A Quick Guide to Maldives Holiday
Located southwest of the tip of India and stretches all the way to the equator, the Maldives is a group of 1192 islands and islets, grouped into 26 atolls. The Maldives showcases its turquoise water, white sand beaches, crystalline lagoon, world class diving and snorkeling sites, pristine tropical islands and unique architecture, enough to be regarded as one of the best places on earth. It is even considered a paradise on earth.
Getting there...
Several international airline carriers fly regularly in and out of Male, Maldives. They are: Eurofly, Livington Air, Air Sahara, Australian Airlines, Condor, LTU International Airways, Martin Air Holland, Bangkok Airlines, Viva, Macau, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Indian Airlines and Srilankan Airlines. Also available are charter flights from First Choice, Blue Panorama Airlines, Belair, Malev, Edelweiss, Air Italy, Volare, My Travel, XL Airways, Transaero, Thomas Fly, Neos Spa and Monarch Airlines.
Upon arriving to the airport island, ferry services are available to transport you to the capital Male. Special air trips from Trans Maldivian Airways and Maldivian Air Taxi are also available.
(Regardless of nationality, all visitors are given free 30 days Visa upon arrival. No prior visa is necessary to enter the Maldives.)
Where to stay...
The Maldives has several resorts and hotels that offer a wide range of services that fits to every guest seeking to have a one of a kind holiday experience. Whether you just want to stay and relax beside the pool, enjoy some featured water activities, walk barefoot on white sand beach that's just in front of your villa, be pampered like a royalty, drink a few bottles of beer and party in a different way, or just do nothing but adore the majestic beauty of an uninterrupted view of the neighboring islands, the Maldives resorts are just waiting for you. Resorts are located in different atolls all across the Maldives.
What to do...
The Maldives has captured the excitement and fascination of scuba diver and snorkeling enthusiasts around the world. With its top class diving spots, it is a wonder that must be discovered. The warm water throughout the year and high level of visibility, often exceeding 50 meters, make diving an experience that is sought over and over again. Every resort in the islands has professional diving schools and instructors that are ready to conduct courses for both beginners and advanced divers. If diving is not your cup of tea, then you can just take a dip on turquoise water. A short swim from the beach and snorkellers can experience the same pleasure from the surface.
Honeymooners and couples who are hoping to get married in a piece of paradise go to the Maldives. But if you want to relax and do nothing, the Maldives can be a very peaceful place to go to.
When to go...
On the map, the Maldives Islands are no less than a few splashes of ink. The country is situated southwest of the tip of India and stretches all the way to the equator. That said, the Maldives experiences a whole year of sunshine but the best months to go are from December to April (the rainy season is from May to November). These are also the times when people pack the hotels and resorts.
The people are predominantly Muslims but with Dutch, Portuguese and British influences.
Choosing a Maldives Holiday Resort
If you are planning to go to the Maldives for a holiday vacation, you certainly have to put some thoughts into your resort selection before making any final reservation. Here are the ways to get the right resort on your very first attempt:
Location. You have probably heard this before, particularly when buying a home. Location is still the very first thing you have remember when selecting a resort. Choose a resort that is conveniently located to your itineraries.
Set your budget. A Maldives holiday can become very expensive if you have not carefully considered your budget. Once you set your price, you can substantially narrow down the list of your prospective hotels. Consider an all-inclusive resort; it can work out cheaper overall.
After determining your budget, try to look for a resort that offers activities that you are planning to do while in the Maldives. Are you going for some diving or snorkeling? Do you want do some water sports like jet skiing and parasailing? Some resorts actually offer these amenities. It would be much cheaper if you book from any of them.
Also determine which package is most suitable and fits your needs. Book 'room only' if you wish to spend most of your time outside the resort. Room only is the cheapest rate that resorts offer. 'Room and breakfast' is often the more preferred choice since no one really wants to worry about where to eat at the start of the day. Room and breakfast is best to those who want to spend the rest of the day in other places. 'Full board' includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
If you just want to relax and spend the rest of the day within the surrounding areas of the resort, then a full board accommodation is a wiser choice. (Note: full board does not include drinks). 'All-inclusive' package includes all meals, alcohol and all/some activities. This suits people who do not want to worry about anything. So if you want to take some activities during the day, spend an evening by the pool and not worrying about the accumulating bills on your credit card, then this one is for you.
