temperature ranges from 68 °F (20 °C) to 90 °F (32 °C). Vanuatu sees significant rainfall during almost every month.

Cost and Budgeting
For this island, $30-$40/day is doable in Vanuatu for basic accommodations and local meals. Flights between islands are going to explode your budget, and if you’re going to Vanuatu for the diving, plan to spend quite a bit more. The diving is some of the best in the world, so it’s going to cost you.

Vanuatu History
Archaeologists place Vanuatu’s first inhabitants at close to 4000 years ago. In 1774, Captain Cook landed on Vanuatu and named the islands the New Hebrides, which is what Vanuatu was called until it gained its independence in 1980. Catholic and Protestant missionaries arrived on the islands in the 19th century along with settlers who came looking for land for cotton plantations. These settlers eventually switched to coffee, cocoa, bananas, and coconuts. Both British and French settled on New Hebrides, but the French double the British in number by the early 1900’s.

France and England agreed to govern the islands together in 1906, with separate systems only working together in a joint court. People started to challenge this government in the early 1940s, mainly due to American influence as they arrived during WWII. The New Hebrides National Party was the first political party developed in New Hebrides in the early 1970s. Father Walter Lini was the founder and eventually became Prime Minister. The New Hebrides pushed for independence, ultimately receiving it in 1980 during the Coconut War. After, the Republic of Vanuatu was created.

Vanuatu Culture
A big part of the culture in Vanuatu has young men participating in different coming-of-age ceremonies and rituals that serves as an initiation into manhood. Most villages have a meeting place for men to drink kava, a traditional and potent South Pacific Island drink. Music plays a big part in Vanuatu’s culture, particularly in rural areas. Drums of various sizes and shapes, gongs, rattles, guitars, and ukulele’s are all important instruments in popular Vanuatu music. Christianity is the main religion in Vanuatu, with many sectors being practiced. There are also many cults still practicing on the islands, particularly in rural areas.

Things to See and Do in Vanuatu:

• Diving/Snorkeling: The Adventure Capital, Espirito Santo is a diver’s mecca that offers spectacular dive sites amongst many other activities. Trek through the jungle to tiny villages, swing from rope swings into picturesque lagoons, or check out the wreck of the USS Coolidge. Espirito Santo also has the country’s four highest peaks.
• Tanna: If volcanoes are your thing, then Tanna is the place to visit in Vanuatu. Visit the world’s most accessible volcano, Mount Yasur, and witness one of the world’s greatest natural phenomenon’s. Tanna also has some superb diving and snorkeling sites, along with trekking, horseback riding, coffee plantations, waterfalls, hot springs, and the world’s largest living organism, a giant banyan tree. Travelers can also hike the coast of Tanna and observe Sharks Bay.
• Epi: A small island near Efate, Epi offers whale and dolphin watching amongst a variety of watersports. This is also the place if you want to try the local drink, kava.
• Port Vila: Vanuatu’s main tourist destination, is the capital and is on the island of Efate. It provides great restaurants and great accommodations where you can sleep directly over the water on its many lagoons.
• Ambae: Visit the cloud forest in Ambae and hike to and swim in the many of the colorful crater lakes.

Vanuatu Geography
Vanuatu is an island archipelago which has about 82 small islands, all of volcanic origin. About 65 of the islands are inhabited. There is about 800 miles (1,300 km) distance (north to south) between the outermost islands. Vanuatu’s highest point is Mount Tabwemasana, at 1,879 meters (6,165 ft), and is located on the island of Espiritu Santo. The total area of Vanuatu is about 12,274 square kilometers (4,739 sq mi). Most of the islands are very steep and contain unstable soils and very little permanent freshwater. Volcanic activity is quite common on the islands, and there is always the danger of a major eruption.

