According to the Happy Planet Index, Vanuatu is the happiest place on earth Photo: David Kirkland

However, the only language travellers need to master is Bislama - a phonetic form of pigeon English most people can understand when slowed down.

The diet on Vanuatu revolves around taro, yam and manioc, with pigs eaten on special occasions. Kava is drunk as a relaxant and an intoxicant and is a popular way of winding down at the end of the day.

Accommodation on Vanuatu ranges from well-serviced camping grounds to island resorts with deluxe beachside bungalows.

Vanuatu's temperature is fairly consistent year-round, however it vary up to 10°C between the northern and southern islands.

Efate - Vanuatu's main tourist island - enjoys a balmy climate ranging from 22-28°C. November through to April tends to be wet and cyclone season arrives early February for up to six weeks, so don't be tempted by the cheap deals on offer during these months.

The best time to visit is in the winter months (May to October). The easiest way to get off the beaten track and explore the outlying islands is by air, but don't be surprised to see livestock and vast quantities of traditional handicrafts packed in the aisles on public flights. In ni-Vanuatu culture, the more one gives, the higher one's status, so they are always giving gifts to friends and relatives.

The main form of currency is the Vatu. US$1 equals roughly 106 Vatus.

Vanuatu lies 1750 km east of Australia, and 500km northeast of New Caledonia. It is west of Fiji and south of the Solomon Islands. From Brisbane, Australia, it takes 2.5 hours to fly to the country's capital, Port Vila; 3.5 hours from Sydney and only two hours from Auckland, New Zealand. Air Vanuatu is the national airline. Budget airline Pacific Blue also flies to Port Vila, but only from Australia and New Zealand.