Amenities. Most resorts offer one of a kind luxury villas, ocean view rooms and beach villas a few steps away from the ocean. Thinking of total relaxation? Many Maldives resort have spa centers and health related services that will really give you a one of a kind vacation experience. These, of course, come with a price but if you are willing to spend on such luxury, take your pick.
Other Considerations
Season. The best time to visit Maldives are from December to April. These months offer the most hours of sunshine with the least chances of rain. Remember, Maldives is in the Indian Ocean so if you want to escape the chilling winter of America, here is the place to go.
Children. If you are traveling with children, choosing a resort with kid's club is worthwhile. This way, you keep your kids entertained while you relax or enjoy the activities you plan for your vacation.
Romance. If you are planning to spend your honeymoon in Maldives, there are several resorts that have packages for a romantic getaway. Prefer resorts from smaller islands as they are usually more quiet and intimate.
Party mood. As opposed to a romantic getaway, you can definitely feel the party mood on larger islands, especially at night.
Choosing the Right Travel Agency for Your Holiday to the Maldives
The key to a perfect Maldives holiday is in planning. Part of the task is choosing the right travel agent. While you can book everything yourself – and become your own travel agent – it is much more convenient to leave it to a travel agency. If you have been in this situation before, you can just pick up the phone and call the travel agent who prepared your previous trip - the process is much easier. But if this is your first time to travel, landing on a right travel agency is something that involves a bit of your time.
Start online
Because many travel agents, both big and small, maintain websites, online is the best place to start. The good thing about this is that, you do not have to actually talk to a representative to know the services these travel agencies offer. Play with the keywords like, 'travel agency Maldives,' 'list of travel agencies Maldives,' and 'best travel agencies Maldives,' will lead you to several websites that offer Maldives holiday packages. Browse to as many websites as you can and trim down your list to the ones which suits your needs.
Also, learn as much information as you can about Maldives by reading articles and resort reviews online. At this point, you should have a good idea about the places to go, things to do and where to stay in the Maldives.
Identify important details before talking to a travel agent
Set your budget. List down when and how long you plan to stay, how do you wish to travel, what type of accommodation you wish to have and what type of activities you want to do. Also, you should be able to know why you want to go to the Maldives. Have a travel outline. These things shall be asked by a travel agent in order to find good deals to your advantage.
Ask the right questions
After you have pointed out your needs to a travel agent, make sure that you clarify issues such as services, price, extra charges, etc. Ask if they have an (800) number and if they are available 24 hours a day for phone calls. Also know which services have an extra charge and what kind of travel they specialize in. A good travel agency must be able to answer all your questions and can give you more information about the things you need and can expect when you are in the Maldives.
Select a travel agent that fits your need and answers all your queries with confidence.
When you schedule a meeting with a travel agent, don't feel obliged to purchase anything. Your aim is to know everything about the trip and about the agency, not to finalize a booking. Just like shopping for other commodities, jumping on a deal right away can be costly, not to mention dangerous. Feel free to talk to other agencies.
Remember that a good travel agent will do necessary adjustment to consider your needs. If this does not the case, walk away and find another one.
Once you have chosen your travel agent, deal carefully. Do not rely on verbal agreements alone. Always ask for a copy of the things that you have agreed on. Read the fine prints carefully before signing on it, especially if you are booking for a package deal.
Book Your Maldives Holidays
Considering An All Inclusive Maldives Holidays? Read this first!
For most individuals, it has already been a habit to go to memorable places and wonderful spots during holidays. However, the prices of vacation packages have already increased in prices making it just a dream for people who have a tight budget. If you are one of the people who are in this situation, you should not think twice about treating your loved ones to a once in a lifetime vacation. Currently, there are all inclusive holidays that are being offered in the market for very affordable prices. This may be the best chance to pave your way to one of the hottest holiday destinations these days – the Maldives.
Most people are busy all year round with their work. This is the reason why spending time with their loved ones is a perfect way of celebrating the holidays. However, there is a better way of spending quality time than just being with them. You can take them to interesting places and one of the best ideas is to take them to the Maldives. Planning a Maldives vacation for your loved ones will not only help you have closer relationships with them. It will also give you a break from your busy work schedule.
