How to Find Cheap Hotels in Maldives

A stunning string of over one thousand islands that make up an archipelago hundreds of miles long in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives have become a major tourist attraction in recent years. Only about 200 of the islands are inhabited and over 80 are privately run resorts. The Maldives sit atop a giant coral reef and are reputed to have the world's clearest, most translucent waters. Diving, snorkeling and fishing are among the many popular activities in the islands.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Valid passport
• A computer with Internet access for making reservations
• A return ticket
• Evidence of sufficient funds

Reserve Cheap Accommodations in the Maldives

1. Ask for booking assistance from the Maldives Tourism Promotion Board at 960-332-3228 or via their Web site (see Resources below).
2. Investigate several cities on the Maldives that offer more than one hotel; these locations offer the best bet for securing cheap accommodations.
3. Check with the private resorts that provide the bulk of lodging for visitors. Affordable accommodations can be obtained if you are willing to scale back on views and amenities.
4. Consider booking a cruise. The lines that visit the Maldives usually offer cheap accommodations and you can sleep on the vessel as it visits the islands. That's also a good way to get from island to island.
5. Look to the hotels in Male for the best shot at cheap accommodations. They run the gamut from high-end to modestly priced.

Book Your Travel to the Maldives

6. Schedule a flight on one of the nearly two dozen international airlines and air charters that fly to the Maldives.
7. Consider a cruise to the Maldives; several lines make the islands a port of call and a cruise ship is a great way to get around the islands.

Tips & Warnings

• Pay for your lodging in advance: This is the policy of most of the resorts. A 50 percent penalty is assessed for cancellations under 60 days of arrival and a full 100 percent penalty ensues for cancellations under 30 days or no shows.
• Don't worry about securing a visa in advance; a 30-day tourist visa is given to each visitor upon entry and extensions are routinely granted.
• Do not attempt to bring in firearms, drugs, dogs, pigs or pork products.
• Bring alcohol only with a special permit. Alcohol is not available in the capital city of Male but is readily available in all of the resorts.
• Wear modest clothing in Male. Skimpier fare such as swimwear is acceptable only in the privately owned resorts.
• Expect to pay a departure tax when leaving by air.