What Awaits You on Your Maldives Holiday?

If you are looking for a perfect holiday, nothing would sound better than lush tropical islands painted with sugar-white sand and heavenly turquoise waters. If this indeed conjures up your idea of a wonderful holiday, then you should start planning a trip to the beautiful islands of the Maldives.

There are perhaps a thousand possibilities when you decide to take a trip to the Maldives but one thing is for sure, beyond these possibilities and realms of imagination is a new, beautiful and lush world.

The Maldives is composed of around 1200 islands beautifully separated by the clear turquoise waters but what's amazing is that only one sixth of these islands are occupied and populated. So are you wondering what's in the deserted islands? Well, that's for you to discover!

Male is the most populated and most popular island in the Maldives. This island, also the capital of the country, is bursting at the seams, covering around one third of the country's population. This leaves the other islands a peaceful and tranquil paradise, perfect enough for a holiday where anyone would want to get away from it all.

Things to do in the Maldives

While the Maldives is popular for its tranquility and peacefulness, it is also a perfect getaway when you are looking for a relaxing yet exciting holiday. Because of the clear waters surrounding the islands, it is the perfect destination for water sports lovers. If you are one of those water sports lovers, the Maldives will definitely fill your holiday with adventure as it offers world class diving experiences, exciting parasailing, adventurous canoeing and fun-filled windsurfing.

Planning your Holiday

Truly, the Maldives are the perfect destination for your most-awaited holiday but this could be more possible when done with careful planning. You don't want to pass up the chance of enjoying the paradise the Maldives offer, do you? To help you really have a perfect Maldives holiday, here are some tips that you might find helpful as you go along with your planning.

1. Set your budget.
You might find the resorts in the Maldives pretty expensive but that should not ruin your plan of having a perfect holiday. Setting your budget will help you narrow down your choices substantially. It may be a better idea to go to an all-inclusive resort.

2. Plan your activities.
Decide on what you want to do during your Maldives holiday. Do you plan to just relax on the sugar white sands or are you in for an adventure-filled holiday by indulging in all the water sports offered by the Maldives? Or, do you want to spend a romantic honeymoon in one of the islands in the Maldives? Deciding on the things that you want to do will help you go to the right place in the Maldives.

3. Choose the most suitable package for you.
After setting your budget and listing all the activities that you plan to do on your holiday, you can start choosing your most suitable package. Again, stick to the budget and keep an eye on the activities offered and you will never go wrong.

There you go – 3 useful tips that will help you make a dream holiday come true. So, if you are planning to go on holiday, look no further than the Maldives. What are waiting for? Plan your holiday now and get to see and experience what really awaits you in the beautiful islands of the Maldives!

Top Things to do on your Maldives Holiday

Are you the type of person who loves to experience something new? Are you someone who would die for that adrenaline rush and thrill to run through your veins? If you are anyone of those mentioned above and you are currently planning to spend your holiday in a tropical paradise that is simply extraordinary, the Maldives is the perfect place to visit. Why? It's because the activities in the Maldives are endless, not to mention the gorgeous scenery the place has to offer!

The Maldives isn't just about pristine and white sandy beaches and clear blue waters; it is also a place that offers great opportunities for relaxing and having fun under the sun. The Maldives is a group of approximately 1,200 islands located along the Indian Ocean in the southwest of India but during the peak season of November to March, this group of islands turns into a tropical paradise that offers all visitors and tourists what they are looking for. To give you a glimpse of how you would enjoy your Maldives holiday, here is a list of some of the top things to do right after you set your foot in the beautiful islands of the Maldives:

1. Snorkeling and Scuba Diving

Because the Maldives is surrounded with tropical waters, it is not a surprise that it is beaming and vibrating with abundant coral reefs and exotic marine life. Different islands in the Maldives have diving sites that can easily be explored either through different diving safari trips or just from the resorts. Many resorts in the islands operate diving schools that offer PADI courses. They also have facilities that could be rented for snorkeling and scuba diving. Some of the best diving sites in the Maldives include Shark Thila, Victory Wreck, Broken Rock or Kuda Rah Thila, Banana Reef and Guraidhoo Corner.

2. Parasailing

Parasailing is indeed the best way to explore the vistas of coral, the scenic splendor of the Maldives as well as the waters beyond them. However, this activity may only be enjoyed in larger resorts.

3. Windsurfing

One of the activities that most Maldives trotters look forward to the most is windsurfing. This is because the Maldives is surrounded with lagoons just ideal windsurfing. There are also water sports centers or schools in the island offering equipment, instructions and even windsurfing lessons. Sails and boards for hire perfectly cater to different skill levels.

4. Fishing

Night fishing is one of the most popular and unique Maldivian sports. It is also one of the favorites of the tourists. The water condition in the Maldives creates an ideal opportunity for relaxing and having fun under the night skies and stars while waiting for big catch.

However, if you prefer to spend a more relaxed and private holiday, you can just ask your hotel concierge or resort representative to book a private picnic for you and your family or friends in an uninhabited island. You can also just take a stroll and wander around Male, the capital island. You may also enjoy the great and picturesque scenery with the friendly people of the Maldives or relax and indulge in the fantastic and relaxing spa facilities offered in your hotel or resort.

Many activities await you in the Maldives so if you think it's now the perfect time to visit the island, book a trip now and have a fun Maldives holiday!

Top 5 Must-See Attractions on Your Maldives Holiday

The tiny islands in the Maldives are truly popular simply because of the beautiful and wonderful white sandy beaches surrounding them. Add to these beaches the richness of the stunning diving sites that are easily accessible both by boat found in the remote areas of the islands and the directly from the beautiful beaches of the island's resort style hotels.

The Maldives is such a popular holiday destination. This island is very well loved by travelers and globe trotters simply because it has so much to offer. Its tranquil beauty is breathtaking and refreshing for those who want to have an awesome experience during their holidays. From spectacular water sports to strolling on its gorgeous shore lines, there is no doubt that the Maldives is a perfect destination for everyone. Out of a very long lists of tourist attractions in the island, given below are some of the must-see attractions to visit when spending a holiday in the Maldives.

