The Maldives are often associated with luxury and expensive resorts, but it's possible to explore the islands on a smaller budget than you'd expect to spend at a resort island. We spent 10 days discovering the Maldives, and it turned out to be the perfect way to relax after a round trip through Sri Lanka, especially since it’s only an hour’s flight from Colombo and quite affordable. Instead of choosing the typical resort islands, we decided to stay on three local islands, which are much more budget-friendly. These small islands allowed us to stay with the locals, offering an authentic experience. Staying on three different islands gave us the chance to experience a variety of activities and stunning views.
