Danlong Traveling Blog

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There’s no other place a traveler could get a dose of history on the architectural side similar to Krakow. It has been Poland’s royal capital for five hundred years and features Gothirc and Renaissance architecture principally unchanged even after Second World War as well as a great collection of various designs.

Now an art gallery, the Wawel Royal Castle is really a must-see while you are in Krakow. It is broken down into 5 parts where you’d have to have a ticket for each of which covers a particular time. It presents many different archeological discovers like the ancient ceramic tiles from the castle’s stoves, important fundamentals that might be observed in the central courtyard and models of the prior Wawel Churches. The Remuh Cemetary and the New Jewish cemetery are generally included in Krakow’s important attractions. Behind the Remuh Synagoque in the Jewish quarter of Kazimierz.

It was set up in the 16th century and a larger graveyard was established in the 18th century. Gravestones all the way back to so far as 4 centuries can be seen here. There also are about 9000 surviving historic tombstones at the New Jewish Cemetary.

Perched on a cliff in Tyniec, a suburb of Krakow is the Benedictine Abbey. See the monastery and a Romanesque church in that spot rebuilt in the 14th and eighteenth centuries. There are many other churches of architectural significance in Krakow but the Church of St. Aldalbert is probably the most ancient places of worship in Old town, also a must see when going to Krakow. It is simply in the southern corner of the Rynek Glowny which can be the largest Main Market Square in the whole of Poland. West of Old city, you can see the Koscuiszko Mound which was erected in 1820 to 1823 that pays tribute to Koscuiszko, a man who personified the dreams of an independent Poland when it was occupied by foreign powers.

The mound is about 34m high and the view of the town from that mound is breathtaking.

From the town center, Fantasy Park is found in the Krakow plaza mall. It is the place for bowling lanes, billiards, air hockey, video arcades, bar and web caf. It’s the best place to past the time on a wet day. Park Wodny is Poland’s largest water park. It has one large pool with lots of meters of water chutes and slides in addition to the Jacuzzis and saunas.

Climate: Krakow’s climate is greatly impacted with the weather systems that build over the Atlantic. The climate is temperate and the summers are easily cozy. But spring is thought as the best season in Krawkow. It is at this time around in which days are mild and bright.

Transportation: transportation around Krakow is really efficient. You can get around by bus or trams that run from 5a.m. To 11p.m. Tickets can be purchased at street kiosks but you have to have it validated as fast as you board the bus or tram. There are night busses that go round but cost a little more. Attractions like Old city are within walking distance if you are staying round the center so you will not have to take busses or trams.

Seeking a honeymoon, there is a small various from a vacation over a beach typical? You do not stay at home, why would you do on your honeymoon? Think about a dive trip on the Caribbean or perhaps a hike from the Alps. Some of my alternative in your honeymoon adventure:

1.Ecotourism in Costa Rica Costa Rica, located inside heart of Central America, is rich in natural wonders. There are miles of uncrowded beach during the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, the Monteverde Cloud Forest inside central highlands, and the cosmopolitan capital of San Jose. The country is ideal for the adventurous. You are able to start in the canopy of trees from the forest, windsurfing on Lake Arenella – probably the most windsurfing in the world, enjoy fishing for swordfish and tuna, and walking miles and miles of national park lands . Costa Rica also specializes in self-centers, a good advantage for your newlyweds environmentally sensitive.

2.Diving in Grand Cayman Cayman Islands, east of Cuba, offers a few of the best diving from the world. Grand Cayman, the largest with the 3 Cayman Islands, offers dozens of dive sites, and seven miles of pristine beach and Stingray City, Stingray location only refuge exactly where targeted visitors can swim in 30-50 races pretty tame. Accommodation on a island tend to bottom, mostly over a beach, true estate companies. Practically nothing is as well far from this island of 22 km in length.

