10 Things to Know Before Your Maldives Trip!

Maldives is a country that’s on every single person’s bucket list. Whether you’re trying to visit the famous glowing beaches or sit back and relax, Maldives is the perfect destination. This tropical paradise in South Asia is a dream come true for travellers. This destination is the go-to honeymoon spot, a haven for adventure travellers and families and a peaceful retreat for solo travellers. If you’re also looking to book your trip to the Maldives soon, here are 10 things to know before visiting the country.

01. Pre-Book Your Tickets

Maldives has been a popular destination for decades now, making it pricy to visit the country oftentimes. But if you’ve had this destination on your bucket list for a while now, there are ways to make it more budget-friendly. One of the major travel tips is to pre-book your flight in advance. You can explore some amazing fares to the Maldives through Batik Air, Singapore Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic. One of the best times to go to Maldives would be during the off-season, which falls between May and November.

02. Is a Visa Required for the Maldives?

A visa is one of the few things you would not have to worry about on a trip to the Maldives. Maldives is a country where an on-arrival tourist visa is issued to travellers from all corners of the world. Although there are certain measures you need to take to ensure the on-arrival tourist visa, you can book your flights without having to worry about this extra.

03. Flip-Flops 24/7

Just like any beachy tropical destination, make sure to pack flip-flops for your Maldives trip. This rule applies whether it’s rainy or sunny season. One of the biggest struggles people who forget to pack flip-flops is having to wear shoes in a beachy destination. Whether you’re going to Conrad, LUX* South Ari Atoll or the local island just 10 minutes away, packing a pair of flip-flops will be a game changer. If you forget, worry not as you can always buy a pair at a store for a fairly good price. If you’re booking your stay at a Maldives resort, you will most likely get a pair of flip-flops to wear during your trip for free.

04. Language

What language does Maldives speak? A lot of travellers might think that Maldives does not have its own language, but you could not be more wrong. Maldivians speak ‘Dhivehi’, but if you’re unfamiliar with the language you don’t have to worry. As the second language in the Maldives ins English, communication is fairly easy on the islands and resorts. One big traveller tip when visiting Maldives or any other country would be to learn the basics. How to greet people and how to say thank you!

05. Currency and Expenses

If you book your stay at a Maldives resort, you often do not have to worry so much about the currency and expenses. Oftentimes, as Maldives holidays are booked and pre-paid, you only need pocket money for emergencies. When you’re visiting the Maldives, one of the best things you can do is to bring US dollars as the currency form. As it is harder to tell whether every resort accepts pounds or euros, it’s better to not take that chance and bring US dollars. If you’re travelling to local islands, however, you would have to exchange the money for Maldivian Rufiya. You can easily do this at any money exchange, which can be located in the city area.

06. Best Way to Explore Maldives?

The best way to explore this dreamy destination is by foot and motorbike. As Maldivian islands are small and beachy, it is often times inconvenient to travel and explore by car. When you’re in the city area, you can also opt for public transportation. On most islands, you can also opt for renting bicycles. To travel between islands, you can explore speedboat transfers as well as domestic flights through Villa Air, Maldivian, Manta or seaplanes through TMA!

07. Local Customs & Dress Code

As the Maldives is a 100% Muslim country, there are some dress code rules to be wary of. If you’re visiting local islands, be mindful of covering up in local areas. Although more tourist-friendly islands have bikini beaches, this does not apply to all local islands. You can of course still wear sun dresses and shorts. Another important fact to know is that local islands do not serve alcoholic beverages. You can still enjoy amazing mocktails by the beach. These two rules, however, do not apply if you’re staying at Maldives resorts.

08. Protecting the Environment

One of the reasons why people love visiting the Maldives is because the islands look so untouched. As the island nation is vulnerable to climate change, sustainability is at the forefront when it comes to everything. So, when you’re visiting the Maldives be mindful of the environment. Some steps you can take include using reef-safe sunblock and making sure you do not leave trash at the beach.

09. What’s the Best Time to Visit Maldives?

Weather in the Maldives can be unpredictable. Although we all want sunny weather for beach days, it can get rainy at any time of the year. As the dry season is often between November and April, this time period is recommended for a Maldives trip. However, as it’s a tropical destination, you may still get lucky with good weather during the monsoon season as well!

10. Food Culture

Maldives might be a small nation, but there is an amazing food culture to explore. If your stay is booked at a resort or an island, one thing you must explore is the local food culture. Not only is it relatively healthy, but local food in the Maldives is hard to find anywhere else in the world. One thing to note is that if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies, inform your resort beforehand so they can cater to your needs.

