The Maldives hosts tourists from all over the world, offering a pleasant retreat from mundane life. Besides its natural splendor in the form of pristine beaches and turquoise waters, the Maldives has elegant religious sites and architectural marvels one shouldn’t miss. But a trip to the Maldives can be expensive during the peak tourist season. Fortunately, by following certain strategies, one can find the best all-inclusive offers for a budget-friendly vacation in this island country.

Tips for a budget-friendly Maldives vacation

1. Book flight tickets in advance
Flight tickets work on the principle of demand and supply, so the earlier one books flight tickets to the Maldives, the better the chances of getting great deals on them. Another effective way to save on flight tickets to the Maldives is to book roundtrip tickets. One can also keep  an eye out for special deals and offers from airlines.

2. Plan the trip during the off-season
A great way to plan a budget-friendly Maldives trip is to visit the island during the off-season when there’s less rush and fewer tourists around. During these seasons, hotel bookings and flight tickets are quite nominal, which helps one plan a budget trip. At the same time, one also reaps the benefits of less crowded tourist spots and a quiet, peaceful vacation.

3. Compare accommodations in different Maldives islands
The Maldives has 150 inhabited islands, so the resorts and hotels in at least some should be within one’s budget. The best bet is to set a budget first and then check out the accommodation options on each island. For example, local islands in the Maldives, i.e., islands inhabited by the country’s indigenous people, are usually affordable while offering a peaceful experience for tourists. Omadhoo, Feridhoo, Dhangethi, and Dhigurah are some such local islands that are not frequented by tourists because of their remoteness. These may be very budget-friendly while encompassing some highly scenic locations.

4. Avoid staying at an overwater bungalow on all days
While the overwater bungalow experience in the Maldives shouldn’t be missed, it can be expensive compared to regular beach-front villas. The cost of staying at an overwater bungalow in the Maldives can range between €450 to €4,000. This is the all-inclusive price, meaning it covers meals, transfer costs, and other typical expenses. The exact charges may vary depending on the type of villa and the package offered. A good way to enjoy the best of both these worlds is to stay in an overwater bungalow for a few days and then move to a beach-front resort. Since overwater bungalows tend to be overpriced on weekends, it’s best to stay in one during the weekdays and spend weekends at beach-front stays.

5. Pick shared speedboats as the mode of transfer
The cost of transfers between different local areas in the Maldives must also be considered when calculating the total travel expense. Seaplanes are highly comfortable but expensive, so the best option is to go for shared speedboats. Also, one should look for affordable resorts near the international airport because transfers are cheaper for hotels nearby. If one cannot find such a resort, the next best option is to go for a domestic flight plus a speedboat as the mode of transfer.

6. Opt for a bundled package
Booking flight tickets, hotels, transfers, and other services separately can prove much more expensive than going for a bundled package. So, one should look for packages offered by reputed travel agencies, which usually cover one’s transportation, stays, transfers, and sometimes even all or some of the meals. These packages also offer highly comfortable and luxurious options for travelers.

Best places to visit in the Maldives

1. Malé
This picturesque place is abundant in nature and has human-made marvels, including the Friday Mosque or Hukuru Miskey, the oldest structure in the city. The Tsunami Monument, which is dedicated to the lives lost during the 2004 tsunami, is also located here.

2. Alimatha Islands
Located in eastern Maldives, these islands are immensely popular among tourists for their enchanting views and water adventures. The spectacular reef and access to transportation from this place also enhance its appeal. Also, the resorts do not offer TV or telephone services, so it’s a great place for a digital detox.

3. Baros
This island is one’s perfect getaway for water adventure and sports. It is set on a shallow lagoon with a reef abundant with marine life. So, those interested in snorkeling and other such activities will surely have a great time on this island.

4. Huvafen Fushi
This place is known for its large sanctuary. It also comprises the world’s only underwater spa, diverse and indigenous cuisine, and several water sports, making it a fun-filled stay for adventurers and those looking for a quiet, peaceful vacation.

5. Nalaguraidhoo
Known for its rich marine life, enchanting landscape, swimming and water sports, sunsets, and underwater photography, Nalaguraidhoo is another great island. The Sun Island Resort and Holiday Island Resort are the most popular stays here.

Holidaying in the Maldives can be a highly riveting experience for those who enjoy being in, on, or around water. Some research, thorough budget planning, and advance booking for travel and hotels can help one enjoy a blissful and fun-filled vacation in this island country. One should look for reliable travel agencies that can help one plan a budget-friendly trip. Besides, it helps to ask for recommendations of such agencies from family members, friends, colleagues, etc. It’s also important to be clear about one’s expectations and budget so that the agency can provide the best deals at the most reasonable prices.