The tropical island nation has a well-earned reputation as an extravagant destination but it can be visited on a budget. Local islands have inexpensive guesthouses, and there’s an extensive public ferry system so you can island hop for a fraction of the price of speedboats and seaplanes. There are also several luxury hotels you can travel to from the airport by speedboat in under 30 minutes, foregoing seaplane rides which can cost over $700 a person. Food is expensive, and alcohol is highly taxed, so consider all-inclusive food and beverage packages.

The Maldives is a great escape for families, friends, and even solo travelers. Many resorts have over-the-top kid’s clubs where children can hang out together and enjoy underwater marine biology classes, coconut palm weaving, children’s yoga, and treasure hunts. Some resorts even have their own water parks, and many offer villas with private pools—some with water slides. For the ideal girlfriend’s getaway, choose a large resort with many activities. You can bond with your friends over sumptuous meals and during yoga retreats, cooking and mixology classes, spa days, and private sunset cruises. And recently, hotels have started special programs for solo travelers that include discounted room rates, half-board meals, guided tours, and spa treatments.

Dress modestly and avoid public displays of affection. Bikinis are only permitted at resorts and designated “bikini beaches” on local islands. Alcohol is prohibited outside resorts including at restaurants and guesthouses on inhabited local islands. Visitors are forbidden from bringing alcohol, pork, or idols of worship into the country; these items will be confiscated upon arrival. Also, the Islamic weekend is Friday and Saturday.

You’ll want to time your visit to the best season for what you want to do. The best time for surfing is monsoon season from April through October.  While visitors can expect rainy and windy conditions, the stormy intervals are usually brief and punctuated by sunshine. For divers looking for calm waters, the best time is from November to May; however, divers who want to see whale sharks, the world’s biggest fish, should plan to visit between late July and early October.

Despite the fact that the official time is Maldives Time, many resorts establish their own time zones (one to two hours ahead) to give guests more sunlight. There are bioluminescent beaches where marine organisms glow in the dark, and unlike most sand beaches, which are made of quartz, Maldivian sand is coraline (ground coral), which doesn’t heat up so you can walk barefoot comfortably. At seven miles above sea level, The Maldives is the lowest-lying nation on earth, so the president held the world’s first underwater cabinet meeting to call attention to the danger of rising sea levels which severely threaten the country’s existence. Go now.