3.Bicycling through Belize Belize, the Caribbean coast, offers a tranquil hillside retreats, magnificent Mayan ruins, beaches and unknown. You possibly can canoe in remote Barton Cove, an ancient Mayan burial sites, remain the exclusive jungle of Francis Ford Coppola to hide, and traded by side, the beaches waterfalls and caves. It ‘s like having your own Indiana Jones movie.

4.Heli-climbing in the Rockies Experience from the Canadian Rockies that few others have. A helicopter takes you up to alpine meadows and slopes for a day or a half walk – or you can choose a location from the morning and an additional inside the afternoon. This tour just isn’t the hard way, however. After not exploring beautiful hills of Canada, you will be staying inside huts of a legendary Canadian Pacific, identified for their elegant rooms, spectacular views and friendly service.

5.Hiking during the Alps Join a tiny group of like-minded adventurers to trek from the foothills in the Swiss Alps. A standard one-week tour takes you through picturesque mountain villages, remote mountain meadows and steep mountain passes. The average daily travel is about ten miles and also the night of the stay and meals inside historic and friendly alpine inns.

6.Camping in Yosemite The 1,189 miles of Yosemite National Park Square offers more than 400 campsites ranging from primitive to fully equipped. Yosemite is the most dramatic amount and altitude in the national park technique from 2000 to more than 13,000 feet. Targeted traffic can enjoy the park over 7000 species of plants and more than 250 types of animals. Activities include climbing, hiking the 800 miles of hiking, rafting and horseback riding.

Hohhot, the capital of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in northern China, lies between the Yinshan Mountain and the Yellow River.

Hohhot, which is Mongolian for “green city”, dates from 306 B.C. and throughout its long history has been an important cultural centre of the region. Today it is the most important city in Inner Mongolia and is home to 36 different ethnic groups. Notable among these are Mongolian, Han, Manchu, Hui, Tibet, Dawoer, Elunchun, Ewenke and Korean, etc. The city zone covers 17,224 square kilometers (6,650.19 square miles) with a population exceeding 1,400,000.

Hohhot is an ideal place to relax away from modern day pressure thanks to the magnificent natural beauty of the Gegentala and Xilamuren Grasslands as well as fantastic cultural sites such as the Dazhao Temple, Five-Pagoda Temple and the Xilituzhao Palace .

Mongolian folk songs and wrestling are popular entertainments while ethnic delicacies and the clemency of the local people add to the enjoyment of a stay here. Travelers can enjoy a wide variety of activities including horse riding, or maybe visiting the home of a herdsman’s family or roaming over the vast grassland and of course there is the thrilling Nadam Fair.

As a tourist resort, Hohhot has a modern reliable transport network, excellent hotels and large shopping centers. The city brings together specialties from all over Inner Mongolia, ranging from Mongolian silverwares, carpets, cashmere, camel hair products, traditional knives,decorative deer antlers, narrow-leaved oleaster curtain, oatmeal and various dairy products to fancy Mongolian costumes.

A trip to Hohhot will leave you in a peaceful state of mind after what is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

El Medano is situated in the Granadilla de Abona municipality on the Tenerife Island. Literally, the name El Medano means the Sand Dune. Its location is in the south coast of Tenerife and is the coolest resort on the island. It is very near the airport.

The wind in this place is very strong, thereby making it an ideal place for competitions in windsurfing; however the wind power has reduced because of the high rise buildings – apartments and hotels. In spite of this, this place is still popular in the world for kitesurfing windsurfing spots. It has 3 different spots for windsurfing and these are the Bay, the Harbor Wall and Cabezo beach.

Two of the largest natural beaches in Tenerife are – Playa Tejita and Playa Grande and El Médano is situated near these beaches.

The Red Mountain is a volcanic cone that is located between the two beaches and it has been declared as a protected natural reserve.

Brother Peter of Saint Joseph Betancur spent some of his time in the cave located in the town. Hence the cave is dedicated to this saint and made as a small shrine.

The most important characteristics of El Médano are as follows.

