I'm not sure I like the idea of physically visiting another island, but i do remember the events from vv1 where someone came to the island in a boat and exchanged things with tem, giving them a boost in technology (going competely from my very bad memory here)

what if thosecame back in vv3, wth some new choices and outcomes???

Natives from other islands can come on boats and there choices can sometimes be to A) greet them, or B) hide. The consequences of greeting themcould range from one of your villagers deciding to go back with them, to getting new technology and adding points, or getting food that poisons the village! Hiding could mean they just go away, or they steal tech points or food.

The other neighbor type of event could be that they come to trade. Once example could read "The villagers on the neighboring island had a bountiful harvest! They would like to trade food for artifacts. a) Do not trade with them B) Trade 5000 tech points C) Trade 50,000 tech points" and the outcomes can be varied, or set in stone. They could also come to trade artifacts, and you give them food to get more tech points, etc.

If they are on the ocean, the villagers might need to construct a pier before neighbors can come visit. With the right number of events and outcomes, the pier could take the place of the Gong from VV2.

Just an idea.