11 Misconceptions about the Maldives

If you have never heard of the Maldives you might have some misconceptions about this popular holiday destination. Do you think you know all about the sunny side of life? Well, even if you do, here are some of the most common misconceptions about the Maldives.

1. Maldives is boring

Among the different misconceptions about the Maldives, considering the island nation ‘boring’ is the most absurd one. Yes, the Maldives is one of the best places in the world to simply sit back and relax.

The truth however is that you’ll never run of things to do in the Maldives whether it’s on land on water. If you don’t enjoy the beautiful underwater world of the destination, you’re missing out!

2. Maldives is a part of India

No, the Maldives is not a part of India. The island nation is an independent country with its currency, language, and a long history.

3. Maldives is located in Hawaii, Bali, the Caribbean…etc

People that hear about the Maldives for the first time assume that the island archipelago is located in Hawaii, Bali or the Caribbean. However, the Maldives is located in the north-central Indian Ocean.

4. Tourism is the only industry in the Maldives

While the economy of the Maldives relies heavily on the tourism industry, fishing, agriculture and other industry provide the livelihood for many Maldivians. Furthermore, the fishing and tourism industry are linked as demand for fish is high in resorts.

5. Maldives is one whole island

No. The Maldives compromises 1192 tiny islands. Every resort in the country is located on its very own private island. Hence, isolation and social distancing come naturally at the tropical holiday destination.

6. You require a visa to enter the Maldives

All nationalities can receive a tourist visa upon their arrival in the Maldives. Anyone to the Maldives as a tourist does not require pre-approval for the visa. However, the person must meet the basic entry requirements to get immigration clearance upon their arrival.

7. Maldives has no cuisine

The delicious cuisine of the Maldives is referred to as Maldivian cuisine or Dhivehi Cuisine. The traditional cuisine of the country is based on three main items and their derivatives; coconuts, fish and starches.

8. There are only resorts in the Maldives

If you think the Maldives only boasts luxury resorts, you’re wrong. The island archipelago features stylish guesthouses on local islands which are a cheaper alternative to experiencing the sunny side of life.

9. Maldives doesn’t have its own culture

The Maldivian culture is heavily influenced by neighbouring countries. However, the unique culture includes the country’s very own language and the popular tradition of Bodu Beru. In addition to that, you can find traditional Maldivian crafts like wooden lacquerware and handcrafted boats.

10. All islands in the Maldives look the same

We’ll keep this one simple; no, every island in the Maldives does not look the same.

11. Maldivians live in luxury villas

Quite often people think that Maldivians live in either luxury overwater villas or straw huts. In truth, they live in normal houses (in local islands) and a large population of the country live in the densely populated capital of the Maldives, Malé. The capital of the Maldives is known for its colourful buildings and the popular fish market.

Did you discover any new facts about the Maldives today or clear any doubts you had? Remember the Maldives isn’t only for the rich and things to do at this island haven never runs out. So, start planning your getaway to the trendy holiday destination!

Feature image by Kanuhura Maldives

When booking the perfect trip, we all look into the perfect travel bag, travel visa and travel cards. But there is so much more to packing for a trip than the essentials. We might know the perfect clothes and the cheapest flights to book to a destination. But, some essentials could make or break a trip. Imagine you book a trip to the Maldives and you forget to bring your charging cable. Although it’s easy to drop by a shop to get a new charger, the stress is just not worth it. This is why so many people have made lists before their trip. Well, we’ve made our list of some extras that can amp up your next trip to any destination.

Apple AirTag

We’ve all seen people losing their bags. Whether it’s the airport or the train station, lost baggage can really ruin your trip. One of the best ways to make sure that you can keep a tag on your baggage is by putting an Apple AirTag on it. This way, whether your baggage got lost in transition or stolen, there is a much easier fix than running around in circles. This hack has become more common as of late, as baggage tends to end up in the wrong places, never making it to your hotel. The next time you book a trip for summer vacation, take that extra safety measure by using an Apple Airtag.

Noise Cancelling Headphones

Do you have a long flight coming up? Are you worried about babies crying on the flight for 16 hours straight? Well, there is no way to control a crying baby, but you can always wear noise-cancelling headphones for the noise. This tip is also perfect for anyone who is booking a trip to the Maldives. We all love a good seaplane ride, whether it’s on TMA, Manta Air or Maldivian. But a lot of people struggle to enjoy the scenery due to the loud noise of the seaplane. Just put on your noise-cancelling headphones and enjoy the ride!

Powerbank / Portable Charger

If you’re planning a trip that requires a lot of sightseeing, don’t forget to pack a power bank or a portable charger. Although this travel tip comes in handy in general, it’s especially important on adventure trips. But it’s better to not take the risk for long-haul flights either. The last thing you want is to be stuck at an airport with a 1% charge or have your phone die while you’re still on the flight. Although a lot of us dismiss this one, a good power bank can save your trip. Its easier to carry a small portable charging device around than continue to charge your phone every single time at your hotel.

Adapter for International Trips

We all learn this travel tip the hard way – bringing an international adapter. Sometimes it’s hard to guess which type of adapter is used in the country we are travelling to. So rather than taking a guess, it’s always better to pack an international adapter so you can charge your devices from any corner of the world. Although you can opt to buy an adapter from the destination, it’s much easier to add in the small device into your travel bag than worrying about it during your trip.

Bagsmart Cable Organiser

This travel tip is especially important for digital nomads who are exploring different destinations. But if you’re a traveller who takes their laptops and other devices on trips, this one is for you as well. Just like how you would get a make-up bag, you can also get a bagsmart cable organiser. Not only will this ensure that you pack all your cables to and back from you trip, but it will also help keep things untagled and less messy!