Best Three Day Itinerary for Vanuatu

Vanuatu

Vanuatu is an archipelago of about 80 islands in the South Pacific known for its lush volcanic landscapes, clear turquoise waters, and rich Melanesian culture. Visitors can snorkel vibrant coral reefs, explore active volcanoes, and experience traditional dances, kastom villages, and kastom sand drawings. The islands offer a relaxed pace, fresh seafood, and unique attractions like the underwater post office and cultural festivals, making Vanuatu an appealing destination for adventure, nature, and cultural travel.

If you’re here from my post “How to visit every country in the Pacific,” welcome! This is going to be a little more of an in-depth guide on my trip to the country of Vanuatu.

How to get to Vanuatu

Vanuatu is one of the more popular destinations in the South Pacific, so you shouldn’t have a problem trying to find a flight. Flights operate everyday from Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and the Solomon Islands. We ended up flying from Brisbane to Port Vila, Vanuatu and then after onwards to Fiji.

Where to stay in Port Vila

There are a lot of options since Vanuatu is more of a touristy destination, but since there was four of us for this leg of the trip we stayed at Pacific Lagoon Apartments so we could cook and hang out together. If you have a rental car this was a pretty central location, but it definitely wouldn’t be easy if you’re just planning on walking.

SEARCH | Alternatively, check out Booking.com for more options in the area.

Staying connected in Vanuatu

My friends and I all used the Airalo Oceania Esim for this trip, which covers eight countries in Oceania and specifically seven of the countries on this trip through the South Pacific. It’s cheaper than buying individual esims or physical sim cards for each country so it’s a great deal and you can top-up if you run low on data. I personally love using esims since you’re instantly connected when you land to look up directions, currency rates, or language translations. Yes, Vanuatu is covered on the Airalo Oceania Esim, but if you’d rather purchase a Vanuatu esim separately you can check it out here.

SEARCH | Alternatively, check out Airalo.com for more esim options.

How to get around Vanuatu

We decided to rent a car to get the most out of our time in Vanuatu, and so we could get to the touristy spots early and avoid crowds. You can see all the sights of the island in pretty much a full day, and everyone does the same loop. If you can get on the road early and beat everyone to the first stop, you will beat everyone to the rest of the attractions.

Rental car options are limited; we managed to snag a rental since we were the first ones out of customs in the arrival hall of the airport, but you should try making a reservation online in advance. Expedia seems to have the best rates for rental cars.

SEARCH | Alternatively, check out Expedia.com for more options in the area.

Best Itinerary from Port Vila

Day 1: Arrival

We arrived at Bauerfield International Airport in Port Vila at 2 PM and did the usual money exchange, sim cards, rented a car, then found the guesthouse we were staying at. There was a grocery store along the way so we stopped for groceries and made dinner.

After dinner we met up with another friend who had a collaboration with the Vanuatu tourism board, and they were at the Kava Lounge. Kava is a traditional Pacific Island beverage made from the ground roots of the kava plant, known for its calming, mildly sedative effects and earthy, peppery flavor. I personally didn’t try kava but it seemed like a nice atmosphere and place to do it! If the Vanuatu tourism board recommended this place, it’s probably the spot to check out.

Day 2: Loop around Efate island

We got on the road early in the morning to drive to the Blue Lagoon so we could be there right when it opened at 8 AM. It was 1500 Vatu per person (about $12 USD) and you need to pay in cash. We were the first ones in and had it all to ourselves before the tour buses showed up!

Our next stop was Nasinu Hot Springs, which includes both the hot springs and mud bath. To rinse off after there was a bucket for a makeshift shower and a changing area. It’s pretty basic but it’ll get you clean for your next stop!

We stopped for lunch at Gideons Landing Restaurant & Ecolodge because supposedly the TV show Survivor was filmed at the beach there. The beach was beautiful, but the food options weren’t great. I would probably recommend looking for a different restaurant nearby on Havannah Beach (Survivor Beach).

The last stop of the day was Hideaway Island, where you can snorkel and visit an Underwater Post Office. Drive to the point on the map closest to the island (I’ll also share a map with a pin) and park. There will be a small boat that goes back and forth taking people and you can take it across. Once on the island visit the visitor’s office where you can rent snorkeling gear and buy postcards for the Underwater Post Office. The postcards and stamps are waterproof, and they have special pencils to use. After you can snorkel out to a platform and dive down to an underwater mailbox and pop your postcards in. This was probably my favorite experience in Vanuatu!

day 3: ekasup cultural village

In the morning we went to the Ekasup Cultural Village to learn more about Vanuatu and their customs. I have to say, I was expecting it to be touristy but they did a great job at making it an authentic experience! You do have to contact them in advance to make a reservation.

They don’t have a direct website, but you can email them at: ekasupculturalvillage@vanuatu.com.vu

If you don’t want to rent a car but still want to explore the island, I found a few tours that cover these activities. This day trip covers the cultural village, Blue Lagoon, Nasinu Hot Springs, Survivor Beach, and trying the local kava.

If you also want to visit Hideaway Island, you can try this day tour here which also includes a coffee roastery visit.

SEARCH | Alternatively, check out Getyourguide.com for more options in the area.

Vanuatu Budget

FLIGHTS: $528 USD

The whole Fiji Airways loop (Vanuatu - Tonga - Samoa - Tuvalu - Fiji - Solomon Islands) cost $2072 USD, but to just break it down, from Brisbane to Vanuatu cost $312 USD and the flight from Vanuatu to Fiji cost $216 USD.

HOTEL: $35 USD

Our guesthouse cost $140 USD for two nights, but we split it four ways so it was $35 per person, or $17.50 per person per night.

RENTAL CAR: $54 USD (Total was $216 USD, split 4 ways)

FOOD & DRINKS: $73 USD

ACTIVITIES: $77 USD

$30 USD was for Hideaway Island alone (snorkeling, postcards, ferry fees)

$21 USD: Ekasup cultural village

$13 USD (1500 Vatu): Blue Lagoon

$13 USD (1500 Vatu): Nasinu Hot Springs

TOTAL SPENT FOR VANUATU: $767 USD

Everything you need to know about Kiribati

Everything you need to know about Kiribati

Kiribati is a dispersed island nation in the central Pacific Ocean, made up of 33 atolls and reef islands spread across a vast maritime area. Known for its vibrant Micronesian culture, subsistence fishing, and coconut-based economy, Kiribati faces urgent challenges from climate change and sea-level rise that threaten low-lying communities and freshwater supplies. The nation’s warm equatorial climate, rich marine biodiversity, and traditional island life offer a unique destination for travelers seeking remote beaches, diving, and cultural experiences.

If you’re here from my post “How to visit every country in the Pacific,” welcome! This is going to be a little more of an in-depth guide on my trip to the country of Kiribati.

How to get to Kiribati

As of now, there are four international flights per week from Fiji, Nauru, and the Marshall Islands to Bonriki International Airport on South Tarawa Island. We flew from Brisbane via Nauru Air and had a short layover in Nauru before reaching Kiribati — everyone had to deplane, go through security, and wait before getting back on the plane. There is no wi-fi at the airport so I recommend the Airalo Oceania Esim if you’re traveling to several countries in the Pacific, or if you’re just doing a layover in Nauru check out the esim here.

Where to stay in Kiribati

There aren’t many places to stay in Tarawa but we found that Dreamers Kiribati (not an affiliate link, but just trying to make it easier for your research!) was fantastic and in a great location to be able to explore the island. It is owned by a British guy that was born in Kiribati and spent his childhood here, left, and eventually came back in his later adult life. Fascinating story!

If you want to experience an authentic stay in a traditional overwater bungalow called a “buia” I recommend checking out Tabon te Keekee Ecolodge, but it’s pretty remote so I’d probably only recommend staying there for a night if you have an extended amount of days in Kiribati. We visited Tabon te Keekee Ecolodge on a day trip and it was perfect! I’ll get into it under the “things to do” section.

Staying connected in Kiribati

Unfortunately the Airalo Oceania Esim does not cover Kiribati, but there is a sim card stand right outside the airport when you arrive. Our flight got in at 7 AM and it was closed, so we didn’t get a sim card. We ended up just using the wi-fi at our hotel, Dreamers Kiribati, and it was surprisingly fast.

