Joanna James
As a beach holiday Mecca for the masses, packing for a holiday in the Maldives may appear relatively simple from the outset. But those who wish to make the most of their time on the islands will need these guidelines to ensure all the essentials for a seamless getaway are at hand.
Travellers heading to the Maldives must first ensure that they have at least two bathing suits packed in their main luggage. While it may seem excessive, this is in effect, a precaution so you will have a spare on hand should some mishap render your swimwear unwearable. Unlike most holiday hotspots in Asia or elsewhere in the world, buying a bathing suit in the Maldives is not as simple; one will need to head to Male city to find shops retailing swimwear that will be quite pricey compared to the cost of a bathing suit in your home country. Those who wear goggles or swimming caps when hitting the water will also benefit from bringing these accessories along.
When it comes to clothing for a stay in the Maldives, one need not consider bringing items other than casual wear and sundresses. T-shirts, shorts, and tank tops are all that are required for a Maldivian getaway if one intends to remain within the confines of one's Maldives resort rooms and suites at a venue such as the Hard Rock Hotel Maldives. Those who intend to go sightseeing in Male and tour the Grand Friday Mosque or the National Museum, however, must pack conservative clothing options for such excursions. As an Islamic nation, Maldivians are quite modest in their sense of fashion and frown upon indecently clad tourists.
Flip flops and sandals will more than suffice in terms of footwear essentials in this sun-kissed archipelago. Those who wish to embark on a hiking expedition or a tour of Male may want to toss in a pair of sneakers or hiking boots with socks.
All visitors must pack a bottle or a container of suntan lotion with the right SPF value for their particular skin type when holidaying in the Maldives. Sun protection is a non-negotiable part of spending time in this humid and warm paradise where the risk of sunburn and heat strokes is quite high for those hailing from colder climates.
Surfers and scuba divers and other water sports lovers vacationing in the Maldives in order to engage in their favourite pastimes should consider bringing their water sports gear. When transporting water sports equipment, it is necessary to consider the cost and whether the airline will allow such items onboard. Renting water sports essentials is an inexpensive affair in the Maldives but finding snorkelling goggles that are a perfect fit may prove to be a matter of chance.
Prescription medication is not only difficult to purchase outside of the nation's capital but difficult to buy in the Maldives unless one has a prescription. This is why all your medical and wellness supplies must be securely packed in Ziploc bags. From antihistamines to allergy medicines, tourists should also consider bringing mosquito repellent creams since the pesky insects are a part of life in the Maldives.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
