Every couple’s romantic dream comes true when they visit the Maldives, with sun-kissed beaches, luxurious hotels, turquoise seas, colorful fish, and coral reefs. While planning a trip, many people unknowingly made mistakes that led to over-budget spending that leaves a scar on our experiences. However, you cannot be held responsible since the Maldives is a unique country compared to others and as such those mistakes are totally out of your reach. Let us point out some mistakes to you in this article and you can take some help from these points so that you don’t commit these mistakes.
Follow basic unsaid rules of the country
As many hotel employees will be at family functions during Ramadan, planning during this time is not a good idea. Additionally, there will be limited food availability during the day and many stores and services will be closed, especially during prayer time. Alcohol and pork will also be in short supply. Another important Maldives Vacation tip to follow at this time is to make sure you are adequately covered while visiting the local islands, especially knees, shoulders, abdomen, chest, and elbows. In the Maldives, when one goes to the local islands, the rules are relaxed, and one can dress how one wants when at the resort islands. The public display of affection is also prohibited, as is homosexuality.
Not Planning Your Trip According To Weather
Maldives vacations peak from November through April because of the perfect weather and endless soft sunshine. All activities and accommodations will be quite expensive. In order to save money on your Maldives trip plan, traveling during shoulder season will be among the best Maldives travel tips, as the weather will be still pleasant and you will receive great discounts and service from the resort due to the 20% decreased occupancy. Even during the off-season, rain does not last all day. Therefore, the period between April and September is the best time to travel. There are two main rainy seasons in the Maldives – Iruvai during October and November, and Halhangu from May to August.
Knowing budget and details for activities
Many hotels do not have lagoons nearby, so you might have to spend some money on snorkeling or island hopping. The location of some activities is important, for example, whale shark watching. Though it might be offered through your hotel, do find out how long it will take to reach it. Locals are used to sea transportation but people who are seasick might not be used to a boat ride of five hours each way.
Choose affordable accommodation & transportation
You need to be aware of all your options when deciding how to travel to the Maldives. You can either choose a less expensive Maldives vacation hotel on the local islands or go for luxury and privacy at a five-star resort on a private island, depending on the average cost of a Maldives vacation. It is a wise idea to choose hotels that provide excursions, airport transfers, and ferry services, according to previous travelers’ tips. Take a look at the restaurants, bars, pools, kid-friendliness, and reef conditions around the island, and of course enjoy the views. Those traveling with kids may not want to choose overwater villas since the jetties can be dangerous for them to play on. There is something tantalizing about living among reef fishes, rays, and corals.
Pack Your Essentials Wisely
When planning how to pack for the Maldives, make sure you do not pack pork, alcohol or tobacco products (without health warnings), along with any religious books. As a very important accessory, you should carry a waterproof or underwater camera with a polarizing filter to capture all of the action, both on land and underwater. To cut down on rental costs and stick to your budget, all Maldives travel tips suggest carrying snorkeling, diving, and surfing equipment. A medical emergency kit should include minimal tropical-friendly clothing and swimsuits (for private islands), sunscreen, toiletries and surf wax.
Check & Compare Prices For Water Activities
In order to take advantage of the coral reefs in the Maldives on a budget, you should determine if you can swim to them or if you need to book a ferry from your resort. Among the activities offered by resorts and private organizers are sea kayaking, jet skiing, parasailing, paddle boarding, wakeboarding, and whale, dolphin, or Manta watching excursions. Before choosing one, compare their prices. North Male Atoll is home to Manta Rays, while South Ari Atoll is home to Dolphins and Whale Sharks. Rasdhoo Atoll is home to sea turtles, rays, reef fishes, Reef Sharks, and Hammerhead Sharks.
Keep USD For Transaction
The national currency of the Maldives is the Rufiyaa, but USD is widely accepted almost everywhere. Except local islands, other shops have things labeled in USD. You can make payment using cards but it is advised to carry cash in hand. Having cash is also necessary as it is not easy to find ATM on the Maldivian islands.
This article is published by a guest writer at TravelerOnWheels.
Picture Credits: Wiotto, CFR.org