Maldives

[thesleepyhoglet]

Have a holiday coming up - I've not been abroad for over 5 years!! I think I've got the basics but are there any thing that might be good to take on the trip.

I've got travel adapters, snorkel, clothing sorted I think.

Oh one big thing. Are you going to resort by seaplane?? If so then the weight limit is a fair bit less than the one for the main plane. So if you are seaplaning do check weights!

Pack lots of suncream and after sun, they cost lots on the islands. Same with things like tampons, toothpaste etc. learnt the hard way when my period came early. Sun cream can be $50 a bottle.

sea plane weight limit is 20kg plus 10kg pp hand luggage and it’s all calculated together (so if hand luggage is 12kg and luggage 15kg it’s fine). Any kg over you pay. No limit on boat transfers.

good call on rash vests OP. You will have an amazing time. Enjoy.

Oh and don’t pack heels! Everything is sand. You need flip flops and maybe nice dinner sandals (flat) and that’s it. No need for lots of make-up either, it’s humid 24/7.

if your DD wants a pool floatie bring them and the dive centre will pump them
up for you. Again they will cost double in the local shop.

Yes we are

There is a pool but it's small. We were trying to get a balance because the cost is enormous! I've been before children so about 11 years ago. The resort that we went to then has now been upgraded and is about £6k pp for 8-10 days! That's way out of our price range now but it was less than half that back then. It didn't have a pool back then etc but we chose it for its excellent snorkelling.

Hoping the island I've chosen this time doesn't disappoint. To be hobest, we didnt have much cjoice to fit the budget.

We've also gone for full board as not sure much point being all inclusive and it's cheaper. I won't be drinking alcohol when responsible for a child and she only ever wants to drink water or an occasional apple juice. I'm hoping they don't charge too much for bottled water as we will have to buy that. You have to pay extra for kayak/sup etc hire so we are going to take our own sup. The only thing I really want to spend extra on is the excursions. She's not up for padi yet but loves SUP as she does it a lot at home (although it's much colder here!)

Which island are you going to?
the dolphin excursion can be lovely, we saw tons of dolphins very close.

prices have gone up lots, I first went 8 years ago and paid £3k pp AI for two weeks. Can’t find that now!

DD really wants to see dolphins or turtles. I've explained no guarantee but it would just be amazing for her. She is the least spoilt, most grateful and modest kid and this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for her.

Swimming shoes - the coral is sharp.

with a bit of luck you will see both. We saw some turtles snorkelling, my DC were so excited.

Which island are you off to OP?

The resort is Safari Island, Mushimashgali

Oh just looked it up, great location in the Ari Atoll. Good snorkelling and diving there, lots of sea life and sharks/turtles etc.

Sounds like that resort has a good house reef so you may not feel the need to pay extra for snorkelling excursions. The exception is mantas or whale sharks which would only be seen on a excursion BUT sightings of these are far from guaranteed.

I'm packing her life vest that we use back home for SUP as think it will make snorkelling easier for her. She can swim well but isn't used to swimming in the sea. Think of should be OK but might take a small float

Yes it will help reduce fatigue and make snorkelling more relaxing for you both. Do you have fins for her as these also make it so much easier? If packing space means one or the other I’d pick fins (conscious you are also trying to pack a SUP!!)

I love my full face snorkel but last holiday I was on a man nearly drowned using it, it was horrendous.

Check out the safety online, there's lots about it so keep a close eye on your DD when she's using it.

not sure I understand- someone nearly drowned because of their snorkel?

Wow the full face mask thing is scary but she won't use it that much. Also, fins are a great call but yes, already have the SUP to contend with. I have an extra compact 5 piece folding paddle and the sup is small... maybe I might scrap that idea. Got to be careful with the amount we take.

Yep. Google dangers of a full face snorkel. It's to do with C2O

Loads of people had full face masks for snorkelling in Egypt last year. They said they were loads better than traditional masks as they didn't mist up, so you weren't forever trying to clear them. I'd say I was in the minority with my trad mask on a boat trip we did.

same in maldives, nearly nobody with traditional snorkel when I was last there two years ago.

@Aviee seems to be if you use them for traditional snorkelling and not deep diving or exercising the risk is tiny. https://dipndive.com/blogs/snorkeling/full-face-snorkeling-masks-pros-and-cons

I visited the Maldives and thought it was over rated 🙈 I stayed on a larger island - Maafushi and took a day trip to a resort island (Vadoo).

I think Thailand and Bali are much nicer and much better value!

It's nice to be there for 3/4 days and do snorkelling trips. If you just like to relax on a beach all day all week then go for it- you'll love it!

But personally I prefer seeing lots of restaurants and local people.

Bring a portable charger, aloe Vera gel (sun is strong in Maldives!) , do not bring heels - maybe 1 pair of nice slightly heeled candles but that's it!

Maldives is a religious country - your typical see through beach cover ups are not permitted so maybe a linen shirt to cover up.

You can definitely go as a single person or with a group of girls!

The over water villas are expensive. But I managed to get a hotel for 4njghts for 2 people for £300 (included breakfast!) ! It was basic but we were only in the hotel to sleep.

It was called Kaani Beach Hotel if anyone wants the details 🙂

I seen dolphins and a massive turtle on my trip - 100% recommend a boat tour! BUT bring anti-sickness / sea sickness tablets! A few people threw up off the side of the boat on my trips..