Derek Both asked:


Shopping is not the first activity to come to mind when you come to the Maldives, but it can be one of the most fun. Even if you didn’t plan on buying any souvenirs to take home for your friends, or even for yourself, you will find yourself drawn to the colourful local shops and all they have to offer. As beautiful and breathtaking as the beaches of the Maldives are, the souvenir items in the many shops definitely live up to the standard.

The most popular item from the souvenir shops and the bustling local markets are the hand carved masks and statues from traditional Maldivian culture. Another pride of the Maldives is their lacquered boxes, which are also handmade. You will also find beautiful reed mats, which are woven into eye-catching and colourful patterns and available in different sizes.

The Maldives is perhaps one of the best places to buy exquisitely gorgeous pearls at surprisingly low prices. Other gems are available as well, but make sure not to fall for fake jewellery, which can be found in smaller stores. The gem stores that are almost a standard in most resorts are the most reliable stores to find authentic gems and pearls, as well as precious and semi-precious stones, which come straight from Sri Lanka. All resorts also have stores for your personal needs, as well as casual outfits you can wear around the resort and even disposable underwater cameras.

If you are looking for top brands like Gucci and Prada, you won’t see these in any local shop in the Maldives, but you can find them, and an array of electronic gadgets, perfumes, cosmetics and other toiletries, in the duty-free shop at the Male International Airport. There are souvenir shops here as well, but you’ll find better bargains in the shops near the resorts. There is also fine dining at the airport, and, alternately, a grocery for snacks to take with you on your flight home.

The local currency in the Maldives is the Rufiyaa. One British pound is equivalent to 25.5 Maldivian rufiyaas while one US dollar converts to 12.8 rufiyaas. In local currency, one rufiyaa is equal to 100 laari, although you probably won’t need this information as you actually won’t need to convert your cash to local money while on vacation in the Maldives.

Local shops actually prefer accepting US dollars to rufiyaas, although they do accept the local money as well. US dollars are accepted in many establishments and it is actually advisable for you to bring US dollars to the Maldives instead of converting your dollars to the local currency. Exchange other currencies, including Euros and UK pounds, to US dollars before arriving at the Maldives.

Not all shops accept credit cards, so it is best to ask first before making any purchases. Usually, the more progressive stores accept Visa and MasterCard. American Express and Diners Cards are not popular in the Maldives, so leave those at home. Leave at home also your debit and ATM cards.

James Ingram asked:


These Top 10 Hawaiian Beaches are known for offering mixes of all the right ingredients to give travelers and families the best vacation resort experience. Everyone wants something different in a holiday beach resort. Plus, if you are a family traveling with kids it is even more important to find the right balance between sea, sand and surf. What makes a good beach is the way it let’s everyone relax the way they like. Families need sandcastles and surfers need big waves while a scuba diver wants a beach with a reef and calm water. A beach with all these things makes it a wonderful place to vacation in a resort atmosphere.

These top locations and luxury resorts are the best places to go if you need services like telephones, restrooms and picnic areas. Many have seasonal surfing and also snorkeling to offer adventurous travelers. Many beaches also have grass and shady areas also provide cover for sun worshippers and families with small children. Rentals of water sports equipment will vary although most beaches will be able to help out visitors with some type of rentals from snorkels to boogie boards. See the list of top Hawaiian beaches and resorts below for families and solo travelers.

1. Lanikai Beach
2. The North Shore
3. Punalu’u Beach
4. Hookipa Beach
5. Lahaina Beach
6. Poipu Beach
7. Kauna ‘oa Beach
8. Kaanapali Beach
9. Honaunau Bay
10. Waikiki Beach

1. Lanikai Beach is located on the island of Oahu off Kailua Road, Kailua -East Oahu. Clear water and sparkling white sand make Lanikai Beach known for its beauty. Just off in the distance are two tropical islands of Mokumanu and Mokulua where there are designated bird sanctuaries. This combination of sand and sun make Lanikai Beach a well known to travelers and locals. The sunrise if not to be missed on this part Oahu where visitors can find sand, large rocks, shady areas and good swimming and snorkeling.