Strong winds sweeping the resort that attract surfers to a large extent
3 KM long golden natural sand beaches running along its coast
Nudist beaches that are most popular and the best in Tenerife

Beaches

1. Playa El Médano – is a beach with golden sands and is located at the town center; the families love this beach.

There is a playground for children and it becomes very busy after school closing time. Adults spend time in the cafes eating tapas and drinking coffee. Montana Roja area in this place is important for its bird sanctuary and is being considered as a special natural reserve and also an important international bird area. More than 100 species of birds can be seen in this place although they come at different times.

2. Playa La Tejita – is the most beautiful and natural beach that can easily be accessed from this village by walk. At the extreme end, one cove is made as a nudist beach.

3. Playa Machado – is at the western end of the resort catering mainly to surfers.

4. Playa de La Pelada – beach is at the easternmost part of the resort and located at the foot of the mountain Pelada and is one of the best nudist beaches in Tenerife.

5. Playa El Cabezo – beach is located on the resort’s eastern side where the winds are stronger, thereby making it ideal for windsurfing and kite boarding. International competitions are held in this place.

If you ask a person who has visited Sweden particularly Stockholm the first two things they would say is that this city is modern ” and beautiful. The truth is Stockholm is one of the remarkable global cities in Scandinavia where you can go for shopping, see museums and enjoy your stay at fabulous standard hotels. This city is also internationally known as a city of modern arts and music. Stockholm has a vibrant cultural life and has a great historical background. If you wish to visit this modern city in Scandinavia, book a room at Expedia and get ready to enjoy your trip to Sweden and this wonderful city. Make sure to visit the traditional Swedish restaurants and taste the Swedish drink and Swedish cheese. If you fancy about dancing, enjoy a night at a Swedish club and mingle with young Swedish men and women.

Want to explore the archipelago? Jump on one of the many boats lying along Strmkajen. The Vaxholm Company runs the public transport in the archipelago, and so in summer the boats go regularly to a variety of islands. Some of these vessels are in the old style, while others are more modern and sleek. Possibly the most charming are the two old steamers. You can take a tour with a steamer and enjoy a classic steamboat steak in the beautiful dining room.

If you want to stay in the different islands for a few days you can buy a btluffarkort. This ticket works for five days in all Vaxholm Company’s boat lines and all the Cinderella boats. While you can find cheap hotels in Stockholm, you’ll also find more out on the islands, and there are also several hostels. You can choose between three different routes for your boat hiking. The northern routes go through Roslagen, and you can choose to stay at the famous sights as Fejan and Id, or go very far out in the archipelago and to RdlgaSvartlga. The middle route crossesthe islandsGrinda, Mja and Ingmars. If you choose the southern route you will be on the high seas, and can stop at Ut, Fjrdlng or Orn.
Of course you can also choose to make just a day trip by boat. You can stay in an apartment hotel in Stockholm and prepare a proper lunch for a picnic on the rocks. The archipelago offers unique nature experiences. If you want to make a longer day trip you can take the boat to Ut.

At several places in the archipelago, there are museums and exciting environments to visit. Vaxholm is located in the inner archipelago, and a boat trip which takes only one hour. Here are fish houses and beautiful villas, cafes and restaurants. There is also the Vaxholm fortress, with an exhibition on the history of defense of the archipelago. The beautiful Bogesunds castle from the 1600s is another excursion a bit outside the city of Vaxholm.

If you stay in an airport hotel, you are not too far to the lake, a lake with its own archipelago. The lake is connected to the Stockholm archipelago, and you can go boating and while away the hours in one of Scandinavias most beautiful locations.

Durban is the third largest city of South Africa. If South African vacation is on your mind, Durban is a must see tourist destination which you will enjoy to explore. The city offers numerous travel attractions which are sheer delight for discerning travelers. If you want to get away from several stress and pressures of daily life and want to unwind at some naturally beautiful urban conurbation, book your cheap flights to Durban.