How to get around Kiribati

Airport pick-up and drop-off was included with Dreamers Kiribati, but to do some sightseeing there’s only one road that goes up and down the island. From the hotel on the main road we would wait and flag down minibuses that were going up and down the road. Depending on the direction you wanted to go, you need to stand on the right side of the road! Make sure you bring lots of Australian dollar coins since you’ll be paying a quarter here and there for a ride!

What to do in Kiribati

There’s not a whole lot to do, but we took the minibus up the island to check out some WWII relics. We also spent a morning going to Tabon te Keekee Ecolodge. From Dreamers Kiribati Hotel, we took a minibus towards the airport as far as we could. Then we hitchhiked a ride on a back of a truck until there was a bridge the truck could not cross. We walked for about another 20 minutes until we finally saw water and a boat going back and forth across the lagoon. We took the boat across and finally was at the ecolodge. We walked around the ecolodge a bit, I droned, and then we headed back.

Budget

FLIGHTS: $1146 USD

The whole Nauru flight loop (Brisbane - Kiribati - Nauru - Brisbane) cost $1784 USD, but to just break it down, from Brisbane to Kiribati cost $776 USD and the flight from Kiribati to Nauru cost $370 USD.

HOTEL: $40 USD

Normally a room at Dreamers Kiribati cost $140 AUD, but since there was three of us it was $180 AUD. Split three ways it was $60 AUD or $40 USD.

FOOD & DRINKS: $17 USD

Breakfast was included, we paid $20 AUD ($14 USD) for dinner at the guesthouse, and $3 USD for water/snacks. Minibus transport cost a few cents but make sure you bring coins or small change.

TOTAL SPENT FOR KIRIBATI: $1203 USD

Best Islands in the Bahamas

Best Islands in the Bahamas

Usually when you think of the Bahamas, you think of a tropical island with huge cruise ships docked in the harbor and tourists piled on the beaches. The Bahamas is comprised of more than 700 islands, and once you get out of the main islands like New Providence or Grand Bahama, remote beaches with powder white sand and crystal blue waters are everywhere. The following places are my favorite islands of the Bahamas!

Bimini

Bimini is the closest island to the US, and only a twenty minute flight away from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. A cheaper option is taking a high-speed ferry for two and a half hours from either Miami or Fort Lauderdale. 

This island is also known as the "big game fishing capital of the world" and you can catch all sorts of fresh fish and have it cooked right in front of you. From scuba diving to dolphin tours, there's all sorts of water sports and activities for everyone!

Staniel Cay

With colorful cottages right on the water, freshly caught conch, friendly laid-back locals, and ocean teeming with sea life, Staniel Cay embodies everything about the Bahamas.

One of my favorite things to do is to have a boat day tour around the island and the guide takes you to all the sites including Iguana Cay to see endangered iguanas roaming the beach, snorkeling Thunderball Grotto as seen in the 1965 James Bond movie "Thunderball," swimming with nurse sharks at Compass Cay, and of course, the swimming pigs on Pig Island. 

Hope Town

Hope Town is located in the chain of islands within the Abacos and is incredibly unique with a "New England meets the tropics" ambiance, very few tourists, and bicycling is the main method of transportation around the island.

This town has a rich history with houses and monuments dating back to post-American Revolution, where British loyalists took refuge after the war, and its architecture reflects that culture. It's also home to one of the last manual lighthouses in the world, and has a very iconic candy cane striped design.

Long Island

Close to the Turks & Caicos, Long Island is one of the most remote islands in the Bahamas, but it's an incredible mecca for divers. At Stella Maris Resort in the north they hold a "shark amphitheater" dive, where the dive masters are covered in chain mail and hand feed the sharks thirty feet below the surface. Towards the south is Dean's Blue Hole, which is the world's second deepest salt water blue hole, plunging to a depth of 663 feet and holds the world's international free diving competition each year. 

Harbour Island

Harbour Island, or Briland, as the locals call it, is home to some of the best beaches in the Bahamas, including the renowned Pink Sand Beach. Unfortunately if you look up photos of the pink sand, most of them are heavily edited to be bright pink, but the sand only has a very light pinkish hue. Regardless of the color, the sand feels like powder on your feet and the ocean is crystal blue!

Even though this island has a larger population of tourists, this island has amazing beaches, great restaurants, and some interesting wreck dives for scuba divers. Harbour Island definitely reflects not only the casual Bahamian attitude, but also more of a luxurious feel. 

The Bahamas is home to incredible islands outside of the cruise ship meccas and is much more than a "spring break college party escape." With beautiful white sandy beaches, clear ocean water, and laid-back friendly locals, it's a must-visit destination for all tropical island lovers.

Everything you need to know about Tuvalu

Tuvalu

Tuvalu is a tiny Pacific island nation of nine coral atolls and reef islands, home to about 11,000 people. Known for its clear lagoon waters, coconut palms, and traditional Polynesian culture, Tuvalu faces urgent threats from sea-level rise and climate change. The country maintains a close-knit community life, subsistence fishing and copra production, and a strong cultural identity expressed through dance, song, and customary practices. As one of the world’s smallest and most remote nations, Tuvalu plays a prominent role in global climate advocacy.

If you’re here from my post “How to visit every country in the Pacific,” welcome! This is going to be a little more of an in-depth guide on my trip to the country of Tuvalu.

How to get to Tuvalu

Tuvalu is one of the world’s least-visited countries, so getting here is not easy. There are about 3-4 flights per week, and they only fly from Fiji. The only airline that flies to Tuvalu is Fiji Airways. This was part of the “Fiji Airways loop” I mentioned in my other post, so we technically flew from Samoa and had a layover in Fiji before reaching Tuvalu.

Do you need a visa for Tuvalu?

It’s always best to do your own research, but even as a US passport holder I got mixed information looking on official websites. From my research, I concluded I would have to get a visa-on-arrival and have to pay $100 USD upon arrival, which I had ready, but the immigration officer just stamped my passport and that was it — no visa needed. Best advice I can give is to just be prepared!

Where to stay in Tuvalu

There aren’t many options for hotels in Tuvalu, and most of them are booked out half a year in advance for aid workers and construction workers for the airport runway. We were fortunate to book at the Funafuti Lagoon Hotel (not an affiliate link, just sharing to help), which is fifty meters from the airport. It’s nothing to brag about, but it’s clean and in a good location. There’s also a motorbike rental spot right across the street.

How to get around Tuvalu

Besides walking, we rented a motorbike directly across the street from our hotel. It’s just a house with a sign and a lot of motorcycles out front so you might have to wait until someone walks by. It was $10 USD for the day, including gas.

Staying connected in Tuvalu

My friends and I all used the Airalo Oceania Esim for our trip through the Pacific, but unfortunately it didn’t work for Tuvalu. There wasn’t wi-fi at the airport when we arrived either, so we had to ask around to find our hotel and just ended up using the hotel wi-fi during our time in Tuvalu.

SEARCH | Alternatively, check out Airalo.com for more esim options.

Currency in Tuvalu

Tuvalu uses the Australian dollar, but make sure you bring enough cash for your trip! ATMs don’t work (at least when I went) and credit cards are not accepted.

What to do in Tuvalu

There isn’t a whole lot to do in Tuvalu since you can ride a motorbike from one end of the island to the other in twenty minutes, Beaches are also difficult to get to, surprisingly, considering how small and narrow the island is. I also recommend visiting the airport runway at sunset for a taste of local life — you’ll see the locals hanging out and playing football on the actual airport runway. Where else in the world can you do that?!

Budget

FLIGHTS: $651 USD

The whole Fiji Airways flight loop (Vanuatu - Tonga - Samoa - Tuvalu - Fiji - Solomon Islands) cost $2072 USD, but to just break it down, round trip from Fiji to Funafuti, Tuvalu and back to Fiji cost $651 USD.

HOTEL: $45 USD

MOTORBIKE RENTAL: $10 USD

FOOD & DRINKS: $10 USD

TOTAL SPENT FOR TUVALU: $716 USD

Everything you need to know about Nauru

Nauru

Nauru is a tiny Pacific island nation with a quiet, off-the-beaten-path charm. Visitors find rugged phosphate terraces, a dramatic coastal walk around the island’s rocky rim, and small local communities where traditional customs remain strong. Snorkeling and diving reveal healthy coral and marine life, while inland trails lead to World War II relics and limestone caves. With limited accommodation and services, Nauru suits travelers seeking solitude, cultural encounters, and an uncommercialized island experience. Practical planning and respect for local customs are essential.

If you’re here from my post “How to visit every country in the Pacific,” welcome! This is going to be a little more of an in-depth guide on my trip to the country of Nauru.

