How to Visit Maldives on a Budget – Expert Tips
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Travel During the Off-Season to Save Up
Is there any way to visit the Maldives on a budget? Without a doubt, yes! All you need to do is choose the right time to book the holiday package, and you have done half the job. Like every travel destination, the Maldives also has a peak season and an off-season. During the dry climate, which runs between November and April, tourism is at its peak. Hotels, flights, and resorts are typically at their most expensive level. It means it is not a budget-friendly time to visit.
On the other hand, the off-season, or the wet season, runs from May to October. During these months, the chances of rain spells are high. But do not get afraid of the idea of rain. Showers are usually for a little time and won’t disturb your holidays. In fact, by traveling during the low season or shoulder season, you can save a big amount. Hotels, resorts, and flights are available at a discounted price than usual. And the best part? Fewer crowds. By having a low number of tourists, you can have the beaches all to yourself. Hence, a win-win situation for you.
Moreover, if you are flexible with your travel dates, consider booking Maldives holiday packages in advance for the off-season. Many travel agencies, like Virikson Holidays, offer discounted deals during these months. Hence, you have more chances of finding affordable options.
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Stay in Local Islands Instead of Luxury Resorts
If you want to save money without sacrificing the joy of Maldives, then look for staying options in local islands. Maldives is famous for luxury resorts, but they can be pricey. Mostly, Maldivians inhabit local islands, so they provide a more authentic experience of the culture. You will also find pocket-friendly homestays and guest houses here that provide a comfortable stay at low prices.
You can find a range of budget accommodation options on some of the popular islands of Maldives, like Maafushi, Thulusdhoo, Dhigurah, and Hinnavaru. There are a lot of guesthouses and small boutique hotels. On these islands, you will also get to dine in at local restaurants to enjoy local Maldivian cuisine at a fraction of the cost of luxury resort dining.
By staying in local islands, you will have a chance to meet and mix up with local Maldivian people. They are friendly and welcome guests wholeheartedly. With them, you can get to know about the island’s culture and traditions.
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Prefer Beach Stays over Overwater Villas
After coming to the Maldives, every traveler wants to stay in a luxury place to enjoy their trip. Mostly, these luxury stays include overwater villas, but they are expensive. So, a cheaper alternative is beach resorts. These beach villas are a safer option for those traveling with a family, including kids. They are not only safe and budget-friendly but also offer more private accommodation than most luxury resorts.
The beach villas provide guests with a secluded space and direct access to the ocean. This provides a peaceful environment with an option for sunbathing. You will come across a variety of beach villas, from budget-friendly ones to opulent ones. All of them are knitted with large-sized pools and lush landscaped gardens.
Looking from the cost point of view, beach villas are a more suitable option. They are cheap and convenient for guests. It is necessary to know that overwater villas are usually quite a distance from the city and need a speedboat to access the hotels and other facilities. Hence, with careful planning and a little research, you can take maximum joy from this tropical piece of heaven without disturbing your travel budget.
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Book Holiday Deals Early
If you wish to travel during the peak season, then the major cost will be for flights. They can turn out to be the most expensive aspect of your trip. But with a little internet surfing and early planning, you can save yourself from expensive flights.
At first, you will have to book in advance. In this way, you will get flights at lower prices. It is recommended to book at least 3 to 6 months early of your expected departure date. You can also subscribe to fare comparison websites to compare prices across different booking platforms. The most famous ones are Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Momondo. Set up fare alerts and get notified when prices drop.
Additionally, if you are flexible with travel dates, then you can take advantage of cheaper flights. On weekends and during peak holiday time, flights are expensive. So, try to book in mid-week. The flights tend to become cheaper.
Another way to save a big chunk of the budget is to fly to Male. It is the international gateway to the Maldives. By landing directly in Male, it becomes easy and pocket-friendly to hop on islands by taking local ferries and domestic flights. Both of these transportation options are cheap and significantly reduce costs.
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Use Local Ferries and Domestic Flights
After you arrive in Male, you will need to travel to your destination island. Many resorts provide private speedboats, but they can be extremely expensive. Sometimes, they even cost hundreds of dollars per head. So, opting for local ferries and taking domestic flights is a better option. On public ferries, prices start at as low as $2 to $5 per ride. Hence, it makes getting around in the Maldives pocket-friendly.
The Maldivian government has set up a well-organized system of ferries to connect Male to several islands. However, if your destination is far from Male and is not possible to reach by ferry, then consider domestic flights. Many local airlines, like Maldivian and FlyMe, offer cheap travel options for transferring between Male and other islands.
Many Maldives holiday packages include transfers on local ferries and domestic flights, so make sure to see what is in the package. This will help you to save costs on transportation.
Pen Off!
Maldives is an ideal tourism destination, but it is not only for those with deep pockets. This is equally the best vacation spot for those with a tight budget. All they need to do is to carefully plan their trip and research well before booking Maldives holiday packages. Hence, by travelling in the off-season, staying on local islands, and choosing local ferries and flights, you can save a big chunk of your money.
Remember, Maldives is not just about luxury resorts. It is about indulging yourself in the beauty of the island by immersing in the vibrant local culture and enjoying the natural scenery. By following the expert tips, you can enjoy the magic of Maldives without emptying your wallet.
So, if you are looking for a memorable and budget-friendly trip to the Maldives, contact Virikson Holidays now. We offer a bundle of essential travel elements packed in our holiday deals at better prices.
