Most people believe a holiday in the Maldives is only meant for rich people who can afford to spend a fortune. Water villas, picture-perfect views all around and big bills – the destination feels all fancy. But the place is not as far as you think. It takes only four hours to reach the Maldives from Dubai. All you need is the right planning and you can dip your toes in the same clear blue water without spending a massive amount on your trip. When its about Maldives, the money is usually not lost on one big thing, it gets lost on small things like wrong dates, expensive transfers and resort food.

So below I am sharing 8 points that will help you plan a Maldives trip from Dubai without overspending.

1. Pick Your Travel Dates Wisely

Now if we talk about dates, this is where the biggest saving happens. November to April is the dry season and it is also the peak season, so resort rates and flight fares are at the highest. May to October is the wet season, there can be some rain showers but mostly they pass quickly and you still get sunny hours in the day.

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Resort prices drops a lot in these months. Also try to avoid UAE school holidays, Eid and New Year week because that time every flight from Dubai to Male is almost full and prices go double.

2. Book Flights Early and Stay Flexible

Direct flights from Dubai to Male are operated by Emirates and flydubai, and suppose you book 6 to 8 weeks before, then a return ticket can be found somewhere around AED 1,500 to AED 2,500 in off season. Last minute booking can easily cross AED 3,500. My suggestion is to check midweek flights also,Tuesday and Wednesday departures are usually cheaper than Thursday and Friday ones.

3. Choose a Reliable Tour Operator in Dubai

Having said that, booking everything separately is not always the cheapest option. A good tour operator in Dubai gets special rates from resorts and airlines which a normal traveller cannot get directly. They also handle the transfers, meal plans and any change in booking if something goes wrong. Before you finalise, better to check their reviews, ask what exactly is included in the price and confirm there are no hidden charges for taxes or transfers.

4. Compare Maldives Tour Packages from Dubai

This is where most of the planning comes into the picture. Most Maldives tour packages from Dubai like this one come sorted with the vital travel arrangements. Return flights. Resort stays. Airport pick-up and dropoff. Food as well. Try booking each one by yourself and count the total – and you will find that booking a complete package is the best and cheapest option. You can also choose split stay, like 2 nights in a beach villa and 1 night in water villa, so you get the water villa experience without paying for it all the nights. Always read the itinerary properly and see which resort, which room category and which meal plan is given.

5. Think About Local Island Stay

Not everyone knows that you can also stay on local islands like Maafushi or Thulusdhoo in guesthouses. Rooms here are neat, plain and most importantly easy on your wallet. A private island resort costs far more. Just keep two things in mind and your Maldives holiday will be a fantastic one. There’s no alcohol here. And outside the bikini beach area, please wear decent clothes. For budget travellers and families this does the job very well.

6. Plan Transfers Before You Land

Transfer cost is something many people forget. Resorts near Male are reached by speedboat which is affordable, but resorts in far atolls need seaplane or domestic flight and that alone can cost more than AED 1,500 per person return. So when you select your resort, check the transfer type and price also. Picking a resort within speedboat distance is one simple way to save a big amount.

7. Sort Out Currency and Payments

The local currency is Maldivian Rufiyaa but US dollars are widely accepted on resorts and most local islands also. So my suggestion is to carry some USD in small notes from Dubai for tips and small purchases, and use your card for bigger bills. Resorts charge in dollars and add service charge and taxes on top, so keep that in mind when you see the menu prices.

8. Choose the Right Meal Plan and Documents

Food in resorts is quite expensive, a simple lunch for two can be AED 300 or more. That is why half board or full board plans are a big plus point, and if you are a couple who likes to enjoy drinks, all inclusive may actually save money. For documents, the good thing is that the Maldives gives free visa on arrival for 30 days to all nationalities. You need a passport valid for at least 6 months, return ticket, hotel confirmation and the online traveller declaration form which you have to fill before your flight.

At the end of the day, Maldives is not as expensive as people think if you plan it in the right way. Right dates, a trusted operator, a package that suits your budget and some care on transfers and food can bring the cost down a lot.

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