Ideal Time To Visit the Maldives And What You Should Have in Your Backpack

Unmatched luxury, stunning beaches on more than 200 islands, and diverse underwater life. The Maldives offers the experience of a lifetime. And if you are going there for the holidays, it calls for a mandatory celebratory dance.

The Maldives is a fascinating place, and it’s equally rewarding whether you are traveling with family and friends, or independently. Each luxury resort is built on an island of its own. But if you want a more localized experience of Maldives, try one of the new guesthouses that are springing up on local islands, offering travelers a budget-friendly way of exploring the tropical paradise.

Now, once you have settled down from your vacation dance, it’s time to think, “What’s the best time to go there, and what do I pack?”

Low season is the time to go

The season here is quite unpredictable, it could be raining on several islands, but bright and sunny on others. But the high season begins in October, and that’s when guesthouses and resorts turn up their charges. A $60 a night guesthouse during the offseason, will easily go for more than $100 a night when tourist season is at its peak. And that is if you can find a room because they are fully booked from October through the end of the year.

August – September is an excellent time to visit the Maldives. The tourist season is about to begin, and rooms/boarding is relatively easy to find. The beaches won’t be outrageously busy, and you’ll be able to stick to a budget. Great weather, slashed prices and quiet white sandy beaches. What’s not to love?

Now, it may seem like all you need to pack for the Maldives, is a swimsuit and some suntan lotion. Yes, these items are on the list, but you’ll want to squeeze in some extras in your luggage. Read on:

Essentials for looking great and having fun in the Maldives

You’ll land in Male, the capital of Maldives. Make sure you are dressed conservatively for the occasion.  There are no strict rules, but it’d be a good idea to keep shoulders and thighs covered, so as not to offend the locals. Alcohol isn’t available openly, and you have to be mindful of the traditions in Male. But once you get to the resort, you can dress as you want and enjoy a drink because alcohol is served in bars.

So, here’s the ideal packing list:

• The right clothing

The local women wear a burka with a headscarf. You don’t have to do that but have a scarf you can throw on the shoulders when visiting small local villages or around the airport. Kaftans are a great idea for women. They are useful as beachwear, worn on their own or top of a swimsuit. Wear them to lounge around in the resort or take them on the champagne cruise. Also, pack a long skirt, dress or at least one pair of loose, airy trousers.

• Sunnies and sunscreen

Comfortable large sunglasses are a must; you are going to a tropical beach resort after all. Same goes for sunscreen. Make sure you choose the right sunscreen because the sun can shine down there.

• Swimwear that stays

If you’re a guy, chances are that you are already sorted in the swimsuit category. But if you are a girl, know that sexy, skimpy bikinis will only keep you strolling along the beach and out of the water. And the water in the Maldives is gorgeous; there’s a lot of swimming diving and snorkeling to do. That’s why you’ll need swimwear that stays in place while you enjoy these activities.

• Some evening wear perhaps

No matter where you are staying, the vibe is laid-back and holiday-friendly. But if you are in the mood for some fine dining, men will need to wear a collar and may also be required to wear full-length trousers. Ladies can get away with a beautifully wrapped sarong but bring a proper evening dress if you want to experience Maldives’ resort life to the fullest.

• Mosquito Repellent

Do not forget this one. Even though all resorts fumigate their surroundings, there are still plenty of mosquitos. After all, you are in natural surroundings, and that’s where mosquitos live as well.

•  A waterproof camera

An underwater caper such as this GoPro will help you make some great memories in the Maldives. The water is so clear that taking pictures with the right equipment won’t be a problem at all. You really don’t want to miss the chance to capture the underwater splendor here.

• Keep a lightweight speaker too

Some hotels will provide you with docking station for your phone, but in case you are going on a budget, pack a lightweight speaker also. Just imagine lounging by your stretch of the beach or a private pool listening to your favorite tunes. Check out this wireless speaker.

• Basic medicine

The Maldives is not only a collection of islands, but it is so far away from other lands that it is practically an island on its own. You can’t just skip down to the local pharmacy or drugstore to get a quick fix. Pack your supplements, paracetamol, band-aids and other important personal medicine, because you won’t find it easily in the Maldives, and if you do, it’ll be costly.

• Sturdy luggage or two

Leather Skin Shop is where you can find some beautiful, classy leather handbags, messenger bags, and backpacks, etc. If you are planning to take lots of boat trips and go scuba diving invest in a Dry Bag as well. It will keep your valuables and clothes etc. safe and dry.

The Last Word

So, there you have it when packing for the Maldives know that less is more. You don’t need to take a lot of clothes or accessories. You can even leave the shoes at home, just some cute flip flops or sandals will do the job. The entire county is one big beach party, and no one cares for footwear. Happy vacations.