Brimming with energy, this amazing city is the hotspot of commercial activity in South Africa. Here one can see frolicking families, busy executives, teenagers with their skate boards, buff surfers running into waves; people from different stratas enjoying at this fabulous spot their way. The pristine beaches of Durban with golden sand are city’s major highlight.

People are too fond of water spots in Durban. One can directly rush to near by beach after a hectic day at work, take down the office wear or high heels and can jump into waves to unwind. One can sail, swim, run, play or even take stroll around the sunny, breath taking beaches and can rejuvenate one’s spirits.

Durban’s beautiful nature parks and sanctuaries are haven for nature lovers. The Botanical Gardens are of particular interest – ask about their ‘Music by the Lake’ evenings – wonderful music played by KZN’s Philharmonic Orchestra in wonder surrounds.

Other than entertainment pursuits, Durban is also famous for its events, and cultural fests. The city hosts a number of discussion or debate events on social, political issues concerning not only Africa but also beyond the boundaries of the Dark Continent. Besides, worth seeing places, the city is full of leisure activities.

Travelers can shop out in modern shopping malls, or vibrant local shops and markets in Durban. Traditional handicrafts and souvenirs are available at beachfront stalls. Travelers are can also stay at comfortable hotels in the city. These hotels in Durban are equipped with all the modern amenities and make travelers feel at home. Many famous restaurants treat tourists with sumptuous meals, so you can too titillate your taste buds with South African delicacies.

Durban is full of endless surprises. You can do a range of activities, entertainment there. If travelling to this beautiful city appeals you, book your cheap Durban flights immediately and enjoy an affordable Durban expedition.
 

Guiyang City, capital of Guizhou Province is located in the southwest of China, on the eastern side of the Yungui Plateau. It is said that in ancient times, Guiyang was surrounded by dense bamboo groves and was famous for producing a musical instrument known as a Zhu. Hence the city is known also as Zhu.

Guiyang is one of China’s Spring Cities like Kunming. The climate is often mild and moist, neither extremely hot nor very cold. Spring, summer and autumn are the best seasons for visiting Guiyang.

A great number of attractive sights are to be found here, the Hongfeng Lake (Red Maple Lake), Huaxi Park and an abundance of historical relics of the Ming dynasty and Qing dynasties, such as the Jiaxiu Tower, Wenchang Pavilion, Yangming Cave and the Qingyan Ancient Town.

All of these scenic spots have their own interesting stories.

Guiyang is home to more than 30 minority ethnic groups including Miao, Buyi, Dong and Hui, etc. Consequently the city abounds with unique folk culture and traditions that give rise to many colorful ethnic minority activities.

Minority festivals and souvenirs are popular with tourists. Items such as festival costumes, masks and embroideries can be purchased in the shopping street, Beijing Lu, Zhonghua Lu and Yan’an Lu. Local products such as the Maotai Wine (Moutai) are widely available in the large supermarkets.

The local food is spicy but should you prefer western cuisine or that of other parts of China you will find the star-rated hotels and quality restaurants will satisfy your needs.

The life pace of Guiyang people is rather laid back compared to that of other cities. Guiyang people have a habit of going to bed late and getting up late. So it is common to see local people strolling, chatting, and playing the chess in the street. You will find that life here is altogether quite easy going!

The European aviation industry is not all about Ryanair, Ryanair and Ryanair. There are dozens of carriers of various profiles and our intention is to try to present them to our readers.

Autumn 2010 is a pretty good moment to begin planning the summer season 2011 so let us look into three middle-sized  airlines targeting some of the most popular leisure destinations.

Thomsonfly’s roots can be traced back to Britannia Airways which in 2005 rebranded as Thomsonfly and is known under this name today. This carrier belongs among the greatest charter airlines. With its route network consisting of ca 87 destinations (both domestic and more remote  located within 11 hours flight radius, like the Indian Goa) Thomsonfly meets the expectations of presumably all leisure travellers and holidaymakers, including those who either do not want to or cannot afford expensive trips.

