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Did you think you needed to be rich to spend a holiday in the Maldives?
Think again.
Kara Wildbur reveals that her travel company, say yes adventuresoffers a nine-night package in the Indian Ocean paradise for just £1,099, about the same as a Seven-night holiday in Marbella in a three-star hotel. (£1,124 in July).
And here, Kara, whose TikTok Travel Videos has attracted her 133,000 followers, she also reveals the top tips for making any trip to the Maldives budget-friendly, having recently enjoyed a cheap trip there herself.
The common mistake when booking in the Maldives
Kara tells MailOnline: ‘People mistakenly assume that their trip to the Maldives has to be expensive, when it’s not! If tourists book their trips to the Maldives through (normal) holiday package websites, they will only see tourist islands (which are very expensive).’
Instead, Kara recommends heading to the local islands, but notes that travelers booking stays there will typically have to research flights, accommodations and transportation individually and book them themselves.
He continues: “That’s why we started Say Yes Adventures, to offer an affordable travel package to the local islands.”
She explains: ‘Our 10-day Maldives package for £1099 includes three local islands, nine nights’ shared accommodation in three-star beachfront hotels, 16 bucket list activities, 12 meals and much more from just £1,099 per person.
Kara Wildbur (pictured above), who runs Say Yes Adventures, explains how to spend a holiday in the Maldives on a budget
Kara recommends Thulusdhoo Island (pictured above) and describes it as “famous for surfing”.
Kara reveals: ‘(On our trip) I never thought it would be possible and I seriously thought we would “fail” to do it on a budget as soon as we got there. But it was really easier than we ever imagined.”
The best tips for sticking to a budget
The travel professional explains: ‘Staying on local islands gives you a unique opportunity to save money while experiencing this stunning country.
‘Local islands are much more affordable than resort islands and still offer the same white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, with the added bonus of being able to experience the local Maldivian culture too.
‘Our Say Yes Adventures group trip includes three beachfront hotels that are just a five-minute walk from the nearest bikini beach (beaches on local islands where tourists can wear swimsuits). We were able to have breakfast on the beach every morning and watch the sunset from our balcony, what a dream!’
Average spend per day
“Hotels range from £25 to £100 ($30 to $122) per night, depending on the type of accommodation you book,” explains Kara.
The travel content creator adds: ‘Meals cost around £6 ($7.50) each and there are amazing local food options.
Pictured above is Dhigurah Island, one of Kara’s top recommendations.
Kara explains that the local islands are “much more affordable” than the resort islands. The travel influencer adds that the local islands have the same “crystal clear waters” as the resorts.
“The activities are definitely the most expensive part, typically between £63 and £79 ($80-$100) per person, so on days when you’re resting, you’ll spend very little. But on days when you want paying for an activity, you will be spending much more.
“In order to stick to a stricter budget, we made sure to limit the amount of extra activities we did, which meant we spent between £35 and £40 ($43 and $50).”
in a tiktok video where Kara shares her budget for a day in the Maldives, the content creator spends £1.77 ($2.22) taking two local ferries from the airport to the island of Thulusdhoo.
Enjoy a Burger King in the capital, Malé, for just £7 ($8.77) and stay in a beachfront hotel for £28 ($35) per night, including breakfast. The traveler then eats a local dinner for just £6.50 ($8.15).
The best islands for beginners
Kara reveals: ‘The islands we visit and offer tours to are Thulusdhoo, Dhiffushi and Dhigurah. They’re close enough to Malé Airport that you won’t have to spend much time getting there, plus they’re absolutely stunning.
‘Thulusdhoo is famous for surfing and has stunning bikini beaches on the hotel’s doorstep.
‘Dhiffushi is slightly larger and offers more varied dining options and beautiful marine life.
Dhiffushi Island (pictured above) has ‘beautiful marine life’, Kara reveals
The travel content creator loves the “white sand beaches” of the local islands and explains that “snorkeling in the Maldives is next level.” She appears in the photo above on the island of Thulusdhoo.
“We enjoyed multiple trips from Dhiffushi to see sharks, manta rays, sea turtles and more.”
Favorite restaurant
‘Our favorite meal in the Maldives was at Thulusdhoo, at a restaurant called Bandaha Cafe‘ says the budget traveler.
Kara explains: ‘The full meal cost us £7/$8.70 per person, and included local Maldivian curry, rice, a roti and a soft drink.
“I still think about that curry regularly because it was absolutely amazing.”
where to avoid
Kara warns: ‘As someone who loves adventure and keeping busy, I would avoid the resort islands on any of my trips to the Maldives.
“I would prefer to experience the local culture by staying on local islands and meeting the local Maldivian people.”
The best you can do
The travel influencer explains: ‘Snorkeling in the Maldives is on another level from anything I’ve experienced before.
‘You can leave your hotel and feed the rays on the beach, watch mini reef sharks from your breakfast table or snorkel with an incredible variety of marine life.
‘We had a great time snorkelling when we were there, so we made sure to include it for our guests too!
‘You’ll be able to spot manta rays, sea turtles, stingrays, coral gardens and, if you’re lucky, whale sharks!’
Do you want to know more about Say Yes Adventures? Visit the website – www.sayyesadventures.com – for more travel details, or check out on Instagram – @sayyes.aventuras.