The Solo Female Traveler’s Guide to Madrid

When most travelers think of the Maldives, they imagine overwater villas and turquoise lagoons. But there’s a deeper side to this archipelago — one steeped in culture, connection, and a deep love for the land. On my stay across three Sun Siyam resorts, I discovered how luxury, local heritage, and marine conservation can intertwine to reveal a Maldives that most travelers never see.

The Maldives Is More Than A Honeymoon Destination

I traveled to local islands on a previous trip to the Maldives — getting a glimpse of daily Maldivian life — but I don’t think I’ve ever felt the culture as deeply as I did at Sun Siyam.

There was something quite moving about the way staff greeted us with a hand over their heart each time they passed. Afternoon teas turned into story time about island traditions. It was in those simple, genuine moments that I began to understand what “the real Maldives” means.

For nine days, I drifted between Vilu Reef, Iru Veli, and Iru Fushi — waking to villa sunrises and ending days with dinner over water. But what stayed with me wasn’t the villas or views (as stunning as they were) — it was the way these islands managed to blend indulgence with authenticity, making luxury feel not just beautiful, but meaningful.

Home Of The Maldivian Spirit

Sun Siyam is a 100% Maldivian-owned resort group. Their brand promise is more than a tagline: “The Home of the Maldivian Spirit.” Across their islands you’ll find threads of local heritage. From traditional craftsmanship woven into modern design to the rhythm of Boduberu drums drifting across the sand at dusk, their resorts are grounded in local heritage and a deep respect for place.

Rather than luxury that feels imported, Sun Siyam channels a kind of luxury informed by the land itself. It’s the kind of luxury that doesn’t just sit on the sand — it belongs to it.

One of the sweetest surprises during my stay was discovering the island’s unofficial hosts — the resident cats. Another reminder that these islands are living, breathing communities, not just postcard settings.

Each island had its own personality, yet all three shared the unmistakable thread of Maldivian warmth. I learned that luxury here isn’t only about villa views — it’s in the details. The Maldives I experienced is more than a honeymoon destination. It’s a place where culture and conservation coexist with sophistication.

Read more: Inside The Maldives’ Most Romantic Private Islands

Manta Rays And Marine Immersion

The Maldives is a marine paradise, and Sun Siyam makes the underwater world accessible and unforgettable. Across all three resorts, you can join guided manta ray excursions and snorkel trips. Watching manta rays glide effortlessly through the water, guided by experienced marine teams, was one of the most magical experiences of my life.

The resorts also emphasize sustainable tourism and reef conservation. Programs like Sun Siyam Cares teach guests about reef restoration, safe interaction with marine life, and the importance of protecting these fragile ecosystems. It’s luxury with a purpose — where indulgence and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.

If you’ve ever felt luxury is about being looked after — here it’s about being part of something looked after. You’re invited to swim, watch, learn and quietly slip into that underwater world which makes the Maldives more than a villa destination.

Read more: The Most Romantic Tropical Getaways For Couples

Planning Your Stay At Sun Siyam

December through April is the best time to visit the Maldives — when the seas are calm, the skies are clear, and the underwater visibility is at its peak. I visited in October, partly to skip the high-season crowds, and ended up with flawless weather the entire time.

I often encourage travelers to visit during shoulder seasons in popular destinations for this exact reason. Don’t always let the calendar decide for you.

Must-Do Experiences

• Join a manta-ray excursion: Watching these graceful creatures glide through the water is nothing short of magical.
• Attend Maldivian Night: An evening of music, dance, and cuisine that brings the islands’ soul to life.
• Snorkel the house reef: Each resort has its own house reef and snorkel gear is included.
• At Vilu Reef: Try the “Athireege” beach-house breakfast — a traditional Maldivian meal served by the ocean.
• At Iru Veli: Try afternoon tea and story time to learn about the local culture and traditions.
• At Iru Fushi: Join Iru Fushi’s resident Marine Biologist to learn about their coral restoration project and help them plant coral!

What To Pack

Bring reef-safe sunscreen, an underwater camera or GoPro, and a lightweight but elegant outfit for dinners (this casual romper is a great example) — many are barefoot-in-the-sand, but still effortlessly chic.

Most of my days are spent in a swimsuit with a cute beach coverup. I bought this one before my trip and it worked out perfectly!