So if a journey to Mombasa or Goa does not suit your pocket, you will easily find something more accessible. Last minute flights from British airports to popular summer destinations cost around £30 for one-way. At the time of writing you can get hold of flights Newcastle – Malaga for £29.98 or London Gatwick – Malaga for £34.98. We are referring here to the final price. Or to be precise this is the final price of your ticket if  you decide to leave huge cases at home and are OK with hand baggage and if you in addition do not feel like stuffing yourself with snacks on board. £29.98 for your trip to some careless days in some sunny parts is not bad!

From the UK we are moving to the mountainous Austrian landscape. The next carrier we will briefly discuss is Austrian Lauda Air. This Vienna based carrier operates a modest fleet of seven aircraft but nonetheless belongs to Star Alliance along with some larger airlines. With this little impressive fleet Lauda Air serves some 56 destinations in 8 countries and it targets mainly southern European leisure spots, such as Corfu, Heraklion or Antalya. Mainly but not exclusively – with this airline one can also travel northwards, e.g. to the magical Iceland.
As for the average prices, the lowest all-inclusive airfares from Lauda Air start regularly at euro79, like for instance Vienna – Antalya or Antalya – Vienna.

We stay in Western Europe but move to  Charles de Gaulle Airport on whose grounds the third carrier – XL Airways France – has got its base. This French airline was founded in 1995 and originally operated under the name  Star Airlines.  XL Airways France target long-haul destinations  in Middle-East, Africa and America but offer flights to some less distant spots in the Mediterranean and Europe as well. A few examples of destinations are: Cancun, Varadero, Las Vegas and Malaga.

Let us look into prices and promotions so that you know what to expect in term of travel expences.  When it comes to these above-mentioned less remote destinations, you will not necessarily have to put up a fortune for your trip. One-way last-minute bargain tickets start at e.g. euro39 for Paris – Ajaccio and Paris – Figari or euro45 for Paris – Tunis which is hardly a big splurge. As far as the long-haul destinations are concerned, appropriately bigger amounts of money are involved. Examples from the recent weeks: Paris – New York from euro399,  Paris – Punta Cana from euro599 or Paris – Varadero from euro525.  Well, the bigger the distance the bigger the airfare – it is as simple as that

We hope this article was helpful in terms of which airline to choose once you feel like getting some sunshine in warm parts in Europe or further.

French Polynesia Islands is an overseas country of French Republic and is comprised of several groups of Polynesian islands, the most popular island being Tahiti in Society Islands group, also one of the most crowded islands and seat of capital of territory. Although not an integral part of its territory, Clipperton Island was administered from French Polynesia till 2007. The island groups, which make up French Polynesia, were not authoritatively united till the establishment of French protectorate in the year 1889. The first island to be settled here includes Society Islands in AD 800 and Marquesas Islands in AD 300.

French Polynesia Islands is a set of islands, which is an overseas country attached to France. Situated in South Pacific Ocean, it is halfway between Australia and California.

Tahiti and its islands cover 4 million square kms of ocean, which is the same region like the European Union. Nevertheless the land above sea level accounts for around 7,000 square kms comprising of 118 islands, combined into 5 archipelagoes (1 coral and 4 volcanic). Makatea in French Polynesia is one of the 3 great phosphate rock islands in Pacific Ocean, while others include Banaba (Ocean Island) in Nauru and Kiribati.

Politics of French Polynesia Islands takes place in structure of parliamentary representative democratic French overseas collectivity, whereby President of French Polynesia is head of multi-party system and government. Executive power is implemented by government.

Legislative power is vested in both Assembly of French Polynesia and government. French Polynesia sends 2 deputies to French National Assembly, one symbolizing central and eastern part of Tahiti, the Tuamotu-Gambier administrative division, and Marquesas Islands administrative division, while other symbolizing Leeward Islands administrative subdivision, an Austral Islands administrative subdivision, commune (municipality) of Mo’orea-Mai’ao, and westernmost part of Tahiti, including capital Papeete.

