The Maldives with your family: practical guide

If you can, avoid the high season, which is from December to February. There are still too many people in order to really enjoy the places, and also the prices are at their highest. The low season runs from May to November. You will get lower prices, however, the climate is not ideal for a family stay, with many storms and high heat. A good compromise is to choose a stay between March and April.

On an average budget, count on a range between 150 and 400 euros for a night stay in a hotel. A room in a luxury hotel will cost you on average 750 to 800 euros. As for restaurants, count on about $20 per person (approximately 18 euros). If you add local taxes (12%) and other small fees, the daily bill can reach or even exceed $1,000 (approximately 900 euros) per day. You should know that almost everything is imported into the islands. But all in all the dreams and memories created in the Maldives for the children will certainly justify a budget that is worth it. As we say, when you love, you don’t count.

The most romantic will embark on a white sailboat in a Robinson Crusoe style. The picture is beautiful and tempting, it is true. The others, who are in a hurry to reach their final destination, will probably prefer to travel by plane in order to enjoy precious moments with their family in this idyllic and luxurious environment. From Brussels, several airlines offer flights to the Maldives, including Brussels Airlines, Emirates Airlines and Qatar Airways. The flights include stopovers via Paris, London or Frankfurt. The flight time to Malé International Airport is approximately 15 to 17 hours. On-site, shuttles are either by speedboat, yacht or seaplane and will take you directly to the doors of your palace.

If you are departing from France, Emirates Airlines or XL Airways serve the Maldives from Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport. If you are looking for your holiday destination on the map to show it to your children, you should know that the Maldives is about 373 miles south-west of Sri Lanka. A jewel embedded in the heart of the Indian Ocean that you will discover as if you were the Tex Avery’s wolf, his tongue unrolled like the red carpet. More than 1200 islets make up the Maldives, of which barely 200 islands are inhabited.

If you intend to stay less than 30 days, a valid passport for 6 months after the end of your stay will be required. It will entitle you to a 30-day visa. Do not exceed the validity date, otherwise, you will be prosecuted. As proof, you will need to show return tickets for you and your family. And to be able to show a visa for your stay and an address of an accommodation point if you are asked to do so when entering Maldivian territory.

While there are no significant health risks in the Maldives, some vaccines are recommended which are those against Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid and Rabies, not to mention universal childhood vaccines. If you are travelling with babies, make sure you have everything you need for them, but most of the time, high-end hotels will have some first aid boxes. Also, you should make sure that you have everything you need for sun protection. Water, sand, the sun is the perfect combination to catch a sunstroke. Think about this kind of things when you are packing such as taking a maximum protection rating cream. If you are going with young children, cover them with a hat and T-shirt. And protect yourself too if you have light skin and get easily sunburned. Don’t miss our dedicated guides to the best UV protections, as well as the one dedicated to children’s sunglasses!

Concerning security on the island, it is best to leave your valuables in the hotel safe, photocopy your family’s passports, scan them and send them to your mailbox. It will be easier if you need them for any reason. In hotels, you will not often need cash, everything will be charged (in dollars) on the room bill. A practical solution that will also save you headaches when converting currencies.

Long decried for its undemocratic domestic policy, the Maldives is now a better place and no longer justifies the call for a boycott that some had been calling for. The Maldives has made a political and religious shift. The Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website does not in any way advise against travelling to the Maldives, it is a destination considered safe, even for families.

The possible risks are those of petty crime, present everywhere, as well as those related to diving accidents. Which you will avoid with the right on-site supervision. The French Foreign Affairs provide excellent security advice, especially with regards to Malé’s visit. In the event of problems, Belgian and French tourists can contact their respective Honorary Consulates.

Apart from being a destination for unforgettable memories, choosing the Maldives for a family holiday is a wise choice. Why? Because you will be able to show your children the beauty of nature and the need to preserve it. A theme that is particularly important to the younger generations. By discovering the beauty of the lagoons, corals and animal species, your children will inevitably become aware of their fragility. It is up to you to successfully combine the playful and educational aspects during your stay.

Most importantly the Maldives is one of those areas that are at risk -in the long term- of being flooded which is one of a disastrous consequence of global warming. In terms of transportation, travels between atolls are safe by boat or seaplane.

As the dictum goes, “When in Rome do as the Romans”. Given that the population of the Maldives is predominantly Muslim, alcohol is not available on the islands, except in large hotels or airport bars. And please do not bring your own bottles, they will be confiscated at the airport. Drink water, but not tap water, which is generally not recommended for tourists. Another measure of respect is to dress appropriately when you are outside the hotels.

There is no excuse to stroll around the islands, especially in Malé, in a swimsuit, bikini or light clothing. Except in the case of an excursion to a desert island, where there is a little more tolerance allowed. Even if this applies to any other destination, you should also know that it is forbidden to pick up and leave the country with natural souvenirs, such as shells, sand, coral etc. Don’t risk trying. And spread the word to the children, who are often collectors.

In the Maldives, your children will be at least certain of one thing: they won’t have to endure the long museum visits. As a matter of fact, there are very few of them. In the Maldives, you can sunbath and relax on the sandy beaches and do water sports to disconnect and recharge as a family. After all, you certainly came here for that. No doubt you won’t have to beg to your kids to accompany you on the sea or the beach. If your children can’t swim yet, there are small lagoons with crystal clear water and ideal temperature that will make excellent little pools for their first swims. The more adventurous of your family can also do some diving, windsurfing or water-skiing clubs. If you have the soul of an Ernest Hemingway, fishing trips can be also planned. Don’t miss our guide to the best diving spots in the world!

There are no aquariums in the Maldives. The most beautiful fish are found in their natural habitat: the sea. The children will be able to swim with the coral fishes that have a distinguished shimmering colour. A real ballet for the eyes. Discover from a boat the dolphins or whales bouncing in the water, a fantastic show. Unforgettable memories guaranteed for your little blonde heads.

The ideal solution for a complete overview of the most beautiful atolls. Without getting tired with a cocktail in hand. A cruise offered on a luxury vessel can be combined with a diving safari.

A sailing trip with a local guide to discover a deserted island and enjoy a picnic with the family around a bond fire on the beach and be given the opportunity to act like Tom Hanks in the movie Alone in the World for few hours. A quietness that will enable you to rediscover the joy of being together, parents and children alike, and will strengthen family ties. You and your family will come back closer than ever from this trip.

Carried out from one island to another on board of the old dhoni and vedhi which are typical Maldivian boats. It is often the only possibility to meet the locals. Enough to imagine you as Henri de Monfreid.