How to plan a trip to Maldives?

Often regarded as Asia's favourite honeymoon hotspot, the paradise archipelago of Maldives is more than your average beach holiday hub. Home to some of the world's most impressive marine sanctuaries, the breathtaking collection of more than a thousand islands offers visitors a wealth of memorable travel experiences. From timing the visiting to making the most of the vacation, here are some tips on how to plan the ultimate Maldivian getaway.

1. Time the Trip

The first step when planning a memorable holiday to the Maldives is deciding when to travel to the country. Although the archipelago is considered a year-round vacation Mecca, those who wish to enjoy their holiday to the fullest should schedule the trip to coincide with the best weather conditions. The high season or the official tourist season in the Maldives falls between November and April when the chance of rain is at an all-time low as sunny skies prevail all around. This is also, however, the least budget-friendly time of the year to vacation in paradise as the heavy influx of tourists drives up prices to make it an expensive trip overall. Those who are visiting the country during the off-season, on the other hand, may enjoy lower costs but most water sports and outdoor activities may be inaccessible due to the inclement weather patterns,

2. Decide on the Duration

A beach holiday in the Maldives should ideally not be too long or too brief as the likelihood of finding the getaway monotonous or misgivings about having spent too little time in the islands are common afterthoughts travellers have after a holiday in the Maldives. A week is more than sufficient to experience all that the country has to offer while two weeks may seem excessive unless on one's honeymoon or in need of a big break from the stressors of everyday life. A weekend, on the other hand, is woefully insufficient to experience the beauty of the landscape and its many attractions.

3. Look for Cheap Flights

Flight costs are one of the biggest expenses travellers will come across when planning a Maldivian vacation. The best way to find cheaper alternatives is to book one's flight well in-advance so as to capitalize on the many early booking deals available through different airline carriers. Using fare comparing sites to find promotional offers is another way to fly to the Maldives for less.

4. Select the Right Resort

Unlike hospitality hubs in other holiday destinations, resorts and hotels in the Maldives take up entire islands with most visitors spending the entirety of their vacation within the confines of their resort isle. This is why selecting the perfect base is crucial for a successful Maldivian travel experience. Whether one selects the Embudu Village or any other beach resort in Maldives, make sure the properties are easy to reach from the Male International Airport and have all the creature comforts one expects of a modern hotel.

5. Explore Activity Options

Next up, it is time to decide how you will spend your time in the paradise islands. No trip to the Maldives would be complete without signing up for water sports activities as the country is considered one of the world's top venues for water-bound fun. Everything from surfing, scuba diving, snorkelling and windsurfing is available through local resorts and tour operators and it is possible to book these activities before one departs for the holiday.

6. Schedule a Day in Male

While it may be less popular than the resort islands, the nation's capital is a tourist attraction in its own right. Home to nearly all of the country's historical and cultural highlights, spending a day in this dynamic island metropolis is a must for all first-time visitors. Some of the key points of interest in Male include Republic Square, Sultan Park and the National Museum.