The Maldives might not be the world’s cheapest holiday destination, but it is possible to cut back on what you spend with some clever planning and a spot of compromise.

For example, it’ll cost more to stay in an over-water villa (seriously overrated, by the way!) than in a beach villa, and if you drink alcohol, consider saving some dollars by abstaining for the duration of your stay. Here’s our essential guide to exploring the Maldives on a budget.

Daily costs in the Maldives

• Nightly rate at resorts: US$300 to US$2000+ per night on a bed and breakfast basis (opting for all-inclusive packages will generally result in a minimum rate increase of around 30%).
• One-way seaplane journey from Male: US$250 to US$400
• Return scheduled flight from Male with a domestic airline: US$150 to US$550
• Glass of wine (if not included in package) on a resort island: US$10+
• One-tank scuba dive at a resort: US$100 to US$200
• 4-day PADI basic scuba diving qualification: US$400 to US$700
• Nightly rate for a guesthouse on a local island: US$30 to US$60
• Dinner at restaurant on a local island: US$7 to US$20

Fly via the Middle East or India

Most visitors to the Maldives prefer to fly direct to Male, which means the few airlines which fly direct long-haul routes can afford to charge extortionately high air fares (you’ll be lucky to bag direct return flights from North America for under US$1500). One way to cut the cost is to fly via transport hubs such as those in the Middle East. Airlines serving Male include Etihad, Emirates and Qatar Airways, transiting in Abu Dhabi, Dubai or Doha. A growing number of Indian airlines also operate routes between Male and cities such as Mumbai and Delhi, so it’s also worth considering transiting in India and continuing on to Male with an Indian airline such as Vistara or IndiGo.

Travel in the off-season

Visiting the Maldives during the off-peak monsoon season, between May and November, can mean serious savings. Although there really isn’t a bad time to visit the Maldives, keen divers and snorkelers should note that the sea can be slightly rougher and cloudier during monsoon season. However, diving is possible year-round here, and these months also happen to be the best times for surf sessions – several resorts, including Six Senses Laamu, now have surf schools.

Swap the seaplane for a speedboat

There is a lot of variation in the cost of seaplane flights, but a one-way ticket typically costs a minimum of US$250, with prices reaching US$400. However, there are many resorts that can be reached on just a short boat ride from Male airport.

Complimentary boat transfers – typically on yacht-style vessels with plush seating areas and fridges stocked with chilled drinks – will always be included in the price.
If your resort isn’t accessible by speedboat, find out if there’s a domestic airport nearby. The Maldives has 13 domestic airports, so even if you’re staying at one of the country’s most remote properties, it’s likely you’ll be able to reach it with a combination of scheduled flights (which are much cheaper than seaplane journeys) and short complimentary speedboat rides.

Opt for a larger island with more accommodation choice

In the Maldives, bigger is often better – especially when it comes to value for money. Smaller resorts with just 15 or 20 over-water villas will book up much earlier in advance, and their perceived exclusivity will often mean higher prices. Choose a larger resort, such as Siyam World, which is one of the largest, with over 472 villas and 21 accommodation categories, and you’ll have a wider choice of accommodation, ranging from decadent over-water villas to more affordable one-bedroom beach cottages.

Choose a beach villa rather than an over-water one

The Maldives is famous for its over-water villas, but the huge demand for this type of accommodation means they come with a high price tag. Additionally, there are down-sides to these villas, which are often on over-water boardwalks far from the center of the resort, and you won’t have direct access to the beach, either. Book a beach villa, which will almost always come with a much lower price tag – you’ll be just a few meters from the sand and will almost certainly be closer to restaurants and facilities such as dive schools. You can also consider villas that are neither over the water nor on the beach: villas in the center of the island often have the lowest rates, but feel wonderfully secluded and are more likely to have private plunge pools at the rear.

Stay on a local island

Although the vast majority of visitors to the Maldives choose to stay on resort islands, there are a small number of local islands with guesthouses for tourists. Expect to pay between US$30 and US$60 for a night at one of these cheap and cheerful properties, and between US$5 and US$15 for the public ferry journey (most of which depart from Male, although there are inter-island ferries, too). The most popular local islands with guesthouse accommodation include Gulhi, Maafushi and Dhigurah, all of which are easily accessible from Male.

Book activities in advance

Whether you’re keen to gain a scuba diving qualification or hope to do an excursion to a nearby island, always book activities in advance. Many resorts will offer deals for guests including “early bird” discounts (often between 10 and 25%!). These deals vary, but are most likely to apply to guests who book a minimum of a month before their visit. If you’re a qualified scuba diver, find out if your resort offers discounts for guests who book a certain number of dives – for example, if you book five one-tank dives, one will often be complimentary. It’s also easy to underestimate how quickly excursions book up in advance, which is another reason to sign up sooner rather than later.

