Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Vanuatu

Accommodation

$15-40 per night

Backpacker hostels, basic guesthouses, shared dorms, budget bungalows, camping where available

Food & Dining

$12-30 per day

Local markets, street food stalls, lap lap from village vendors, self-catering, local kava bars with snacks

Transportation

$8-25 per day

Public buses, shared minivans, walking, occasional boat transfers between islands

Activities

$5-20 per day

Free beaches, village walks, basic snorkeling gear rental, local cultural sites, hiking trails

Eat lap lap and local dishes at village markets instead of tourist restaurants (typically 60-80% cheaper)

Use public buses and shared transport instead of private taxis (usually 70-85% savings on transportation)

Stay in locally-owned guesthouses rather than international resorts (generally 40-70% less expensive)

Book accommodation directly with properties to avoid booking platform fees (typically 10-20% savings)

Travel during shoulder season months for significantly lower accommodation rates (usually 30-50% cheaper)

Buy snorkeling gear locally instead of renting daily (often breaks even after 2-3 days of use)

Take advantage of free activities like hiking trails, public beaches, and village walks instead of paid tours

Only eating at resort restaurants instead of exploring local food options (typically 200-300% markup on meals)

Booking last-minute accommodation during peak season (usually 50-100% higher rates than advance booking)

Taking taxis everywhere instead of using public transport and walking (can increase daily transport costs by 300-500%)

Not researching free activities and paying for tours of places accessible independently (often $50-150 unnecessary daily spend)