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-   -   Packages??? (https://www.fodors.com/community/asia/packages-293222/)

islandlover Feb 27th, 2003 07:16 PM

Packages???
 
Having a hard time searching the web to find a travel agent in the USA that offers packages to the Maldives. I have read that it isn't real easy to get there as their are flights to Singapore that connect to Male. I did see a special from LAX to Singapore for RT $485.00 (good for a limited time). But when I checked the airfare to Male from there is was over $1000.00 RT per person. Does this sound right? Seems like a travel agent located on the west coast would have some sort of package deal. Would like to hear from others based in the USA on how you managed to get to this magical place. Thanks to anyone that can assist me.

JamesA Feb 28th, 2003 08:39 AM

Return fares to Male from Singapore are about Sin$ 790, roughly USD 460 return with Singapre Airlines or Emirates. Hotel accommodation in the Maldives is expensive, and I mean 'expensive!!'.<BR><BR>Maybe best to get an ex-Singapore package. Try this website for the fares and packages<BR><BR>www.airfares.com.sg

Remily Mar 20th, 2003 12:03 PM

Hi: I, too, can't find a US travel agent to help me find a package. Have you had any luck since your original posting? <BR>I'm in the Midwest and have been told there are no travel agents here that can help. How can that be?! <BR>One travel agent was able to help with an estimate on airfare, $1800 per person. As I'm not going for another year, I can't rely on that, but at least I have a ballpark figure to help with planning.<BR>

Cicerone Mar 21st, 2003 12:01 AM

The Maldives is not a big destination for people in the US, it is much more popular with Europeans. It is really a long flight from the US whether you go via the Pacific or through Europe. <BR><BR>You might check travel agents based in the UK or Germany. You should be able to get flights from London or Frankfurt to Male. Check European and Middle East Airlines like Emirates.<BR><BR>I live in Switzerland, and Emirates, and Swiss Air have flight most days to Male from Zurich. FLight times vary from 14 -20 hours, so adding the flight time from the East coast of the US, you are looking at like 28 hours to get there; but if you are coming through Singapore you will find much the same thing, and may have to make more connections. There are few if any direct flights there from Singapore (have to connect in KL or Colombo) or from Europe (have to go through Cairo, Dubai or Turkey).<BR><BR>IMHO, If you are going to be in Asia anyway and want to go to Male that would work; but I think to make a speical trip all the way to Male would be expensive and you will have very long flights.<BR>

wpcx2 Mar 21st, 2003 03:00 PM

I went to the Maldives several years ago and would not return. The island the capital is located on was full of mainly men who glared at us wherever we went. And I am not a 20 something hottie! Also, tourists are generally relegated to a particular island and travel between islands was difficult.<BR>The island we were on was shabby and poorly maintained - I disremember its name! Much prettier places to go where you will be welcome!

jude Mar 21st, 2003 07:02 PM

I don't know about packages, but Male is on of the cities in the Malaysian Airlines AccessAsia Pass. You can fly to any one or all of 25 cities in asia during a 30 day period for around $1,000.00 depending upon the season.www.malaysiaairlines.com/access_asia.html.

randic Mar 22nd, 2003 01:49 PM

Forget trying to find a package in the US. Instead--Book with a Singapore travel agency. You can do Free and easy long weekends with hotel and airfare much more reasonably than from here. Try Ken-Air travel. I have had great luck with them over the years.


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