Ready to start planning your dream vacation to the Maldives? That gorgeous archipelago of sun, sand, and sea? And are you wondering about when to go and what to pack? Don’t worry! This article will update you on all you need to know to plan the perfect holiday to the Maldives. Check out this guide on how to plan a trip to the Maldives.
Maldives Visa Requirements
Your passport must have a validity period of at least six months on arrival in the Maldives. Plus, it must be machine-readable. Visa is awarded on arrival, regardless of which nationality you belong to. You get a 30-day visitor visa. Also, do take along proof of your booked accommodation and also your return flight details.
Image via Embudu Village
The Best Time of Year to Visit the Maldives
The Maldives is a tropical archipelago and you will have to deal with two seasons – the wet and dry. The wet, or rainy season, happens when the monsoons hit the islands. The dry season takes place from November to April and is the high season. Hence, hotel rates are more expensive than the other months. December to March is the height of the tourist season and the most expensive time to holiday in the Maldives. If you are planning a budget trip to the Maldives, choose the wet season. Accommodation prices are quite low and it rarely rains the entire day. But if you are after whale and dolphin watching tours, choose the dry season. This is because the seas are calmer and inviting for the whales and dolphins frequenting the archipelago.
Book Your Private Island Resort in Maldives Early
With the world moving on and adapting to change, resorts in the Maldives too are initiating COVID-19 measures to offer guests a safe and secure experience. Choose a private island beach resort. Maldives offers a good choice of international chain resorts where you can enjoy your holiday with peace of mind and maximum safety against COVID-19. Most like Embudu Village are not only the perfect tropical escape but also a good place to start your wanderlust post-COVID-19 tours. Booking Maldives resorts online has many benefits too, such as discounts for long stays and honeymoon packages.
What to Pack for Your Maldives Holiday?
A holiday in the tropics means you can choose to take along plenty of comfortable cotton clothing. Shorts and t-shirts are the best. Plus, you will need a few swimsuits as you will be doing quite a lot of swimming and indulging in activities in the Indian Ocean. While bikinis and micro-shorts are ideal for your private resort in the Maldives, you must dress conservatively when visiting the capital Male and public islands. The Maldives is a 100% Muslim nation and follows strict Islamic regulations. Hence, when out in public, make sure to wear clothes that cover your knees, midriff, and shoulders. Women must cover the head when visiting mosques or other places of worship. So, do pack a scarf or shawl, a long flowy skirt, or capri pants and a kaftan or smart shirt for evening dinners.
Since there is sand just about everywhere, you will be barefoot most of the time. But do take along rubber slippers and water shoes for exploring the reefs, strappy sandals for evening dining, and maybe loafers for when you are out exploring.
What Can You Do in the Maldives?
Plan to chill, relax, and enjoy loads of adventure. You can check with your Maldives resort about all-inclusive packages and include the type of activities you wish to enjoy on the archipelago. Choose from island-hopping tours, whale and dolphin watching tours, and scuba diving tours. You can also indulge in scuba diving, plenty of blissful time at the spa, and dining on the beach.