There are few things better than setting your emails to "do not disturb", throwing on your flip flops, and reclining in a beach chair for hours on end. And, if you really want to go off the grid without sacrificing your tropical vacation, you'll book a trip to Tuvalu. Tuvalu may be the least-visited country in the world—yes, even less than North Korea—but it's the very definition of a hidden gem.
A Country Far Off The Beaten Path
Tuvualu sees less than 3000 tourists a year. Located between Australia and Hawaii, Tuvalu is a tiny collection of just 9 islands. Arranging travel can be frustrating, but we promise it's so worth it.
Tuvalu is almost directly north of Fiji, but receives a fraction of the tourist traffic. Why? Because it's so remote.
Not only is Tuvalu physically remote—it's no surprise that many of the least-visited countries in the world are in the South Pacific—but it's far from a bustling metropolis. The islands are just under 10 square miles with a population of 11,000. The majority of the population lives in the capital of Funafuti, which has the country's only airport.
While Tuvalu may be far, especially if you're visiting from the states. It isn't actually that difficult to get to. If you can get to Fiji, it's just a quick flight to Tuvalu, with flights running three times a week.
Don't arrive to Tuvalu expecting five-star resorts and Michelin-star restaurants. In fact, you'll find only a few hotels and no major shopping centers to pick up kitschy souvenirs. While there is free internet throughout the country, connections are often slow.
We aren't telling you all this to scare you away from making vacation plans. Rather, we're trying to ensure you temper your expectations. In order to best enjoy Tuvalu, you must meet it on its own terms.
So, what exactly is there to do?
Tuvalu Tourism
For starters, Tuvalu is a snorkeler's paradise. The crystal clear waters of the Funafuti Marine Conservation Area are filled with gorgeous corals, colorful fish, and majestic sea turtles. You'll have the opportunity to see rare wildlife in jaw-dropping scenery few others are privy to.
If privacy is what you're after, you don't have to worry about being disturbed. Tuvalu's shady palm trees and white sand beaches have more seabirds than beachcombers! You can enjoy your beach reads without worrying about being splashed or hit by a beach ball.
While there is no tourist bureau in Tuvalu, the locals are known for their incredible hospitality. Not only will they give you a motorbike tour of the island, but they also might invite you into their homes to sample Tuvaluan cuisine. The food is simple, with lots of fish and coconut, but tasty.
If it's arts and culture you're after, you're in luck. Fatele, the traditional dance song is performed throughout the week at town halls, and even in people's houses. More than just feeling the beat, fatele retells stories from Tuvualuan mythology through voice and movement—some can go on for hours!
While there aren't any major shopping centers, you'll be able to find something even better: one of a kind gifts! The Women's Handicraft Center sells traditionally woven baskets and necklaces, as well as woodcarvings and fishhooks. These handicrafts are a testament to Tuvalu's rich Polynesian culture which, while threatened by colonization, has endured for thousands of years.
Unfortunately, Tuvalu's very existence is threatened by global warning. If the seas rise even 10 feet, the entire country could be at risk of being washed away. Go visit Tuvalu now, before it's too late!