1. Male

Male, the Maldives capital city, is often visited during the day time or on the last day of vacation or holiday. Although it is a relatively small city, Male is the home to many interesting museums and mosques. Male's museums house very interesting and precious artifacts procured by the famous explorer, Thor Heyerdahl, when he first visited the Maldives. Also found in Male is the Singapore Bazaar which is popular for traditional handicrafts showcasing the talents and skills of the locals in hard handwork. Just off the Male's shore is a submarine that offers the opportunity to explore the hidden reefs of the island.

2. Esjehi Art Gallery

This art gallery is situated in Male, just on the right side of the also popular Sultan Park. The Esjeshi Art Gallery is simply a perfect treat for those who greatly appreciate art. It is located in one of the most prominent and oldest buildings in Male and although it is relatively smaller compared to other art galleries in other countries, it has a decent and fascinating collection of art, making it a must-see place during your Maldives holiday.

3. Grand Friday Mosque

The Grand Friday Mosque is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Maldives simply because of its grand design and architecture of the bygone times. It was constructed by Sultan Ibrahim Iskandhar in 1656 and it has the capacity to house around 5,000 people.

4. Maldives Fish Market

The Maldives Fish Market is indeed a must-see attraction and this is proven by the crowd that never fails to visit the place. In fact, it is one of the most crowded attractions in the Maldives. Globe trotters are fond of visiting the place because of the delicious fresh fruits, vegetables, tuna, dried fish and other fish variety the place offers. What makes it really unique is its unbelievably clean place despite the wet and perishable goods it offers.

5. Maldives Beaches

Your holiday won't be called Maldives holiday without visiting the island's vivid and exotic beaches. Some of the most popular beaches here are the Sun Island beach, Royal Island Resorts, Paradise Island, Fuammulak and a lot more!

There you go – the top 5 must-see attractions in the Maldives. You can never go wrong when you visit these must-see attractions and after your holiday, you will surely tell yourself that your Maldives holiday was indeed the best holiday you'd ever had!

Top 4 Things to Make Your Maldives Holiday Fun and Enjoyable

Almost everyone would want to make the best out of their holidays because these are the only time when they would be able to relax and enjoy. The holiday season gives them the time to bond with their families and friends. It will also free them from their corporate problems and stress. If you are also interested in planning a vacation, you can go for a Maldives holiday just like many of the people who never went wrong in choosing to go to the Maldives for their holiday.

There are a lot of beautiful resorts in the Maldives that are all willing to accommodate you and your family for a vacation. A Maldives holiday would be a great way for both relaxation and fun. Aside from the fact that you will see a new environment and atmosphere, by traveling to Maldives, you will also know more about its rich culture and traditions. Nonetheless, there are certain things that must be put into consideration when planning a holiday in Maldives. Here they are:

• Budget

A Maldives holiday vacation may be very expensive if you will not plan. You need sufficient amount of money for your transportation, accommodation and travel. There may also be activities that you and your family would like to do and you need money for them as well. You have to determine your expenses according to importance. If your budget is enough to cover them, then you just have to stick to that budget. However, if your expenses are way out of your budget, you can eliminate the least important ones or minimize the allotted budget for every activity if possible.

• Research

You know that there are different things to do in the Maldives. There are also lots of companies that offer their services. It would be best to do a research about the resorts and the places that you would be interested to visit so that you will have the basic knowledge about the place. This will also help you plan more effectively.

• Secure your Documents

Traveling to the Maldives would require you to arrange certain papers. It would be best to organize the needed documents earlier so that you would not have to worry about anything before you leave. During the vacation, you should also place important documents in a secure place so that you will not lose any of them. Instead of worrying about lost papers, you can just enjoy the moment in the beautiful resorts and islands in the Maldives. Keep in mind that you are in a foreign place and it would be complicated if you lose important vacation papers.

• Communicate

If you left someone at home, you should update them every now and then. This is necessary so that they will not worry while you are away. You can just send them messages or call them once in a while. They would surely love to hear all about the nice things you've been doing in your Maldives holiday.

A Maldives holiday is a perfect idea of spending quality time with your loved ones. You just have to plan everything ahead of time so that you will not forget any single detail. Planning will also ensure fun and enjoyment.

The Different Tastes of Maldives Holiday

Ask anyone who loves traveling and they would tell you that one of the things they like most when in a new place is that they get the chance to taste outstanding and really delectable cuisine of the places they visit. Each country has its own specialty but what makes each different is how they specialty is prepared and served. This is what makes the Maldives a perfect destination when you are after a gastronomical holiday. Read through and have a taste of what a Maldives holiday is like!

Because the Maldives is surrounded of water, it is not surprising to find out that fish, particularly tuna, is the most prominent and most important element of a Maldivian cuisine. However, because many travelers around the world visit the place, new vegetables, seasonings and spices were introduced to the island, adding more taste and flavor to the existing and limited repertoire of the Maldives' seafood and tubers. Each addition and new discoveries were perfectly incorporated in the diet that is most palatable and appetizing to the Maldivian taste buds.

Therefore, the Maldivian cuisine is now the perfect summary and combination of the Indian, Arabic, Sri Lankan and Oriental tastes deliciously blended into a perfectly unique cuisine making up a culinary identity that is truly Maldivian.

Aside from the different cuisines mentioned above, other diverse international cuisines like Thai and continental cuisine are also available in the different resorts in the islands of the Maldives. Most of these resorts have more than one restaurant and café to choose from. Despite the heavy influence of other cuisines in the island, the Maldivian cuisine retains its particular and idiosyncratic flavor with a long-lasting effect.

If you are worried that the Maldivian cuisine might ruin your figure for a nice swim at the beach, you can go for a light snack in the coffee shops in the resorts. Moreover, if you are spending your holiday in one of the many live-aboard vessels in the Maldives, you will surely find the dishes the restaurants serve. Since the Maldives is a Muslim country, it would be impossible to find pork dishes and alcoholic beverages so it would be a good idea to visit one of those live-aboard vessels in the Maldives if you are craving for the dishes prohibited in the island.

If you are looking for a different experience, the best place to visit is the island's capital, Male. Most hotels, guesthouses and restaurants in the capital serve eastern and western specialties in addition to the continental, traditional and some local dishes. The cafes in the capital, more commonly known as hotaa, is the perfect place if you look forward to savoring the local tastes.

Also, you will never completely taste the Maldives holiday without trying out the hedika – the Maldivian short eats. Many of these may only be tasted in the Maldives and they come in spicy, sweet and sour varieties.

