Maldives Vacation - How to plan the perfect Maldives vacation

Are you looking for the perfect vacation? How does this sound to you... heavenly turquoise waters, sugar-white sand, lush tropical islands... If this is conjuring up your idea of a heavenly vacation then you should think about a trip to the Maldives.

When you take a Maldives vacation you will discover a new world, a lush and beautiful world that seems beyond the realms of imagination.

There are approximately 1200 separate islands in the Maldives and only one sixth of these are populated - how's that for deserted island?

The most populated island is Male, the capital of the Maldives. Male, Maldives is positively bursting at the seams, with about a third of the population living in the city. Which leaves the rest of the islands a tranquil paradise, just perfect for a vacation where you want to get away from it all.

If you are looking for a relaxing vacation then the Maldives would be the perfect destination for you. But what about if you enjoy water sports? The Maldives caters for the adventurous type too! The diving experiences are world class, with reefs teeming with colourful tropical fish. If you prefer parasailing, canoeing or windsurfing then you can do that too.

The Maldives has a tropical climate, which means the temperature tends to be between 25 and 32 degrees celsius year round. The best time to travel is from December through April when you should expect to see the most amount of sunshine and the least amount of rainfall.

The Maldives are truly spectacular and the perfect destination for a luxury vacation. There are a huge number of resorts to choose from so you may have trouble deciding which one is right for you. Here are some useful tips to help you choose the perfect resort for the perfect Maldives vacation.

• Determine your budget. Maldives resorts can be very expensive so your budget will help you to narrow down the list substantially. Keep in mind that an all-inclusive resort may work out cheaper overall.
• Think about what you want to do on your Maldives vacation. Do you want to laze on the sugar white sands? Or are you the active type interested in snorkelling through the coral reefs or parasailing over the ocean? You'll find activities at all resorts but some will have better facilities than others. Some resorts for example are well known for their house reefs which is great if you plan to dive. If you are planning an active Maldives vacation look for a resort which offers an all-inclusive package so you don't have to pay a daily fee for your activities.
• Which package is most suitable. Once you've established your budget and your planned activities you can consider the package that will suit you best. Prices start with room only, room and breakfast, full board (all meals included but no drinks) and all-inclusive (food and alcohol included and some/all activities). If you plan to spend your time visiting other islands and eating out then you should select room only or bed and breakfast. If you plan on being active and having a few beers by the pool in the evening then an all-inclusive package will probably work out cheaper overall.
• Accommodation. Most resorts offer a range of accommodation so think about whether you would prefer a beach villa a few metres from the ocean, or a water villa located in the ocean itself. For the ultimate luxury the water villas can't be beaten. You'll be able to look out of your window and watch the marine life swim by, of course such luxury comes at a price.
• Children. If you are travelling with children choose a resort with a kid's club to keep them entertained while you relax and enjoy your vacation.
• Male. If you want to spend a day exploring the country's capital then check whether your resort offers day trip excursions.
• Weather. The optimum time to visit the Maldives as far as the weather is concerned is between December and April. During these months you should see the most hours of sunshine and the least amount of rain. Of course you shouldn't be surprised to learn that this is also the most expensive time of year to travel!
• Romance. If you are planning a Maldives honeymoon, or just a romantic getaway look for a resort on one of the smaller islands which are usually more quiet and intimate. Some of the larger islands have more of a party feel to them.