Yep, the Fireball is the typical 3rd level D&D / OSR spell given as an example. All the spells listed in the UVG 2E are power 1 - so level 0.5 (effectively like cantrips).
It is indeed setting + mechanics for travel there. I've been working on the expanded guidebook and the (pretty-much-finished) text is now available: https://www.patreon.com/posts/vastlands-beta-110976074
Hope that helps!