Choosing Your Villa

All three resorts (Iru Fushi, Iru Veli, and Vilu Reef) I visited offer both beach and overwater villas, and every room feels like its own little world. You can choose a beach villa, tucked beneath palms with sand right at your doorstep, or an overwater villa, suspended above the lagoon with a private plunge pool and steps that lead straight into the sea.

Both options are dreamy, but I’ll admit — the overwater villas have my heart. There’s something magical about waking up to nothing but ocean in every direction, coffee in hand, before slipping straight into the water from your deck. It’s the ultimate dream for anyone who adores spending as much time as possible in the water.

And while the villas are luxurious, they never feel overdone. Natural wood tones, wide-open spaces, and thoughtful details — like open-air bathrooms — make it feel more like a retreat than a resort. Whether you’re floating in your pool, stretched out on the deck, or watching the sunset turn the lagoon gold, it’s the kind of experience that quietly redefines what paradise means.

Mind The Culture

Even within resort life, small gestures of respect go a long way. Learn a greeting in Dhivehi, cover up when walking through shared spaces, and always tread gently in the ocean. The reefs, like the people, thrive when treated with care.

Read more: The Safest All-Inclusive Resorts For Couples

Getting There: Travel Tips For Your Maldives Journey

If you live in the United States, traveling to the Maldives is no small feat, but the journey can be part of the adventure if you plan it right. I’ve flown to the Maldives twice now, once through Abu Dhabi and once through Doha, and without question, I’d choose Doha’s Hamad International Airport every time.

Hamad (that’s the official name, though most travelers just call it Doha Airport) is one of the best airports in the world for long layovers — spotless, modern, and surprisingly peaceful for its size. If you’re flying Qatar Airways and have a layover of eight hours or more, the airline often offers a complimentary transit hotel, which makes a world of difference on a long-haul trip.

For shorter layovers, the Oryx Airport Hotel inside the terminal is an oasis. You can purchase a 4-hour pass for around $50 USD, which gives you access to the hotel’s heated swimming pool, gym, jacuzzi, and showers — exactly what you need to feel human again after 15 hours in the air. Add on a 30-minute massage for about $30, and you’ll step onto your next flight completely renewed.

Once you arrive in Male, a Sun Siyam representative will meet you at the arrivals area, help you with your seaplane check-in, and escort you to the brand’s private lounge — complete with snacks, massages, and panoramic views of the seaplanes landing on the water.

Read more: Before You Book the Maldives, Read This About All-Inclusive Resorts

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Travelers can be a fickle group of people to buy gifts for. We’re constantly coming and going, we usually don’t carry a lot of stuff with us, and no two travelers are alike. Finding the perfect gift for the traveler in your life can be tricky.

While a plane ticket is never a bad idea (I’m a window seat in case anyone is thinking of getting me one), I’ve put together this ultimate gift guide for travelers as there’s a lot of great travel gear out there these days that helps people travel cheaper and better.

Even me, the gear-adverse traveler, likes a lot of this stuff!

This is stuff I actually think is super useful. No nonsense. No fluff. Just the best gifts for intrepid travelers and globetrotting nomads.

1. A Travel Lock

This simple item is one of the most important for the budget traveler. Since many hostels have lockers, backpackers need to have their own travel lock when they’re on the road. While you can usually rent them at hostels, those prices add up after a while. I never leave home without a lock because I know it will come in handy.

Buy now on Amazon!

2. Loop Earplugs

Anyone who has ever stayed in a hostel knows that a quality pair of earplugs is a necessity. From chronic snorers to late-night drinkers to copulating couples in creaking bunks, hostels are known for their less-than-quiet accommodation. I suggest investing in good earplugs and not just the cheap foam ones. Not only will they help you sleep, but they’re great for bus trips and flights as well as wearing as you explore louder, more hectic cities.

Buy now on Amazon!

3. Travel Adapter

Nothing is more tedious than arriving at a new destination only to realize you can’t charge your devices because the electrical outlets are different. That’s why you’ll need a travel adapter. They’re a simple accessory. There’s a million out there but this is one I use as it covers every region of the world and comes with USB ports too. It’s cheap, easy to use, and lightweight. Everything you need in an adapter.

Buy now on Amazon!

4. Zbiotics Pre-Alcohol

Zbiotics Pre-Alcohol is a pre-drink probiotic that helps you really avoid those rough mornings after drinking. A friend of mine introduced it into our friend group over a year ago and I’ve been hooked ever since. It really does work. I take it with me whenever I travel and have gotten other friends, fellow travel writers, and even a tour guide in Peru onto it. It will make your next mornings bright and it helps me ensure that I’m not feeling too bad to do stuff the next day. I love this product. It works. If you or a traveler on your gift list drinks, take it. You can save 10% off with the code NOMADICMATT.