How to get to Nauru

Nauru is one of the world’s least-visited countries, so getting here is not easy. There are flights twice per week from Brisbane, which is where I started my journey, and the only airline that flies to Nauru is Nauru Airlines. I flew from Kiribati to Nauru, so I recommend looping these two countries together on your trip. Flights are regularly cancelled or rescheduled, so always leave extra days just in case something happens.

How to get the visa for Nauru

Surprisingly this isn’t an easy visa to get! At the time of writing this post, the main contact to obtain the visa is a man named Cramer Cain, who is based in Brisbane, Australia.

Here is his email: cramer.cain@brisbane.gov.nr

He will send you the visa application to fill out and you also have to provide a copy of your passport, flights, hotel booking, and a document that shows your current employment or source of income. Then you have to send a payment of $50 AUD.

I sent an email about a month prior to departure, but the visa wasn’t ready until the day I flew out of Brisbane. My friend’s visa was ready in just two days, so I naturally followed up weekly via email and was very concerned, but Cramer constantly said they were still working on it and not to worry since everything is fine. When I arrived in Brisbane I decided to pay a visit to the Nauru embassy and met Cramer, and he reiterated that he would follow-up with immigration, but again, everything was fine. I finally got my visa that evening and flew out just a few hours later to Kiribati. Definitely one of my more stressful visa experiences!

Where to stay in Nauru

There aren’t many options for hotels in Nauru, but we stayed at GoodWorks Accommodation. Ignore the photos you see on Booking, it was newly renovated when we went and was clean with great AC. Easy check-in and check-out system too. It was walking distance from two Chinese restaurants and overall a good location. Someone from the hotel was able to do an airport pick-up and drop-off for us.

SEARCH | Alternatively, check out Booking.com for more options in the area.

Staying connected in Nauru

My friends and I all used the Airalo Oceania Esim for this trip, which covers eight countries in Oceania and specifically seven of the countries on this trip through the South Pacific. It’s cheaper than buying individual esims or physical sim cards for each country so it’s a great deal and you can top-up if you run low on data. I personally love using esims since you’re instantly connected when you land to look up directions, currency rates, or language translations. Yes, Nauru is covered on the Airalo Oceania Esim, but if you’d rather purchase a Nauru esim separately you can check it out here.

SEARCH | Alternatively, check out Airalo.com for more esim options.

How to get around Nauru

We had the hotel pick us up from the airport and drop us off, and there were restaurants within walking distance. People are friendly enough that you could easily hitchhike, but if you wanted to rent a car I would recommend asking your hotel to set something up since there aren’t any formal car rentals on the island. GoodWorks Accommodation can set up a bicycle rental for $10 USD per day!

What to do in Nauru

DAY 1: The evening day we arrived, we got settled at our hotel and had dinner at one of the Chinese restaurants just a few minutes walk away. We tried both restaurants and they were terrible. I would’ve liked to try local food but we couldn’t find anything.

DAY 2: We woke up early and decided to walk the perimeter of the country. It’s 20 km around, and how often can you say you walked around an entire country?! We started at 6:30 AM and honestly that was way too late — it was already terribly hot by then. It took us a total of 3.5 hours with stops. Instead of walking, I would recommend renting a bike from GoodWorks Accommodation for $10 USD. It would be a quick, flat sunrise bike ride along the ocean.

During our walk, we stopped at Blue’s Gym to try and meet the “World’s Strongest Man of 2019,” powerlifter Jezza Uepa, but unfortunately he wasn’t there that day. Our next stop was the WWII Memorial Monument, where you can also see some of Nauru’s abandoned phospate sites. My friend also went to Moqua Cave, which is right next to the airport, but said there was a couple in there that was… very loud… to put it appropriately, so she didn’t go in.

After another terrible meal at the Chinese restaurant we headed back to the airport. It was a unique experience — would I ever go back? Probably not, but I thoroughly enjoyed my time in one of the smallest countries in the world.

Budget

VISA: $50 AUD

$50 AUD is about $35 USD.

FLIGHTS: $1009

The whole Nauru flight loop (Brisbane - Kiribati - Nauru - Brisbane) cost $1784 USD, but to just break it down, from Kiribati to Nauru cost $370 USD and from Nauru back to Brisbane cost $639 USD.

HOTEL: $80 USD

FOOD & DRINKS: $20 USD

TOTAL SPENT FOR NAURU: $1144 USD

Best Day Trip Itinerary for Padova

Padova (Padua) is a compact, lively city in northeastern Italy known for its rich history, striking medieval and Renaissance architecture, and vibrant student life. Highlights include the Scrovegni Chapel with Giotto’s groundbreaking frescoes, the ornate Basilica of Saint Anthony, and the atmospheric Prato della Valle — one of Europe’s largest squares. Narrow cobbled streets hide lively cafés, trattorie, and markets, while the city’s university, one of the world’s oldest, keeps the cultural scene youthful and intellectual. Easily explored on foot or by bike, Padova offers a rewarding mix of art, history, and everyday Italian charm.

I moved to Padova about a year and a half ago and wanted to put together a little guide of everything I do when friends come to visit. Most people skip Padova due to the proximity of Venice, but if you’ve found that you booked too many days in Venice but don’t have enough time to go to the Dolomites, I recommend hopping on a train and spending the day in this beautiful city.

Where to Stay in Padova

If you’re looking to stay a night in Padova rather than just a day trip, it’s actually much cheaper than Venice! For my budget-friendly friends, there’s a brand new hostel that just opened up in the heart of downtown Padova, Hotello Padova.

STAY | Alternatively, check out Hostelworld.com for more options in the area.

Grab a mint cappuccino at caffe pedrocchi

Caffè Pedrocchi in Padua is an iconic 19th-century coffeehouse known for its elegant neoclassical façade, historic interiors, and cultural significance as a meeting place for intellectuals and students. Opened in 1831, it blends café, pasticceria, and museum elements, offering traditional Italian coffee, pastries, and a glimpse into Padua’s social and political history. Its distinctive "green room" remains a symbol of literary and academic gatherings, making Caffè Pedrocchi a must-visit for anyone exploring the city.

Start your morning visiting Caffe Pedrocchi and grabbing the iconic mint cappuccino (cafe di Pedrocchi) and a slice of mint cake. You won’t find this anywhere else!

Tour University of padova and Giotto’s scrovegni chapel

Founded in 1222, the University of Padova is one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious universities, renowned for its long tradition of academic freedom and interdisciplinary scholarship. It became a center of scientific innovation in the Renaissance, attracting scholars and promoting empirical inquiry. The university’s most famous association is with Galileo Galilei, who lectured there from 1592 to 1610. While at Padova, Galileo made pivotal advances in physics, astronomy, and the study of motion, including improvements to the telescope and observations that challenged prevailing Aristotelian views. His work at Padova helped lay the foundations of modern science and cemented the city’s place in intellectual history.

After having an Italian breakfast at Caffe Pedrocchi, head over for a tour at University of Padova, the second oldest university in the world, to see where Galileo taught. If you want to skip the tour, you can check out the historic Palazzo del Bo courtyard, for free.

I also recommend checking out Giotto’s Scrovegni Chapel, a masterpiece of early Renaissance art. Built and frescoed around 1305, the chapel’s luminous cycle depicts the life of the Virgin and Christ with emotional clarity, dramatic composition, and pioneering use of naturalism. Giotto’s bold figures, expressive faces, and skillful use of space mark a decisive shift from medieval styles, making the chapel a cornerstone in the development of Western painting. The intimate, richly colored interiors remain one of Italy’s most important and moving artistic experiences.

TOUR | Alternatively, check out Getyourguide.com for more tour options in the area.

try the typical octopus in piazza della erbe

After your tour, head over to Piazza della Erbe and Piazza del Frutti to browse the local markets. In Piazza della Erbe you’ll see a little stand called a “folperia,” which in Venetian dialect translates to “octopus stand.” Polpo means octopus in Italian, and folpo is octopus in Venetian dialect. Seafood is always a must since we’re so close to the Adriatic Sea and this stand is very popular!

Basilica di san Antonio

The Basilica di Sant’Antonio in Padua is a major Roman Catholic pilgrimage site built in the 13th century to honor Saint Anthony of Padua. A striking mix of Romanesque, Byzantine and Gothic styles, the basilica houses richly decorated chapels, the saint’s silver-reliquary tomb, and notable artworks by Donatello and other Renaissance artists. Its domes and rose-colored stone dominate Padua’s skyline, while its religious and cultural significance draws visitors year-round for worship, art, and history.

