What to Pack for a holiday to The Maldives

Are you struggling with what to pack for a holiday to the Maldives? Well, in this post I want to share exactly what I took with me on a solo trip to the Maldives as an inspiration of what you should take with you. The Maldives is one of the most beautiful destinations in the world and depending on the season when you travel, you will need certain essentials that I have included below. I travelled when the weather was absolutely blissful so if you travel during monsoon season, you might need to do some research.

‘Every year, travel somewhere new where you’ve never been before‘ and the Maldives was exactly that for me and as I continue to reminisce about the trip. As a frequent traveller, there is nothing I love more than sharing the travel essentials that you should take with you on your next trip. What to pack for a holiday to the Maldives, comes nine months post travel but I feel like I just returned yesterday, the Maldives is paradise here on Earth and highly recommend it for all types of travellers – you don’t want to miss it.

What to pack for a holiday to the Maldives

The Republic of Maldives is an archipelagic country in the Indian Ocean and belongs to the subcontinent of Asia. It is an island that is known for its breathtaking and timeless beauty perfect for all types of holidaymakers. Prior to this trip, I spent countless hours day-dreaming (I am a dreamer after all) about the incredible pristine beaches that I was going to enjoy. Thanks to fellow traveler Char – Memoirs Musings, she reminded me of the important part of the trip, packing essential items that you will actually need and use whilst on vacation.

Over the last 6+ years of solo travelling, I have perfected the art of packing only items that I need for my trip – I am team ‘carry-on only’ if I can help it. I am someone who makes good use of the space I am allocated by airlines and I will not pay a cent over because I overpacked my luggage. Obviously, when travelling to Zambia, I always buy extra luggage – people in the diaspora know the struggle of travelling back home. But, this is not about travelling back home but rather what to pack for a holiday to the Maldives, specifically what I took with me on the 2-week vacation.

This is not an exhaustive list but covers everything you need to pack outside of your clothes and important documents.

• Mosquito bite cream – one of the most important items you will need. The Maldives are islands, surrounded by water aka mosquito heaven so many sure to either carry or spray or bike cream.
• Hats or a scarf – Not just for the pictures but the sun you humble you (outside the monsoon season), you will head the hat the enjoy the islands and a scarf as well.
• Sunscreen / aloe vera – there is a misconception that black people don’t need sunscreen because we are so melanated – as true as that is on the latter, we do need sunscreen and you will need it. Pack aloe vera for when the sun gives you a good beating – you will need something to soothe that burn.
• After sun care – like the aloe vera, I recommend taking ‘after sun care’, I did not appreciate it until my trip to Dubai and the Maldives. There are many brands out there that sell after sun care, make sure its one with soothing properties and sun protection.
• Water bottle – whilst on the islands you will always have water around you, carrying a water bottle is more to remind you to hydrate and drink water more frequently. I am someone who doesn’t often drink enough water unless I have a water bottle with me.
• Chub rub cream (Thick thighs save lives) – brands we recommend – Udderly smooth / Lanacane / Chubby Rub – this is a life saver especially for those of us with a little more meat on our thighs than the average job. Chub rub is my best friend during warm months were I don’t want to wear shorts to stop my thighs chaffing.
• Sunglasses (sturdy pair) – an absolute must, your eyes will thank you always. I could barely look at the sky without squinting my eyes and even then I could barely see.
• Flip flops – another best friend that you need. The island we stayed at made it easy to walk barefoot but the non-shaded areas reminded us the sun was still in control of the sky and the grounds.
• Swimwear (Some sturdier options for bigger busts too) – as someone with a heavier chest than some, I recommend taking sturdier swimwear pieces that will hold the rest of time whether in the pool or the ocean.
• Snorkels – I can’t swim to save my life but I can snorkel in shallow water. I recommend these because each island chargers an arm and a leg to use there snorkels. Plus for hygiene purposes, I recommend you bring your own pair even if your resort provides these for free. 
• Beach bag – a must have item to take all your beach essentials including towels and other miscellaneous items.
• Good book – a must, I always think no holiday is complete without a good book to tuck into as I relax on the beach or at the pool even on my balcony.
• Floaty clothing – you will want those pictures you see on instagram and Pinterest so make sure you bring something clothing you want to pose for pictures in.