Top 10 Things To Do In The Maldives

The Maldives evoke idyllic images of overwater bungalows and pristine beaches. However, visitors are often surprised to find that there is more to do in the Maldives than they expected. There is something for everyone, whether you prefer active or inactive holidays. This makes the Maldives a very versatile destination! Read on to see what activities are popular.

Snorkeling

The Maldives are made up of more than 1,000 coral islands. Therefore, snorkeling is naturally spectacular! All resorts in the Maldives offer this activity. However, ideally, you will want to choose an island with an on-site reef where you can snorkel directly from the beach (or your villa on the water!) Rather than a boat trip organized at the beach. 'advanced.

The quality of the reefs varies. Angsana Ihuru, in the North Male Atoll, is considered by many to be the best reef in the Maldives and the resort is easily accessible by speed boat from Male. In the same area, the Fihalhohi Island Resort is excellent.

Dive into the reefs and meet sea creatures

The Maldives is considered one of the best scuba diving destinations in the world. You will be able to approach and familiarize yourself with an abundance of marine creatures, including turtles, mantra rays, moray eels and rare whale sharks. Varied reef structures and deep channels offer interesting diving opportunities.

If you like scuba diving, the best option is to book a boat cruise. These luxury cruise ships visit some of the most remote reefs and allow you to explore places beyond the reach of Maldives seaside resorts. The best time to dive is from January to April. However, most cruise ships operate from November to May. The main options are Carpe Diem Maldives and Maldive Mosaique.

Banana Reef, in North Male Atoll, was the first Maldives dive site to be discovered and remains very popular. Some islands that surround it are Farukolhufushi, Fullmoon and Kurumba.

Spot the dolphins

The Maldives are not only known for their snorkeling and scuba diving. It is also one of the best destinations for dolphins in the world. Dolphins are everywhere in the Maldives. They are really friendly and are often known for swimming up to the tourist boats. They can even swim in front of your villa on the water!

In the Maldives, many resorts offer dolphin watching tours as part of their usual experiences. However, observations are not guaranteed. To maximize your chances of discovering, head to the little-known Meemu atoll and its Muli channel (the success rate would be 85%). There are only two resorts in the area - Medhufushi Island Resort and Hakuraa Hura.

Enjoy water sports

All kinds of water sports are possible in the Maldives. Kayak, paddle board, jet-ski, water skiing, parasailing, windsurfing, wake-boarding, kite-surfing - and so much more! Many resorts offer a selection of these activities for free.

For an extra boost of adrenaline, the Four Seasons Resort in Landaa Giraavar and the Lily Beach Resort are two beach resorts in the Maldives that have turbojet engines that propel you out of the water.

Take a wave

You can even catch a wave in the Maldives! Most of the famous surf spots are located around Male. The surf season runs from March to October, with big swells from June to August.

Atoll Adventures offers surf packages to Cinnamon Dhonveli on Farukolhufushi Island in the North Male Atoll, with exclusive access to the surf spot at the Pasta Point Resort (the most regular break in the region). ). The resort has a program specifically designed for surfers and a maximum of 30 surfers are allowed at a time.

Cruise around the Maldives

You do not want to spend all your time in a resort in the Maldives? Boat cruises are a popular thing to do, with various options, from sunset cruises in local dhonis to longer cruises of one night or several days.

Explore Male

Male, the capital of the Maldives, is densely compressed on an island of about two square kilometers. It's one of the smallest capitals in the world! Most visitors bypass it to the idyllic and uninhabited islands of the country. However, culture lovers will find it an interesting place to explore. There are mosques, museums and markets. Moreover, thanks to its compact size, it takes only a few hours to walk around.

7 Best Things to Do in Dublin Ireland

If you have the chance to visit Ireland, you will probably start in Dublin. Here are our recommendations for the main things to do in Dublin, from our four different tours to one of our favorite cities on the planet.

Dublin is the capital of the nation and it is a city filled with culture, beauty and history.

We have been to Dublin four times and plan to go back!

The first visit to Dublin was the start of the road along the Wild Atlantic Way and the last was the start of our trip to Northern Ireland.

We never tire of the energy and culture of the city and are always looking for new and unusual things to do in Dublin. This list will help you make the most of your next visit to the Irish capital.

1. Guinness store

A trip to Dublin would not be complete without the taste of authentic Guinness.

It tastes better in Ireland!

The Guinness Storehouse is the number one place to visit in Dublin. Literally. Millions of visitors visited the brewery and enjoyed more than a pint or two. And it's worth it!

It took a few visits before we finally got there and we should have done it sooner.

Covering 15 acres, the Guinness Factory is an important part of Dublin and its history.

It's amazing to walk around the area to learn that Guinness has provided housing and jobs for most Dubliners.

The tour is very interesting to learn how Guinness is made, but more importantly, it ends with a pint of beer at the rooftop bar which offers one of the best views in Dublin.