There’s a high import tax on alcohol

You’ll be surprised by how much money non-drinkers will save. The Maldives has the world’s highest import taxes on alcohol (largely because it’s an entirely Muslim country where alcohol is illegal beyond its resorts), and all-inclusive packages that include alcohol are very expensive. If you opt for a non-alcohol package but decide to treat yourself to the odd glass of wine, expect to pay a minimum of US$10 per glass.

And don’t even think about bringing your own alcohol – visitors caught importing alcohol into the Maldives will be handed a fine of up to US$500 and risk a short custodial sentence.

When it comes to dream destinations in Europe, Paris is right up there on most of our travel lists, and for good reasons. The City of Light dazzles with its timeless charm, world-famous monuments, artistic masterpieces, and cosy cafés on every corner. As Indians, we’re drawn to places that offer a mix of history, culture, cuisine, and Instagram-worthy backdrops, and Paris delivers all of that and more. If you’re planning your next international getaway, let us take you through the best places to visit in Paris, France. Moreover, with Vi’s seamless international roaming plans, you can explore with confidence, stay connected, and share every moment in real time. So, let’s get started!

1. Eiffel Tower

For anyone visiting Paris as a tourist, the Eiffel Tower must be on their list! Designed and built by Gustave Eiffel’s company, this iconic structure needs no introduction. Whether you’re catching panoramic views from the summit or enjoying a picnic beneath its iron frame at Champ de Mars, it’s one of the must-see places to visit in Paris. The sparkling lights at night? Absolutely magical. Don’t forget to capture that perfect selfie, it’s a moment worth sharing!

2. Louvre Museum

As one of the world’s largest and most visited art museums, the Musée du Louvre is home to over 35,000 works of art, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. Even if you’re not a history buff, the sheer scale and grandeur of this place will sweep you off your feet. For art lovers, it tops the list of Paris tourist places.

3. Arc de Triomphe

Situated at the western end of the Champs-Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe honours those who fought and lost their lives during the French Revolutionary Wars and Napoleonic Wars. It also has the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from the Great War. Climb up its 284 steps for one of the most stunning views of Paris, especially during sunset. It’s one of those places to go in Paris where history and beauty come together effortlessly.

4. Notre-Dame Cathedral

After a devastating fire in 2019, Notre-Dame finally reopened in 2024. One of the most iconic places in the city, Notre-Dame de Paris draws crowds with its awe-inspiring Gothic architecture. Set on the serene Île de la Cité, it’s among the top Paris tourist places for lovers of architecture, history, and photography. The surrounding areas, filled with quaint shops and riverside charm, are perfect for a lazy afternoon stroll.

5. Musée de l’Armée

Located at Les Invalides, the Army Museum offers a fascinating journey through France’s military history, including Napoleon’s tomb. It’s one of those lesser-known places to visit in Paris France, but absolutely worth it, especially if you’re intrigued by battles, armour, and strategy.

6. Palais Garnier

Dripping in opulence, the Palais Garnier is a masterpiece of Napoleon III architecture. Even if you don’t catch a performance, take a guided tour to marvel at the chandeliers, grand staircase, and intricate frescoes. It’s undoubtedly one of the most elegant places to see in Paris.

7. Cruise Along the Seine River

One of the best ways to soak in the charm of the city is by taking a river cruise along the Seine. As you float past landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Notre-Dame, you’ll understand why this is one of the most romantic places to visit in Paris. Day or night, the views are spellbinding.

8. Musée de l’Orangerie

Tucked away in the Tuileries Garden, the Musée de l’Orangerie is home to Claude Monet’s massive Water Lilies murals. The museum also features works by Cézanne, Matisse, Picasso, Renoir, and many more. If you’re into Impressionism, this is one of the best places to go in Paris for a quiet, artful escape.

9. Champs-Élysées

Often called the world’s most beautiful avenue, the Champs-Élysées offers everything from luxury shopping and historic cafés to delightful patisseries. It’s vibrant both day and night and easily ranks among the liveliest places to see in Paris. You’ll want to block a few hours just for this street!

10. Observatoire Panoramique de la Tour Montparnasse

If you’re after breathtaking cityscapes without the crowds, the Montparnasse Tower offers a 360-degree view of Paris, including the Eiffel Tower itself. It’s less crowded than other viewpoints and definitely one of the underrated places to visit in Paris France. This landmark is one of the newer ones in the list and was finished in 1973.

Travelling can expose you to various health risks. Prioritize hygiene by washing hands and wearing masks. Consult your doctor for necessary vaccinations and a travel health kit. Maintain a regular sleep schedule and eat cautiously, opting for bottled water and fresh food. Stay hydrated with fiber-rich foods. Manage stress by planning ahead to ensure a healthy and enjoyable trip.

No one wants to get sick on their vacation, but the number of diseases circulating worldwide plus the added challenges of travel makes it difficult to manage our water or healthy food intake. Staying healthy while travelling is everyone’s priority, so you need to be prepared and be aware of any health issues and take measures to protect yourselves. The effort to stay healthy while travelling starts way before you go on that trip.