The French Polynesia Islands have total land area of 1,622 square miles scattered more than 965,255 square miles of ocean. There are approximately 130 islands in French Polynesia and the highest point is Mount Orohena on Tahiti, which is made up of 6 groups of islands. The most populated and largest island is Tahiti in Society Islands. The island groups include Society Islands, Marquesas Islands, Gambier Islands, Austral Islands, Tuamotu Archipelago and Bass Islands. Aside from Tahiti, some other significant islands, island groups and atolls in French Polynesia are: Pora Pora, Ahe, Huahine, Hiva ‘Oa, Maupiti, Mai’ao, Mo’orea, Meheti’a, Ra’iātea, Nuku Hiva, Te Ti’aroa, Taha’a, Tūpai and Tupua’i.

French Polynesia Vacations include Tikehau Ninamu Resort; Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora; The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort; Tevahine Dream; Pension Poe Iti; Fare Pea Iti; Fare Suisse Tahiti; Au Motu Mahare; Topdive Bathys Tahiti; Lagoonarium; Coral Gardens; Pure Snorkeling par Reef Discovery; Moana Adventure Tours; ATV Moorea Tours; Baie de Cook in Mo’orea; Mont Otemanu in Bora Bora; Satellite view of the Iles Gambier; Black sand beach in Tahiti; Motu Tiahura, Mo’orea; Fakarava lagoon; Baie des traîtres, Hiva `Oa; Presidence of the Government (Papeete); Mangareva; Bungalows of Hotel Hibiscus, Hauru Point, Mo’orea; Plage de Marita, Bora Bora; Bora Bora from the air; High Commissionership of the Republic (Papeetē) and Sunrise over Mo’orea.

French Polynesia Holidays:

The epitome of South Pacific, exotic French Polynesia has captured an imagination of travelers since 18th Century. Explore its magical islands and relax on secluded beaches, trek through lush rainforest on one of its islands and take a dip in a cerulean lagoon.

Fly here – The main carriers that fly into Vanuatu are: Air New Zealand, Air Vanuatu, Qantas, Virgin Airlines, Pacific Blue, Air Pacific, Air Calin

Port Vila – Is located on the most populated Island, Efate, and most likely is where you will arrive at. The majority of tourists stay on Efate but if you have time after discovering Efate then the outer Islands are a must.

Location – Vanuatu is only 2.5 hours flying time North East of Brisbane and 3.5 hours from Sydney, and 4 hours from Melbourne Australia. It’s a little over 2 hours from Auckland, New Zealand. There are regular flights from New Zealand, Honiara, Australia, Noumea and Fiji. Located in the South Pacific Ocean the archipelago is some 1,750 km east of Australia, 500 km northeast of New Caledonia, west of Fiji and south of the Solomon Islands.

Visas – You must have a valid, ongoing or return airline ticket and your passport must be valid for six months beyond your intended stay.

Most New Zealand and Australians and EU

Weather and climate – Tropical and warm all year round, but cooler and drier from May until October with an average daytime temp 26C. Hotter and wetter season from November until April with an average daytime temp 29C.

Clothing requirements – Light weight always and typically casual clothing. Smart travellers pack: open toe shoes, tee shirts, sarongs, loose dresses, skirts, shorts and shirts, umbrella or thin waterproof jacket, and one sweater

Shopping – Shopping in Vanuatu is okay with Port Vila offering plenty of shops to pick from.

These include duty free shops to cheap clothing and souvenir shops. You’ll find the shopping a much more pleasant experience than places like Bali or Fiji, as there is no pressure placed on you to enter shops or buy something that you don’t want.

Money – Vatu, also known as VT. Foreign cash, travellers cheques, credit cards are widely accepted in Port Vila, cash machines and banks like ANZ, Westpac and Bred and in Port Vila.

Tipping- Tipping and bargaining are not really practiced in Vanuatu.