2. Learn how to pour a perfect pint

While you're at the Guinness Storehouse, take a look at the Guinness experience, where you'll learn how to pour the perfect Guinness pint into the Guinness Bar and tasting room.

Once you have poured the perfect waterfall, you will get a certificate attesting to your Guinness certification and you will get a delicious pint of Guinness!

It's really a must in Dublin. This will make you a Guinness snob in pubs around the world for the rest of your life!

3. Small Museum of Dublin

We do not usually have many museums, but we loved this little one. I would put it on my list of a must-see museum in Dublin.

It houses a collection provided by the public and donated by a Dublin resident. Stroll through its four floors of Dublin's history that are original and unique. It contains everything from old press articles from Ireland's first independent office (which is also there!) To portraits of celebrities and famous Irish politicians, including antique telephones, turntables and typewriters. .

4. Sweny

The apothecary of Sweny is a really cool shop with medicines, photographs and prescriptions from the beginning of the 19th century.

This pharmacy is the current pharmacy described in James Joyce's Ulysses. They have daily readings of James Joyce and sell the famous lemon soap that made the shop famous.

If you are looking for more activities in non touristic Dublin, this is it. I felt like a cool hipster coming into the store to talk about all of Joyce's things.

Volunteers can tell you many stories about Joyce, the story of Dublin, and you can buy a nice souvenir to take home.

5. Newman University Church

Our guide has taken us to a hidden gem that even many Dubliners do not know, but it's really something you need to see in Dublin.

The Newman University Church is a small but beautiful and quiet church. It is filled with colorful patterns, lattices and paintings.

As a non-religious person myself, I have trouble explaining what I see in a church and I am no different from the Newman University Church.

All I know is that it was beautiful and it was a nice stop on our walking tour. See more at the university church.

6. Gaelic Games Museum

One of the best ways to immerse yourself in Irish culture is to get involved in their national sports!

At Croke Park, the Gaelic Games Museums are a walk through the history of Gaelic games.

It's also one of those Dublin attractions that make you feel like a child again.

The immersive museum is also very fun when you try your skills and learn how to play hurling.

7. Croke Park Sky Walk

If you're wondering what to do in Dublin, Ireland, which offers a bit of adrenaline and excitement, the Croke Park Skywalk is the perfect tour for you.

Croke Park is the third largest stadium in Europe and you will ride where only technicians dare to go around its scaffolding and roof.

The rooftop ride takes you up to 44 meters high for a bird's eye view of the throwing field and stunning panoramic views of the city of Dublin, Ireland.

In addition, you will have a glimpse behind the scenes and private rooms of athletes and you can even go on the field.

Best Things to Do in Dublin Ireland:

Top 10 Travel Tips For Your First Time In Thailand

Thailand has been a popular tourist destination for decades and with good reason. It has beautiful beaches, a friendly and exotic culture, historic temples and a lot of adventure.

But when traveling to Thailand, there are many rules and cultural differences you need to know before you go.

1. Do not Ride the Elephants

Dave and I were guilty of this in 2000 when we traveled to Thailand, we did not think about the health and well-being of the elephants and assumed it was a lot like riding a horse. After all, movies had been showing people riding elephants for years!

But elephants that are used for tourism conditions and conditions in chained to poles. They are forced to walk in circles and have broken their mahouts.

Instead of riding elephants, visit an elephant sanctuary where you wan witnessed retired tourists and logging elephants in their natural environment. They may never be released in the wild, but at least they will be allowed to live in peace while having some freedom to roam.

2. Do not Take Selfies with Tigers

I was surprised to learn that the tiger temples are still open. I knew of them when we first visited Thailand, but I assumed they closed long ago. But sadly, tigers are still being exploited in Thailand for tourists to take selfies with them.

The Tiger Temple outside of Bangkok has been closed down, but there are still some places of putting tigers on display to pose with tourists. You can read about it yourself here.

Unlike the elephant sanctuaries, the Tiger Kingdom is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

3. Eat with Your Spoon

The preferred choice of utensils in Thailand is the spoon. The fork is used to push the rice or the spoon in your mouth. People do not stab their meat with a fork, they scoop it up with a spoon.

Chopsticks are used for you, but when you go to eat in Thailand, you will probably be able to eat at your table setting.

4. Food Service is Slow

Another thing to be prepared for at Thai restaurants is that your food will never come out at the same time.

We chalk this up to the fact that locals eat family style. Everyone has their rice and they for the delicious sauces and dishes onto their plates.

If you order they will come out when they're ready. So someone may be finished eating, by the time

Our advice, share it and go with the flow.

5. Do not Mention the King

Even though King Bhumibol Adulyadej passed away recently, he was revered by the people and to show any disrespect could get you thrown you in jail.

