How to Spend a Budget-Friendly Vacation in the Maldives - Tips for Holidaying in the Maldives on a Budget

The Maldives is ranked among the most luxurious beach holiday hotspots on the planet, and a getaway here is anything but cheap. Although a tour of the Maldives may not set one back as much as a visit to the Caribbean, the overwater bungalows and seaplane tips are not exactly budget friendly. Tourists with limited means, however, should not cross off this little piece of paradise from their bucket list as these guidelines will let you enjoy the Maldivian islands without spending a fortune.

Maldives Dining | img via Pixabay

Timing Matters

Budget travellers who are planning a holiday to the Maldives will find that the cost of nearly every tourist commodity is significantly higher during the peak tourist season from December to March. The travelling masses, which head to the islands during the travel season also drive up the cost of hotel rooms and water sports packages so it is best to avoid this time of year in spite of the sunny weather conditions. The low season or off-peak season, which lasts from May to October, on the other hand, is ideal for those with budgetary constraints as hotels, tour operators and even restaurants slash prices as fewer tourists visit the islands during the monsoon period. Although the intermittent rainy conditions can put a damper on your holiday, the fact that rain showers in the Maldives do not last more than 2 hours should put you at ease. 

The Perks of Advanced Flight Booking

Another big ticket item when it comes to Maldivian holidays is the cost of flights to the archipelago. While there may not be any significant means of cutting costs, it is possible to bag discounts and other offers by booking early. Airlines often reward passengers that book their flights months or up to a year in advance and visitors may find that there are more options (transit flights) in terms of the routes as well. Using websites dedicated to finding the cheapest airfares is one strategy those on a budget can employ during the planning stage.

Affordable Accommodation

Whether you choose to stay at the Hard Rock Hotel Maldives or any of the Maldives resort rooms and suites closer to Male also depends on your budget. Having said that, there's no need to rough it out in a guesthouse when you can choose an all-inclusive holiday package from a more reputable accommodation provider. Ideal for short-stays and weekend getaways, all-inclusive packages offer tourists an affordable quote for rooms, activities, dining options and even excursions. The cost of this type of travel package is often less than the combined charges of each of these benefits so it is a good alternative for those who want to maximise on their time in the paradise isles.

Picking the Right Activities

Although scenic seaplane rides and island-hopping tours may be too pricey for budget travellers, there's still plenty to see and do in the Maldives for those with limited means. Snorkelling and scuba diving are surprisingly some of the most affordable water-bound activities available in the island nation as its waters are teeming with marine life and colourful coral reefs.  Surfers will also find that they need to only pay for the speed boat ride to their surfing hotspot of choice as there are swells to ride in nearly every corner of the archipelago. Touring the capital city of Male is also a great way to explore local culture and save funds at the same time as the entry fee to the National Museum and other heritage sites are nominal.

Avoid Dining In

Dining in your resort base will likely be more expensive than dining out during a Maldivian getaway so opt for meals at Male restaurants over ordering in.