What's Your First Post-Covid Speedo Destination

[Thom]

I got my second COVID shot a week ago. (Initial reaction was getting really tired, but I got a bad delayed reaction.) Should make travel easier, particularly on airplanes. I'd like to fly down to one of the Caribbean islands, a French-speaking one so I could practice the language, but I understand that they aren't frequented much by U.S. nationals. I suppose I'll end up visiting friends in Maine.

[malaysiafree]

Malaysia

[shadowmn]

Aruba-bound in September!

[Scottiebum]

I do like Scotland. Been once to Oban, scenery was spectacular.

Glad you liked it, scenery is good, so are the beaches.

That photo is breathtaking.

Yes, there are so many amazing beaches round the coast and the islands.

[52dno98]

Has anyone on the board ever been to the Maldives? If so, is it speedo-friendly there?

[BozeHawk]

Islam is the state religion of Maldives, and adherence to it is legally required for citizens by a revision of the constitution in 2008. In February 2020 a woman was arrested for wearing a bikini. What applies to women however may not necessarily apply to men.

Police said the woman, who was walking on a main road on the island of Maafushi, was “inappropriately” dressed and allegedly unruly and drunk when she was detained after refusing to comply with requests to cover up.

The Maldives once confined tourists to resort islets separate from the local Muslim population but in recent years has allowed foreigners to stay on inhabited islands.

Tourists can wear swimwear such as bikinis in the resorts but are subject to local dress codes elsewhere.

Videos shared on social media showed three men trying to detain the traveller, while a fourth person tried to cover her with a towel.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/ ... g-a-bikini

[Thom]

Islam is the state religion of Maldives, and adherence to it is legally required for citizens by a revision of the constitution in 2008. In February 2020 a woman was arrested for wearing a bikini. What applies to women however may not necessarily apply to men.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/ ... g-a-bikini

So long as you avoid a jihad, you're good.

[BozeHawk]

So long as you avoid a jihad, you're good.

I've been on beaches in SE Asia where visiting Saudi and Emirati families fly in for holiday. The men, young and old, cheerfully enjoy the sun, swimming, and splendid beaches in their swim briefs, while their wives are under the beach umbrellas or in the shade of palm trees all covered up.

[rmf]

Has anyone on the board ever been to the Maldives? If so, is it speedo-friendly there?

Yes, it is fine at the resorts. Most of the resorts are private and they own the entire island - which is probably why they can service alcohol freely. It's pretty much like any other resorts. The are a lot of Russians, Australians an Europeans due to proximity but it depends on who is traveling right now regarding how many you will see.

Generally speaking, it's a muslim country so I would avoid anything over the top and definitely no nudity in the public areas. Also, have a pair of shorts handy for when you go inside to use the bathrooms, go to the restaurants or want a drink at the bar. Service at your chair (ordering drinks & food) is fine. Even if it's an 'adult only' resort, I would still make the same recommendation. Common sense, right?

If you do go, I would recommend an over-the-water bungalow since it is less chance of no-seeums (which are really aggressive) and really consider your food options (all-inclusive) because food can be really expensive. It wouldn't be uncommon to see a $35 burger on the menu and $25 apps.

They are hurting for tourists & their economy is dependent on it. You can get some crazy good deals right now at resorts. Most of their front facing employees are vaccinated. Negative PCR tests are required 72/96 hrs in advance and some countries are band from entering by the Maldives govt. due to covid spikes.