05 Ways to Connect with the Traditional Side of Maldives

Traditional features of the Maldives can be found in every corner of the country. Whether its a luxury resort or guesthouse in a local Island, the aesthetics of Maldivian culture is blended into every space while the sounds of tradition surround us. If you’re someone who wants to experience the Maldives in a traditional way, here are 05 ways you can do it!

Cuisine: try Mas Riha (Maldivian fish curry)

The Maldives offers a variety of tastes and cuisine distinctive to the island nation. However, one of the dishes that stand out is the Mas Riha (fish curry) of Maldives. CNN ranked Mas Riha among the Top 12 Curries in the World, with the dish coming in 6th place. Typically, ingredients in Mas Riha Include; coconut milk, tuna, fresh vegetables, and spices. Many Maldivian dishes use coconuts as a common ingredient in addition to tuna and veggies.

Activity: Embark on a fishing trip

Fishing holds a great significance to the livelihood of Maldivian locals. Likewise, the fishing industry is the second-biggest industry after the tourism industry in the Maldives. Most resorts and guesthouses offer fishing experiences on a traditional Dhoni. And don’t forget, night fishing on a traditional Dhoni is a not-to-miss experience in the Maldives.

Historical: A Visit to Utheemu Ganduvaru in Haa Alif Utheemu

Utheemu Ganduvaru is the birthplace and home of Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu. The sultan is one of the most revered heroes in Maldivian history. Hence, the Ganduvaru (palace) holds great significance to locals since Mohamed Thakurufaanu saved the people from the Portuguese in 1558.

Art & crafts: A visit to the Maldives Discovery Centre at Crossroads Maldives

This unique attraction at Crossroads Maldives uses stunning designs and interactive displays, allowing you to explore the Maldives’ rich history. In addition to that, the discovery center exhibits marine biodiversity and how local arts & crafts have shaped the islands’ unique cultural identity. Furthermore, you can discover handicrafts showcasing the Maldivians’ way of life at the centre as well.

Music: Listen to Boduberu

You don’t have to be in the Maldives to listen to Boduberu! Mainly played at traditional events, Boduberu literally means big drums. However, this catchy folk music is also played at weddings, events, and welcoming ceremonies as well. Furthermore, drummers, singers, and dancers perform Boduberu in large groups.

How would you connect with the traditional side of Maldives? There are many more ways to experience the rich culture of the Maldives. And you can also see the traditions of Maldives from decades ago practiced in the local islands even today!

Feature image by Kanuhura Maldives

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.