The Maldives offers holiday-goers pristine beaches, turquoise waters and temperatures cranked up to a comfortable, not punishing, 30C - but an option much closer to home could prove to be a tempting alternative to many. While we are in the middle of holiday season with hotel stays booked and suitcases no doubt packed in many households, there will be some people already checking out where they should next visit. The Maldives is no doubt somewhere on the list for many, thanks to its pristine beaches and clear-blue ocean waters.
But a hefty price tag and considerable time commitment traveling there might put some people off booking their Indian Ocean getaway . Booking.com said in its 2024 Travel Predictions that "travellers will balance budget constraints and luxury cravings.
" It added 62 per cent of travellers said an increased cost of living would play a limiting factor in their 2024 travel plans. It also added that 50 per cent of holiday goers want to travel to a destination where the cost of living is less expensive than their home country. Maldives alternative Experts from Booking.
com last year said tourists could choose sparkly beaches and an incredible seaside stay in Albania. The Balkan country, nestled between Montenegro and Greece offers a Mediterranean stay for a fraction of the budget compared to other options in the region. In particular, Booking.
com last year named the coastal city of Vlorë as one of their top destinations for this year. "The jewel of the Balkan.