Five reasons you should plan a trip to the island of Tuvalu
Being isolated can be a blessing and a curse. In the case of the stunning island nation of Tuvalu, the blessing is that its pristine beaches and Polynesian lifestyle haven't been overrun by tourists. But it's also a lot of work to get there, which is why it hasn't been overrun by tourists.
Located roughly halfway between Australia and Hawaii, this tiny Oceanic nation is home to a permanent population of just under 12,000 people. What this borderline literal tropical paradise has to offer should absolutely launch it to the top of your travel plans.
Polynesian Hospitaity
Since less than 4,000 tourists a year swing by Tuvalu, the visitors that do tend to get treated pretty well. You'll most likely end up staying at a guest house and being taken care of by the locals. There are also some pretty good ecolodges. You'll find that the people are happy to meet visitors and enjoy sharing stories about their home.
Taking it Easy
To be completely honest, this isn't an island like Oahu that is stacked with tons of options for tourists. That's the reality of traveling to a place that isn't an established tourist destination. What that means is Tuvalu is a place where you can genuinely relax and just lie on the beach. You don't have to worry about when and where to be somewhere because you generally don't have anywhere to be.
Island Hop
Tuvalu is made up of three reef islands and six atolls, many of which are uninhabited. The Funafuti Atoll has more than 20 small islands surrounding a lagoon. It is a protected region called the Funafuti Conservation Area, which you can visit and explore. The beautiful islands are small but provide nesting grounds for both seabirds and sea turtles.
Eat, Eat, Eat
Island culture means that coconuts and seafood are a huge part of the diet. You won't find many other proteins here since there really isn't much room to raise animals like cattle. And pork is only eaten on special occasions. In addition to a wide range of seafood and coconut dishes, bananas and breadfruit also pop up with a great deal of frequency.
Abundant Sealife
Yes, eating seafood is a big part of going to Tuvalu but so is seeing it. There are numerous opportunities to go snorkeling and diving, giving you a chance to explore the lively and colorful reefs. This is a biodiversity hot spot, meaning there is a shocking array of animals to view. Reefs are teeming with fish as well as sharks, manta rays, and so much more.