The Maldives has been a travel bucket list destination for me and I can’t believe I got to visit in December 2020 (in the middle of the pandemic)! I’ve compiled a list of 10 quick tips to help you have an unforgettable trip to the Maldives.
1. Room with a Pool
You will want to get a room with a plunge pool. The weather is hot and a bit humid, so it will feel so good when you can take a dip in your own private pool at all hours of the day.
2. Pack Snacks
Don’t forget to pack some of your favorite snacks from home. Packing your own snacks can save you some money, hold you over until your next meal, and simply be comfort snack. With that said, you can’t bring alcohol nor pork products into the country. (Don’t worry, alcohol is available at the resorts.)
3. Plan Your Meals
I recommend looking up the resort’s dining menu and plan out your meals. Food is expensive, even by my standards. You’re also on a secluded island and options can be limited (depending on where you stay), so food can be a hit or miss. The resort’s dining menu didn’t inspire me much (except breakfast), so I ended up bringing a couple of dehydrated meals to save some money and to eat just in case. And I’m so glad I did that! My friend had ordered a local dish one night from room service for dinner and she enjoyed it very much. For my next Maldives trip, I’ll want to save money just to spend it on food and make sure to stay at a resort that is known to having delicious food.
4. Bring a Hydroflask
The weather was hot and humid when we went in December, and I’m so glad I brought my Hydroflask bottle. I definitely recommend bringing a Hydroflask or any insulated water bottle to keep your drinks nice and cold.
5. Pack Multiple Bikinis/Swim Wear
I wanted to pack light, so I had only packed 2 sets of bikinis for our 6 day stay. Looking back, I wish I had packed a few more just to have some options. I was in and out of the water multiple times a day, so having a few dry bikinis to change into would have been nice. I would prioritize packing extra bikinis for your trip.
6. Sunrise and Sunsets
Wake up for all the sunrises and go chase the sunsets! The Maldives have some of the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets I’ve ever seen, and sometimes you’ll catch a rainbow or two during your stay.
7. Bring A Pool Float
Being in the water all day is so much more enjoyable and relaxing when you’re on a pool float! I got mine from Amazon and it was perfect for the trip. If you have a cute float, it does make for great pictures.
8. Stay Far From the Airport
I’ve only been to the Maldives once, but from what I’ve read, resorts further away from the airport are more quiet with better coral reefs. This makes sense because you won’t have the noise and pollution. The only downside to staying further away from the airport is the additional transportation ($$$) to get to the resort: by boat, seaplane, smaller commercial flight, or a combination of either.
9. Take a Seaplane
I would recommend flying on a seaplane to your resort if that’s an option. It’s so cool to see the resorts from the air and you’ll save time. If you decide to take a seaplane, you’ll want to sit in the back for more air circulation as it can get pretty hot in the middle of the tiny plane. Also note that the seaplane is not cheap.
10. Set Aside Going Home Clothes
If you took a seaplane to the resort, then you will be taking the seaplane back to MLE airport. By now, you know how hot and sweaty you can get on the seaplane. That’s why I recommend setting aside a pair of clean clothes to change into when you get to MLE airport. You’re going to want a pair of clean clothes for the 24 hour journey back to the US or wherever home is.
The Maldives is an absolute dream destination and it’s worth all the hype. I hope these tips will help you have the best time on your Maldives trip. If you’ve been to the Maldives, is there anything else you would recommend? Please feel free to share in the comments below. Let me know if you have any questions about the Maldives. For more post about the Maldives, check out my other posts on booking my flights and the resort review.
Happy Travels!
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