If you think the Maldives is exclusively for the well-heeled, it’s time to think again.
Daydreaming of a ‘budget holiday’ usually conjures images of a thrifty trip to Butlin’s or a raucous weekend in Benidorm, avoiding those costly long-haul destinations.
Yet, one intrepid influencer is on a quest to prove that the sun-drenched shores of the Maldives can be enjoyed without emptying your bank account, claiming she spent under £50 on her first day!
It’s quite the revelation, especially when a week-long stay in this tropical paradise typically costs around £1,700 per person (according to Travel Republic figures), sparking a frenzy among her followers eager to discover her cost-cutting secrets.
Instagram sensation Kara (@okay. kara.travels) shared: “We just landed in Mali because we’re attempting to travel the Maldives on a budget and already I’m so shocked with how affordable everything is… We’ve just flown from the UK to Male, it took us 24 hours to get here, so, it’s already been a very, very long travel day.”
She continued: “But we still need to get to our hotel which is on one of the local islands. Me and my friend Tasha found out that if you stay on the local islands in the Maldives instead of a resort island it is far, far more affordable.”
The Maldives, nestled in the Indian Ocean, comprises an impressive 1,192 islands, many of which remain pristine and untouched by human hands. Milaidhoo, Komandoo, and Baros rank as top picks for travellers, featuring luxurious all-inclusive resorts.
Kara and Tasha opted for an off-the-beaten-path adventure, choosing Thulusdhoo Island over the more frequented tourist spots in the Maldives. A mere 26km from the bustling capital Male, this island remains a tranquil haven, less populated than its neighbouring isles.
Dubbed by some as a secret paradise, Thulusdhoo Island boasts prime surfing conditions and dazzling coral reefs teeming with life.
Kara shared her astonishment at the affordability of their trip: “I didn’t expect the Maldives to be this affordable but it’s already surprised me. We were picked up from the ferry terminal by our hotel and taken to our beachfront accommodation which costs only £28 per person per night, including the Maldives tourist tax and breakfast every morning.”
In a savvy move, Kara also cut costs on travel. While many tourists splurge on ‘expensive’ seaplane rides or shell out £25 for speedboat transfers from Male’s airport, she went for a budget-friendly option, taking two local ferries at a mere £1.97 each.
The travel blogger recounted: “We had to wait in Male for a couple of hours for the next ferry because there’s only one a day at 2pm.”
“Half past two came around and we hopped on our second ferry which took us to Thulusdhoo island. It does take quite a while, two hours, whereas the speedboat will get you there in half an hour.
“But while the speedboat is a minimum of £25, this local ferry was just £1.20 per person. So, all our transport today cost us less than £2 which blows my mind.”
Kara concluded her inaugural day by enjoying a meal at a traditional Maldivian restaurant, opting for a curry, roti, shared rice and two beverages. Astonishingly, the total bill amounted to only £6.50, bringing her entire day’s spending to a mere £41.67.
“Day 1 of budget travel in the Maldives has (thankfully) been a massive success,” she remarked.