When talking about the royal family, it is better to not bring it up, if you do, be positive. But is not that a good rule for life in general?

6. Do not rent a scooter

We often see tourists walking on mopeds without a helmet. They wear camisoles and t-shirts and now you know they are coming up against the harsh reality of realizing they do not have the experience they think they have.

Thailand has one of the highest road death rates in the world and it is a hairy place to drive.

The traffic is terrible, you will share the road with everything from tuk-tuks to transport, there are no rules and the roads can be very bad. So, unless you have a lot of experience on a bike, hire someone to drive you instead.

7. GrabTaxi App

We used to take tuk-tuks when we were looking for cheap transportation around Bangkok and other cities, but the way forward is now with the GrabTaxi app. GrabTaxi acquired Uber in Southeast Asia, although Uber still owns shares. It's always the same service, just a different application.

It's a lot cheaper and you do not have to barter with the drivers.

It's also a lot better for your lungs. The two-stroke engine of a tuk-tuk can give you a breath of fresh air, and since it's just a three-wheeled motorcycle with a roof, you're sitting outside in the hot sun.

We found that GrabTaxi (Uber) was so reasonable that we advised the drivers to make it worthwhile.

8. take a tuk tuk

Even though Uber is our preferred means of transportation, you should still ride a tuk-tuk at least once in Thailand. It's a rite of passage!

Just make sure you agree on a price before entering the Tuk Tuk and do not let them persuade you to stop in stores. Check out our post travel scams to get ready.

If the price seems too good to be true, it is probably the case. That means they'll take you to perfumeries, antique shops, jewelery stores and anything else they can buy.

These tuk-tuk drivers can be very aggressive, so just say no.

9. Transportation in Thailand

Thailand is easy and cheap to travel. If you have little time, we suggest you travel from one place to another. It is easy to catch a flight from Bangkok to the islands or to Chiang Mai.

If you do not want to fly, the trains are efficient. We often took a night train by night train to Chiang Mai.

The buses are also good. Thailand has many first-class bus-beds that allow you to get from point A to point B.

And it's easy to book with a travel agent wherever you are in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai or the islands.

10. cover

Whether you are a man or a woman, the narrow clothes are badly seen. Especially when visiting temples and places of worship and in rural areas.

Be sure to respect the culture and cover your knees and shoulders when entering a temple or temple.

A sarong is an excellent takeaway item. I wrapped it around my trash to use as a skirt and put it on my shoulders to use as a must.

Wearing long pants and long sleeves in silk or lightweight polyester will keep you cool as you dress in shorts and protect yourself from the sun and mosquitoes. So go ahead, dress like locals!

Note: In beach areas and hikes, it is advisable to wear a swimsuit and shorts, but in cities and temples, cover yourself. Do not be "the backpacker" who looks like an ignorant tourist who does not know anything about the places he visits.

Tips For Your First Time In Thailand:

15 Most Beautiful Islands in the World

If you saw her on a postcard, she is on that list. Beaches, bays, rocks and blowholes. Caves, coves, cliffs and culture. Ruins, reefs, rainforests and rum. Whatever your version of paradise, these 15 islands around the world offer an attraction for the eyes. Prepare to be blown away by the most beautiful islands in the world.

Capri, Italy

Who was not fascinated by the images of Capri's electric blue cave? This sparkling marine grotto impresses even seasoned globetrotters - and this is just the beginning of the wonders of the island. Ash white limestone cliffs, hidden beach pieces, an imposing natural arch: it is not surprising that Capri has been a tourism hub since the ancient times of Rome. Tip: Climb to the ruins of Emperor Tiberius' villa Jovis, around 27 AD. BC, for a breathtaking view.

Whitsundays, Australia

The delicate coral reef is the largest coral reef system on the planet. It is home to more than 1,600 species of fish, as well as whales, rays, octopuses, dolphins and more. The 74 Whitsunday Islands are nestled in the heart of this world wonder, with the exception of four of them, which are protected national parks. Relax in luxury at an upscale resort like Hamilton Island and book a seaplane or helicopter flight to see sites like Heart Reef and the silica peat sands of Hill Inlet in Whitehaven Beach.

Bali, Indonesia

What's more amazing in Bali - dazzling beaches like Nusa Dua, Seminyak and Jimbaran Bay? The rice terraces of Ubud, the sacred forest and the ancient monuments? Or the island's 10,000 complex temples, including Pura Empul (the one you're bathing in) and the Uluwatu Sea Temple? Discover all the above and decide for yourself. Land of the Gods also has a beauty beyond the skin, thanks to its warm people and its ubiquitous and inclusive spirituality.

James Bond Island, South Thailand

A spectacular limestone peak in the emerald waters of Phang Nga Bay, James Bond Island (Koh Tapu - Nail Island in Thai) takes its name from its appearance in two films from 007: The Man with Golden Cannon (1974) and Tomorrow Never Dies (1997). Tours depart from the famous seaside resorts of Phuket, Khao Lak and Krabi aboard photogenic boats. During the visit, explore secret lagoons, steep caves and a floating village.

