Maldives holiday guide

Currency: Rufiyaa
Health: No jabs required, but tetanus, hepatitis A and typhoid courses/boosters usually advised
Languages: Dhivehi, English
Visa: British tourists get a 30-day visa on arrival

Peak season: Dec to April because there's little wind or rain, but sun shines all year round
Temperatures: very warm, with an average of 32°C; water is warm at around 28-30°C, so wetsuits not generally needed for diving

Flight: 10-11 hours
Time difference: GMT +5
Airlines flying UK-Male: Thomson Airways, Thomson Holidays, Monarch Charter
Carbon footprint: 15.64 tonnes CO² (return flights for family of four)