Indeed, the taste of a Maldives holiday is a fusion of tradition, diversity, uniqueness, and perfection. Look around the island and what you can see is a perfect beauty that is yet to be discovered when you visit the Maldives and visit each and every restaurant and what awaits you is the cuisine that is yet to be discovered by your very own taste buds.

That's the perfect taste of a Maldives holiday!

Revitalize and Enliven your Love with a Romantic Holiday in the Maldives

Every person has his own way of celebrating the holidays. There are some who like to spend the day with his family and relative. Others may choose to celebrate it with friends. There are also others who want to celebrate it with other people in street parties and other social gatherings. However, most people would really want to celebrate it with their loved one on a romantic holiday. This could be best done in the Maldives.

If you want to give the holiday season a romantic twist, you can spend your time and celebrate it with your special someone. There are several places in the Maldives perfect for this holiday plan. Most of these places are perfect for a romantic holiday getaway. Pack your bags now and enjoy the sights while cuddling in each others arms. Here are some Maldives vacation ideas and romantic activities that you can prepare to make the holidays even more special.

Once in a while, it is important to leave your everyday routine and take a break. This break would even be more enjoyable when you spend it during the holidays with your special someone. Mind you, this is not just a simple vacation. It is your time to celebrate the holidays with love. It is your romantic holiday and it would be best to celebrate it in a place where you can renew your commitments with each other. The perfect place would be where you will get enough breathing space to relax and privately spend time together.

If you and your partner are fond of aquatic adventures, a Maldives holiday is simply perfect for you. There are countless of activities that you can do like swimming or scuba diving. You will be able to enjoy the sunrise and sunset together or just play sand castles. This is also an excellent holiday vacation idea especially if you both love to eat seafood. Aside from all these, you will be able to set up a bonfire at night and simply reminisce on the good times that you had while enjoying the splashing sound of the clear, blue waters.

Another romantic Maldives vacation idea is going on a camping or hiking in one of the uninhabited islands in the Maldives. If you both love to explore, camping is a good way of getting close to nature. There are wonderful camping sites in the island that will also help you feel relaxed. There are also a lot of other activities that you can do together while in the campsite. You can cook together or swim together in the waters surrounding the island of your choice.

The pristine and romantic atmosphere in the Maldives is just perfect for this romantic purpose. However, it really does not matter where you want to celebrate your romantic holiday, whether it is in the Maldives or in other places. What is important is for both you and your partner to enjoy the moment. You can give your loved one enough attention by doing things together.

You can plot your activities according to your interests and passion. It would be best to plan ahead of time so that everything will be organized. That way, you can be sure that you will both have a great time together.

Preparing for a Maldives Holiday

The best part of a Maldives holiday is actually being there – where you can sit comfortably beside the beach, drinking your favorite tropical fruit shake, enjoying the sun and having not a single care in the world. But before you reach to that point, you have to make some deep planning and preparation. The best advice I can give you is to decide months in advance when you are going.

It is ideal to begin planning at least 6 months in advance prior to leaving. This way, you can have all your schedules cleared and arrange the necessary documents needed for the trip.

Set your budget. Maldives can be a very expensive place if you just leave your budget to chance. Determining how much money you want to spend for your holiday before you even begin to book anything will give you a clear cut limitation on how you will get there and where to stay once you're there. Start a savings plan if necessary.

You can browse different travel websites and look for hard figures that say how much do you have to spend on the holiday. Call then one by one. The idea is to shop around. You are more likely to find the best deal by visiting several websites and talking to different travel agents than just by limiting yourself to the first site that appears on your search engine.

Decide how to get there. Are you planning to arrange it with a traveling agency? Are you going to book your own flight, pick and reserve a hotel room and choose the itineraries yourself?

If you have decided to arrange your tip with a traveling agency, make sure that it is legitimate. Ask a friend or check the BBB (Better Business Bureau).

If you are going to plan the trip yourself, you have to decide how to get there and where to stay. Several airline carriers including Condor, Emirates, Indian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Aeroflot, Air Europe, Malaysian Airlines and Australian Airlines fly regularly to and from Maldives. Check if any of these carriers fly from or near your areas and book your flight. If not, book a connecting flight as early as possible. Secure travel insurance.

Know the reason why do you want to go to Maldives. Is it for fun, romance, family bonding or just to experience the place? Are you planning to go diving, canoeing, windsurfing or parasailing?

Choosing a hotel can be a bit of a task but given enough time, you will be able to find one that fits your needs. There are several hotels in the country, almost all of them offer packages. Choose one that is most suitable to your requirements. Still, you have to decide a hotel based on your budget, activities that can be done on the location of the hotel and accommodation.

If you are traveling with children, I suggest that you choose a hotel with kid's club so that you can still have the time to enjoy other places of interest.

About 2 weeks prior to departure, start reaffirming your reservations and ensure that everything is in order.

Days before the departure, pack everything you need. The night before you leave, just relax and sleep early. Be at the airport 2 to 3 hours before your scheduled flight.

Once you're there, enjoy!

Maldives Holiday – Why You Should Go?

When it is time to get that much-awaited holiday, there are various tourist destination spots around the world that you can choose to spend your precious days with. But if you love the sun, beaches, corals, sea life, art, old architectural building, don't go elsewhere as a Maldives holiday can bring you those vacation essentials you need. Yes, this popular tourist holiday vacation spot has varieties of happenings and lots of natural attractions that you will never feel anything except bliss and tranquility when you set your foot in this island.

The Location

Maldives is an archipelago seated just on the equator, South West from Sri Lanka. A group of coral islands consists this archipelago, making it the perfect haven for water sports enthusiasts. 200 of the islands are inhabited and you can find here most of the popular exclusive beach resorts. The other islands are uninhabited giving you those most pristine, undiscovered beach locations. Also, while the most ideal part of the year to go to Maldives is from December to April, the temperature and sunshine soak the archipelago all year long.

Hence, anytime of the year is alright to visit especially if you are after the warm temperature. You will also receive warm hospitality from the local people. There is no problem interacting with them since while their native language is Dhivehi, English is commonly spoken.

The Activities That Make Maldives Famous

The pristine waters that engulf the island are one foremost reason why vacationers and travelers love coming back to this holiday destination. In addition to that, the abundance of aquatic life, particularly the wide variety of fishes and corals, is a remarkable attraction to island. With all the waters around, there are so many marine activities you can do. You can try diving, snorkeling, fishing, scuba diving, and even reeling in with some fish species like tuna, sailfish, and marlin.

