A total of 1,190 tropical islands surrounded by a turquoise sea make up the Maldives. This Indian Ocean paradise consists of no less than 26 atolls, with sweeping coral reefs and huge lagoons.

Remarkably, just 10% of the islands are inhabited, while a further 87 act as exclusive resorts.

Few places under the bright holiday, the sun can equal the Maldives for natural beauty, water sports, night fishing trips, scuba diving, and snorkeling. As for beauty, every island has its own lagoon sheltered by a coral reef – with most fringed by palm trees and mantled in lush vegetation.

Situated south-west of Sri Lanka, close to the Equator, the Maldives’ crystal clear waters are always warm – making the country ideal for families. And most appealingly, just below the ocean’s sparkling surface is a world like no other, with fish and plants of virtually every color, shape, and size.

Malé, the Muslim nation’s island capital is also known for its family-friendly approach, with welcoming restaurants, well-stocked shops and markets, museums, and an imposing Grand Mosque.

Although remote, getting the family to the Maldives is relatively straightforward: far more difficult is persuading them to leave!

The currency here is the Maldivian Rufiyaa. You can exchange major currencies at banks, tourist resort islands, hotels, and leading shops. Payments in hotels can be made using US Dollars, traveler’s cheques, or credit cards. Most of the major island resorts, local and souvenir shops accept American Express, Diners, MasterCard and Visa with ATMs widely available in Malé.

If you are planning on taking traveler’s cheques take them in US Dollars to avoid additional exchange rate charges.