Joanna James
Ranked among the world’s finest beach vacation destinations, the Maldives is what most travellers imagine when they conjure up images of paradise. Blessed with sunny skies for most months of the year, the country’s water sports activities alone make a tour of the archipelago a bucket list item for most globetrotters. Whether you’re heading to the Maldives for a short weekend getaway or a lengthy business trip, here are some useful packing guidelines for those bound for the islands.
One packing rule that all holidaymakers and corporate visitors should remember when it comes to the Maldives is that less is more. Whether you’re planning to stay at Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives or any other all inclusive hotels in Maldives, there’s no need to pack your entire wardrobe into your luggage. The humid and warm conditions on the ground mean that a few cotton summer outfits, t-shirts and shorts can last for weeks, especially since clothes easily air dry on the islands.
Unless you’re planning on attending a destination wedding, it’s best to leave your heels behind when packing for a trip to the islands. In fact, a pair of flip flops and sandals will more than suffice for most travellers, although those who are heading to the islands on business must have formal footwear on hand for attending meetings and corporate gatherings.
As a country that’s attempting to create a more sustainable and eco-friendly tourism industry, it’s crucial to lend a hand by bringing reusable water bottles and other multi-purpose travel accessories along on your trip. Although resorts and hotels will provide bottled water and other necessities, conscious travellers can cut down the accumulation of plastic and single-use items on the islands with their packing choices.
Sunscreen and lip balm will prove indispensable in the Maldives, where exposure to high temperatures and direct sunlight must be taken seriously. Aloe vera-infused beauty products will prove especially soothing in this part of the world, while those who intend to go snorkelling or swimming in the ocean should also ensure the cosmetics they wear are reef-safe.
Bringing at least two bathing suits is prudent when travelling to the Maldives as holidaymakers will find that swimwear is not easily accessible on the resort islands. If your only bathing suit is rendered unwearable due to unforeseen circumstances, you will have to head to Male city to buy a new swimsuit.
Although most vacationers snap photos of their Maldivian getaway on their smartphones, a digital camera with underwater functionality will better suit the island’s conditions. Don’t forget to pack chargers for all of your devices, including laptops, iPads, eReaders and mobile phones, as it is not easy to purchase chargers outside of the nation’s capital.
As most water sports centres and resorts in the Maldives provide quality accessories, there’s no need to bring your own snorkelling mask, fins, surfboard or water sports gear on a trip to the archipelago.
Keep in mind that alcohol and products containing pork are strictly banned in the Maldives. Eco-friendly visitors may also want to leave behind any plastic wrapping and packaging back at home, as disposing of plastic or non-degradable waste is a key environmental concern 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.