Deep sea fishing is also one of the favorite water activities. The locales' favorite however is hand-reel fishing, so why not do it too? And if you are in for a romantic stroll, you can do so by walking and picnic lunching on one of the various deserted islands near the area where you're staying.

You will also love a Maldives holiday because of the fact that the island's capital city is stretched into semi-urban ambiance, having a famous museum housing 7000-year old artifacts. The city is best explored on foot since it only takes about 20 minutes from the island. Bicycles are also available for rent and are the native's transportation mode.

Where to Stay

People usually go to an all-inclusive holiday on one of the many resorts found in Maldives. However, you can do your own holiday bookings should you decide to personally select which resort that fits most to your preference and taste. Don't worry as Maldives boasts of the many hotels or guesthouses found on most inhabited islands; thus, lots of options for you. When you arrive in the island, you can walk around and book in one of those places.

You can find that rates are mostly reasonable with breakfast as inclusive offerings. Most of these dwellings are accessible from the scattered quaint stores and local markets, so you can roam around to shop for handicrafts and local products which you can bring home as souvenirs.

Maldives Holiday: Traveling on a Budget

The first impression when we speak about Maldives holiday is it is expensive. While this is quite true, you can still go to the Maldives and experience everything that the county has to offer even if you are on a budget.

Take the all-inclusive package
Since you pay one set price for just about everything, an all-inclusive package allows you to know well in advance the amount you should spend for the trip. This frees you from the hassles and worries of thinking about the cost of travel and portage, as well as the extra cost and hidden cost of the services you avail once there.

Usually included in an all-inclusive package are flights, land and sea transfers, hotel accommodation, meals, drinks, gym, spas, water sports and access to game room.

When looking for one, be sure to clarify with your travel agent what includes in the package.

Be your own travel agent
Getting a travel agent to arrange your trip will save you a lot of time and trouble. But getting a travel agent is not a must. You can do the travel arrangements your own. With a little time on phone calls and some reading, you can actually get even better itineraries without paying for these extra services. Arranging your own travel will allow you to pick cheaper hotel deals and customize your trip based on your budget.

Do thorough research
An extra time online will give you a wider selection of packages, deals and promos where you can select the best without sacrificing your needs. Try to browse to as much websites as you can. You will be surprised how giving a little of your time in research will make a difference. In other words, shop around.

Consider booking a cruise
Technically, if you go to a place, you just need a bed where you can sleep and you'll be alright. In the Maldives, you really don't need to book a room where you will just spend 8 hours of your time unconscious. So why not consider taking a cruise? It is much cheaper. Plus, you enjoy the Maldives on a different angle as the ship visits the islands.

Find a moderately priced hotel
It is nice to browse and look at luxury hotels that offer top-class amenities and services. It is much nicer to stay at any of these hotels. But the fact is that once you are in the Maldives, you will only spend a little of your time in your hotel room. So why dream of a luxury accommodation you cannot even enjoy? The best Maldives experiences are found outside of your hotel windows; and not in the hotel room.

Of course, spending an evening and waking in the morning at a very comfortable bed are an added bonus but these are the things you can live without and can be compensated with enjoying the sun and other outdoor activities. So instead of dreaming the best rooms and hotel accommodation look for a less fancy hotel. They are priced cheaper but still offer the same Maldives holiday experience.

Finally, call the Maldives Tourism Promotion Board at 960-332-3228. They can give you assistance and provide helpful information about what to expect as well as ideas on where to get better deals.

Maldives Holiday: Travel Guide

Armed with the following information, you will be able to have a worry-free and totally relaxing holiday to Maldives:

When to come
The Maldives experiences a year round of tropical weather so you can go anytime of the year. Still, the best months to schedule a holiday are from December to April. These months experiences the longest hours of sunshine with a little chance of rain. However, these are also the popular times to visit so hotels and resorts can be fully booked and the prices are higher compared to other months.

What to bring
You don't really need many items to bring when visiting the country since the essentials are readily available at shops that are located on resorts. But to remind you of it, here is a list of the things that you should have:

Lotion
Sunglasses
Sunscreen with high spf
Bathing suits
Cap or hat
Insect repellant
Light cotton clothing
US dollars and credit cards

What to wear
Since it is generally hot and humid in the Maldives, it is advised that visitors should wear light t-shirts and shorts. If you are going there for a business meeting, the attire is usually casual. If you plan to visit during the rainy season, bring a light rain jacket. If you are in the capital, Male, wear modest clothes. The country is a Muslim nation so be respectful – nudity is prohibited.

Entry and Exit Requirements
Entering the Maldives can only be done by air since the country is composed of tiny islands. The entry requirements are few and simple. All you need to have is a valid passport. When you arrive, you are given free entry visa that is valid for 30 days – regardless of where you come from. Visitors are recommended to confirm their hotel or resort reservations before coming, however, reservations can be made right at the Tourist Information Counter in the arrival hall if you haven't had booked a resort or hotel. Be ready to have sufficient funds (US$25 per day of stay) and a return flight ticket. When leaving, prepare US$10 as exit tax.

Take note: if you are planning to visit the Maldives during peak season (December to April), make a reservation in advance as hotels and resorts are often fully booked.

Money
The local currency is called the Rufiyaah (about 12.75 Rufiyaah to a dollar). However, many resorts accept dollar as a form of payment. Larger resorts can accept euro, pound, yen and sterling. Bank and ATMs are only located on the capital, Male. Small shops usually don't accept credit cards so make sure you have cash when shopping.

Weather
The Maldives has 2 seasons: wet and dry. Wet season is from May to November; dry season is from December to April (which is also the best months to visit the country). Nonetheless, it experiences a year-round tropical climate due to its location on the equator. During the dry season, the country experiences a little rain and extra hours of sunlight. During the wet season, rains are expected but the temperature is still warm. The average temperature is 27.7 C (82 F). Temperature rarely drops to below 25 C (77 F).

Crime and Safety
The Maldives is a fairly safe country. While petty crimes do exist, they can be limited to Male and other inhabited islands. To be safe, just don't leave your valuables unattended.

