If one wants to hop on to a few more than a thousand splendid islands and 26 coral atolls filled with marine life, underwater exploration, or sprawl across the powdery sand beaches, are a few reasons to visit the Maldives.
Here are some tips on your plan to visit the Maldives, in case you are exploring possibilities in this direction:
Plan Weather-wise
The preferable peak season to visit the Maldives is from November till April months. The weather is conducive to make your trip a memorable one.
If you plan a budget trip, then the best period is between peak and off seasons or shoulder season, so to say. Lesser demand and occupancy shall bring exciting discounts.
The off-season period from April till September, though rain-affected period, but may turn out to be your best bet.
Wisely choose your Airplane rides
Must-follow advice for first-time travelers to the Maldives is to choose regional or domestic flights, as these are cheaper. Another affordable option is flying to Male and then transporting between islands by speedboat to reach specific islands. A costlier but unforgettable affair would be to choose a round trip seaplane ride.
Choosing domestic flights for transfer can also be tricky as these get delayed and the seaplane transfers. Therefore, it is advisable to choose flights that land by noon to ensure a timely return to the island, otherwise one may have to spend the night in Male and return the next morning.
Go for online boarding and lodging bookings
For availing affordable and cheaper tickets, the trip must be planned well in time by purchasing discount tickets, online. Not only tickets but hotels or resort bookings must also be booked accordingly.
Choose the best package by comparing amongst various service providers, well in advance.
Follow the rules of the land
Another crucial point to consider is the period during which the Maldives trip must be avoided, and that is during one-month Ramadan observation. The Maldives, being a Muslim dominated place, remains nonchalant. Another thing to be kept in mind is that not all beaches are bikini-friendly, except for the private island resorts. Also, one needs to ensure the permissions for the use of drones for photography purposes.
Be Penny-wise
Choosing boarding and lodging options is also particularly important to keep the trip within budgetary limits. There are less expensive hotels on local islands or luxury resorts on private islands. Choose from a variety of package offers to suit your preferences.
All-inclusive or Half-board facilities – Choice is yours
While enjoying in the Maldives, the all-inclusive deals can be expensive, while half-boards shall be a better option. The half-boards shall include breakfast, lunch, drinks with access to A-la-carte restaurants. One needs to choose one’s options beforehand and wisely.
Travel Light
To travel happily, travel light. Carrying alcohol, tobacco products, and pork is prohibited in the Maldives. But do carry minimal tropical-friendly clothing, swimsuit (if staying in the private island), toiletries, personal care products, and medical emergency kit.
Most importantly, do carry a water-resistant camera with a polarizer to capture overboard and underwater memories. Sunscreen must be an essential part of your luggage and that too reef-safe sunscreen, which should be carried along, because purchasing one at the Maldives may prove costly.
Check Water Sports Prices
The resorts and the private tour organizers do offer water sports trips in the package. One needs to choose after comparing prices for discounts on offer.
Bioluminescent Beach visit is a must
A once-in-a-lifetime experience to undertake during Maldives trips is to witness the planktons emitting luminescent toxins during the night, which creates a starry look on the ocean bed.
Taxes and Hidden Costs are Aplenty
To avoid being on the higher side of the bills, one needs to look for additional costs on imported food and beverages at luxury resorts. One need not pay the tips at eateries.
Use US Dollars
In addition to carrying credit cards, it would be convenient and practical to carry cash in the form of US Dollars to the Maldives, as situations may arise when carrying cash would prove to be a wise decision.
Stay Put at one Place
Transfers within the Maldives can prove to be a hectic affair, as except for Male, the transfer is not that easy. Therefore, it would be advisable to choose a package with one particular resort or hotel and spend the entire vacation there.
Buy Sims at Airport
For becoming travel-smart while travelling to the Maldives, it is advisable to purchase SIM(s) at the airport after you land in the Maldives.
Visa on Arrival
A visitor is given a thirty-day visa on arrival at the airport, and the only requirement is the validity of one’s Passport for a minimum period of six months.
Final Takeaways for Maldives Travel Diaries
To fully enjoy a trip to the Maldives, a traveler needs to be well-prepared to enjoy the memorable trip to a place of tranquility and to be in the vicinity of natural splendor coupled with the comfort the Maldives offers. Besides luxury trips, budget-friendly packages are also on offer to choose from and relish a lifetime experience.