The Maldives, one of the most popular getaways for Indians, can sometimes be expensive. However, it’s possible to enjoy a fun and relaxed vacation there without burning a hole in your pocket. Here are some tips and tricks on how to plan a budget trip to the Maldives:
Book Your Flights in Advance
Flight tickets connecting India to the Maldives are quite reasonable, especially when you book non-stop routes in advance. Instead of waiting for your holidays to get closer, book your Maldives tourism flight tickets as early as possible. Early booking often translates to significant savings, allowing you to allocate your budget to other aspects of your trip.
Pick Public Islands Over Private Ones
Private luxury villas may sound fancy and glamorous, but they are not so kind to your pocket. To stick to your budget and have a better and more authentic experience, skip the expensive private islands and pick a public island. The Maldives has around 1,200 islands open to tourists, offering plenty of affordable options. Staying on a public island not only saves money but also provides a chance to experience the local culture more closely.
Search for Discounts and Offers on Maldives Vacation Packages from India
Many hotels in the Maldives offer great discounts when you book in advance or during off-peak months from July to September. Keep a watchful eye on the prices of Maldives villas and packages online, and you might be able to get as much as 50% off if you are fortunate. Signing up for travel deal alerts and newsletters can help you stay updated on the latest offers and discounts.
Pick Speedboats Over Seaplanes
The Maldives is a group of scattered islands in the Indian Ocean, and if you pick a resort on an island far from the Maldives International Airport, you’ll end up paying a higher price for seaplane transfers. Instead, use speedboats to save money and time. Speedboat transfers are much cheaper and can be just as scenic, offering a great way to travel between islands while keeping costs down.
Stay in Guesthouses Instead of Hotels
Grand hotels with luxurious amenities like pools and Jacuzzis might sound appealing, but if you are on a budget, a guesthouse on a public island is a far better choice.
If you pick a guesthouse instead of a hotel, you will save a lot more money on food and activities while also saving on accommodations and having a better to explore the rich culture of the beautiful islands.
Ditch the Peak Season
Maldives is a tropical island which means there are only two climates all year around- wet and dry, the weather is usually toasty and moderately humid, with a pleasant temperature between 25 to 30 degrees Celsius therefore travelling to Maldives in any month gives you almost the same experience.
Pre-book Your Bucket List Activities
If you are a spontaneous person, you might end up paying more for activities like kayaking, snorkelling, and paddleboarding. To save money, it is always better to Make a list of all the things you wish to do and pre book the activities.
Buy Souvenirs at Local Stores
When you buy souvenirs on a private island, you have to pay a handsome amount for limited options and comparatively poor quality, a better way to buy gifts for your loved ones is to get them from local markets and shops which allows you to explore and even bargain prices. Local markets offer unique and authentic souvenirs that make for great gifts for your loved ones.
Switch 5-Star Dining with Local Food
Many Maldives travel packages from India include dining options like free-flowing alcohol, in-villa dining, and sandbank dinners, which can be very attractive but also expensive, so in order to make sure your trip is light on the pocket, opt for local food, public islands offer similar food options at much lower prices.
Ditch Alcohol
To some people, skipping alcohol might seem like a significant sacrifice, but it makes sense when you learn that the Maldives has some of the world’s highest import taxes on alcohol. As a Muslim country, alcohol is mostly illegal beyond resort boundaries, and all-inclusive packages with alcohol are quite expensive. Non-drinkers will save a ton of money on their trip to the Maldives. Instead, enjoy the local beverages and fresh juices, which are both refreshing and budget-friendly.
Use Public Ferries
For island hopping, consider using public ferries instead of private transfers. Public ferries are much cheaper and provide an opportunity to travel like a local. While they may take longer than speedboats or seaplanes, the savings can be substantial, and the journey itself can be a pleasant adventure.
A trip to Maldives does not have to be heavy on the bank, you can also plan an affordable trip to Maldives by following these trips and making sure to book in advance and be mindful while spending.
