Honeymoon (Affordably) in the Maldives

Visiting the Maldives is a dream destination for many honeymooners, but staying there usually isn’t cheap. However, the country has recently seen an increase in guesthouses and other affordable lodging options, so spending a week there is more attainable than ever.

Spend Time in Male

The fancy, pricier resorts often overshadow the nation’s capital, but it’s a great place to explore. There are interesting museums, scenic mosques and a vibrant city to get to know.

Try “Travel Hacking”

A bit of travel hacking can result in huge savings. For example, Hyatt has a credit card that could net you two free nights at a Hyatt resort in the Maldives. If you have good credit, can meet the minimum spend and will pay off the balance, it’s a good trick to stay at a world-class resort. Visit Cards for Travel to learn about the basics of travel hacking.

Use the Ferries

You can get off of Male and to other islands by using the public ferries and timetables can be found here.

Stay in Guesthouses

Recently, the government began allowing locals to operate their own guesthouses and a private room can be booked for as little as $40. AirBNB is a great resource for snagging these guesthouses, as is TripAdvisor. You’ll want to avoid frolicking around in a bikini, smooching your new partner and consuming alcohol on these islands, since this is a Muslim country.

Local Food is Typically Cheap

Small, local restaurants in the Maldives tend to be affordable, so go that route if you’re staying on a local island. Guesthouses often cook up fresh, delicious meals for a small price, too. If you’re at an all-inclusive resort (hopefully made possible with travel hacking), meals will be included.