Traveling in 2024 is easier than ever, thanks to a collection of apps designed to make your journey smoother and stress-free. Whether you travel frequently, plan a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, or just want to survive a long road trip, these apps will become your new best friends. Imagine booking flights, finding your way in a foreign city, and ensuring you are packed and ready without any hassle. All at the touch of a button. Sounds pretty amazing, right? Let’s dive into how these top travel apps can make your travel experience easier.

1. Skyscanner Makes Travel Booking Easy

Let’s be honest, travel booking can be overwhelming. You are juggling flights, hotels, car rentals, and trying to find the best deals. Skyscanner makes it all simple. This app compares flights, hotels, and rental cars across hundreds of providers, helping you find the best options quickly.

What makes Skyscanner stand out is its flexibility. For example, if you are flexible about where you go, the “Explore Everywhere” feature shows you the cheapest flight options from your airport. It’s perfect when you just want to get away but aren’t sure where to head. And if you have a specific flight in mind, Skyscanner allows you to set price alerts. You will get notified when the price drops, so you can snag the best deal.

Skyscanner doesn’t just save you money, it saves you time and energy by storing everything in one place. You will no longer have to check multiple websites to find the right deal. It’s one of the most reliable travel apps for saving both time and money

2. Google Maps Is More Than Just Directions

While Google Maps might seem like an obvious choice, it’s essential for more than just directions. Yes, it helps you get where you need to go, but it also lets you discover local spots, restaurants, and cafes, with reviews, ratings, and photos to help you decide where to stop. It’s like having a local guide in your pocket. Making it one of the best travel apps for navigating unfamiliar places.

One of the app’s best features is offline maps. You will not always have internet access, especially when you travel abroad. But with Google Maps, you can download maps ahead of time, ensuring you can navigate even without data. It’s a lifesaver when you find yourself lost in a foreign city.

In addition, Google Maps gives live traffic updates, public transit schedules, and even suggests faster routes if something is blocked or congested. Whether you are walking, driving, or hopping on the bus, you will always find the quickest path to your destination. It’s like having a GPS assistant with you, 24/7.

3. LoungeBuddy Transforms Layovers

Let’s be real, layovers are never fun. But LoungeBuddy can change that. Imagine having access to premium airport lounges, even if you are not flying first-class or don’t have airline perks. LoungeBuddy is one of the best travel apps for making your layover experience more comfortable. It helps you find and learn about lounges in airports around the world, showing you details on things like Wi-Fi, food, and quiet zones, so you can pick the best spot to relax.

The best part? If you don’t have membership perks or status with an airline, you can buy one-time access to lounges directly through the app. No need to sneak in or hope for an upgrade. You can pay for access when you need it most.

LoungeBuddy allows you to make the most of your time in the airport. Instead of waiting around in a crowded terminal, you can find a quiet spot, grab a snack, and get some work done or simply relax. It’s a game-changer when you are facing long waits.

4. PackPoint Takes the Stress Out of Packing

How many times have you stood in front of your suitcase, unsure of what to pack? PackPoint eliminates that stress by creating a customized packing list based on your trip details. It looks at where you are going, how long you will be there, the weather, and the activities you plan to do. It even suggests clothing based on the weather forecast, so you will always know whether to pack a rain jacket or sunscreen.

But, PackPoint does more than just make packing easier. It helps you avoid overpacking. Moreover, if you wanted to let your travel buddy know what you are packing, you can even share your list with them! With PackPoint, packing becomes a breeze, and you will feel prepared for anything your trip throws at you.

5. XE Currency Simplifies Managing Money

Currency exchange can be tricky, especially if you are hopping between countries with different currencies. XE Currency, one of the best travel apps for managing your money abroad, takes the guesswork out of it by providing up-to-date exchange rates for over 180 currencies.. The app makes it easy for you to convert money on the go, so you can always stay on top of what you are spending.

The offline feature is especially helpful when you don’t have access to the internet. XE Currency stores the most recent exchange rates, so you can still make conversions without being connected. This is essential when you are traveling in areas with limited connectivity.

XE Currency helps you keep track of spending and makes sure you get the best exchange rates. You will never again be caught off guard by a bad exchange rate or struggle to calculate how much you are spending in your home currency.

Ready to Travel Smarter with the Best Travel Apps?

Travel in 2024 is all about working smarter, not harder. With apps like Skyscanner, Google Maps, LoungeBuddy, PackPoint, and XE Currency, you can book flights, navigate new cities, relax in lounges, pack efficiently, and manage your currency all from the palm of your hand. These apps take the stress out of travel and help you get the most out of your journey.

When you use these apps, you will streamline your trip, save time, and make the experience far more enjoyable. So, next time you are planning a trip, remember these are the best travel apps to make everything easier, smoother, and more fun. After all, the less you stress about the details, the more you can focus on the adventure.