The Best Alternatives to the Maldives

Let's face it, there are many, many reasons to want to head out and explore the Maldives, and at the top of this list are likely to be sun, sea, diving, and beachside luxuries.

That said, as we explored in our Maldives cost guide, luxury doesn't always come cheap. Thankfully, however, the SIMOVO crew has built up enough island-hopping and ray-catching experience to be able to share more than a few alternatives you might want to consider instead.

Before you book your flights to the Maldives and start checking out beachfront hotels, make sure to compare the rates and experiences available at the four alternatives we dive into for this guide.

Why look for alternatives to the Maldives?

One of the main reasons people look for alternative yet similar experiences to Maldives vacations is that the costs can really add up. What's more, some travelers feel that the Maldives only really gives you one side to the tropical island-hopping experience. As it happens, there are plenty of other sunny stretches backed by fabulous natural sights and cultural must-sees that might just outdo the luxury escape.

That is, of course, depending entirely on your taste. If you're looking for a slightly sanitized beach getaway, the likes of which you've seen on TV and social media again and again, the Maldives will have plenty to offer you. 

On the other hand, if you're looking for something with a little more cultural bite, you might want to travel a little further afield, and to spread your wings - while, apparently, saving a little money at the same time.

Far be it from us to tell you exactly where to go on holiday! All we ever recommend is that you get yourself an eSIM for the Maldives  loaded up and ready to go if the luxury hotspot is a definite must-see for you, and that you grab a local eSIM for other territories if you're adventuring beyond.

You never know when you might need mobile data, and you certainly won't want to disrupt your island-hopping worrying about roaming bills or having to find WiFi hotspots!

Best Maldives alternatives worldwide

Having surveyed the SIMOVO team members who have gone beyond the Maldives and looked for tropical island getaways that can be considered good alternatives, we've come up with four that you might want to check out as a starting point. They are Zanzibar, Bora Bora, the Seychelles, and the Philippines.

Let's see how they compare to the Maldives, and what you might expect when you get there.

Zanzibar

Some travelers and online guides have already been referring to Zanzibar as the Maldives for backpackers - it boasts pristine beaches and sparkling waters all the same, but it's fast catching on with travelers for its impressive array of cultural experiences. Essentially, there's more to see here than coastline, even if that is at the top of your vacation priority list.

Zanzibar's picking up lots of praise for its fabulous hospitality, alongside a diverse range of restaurants and culinary pursuits. It's also become a hotspot for watersports, diving, quad biking, forest exploration, and market shopping. Apparently, tourism is booming on the island, too, meaning now really is the time to take advantage before visitors flood the place!

On top of all this, traveling to and staying in Zanzibar is frequently more affordable than exploring the Maldives!

Bora Bora alternatives

French Polynesia is another secret getaway of sorts that is quickly picking up popularity online. Bora Bora and Tahiti are perhaps the most famous and popular of the more than 100-strong island spots across the region, with coral reefs and marine life spotting as far as the eye can see.

Bora Bora does a great job of balancing natural landscape protection with luxury experiences, meaning staying at the best resorts here never has to feel like a guilty pleasure. Many travelers feel that Bora Bora offers a more rugged, dramatic experience than the Maldives, where you're more likely to enjoy more exclusive and secluded resorts.

That said, you won't always find it cheaper to stay in Bora Bora compared to the Maldives, and the latter may frequently have a broader selection of resorts. It all depends on where in the world you want to kick back and relax!

Seychelles alternatives

Animal-loving tropical adventurers are likely no strangers to the Seychelles, which are, of course, world-famous for their giant tortoises and UNESCO-protected landscapes. What the Seychelles offer over the Maldives is a little bit more of a “wild” touch - you'll still have a fantastic, high-end vacation, but there's everything your luxury resort promises plus the call of the wild, here.

Kuoni's experts agree with the SIMOVO team - the Seychelles offer much larger island landscapes to explore and boast a richer culture for you to dip into, while the Maldives are best reserved for travelers looking for one-resort breaks.

Philippines islands

And then, there's the Philippines. And the choice out here is incredible! The Philippines boasts more than 1,700 different islands across the region, meaning breaking them all down into this humble guide sadly isn't on the cards right now. But, hotspots like Manjuyod Sandbar (which some people actually call The Maldives of The Philippines) offer miles of white sand and ample welcoming hospitality.

Palawan, too, is another option that the Global Tourism Forum states is a great alternative to the Maldives. In fact, thanks to its dense jungle scenery and hidden, but still accessible natural secrets, it's seen as an alternative that's cheaper and more interesting than the Maldives outright!

Budget-friendly tropical destinations

Now we've taken a look at some of the best Maldives alternatives out there, let's take a lightning round to look at some tropical vacation spots that won't break the budget. We recommend:

• Panama
• Vietnam (coastal areas)
• Sri Lanka
• Dominican Republic
• Goa
• Indonesia
• Barbados
• Thailand (specifically Ko Wai)

Of course, the price you'll pay to travel to these destinations, and indeed what you spend on food, drink, and accommodation while you're there, will vary - just keep in mind that they are generally regarded as more affordable to explore than the Maldives!

For a deeper dive into affordable holiday spots, take a look at our budget trips guide that we published recently.

Best time to visit Maldives alternatives

Naturally, you're going to want to know when to get access to the best weather and the best deals for trips to and from Maldives alternatives. So, to close off our guide, here's a quick breakdown of when the SIMOVO crew recommends making a breakaway to each of the spots we've discussed above:

• Zanzibar: Between summer and early fall for the best weather. Early winter tends to offer milder weather and fewer crowds.
• Bora Bora: Between mid-spring and mid-fall tends to be the sweet spot for dry weather and low humidity, and it's also great for watching marine life. Avoid summer for peak crowds.
• The Seychelles: Spring tends to be great if you're looking to catch the sun, but you'll see lots of interesting wildlife here in the winter. Avoid the winter altogether if you can't stand humidity!
• The Philippines: It tends to get popular here around winter for people avoiding the Western freeze. However, it gets warmest in the spring, and late fall tends to be the most affordable for travelers, with manageable temperatures.

Regardless of where you go and what you do, make sure to grab an eSIM to keep your international roaming costs to a minimum! If you're exploring some of our favorite Eastern spots in this list, for example, we recommend installing an eSIM for Asia before you book your flights.