Beach holiday

A typical beach holiday consists of beach activities and...well, beach activities. When you are in the Maldives, you can never call anything typical.

Before you experience the extravagance of the holiday, you should have the plan to maximize it. When booking hotels and flights, mostly done online, consider the weather and your transportation preferences. Whether on a budget or ready to splurge, you can have it both ways.

You also need to follow the basic unwritten rules of the land. Being a Muslim country, religious holidays and preferences are strictly adhered to. If you want to really enjoy, select dates that will not be within these holidays. Always check the locations you will go to and be aware of the clothing choice as most public places (except the resort you are in) may be a bit sensitive with skin-baring ones.

Pack wisely. After all, you are supposed to be enjoying the waters and scenery most of the time so bringing a lot of clothes will just add up to your baggage. A couple of dress shirts and pants plus sandals will do for those out-of-resort errands and activities. What you may want to bring will be your technology - power banks, a smartphone/camera, a lot of sunscreens, hats/caps/sarong (anything to cover when not swimming), slippers, and a water tumbler. Never, ever bring alcohol, pork, tobacco products, and non-Muslim-related religious artifacts as this will can prevent you from even being allowed entry into the country.

It's best to carry USD for transactions though cards are also accepted in business establishments. Just to be on the safe side, always have ready cash as ATMs are difficult to find when needed.

From the airport, make sure to buy a SIM card as this will let you have backup internet when the WIFI starts crashing. Let's face it - even if the ambiance and the scenery are enough to make you busy, it cannot be helped to take those photos and upload them for everyone to see, right?

When all these are set, let the most unforgettable experience begin! Visit local markets, play football on the beach (with locals or tourists alike), take all the photos you want (and upload them right away!), and snorkel, surf, and free-dive in the most exquisite ocean.

Learn Dhivehi so it will be easier to talk to locals which is one of the best ways to get your way around in the country. Touch your creative and artsy side at the same time. know more about the Maldivian culture by going to mosques, ancient stupas, and museums. All this, while trying all applicable types of transportation jumps from one location to another.

Of course, you may have already tried local and international cuisine offered either at the hotel or a local restaurant spot. Worth noting that you can also check their souvenir shops while still enjoying the view.