After visiting the piazza, you can either walk or hop on a tram towards Prato della Valle. The Basilica is a must in Padova, as it is the second most popular Catholic pilgrimage site after the Vatican. Saint Anthony’s physical tongue is also on display, but you can read more about that when you visit.

grab to-go pasta and walk around prato della valle

Prato della Valle in Padua is one of Europe’s largest public squares, shaped as an elliptical island surrounded by a wide canal and lined with 78 statues of notable figures. Once a swampy area, it was transformed in the 18th century into a landscaped promenade and market space. Today it remains a popular spot for locals and visitors, hosting events, markets, and leisurely strolls amid historic architecture and green lawns.

After visiting the basilica, walk over to Prato della Valle and grab to-go pasta at Bepe Bigoi — they have fresh handmade pasta and it’s perfect to take it over and have a little picnic in the grass while enjoying the views. During the summer you’ll see locals having picnics all over! I recommend the “Bigoli alla anatra,” which is the specialty pasta in Padova.

Aperitivo in the piazza dei signori

Wander the streets as you make your way back up to the Piazza dei Signori to see the clock tower — La Torre dell'Orologio. La Torre dell'Orologio in Padova is a compact, elegant clock tower dating to the 14th century that anchors the lively Piazza dei Signori. Its striking astronomical clock, restored over centuries, displays hours, lunar phases, and zodiac signs—an enduring symbol of medieval civic pride and scientific curiosity. Visitors appreciate the tower’s textured brickwork, the historic bell that marks the hours, and its setting amid cafes and arcades, making it a quiet but memorable stop on a stroll through Padua’s historic center.

Around 4 PM is time for aperitivo, and I recommend grabbing cicchetti and spritz at Brutal. It does get crowded so the earlier the better, but it’s the best to try the typical cicchetti — you can’t go wrong with anything seafood if you don’t know which to try. Padova is also home of the aperol spritz, where it was invented in 1919 and introduced at the International Trade Fair of Padova by the Barbieri brothers. A local secret is to try the “spritz misto,” which is half aperol, half campari — don’t ask for this in any other parts of Italy because they’ll look at you like you’re crazy!

sunset at exforo

If you’re looking for another spot for aperitivo or prefer to stay closer to Prato della Valle, I recommend the spot Exforo, which is beautiful to catch the sunset while overlooking all of Prato della Valle. I’m a huge fan of rooftop bars at sunset and this one is hard to beat.

Best gelato in padova

And lastly, if you’re looking to top-off your day with gelato, the best gelato is near Prato della Valle at Gelateria Portogallo. The line is always crazy long though, so if you’re near Piazza dei Signori I would recommend Gelateria da Bepi Padova Centro. My personal favorite in Padova is Gelateria La Romana dal 1947, but it’s not near downtown so I’m not including it as “the best,” although that’s where I prefer to take my friends since it has a nice sit-down area.

Summer nightlife in padova

For four months of the year from spring to summer, Navigli Padova opens up along the canal and you can find tons of bars from 5 PM - 2 AM. Radio stations will have their DJs playing and you can walk along the canal while enjoying drinks if you’re looking for something to do later in the evening after dinner.

Top Things to do in Moldova

MOLDOVA

Discover Moldova, a hidden gem in Eastern Europe, where rich history and stunning landscapes await. Explore the charming capital of Chișinău, known for its vibrant cafes and lush parks. Venture into the countryside to uncover the ancient villages and vineyards that showcase the country’s renowned wine culture. Don’t miss the chance to visit the majestic Orheiul Vechi Monastery, perched atop a cliff, and take a journey through time at the historic cave monasteries. With its warm-hearted people and diverse cultural heritage, Moldova offers an authentic travel experience for those seeking adventure off the beaten path.

I first visited Moldova in 2021, but my main objective was to visit Transnistria. You can read all about my trip to Transnistria here. Back then I didn’t realize I would be living in Europe a year later, but this time I spent time in Chișinău and surrounding areas. Why did I come back to Moldova though? Well, I had to renew my residency so I needed to leave the Schengen zone and Moldova is not part of it. From Italy there are cheap Wizz Air flights so it was an ideal destination for this!

Chișinău

Since my objective on my last visit was to visit Transnistria, I honestly didn’t spend too much time in the capital — this time I spent a full day exploring the area.

What to see in Chișinău

Chisinau, the capital of Moldova, combines a rich history with a vibrant present. Explore the stunning architecture of the Stefan Cel Mare Central Park, where the statue of Stefan the Great stands proudly among lush greenery. Visit the iconic Nativity Cathedral, an impressive blend of Baroque and Byzantine styles, located in the city center. Don’t miss the National Museum of History of Moldova, showcasing the region's diverse heritage through captivating exhibits. For an insight into Moldova's culture, the National Opera and Ballet Theatre offers an array of performances. Finally, wander through the bustling Piata Centrala, the central market, where local produce, crafts, and artisanal goods abound, providing an authentic taste of daily life in this dynamic city.

SEARCH | Alternatively, check out Getyourguide.com for more tour options in Moldova.

Where to stay in Chișinău

The first time I stayed in Chisinau, I was on a backpacker budget and stayed at Hostel Amazing Ionika. Overall the experience was great and the owners were very friendly and accommodating, including offering tours to Transnistria and the wine regions. If you are a solo female traveler like I was, I would probably recommend trying to stay in a private room; I didn’t have any issues in the dorm, but it was all older smelly men and I was the only woman (this was just my experience so it might be different for you).

This time around, I stayed in a fantastic hotel called London Boutique Hotel that was still reasonably priced but it was located in an accessible part of Chisinau so it was easy to walk everywhere.

STAY | Alternatively, check out Hostelworld.com for more options in the area.

Staying connected in Moldova

Of course, one of the most important things is figuring out how to stay connected while on your trip to Moldova. For short trips in countries, I personally love using e-sims instead of getting a local physical sim card since it usually takes quite a bit of time to go to the store and get it set up. Instead, I go to the Airalo app, type in the country I’m visiting (in this case Moldova), and purchase a data plan. It only takes a few minutes to set up. Check out Airalo’s Moldova e-sim plans here.

SEARCH | Alternatively, check out Airalo.com for more e-sim options.

Gagauzia

Gagauzia, a semi-autonomous region located in the heart of Moldova, is known for its rich cultural heritage and picturesque landscapes. This unique area is home to the Gagauz people, a Turkic ethnic group with a distinct language and traditions that reflect their historical roots and agricultural lifestyle. Visitors can explore charming villages, sample traditional cuisine, and experience vibrant festivals that celebrate Gagauz customs. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the tranquil countryside, dotted with vineyards and rolling hills, making it an ideal destination for a peaceful getaway. Gagauzia offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

If I’m visiting a country more than once, I always try to visit new regions if it’s feasible. The city of Comrat, located within the region of Gagauzia, was only an hour and a half by car so we decided to do a short day trip. There’s honestly not much to do; you can walk around the city center and see everything in maybe just a couple hours. The top highlight was the winery Vinuri de Comrat, where we had local food and a glass of wine cost about €1.

How to get to Comrat, gagauzia

If you’re on a tight budget you can take local transport by mashrutka, but we rented a car for €20 for the day. Honestly unless you’re visiting Comrat by car, I don’t think it’s worth the trip by local transportation since there’s so little to see.

SEARCH | Alternatively, check out Rentalcars.com for more rental car options.

From the vibrant city of Chișinău to the wine cellars of Cricova, Moldova invites travelers to experience its warm hospitality and authentic traditions. The picturesque countryside with its rolling hills and charming villages provides a serene escape from bustling tourist crowds. In conclusion, Moldova serves as a captivating destination for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure, revealing the beauty and spirit of Eastern Europe.

How to visit every country in the Pacific

Oceania

The Pacific is known to be one of the most challenging regions of the world to travel in — not because of entry requirements, but because of the logistics. Flights may only go once per week, get cancelled often, might get bumped to the next flight (which may be the following week!) if overbooked, and is extremely expensive.

There are fourteen countries in the continent of Oceania, but in this blog we’ll be discussing the hard-to-reach Pacific Island nations; countries like Australia and New Zealand are probably the most accessible, so will not be discussed in-depth here.

How do you go about trying to figure out the best route for the Pacific?