Quick Facts
Capital: Suva
Population: 827,900
Size: 376 sq. km (7,056 sq. mi.)
Power Outlets: 240V 50Hz
Official Languages: English, Fijian, Hindi
Currency: Fijian Dollar
Time Zone: GMT +12
Calling Code: +679

Weather:  The climate in Fiji is tropical and warm year round. The cyclones occur between November and January. The main tourist season is around May and June.

Cost and Budgeting
Since Fiji is a major tourist destination, it can be quiet expensive and it’s easy to spend money there. However, it’s also quite easy to visit on the cheap- Fiji caters to every budget. If you stick to hostels, eat cheap and local, and plan your inter-island travel well, you can get by on US$35 – US$50 a day. For higher end travel, plan to spend at least US$100 per day at the resorts. Inter-island travel can be quite expensive, especially to islands in the eastern part of the country.  Many of these islands require flights to get too.

Fiji History
The indigenous population of Fiji arrived many centuries before the first Europeans, who arrived in the seventeenth century.  It was not until the nineteenth century, however, that Europeans settled the islands permanently. In the 1860s, Fiji attracted settlers wanting to establish cotton plantations. Up until independence, the British ruled the island and brought a lot of indians to work the cotton plantations there.

In 1970, Fiji was granted independence. The 1987 coup saw the British monarchy replaced by a President and the country became the Republic of Fiji. After a coup in 2000, a Fijian-dominated administration was appointed to bring back democracy. Fiji’s High Court declared the military-installed government illegitimate, decreeing that the parliament ousted in May was the country’s governing authority. In December 2006, military leader Voreque Bainimarama led another coup and make himself the country’s leader. He is still in power.

Fiji Culture
Fiji’s culture is a mix of Polynesian, Indian, Chinese, and European traditions. Fiji is mostly made up of native Fijians, Europeans, and Indo-Fijians. Relationships between ethnic Fijians and others have often been very strained and the tension has dominated politics in the islands for the past generation, though the level of tension varies between different regions of the country.

Displays of “traditional” Fijian culture, music, and dancing make an important contribution to tourism; model villages and handicraft markets are popular with tourists. A traditional song-and-dance performance, the meke, is rooted in storytelling traditions. For tourists, you’ll be able to see all the great aspects of Polynesian culture and long about its long history on the islands.

Things to Do and See in Fiji
Scuba Dive/Snorkel- Like more tropical island nation, Fiji has excellent diving. Kadavu is one of Fiji’s favorite scuba diving sites with the Great Astrolabe Reef running right up the northeastern side of the island. Shark diving is also a popular activity here. If you don’t dive, the snorkeling here is generally fantastic with the clear waters offering fascinating windows into the undersea world.
Hiking- The more energetic can go trekking in the Nausori Highlands overlooking Nadi. Taveuni also offers good hiking in the Bouma National Heritage Parki. Work up a sweat in the dense island jungles and then cool off in a nearby waterfall or stream.
Kayaking- The island of Kadavu has some excellent sea kayaking opportunities.
Surfing- Fiji has excellent surfing. Many of the islands have some great waves. If you are a surfer, Fiji is an excellent destination to go to. If not, Fiji is an excellent destination to learn.
Sailing- Sailing vessels such as the schooners are a great way to see the protected Mamanuca Group, a group of coral islands that make paradise look even more perfect.
Learn the culture- Firewalking and traditional dancing accompany the Fijian feasts at island nights staged at the main resorts and are a great way to enjoy the nights after a quiet day on the beach.

Fiji Geography
The Fiji islands are a result of volcanic action, sedimentary deposit, and formations of coral. The main island, Viti Levu, has an area of about 4,000 square miles. The country of Fiji consists of 322 islands and 522 smaller islets. Many of the islands are mountainous, with peaks up to 4,250 ft, and covered with tropical forests. Most of the islands are volcanic in origin, and, like Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, are bound by coral reefs, offshore rocks, and shoals. All the islands receive the greatest amount of rainfall between November and March.

