Get Yourself A Maldives Like Getaway But Cheaper!!

A holiday to the luxurious resorts of the Maldives is an unforgettable affair, but we want you to look back on your holiday and remember powder sands and cyan-blue waters, not the hefty price tag.

Be kind to your bank account by opting to fly to one of these fabulous locations that are similar (if not better) and, more importantly, cheaper.

1. Fiji

This South Pacific archipelago chain sits east of Australia and features over 300 islands blessed with sandy beaches and coral-filled waters.

When it comes to cost, on-ground Fiji prices are on-par with the Maldives with a cheap meal costing around £3 and a sit-down meal for two around £14-£32, according to Numbeo.

• Flight time from the India: 18 hours 45 minutues (from Delhi)
• Resort (4-star): £79+ per night
• Domestic beer: £1.80
• 3-course meal for two: £22

2. Gili Islands

Only a short boat ride from Bali but a world away, these three small islands offer picture-perfect white sand beaches, swaying palms and a view of Lombok’s majestic Mt Rinjani volcano.

The price of hotels and meals on Gili Islands, or elsewhere in Bali, is dirt-cheap compared to the Maldives with a day’s worth of meals costing under £6 and the average cost per person, per day coming in under £30.

• Flight time from the India : 12 hours (from Bengaluru)
• Resort (4-star): £40+ per night
• Domestic beer: £1.87
• 3-course meal for two: £8

3. Whitsundays

Located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, the 74 Whitsunday Islands have stunning beaches and secluded bays framed by aqua water and emerald forests. If you have to choose one though, we recommend Whitehaven Beach – it’s the finest in Whitsunday, if not the world.

• Flight time: 1 day and 4 hours (from Ahemedabad)
• Resort (4-star): £180+ per night
• Domestic beer: £3.80
• 3-course meal for two: £44

4. Vanuatu

If escaping to a nation of dozens of tropical islands surrounded by unbelievably blue waters is your thing, then we’d recommend Vanuatu. Only a few hours’ flight from the east coast of the UK, these islands are perfect for a short escape or an extended getaway – after all, there are more than 80 islands to explore.

Flights to Vanuatu cost a little less than those to the Maldives – both are accessible by budget carrier – while hotels are similarly priced. Unfortunately, the cost of food is almost double on Vanuatu the cost on the Maldives but for the shortened flight time we think it’s worth putting this island on this map.

• Flight time from the India: 1 day and 6 hours (from Ahmedabad)
• Resort (4-star): £60+ per night
• Domestic beer: £5.20
• 3-course meal for two: £42

5. Perhentian Islands

The Perhentian Islands are less than hour boat ride from the east coast of Malaysia, and are a haven for scuba divers. Whether you are touring the underwater wonderland, relaxing on the blindingly white sand beach or trekking the lush jungles, it’s is a budget-friendly path to a tropical escape.

While 5-star hotels are a little pricey as they’re more scarce, but the cost of activities can be a dream with diving activities starting from £14, including equipment.

• Flight time from the India : 18 hours and 10 minutes (from Delhi )
• Resort (4-star):£90+ per night
• Domestic beer: £2.80
• 3-course meal for two: £12

6. Lakshadweep, India

So much like the Maldives, technically this Indian island chain is part of the Maldives, geographically speaking. It’s much less developed and accommodation is sparse, but budget bungalows can be found on a few of the islands.

• Flight time from the Mumbai : 1 hour and 55 minutes
• Resort (3-star):£147+ per night
• Domestic beer:£1.30
• 3-course meal for two: £11

7. Mauritius

Looking every bit like the epitome of paradise, Mauritius is a small island nation in the Indian Ocean that’s packed with picturesque lagoons, towering waterfalls, and colourful reefs.

• Flight time from the India : 7 hours and 30 minutes (from Delhi )
• Resort (4-star): £140+ per night
• Domestic beer: £2
• 3-course meal for two: £27