Joanna James
The Maldives, known for its beautiful coral reefs, cerulean waters, and overwater villas, is usually considered an expensive vacation—think honeymoons, anniversaries, or special occasions. However, with some careful planning and budgeting, it IS possible to enjoy the splendour of the Maldives on a budget. The following are some basic ideas for staying within your budget in a destination with a well-deserved reputation for exorbitance.
The first step towards your budget-friendly trip to Maldives would be to book your flights in advance. You can make great savings if you can book your flight 4-6 months before your holiday. Travelling off-peak to the Maldives may also have advantages, but you may need to look out for some rainy weather.
Rather than staying on pricey private resort islands, consider staying on local islands with guesthouses and/or low-cost hotels. This helps you learn about local culture and interact with the locals. Or you could also opt for a resort island in Maldives as well, which is sure to give you a bang for your buck.
Travelling between islands can be a big expense if you hire private speedboats or seaplanes. There are public ferries and local boats that can assist you to get around these islands for a fraction of the cost – and the best part? These ferries operate almost daily.
Eating at local restaurants or buying food from local markets can be more budget-friendly than dining at resort restaurants. If you are comfortable staying at a hotel, you can check if the hotel offers two meals per day, so that you can try local cuisine in a “café”, or a local restaurant which caters to locals for affordable meals.
Similar to booking your flight in advance, it is probably best to plan and book your accommodation and other activities early. Reserving hotels and activities ahead of time can often result in better discounts. Look for packages that include lodging, meals, and activities.
Instead of paying the resort to book your excursions for you, you have the opportunity to look for more reasonable options with local operators. Snorkelling, diving, and other water sports are frequently cheaper when scheduled through local suppliers.
In the Maldives, alcohol is pricey, and most often not allowed in places other than resorts. Resorts too, charge you a high tax for serving alcohol, so your best bet would be to consider skipping alcohol altogether during your stay.
Snorkelling is a must-do activity in the Maldives, and a guided tour is not always necessary. If you already own snorkelling gear, you can pack it along for your vacay. Hotels such as Embudu Village are famed for their house reefs and have 35 world-class dive sites in proximity.
The local currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa. Paying in local currency is sometimes more cost-effective than paying in foreign money. It would also be advisable to carry cash and not swipe from your card, as taxes may be applicable.
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.
