Top 10 Travel Tips for First-Timers in Maldives

With nearly 1,200 coral islands and atolls spread over the Indian Ocean, Maldives is among the most romantic getaways on the planet. However, the nation has a lot more to offer than what is conventionally known. For starters, group holidays in maldives is a major draw, offering a wide assortment of water sports activities, excellent places to explore, and some of the best underwater pubs and bars in the world. If you finally decide to spend your next vacation in Maldives unwinding with friends or family, here are 10 tips to help you plan the ideal itinerary.

Avoid the Peak Tourist Season

Maldives being a tropical country, the summer and monsoon months tend to be warm and sultry. The peak tourist season in the area is between November and April, with December to March recording the highest footfall. While the prices tend to soar as the demand increases, the summer and monsoon months can be unbearable. Hence, the ideal time to visit the country is during the shoulder season between April and September. Pre-book your accommodation and flight fares for the best deals.

Complete All Reservations in Advance

Booking your accommodation in advance often guarantees the best pricing. Try to reserve a hotel at least six months in advance in order to avoid surge pricing. Visitormaldives has a ton of accommodation options for guests to choose from. Visit our website for incredible early bird discounts.

Search for the Best Deals on Accommodation

Maldives is home to some of the most luxurious resorts in the world, with overwater villas being the star draw. The demand for premium properties increases with the tourist season. Hence, booking in advance is highly recommended. Last-minute reservations can be arranged, but it can be an expensive affair.

All inclusive vs. Half Board

If you plan on exploring almost everything Maldives has to offer, booking an all-inclusive package guarantees maximum savings. However, all-inclusive packages are still can be a bit costly since they can be customized to include all meals, beverages, activities, and more. If you do not plan on venturing beyond the resort, half board packages are a potent alternative. You can customize your package to include food and beverages and a few activities depending on your requirements.

Respect the Laws of the Land

Maldives being a Muslim nation imposes restrictions on alcohol consumption on local islands. Do not carry alcohol, tobacco, or pork into the country. Dressing restrictions also apply in public. Beachwear is prohibited except on designated bikini beaches. Women are also expected to cover their knees and shoulders in public. These restrictions do not apply on private islands.

Look Out for Hidden Taxes

First-timers are advised to look out for hidden costs and taxes while ordering for food or drinks at restaurants. Always ensure the prices on the menu are all-inclusive before placing your order.

USD is Widely Accepted

Both Maldivian Rufiyaa and USD are widely accepted throughout the nation. Apart from a few local shops, most establishments have prices listed in USD. Although credit cards are widely accepted at resorts, cash is essential for exploring the local islands.

Avoid Unnecessary Island Hopping on a Cramped Schedule

If you plan on visiting Maldives for less than a week, we recommend sticking to one resort for the entire duration. Island hopping is a cumbersome affair since the private islands are not well connected via public transportation. In most cases you need to charter a speedboat or seaplane to get from one island to another.

Witness the Magnificent Aerial Views of Maldives

Although renting a sea plane can be expensive, the experience is unparalleled. If you are planning a family group trip to Maldives, charter a seaplane at the time of booking or from the resort.

Buy SIM Cards at the Airport

Although most resorts offer uninterrupted Wi-Fi, you will end up relying on mobile data when out exploring the islands. Buy a local SIM card before exiting the airport as activating a prepaid SIM card takes around 5-minutes. Opting for an expensive international calling card hardly make sense when traveling to Maldives.