There are many excellent places to visit in Asia, but the Maldives is one of the most popular ones, and rightfully so. The archipelago is one of the most beautiful places on the planet, and many have fallen in love with it over the duration of a vacation. 

The Maldives is a collection of more than a thousand islands; each resort is essentially its own island. The clear waters and white sandy beaches are enough to attract anyone to the islands, but it is not all sunshine and rainbows. 

There are a few things you should know about the Maldives before going on vacation there, including:

You Can Visit As Part Of A Vacation Package

Most people who visit the Maldives only stay for a week and, in other cases, a weekend. Doing so can be quite expensive, but some people can afford it. If you want to tour the Asian region for longer and spend less, you can visit the Maldives as part of a vacation package. 

You can enjoy a vacation in the Maldives as part of a tour to other countries like India, Sri Lanka, Turkey, or Japan. Such a package is an excellent option for those taking more extended vacations who want to see more of Asia.

You Do Not Need A Visa

A fantastic fact you need to know about the Maldives is that you do not require a pre-arrival visa to tour the archipelago. What happens is that you will receive a thirty-day Visa upon arriving at the capital of Maldives, Male. 

You receive the same Visa regardless of your nationality. The requirements for getting a Visa are that your passport must be valid for at least the next six months. You also need to have a valid ticket out of the Maldives.

Plan Your Trip According To The Weather

If you are going on vacation to the Maldives, you should plan your trip based on the weather. The weather determines the peak and off seasons for tourists. The peak season is from December to March, which are the hottest months of the year on the islands. There is prime weather meaning no rain and mild sunshine. 

The monsoon season is from April to October, and it can rain a lot which is not what most people want when they vacation in the Maldives. Peak season means higher prices and larger crowds so if you are looking for lower prices and smaller crowds, be aware of the Maldives’ weather patterns. The good news is that you can expect plenty of sunshine even during monsoon season unless there are rare storms.

The Maldives Is A Muslim Country

The official religion of the Maldives is Islam, a significant consideration you must make when planning a trip to the country. 

Therefore, you will have to make various adjustments to your trip. For starters, you cannot bring alcohol into the country. If you carry alcohol, customs will confiscate it, and you can pick it up on your way out of the island. 

You can still get alcohol from resorts that have licenses to sell it, but the prices are very steep. You should also not expect to find pork in the Maldives, as Muslims do not partake. 

You must also be quite conservative in clothing, especially as a woman. Take your cue from the local women on how to dress, and you should be fine. Also, do not plan your trip during Ramadan or other Muslim holidays, as there will be many inconveniences.

Carry United States Dollars

The Maldivian Rufiyaa is the national currency of the Maldives, and it is advisable to exchange it for some of it at the airport. However, it would be best if you also carried US dollars with you as most people and places in the country will accept and transact using the currency. 

It makes it much easier to conduct transactions. Other than the local islands, most shops will price their products in USD, which will be a relief for most Americans.

Many people dream of a vacation trip to the Maldives, but you should know a few things before booking your trip. Know that it is a Muslim country, you can transact in US dollars, you do not need a Visa, you should plan your trip based on the weather and consider a vacation travel package. If you do, you should have a wonderful trip to the breathtaking archipelago.