The Maldives is the smallest country in all of Asia. This archipelago is generally thought of as an expensive resort country, but is much more than that. It is a wonderful place, with beautiful ocean water, and friendly citizens. It is also tuna lover's paradise, as the fish is a staple of the country's cuisine. I'd highly recommend taking a side trip to here from India; however, keep in mind: it is generally much more expensive than other Asian countries.
Budget (2014): This is a tricky country, because your budget will depend on how cheap you can get a hotel/resort for. I managed on roughly $60 per day for a week. Local food and transportation is actually quite cheap. A delicious meal at a restaurant (not a resort restaurant) can be had for $2-3, and local ferries are usually no more than $4. Definitely pre-book your stay online, as the country does not yet have a backpacker infrastructure. I'd also recommend staying on a local island, because resorts can charge exorbitant prices for speedboat transfers (I had to pay $85) and seaplanes (into the hundreds or thousands of dollars). Additionally, a local island will have much cheaper shops, though without the tranquility of a private resort.
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Budget (2014): This is a tricky country, because your budget will depend on how cheap you can get a hotel/resort for. I managed on roughly $60 per day for a week. Local food and transportation is actually quite cheap. A delicious meal at a restaurant (not a resort restaurant) can be had for $2-3, and local ferries are usually no more than $4. Definitely pre-book your stay online, as the country does not yet have a backpacker infrastructure. I'd also recommend staying on a local island, because resorts can charge exorbitant prices for speedboat transfers (I had to pay $85) and seaplanes (into the hundreds or thousands of dollars). Additionally, a local island will have much cheaper shops, though without the tranquility of a private resort.
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