Maldives Holiday – Take the Gateway to Paradise

Being scattered with different islands, Maldives is one of the best places you can go if you love the sun and water. Its setting makes for a perfect refuge for the people who just want to take a breath from the stressful hustle and bustle of the city life. It is the ideal vacation spot where you can do nothing but enjoy and relax and never think of the commitments you are doing all year round.

Lovely sunshine, warm seas, magnificent beaches, remarkable resorts, spectacular scenery, and the fresh, lush, and amazing vegetation are truly astonishing factors that make Maldives just the perfect island paradise anyone should ever experience with. With all the warm temperature running all year round, you can go there to take a Maldives holiday anytime of the year, though peak season usually starts December and ends April.

A Perfect Holiday for Nature Lovers and Adventurers

Maldives has been voted as one of the top holiday destinations in the 20 countries, which include Thailand, Malaysia, and Dubai, in the recent conducted poll. The reason is probably because the island is still left unharmed and unspoiled even with commercial resorts sightings giving all nature lovers and vacationers to savor the magical paradise the island brings. People love the sense of tranquility one finds in Maldives.

The beauty of beaches and resorts are unmatched. It is breathtaking that one can simply stretch on the warm sand and savor their hungry-for-picturesque-scenery eyes on the stunning appeal of the island even for hours and hours. Once you start roaming your eyes around and absorbing the picturesque scenery, you will never want to leave. Nature lovers will exactly understand that feeling of magic once they step their foot on this island.

What you can do with your Maldives holiday is bonus to your vacation. Water sports enthusiasts exactly love the feeling when they can do all the activities like wind surfing, water skiing, snorkeling, diving, sailing, parasailing, reeling in with marine fishes and a lot, lot more. If you are not just a nature lover but an adventurer as well, you can have the feeling too by trying out all these water activities.

The center of commercial trades is Male, the capital city of Maldives. You can take a stroll and visit the local fish market place, where varieties of sea foods and fresh, green vegetables can be found. You can also take yourself to some really good restaurants that overlook the seas. You can go to quaint stores to buy local products as souvenirs for yourself. Visit the famous, old mosque and the art gallery that houses some of the oldest of the oldest artifacts. Enjoy all the sights and when you get tired from all the walking and strolling, have yourself treated to the maximum. Resorts and hotels offer luxury spas.

How to Explore the Islands

Since Male doesn't have its own airway connection, it is by the airport of the island Hulhule where you can land and then from there you can take water travel to go to Maldives' capital city. You can go to other islands of Maldives by taking boat rides from Male.

There is no reason to worry over safety since the local tourism industry has managed transportations and accommodations well that you will encounter no troubles visiting Maldives.

Maldives Holiday Packing Guide

It's the night before you leave, all travel documents are tucked securely in an envelope; your booking in a hotel somewhere in the Maldives is confirmed; and everything is virtually set – except your luggage! You have carefully planned your trip for months but failed somehow failed to pack your bags.

Imagine this situation happening to you. The trip hasn't started yet but you have already bumped into a problem. What a way to start your vacation! Well, you will probably solve this seemingly simple problem. After all, there's a light at the end of the tunnel, but not after several hours of worrying and looking for the items you should bring that should have been prepared days before. The point is clear, put emphasis on everything, including the things that will fill your bag.

Here are some tips to remember when packing for a vacation:

Travel light – not because it is easier to carry a lighter bag but because carrying too much weight can be a real problem at the airport. Airline carriers have allowable weight limit to both check-in and carryon baggage - you need to pay for any excess weight you carry. You should also consider the size of your bag. You may not be carrying too much weight but if your bag is larger than the set size, you may have to buy a new one right at the airport or leave with nothing at all.

Different airline carriers have different policies about the allowable weight and size of you baggage. Be sure to check on it before you leave.

Pack wisely – For men, this is not a problem at all as they can exist with just an extra pair of shorts and shirts. But for women, packing for a holiday is totally different story. It is almost weird that women love to carry everything that can fit in their bags. And if there is no more room for other stuffs, they will take another bag and try to fill it to its limits. But regardless of gender, simple rules apply: bring only the things you need and leave everything that's unnecessary. You are going on a beach resort so leave your formal dress in your closet, forget your high-heel shoes and leave your blower behind.

Roll instead of folding your clothes – it saves you space and reduces unwanted wrinkles.

Identify what stuff goes to which bag – If you are traveling, you probably have at least 1 check-in luggage and 1 carryon bag. Take note: important travel documents, a set of clean clothes, vital medicines and other items you can't live without should be packed on your carryon bag. The rest of your stuff goes to your check-in luggage. Why? Bags can get lost while inside the terminal, on its way to the plane; so you have to make sure that the most important things are right beside you.

Create a checklist – There is no shame admitting that you can forget things. Who doesn't? To ensure that you have all the things you need are already prepared, use a checklist. After all, you cannot blame anyone for not remembering the things you should have brought along with you. Moreover, using a checklist will help you eliminate items that you really don't need in case everything doesn't fit inside your bag.

Use your checklist before you leave the resort at the end of your vacation.

Maldives Holiday – Factors in Choosing Resorts Package

If you are looking for a luxury holiday in a tropical island, a Maldives holiday is most ideal for you. A great number of beautiful resorts are outstretched in the 20 percent of Maldives islands and they offer luxury packages, including pampering spa, restaurants, great facilities, and water sports experiences. The beaches that outlay in the thousands of islands boast of the most pristine white sands and bluest of the blue waters, plus the most crystalline waters that the lagoons nearby are filled with.

If you are going with a Maldives holiday, you need to plan ahead so that you will have the best and most comfortable resort for your preference. If you are caught with excitement and find it hard to plan properly, here are some guides to let you choose your most perfect Maldives resort package.

How Much Budget
Maldives resorts are all spectacular, but you need to determine how much you will bring with your budget. If you are on a tight budget schedule, be sure to check the packages. While most believe they can save more if they do their own bookings, check the all-inclusive packages as they work out more affordable in the end.

What Activities
Plan the activities you want to engage in on your Maldives holiday. Do you want to enjoy the days just lazing around Male and the nights just having a few drinks in an island? Or would you want to visit one island after another and do all these water sports activities Maldives is so famous for? Plan how you will spend your vacation holiday in the island before you select the resort package to make the most out of it.

What Resort Package
Once you have established your funds and planned your activities in the island, you can browse for the packages. The budget and activities will be your factors in choosing, so be firmer with these aspects. Packages can range from room only to room with breakfast, or from full board to all-inclusive one. Check the items and privileges in each package and compare each to draw which one you'll get cheaper deals.