The route you plan will vary depending on your needs and constantly changing flight schedules, but I’ll explain the process in which I mapped out the logistics to visit every country in the Pacific.

Since the Mt. Hagen Festival in Papua New Guinea was on specific dates, that was the starting point. From there, I analyzed the most remote countries and what airlines flew into each one; only Nauru Airlines and Fiji Airways flew into Kiribati, and Fiji Airways was the only airline that flew into Tuvalu, for example.

So I organized two loops:

The Nauru Airlines loop — Kiribati & Nauru

The Fiji Airways loop — Tonga, Samoa, Tuvalu, Fiji

This left the following countries: Solomon Islands & Vanuatu. There were direct flights to Solomon Islands from Papua New Guinea, which was my original plan before I had some unfortunate flight delays with Air Niugini and ended up missing the flight. Fortunately I was able to rearrange things to add Solomon Islands to the end of my trip with the Fiji Airways loop.

Vanuatu, on the other hand, is touristy enough where you can easily find a connection from most hubs. Therefore, it made the most sense to start and end the Nauru loops in Brisbane, Australia to connect the Solomon Islands, the Nauru loop, and Vanuatu.

The United Airlines Hopper loop — Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Palau

The third loop I did not do on this specific trip but covers the northern Pacific islands includes Micronesia and the Marshall Islands (I’m saving Palau as my final country so I didn’t visit, but you can add it onto this loop). You can read about that trip here.

Budget

I’ll go into depth on costs per country under each country’s blog post, but I’ll add the overall budget for flights here since it was highly requested. The total for flights for these two loops was $3856 USD. Yes, it’s not cheap and probably the most expensive trip I’ve ever done.

NAURU AIRLINES loop FLIGHT COSTS

I used the multi-city option to purchase these flights from Brisbane - Kiribati - Nauru - Brisbane via Nauru Airlines for a total of $1784 USD.

Fiji Airways loop Flight costs

I also used the multi-city option to purchase the flights from Vanuatu - Tonga - Samoa - Tuvalu - Fiji - Solomon Islands via Fiji Airways for a whopping total of $2072 USD.

Tips for planning a logistically challenging trip

The most important thing is to stay flexible. I left extra days at the end of the journey just in case something went wrong. This worked out great because of the hiccup with delayed flights in Papua New Guinea to the Solomon Islands. I rebooked a new flight for the end of the trip, but if everything had gone smoothly I would have just spent more time exploring Australia!

Rather than booking a bunch of one-way separate flights, I recommend doing the “multi-city” option with a single airline so if a flight gets delayed, the airline will automatically rebook you and your whole schedule doesn’t get messed up. Besides Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, all our flights were with Nauru Airlines or Fiji Airways.

When is the best time to visit the South Pacific?

Even though you might think of the Pacific islands as hot and humid year-round, having good weather is crucial for a successful trip to hop around these remote countries. The best time of year is the dry season, from May until September, when temperatures are pleasant and rain is minimal. It’s still possible to visit other times of the year, but be aware of monsoons cancelling flights; and when some of these flights only go once or twice per week, you don’t want to risk it. I did this trip from August to September and luckily didn’t have any issues pertaining to weather.

What currency is used in the South Pacific?

I will do an overview of currency along with my tips and recommendations, and then under each country get into specifics. In general I recommend carrying a combination of USD and Australian dollars; some countries didn’t even have working ATMs or accepted credit cards so it was easier to carry cash. Only Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Vanuatu have their own currency, but they also would accept USD and AUD.

How to stay connected in the South Pacific?

I personally used the Airalo Oceania Esim, which covers eight countries in Oceania and specifically seven of the countries on this trip. It’s cheaper than buying individual esims or physical sim cards for each country so it’s a great deal and you can top-up if you run low on data. The only countries it doesn’t cover for this trip are Kiribati, Tuvalu, and Solomon Islands but I’ll go into depth on where you can find physical sim cards in separate blog posts about each country.

SEARCH | Alternatively, check out Airalo.com for more esim options.

Is it easy to book accommodation in the South Pacific?

In general you can find places to stay before your trip online, but it’s important to book far in advance to secure your room since it is very limited. You wouldn’t think countries like Tuvalu would have their hotels fill up, but I was surprised to find out that hotels were completely booked out for construction and aid workers. I’ll share recommendations of where I stayed when I specifically talk about each country.

Itinerary for every country in the Pacific

I just want to preface by saying that I know this is a really fast-paced schedule, and if you should plan extra time at the end of your trip just in case something goes wrong. In total this trip was 24 days long, or 3.5 weeks, but most travelers plan 1+ months to do this. Also flight schedules change all the time so that’s another thing you should be aware of.

“But how can you even see a country in just a few days?”

Ah yes, the question every country-counter gets. The Pacific is extremely expensive and time-consuming to visit, so unless you’re keen on visiting far outer islands, have money to burn, get a lot of time off work or aren’t working etc, you’re probably going to be in the same boat (and probably why you’re reading this blog post :) Plus, I did walk the entire perimeter of Nauru in 3.5 hours so there’s that. Anyways, here’s a brief itinerary on visiting every country in the Pacific, but if you want more in-depth details feel free to click on the country for the full blog post

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

The first stop of this trip; I planned the whole trip around the fact that I wanted to visit the Mount Hagen Festival, which you can read about how I avoided a $3000+ tour and did it independently here.

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN PORT MORESBY, PAPUA NEW GUINEA

My flight from Manila arrived at 8 AM, but was an hour late. My friends and I had booked the 11:50 AM flight to Mt. Hagen give enough cushion room since flights are notoriously known to be late, but that flight was also horrendously delayed by four hours. I recommend booking a morning flight to Mt. Hagen since the flights are always late, and the afternoon flights usually get cancelled due to morning flight delays and weather. If you can, arrive the day before and stay the night in Port Moresby, then get on the first flight the next morning.

DAY 2: MT. HAGEN FESTIVAL

This always takes place over a weekend in mid-August. There’s also a festival that happens in September, but I won’t go into too many details since you can read about how I visited the Mt. Hagen Festival independently here.

DAY 3: MT. HAGEN FESTIVAL

Honestly, I found one day to be enough since they’re the same events on both days; we should have flown out today / Sunday afternoon, but I didn’t know anyone who’s done this outside of a tour so I had no idea. Another recommendation I would make is you could get a driver to take you to Goroka on this day to see the other tribes and fly out of there instead.

DAY 4: MT. HAGEN

We were supposed to fly out on this day (the Monday after the weekend festival), but flights got so delayed it was cancelled. Like I mentioned previously, get in and get out if you’re flying because it’s just so chaotic. Luckily Air Niugini provided us with a free hotel room for the night along with meals and transport.

DAY 5: PORT MORESBY

This is where it gets even funnier; we were supposed to fly back to Port Moresby to catch a flight to the Solomon Islands, but when the plane got into Mt. Hagen it broke down. We were all pretty annoyed by this point, but another plane flew in later that day and we finally got back to Port Moresby. Air Niugini provided us with a free hotel room for the night along with meals and transport. Since we missed our flight to the Solomon Islands and afterwards were supposed to fly to Brisbane, Air Niugini provided us with a free flight to Brisbane instead.

I have to say, for a tiny airline they have fantastic customer service, but they could probably save some money by having a newer fleet of planes that don’t break down so much ha ha. Moral of the story is, what was supposed to only be three days in PNG turned into five, along with missing the Solomon Islands, so always plan extra time and don’t make your itinerary too tight.

AUSTRALIA

DAY 6: ARRIVAL IN BRISBANE

I was thankful that Air Niugini at least gave us a free flight to Brisbane after completely missing the Solomon Islands, and now we were back on track for the Nauru loop. Despite having applied for the Nauru visa over a month prior to the trip, we still hadn’t received it. The man who processes the visas at the embassy in Brisbane kept saying, “don’t worry, you’ll get it,” but at this point we were worried since our flight out was tomorrow. We paid a visit to the embassy to talk to them in person, and it was still “no worries I’ll call them up today,” but sure enough we got them later that afternoon.

DAY 7: THE NAURU LOOP

We had enough time to do a little bit of exploring, but there isn’t a whole lot to do in the city of Brisbane itself. We ended up visiting the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, which was fun to do for a few hours to see all the unique animals of Australia.

SEARCH | Alternatively, check out Getyourguide.com for more things to do in Brisbane.

