How to prepare for your Dreamy Maldives Vacation from Packing to Departure - Your Step-By-Step Guide to Prepping for the Ultimate Maldivian Beach Holiday

As a tropical paradise of no less than biblical proportions, the Maldives is a dream destination for beach lovers around the globe. While planning and preparing for the ultimate beach getaway in the pristine archipelago may seem straight forward, there's more to getting ready than simply packing plenty of sunscreen. From deciding on the timing of the trip to making sure you sign up for the best activities and excursions, here's a practical guide on preparing for a Maldivian vacation.

 Maldivian Beach Holiday | img via flickr

Time the Trip

Travellers who are intent on enjoying the best beach holiday of their lives in the Maldives must plan the visit during the right time of year. Although the Maldives is a pleasant vacation hub for most of the year, the rainy months from May to October, for example, are not ideal when compared to the peak travel season from December to April when sunny skies prevail. Choosing the December to April period is also crucial for those who wish to take part in water sports activities or embark on whale watching tours as this is the only time of year when those types of excursions and adventures are safe and accessible. 

Flight Details and Airport Transfers

Visitors who are visiting the Maldives for the first time must also understand how airport transfers are conducted on the islands. After booking your flight to the Maldives, it is important to sort out how you intend to reach the resort of your choice as speed boats and seaplanes are the only two modes of transportation accessible to tourists. Those who are arriving on late night or evening flights after 5 pm must also book accommodation in the nation's capital Male, where the Velana International Airport is located. This is due to the fact that both seaplanes and speedboats halt activities after sundown so you will have to prepare for an overnight stay in the city. Seaplanes are often booked through the accommodation provider so informing your resort of the flight details is also necessary.

Getting Ready for Resort Life

Whether you reserved accommodation at Nova Maldives or any other Maldives all inclusive resorts it is prudent to prepare for life on the resort island. Unlike other beach holiday hubs where one can move around, wine, dine and shop in the city and head back to one's hotel, resort islands in the Maldives are worlds unto themselves. After arriving at your chosen base, most of your holiday will be spent within the confines of the island. This is why it's crucial to sign up for water sports and other activities to keep yourself occupied and engaged.

Creating the Perfect Itinerary 

Crafting a daily itinerary for every day of the vacation is a great way to make the most of a getaway in the islands. Consider spacing out the items in your itinerary so there's room to move things around when necessary. Whether you have signed up for diving lessons and surfing tours or have your heart set on enjoying a sunset cruise or a catamaran sailing experience, your detailed itinerary will ensure you're on top of things. 

What to Pack 

When packing for a trip to Maldives it is important to keep in mind that less is more. If there's one thing you need to cut back on, it's clothing items as a bathing suit and a few casual outfits would suffice for even a week in the Maldives. Those who are looking forward to touring Male's iconic Grand Friday Mosque or enjoying day tours in the city, however, should pack a conservative outfit that covers the knees and shoulders. Sandals and sunscreen are equally non-negotiable while hats and sunglasses will also go a long way to protect your eyes and facial skin from sunburn. Prescription medications can be expensive and difficult to find in the Maldives so it's better to pack enough for the duration of the trip.