If your activities include going into other islands, it is advisable that you pick room or room and breakfast package as it is more practical than when you opt for the all-inclusive one but you cannot maximize its features. On the other hand, if you plan to just stay and enjoy the days and nights in an island only, it is advisable to take the all-inclusive resort package as you can maximize its cost.

Type of Accommodation
Resorts in Maldives are offered in a range, so you might want to review the packages. You can either select a resort that features beach villa situated just a few meters away from the beach ocean or one that provides water villa erected right in the beach ocean. For information, water villas cost more than the beach villas. So if you want ultimate luxury with your Maldives holiday, water villas are always the best pick. They come with luxury price, but you will have luxury experience as well.

Peak or Off-peak
The peak season happens on the months of December to April. Of course, you will expect the best weather on these months, with lots of sunshine and least rain. However, it is to be expected that peak seasons are always more expensive than when you visit the island on off-peak seasons.

Maldives Holiday: A Day Trip to Male

It is almost ordinary for someone when visiting a country for the first time to explore its capital. Since the international airport is often located is the capital, it is very practical to roam around the city whether on the first day or on the last day of the vacation. Tourists who visit the Maldives, however, are not like that. Often, once tourists arrive in the country, they go directly to their island resort and spend the rest of their time there. Still, there are some who take a day trip to Male, which are often organized by several island resorts.

Male is neither a large city nor a large island to start with. With just about a mile long and a little over half of a mile wide, you can walk around the city in over an hour. But if you will try to explore and check what the city has to offer, you will discover a few notable attractions.

The National Museum, located in Sultan Park, provides a glimpse of history of the Maldives. The stylish colonial construction features various artifacts, including the throne, that were once used by the sultans during the early years of the country.

Since the Maldivians are predominantly Muslims, expect to see a mosque. But Huskuru Miskiiy Mosque (Old Friday Mosque) possesses a unique magnificence with ethnic workmanship and arched corals that are truly a masterpiece. Glimpse of the past can also be seen in the tombs of the national heroes and the members of the royalty located in the area. The Islamic Center is the most significant landmark in Male. Its most stunning feature is the golden dome that stands out wherever you are in the city. With its huge size, it can accommodate around 5000 people. The Islamic Center also has offices, conference halls and a library.

If you like shopping, then you should visit the Majeedhee Magu. The place is lined up with several stores offering an array of products including, electronics, cosmetics, garments and jewelry. The Orchid Magu and Chandanee Magu have a bunch of souvenir cafes and shops. The Male fishing market can be quite a site. If the time is right, you can see, loads upon loads of fish being sold in the market.

Unlike other major cities, Male is not known to for bars and clubs where you can party till dawn but there are other forms of entertainment. The New Harbor sometimes holds an outdoor concert. There are two cinemas in Male, the Olympus and Star, located in Majeedhee Magu.

Eating can be quite an experience in Male. The Maldives has its own unique taste but influences from Indian, Sri Lankan, Arabic and Oriental cuisines create a whole new identity for a Maldivian cuisine. If you want to taste an authentic Maldivian food, try eating on small cafes or local eateries. They taste almost as good as the foods that are served in your hotel restaurant minus the cost.  For the less adventurous and for those who want to stay on the safe side, several restaurants also offer Italian, French, Thai, Chinese, Indian and American cuisines.

Male is basically a crowded and bustling place, but at the same time, it a city far different from what we are used to seeing. So on your visit to the Maldives, take time to visit Male and see these sites for yourself.

Maldives Holiday – A Taste of Paradise

With its stunning scenery, beautiful resorts, tranquil beaches, colorful people, world class underwater beauty, savory foods and warm accommodation, the Maldives is almost synonymous to paradise. And when we speak of this place, it is like describing what an ideal world should be. Thus, it is not surprising if people fall head over heals when they see the Maldives for the first time.

The People
Economics has played a great role on how the people of these islands treat anyone who visits their country. The Maldives relies heavily on tourism. In fact, tourism carries 20 percent of the country's GDP. On their part, it is a serious business. That is why once in the Maldives, expect to be welcomed with warm hospitality and politeness that you rarely see anywhere in the world.

The Food
A diverse culture produces a diverse taste. But often times, diversity leads to the lost of identity. And the loss of identify in terms of culinary cuisines leads to confusion between what is authentic and what is borrowed. In the Maldives, diversity has actually elevated its food into a gastronomical pleasure you should not miss. The combination of Arabic, Indian, Sri Lankan and Oriental tastes fussed up with the existing local taste to become a culinary identity that is truly Maldivian. No trip will ever be complete without experiencing the taste of the local food.

The Beach
There are so many things you can do in the Maldives but many visitors prefer to go barefoot and just enjoy the white sand beach while looking at an uninterrupted view of the turquoise ocean and the neighboring islands. Spending time at the beach is enough to make the holiday complete.

The Ocean
The Maldives is not about shopping, neither is it about partying. The Maldives is all about the ocean – showcasing the beauty of the ocean you have never expected. The Maldives probably has the most number of dive sites per square kilometer than any other countries in the world. The distinct characteristic of the island and how it has come to be are the reasons why this place offers an underwater world that can be described as nothing but the best. As they say, "no one can ever guess how wonderful and how rich the ocean is if they have not visited the Maldives.

The Accommodation
Surely, the Maldives has no shortage of things what can be termed as "the best." With its world class resorts, the country offers a one of a kind experience from the moment you step onto the beach resort to the very last moment you spend on the islands. If you like pampering, then choosing one of several resorts in the country will guarantee that you get what you deserve. The Maldives is known to provide the best services no other country can offer. No matter who you are or what you do, you can experience a royalty treatment in every resort in the islands.

Words cannot express how beautiful the Maldives unless you have actually seen the place in person. And once you do, with the unique charm of the Maldives islands, it is almost assured that you will choose to stay in this place for as long as it takes or at least, let the clock stand still while you are being mesmerized with the beauty of the place.

Maldives – A Popular Tropical Holiday Destination Getaway

If you are looking for a scenic place to vacation, Maldives is an ideal pick. If you love the sun and beaches, plus an abundance of sea life and corals, you will definitely love this island. It is a place where travelers keep coming back due to its marvelous tourist destination with a promise of breathtaking and refreshing experience for any vacationer. Whether you are looking for a great electrifying water experience or longing to soak in the sun and sea water, you will never go wrong if you go for a Maldives holiday. If you are after the popular destinations in Maldives, you will never run out of agenda especially if you go to the following popular spots.

