Maldives or Seychelles?
The practical differences, drawn from our own write-ups rather than from a brochure. We are not going to tell you which is better - they are different trips. What follows is what actually changes between them.
Maldives
One island, one resort is the classic formula; local islands run by different, Muslim rules.
What we have written up
- Addu Atoll island
- Alifushi island
- Banana Reef dive site
- Dhangethi island
- Dharavandhoo island
- Dhigurah island
Worth knowing before you go
- US dollars are accepted everywhere alongside rufiyaa
- Resort service charges of 10% plus taxes are added to most bills
- Guesthouse tourism on local islands runs a third the price of resorts
Seychelles
Relaxed Creole warmth on island time; Sundays belong to church, family and the beach.
What we have written up
- Aldabra Atoll island
- Alphonse Island atoll island
- Anse Cocos beach
- Anse Georgette beach
- Anse Intendance beach
- Anse Lazio beach
Worth knowing before you go
- Hotels and restaurants often quote in euros and take cards; market stalls and buses want rupees in cash
- Many restaurants already include a service charge - check the bill before tipping extra
- Shops close Saturday afternoon and most of Sunday
Counts describe this site, not the countries: "places written up here" means how many pages we have finished, and it keeps growing. Currency, plugs and languages are practical facts and change rarely (plugs and voltage: Wikipedia, «Mains electricity by country» (after the IEC World Plugs list), read 15 October 2026); check anything visa-related with the relevant official source before you book.