You need to take preventive measures before and during your trip, and we have curated the perfect list for you:

Hygiene is the priority

While travelling, it is necessary to keep your hands clean. So keep your hands properly clean with soap and water or use hand sanitizer, especially before eating food or touching your face. When you are in crowded places, wear a mask to prevent any airborne diseases like the flu or measles. You should also disinfect areas in public places with a sanitizer spray or disinfectant wipes.

Visit your doctor before leaving for your international trip

Before you leave for that much-awaited trip, go to your doctor and confirm that you’re fit to travel. Take all the vaccines that have been pending before you travel.

Most importantly, you need to prepare a travel health kit with all the medicines that you might need- pain relievers, anti‑diarrheal meds, ORS packets, and insect repellents.

Get as much sleep as possible

During international travel, the main impact on you is the disrupted sleep schedule due to different time zones. If you focus more on exploration than on sleep, you’re definitely going to get sick. Try to get 8 hours of good‑quality sleep and sleep at appropriate times. Sleep is very important for the proper functioning of our immune system.

Eat cautiously

Food and waterborne diseases are common while travelling, so you need to consume cautiously while traveling. You should avoid tap water and always opt for bottled or filtered water to avoid infection. It can feel tempting to consume the local street food on vacation, but that should be done cautiously too. Always check if the food is fresh and if proper hygiene practices are being practiced there. If you’re eating raw fruits or vegetables, wash them thoroughly with clean water.

Stay hydrated

While travelling, it is very important to stay hydrated, as your gut needs all the support it can get. Most people suffer from travel related issues like constipation, and staying hydrated greatly helps with this. Try to have at least one meal a day that is rich in fiber, or eat chia seeds, greens, beans, berries, bananas, and pears, which are gut‑friendly snacks.

Say ‘NO’ to stress

When packing for an international trip, we are constantly on edge about documents, immigration procedures, the weather, what clothes to pack, and more which causes a lot of stress. You should try to get everything done as early as possible to avoid stress at the last minute. Stress is a major contributor to sickness, so you need to avoid it at all costs to prevent it from ruining your vacation.

TSA enforces strict rules on carry-on liquids, gels, and spreadable items, limiting them to 3.4 ounces or less. Common foods like peanut butter, hummus, yogurt, and soft cheeses are often confiscated if exceeding this limit. While solid snacks are permitted, creamy or spreadable foods must adhere to the size restrictions or be packed in checked luggage to pass security.

TSA limits liquids, gels, and anything spreadable to 3.4 ounces or less in carry-on bags. That includes things like hummus, peanut butter, and yoghurt. If you’re bringing any of those, make sure the container is small enough or plan to pack it in your checked luggage. Here are some snacks to double-check before you fly.

The TSA recently clarified that six foods that are most commonly taken away include yoghurt, hummus, cream cheese, creamy dips and spreads, jam, and peanut butter. Every Thanksgiving, the government agency reminds travelers that leftover turkey is perfectly acceptable as an in-flight snack. However, cranberry sauce and mashed potatoes might be confiscated, depending on how liquid-like they are.

List of snacks you can’t bring in your carry-on bag on a flight

1. Peanut Butter

Even travel-sized packs are often over 3.4 ounces, making them non-compliant with TSA’s liquid/gels rule. If it can be smeared, it’s considered a liquid.

2. Hummus

Like peanut butter, it’s classified as a spread. Unless it’s in a container under 3.4 oz, it will be confiscated.

3. Yoghurt and Pudding

These creamy snacks, often packed by parents, are also gels. Popular brands like KozyShack usually exceed size limits and won’t pass TSA checks.

4. Soft Cheeses (Brie, Camembert)

Tasty? Absolutely.

TSA-approved? Unfortunately not. These are deemed too spreadable and get flagged as liquids or gels.

5. Salsa and Honey

Both are thick liquids. Containers over 3.4 oz won’t make it past security—even if sealed.”If you can spill it, spray it, spread it, pump it, or pour it—it’s considered a liquid, aerosol, or gel,” a TSA spokesperson told USA Today. “And if it’s over 3.4 ounces, it needs to go in your checked luggage.” While solid snacks like chips, pretzels, or hard candies are allowed in carry-ons, any food item that doesn’t meet the 3-1-1 liquids rule could be taken away at security. There are exceptions, however, for baby formula, breast milk, and certain medications, which may be carried in larger quantities with proper declaration.

If you’re heading to the airport soon, make sure to double-check both the contents and quantity of your carry-on. Any creamy, spreadable, or gel-like items must be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces—or they should go in your checked luggage.

In simple terms, if you can scoop it, smear it, or eat it with a spoon, TSA likely considers it a liquid. And if it exceeds the size limit, it won’t make it past security.