The Maldives is often only thought of as a place to holiday in expensive all-inclusive resorts and honeymoons, however, that is not the case and the Maldives are accessible to the budget-minded traveller too! Whilst this tiny nation doesn't have the diversity of some other larger countries, it is pure paradise and each atoll has its own feel.
The capital city of the Maldives is Malé, which is located on an island of the same name. It spans under 10km squared and is thought to be one of the smallest and most densely populated capitals in the world.
Food in the Maldives features dishes with fresh fish, local meat and fresh fruit and vegetables.
Some specialities include Mas Huni which is a tuna salad with coconut, served with chapati bread. Bandukeylu harissa is a curry with steamed breadfruit and Raa which is a drink made from palm trees and often left to ferment so it is slightly alcoholic.
One of the main attractions of the Maldives is that the temperature is warm all year round, averaging 25-30 degrees. The driest months are December to April.
Visas may be required in order to enter or transit through certain countries depending on your passport nationality, your reason for travel and how long you intend to stay.
Visa, passport and entry rules are subject to change and you should check the most up-to-date information from the relevant embassy or visa specialist.
To make things easier we have teamed up with The Travel Visa Company who are one of the UK’s leading travel visa specialists. You can use their website, alongside embassy websites, to find out the specific entry requirements for the countries you intend to travel to.
For a fee, their dedicated team of experts can also apply for visas on your behalf, taking away the hassle and streamlining the process for you if you wish. For more details on the services they provide please click here – The Travel Visa Company
Passports must be kept in good condition. Travellers with damaged passports may be refused entry at immigration. It is the responsibility of the traveller to ensure that all travel documents are in good condition before they travel. Most countries will also require at least 6 months of validity on your passport from the time you finish your trip.
Some countries will require proof of certain vaccines, such as yellow fever or covid, in order to gain entry. Please check with the relevant embassy or a visa specialist before travelling.
Maldivian, also known as Dhivehi, is the official language of the Maldives. There are other dialects spoken such as Mulaku, Huvadhu, Maliku, Haddunmathee and Addu.
The Maldives use a UK 3-pin style plug, although there may be some variations on different islands.
The Maldives is an Islamic country and you should respect local laws and traditions at all times, which includes dressing conservatively when away from resorts.
Whilst alcohol can be bought in resorts, alcohol is not consumed by locals and it is forbidden to import alcohol and pork products.
Same-sex relations are illegal and public displays of affection are not well received.
Nudism and topless sunbathing are not allowed anywhere in the Maldives.
If you need urgent medical assistance during your time in the Maldives you can dial 102 for an ambulance. Always contact your travel insurance provider promptly when seeking medical treatment. Due to the island nature of the Maldives, medically equipped hospitals are only found in the main towns of Male and Hulhumale and therefore medical facilities are limited.
There have been cases of dengue and Zika virus in the Maldives. Please ensure you speak with your doctor or travel nurse regarding travel vaccinations before travel.
The Maldives is great for swimming and snorkelling, however, currents can be strong. Always exercise caution when swimming and never swim under the influence of alcohol.
We do not recommend hiring motorbikes, scooters, ATV vehicles, quad bikes or other types of motorised vehicles whilst abroad. Safety and quality of vehicles vary considerably and the traffic conditions can be much more dangerous than what UK travellers are used to. Should you wish to go against this advice, you should ensure you are hiring from a reputable company and that your travel insurance covers you for such activities.
Dreaming of sushi, cherry blossoms and neon arcades? Then, you’re in for an unforgettable adventure 🗾🍣⛩️ From buzzing cities to peaceful shrines, Japan is packed with bucket list moments, especially for first-timers. It really offers everything a traveller could...
In partnership with There is no feeling quite like seeing your first Thailand temple. From the bright and colourful pagodas to the stunning Buddha statues and a rich sense of living history, these are the moments that take your breath...
At the start of 2025, we launched our brand new exclusive Southeast Asia Adventure itinerary! On this 40 or 47-day tour, you can tick off all those bucket list activities and destinations in Southeast Asia. Chloe Walker (otherwise known as...
Cherry blossoms are one of the most iconic features of South Korea and Japan and are a total must-see. It transforms the traditional settings into a dreamlike painting. Korean cherry blossoms are symbolic in their culture, meaning time of renewal...
Whether you're a seasoned traveller who has already done the classic Thailand and Vietnam routes, or it’s your first time travelling and you want to dip your toes into a new adventure, Cambodia is the place for...
Our oceans are home to all kinds of beautiful coral reef animals, plants and objects. Coral reefs are home to millions of unique species. Snorkelling allows you to explore these fantastic reefs like a real-life Ariel and see a wide...
So you’re looking for something new… Do you like the weather of Thailand or Bali, but want a unique experience? Why not visit one of South Asia’s many hidden gems? Here are 4 destinations that give...
Ah, the Maldives… aka paradise on earth. It’s the perfect place for all kinds of adventures. You could be getting a spa treatment one day and snorkelling near whale sharks the next. So whether you...
Japan is a thrilling country of contrasts containing endless discoveries. It is full of culture, whether you want to see the older traditional parts or the new and modern ones! Japan is home to one of the world’s...
Get ahead of next year's travel trends! Find out what’s popular in 2024, from the best travel experiences to the top destinations. With a growing desire for authentic experiences and new adventures, find out why group travel is...