Beaches and Water Activities

Of course, when Maldives is mentioned, you instantly think about beaches.  In fact, no Maldives holiday is complete if you don't go to the beaches. After all, it is the pristine beaches why this vacation place went to top of most travelers' list. But it is not only the breathtaking beauty of the beaches that people love. Water activities, such as snorkeling and scuba diving, make Maldives a perfect destination. You can also do your windsurfing, parasailing, and even fishing, either hand-reel or deep sea. If you are not a water sports enthusiast but love the sun and water nevertheless, go to this place and enjoy all the picture-perfect spots and the feeling of serenity.

Male, the Capital City

The Capital City is a tourist attraction in Maldives, being situated just near the airport. This is where you will find local handicraft shops and marvelous nation museum where you will find a great collection of various artifacts. This is also where the government seats, so making it the hub of trades, commerce, business, and other industries.

Art Gallery

If you love arts, you will probably never miss visiting Esjehi, the art gallery found just on eastern part of Sultan Park in Male. Aside from being a place where traditional and modern artworks are found, Esjehi is also seated in one of the grandest, oldest buildings of Male. It is relatively a small gallery; however, a visit here is worth it because of the decent assortment of arts. Plus, it holds workshops for the Maldives artists to convene. A trip to Esjehi is like knowing the people of Maldives because a great collection of the arts is done by local artists.

Mosque

The Grand Friday is the popular and biggest mosque in Maldives. It went to top major tourist spots in Maldives because of architectural design, which was constructed by Ibrahim Iskandhar in 1656. Whether you are a very religious person or not, you should never miss the pride of Maldives. It has a 5000-seat capacity, with unique and magnificent coral engravings as well as the famous tombs of the national heroes.

Fish Market
This is the wet market crowded mostly by tourists and travelers. It is located on the accessible north area of the capital city's waterfront. You will find a variety of local fresh fruits, tuna, fresh and dried fish, and vegetables. It is not only for having great varieties of fresh foods why the fish market is famous but how unique and clean it is, which the tourism government ensures for all the people to take enjoy.

Knowing More about the Maldives Resorts

Busy lifestyle has caused a boring and dull quality of life. Going to the park or mall is no longer enough to give people their desired enjoyment and fun. If this is your case, why don't you launch yourself into a very exciting yet very relaxing beach holiday? There could never be a better choice than going to the Maldives resorts especially when you are looking forward to having a perfect beach vacation. Because the Maldives stretches from the south western boundary of India all the way to the Equator, there is no doubt that there isn't any larger on the map then a just a few ink splashes. Nevertheless, these small and mighty islands are where you could find the best kept and untouched treasures of the world!

The Maldives' turquoise lucid waters, fantastic and wonderful powder-white beaches and tropical climate create an idyllic and calm atmosphere for a remarkable holiday in the different resorts in the Maldives. The exotic marine life and the colorful and magnificent underwater coral gardens mark an unforgettable holiday in any traveler's life.

If you are after a more private holiday, the Maldives resorts also make a perfect place for you! The most impressive and amazing fact about the different resorts in the Maldives is that you, the traveler together with your friends or family and other tourists as well, will be the only inhabitants in your chosen island. Because there are only approximately 70 to 100 people in the island, depending on your chosen resort, there will be times that you might feel that you are the only person in the place especially when you are just strolling down the sandy beach, with the turquoise waters splashing by your side.

Enough has been said about the island's resorts' beauty, how about their facilities? No question about that because the Maldives resorts offer their visitors the best facilities to make their desired perfect holidays and vacation possible. These resorts consist of regional restaurants, bars, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, gymnasiums, spas, and almost everything required for a perfect holiday. Aside from that, they have the friendliest and most accommodating staffs to service you and fulfill all your needs. In fact, many resorts in the Maldives have been recognized for the admirable services they provide.

However, these resorts will never be perfect without the delectable and tasty food to suffice and satisfy your palate. Don't worry because these Maldives resorts provide you with excellent, tasty and exotic food to perfectly suit your choice and taste.

For those looking for adventure, gregarious and outgoing activities are not to be missed as well. Scuba diving, surfing, jet skiing, parasailing, snorkeling, sailing and a lot more will surely give you the thrill and adventure you've been looking for.

Whatever idea of holiday you have, the Maldives has it. You can lounge around luxury on the Maldives' far and distant beach resorts where the unfamiliar and exotic breezes of the waters tickle your skin. If you are more interested in nature, you can just wander through the rich, uninhabited islands with nothing else except you and the local natives of the islands.

Whatever you require, the Maldives resorts surely have it. What are you waiting for? Get ready for a Maldives holiday now! The Maldives resorts are worth every dime!

How to Make Your Maldives Holiday a Blast!

It is not a secret that the Maldives can be one of the most beautiful and most memorable places to visit. Make it more memorable with these tips:

Plan right.
An exceptional vacation starts with good planning. Give yourself enough time, at least 6 months prior to departure, to prepare all the necessary travel documents and insurance, to save enough money for the trip and to notify your work about your planned vacation.

Let the travel agency take care of everything...

Busy schedules may hinder you from planning your holiday properly. If this is the case, why not contact a travel agency and let them take care of everything you need—so that all you need to do is pack your bag and enjoy. Take note, however, that packages from travel agencies can be very limiting (number of meals, types of activities, etc.). That is why it is important to identify what you want to do and communicate it very well to your agent to make necessary adjustments that suit you.

Pick the right season...

Isn't it amazing that there is a place where the sun is shining at its best at the time when you are shoveling snow from your doorsteps? Maldives is a small group of about 1200 islands and islets located southeast of and southwest of Sri Lanka in the Laccadive Sea of Indian Ocean, in the equator. So even if it is freezing cold in most parts of North America and Europe, the Maldives offer a whole day of tropical weather with little changes of rain. That said, the best months to visit the country are from December to April. Airfare, hotel accommodation and other services increase during the peak season. Still, hotels and resorts are flocked by tourists. Off-peak season, on the other hand can be cheaper but that doesn't mean that you cannot get the kind of enjoyment you expect during these months. After all, if resting and relaxation without too much crowd are what you are looking for, traveling to Maldives from May to November can be a better option (just watch out for some possible downpours).