Buy now on Zbiotics!

5. Scratch Travel Maps from Landmass

Scratch maps are a fun way to keep track of your past travels while helping you stay inspired as you plan your future trips. You simply scratch off the parts of the world you’ve been. Simple. Easy. Landmass is my favorite company that makes these, though there are plenty of other companies that make them now so you can find them in all sorts of sizes and colors.

Buy now on Amazon!

6. Passport Holder

A passport holder is a must-have for any avid traveler. Not only does it protect your passport from wear and tear, it makes your travels much more convenient. Most passport holders have slots for your travel credit cards as well as any cash you have, making it a safe and convenient way to keep your valuables secure while you travel. While there are tons of expensive and fancy passport holders out there, a simple one will get the job done and save you money in the process (money you can spend on more travels!).

Buy now on Amazon!

7. Hand-drawn Food Maps

These are unique, hand-drawn typographic maps of food from Legal Nomads and artist Ella Frances Sanders. They make a thoughtful gift for anyone who loves to eat and travel (and who doesn’t!). They come in a variety of sizes too! Jodi’s maps are the best! (Use code NOMADICMATT to save 10%)

Buy now at Legal Nomads!

8. How to Travel the World on $75 A Day (and Other Travel Books!)

Want to travel more for less? Pick up a copy of my New York Times bestselling guide to budget travel and never overpay for travel again! With this book, you’ll get an easy-to-follow step-by-step guide to planning a trip on a budget. And, with super detailed sections to regions around the globe, you’ll be able to navigate every region around the world like a pro! This book takes all the knowledge from this website and puts it all into one place with even more details and resources! And it’s not just for long-term travelers either. The tactics and strategies you’ll learn apply to a trip of any length of time!

Buy now on Amazon!

Buy now on Bookshop!For more travel book suggestions, you can check out my list of recommended reading on Amazon and Bookshop (I have hundreds of book suggestions there!).

9. Celiac Travel Cards

My friend Jodi from Legal Nomads created these helpful travel cards for anyone traveling with Celiac disease. They are in-depth resources that communicate your concerns to restaurant staff in a way that allows anyone traveling with the disease to have a worry-free meal. If you or someone you love has Celiac disease, these travel cards are a useful resource! (Use code NOMADICMATT for 10% off!)

Buy now at Legal Nomads!

10. Dry Shampoo

Dry shampoo is a convenient liquid-free alternative to regular shampoo. It’s a useful minimalist solution for budget travelers who travel carry-on only and an eco-friendly choice as well. Natural dry shampoos absorb the grease and oil in your hair, keeping it clean while you’re on the road — and with minimal effort too. It works for all types of hair and hair lengths as well so you don’t need to shave your head or do anything drastic either.

Buy now at Lush!

11. Packing Cubes

Packing cubes are an awesome tool to help you stay organized while you travel. Whether you’re a budget backpacker or traveling with half a dozen suitcases, packing cubes will keep you organized as you travel the world. They come in a variety of sizes, allowing you to store items big and small. If you know a traveler who needs a hand staying organized, this is the gift for them!

Buy now on Amazon!

12. HostelPass

For the traveler heading to Europe, consider gifting a HostelPass. This discount card offers over 130 discounts to hostels in 40 cities throughout 15 countries in Europe. With HostelPass, travelers can save up to 40% on accommodation. It’s the discount card I wish existed when I first started backpacking around Europe and it’s perfect for budget travelers planning a trip around the continent.

Buy now at HostelPass!

13. Trip Chaser

In this fun travel game, you have to prove who’s the most travel-savvy by buying, bartering, and gambling your way to various destinations. Just like actual travel, expect both stumbling blocks and enriching experiences along the way. You’ll rely on the luck of drawing a good event card, or proactively buying travel insurance to save you from the unexpected! It’s a family-friendly game for 2-6 players and perfect for everyone who loves to travel!

Buy now on Amazon!

14. DryFox Quick Dry Travel Towel

Unless you’re only staying at hotels or using Airbnb, you’re going to need to bring a towel when you travel. Having a lightweight, quick-drying towel makes a huge difference when you’re on the road since regular towels are too bulky and heavy (and they take a long time to dry). Get a travel towel for your next trip so you can travel light. They’re a compact, quick-drying solution that every backpacker needs.