2.The North Shore is part of three separate areas: Waimeia Bay calm which is peaceful in the summer with big winter surfing waves in winter; the Pipeline whose name inspires surfers shooting through waves; and Sunset Beach that is known for what else - fabulous sunsets! If you are not a board-type there are plenty of other things to do nearby such as: Golf, Ocean Fishing & Tours, Sport Fishing, Shark Tours, Whale Watching, Horseback Riding, Jet Ski, Picnics, Scuba and Snorkel . . . plus lots of shopping!

3. Punalu’u Beach is located off Highway 11 on the South shore and is nothing short of dramatic. Black sand beaches and tall coconut trees make this beach memorable and very comfortable. The beach park even has a freshwater wading pool to cool off with for the whole family plus there are ducks for the kids. Punalu’u actually “diving spring” because Hawaiians used to get fresh water from these springs using gourds. The location is well known for the endangered green sea turtle that makes it’s home here while the turtles are protected by law, snorkeling is a great way to see them in their natural habitat.

4. Hookipa Beach is well known for world-class windsurfing competitions. It is located off the Hana Highway in North Maui. While not everyone is an expert windsurfer there is a small coral reef that provides an excellent calm area for taking a relaxing few minutes on this unique beach. The dramatic rocky beach and sandy shore are complemented with barbeque picnic areas, showers, kiosks and payphones. The range of services make this beach a success for hosting the Aloha Classic, Red Bull surfing competitions and the Maui Sports Foundation events for expert windsurfers and sun worshipping tourists.

5. Lahaina Beach is on West Maui and the town is full of ancient history with a long tradition of whaling. Many people are familiar with the wedding ceremonies and famous Luau dances. The Luau dance is the traditional Hawaiian dance that celebrates the unique island culture with the hula dance, flower lei ceremonies and roasted pig dining make any evening a memorable experience.

6. Poipu Beach is on the southern island of Kauai it is well know for calm waters. The beauty of calm waters and tranquil beaches are a photographers dream come true. The area is picturesque with sandy beaches and shallow areas that provide safe areas for parents and children. Snorkeling is also good around the point and there is grass and shady areas for sun worshippers to lounge in. There are also many services available on the beach including lifeguards, picnic areas, showers and picnic facilities.

7. Kauna ‘oa Beach is a large sandy beach located on the big island of Hawaii. The beach provides plenty of room for sand castles, volleyball, swimming, snorkeling and boogie boarding. It is one of the best beaches on the island with a rock reef that provides some protection from the surf. Golfers will even love to hate the sand traps at the famous Mauna Kea Golf Course.

8. Kaanapali Beach is one of the best beaches on Maui and for that reason it fronts many Ka’anapali resorts. Travel up and down the beach is made possible by a concrete path so wherever you are staying the path is nearby for morning walks and sunset strolls. Local services include: lifeguards, restrooms, showers and seasonal high surf. Many visitors that prefer calm waters will enjoy fantastic snorkeling at Black Rock. Adults with children will be pleased to see that many resorts have childrens programs so everyone in the family has a memorable experience.

9. Honaunau Bay is the City of Refuge by locals because of ancient traditions that gave warriors and law-breakers refuge here. The bay is refuge to many fish and coral that skin divers often visit due to the ease of entry provided by smooth lava rock flats. Scuba divers also frequent the area because is is so remarkable. Dolphins are regulars to the bay and give everyone a bit of excitement. The clear blue waters and even the occasional sea turtle offer rich diving experience for all.

10. Waikiki Beach on O’ahu’s south shore is the beach of beaches. Two miles of beach fronted by hotels and by the beautiful Kapiolani Park. The beach can be crowded but it is popular for a good reason. Access to amenities includes: lifeguards, sand and reef areas, picnic areas, phones, showers and restrooms. Outrigger canoes can also be rented for a paddle through sun-drenched waves in the afternoon sun.

katy p asked:


I would like to snorkel from the beach, but a boat trip from the hotel is an option too. The coral should not be too deep to make it easy for the kids.

Ibrahim Q asked:


I am applying for a managment job of a scuba dive shop, and they are asking me how much I am expecting to get paid. I have an MBA and a couple years of property managment experience, but no idea how much I should be asking for…