Choose the right resort...

The Maldives takes tourism seriously. It accounts to 20 percent of its GDP. It provides employment, both formal and informal, to the locals. So you can only just imagine how well the people in the Maldives take care of their guests. That said, in all tourist resorts in operation in the Maldives, you can expect to get the best treatment, pampering and hospitality. However, the prices of these resorts vary widely depending on their location, amenities, rating and services. When choosing one, consider your budget, its proximity to your itineraries and other services you want to avail.

Maximize the day...

Maldives is all about the sun. Many people come to this place to relax, lay back and enjoy the magnificent climate and sceneries. It is also picked as one of the most top destinations for honeymooning couples and those who are hoping to get married in an exotic place. But if you want to go against the flow, there are several activities that provide an exceptional holiday experience. Many resorts and hotel offer scuba diving, snorkeling, parasailing and other water activities.

You can take a tour around Male—the most vibrant, most developed and historically- and architecturally-rich island in the country.

Finding the Perfect Maldives Holiday Travel Deals for You

In the past, Maldives holiday travel deals were only made available through travel companies and travel agencies who were known to offer affordable vacation. However these days, many individuals can now obtain a perfect Maldives vacation for themselves at the same rate the travel agents were giving them. Aside from that, the Maldives travelers can now have the convenience of controlling their own travel arrangements while taking advantage of all the benefits the travel agencies are giving them.

Regardless of whether you want to travel to have a vacation with your family or for a business trip in the Maldives, the costs and expenses of travel is very significant. You have to take into consideration the different factors such as transportation or airfare, accommodations, as well as all the other expenses you have to pay and from this, you will realize that it is never cheap to travel especially to a place as special as the Maldives. However, if you would only learn how to find the perfect travel deals for you, you will realize that it's possible to put extra bucks back into your account where they belong.

When it comes to the best Maldives holiday travel deals, vacationers and travelers make use of the Internet to find the best possible prices on their hotel accommodation and transportation or airfare. This is because travelers and vacationers are often tempted and enticed with the special rates offered in the Internet only. They can even avail of special discounts for making early reservations. Aside from that, they are guaranteed to have the trip reserved because they can get the travel and reservation confirmation instantly.

In fact, there are really no secrets to landing on the best and perfect Maldives travel deals. However, there are factors that can really help you find the best Maldives holiday travel deal possible. The first one is to plan your trip on a weekday instead of the weekend. This is because many hotel owners as well as transportation companies take advantage of the sudden rush of travelers traveling on the weekend.

They charge relatively high that is why it is advisable that you arrange your plans on the weekdays to have a relative cut down on your cost. This is especially true on holidays as many people take advantage of their free days to spend some time with their family. Therefore, it is recommended that you plan your trip a little earlier or a little later to avoid the skyrocketing costs of vacation these days.

If you are planning to travel soon, you should make your hotel accommodation as well as transportation reservation as early as possible. Included in the transportation reservations you need to make are the airfare, car rentals and train tickets. The earlier you make your reservation, the more options you can have. This is especially true for the hotel accommodations because you can have more options and selections for facilities and amenities.

If you are planning to find Maldives holiday travel deals online, you are in for a great treat! Finding yourself with an array of options, choices, and photos as well as detailed information are just some of the many benefits and advantages linked to snagging Maldives holiday travel deals online!

So remember, next time you plan a trip, whatever your purpose is, do it online!

Enjoying Maldives Holiday through Music and Dance

The Maldives is one of the world class destinations for a wonderful holiday. However, the island is not only admired for its tropical beauty, it is also famous for its fabulous music and dances. When it comes to an entertainment-filled holiday, the gorgeous islands of the Maldives have so much to offer. Read through and know more about the most popular music dance forms in the Maldives and find out how you could rock and roll during your Maldives holiday!

1. Bodu Beru

The Maldives is known for its rich culture and tradition and the richness in its history flows down through how the people celebrate and enjoy life. One of their most popular ways of celebration is carried out with their most popular form of folk dance and music – the Bodu Beru. This could be enjoyed in the inhabited islands of the Maldives. Visit one of them and participate with the Maldives people as they enthusiastically dance and sing their most favorite folk music.

2. Bolimalaafath Neshun

Watch the Maldivian women dance this famous folk dance as they depict their old tradition of offering presents to their Sultan on different festive occasions like the popular Eid Festival.

3. Bandiyaa Jehun

Many traditional songs and dance forms have died out because of the increasing popularity of Indian and Western pop music. However, the Maldives Island's Bandiyaa Jehun remained strong and people, not only the Maldivians but also tourists and globe trotters place and recognize its own importance.

4. Dhandi Jehun

Tourists from different countries and of different nationalities become one whenever they see a group of 30 men dances the Maldives Island's popular dance form – the Dhandi Jehun. This folk dance is popular because its performance varies and style changes and depending on which island the performers perform.

5. Fathigandu Jehun

One of the most popular activities most tourists in the Maldives do after an adventure-filled say in the island is to go to one of the cabarets or bars that stage the popular form of folk music – the Fathigandu Jehun. The Fathigandu Jehun is actually an all-men stage music show and this may only be enjoyed in the evening time.

6. Kadhaa Maali

A lot of tourists visit Kulhudhuffushi in the southern part of Thiladhunmathi atoll just to witness a spectacular performance of Maldivian people as they dance and sing the popular Kadhaa Maali. What is surprising is that nobody knows where and how this traditional folk dance and music started.

7. Gaa Odi Lava

Aside from the beauty that is worth discovering, the Maldives culture and tradition must also be uncovered and one way to do this is to witness how the Maldivians give thanks to their God for a satisfying result of their hard manual work. This is done through their Gaa Odi Lava.

8. Thaara

This popular folk music was introduced to the Maldivians by the Gulf Arabs, one of the first foreigners who appreciated the beauty of the island in the mid 17th century.

9. Langiri

Langiri is an early 20th century performance introduced to the Maldivians during the sovereignty of Sultan Shamsuddin III. Langiri is modified performance to the Maldivian taste giving rise to the popularity of the Langiri performance these days.

The folk dance and music forms mentioned above are just 9 of the many music and dance forms in the Maldives. These are indeed spices to make your Maldives holiday a memorable one!