(Use code “nomadicmatt” for 15% off your purchase!)

Buy now at DryFoxCo!

15. Menstrual Cup

Menstrual cups are reusable, eco-friendly feminine hygiene products. While I can’t speak to their effectiveness personally, tons of female travelers I know are huge fans. It can be a hassle trying to find the products you need while abroad, making this a simple, effective, and affordable addition to your toiletry kit.

Buy now on Amazon!

16. Trtl Travel Pillow

Travel pillows are perfect for those long-haul flights, delayed buses, and airport naps. Every traveler needs to have a travel pillow on hand to maximize that downtime and time in transit, and Trtl pillows are the best on the market. They help prevent jet lag and make even the longest, most uncomfortable trip a little more bearable.

Buy now on Amazon!

17. Travel Headlamp

This is a handy tool for both backpackers and anyone looking to do any hiking or camping. In a hostel, a headlamp is helpful if you need to check in or out but don’t want to disturb your fellow travelers. For outdoorsy folks, they’re useful for hiking, setting up camp in the dark, and for emergencies.

Buy now on Amazon!

18. External Battery

These days, we all travel with numerous electronic devices like phones and tablets. It can be hard to keep them all charged. An external battery solves that problem. Two high-output USB ports make this external battery incredibly convenient, and it can charge most phones up to 6 times in one go!

Buy now on Amazon!

19. LifeStraw

Environmentally, pollution from single-use plastics is something every traveler has witnessed. And, monetarily, when you’re traveling, continuously buying water gets expensive. Do your part to help the planet by traveling with a reusable filter. LifeStraw is an awesome brand with a built-in water filter. The filters last 5 years so you save money on changing them too.

Buy now on Lifestraw!

20. Travel Backpack

If you’ve got a budget traveler on your holiday list, a travel backpack is the gift that keeps on giving. A well-made bag will last for years and through dozens of adventures. Having a reliable travel backpack is one of the most important items for a traveler.

My favorite bag is the Flash 55 from REI but other companies that make high-quality bags include Osprey, Nomatic, and MEC (for Canadians).

For a smaller day bag, check out the Flash 22. Or if you prefer a bag with wheels, check out the Farpoint 36.

For more backpack suggestions, check out my ultimate guide finding the right backpack for more options!

21. Travel Clothing from Unbound Merino

These travel clothes are some of the most versatile on the market. Made from merino wool, Unbound offers clothing that can be worn daily for weeks (and months!) without getting smelly. They are perfect for the traveler who wants to pack lighter. I really love the material, they’re comfortable, they hardly ever need a wash, and they last forever!

Buy now at Unbound!

22. MacBook Air

This is my favorite travel computer. It’s light, it’s powerful enough for regular use, and the battery life lasts a long time. While an iPad might be another potential travel choice, I find the Air much more versatile — especially with their new M4 chip. You can just do a lot more with it. When I’m on the road, this is the laptop I travel with.

Buy now on Amazon!For a non-Apple phone with an equally awesome camera, check out the Google Pixel. It has an excellent camera!

23. Noise-Canceling Headphones

These are ideal for those long flights or bus trips as they block out background noise so you can read, work, or sleep without being disturbed. The wireless Bose QuietComfort 45 headphones are fan favorites and my go-to brand. They are comfortable, rechargeable, and do an amazing job at removing background noise. If you’re on a budget, consider the QuietComfort 25 instead.

Buy now on Amazon!

24. Kindle

While I personally prefer to read physical books, I can’t argue against the convenience and simplicity of the Kindle. Hauling around physical books is a pain if you’re traveling often. With a Kindle, you can pack over 1,000 books into a single device and many versions can also use apps and access the internet. It’s a wonderful gift for the avid reader.

Buy now on Amazon!

25. GoPro Hero 12

Every traveler needs a camera, and few are as versatile and durable as the GoPro. They’re incredible for photos and video no matter the climate. They’re waterproof and are perfect for both everyday city exploring as well as more extreme and adventurous activities. They’re just awesome. If the Hero 12 is too pricey, grab the 10 or 11. They’re almost as good and a bit cheaper!

Buy now on Amazon!***Whether you’re searching for the perfect holiday gift for a traveler in your life or just looking for some inspiration for yourself, this list will help you find an awesome gift. No matter your budget, there is something here for you to help you level up your travels or the travels of a loved one.