In the late afternoon we headed to the airport for our 10 PM flight to Kiribati, with a short layover in Nauru. Nauru Airlines is really strict about luggage weight; I’m usually really good about negotiating to keep my backpack with me since it has all my electronics but they refused. I ended up putting my electronics into my foldable pocket-sized backpack and having to check-in my regular backpack.

KIRIBATI

DAY 8: ARRIVAL IN TARAWA

We arrived in Tarawa, Kiribati at 7 AM and the owner of the guesthouse we were staying at was there to greet us. Usually there’s a booth at the airport where you can buy sim cards, but because it was so early in the morning no one was there. The guesthouse ended up having good wifi and we were only there for a night so it was fine.

Getting around the island is easy; you just walk out to the main road (there’s only one haha) and flag down a minibus in the direction you want to go. We spent the afternoon checking out the massive WWII artillery guns and bunkers around the island.

Read more about my trip to Kiribati, including the full budget, here.

nauru

DAY 9: ARRIVAL IN NAURU

Our flight to Nauru wasn’t until 6 PM, so in the early morning we took a minibus to the airport, hitchhiked on the back of a truck until the North Tarawa bridge, walked 35 minutes to the beach at Abatao, then took a small boat across the water to check out the buias at Tabon te Keekee Ecolodge. Buias are traditional raised houses either overwater or on land.

We arrived in Nauru at 7:30 PM and someone from the hotel we were staying at came to pick us up. The restaurant options were limited — there were only two Chinese restaurants within walking distance of the hotel and they were not good. We pointed to the chicken fried rice on the menu on the wall and the owner nodded, goes into the kitchen with a cigarette hanging off his lip; you could see he dumped white rice into a wok that had was clearly not cleaned from the previous dish he cooked, along with chopped some chicken with bones that was sitting out on a cutting board. Wasn’t my favorite meal but I’ll never forget it hahaha.

DAY 10: WALKING THE PERIMETER OF NAURU

The perimeter of the country of Nauru is about 20 km and takes around 3.5 hours to walk it. I recommend getting up as early as possible, even before the sun is up. We left at dawn at 6:30 AM and it still felt too late; by the time it’s 8:30 AM it is way too hot. If I were to do it again I would find a bike to rent and do it that way, it would be much more enjoyable to do a quick bike ride at sunrise.

Our flight back to Brisbane was at 5 PM; we basically just checked into a hotel then went back to the airport first thing the next morning. Read more about my trip to Nauru, including the full budget, here.

vanuatu

DAY 11: ARRIVAL IN PORT VILA

Our original plan was to do the Mt. Yasur volcano, but unfortunately with Air Vanuatu liquidating and crashes with other airline companies, we weren’t able to visit. I believe you can now visit on certain days of the week if you want to look into it.

We got in at 2 PM and did the usual money exchange, sim cards, rented a car, then found the guesthouse we were staying at. After dinner we met up with some friends at a kava bar.

DAY 12: EXPLORING PORT VILA

One day was perfect to explore the whole island. I’ll go more into depth on my Vanuatu blog post but here’s a quick itinerary of the day:

• Blue Lagoon

• Nasinu Hot Springs

• Hideaway Island and the “underwater post office”

DAY 13: THE FIJI AIRWAYS LOOP

In the morning we went to Ekasup Cultural Village before heading to the airport to catch our flight to Tonga at 5 PM, with a quick layover in Fiji. This is where the “Fiji Loop” begins.

Read more about my trip to Vanuatu, including the full budget, here.

tonga

DAY 14: ARRIVAL IN NUKU’ALOFA

We got in a little after midnight and our guesthouse owner picked us up from the airport. They were able to set us up with a rental car, and we drove to the “Stonehenge of the Pacific” and the Anahulu Cave.

DAY 15: SWIMMING WITH HUMPBACK WHALES

This has been on my bucketlist for a long time and August / September is the best time to do this. It is an expensive excursion, so you want to be aware of who you book with — some tours pack 30+ people onto a boat so it’s hard to get time in the water before the whales get scared off. I highly recommend finding a private boat driver with maximum six people onboard so you get the best experience and value for your money.

samoa

DAY 16: ARRIVAL IN APIA

We arrived in Apia at 4 PM and decided to rent a car; the car rental office was in town so we had to haggle with a taxi driver to take us down there. Some friends of ours from Papua New Guinea were also in Samoa so we met up in the evening for a cultural show and got to have traditional food and watch some dances.

DAY 17: DRIVING AROUND THE ISLAND

I’ll share more details in a separate blog post, but here’s a short guide to the activities we managed to squeeze in:

• Sopoaga Falls

• ToSua Ocean Trench

• Lalomanu Beach

• Papapapaitai Falls

TUVALU

DAY 18: FLYING INTO FUNAFUTI

We got in at 11 AM; our hotel was a minute walk from the airport so we settled in and saw someone across the street renting scooters. We rented one for the day and drove from one end of the island to the other. At sunset the airport runway turned into a soccer field so we spent the rest of the evening hanging out!

Read more about my trip to Tuvalu, including the full budget, here.

fiji

DAY 19: SUVA

Our flight departed Tuvalu around noon and we got into Suva, Fiji at 3:30 PM. We stayed at a guesthouse right next to the airport, but took a taxi to check out the city. Definitely recommend getting Indian food if you’ve been disappointed by all the not-so-great Chinese restaurants around the south Pacific.

DAY 20: NADI

We flew from Suva to Nadi at 6:30 AM, and we got picked up from the airport to go to a floating bar for the day. It was honestly so spectacular after such an exhausting few weeks in the Pacific. Great food and drinks and perfect relaxation time.

solomon islands

DAY 21: FLYING INTO HONIARA

We were supposed to visit Solomon Islands right after Papua New Guinea, but that plan got derailed. Luckily we left time at the end to explore Australia if everything went perfectly, but instead we used the extra time to pick up the country we missed. When we arrived we exchanged money, got a sim card, then walked to the main road and flagged down a mini bus into Honiara for the night.

DAY 22: RODERICK BAY

Trying to find the boat captain / owner of Roderick Bay was hectic, so if you plan on going don’t be surprised. But, my goodness, the boat ride across the channel was probably one of my top scariest boat rides of my life. It’s up there with the Drake Passage to Antarctica. I’ll go into more details in a separate blog post, but be warned, it’s not a trip for the faint of heart.

DAY 23: RODERICK BAY

We literally just hung out and did nothing; the whole Pacific trip and the boat ride out took everything out of me by this point. Roderick Bay was the perfect place to relax and disconnect; there isn’t any signal even though we were told there was, so if you need to stay connected this isn’t the best place.

DAY 24: THE BOAT RIDE BACK TO HONIARA

We tried leaving as early as we could from Roderick Bay to avoid the crazy waves like we experienced on the way in. We spent the rest of our time in Honiara at a cafe before finding a mini bus to the airport for our 5 PM flight back to Australia.

How to visit the Mt. Hagen Festival in Papua New Guinea independently

Mt. Hagen Festival

The Mount Hagen Cultural Show, commonly known as the Mt. Hagen Festival, is a vibrant celebration of Papua New Guinea's rich cultural heritage. Held annually in the town of Mount Hagen, this festival showcases the diverse traditional practices, costumes, and performances of the various ethnic groups across the highlands.

Typically taking place in August, the festival attracts thousands of visitors from both local communities and abroad. Participants representing numerous tribes come together to perform traditional dances, share stories, and display their colorful attire, often embellished with feathers, shells, and body paint.

The event features a variety of performances, including traditional singing and dancing, which are integral to the cultural identities of the tribes involved. Audience members can witness the intricate storylines conveyed through these art forms—often depicting ancestral journeys, daily life, and spiritual beliefs.

Craft stalls and food vendors also play a significant role in the festival, offering a taste of local cuisine and handcrafted goods. This not only provides an authentic cultural experience but also supports local artisans and communities.

The Mt. Hagen Festival serves as a crucial platform for the preservation of cultural traditions amid modernization. It fosters a sense of unity among the tribes while inviting the world to appreciate the unique and rich cultural tapestry of Papua New Guinea.

HOW TO GET THERE

We flew into the capital of Port Moresby early in the morning, then caught a domestic flight via Air Niugini to Mt. Hagen. These flights are known to get super delayed; we were originally on the noon flight but it ended up being 3.5 hours late. After the festival the flight back to Port Moresby ended up getting cancelled due to technical issues so we had two extra days in Papua New Guinea. It’s important to stay flexible so I recommend planning spare days for cushion room or take a side tour up to see the tribes in Goroka.

