• Maldives travel is no longer ultra-expensive - local island guesthouses ($60–$100/night) offer the same beaches at up to 90% lower cost than resorts.
• The biggest savings come from smart choices: staying on local islands, eating at local cafes, and using speedboat transfers instead of ferries.
• Travel during shoulder months (May & October) can cut hotel prices by up to 40%, making luxury destinations far more affordable.
• Always apply the “Plus-Plus rule” (16% GST + Green Tax) to calculate the real cost and avoid budget surprises.
• A smart strategy like split stays (guesthouse + 1–2 nights in overwater villa) and using an eSIM instead of roaming helps maximize experience while keeping costs under control.

Breaking Travel News chats with Chris Crampton, chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) in the UK & Ireland, to find out how news of a Covid-19 vaccine is...