Maldives Budget Guide

The Maldives has a reputation for being expensive, but local island guesthouses have made it far more accessible in recent years. Booking a shorter 3-4 night stay, traveling in the shoulder season, and choosing a guesthouse on a local island instead of a private resort island can cut costs significantly while still delivering the turquoise-water experience the Maldives is known for. Speedboat transfers are usually cheaper than seaplane transfers, so factor that into your resort choice.