Joanna James
The Maldives with her sun-kissed beaches and super luxurious private resorts is indeed a paradise on earth, but make sure to follow these tips to make your holiday trouble-free and one you won't forget.
Get your travel/medical insurance sorted out. It is of paramount importance even if all you will be doing is lounging on your private resort. This will protect you from unexpected expenses due to an illness or any other unwanted circumstances that may hamper your vacation. It is best to be prepared for anything when travelling overseas.
Mosquito-borne diseases such as Dengue or Chikungunya can be very unpleasant and deadly at times. These diseases are extremely prevalent in this part of the world particularly with the monsoon rains and Maldives resorts are no exception. Depending on the period of travel bring along a good supply of mosquito repellents and wear long-sleeved protective clothing, especially if you are planning on exploring Male and its surroundings.
Do not drink water straight off the tap as it is not safe enough to drink. Drinking untreated water can lead to diarrhoea or other unpleasant illnesses. Ensure the water served to you is either boiled or bottled water. In resorts, this will not be a cause for concern, but when travelling to the capital or other islands make sure to carry plenty of safe potable water with you. Adequate water intake is also important as the islands can become quite hot and humid.
Sun can be very strong in the Maldives, and you will easily burn if you're not careful to protect yourself. The fantastic beaches and its balmy breeze will probably distract you from the burning heat, this makes it all the more essential to use sun protection. The glare reflecting off the waters can be equally damaging to your skin and eyes. Wear sunglasses, and water-resistant sun protection with a high SPF when you're outdoors and in the water. Make sure you are adequately hydrated when out on the beach. Carry plenty of safe drinking water with you when outside and ensure that it is within your reach.
The Maldives is a haven for water activities, with diving and snorkelling being the top draws. It is essential to follow through instructions and guidelines especially if you are new to either activity. Sharks are quite common in Maldivian waters, but luckily there have been no significant reports of shark bites, but make sure admire from afar. Among other potentially dangerous sea creatures are sea anemone, sea urchin, the lionfish, and stonefish. Be careful not to venture too close or touch any marine creatures while underwater. When diving, ensure you are with a licensed operator. The maximum depth allowed for diving by the Maldivian Tourism is 30m, any operator allowing more should be avoided. Many of the resorts will provide diving as part of their services, and they are usually a safe choice as they are accredited. A resort with Maldives bungalow abodes such as the Anantara Veli Maldives Resort is perfect for indulging in water activities but keep your safety in mind.
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