hansa

Hi there.
I am a single man, 44 years old from Norway.
I have yet to travel to a tropical paradise.
Yes, I know...
Shame on me!

I have been checking booking.com
and other various booking sites for offers to places in the Maldives.
I have found some places, but I need some tips anyway.
I feel it is confusing several times to pick a good spot.

My "demands" so to speak.
I want to photograph and film it all as this is one of my biggest hobbies.
I want/need a place with a long white beach with azure blue and clear water.
A row with palm trees along the upper border.
I would like to find some palm trees hanging out on the shore.
I love those scenes on photos on the Internet.
And it should be on the east shore because of the sunset.

It should be not too far away from a international airport.
The trip within the Maldives is by boat between the islands.
And, yes I know of the AtollTransfer site.

My problem is that a lot of the islands are private resorts
and therefore unavailable for a backpacker like me.
Any tips to islands open for all?

Any other islands fitting this bill, you think?

My biggest problem is the cost.
I can do (converted to USD) up to 1800 in total cost an a trip.
I do not need a expensive resort, I can however snoop through the outer area if passing by.

I can do a round trip flight from Gardermoen (OSL) to Male (MLE), Maldives.
By Istanbel, Turkey for 700 USD (6000 NOK).
And spend the same on stay and such in the Maldives.

So now what?...

Kathie

You have chosen one of the most expensive beach destinations. I don't know that there are any reports in your price range. But you might check the Thorntree, Lonely Planet's travel forum.

Let me suggest Thailand as an alternative, but there are other places in SE Asia that would also work for you.

kja

Really? I prefer sunset views with the water dipping into the water -- which I think of as being on the WEST coast. Maybe I misunderstood? Maybe it would be clearer if you specify whether you want a sunset in which the sun dips into the ocean or one in which it dips behind something (and if so, what).

In any case, if you are a budget traveler, you might look at Tulum in Mexico as a more affordable alternative to the Maldives. Just a thought for your consideration.....

CaliNurse

Greetings, Hansa. Of numerous "tropical paradises" all 'round the world, how did you come to choose the Maldives? Did you particularly want a small island?

in addition to Kathie's and Kja's suggestions above--especially if you want this dream trip to be on an island --have a look at the many Caribbean islands. Some were devastated by last September's hurricanes, but many were not. Even those in the former group are coming back to life in a tropical vegetation renaissance, and the sense of community and welcome on those islands is amazing. Have look at St John, USVI, for example: a small island with amazing beaches and crystal turquoise water, to which you take a ferry after landing on St Thomas. Just one idea of many.

For affordable lodging, consider an airbnb listing.

For other ideas, post your question on the Caribbean and and Latin America forums, of course minus the "Maldives" subject line.

Good luck!!