Kauai, Hawaii

The splendor of Kauai, nicknamed the Garden Island, extends from its vermilion Waimea Canyon, which dives to 3,600 feet, to its rugged cliffs of Napali, which extends over 4,000 feet. Often dotted with sleepy monk seals, Poipu Beach on Kauai Island is on Dr. Beach's list of the best beaches in America. Rivers, rainforests and waterfalls fill the interior; do not miss a photo opportunity of Wailua Falls, featured in the opening credits of Fantasy Island, aired from 1977 to 1984.

Bora Bora, the islands of Tahiti

All shades of blue imaginable manifest themselves in the lagoon of Bora Bora, ie the jewel of the South Seas. Coral motus rings like a sand belt on the main island, and below the surface dolphins, rays, sharks, turtles and multicolored fish gather. The mossy green volcanic summit of Mount Otemanu, where God descended on the island under a rainbow, according to local traditions, presides over everything. Dancers with timeless grass skirts and exotic overwater bungalows complete the sublime scene.

Seychelles

The imposing rocks of the Seychelles are a pillar of desktop computers, but they are more than aesthetic: they also fascinate geologists, who have described Seychelles as the only medium-altitude islands made of granite. Other superlatives: The archipelago is the oldest on the planet and its air is the purest. Naturally, celebrities flock here; if you want to spend a holiday at British royalty, stay on the North Island, where Prince William and Kate Middleton spent their 2011 honeymoon.

Santorini, Greece

Perhaps the location of the beautiful island of Atlantis, Santorini is full of screensavers and wall calendars. The red, black and white sandy beaches line its caldera lake - one of the largest in the world - while emblematic whitewashed buildings rise along the hill overlooking the Aegean Sea. Photo opportunities abound, from centuries-old windmills to ancient ruins, blue-domed churches and colorful fishing boats. Stay in a cave boutique hotel for a complete experience.

Saint Lucia, Caribbean

Nicknamed "The Helena of the West" (an allusion to the beauty of Helen of Troy), Saint Lucia is struck by its characteristic feature: the twin Pitons, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rising to 500-meter heights, voluptuous volcanic spiers complete the island's other attractions, including the lush jungle, sparkling silver sand beaches, the sugar plantation ruins and a mineral-rich natural mud bath. . Jade Mountain, the most famous seaside resort on the island, is a true architectural gem.

Fiji

Fiji, a splendor without a future, is the dream of a filmmaker. Spy his chain of islands Mamanuca in Cast Away and Survivor; ogle his Yasawa archipelago in the 1980 version of Blue Lagoon. A dizzying array of natural beauties - from mountains to mangroves, rivers and reefs - stretches across the 333 islands of Fiji and the impressive wildlife (whales, sea turtles, dolphins, parrots) is the cherry on the cake. For landscapes combining luxury and exclusivity, book a villa in one of the many seaside resorts of Fiji.

Big Island, Hawaii

The island of Hawaii (ie the Big Island) includes 10 of the 14 climatic zones of the world - the only place on the planet that has so many condensed sites in a small area. Lush tropical terrain dominates the green, wet and windy side of the island (see Akaka Falls and Waianuenue / Rainbow Falls), while a more arid beauty is visible at Hapuna Beach Park. You can even get into an icy climate at the mystical summit of the Mauna Kea volcano, as well as Lake Waiau, one of the highest lakes in the United States.

Maldives

With the largest number of seaside resorts in the world (more than 75), the Maldives know that its best asset is the abundant and clear water of the Indian Ocean. When you do not snorkel or watch the rich marine life through the windows of your waterfront villa, continue to enjoy the underwater show while dining at the 5.8 Undersea restaurant, or even making yourself pamper yourself in the submerged spa of Huvafen Fushi.

Palawan, Philippines

Palawan is not one but two UNESCO World Heritage sites: Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (wearing your diving gear) and Puerto Princesa Underground River National Park (guided canoe tour) . Striking limestone formations, such as Ugong Rock and Karst Mountain Elephant Cave, emerge from the rice paddies of the interior. You can even find overwater bungalows on remote islands with the kind permission of El Nido Resorts.

Hvar, Croatia

With a history dating back to the Stone Age, Hvar is as fascinating as it is beautiful. Thirteenth-century city walls surround the town of Hvar, with its red-tiled roofs, and the ancient stone ruins of the Stari Grad Plain became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. A getaway inside reveals rugged mountains, lush vineyards and scented lavender fields. Embark on a boat trip on the Adriatic for snorkelling, swimming in sea caves and strolling along secret beaches and seaside hamlets.

Most Beautiful Islands in the World: