The Maldives - A Destination Everyone Should Visit
Following the horrendous events on Boxing Day 2005 The Maldives has refused to let the vast power of the Tsunami beat it and has returned to its former glory. Despite 99% of the Maldives being covered by water and the islands themselves a mere 6 feet above sea level the Maldives remains a stunning destination that everyone should visit at least once in there lives.
The Maldives has been one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Indian Ocean for many years and understandably so.
The introduction of cheap flights from a variety of UK airports and the abundance of good quality and affordable accommodation has opened up this collection of some 1000 coral island to those of us that want to see the world. Many of these island are accessible from Male by speed boat, as familiar in the Maldives as cars are in the wetsern world. Journeys can vary from 20 minutes to 2 hours although for the longer durations and those of us who don't possess sea legs its just as easy to take a sea plane to our chosen island. The draw of relaxing on beautiful safe beaches under year round warm sunshine and wading out in crystal clear blue sea to view shells of tropical fish has proved to much for many of us to resist.
Around 100 of these coral islands are for visitors with usually just one hotel on each island. Some have become quite sophisticated with mod cons such as air conditioning, swimming pools and luxury spa's, a choice of restaurants and entertainment where as others have retained the typical "no news no shoes" flavour of the Maldives with thatched roofs, open air bathrooms, unheated water and few facilities. The ingenious introduction of building small bungalows on stilts out in the sea an yet attached by decking to the mainland has proved to be a winner and a far cry from my suburban home, stepping on to the sundeck of our private bungalow down 5 or 6 wooden steps into waist high warm water was something to behold.
Surrounded by crystal clear water it's not surprising that these idyllic coral islands rank amongst the best diving destinations in the world. This is a destination to enjoy the breathtaking scenery and partake in some of the numerous activities at your leisure.
The rare beauty of the magnificent underwater world has made these islands one of the most enchanting diving destinations in the world. There are many dive sites catering for all levels of diver providing the opportunity to explore nature beneath the sea and if diving's not for you there is some superb reef's idea for snorkelling where visibility sometimes exceeds 50 meters. Swimming and snorkelling are at their best when the water is at it's calmest usually in December through to April when the rainfall is at it lowest. The rainfall is at its highest during the south-west monsoon, normally May through to November. The temperature though remains around 30 degrees centigrade all year round.
Having just returned from a relaxing week lying in the sun and mixing with my fellow holiday maker I was staggered to realise just how many people thought they'd just go for a walk around the local town or would eat in a variety of local restaurants. This just isn't that type of place, to enjoy this unspoilt natural environment as it is means there is no nipping off to the local off licence for a bottle of rum or saving your pennies and going to a local café for lunch. Due to necessity almost everything has to be imported to these tiny islands and many extras can be expensive but its possible to pre pay for most things in the UK and I assure you, a small price to pay to swim in the warm blue waters amongst tropical fish and to experience the unspoilt beauty that makes the Maldives a destination that everyone should visit.
Written by Joanne Brough the owner of http://www.travel-on-holiday.com - A web site specialising in holidays to the Indian Ocean. Having visited the Indian ocean many times you'll find lots of useful information on when and where to vist along with tips and personal recommendations.
Family Travel information Recommended Products
Thomson Holidays Price Blitz Thomson
holidays offers access to great value holidays, direct from the UK's No1
supplier of air inclusive package holidays. With the widest range of
holidays available, all linked to the most punctual charter airline, your
users are bound to find the perfect holiday. More satisfied holidaymakers
come back to Thomson than any other holiday company - why choose anybody
else?
Save £'s with Thomson Holidays
Online travel agents
Thomas Cook offer flights, sun
holidays, faraway holidays to exotic destinations, late deals, city
breaks, UK breaks, snow holidays, hotel booking and foreign
exchange.
Thomas Cook Deal
Opodo is a new online travel service
that addresses the real needs of today’s traveller.RomanceShoppingArt and
CultureOffering an unbiased and competitively priced online
travel service for world travel, Opodo have access to
flights from over 400 airlines, as well as an extensive
range of worldwide hotel properties and car rental
companies, as well as Opodo travel insurance.
lastminute encourages spontaneous, romantic and sometimes adventurous
behaviour by offering people the chance to live their dreams at unbeatable prices
easyCar a leading car
rental broker we are able to select from the best car rental companies
around the world, both international and regional, with a wide range of
quality vehicles. easyCar – the low cost, online car hire specialist. It
currently provides car rental in over 60 countries including the UK,
Ireland, the USA, Canada, Spain, Switzerland, France, Portugal, Italy,
Greece, Cyprus, South Africa, Germany, Jersey, Guernsey and Australia.
Expedia sell everything for
Travel. Find special deals
on airfares, accommodation, holidays, car hire, insurance as well as in-depth
travel information and world guides at Expedia.
OutdoorGear UK offering a wide range of equipment for campers,
walkers and outdoor lovers with very competitive prices.
Over 50,000 Real Package Holiday Reviews of
airtours cosmos first choice jmc my travel mytravel portland direct
skytours thomas cook thomson tui unijet and more from Holidays Uncovered
- Real truths and reports about package holidays from holidays
uncovered. Holiday uncovered. Guide and Guides
Affordable Family Vacations News
Great Travel and Vacation Ideas for the Family - Corsavoo.com
Great Travel and Vacation Ideas for the Family Corsavoo.com, France - 21 hours ago To find more affordable options in Hawaii, the Waikiki Beach area is breathtaking, fun for the entire family, and offers several different lodging options. ...
Affordable Vacation Rentals in Missouri - TransWorldNews (press release)
Affordable Vacation Rentals in Missouri TransWorldNews (press release), GA - Aug 27, 2008 Those looking for an affordable destination to spend a fun time should consider vacationing in Missouri . Such places like Branson and Osage Beach offer ...
Route 19: "What did you do on your summer vacation?" - Pittsburgh Post Gazette
Route 19: "What did you do on your summer vacation?" Pittsburgh Post Gazette, PA - 6 hours ago Even though the dollar is down overseas against the euro, things are still affordable in India." -- Chris Turnbaugh, 47, South Fayette, an agent with Howard ...
Christian Family Vacations - 3x24 - Your Newspaper and News Magazine
Christian Family Vacations 3x24 - Your Newspaper and News Magazine, Germany - Aug 24, 2008 These camps are far more affordable than the usual family vacation. Most include all your meals and rooming for one combined price. Except for just a few, ...