Dreaming of a Maldives holiday but think it’s out of your budget? Think again! Travel expert Kara Wildbur, founder of Say Yes Adventures, is offering a nine-night package to the Maldives for as little as £1,099—comparable to a seven-night stay in a three-star hotel in Marbella.
Kara, who has gained 133,000 followers on TikTok for her travel videos, reveals how she enjoyed a budget-friendly Maldives vacation and shares her expert tips for saving money on this tropical paradise.
The Common Maldives Booking Mistake
Many travelers mistakenly believe the Maldives is an expensive destination, mainly because they book through traditional holiday websites that focus on costly resort islands. Instead, Kara suggests booking stays on the local islands, which offer the same stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters but at a fraction of the price.
Say Yes Adventures offers a 10-day package for just £1,099, including stays on three local islands, nine nights in three-star beachfront hotels, 16 exciting activities, 12 meals, and more.
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Top Tips for Budget-Friendly Maldives Travel
• Stay on local islands: Local islands offer affordable accommodations and give visitors a taste of the real Maldivian culture. Kara’s package includes stays on islands like Thulusdhoo, Dhiffushi, and Dhigurah, where you can experience local life, dine affordably, and relax on beautiful beaches.
• Affordable Accommodation: Hotels on local islands range from £25-£100 per night. For example, Kara stayed in a beachfront hotel for just £28 per night, which included breakfast.
• Meals on a budget: Local meals can cost as little as £6 ($7.50). Kara’s favorite spot, Bandaha Cafe on Thulusdhoo, serves delicious Maldivian curries for just £7 ($8.70) per person.
• Activities: While activities like snorkeling and island tours can add up (around £63-£79 per person), Kara suggests limiting them to keep costs down. On chill days, you can spend as little as £35-40 ($43-$50) per day.
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Best Islands for First-Time Visitors
For those visiting the Maldives for the first time, Kara recommends:
• Thulusdhoo: Known for its surfing culture and beautiful beaches right next to hotels.
• Dhiffushi: Offers varied food options and amazing marine life, including trips to see sharks, manta rays, and sea turtles.
• Dhigurah: Known for its pristine beaches and excellent snorkeling spots.
What to Do in the Maldives
Snorkeling in the Maldives is a must-do experience. You can enjoy feeding stingrays on the beach, spot reef sharks from your hotel room, or snorkel with a range of marine life, including manta rays and whale sharks.
Kara also highlights that travelers can expect to see incredible marine life during their activities, which will be included in her package tours.
