Joanna James
Ranked among the top beach holiday destinations in Asia, the Maldives is a sunny playground for the travelling masses. Regardless of the purpose or the duration of your stay, here are five essential items you cannot afford to leave home without when heading to the paradise isles
As one of the globe's leading beach vacation hubs, you will be spending most of your time in the Maldives splashing around in the ocean or relaxing by the poolside. This is why it is insufficient to pack a single bathing suit for your trip to the archipelago as swimwear is both costly and difficult to buy outside of Male city should some unforeseen circumstance make yours unwearable. Pack at least two swimsuits and ensure that they are both modest and not too worn out. Swimwear that dries easily is also preferable over those that do not while it is also crucial to pack a cover-up to wear over your swimsuit when you are not sunbathing or in the water. In an Islamic country, it is unseemly to walk around in your bikini even within the confines of your hotel so a breezy and lightweight cover-up is a must.
Whether you suffer from any chronic medical conditions or not, it is important to bring a medical kit with you on your holiday. Apart from vitamins and other supplements you take daily, it will prove useful to pack a few antihistamines and stomach-settling medications to offset indigestion and allergies. A few Band-Aids and an antibiotic cream will suffice for any injuries and cuts while an antacid will also come in handy if you tend to feel bloated after a heavy meal or time spent in the water.
Those who intend to embark on cultural tours of Male must pack a few conservative clothing options for the tour. Unlike the resort island confines of Amilla Maldives Resort and Residences and other similar Maldives luxury resorts, the cultural sensitivities in Male are more pronounced. This means that one must be careful not to show too much skin and wear clothing that covers the knees and shoulders when visiting the Grand Friday Mosque or the National Museum.
Sunscreen is another must-have for a Maldivian getaway as those who hail from colder climates risk contracting skin diseases and experiencing the painful side effects of sunburn in this sunny paradise. Make sure the SPF value of your sunscreen is appropriate for the conditions in the Maldives while packing a pair of sunglasses and a sun hat will also keep the sun from having a negative impact.
As a tropical country, the Maldives abound with creepy crawlies and mosquitoes. While you may not encounter any insects within your guest room or resort base, the pesky creatures will likely come into contact with your skin when you are outdoors or taking part in various excursions. This is why bug spray is also essential for a Maldivian holiday.
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.
