Traveling Solo in Maldives: Helpful Tips and Advice
The Maldives is an island paradise that is perfect for an idyllic beach getaway. Its tropical climate is perfectly suited for the beach with temperatures that rarely fall below thirty degrees celsius, a low amount of rainfall, and a sun that shines brightly on most days of the year, and the Maldivian archipelago, one of the largest in the world, is filled with hundreds of beaches with clear, turquoise waters and soft, golden sands that glisten in the sun.
While the Maldives has traditionally had a reputation as a destination for couples and honeymooners, times are changing and increasing numbers of resorts and hotels are making room for solo travellers and flashpackers.
This article will provide helpful tips and advice on travelling solo in the Maldives.
Choosing the right island
The Maldives is an archipelago of more than 1,192 islands. Most international flights to the Maldives arrive in Male, the capital city of the Maldives.
Each island has its own personality, style and unique characteristics. Choosing the right island for your Maldivian getaway is important. As a single traveller, being stuck on an island filled with honeymooning couples will surely ruin your trip.
Reethi Beach, a small island in the Baa Atoll about 35 minutes away from Male by seaplane, is probably the best island for a solo traveller visiting the Maldives for the first time. The island contains accommodation for all budgets, as well as a diving school, snorkelling centers, sports centers, restaurants, and more. Reethi Beach is also a great place to meet other solo travellers with a handful of beach bars throwing beach parties throughout the week.
For solo travellers looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a quieter holiday, the island of Ellaidhoo, a medium sized island about an hour away from Male by speedboat, is a great option. Due to its low tourist count, Ellaidhoos beaches are often quiet with long, empty stretches of sand. The waters surrounding Ellaidhoo are also remarkably clear with some of the best snorkelling in the Maldives.
Finally, for travellers looking to take in the Maldives stunning underwater beauty, there are many islands with diving resorts that accommodate solo travellers. These resorts usually run regular diving courses and group trips to wrecks, reefs, and other underwater sights in the Maldives.
General tips and advice
The Maldives is one of the safest places on Earth. While there is some crime in the capital of Male, the islands are usually free of crime with very few incidents being reported.
The Maldives is a relatively disease free country, too. Malaria and dengue fever have been virtually wiped out but mosquitos can still be found on some of the islands making bug repellant essential.
Most resorts in the Maldives will accept the local currency, the rufiya, US dollars, and travellers cheques. Most will take credit cards, too. Outside of the capital city of Male, there are no ATMs to be found in the Maldives, so make sure to take some cash and travellers cheques with you before leaving. Generally, tipping is not required at restaurants or bars.
Conclusion
The Maldives is one of the best locations to enjoy a beach getaway and, with the growing popularity of solo friendly resorts and hotels, its no longer restricted to honeymooners and couples. Make sure to follow the advice and tips in this article to make the most of your Maldivian getaway.
Source: Guest Post