Here is a guide to tech to pack for your holiday to the Maldives.
When planning a trip to the Maldives, it’s important to consider the technology you’ll want to bring with you to enhance your experience and make your vacation as seamless as possible. Here are a few key items to consider packing:
Why you need a camera for your Maldives trip
The Maldives is home to some of the most beautiful beaches and marine life in the world, so you’ll want to make sure you have a camera that can capture all the stunning sights. A waterproof camera is a must-have for snorkeling and diving excursions.
In most cases, your phone will be just fine to use when on holiday. We recommend getting waterproof housing for your phone to make sure it’s protected from the three things that could really damage your phone: salt, sand and sun.
For photography enthusiasts, the Maldives is the perfect photography destination. We took our Sony A7S for personal photos as well as content that we use for our social media. Take consideration when choosing what tripod and lenses you want to take with you. Our personal choice for lens was the 28-70mm which covers a wide range of focal lengths whilst still being really portable.
Pros
- Capture memories: A camera allows you to capture memories of your trip that you can look back on and enjoy for years to come. The Maldives is known for its beautiful coral reefs, crystal clear waters, and diverse marine life, so having a camera will allow you to take amazing photos and videos.
- Improved photography skills: If you’re a photography enthusiast, the Maldives is a great place to improve your skills. With so much beautiful scenery and wildlife to photograph, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to practice and improve.
- Sharing your experiences: With a camera, you can share your experiences with friends and family back home. It can also be a great way to document your trip and make it easy to share with others.
Cons
- Cost: Cameras can be expensive to purchase or rent, and you may also need to purchase additional gear such as lenses, filters, and memory cards.
- Weight and bulk: Cameras can be heavy and bulky to carry around, which can be a hassle when traveling.
- Risk of damage: Cameras are delicate and can be damaged if not handled properly. If you’re planning to go snorkeling or diving, you’ll need to make sure your camera is waterproof or invest in a waterproof housing.
- Distraction: Having a camera with you can be a distraction, especially if you’re trying to relax and enjoy your vacation.
Our camera recommendations
At Fly Anywhere Couple, we use both of the above cameras; the Sony A7S Mk III as well as the Sony A6000. Both are versatile with great image quality. The A7S is practically the industry standard for content creation with it’s full-frame sensor and ability to record 4k video. It’s not recommended, but both cameras have some lenses that are interchangeable between them, meaning one of us can take photos with one lens whilst the other uses the other camera with another lens and we can switch.
Take a look at some of our photography in our guides
Is my phone good enough for a Maldives holiday?
Yes! Phone cameras are gone up in leaps and bounds in recent years. If you have a phone that’s been released within the last 3 years, the quality on smartphone cameras is outstanding and we make sure to have ours on us at all times. As the saying goes: the best camera is the one you have on you!
Should you take an e-reader for your Maldives Holiday?
If you’re planning to spend a lot of time lounging on the beach, it’s a good idea to pack a lightweight e-reader to keep you entertained. You can download a variety of books and magazines before you leave, so you’ll have plenty of reading material on hand.
If you’re not sure what books to take with you on your e-reader, we’d recommend trying the Kindle Unlimited Trial. It gives you a huge library of books to read and always has great recommendations. Personally, I love non-fiction, business, self-improvement and finance books, whilst my wife opts for fiction of all kinds. She’s also a huge fan of audiobooks and loves her Audible subscription.
Pros:
- Lightweight and portable: E-readers are lightweight and easy to pack, making them a convenient option for traveling. They take up less space than traditional books and they are less heavy to carry around.
- Large selection of books: An e-reader gives you access to a vast selection of books, including bestsellers, classics, and niche titles. You can download books before you leave for your trip, so you’ll have plenty of reading material on hand.
- Adjustable text size: Many e-readers allow you to adjust the text size, making it easier to read in different lighting conditions and for those who may have difficulty reading small print.
- Battery life: E-readers have a long battery life, so you won’t have to worry about recharging it frequently.
Cons:
- Lightweight and portable: E-readers are lightweight and easy to pack, making them a convenient option for traveling. They take up less space than traditional books and they are less heavy to carry around.
- Large selection of books: An e-reader gives you access to a vast selection of books, including bestsellers, classics, and niche titles. You can download books before you leave for your trip, so you’ll have plenty of reading material on hand.
- Adjustable text size: Many e-readers allow you to adjust the text size, making it easier to read in different lighting conditions and for those who may have difficulty reading small print.
- Battery life: E-readers have a long battery life, so you won’t have to worry about recharging it frequently.
Ultimately, whether or not to bring an e-reader with you to the Maldives is a personal decision. Consider your reading habits, your budget, and your goals for the trip to decide if it’s worth it for you. An e-reader can be a great way to pass the time while relaxing on the beach, but it’s not essential if you don’t plan to read much or if you don’t want to spend the money on it.
Our e-Reader Recommendation
Will you need a mobile wi-fi hotspot in the Maldives?
Not all resorts in the Maldives have reliable internet, so a portable WiFi device can be a lifesaver if you need to stay connected. With this device, you can create a personal hotspot, allowing you to connect all your devices to the internet.
While having internet access can be convenient, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making your decision.
Pros:
- Stay connected: With a portable WiFi device, you’ll be able to stay connected with friends and family back home, as well as keep up with work or other important tasks.
- Navigation: With a portable WiFi device, you’ll have access to maps and navigation apps, which can be especially useful if you plan to explore the island.
- Research and booking: With a portable WiFi device, you’ll be able to research and book excursions and activities, as well as make reservations at restaurants and other venues.
- Entertainment: With a portable WiFi device, you’ll have access to streaming services and other entertainment options, which can be a great way to pass the time on long flights or during downtime on the island.
Cons:
- Cost: Portable WiFi devices can be expensive to rent or purchase, and you may also need to pay for a data plan while you’re traveling.
- Battery life: Portable WiFi devices use a lot of power, so you’ll need to make sure your device is fully charged or bring extra batteries.
- Distraction: Having internet access can be a distraction, especially if you’re trying to relax and unplug on your vacation.
- Limited coverage: Some areas of the Maldives may not have strong enough signals to support a portable WiFi device, so you may not be able to use it everywhere.
Ultimately, whether or not to bring a portable WiFi device with you to the Maldives is a personal decision. Consider your budget, your communication needs, and your goals for the trip to decide if it’s worth it for you.
On our stay in Komandoo, Maldives, the wifi coverage was great all over the island and we didn’t need to bring one with us. We were able to use the Komandoo app to book activities as well as get access to our emails, social media and reach family back home if needed.
Portable Battery Chargers
The Maldives is remote, and power outlets may not always be readily available. A portable battery charger will ensure that your devices stay charged throughout your trip. Depending on what kind of resort you’re in and the distance between your activities, you might find your phone or camera batteries depleting faster than normal. Having a portable battery on hand.
Here are some of our recommendations that we’ve used over the years.
By bringing these essential technology items with you on your trip to the Maldives, you’ll be able to capture memories and stay connected, making your vacation even more enjoyable.
