We decided very much on impulse that we wanted to go on holiday – and that we wanted to try the Maldives, which we have always dreamed of.
Our Christmas holiday to Thailand was cancelled 3 days before departure because of close contact with corona and symptoms in one of us (it turned out to be nothing – but better safe than sorry). Thailand required PCR tests both on arrival and on day 6 – so we didn’t dare take the chance. Imagine being separated from each other right before Christmas – or really at any point during the holiday – with one or perhaps all of us having to isolate in a hospital. It wasn’t very appealing.
Anyway, we then decided very spontaneously that we wanted to go to the Maldives – just after we had got over corona at home. 3 out of 4 of us had had it – our youngest got away without it. The Maldives only required a test before departure, no more than 96 hours old – so that was a chance we were willing to take. Incidentally, the requirement for this test has just been dropped – but always check the latest news here: https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv/ethd/create This is also where you need to fill in a form 48 hours before departure, both to and from the Maldives. Remember to save the QR codes – they check them at the airport. NOTE: The rules change all the time, so always check the latest information with your travel company, hotel or airline. We travelled from 27 February 2022 to 10 March 2022.
We searched online for places we would like to stay – and the prices shot up in no time. Taxes and fees, the seaplane transfer and so on. For our hotel, the seaplane transfer alone cost DKK 10-12,000 return for 2 adults + 2 children. Boat is cheaper, but not all islands can be reached by boat because of the distance.
Seaplane in the Maldives
So we decided to contact a travel agency and ask for a package deal – flights, accommodation, transfer (seaplane or boat), all-inclusive and so on. We had actually expected it to be more expensive – but surprisingly it turned out to be cheaper. It was a great way to book the trip – especially as first-time visitors to the Maldives; that way we knew we were in professional hands.
So our big recommendation is to book a trip like this through a travel agency.