Food – Most supermarket food will be bought from Au Bon Marche and it’s about 15-25% moreexpensive than New Zealand and Australia. However it’s a lot cheaper than you’ll pay at the resort! If you are self catering at a holiday home rental then this is where to shop, but make sure you buy all your fresh local produce from the farmers market on the central waterfront of Port Vila. It is open every day except Sunday and provides an exciting opportunity to buy local crafts, fresh fruit, vegetables, breads, local made meals, shells, beads, necklaces and clothing.

Restaurants in Vanuatu include: seafood, French, Indian, Melanesian, Polynesian, Chinese, Korean and Japanese. The local coconut crab is a must and so is the organic beef.

Total Population – Approx 222,000 over a land area of 12, 189 km2

Time Zone – GMT/UTC +11. There is no daylight saving in summer.

Communication – 3 official languages being: English, French and Bislama (pidgin English), plus 120 distinct languages and many more dialects throughout greater Vanuatu.

Religious views – Christian 83%, other 17%, no strong religious agendas or issues.

Medical – Visitors do not need vaccinations, but anti-malarial medication is recommended if you are travelling to islands outside of Efate. There are several private doctors and hospitals in the 2 town centres, Port Vila and Luganville.

Safety – Vanuatu is a safe country, there are no indigenous large mammals, poisonous snakes, or spiders, there are no dangerous animals and urban water is safe to drink. The locals are friendly and smile a lot. Crime rate is very low.

Police – The police are relaxed and unlike other countries are not out to raise revenue by issuing speeding tickets or fines, they seamlessly fit into society and appear when you need them to help you or resolve created issues. I wish the NZ and OZ police were like that!

Land transport – Taxi’s are all over Port Vila. Local buses are actually small vans seating about 10 are cheaper, but you may not go directly to where you want to go. Rental car companies offer all types of vehicles for rent with similar prices to that of New Zealand and Australia. Driving yourself in Vanuatu is a lot of fun and gives you the freedom to explore as you choose. Cars travel on the right side of the road like the USA, but give way to traffic on their right as in Australia and New Zealand.

Electricity – 230V 50HzHz. Plugs work from New Zealand and Australia.

Geography – Vanuatu is an archipelago of 83 islands. 14 have surface areas of more than 100 square kilometres, from largest to smallest. Most of the islands are mountainous and of volcanic origin, and have a tropical or sub-tropical climate. The nation’s largest towns are the capital Port Vila, which is situated on Efate, and Luganville, on Espiritu Santo. The highest point in Vanuatu is Mount Tabwemasana, at 1879 m (6158 ft), on the island of Espiritu Santo. There are several active volcanoes in Vanuatu, including Yasur on the island of Tanna, one of the world’s most accessible volcanoes, as well as several underwater ones.

Ecology – Vanuatu is recognized as a distinct terrestrial eco-region, known as the Vanuatu rain forests. Vanuatu is part of the Australasia eco-zone, which also includes neighbouring New Caledonia and the Solomon Islands, as well as Australia, New Guinea, and New Zealand. Despite its tropical forests, Vanuatu has a limited number of plant and animal species. There are no indigenous large mammals, poisonous snakes, or spiders. The 19 species of native reptiles include the rare flowerpot snake, found only on Efate. There are 11 species of bat (3 unique to Vanuatu) and 61 species of land and water birds.

Economy – The economy is based primarily on subsistence or small-scale agriculture, which provides a living for 65% of the population. Fishing, offshore financial services, and tourism with about 60,000 visitors in 2005), are other mainstays of the economy. Mineral deposits are negligible; the country has no known petroleum deposits. A small light industry sector caters to the local market. Tax revenues come mainly from import duties and a 12.5 percent Value Added Tax (VAT) on goods and services.

Demographics – Most of the inhabitants of Vanuatu (98.5%) are native Melanesian, or Ni-Vanuatu, with the remainder of the population made up of Europeans, Asians and other Pacific islanders. Most of the population is rural, though Port Vila and Luganville have populations in the tens of thousands. A few of the islands are Polynesian outliers.