Maldives has always been glorified as a top destination for honeymoons and solo getaways. With its beigey sandy oceanfront and its luxuriously turquoise water, it surely does seem like a romantic destination. However, in recent years, this exquisite tropical heaven has been getting a lot of traction for its family-friendly beaches and resources.
Maldives offers a host of leisurely adventures that are perfect for families and friends. With over 150 safari vessels and 172 island resorts, this picture-perfect archipelago makes a great occasion for family trips. But before you embark straight away on this journey, we suggest that you go through this quick guide so you can plan the best excursions and adventures with your family.
Although traveling to Maldives is a fun journey no matter what season it is, the ideal season starts from late October to April. In the course of these months, the weather is usually sultry, perfect for diving into the pristine water and sunbathing under the sun. After all, the beach feels the best in gleaming sunshine. But one drawback of this season is peak prices, so you might want to decide the right season for yourself.
When traveling to Maldives you have plenty of resort options to choose from. From dreamy water villas to upscale beach resorts, you might get confused when it comes to booking your perfect option. Generally, the most common pick is over-the-water resorts as they adhere perfectly to the instagrammable aesthetics. However, if you are traveling with toddlers or infants, it's better to avoid water villas due to their potential risks.
When traveling to the Maldives with your family, try to plan your trip ahead. Determine your itinerary and list out all the excursions you want to experience, so you can make the best out of your trip. Traveling with family requires proper planning no matter which destination you are visiting, otherwise, things can get quite hectic.
If you don't already know, Maldives is a devout Muslim nation with strong religious influences over culture. Common country laws are based on Islamic regulations and violating them can result in severe penalties and even imprisonment. It's crucial to learn about local laws so you can avoid transgressing them. Some common laws include the prohibition of drugs, alcohol, and pork products, so refrain from bringing any of these from abroad. When it comes to other general rules, avoid smoking in public areas and picking seashells or corals.
Whenever you’re traveling to a new destination take some time to familiarize yourself with the culture and norms. When taking a family trip to Maldives, learn some native phrases such as “Salam” and “Shukuriya” as a gesture of appreciation. When it comes to dressing, there aren't such restrictions on private resort atolls. But, when visiting public designated beaches or touring local areas, wear modest clothing, for both men and women.
Stick with this general rule of thumb, don't interfere with anyone’s privacy whether you are at the resort or the beach. Maldives has strict rules regarding intrusion of people's privacy and there are tenacious punishments for such actions. Avoid using drone cameras and don't vlog in public places unless you have a filming permit by the local authorities.
As an archipelagic state, Maldives is under duress due to global climate changes. In the last few years, both government and private equities have put immense effort into reducing the environmental impact. Almost every other hotel or resort has sustainability initiatives that you should follow. As a tourist, you can also participate in this by using environmentally friendly products and recycling plastic products. You can also partake in eco-friendly excursions and support coral restoration programs.
If you are traveling to Maldives with your family, avoid bringing one piece of luggage per person. Use a minimum of 2-3 suitcases to pack everyone’s clothes and equipment. Additionally, try to pack as light as possible. Ask yourself if you really need those 10 pairs of shorts or 10 different swimsuits and sundresses for a short beach vacation. Pick a few capsule clothing pieces depending on your itinerary and plans.
Now when it comes to packing toiletries, you don't necessarily need to bring your own. Most resorts and hotels in the Maldives provide complimentary toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, soap, towels, toothbrushes, etc. Nevertheless, make sure to check with your accommodation to see if these essentials are available and pack accordingly.
If you are planning to do some shopping in Maldives then pack your suitcase accordingly. Leave sufficient space for putting your souvenirs and ensure that you pack them properly to keep them safe during flights.
If you want to travel to Maldives on a budget, visit during off-peak seasons. Plan your family trip around May to October as these months are the least touristy. When traveling during the off-season, not only do you save big bucks on accommodation and excursions but can enjoy a family trip without all the tourist hustle and bustle. However, keep in mind that the sun is not so happy during these seasons.
Although traveling to Maldives is a costly affair you can still cut down some expenses by planning your trip wisely. When booking with any resort, you usually have the option to choose an all-inclusive meal plan or a half-board/breakfast-only plan. Select the meal plan that matches your budget the most. Moreover, when planning your excursions, choose places that are sustainable and cost-effective.
One significant way you can save your Maldives travel expenses is by choosing an unconventional resort or villa. When traveling with children specifically with toddlers, staying over water villas is quite risky. We suggest that you book a resort that is located on the beach or even better if it's outside the beach. This way you can enjoy a perfect Maldives trip without any unnecessary expenditure.
If you are taking a family trip in the Maldives, we highly recommend that you indulge in some kid-friendly water sports. This seafaring island is full of fun aquatics like snorkeling and scuba diving. Join a junior scuba diving club or snorkeling safari and dive into the aquatic underworld, exploring unique Maldivian marine. Besides this, kayaking stands as the most beloved water sports activity in the Maldives. Many resorts and safaris offer kayaking and paddleboarding resources for both kids and adults.
Another fun-filled family activity that you must try in Maldives is tubing famously known as banana boating. Banana boat rides or floating boat rides are a highly popular family activity in Maldives. You can also go for a rafting adventure with your family to create once-in-a-lifetime memories. There are many safaris as well as resorts that offer safe and reliable river rafting facilities.
Looking for more fun-soaked activities to do with your kids? Go to the Maldives' infamous floating water park for an entire day. The largest inflatable park in the Indian Ocean, Siyam World is an all-inclusive place to spend a day with your family. Additionally, Sun Siyam World has a dedicated club for children under the age of 12, offering a host of interesting activities to keep them occupied.
Dedicate a day in your trip for kids to play wholeheartedly on the beach. Almost all Maldivian atolls have soft powdery beaches making it great for toddlers to ramble easily and freely. Set an activity day on the beach and borrow or buy beach toys from your resort. Build castles on the warm white sand and fly kites under the untouchable shiny sky. And don't forget about fun games like handball, volleyball, and musical carpets.
When traveling to Maldives, spare some time to explore its locality either at the beginning of your trip or when going back. Although this microstate is known for its postcard-perfect beaches, its history and culture are equally captivating. Visit local fish markets or roam through traditional bazaars to shop for souvenirs like lacquer products and handmade jewelry. Visiting the national museum is a great way to indulge in the Maldive's fascinating history.
Planning to visit Maldives with your family from the UAE? Choose Burhan Tourism as your go-to travel agency. At Burhan Tourism, we offer an array of tour packages to the most popular travel destinations. Our selective Maldives packages include a range of amenities that will make your family trip more comfortable and jollier. From top-notch accommodation facilities to adventurous activities and excursions, our Maldives packages offer a delightful journey for all ages and personas.