How to Get the Most of Your Maldives Trip in 2022 as a First Time Visitor

As one of the most coveted beach holiday hotspots in the world, the Maldives is a paradise archipelago like no other. It is home to some of the finest beaches and water sports hotspots of the globe. Enjoying a memorable getaway in the country requires planning and forethought. Here are some practical tips for all travellers heading to the island nation next year to make the most of their time in this breathtaking paradise.

1. This Is Not the Vacation to Penny-Pinch

While it may be possible to enjoy a decent holiday in Thailand on a tight budget, it is crucial to leave your penny-pinching ways behind during a tour of the Maldives. As one of the most luxurious holiday hotspots in Asia, a getaway in the Maldives is hardly budget-friendly, and the sooner you embrace this fact, the more enjoyable your holiday will be. From choosing the perfect Maldives resort, whether it is the Kurumba Maldives or any other venue to signing up for activities, know that the premium experiences you are after will be well worth the price. Worrying about the cost of everything is a surefire way to make your Maldivian retreat a stressful experience so save up and splurge during your time in the archipelago.

2. Interact with Local Culture

One of the biggest mistakes that tourists commit on their first visit to the Maldives is restricting their movement to the resort island they have chosen after arrival. While these isles are stunning and afford holidaymakers a wealth of experiences, there is very little in the way of local culture to encounter in these highly curated hospitality hubs. For a taste of the "real" Maldives, it is necessary to spend time in Male, the nation's capital, where one not only finds cosmopolitan Maldives but also some of its best shopping venues (Chaandhanee Magu), national landmarks ( Grand Friday Mosque, Republic Square) and cultural epicentres (Sultan Park, The National Museum). The finest local restaurants in the archipelago are also found here.

3. Don't Get Tipsy in Public

Tourists based in the Maldives will soon find that alcohol is not widely available in the country and travellers are not allowed to bring any of their own into the islands either. This means that you must restrict drinking habits to the confines of your resort hub as public intoxication is punishable by law. There is no need to complicate your holiday with altercations with the authorities so drink responsibly and make sure you do not misbehave under the influence.

4. Follow the Dress Code and Etiquette Rules

As an Islamic nation, the cultural norms in the Maldives are quite different to what is advertised on travel brochures. This is why it is important to dress modestly or even conservatively when engaging in sightseeing activities or spending time outside of the resort as bikinis and skimpy resort wear are inappropriate elsewhere. Female visitors should take care to cover their knees and shoulders while men should avoid wearing shorts that do not extend beyond the knee. Visitors should also refrain from engaging in public displays of affection as it is frowned upon in the Maldives.

5. Document Your Holiday

With some of the most visually stunning landscapes on the planet, no trip to the Maldives should go undocumented. Don't forget to bring along your underwater camera and memory cards to store the many snapshots you will take during the trip. Scrapbooking is another great way to document a getaway as one can paste pay stubs and other items that can serve as reminders of their time in this beautiful part of the world.