Tuvalu's remote location and lack of amenities have limited the development of tourism, which is a blessing in disguise. There is only one government-owned hotel in Funafuti, but wherever there are people, you'll probably find someone who will offer a place to stay and a meal at a reasonable price. There are a few guesthouses, which provide simple accommodations and meals. One could get by in Tuvalu for about US$30 a day. There is no car hire facility (yet another advantage), but bicycles are available for rent, which may raise the daily budget a dollar or two. For more information, see Facts for the Traveler - from Lonely Planet World Guide, and Getting Around - from My Travel Guide.com.
Most activity is centered in the capital, Funafuti, where the greatest attraction is the enormous and beautiful Funafuti Lagoon. The lagoon is 9 miles wide and about 11 miles long, and is excellent for swimming and snorkeling. Privately-owned boats are available for hire,and trips can be made to the many beautiful uninhabited islets in the Funafuti atoll. Another point of interest is the spot which made Tuvalu the focus of international scientific attention almost 100 years ago, when an expedition was sent from London to drill far into the ground to prove Charles Darwin's theory on the formation of coral atolls. And of course, the main point of interest should be rich local culture, which dates back thousands of years. Local traditions and celebrations which involve lots of singing and dancing are not to be missed. Please visit Tuvalu - Origins and Culture page to read more about rich Tuvalu heritage. Also see Lonely Planet's Off the Beaten Track recommendations.
If fine dining is your priority, Tuvalu may be the last place you'd want to go. As there are virtually no shops or restaurants in Tuvalu, travelers have the choice of either bringing their own provisions, or purchasing meals (at cheap prices) from the locals. The latter choice is more interesting and practical, as it allows you to experience the local culture more fully. In extreme cases, survival is entirely possible (and not so unpleasant) on bananas, pineapples, and other abundant local tropical fruit!
