So, you’re all packed and ready to vacation in the Maldives. But before you run out your door, hold up, and recheck your luggage. We’ve to make sure you’ve packed smart for your holiday in the Maldives.

You see, since the Maldives is smack dab in the middle of the equator, the sun’s rays aren’t to be taken lightly. The sun is fun in the morning and evening, but at noontime can become literally scorching. If you have sensitive skin, make sure you throw in some sunblock and moisturizer into your bag. Go for a Sun Protection Factor of 30 to 50. Since a dip in the sea is obligatory once in the Maldives, sunblock is almost always a better choice than sunscreen, because it can be absorbed deeper into the skin for better protection. Get the best moisturizer for your skin as well, preferably with Aloe Vera extract (for improved healing), to rub in at bedtime so that your skin won’t be dried up like a jellyfish on a hot pan by the time you wrap up your holiday. A rash guard for snorkeling will help you avoid a burnt back.

Now it’s time to double check your choice of clothes. Heavy clothing is guaranteed to make you miserable here in the equator. Go for thin, cotton clothes. Guys will be content with loose fitting shirts and polo shirts along with boardshorts or perhaps roomy running shorts. Ladies will be delighted to wear diaphanous blouses, maxi dresses, sundresses; these are great coupled with pashmina’s or shawls thrown over bare shoulders. Kaftans and rompers aren’t bad in the Maldivian climate, either. Cram in as many swimsuits as you can. Sarongs are heavenly in the Maldives climate, for both men and women. But you can choose to overlook this item when you’re packing and buy a sarong in the Maldives when you get here. That way you’ll have a cool souvenir to take back as well.

Don’t forget to pack sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats (yes, guys as well), tank tops, and sandals or flipflops. This last is crucial: do not pack your high heels, ladies. Wedges are fine but high heels are just not going to cut it on the powdery, soft sand on the resort islands.

Your camera needs underwater casing/protection because that’s how you’re going to get the best pictures you can possibly take in the Maldives, which is underwater. Without a doubt, your Maldives Holiday will be best captured by GoPro’s and drones. Your day-bag should be waterproof so that you can keep your phone safe and close by when you’re taking a dip.

You’d also need to pack some medications and supplements. If you’re prone to dehydration, pack some oral rehydration packets along with your choice of headache medication. Insects aren’t so much of a problem in most resorts, but it’ll be great if you have an insect repellant handy. Also important are antidiarrheal medication, decongestants, and allergy medications; always best to be prepared in this department. Another priority in your first aid kit should be anti-motion sickness medication. Your trip will most probably start with a speedboat transfer or a seaplane ride. Almost all excursions involve traveling on the sea. If you have a weak stomach, those anti-motion sickness pills will be a lifesaver.

Lastly, have you packed a plug or adapter for your electronics? Most resorts have standard UK three pin sockets with a voltage of 230 V and frequency of 50 Hz, but there’s no way to be sure whether you’d need flat prongs or round prongs since both kinds are used equally often in the Maldives. Make sure you pack some universal travel adapters. Examples are Bestek Travel Converter and Adapter, and the Xcords Worldwide All in One Universal Travel Plug; both are available on Amazon for reasonable prices.

You might wonder what the whole fuss is about… you might assume that you can just buy whatever you need at the resort. But, you see, each resort in Maldives sits on its very own private island. There is no assortment of malls and your choices are limited; each resort houses a clinic and a couple of small shops. Although you will still be able to purchase some items in an emergency, you have to brace yourself for the enormous price tags and the possibility that you can’t find exactly what you want. Packing smart guarantees less financial stress and hassle during your holiday.

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