There are mark down rates of all inclusive Maldives holidays that will give you the relaxation and comfort that you need. If you will do an online search, you will see that there are countless of online travel agents which are capable of providing you the all inclusive Maldives vacation that you want. This means that you do not have to worry about anything because the package already includes everything that you need. Your agent will take care of your accommodation, travel, food and even the Maldives activities that you want to enjoy such as sailing, fishing, snorkeling, parasailing, scuba diving and a lot more.
You can choose from different packages. There are several elements that are included in a package depending on which one you choose. The basic package includes the ones mentioned earlier but there are some that would include other ones. It is best to plan your vacation first before making a decision as to which package to purchase so that you can save more. Besides that, you now have a very convenient way of booking your holiday vacations.
With the use of the internet, you will have an access to different selections and options. This will help you find the best deal that is right for your budget yet perfect for your loved ones. You just have to be very careful in choosing the agent you are working with especially now that there are so many deceitful businesses. If you will not be very vigilant, you might just lose your chance of giving your friends or family the Maldives holiday that they have been dreaming of.
Some time ago, all inclusive holidays would cost you a great deal of money especially if you are going to the tourist destination in groups. However, changes happened due to popular demand. There are still packages which are offered in sky reaching prices. Nevertheless, there are already countless of agents who are providing online booking services at very low prices.
Availing these low rates is now beneficial for all people no matter how tight the budget is. If you find one offered in the Maldives, grab it and you will surely enjoy it!
Enjoying Maldives Holiday through Music and Dance
The Maldives is one of the world class destinations for a wonderful holiday. However, the island is not only admired for its tropical beauty, it is also famous for its fabulous music and dances. When it comes to an entertainment-filled holiday, the gorgeous islands of the Maldives have so much to offer. Read through and know more about the most popular music dance forms in the Maldives and find out how you could rock and roll during your Maldives holiday!
1. Bodu Beru
The Maldives is known for its rich culture and tradition and the richness in its history flows down through how the people celebrate and enjoy life. One of their most popular ways of celebration is carried out with their most popular form of folk dance and music – the Bodu Beru. This could be enjoyed in the inhabited islands of the Maldives. Visit one of them and participate with the Maldives people as they enthusiastically dance and sing their most favorite folk music.
2. Bolimalaafath Neshun
Watch the Maldivian women dance this famous folk dance as they depict their old tradition of offering presents to their Sultan on different festive occasions like the popular Eid Festival.
3. Bandiyaa Jehun
Many traditional songs and dance forms have died out because of the increasing popularity of Indian and Western pop music. However, the Maldives Island's Bandiyaa Jehun remained strong and people, not only the Maldivians but also tourists and globe trotters place and recognize its own importance.
4. Dhandi Jehun
Tourists from different countries and of different nationalities become one whenever they see a group of 30 men dances the Maldives Island's popular dance form – the Dhandi Jehun. This folk dance is popular because its performance varies and style changes and depending on which island the performers perform.
5. Fathigandu Jehun
One of the most popular activities most tourists in the Maldives do after an adventure-filled say in the island is to go to one of the cabarets or bars that stage the popular form of folk music – the Fathigandu Jehun. The Fathigandu Jehun is actually an all-men stage music show and this may only be enjoyed in the evening time.
6. Kadhaa Maali
A lot of tourists visit Kulhudhuffushi in the southern part of Thiladhunmathi atoll just to witness a spectacular performance of Maldivian people as they dance and sing the popular Kadhaa Maali. What is surprising is that nobody knows where and how this traditional folk dance and music started.
7. Gaa Odi Lava
Aside from the beauty that is worth discovering, the Maldives culture and tradition must also be uncovered and one way to do this is to witness how the Maldivians give thanks to their God for a satisfying result of their hard manual work. This is done through their Gaa Odi Lava.
8. Thaara
This popular folk music was introduced to the Maldivians by the Gulf Arabs, one of the first foreigners who appreciated the beauty of the island in the mid 17th century.
9. Langiri
Langiri is an early 20th century performance introduced to the Maldivians during the sovereignty of Sultan Shamsuddin III. Langiri is modified performance to the Maldivian taste giving rise to the popularity of the Langiri performance these days.
The folk dance and music forms mentioned above are just 9 of the many music and dance forms in the Maldives. These are indeed spices to make your Maldives holiday a memorable one!
Additional Resources
Book Your Maldives Holidays