Where to stay // accommodation

We stayed at a place called Shalom Guest House, and the owner set everything up from transportation to the festival tickets. It was about 150 Kina per night when I stayed in August 2024. I get a lot of questions about safety, because usually that’s a deterrent for people to visit independently. The guesthouse was gated and felt completely safe, but we didn’t wander off outside of the festival grounds or the guesthouse area. As long as you follow the guidelines of the guesthouse owners, you will be fine.

The guesthouse gets booked out far in advance since it’s literally their home. We booked in January and the festival is in August to give you an idea. The owners arranged transport — from pickup at the airport, to transport to and from the festival, and drop-off at the airport. They also secured the festival tickets for us about two weeks prior to the festival.

SEARCH | Alternatively, check out Booking.com for more options in the area.

How to purchase mt. hagen festival tickets

Make sure you contact the guesthouse owners beforehand so they can arrange everything, but they can purchase the 2-day Mt. Hagen Festival tickets for you in advance for 300 Kina per person. The festival starts early in the morning and ends around 1 PM both Saturday and Sunday. I didn’t know the festival ended so early and would have tried flying out of Mt. Hagen on Sunday instead of Monday if I knew beforehand!

Are there ATms in Mt. hagen?

Unfortunately the ATMs usually don’t work, so you need to bring cash from Port Moresby. The guesthouse and shops don’t accept credit card, USD, or Euro (and there aren’t any exchange offices either), so make sure you plan out how much you need in advance.

How to get around mt. hagen // festival transportation

The guest house arranged all our transportation, from the airport pickup to shuttling us to and from the festival. Prices may vary depending on how many people are in your group. Since the guesthouse was completely full when we went, the owners hired a bus to take all of us around for the weekend and we also got to do some sightseeing besides the festival.

mt. hagen festival

We arrived at the festival super early, but it didn’t end up starting until around 9 AM. There was a procession with all the different tribes that pretty much lasted the whole time, and the procession line ended at a giant field where each tribe would stand together and you could take photos and they would perform their dances. You just walk around and see the different tribes, and it ends around 2 PM. I was surprised at how short the day was, and there weren’t a lot of events or activities besides walking around the different tribes, which is why I felt that one day was enough rather than both Saturday and Sunday.

How to Budget for your trip to Mt. Hagen

Please keep in mind that prices may vary, but hopefully this gives you a rough idea for planning your trip and that it’s possible to visit the Mt. Hagen Festival independently and on a budget without spending $3800+ for a single tour!

• Shalom Guest House: 150 Kina / $38 USD per night

• Festival tickets: 300 Kina / $75 USD

• Transportation: 117 Kina / $30 USD

• Food: Prices may vary, but there is a communal kitchen at the guesthouse so we stopped by a grocery store and cooked all our meals during our stay. We didn’t really see too many options for restaurants in Mt. Hagen.

• TOTAL: $220 USD (minus food and round-trip flights)

A Comprehensive Guide on Hiking Everest Base Camp Independently

EVEREST BASE CAMP

Mt. Everest, standing tall at 29,032 feet, is the highest peak in the world. Located in the Himalayas on the border between Nepal and China, this majestic mountain has captivated adventurers and explorers for decades. Scaling its treacherous slopes is a feat that many dream of, but only a few brave souls ever achieve. The summit offers breathtaking views and a sense of accomplishment like no other. However, Everest's unforgiving nature has also claimed the lives of many who dared to challenge its mighty presence. A true testament to nature's power and beauty, Mt. Everest remains a beacon for those seeking to push the limits of human achievement.

As an avid hiker and mountaineer, Mt. Everest is one of the natural wonders of this world that has fascinated me. When I was making plans for Nepal, my 169th country, people advised me that the Annapurna circuit is much more beautiful, but I couldn’t shake the thought of Everest Base Camp. Sure, I would need two weeks minimum, but I knew I had to make the pilgrimage to the highest mountain in the world.

Can you hike Everest Base Camp Independently?

Due to the increasing number of accidents and deaths, the Nepalese government introduced a new rule in 2023 that requires all foreign hikers to be accompanied by a local guide while hiking in Nepal. This rule confused me because I assumed that meant I needed a guide, but after looking into it I found that the regional government of the Everest region opted not to follow this new regulation.

I did end up hiring a guide through Iconic Holiday Nepal if you’re interested in having someone experienced show you the way, but I took careful notes throughout the trip so you can save money and hike to Everest Base Camp on your own without a guide.

10 DAY EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK ITINERARY

How long do you need for everest base Camp?

The recommended length of time to do Everest Base Camp is fourteen days. You need time to acclimatize and extra time set aside just in case anything happens with your flights. When I arrived at Ramechhap Airport, it was backed up because the previous three days there were no flights due to weather. My trek was supposed to be twelve days, but with the delays it ended up being ten days. Understand that the recommended length of time to plan is twelve days, but in a perfect case scenario (which is very unlikely) you can do it in ten.

DAY 1: Kathmandu - Ramechhap Airport - Lukla - Manjo

TREK TIME: 5 hours

DIFFICULTY: Easy with a few ups and downs

ELEVATION GAIN: Lukla (9334’ / 2845 m) to Manjo (9390’ / 2862 m) | 56’ / 17 m

DISTANCE: 7.8 miles / 12.63 kilometers

WHERE TO STAY: Panorama Lodge & Restaurant (200 NPR/night for a twin room)

If you’re lucky, you can fly directly to Lukla from Kathmandu, but if you’re hiking during peak trekking season chances are you’re going to have to make the dreaded four hour drive to Ramechhap Airport. Due to the demand to hike Everest Base Camp, they shift the flights to Lukla out of Ramechhap otherwise regular commercial flights wouldn’t be able to fly out of Kathmandu. This drive is so windy and you’re squished into a packed van.

Getting a flight to Lukla that departs on time is almost like winning the lottery because it’s so rare that it happens. Lukla is considered “the most dangerous airport in the world” due to it’s high altitude and short runway, so weather conditions must be perfect. Sometimes there are even cases where the flight is almost there and the pilots decide to turn around because the weather conditions changed drastically in a short amount of time. Anyways, don’t be surprised if your flight gets delayed and you end up spending a night in Ramechaap.

Most flights that arrive in Lukla happen in the morning, so when you arrive to Lukla use this day to your advantage and get a head start! Because of the mass amounts of people, it’s honestly pretty easy to follow the crowds towards the trail. On the outskirts of Lukla at the beginning of the trailhead, you’ll find the permit office. You need to purchase a TIMS card as it is a record of your trek kept for safety. Individuals pay $20 and get a green card and those in groups pay $10 and get a blue card. The permit costs 3000 NPR + a 13% tax of 3390 NPR (around $30).

Anyways, once you start your hike you’ll descend into a valley and takes about three hours before arriving in Phakding. Have lunch and continue to Manjo for about two hours, where the trail starts to climb. I recommend staying at Panorama Lodge & Restaurant since it’s right after the first permit-check office (you won’t have to wait around if you’re trying to get an early morning start the next day) and you finally enter Sagarmatha National Park.

How much to set aside for food?

The higher your climb, the more expensive food becomes. Up until Dingboche, I would set aside about 1000 NPR per meal (even though you could probably get away with paying 600 NPR, but just to be on the safe side). I also highly recommend buying a Lifestraw water bottle to save money and you don’t have to buy water, you can simply just fill up on tap water or local streams.

Is there wifi and power?

It was quite the shock to learn that everything costs extra, including taking a shower. At each of the tea houses, there is wifi but you have to pay for it. I would recommend getting a sim card or e-sim which will work up until Dingboche. Wifi up until Dingboche costs around 300 NPR on average.

Power is another issue I realized gets more expensive the higher you go. Up until Dingboche you can charge anything you like for on-average 300 NPR. You won’t find outlets in your rooms, but in common areas you’ll see a power strip where the owners can manage everything. Bring a minimum of two power banks, and a mini solar panel that you can hang on your backpack would also be handy.