Quick Facts
Capital: Honolulu
Population: 1,300,000
Size: 6,470 sq mi (16,758 sq km)
Power Outlets: 110V 60Hz
Official Languages: English
Currency: US Dollar
Time Zone: GMT -10
Calling Code: +1

Weather: The rainfall is the heaviest between December and March while June through October is the hottest time on the islands.

Cost and Budgeting for Hawaii
Hawaii can be expensive. Everything is imported and high shipping costs usually mean high prices. Expect to need at least US$70 dollars per day on a budget but more if you plan to do a lot of activities. Hotel prices on Hawaii are lowest during the spring and fall when there are less holidays. Prices rise during big holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years and Easter. Visiting between mid-April and mid-November can be a bargain when hotel prices are lower due to the off season.

Hawaii History
Hawaii was populated the 4th century by Polynesian settlers from the Marquesas. The 1778 arrival of British explorer James Cook is  Hawaii’s first contact with Europeans. After Cook’s visit, the Hawaiian islands received many European visitors who found the islands a convenient harbor and source of fresh food.

In 1893, Queen Liliuokalani announced plans to establish a new constitution that would have restored power to the monarchy. But on January 14, 1893, a group of American and Europeans seized control of government. The monarchy was replaced by a Provisional Government . On July 7, 1898, Hawaii was annexed by the United States.

In March 1959, the US Congress passed the Hawaii Admission Act which allowed Hawaii to become a state. On June 27 of that year, residents of Hawaii voted on accepting the statehood bill and Hawaii officially became a state.

Hawaii Culture
The native culture of Hawaii is Polynesian. While traditional Hawaiian culture remains only in small pockets, there are reenactments of the ceremonies and traditions throughout the islands, especially in resorts for tourists. The popularity of luaus and hulas has made there way into mainstream American culture.

In recent decades, the state government has created programs to promote local Hawaiian culture. The Hawaii Constitutional Convention of 1978 created the creation of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to promote indigenous language and culture.

Things to Do and See in Hawaii
Visit Diamond Head State Monument- This mountain was formed by a violent steam explosion beneath the surface and the crater is the site of Diamond Head State Monument. There’s hiking up to the crater summit but don’t expect an easy walk as it’s a fairly steep hike.
See Hawaii Volcanoes National Park- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park contains two active volcanoes and diverse terrain. The centerpiece is Kilauea Caldera, the still-steaming sunken center of Kilauea Volcano. Rangers can provide the lowdown on guided walks and trail conditions.
Helicopter Tours- Hawaii’s lush jungles, high mountains, and steep waterfalls provide a lovely backdrop for a helicopter tour of the islands. They may be expensive but these tours give you a breath taking bird’s eye view.
Horseback Riding- Nothing is more romantic than a horseback ride along the beach. There are a number of tour operators that can organize a sunset ride for the honeymooners.
Museums- Hawaii is steeped in history and there are a number of museums throughout the country. The most famous relate to the bombing of Pearl Harbor.
Whale Watching- Whales often migrate past the islands and there are a wide variety of species that come through. The whales are friendly, sightings abundant, and tons of operators looking to take you out.
Scuba Diving/Snorkeling- The waters around the islands of Hawaii are teeming with life. The tropical waters provide excellent opportunities to take a look at under water life. The biggest marine preserve in America is located in here.
Surfing- Surfing is life in Hawaii and it’s famous North Beach attract some of the best surfers in the world. Waves here are extreme and not for amateurs. If you want to learn, there’s plenty of places around the islands with smaller waves and people who will teach you. If you’re a board surfer, you’ll find the biggest waves in winter. If you’re a wind surfer, the best wind conditions are in summer.

Hawaii Geography
Hawaii is situated some 1,988 mi southwest of the United States. All of the islands were formed by volcanoes erupting from the sea. The volcanic activity and subsequent erosion created impressive geological features. Many eruptions still take place on the islands today. The islands are surrounded by a vast number of coral reefs and wild marine life. On the islands itself, there are dense jungles and mountains.