This page doesn't cover new ground so much as flag where other guides on this site get skipped in practice — the handful of mistakes that come up again and again for first-time visitors, all avoidable with a few minutes of checking beforehand.
Not confirming transfer type and cost upfront
Assuming a "great room rate" includes transfers, or not checking whether your resort uses speedboat or seaplane, is one of the most common budgeting and logistics surprises — see our getting around the atolls guide and confirm this at booking, not on arrival.
Forgetting resort taxes when comparing quotes
A room rate is rarely the final number — see our green tax explainer and budget guide for what typically gets added on top, and compare two quotes on total cost, not headline rate.
Booking a late arrival with a seaplane-only resort
Seaplanes don't fly after dark — see our getting around the atolls guide. A late-arriving international flight paired with a seaplane-only resort usually means an unplanned overnight in Malé or Hulhumalé, which is fine if you expect it and a frustrating surprise if you don't.
Wearing resort norms off-resort
Swimwear that's completely normal at a resort is not appropriate on an inhabited local island, including Malé itself — see our religion & etiquette guide, especially relevant for anyone doing a Malé layover before or after a resort stay.
Assuming "all-inclusive" means everything
Specialty restaurants, premium spirits and certain excursions are commonly excluded even on all-inclusive plans — see our resort dining guide before assuming a package covers more than it does.