DAY 2: Manjo - Namche Bazaar

TREK TIME: 3.5 hours

DIFFICULTY: Easy start and then uphill for two hours

ELEVATION GAIN: Manjo (9390’ / 2862 m) to Namche Bazaar (11286’ / 3440 m) | 2436’ / 578 m

DISTANCE: 5 miles / 8 kilometers

WHERE TO STAY: Comfort Inn (300 NPR/night for a twin room)

After Manjo it’s pretty easy until you see a double suspension bridge, where the trail starts climbing towards Namche Bazaar. You’ll climb for about two hours until you reach the second checkpoint, which is your sign that you’re almost there! Get an early start so you can arrive late morning, have lunch, then do an afternoon acclimatization hike. Most people stay in Namche Bazaar for two nights so they can have a full day set aside for the acclimatization hike, but if you’re strapped for time this will condense your schedule.

Namche Bazaar is a fun town where you can get gear your forgot, maybe some last minute first-aid supplies (blister patches anyone?), cash from the ATMs, or fun souvenirs. It’s the perfect place to relax, so if you do have extra time set aside I recommend even saving this for your way back!

DAY 3: Namche Bazaar - Pangboche

TREK TIME: 7 hours

DIFFICULTY: Easy to moderate. The first part goes downhill, then all uphill after lunch.

ELEVATION GAIN: Namche Bazaar (11286’ / 3440 m) to Pangboche (13110’ / 3996 m) | 1824’ / 556 m

DISTANCE: 11 miles / 18 kilometers

WHERE TO STAY: Holiday Inn Lodge & Restaurant (500 NPR/night for a twin room)

Most people stay in Tengboche for the night, but remember how I mentioned there were three days worth of flights on the day I was supposed to fly to Lukla? Well, now that I caught up to everyone all the tea houses are extremely packed, there was no availability whatsoever in Tengboche, and I had to continue an extra two hours to Pangboche. I recommend stopping for lunch either in Sanasa (it was also packed when I came through so I had to continue on) or the Lawi Schyasa area. I had lunch at Zambala Restaurant right before the Dudha Koshi Bridge, and it was a great stop before continuing on.

DAY 4: Pangboche - Dingboche

TREK TIME: 4 hours

DIFFICULTY: Easy, but this is where you will begin to feel the altitude.

ELEVATION GAIN: Pangboche (13110’ / 3996 m) to Dingboche (14470’ / 4410 m) | 1360’ / 415 m

DISTANCE: 4 miles / 6.4 kilometers

WHERE TO STAY: Hotel Grand Himalaya (500 NPR/night for twin room)

This is an easy stroll, especially if you stayed in Pangboche instead of Tengboche. Dingboche, however, is where you’ll start to see the prices increase in every aspect. From here, I would start to budget 1300 NPR per meal, 1500 NPR just to charge an external battery (which is why it’s important to make sure you charge everything prior or bring a mini solar panel/extra external batteries)! I also finally decided to shower since it’s the halfway point, and that cost 700 NPR. Bring wet wipes otherwise. You’ll also begin to feel the altitude, so it’s important the best medicine is to just take it slow. Don’t hike too fast. A headache in the front of your head is normal, but if you feel it in the back of your head towards your neck, that’s one of the symptoms of altitude sickness.

DAY 5: Dingboche

Use this day for an acclimatization hike! You’ll see most people doing the Nangkartshang Peak trail, which takes about 3 hours. Do it early in the morning since the winds start to pick up mid-morning, and then you can have the rest of the day to relax. Also note that you won’t have signal starting in Dingboche, and wifi is satellite.

DAY 6: Dingboche - Lobuche

TREK TIME: 4 hours

DIFFICULTY: Moderate to difficult due to the altitude and steep climb before Lobuche

ELEVATION GAIN: Dingboche (14470’ / 4410 m) to Lobuche (16142’ / 4920 m) | 1672’ / 510 m

DISTANCE: 5.2 miles / 8.4 kilometers

WHERE TO STAY: Hotel Peak XV (700 NPR/night for twin room)

Hopefully you used the previous day to acclimatize since today is a lot of elevation gain! The trail gradually climbs for about two hours out of Dingboche until you arrive in Dukla. Dukla is a great spot for lunch before you continue on a steeper climb. After an hour you’ll reach a plateau where you’ll find Memorial Park; shrines dedicated to those who lost their lives climbing the Himalayas. Fill up on extra water here in Lobuche, since there will be no water sources in Gorakshep and water is very expensive up there.

DAY 7: Lobuche - Gorakshep - Everest Base Camp

TREK TIME: 6 hours

DIFFICULTY: Moderate with a steep climb to Gorakship, easy to EBC

ELEVATION GAIN: Lobuche (16142’ / 4920 m) to EBC (17596’ / 5380 m) | 1454’ / 443 m

DISTANCE: 7.3 miles / 11.7 kilometers

WHERE TO STAY: Snowland Inn (700 NPR/night for twin room)

Today’s the big day to Everest Base Camp! First thing’s first: the trek from Lobuche to Gorakshep. The trail is flat for about the first hour, then is a constant climb for the next two hours until reaching Gorakshep. Once you arrive at your tea house, grab lunch then continue onto Everest Base Camp for the afternoon. It’ll take about an hour to reach EBC, and is a lot of ups and downs. When you arrive you’ll see a giant sign, signifying that you finally made it!

DAY 8: Gorakshep - Kala Patthar - Pangboche

TREK TIME: 7 hours

DIFFICULTY: Difficult to Kala Patthar, moderate but long on the way back

DISTANCE: 15.1 miles / 24.3 kilometers

WHERE TO STAY: Namaste Lodge & Restaurant (500 NPR/night for twin room)

Get ready to hike Kala Patthar for sunrise at 4:30 AM, the highest point of the trek. It’s a beautiful view of Mount Everest, and you’ll get to see the sun rise behind it. I honestly can’t say if it was worth it or not because I was wrecked after the week, but the scenery was pretty. I didn’t really feel like I missed out on anything though if you’re going back and forth on doing this extra hike or not.

Head back to Gorakshep for breakfast before making your way back down. We had lunch in Dukla, then continued on the path through Pheriche before stopping in Pangboche for the night. Oh, how amazing it was to be back in an area where it wasn’t so expensive for wifi or power! I prefer Namaste Lodge over the previous tea house we stayed at, Holiday Inn, because the signal was better. No need to even buy wifi!

DAY 9: Pangboche - Manjo

TREK TIME: 6.5 hours

DIFFICULTY: Moderate, mostly up and down but just a long day because it’s not a lot of downhill

DISTANCE: 16 miles / 25.8 kilometers

WHERE TO STAY: Panorama Lodge & Restaurant (200 NPR/night for a twin room)

We pushed until Manjo today because my guide said that Namche Bazaar (where most people would stop) wasn’t that far… I would disagree and say it was a decent trek because you don’t have a lot of downhill, unlike the previous day. Going all the way to Manjo for the night absolutely wrecked me, on top of Kala Patthar the previous day.

Again, remember how we were basically competing for rooms every night because it was three days of flights in one so there were 3X the amount of people doing the trek? My guide got word that the day we were supposed to fly out everything was overbooked and weather through the weekend didn’t look good… meaning we could be stuck in Lukla for some time. We made the decision to try and get a flight out the next morning, so staying in Manjo proved to be a good move.

DAY 10: Manjo - Lukla

TREK TIME: 4.5 hours

DIFFICULTY: Moderate, mostly up and down

DISTANCE: 7.8 miles / 12.63 kilometers

We left Manjo at around 5 AM, and the sun began to rise shortly after so it wasn’t dark for too long. We were racing to get back by 10 AM to try and get a flight. As I’m sure you know by now, the flights are very volatile and often don’t run after noon because the weather changes so drastically. Because of all the fumes from the tea houses, I was fighting phlegm and a kennel cough on top of trying to get back. Just as a warning, the tea houses are not well-insulated and you’ll be breathing in all sorts of fumes and chemicals like paint that never quite dried, smoke from the indoor fires, and mold. After coming down from higher altitudes, my lungs loosened up and I got a nasty cough. I noticed most people coming back from EBC also had this. There’s not much you can do about it but just a forewarning.

If you’re racing to get on a flight (just because you have a reservation doesn’t mean anything, it’s literally a free-for-all), go to the The Nest at Lukla Hotel. The owner has a hook-up with the airlines and can get you on a flight. We arrived, had some lemon ginger honey tea (which I recommend for that cough), and the owner got us on the next flight back to Lukla at 11 AM.

Upon arrival in Lukla, I was chatting with the pilot as he packed up his bag and said, “you’re lucky, you got the last flight of the day. The weather is bad now so no more scheduled flights,” And the following days the weather was terrible, as previously mentioned. You really have to be flexible around these flights, or have a guide who’s well-informed.