Tips and tricks for planning a budget-friendly yet luxurious trip to the Maldives
Who doesn’t have the Maldives on their bucket list? Lately, Maldives has been on everyone’s wish list being a fascinating holiday destination. Post-Covid, Indian celebrities have made Maldives their second home, flaunting surreal pictures on social media.
The island destination is all about crystal clear waters, coral islands, plenty of water sports activities, luxurious resorts, heavenly spas, and much more. Loved by lots of honeymooners, Maldives is also perfect for a romantic getaway. Some of the most popular islands in the Maldives include:
- Male Island
- Maafushi Island
- Fihalhohi Island
- Biyadhoo Island
- Alimatha Island
- Vaadhoo Island
The island nation boasts many things luxury, but considering a budget-friendly yet luxurious trip is important as well. We are here to guide you plan a pocket-friendly yet luxurious trip to the Maldives. Let’s run down through some tips and tricks:
Book your flights early
Decide your travel dates and book your flights in advance. This can help you save a significant amount of money. Try to freeze flight tickets around 4 to 6 months in advance. December to March is the peak season of Maldives, expecting the highest number of tourists around the year. If you are planning to travel in the peak season you can book your tickets in June or July. However, various airlines offer some amazing deals if you book tickets in advance. To save more money you can visit the Maldives in the off-season, as it will help you with flight as well as accommodation tariffs.
Visit Maldives in the off-season
The Maldives has two main seasons, high season (December to April) and low season (May to November). Travelling during the low season can save you a significant amount of money on flights, accommodation, and activities.
Also Read:
Choose suitable accommodation in the Maldives
Choosing an accommodation in the Maldives is an expensive affair. Depending on your budget for the holiday, you can choose between less expensive accommodation options on local islands or experience the epitome of luxury at resorts on private islands.
For pocket-friendly accommodation, you can look for resorts, guesthouses, or water villas on public islands charging reasonable money in comparison to the lavish resorts. Some of the top public islands include Maafushi, Dharavandoo, and Ghuraidhoo.
Choose the right mode of transfer
Tourists travelling to the Maldives for the first time usually depend on speed boats to commute from one island to another island. However, public ferries operating services to most of the islands are very cheap and easily accessible. But if you are staying on a private island you can travel in speed boats or seaplanes.
Must Read: First Timer’s Guide To Pondicherry
Save money on food and drinks
If you are planning to stay in a guesthouse, you will surely get an extensive breakfast. Then you just need to figure out low-key lunch and dinner options. Smaller islands will have limited food options, but available options will surely be reasonable, cost-wise. Busy and popular islands will have plenty of restaurants with a variety of delicacies. Although, eating at local restaurants can be much cheaper than dining at resort restaurants. You can also experience authentic Maldivian cuisine at local restaurants.
Save money on water sports
Maldives tourism offers thrilling water sports activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, boating, whale watching, jet-skiing, parasailing, and more. To save money on water sports activities, it is better to inquire and compare the range of packages. Water sports packages are available at various beaches, so you can choose whichever suits your budget.
Opt for public islands instead of private ones
As mentioned previously, public islands will be less costly in comparison to private islands. Public islands boast numerous guest houses, water villas, and low-key resorts which may help you plan a budgeted holiday. Another benefit of public islands will be that they are inhabited islands where locals live. Living around locals and witnessing their lifestyles can be an interesting experience as well.
Also Read:
Choose the right meal plan
Many resorts and hotels offer package deals including meals. Booking in advance might help you get the meals at a reasonable cost. Otherwise, you can use the complimentary breakfast, skip lunch and enjoy dinner at a nice restaurant. So you can save money by having brunch.
Also, keep in mind these travel tips for your Maldives holiday:
- Do not carry alcohol in the country.
- Carry US dollars for transactions.
- Always carry your sunscreen.
- Buy a sim card at the airport.
- Not all islands allow Drone photography. So check before you plan on using a drone.
- Check whether your resort provides wifi and if it is free.
- You do not need a tourist visa in advance. A Maldives visa is issued on arrival.
- The Maldives has a general sales tax rate of 6%, with an increased rate of 12% for tourist services.
- Dress modestly outside the resorts.
- If you like photography, buy an underwater camera.
So, are you ready to take off to this divine island country? Hurry, plan your Maldives tour packages from Ahmedabad with Flamingo Transworld Pvt. Ltd., and get ready to experience a blissful holiday amidst the serenity. Happy holidays!