When Travel "Goes Wrong" - The Maldives & The Instagram Lie
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- Äas pĆidĂĄn 16. 04. 2021
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In 2019, we visited the beautiful islands of The Maldives for a second time. Although this holiday was during the rainy, wet season, we crossed our fingers that it wouldn't rain all the time. We took a risk with an expensive holiday. Did it pay off? What happens when travel "goes wrong"? And how does Instagram warp your sense of what a good holiday is anyway?
BOTH HOTELS WE STAYED IN (great and ok)
đ* 1st Maldives Hotel, shown in another video, our BEST hotel ever: www.booking.com/hotel/mv/viva...
đ* 2nd Maldives Hotel, as shown in this video: www.booking.com/hotel/mv/cinn...
đ* Available Activities in The Maldives: www.viator.com/Maldives/d4672...
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If you think this video is about rain, it isn't. đ Before commenting and looking silly, please watch until the end. Or don't watch until the end and don't comment. Link for our favourite hotel we have stayed in The Maldives, which we cover in a separate video, rated as "Fabulous": www.booking.com/hotel/mv/vivanta-by-taj-coral-reef.en.html?aid=1864334&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2
Already subscribed. ;)
Come to LA Digue Island in Seychelles and I'll show you around đ
đ Don't watch and don't comment isđ€Šââïžđ
Your trip to Maldives was cheap. My trip cost a lot lot more!!!
I like the rain. What's wrong with it?
Im a Maldivian. I work in tourism industry for more than 20 years. The main complain I get from guest are about the weathers. How is ruined their trip. Our weather is unpredictable. One must understand that
Looking forward to coming soon..
Wouldn't mind the best guide from someone who knows.
Itâs an island - of course the weather will be unpredictable. Used to hear the same complaints in New Zealand because people donât understand the difference between tropical and sub-tropical climate.
@@BigTwitchy đ€Ł every time a guest say that to me, the expression in my face just piss them off.
I hear this whenever I visit the Bahamas as well. I just laugh.
what months would be the best? I have heard Oct-Feb is the "Dry" season. Is that right?
As a local of maldives. For us there is nothing more fun than a rainy day at the beach. Maldives dont get rain as much but during stormy season it rains alot and could go for days or even weeks.
That honestly sounds fantastic. I would absolutely love to live in the Maldives.
@IN00 same here its the best when it rains and your at the beach.
What time of year is best to go ?
@@1780cris if you are looking for sunny days mostly at the dry season. But you cannot tell, weather here varies from places to places and time to time. Check forcast before coming and free up during dry season
It is so fun
I'm a Maldivian đČđ»
Actually I believe tourists are missing a lot because they choose to stay in the resorts!
They should come to our inhabited islands and eat our food and check out how we live!
Yeah, anywhere except Male'.
is it safe for a family ?
@@msben64
Why not?
Actually the islands have pretty low crime rates.
Some islands have guest houses but I highly recommend to stay with a family.
Then only you will be able to experience our true lifestyle.
Plus we can arrange lots of fun activities for you to do.
Are they even allowed to? Last time i checked you basically segregate tourists to a different island and have a dog ban whatever thats about
@@rajeshchetty5519
There are islands with guest houses and tourists are allowed usually.
Not all islands though.
But due to COVID-19 there are restrictions at the moment.
My husband died unexpectedly at age 59. I can assure that I would enjoy every moment with him rain or shine which I in fact did. Not a wasted moment.
â€ïž
My dad just died the same way at 65. I wish I could take him to a vacation now, rainy or windy đ
I'm sorry for your loss.
Bless you!
I donât know about others, but as a local Maldivian my absolute favorite thing to do when it rains is to get drenched in rain and go for a swim.
@@gorgthesalty sometimes there's thunder, sometimes there isn't. I'd say most times there isn't.
But then you'd get wet!!
@@pastorofmuppets8834 so??
@@mini-wx6gw woooooooosh!
For sure.. Its amazing under water watching the rain fall above your head..
"When perfection becomes attainable, reality is no longer appealing."
It's easy to get lost in expectations we see on social media to the point where they become unrealistic, and any minor inconvenience along the trip can ruin our experience. The we've been over exposed to perfectly edited videos that they've become monotonous, so your video honestly was a breath of fresh air, cuz no matter much we plan mishaps happen along the trip, especially with factors out of our control, such as the weather :)
Thank you!
For someone who comes from a dry hot country where sunshine is GAURANTEED every single day, wet and windy is heavenly
Where do you live?
@@Ratnabhsl Namibia, Africa đ Home to the oldest desert in the world đ
@@jeanhubsch4757 I donât live in a country where sunshine is guaranteed everyday, but it does get bloody hot in the summer here, reaching 55C/131F.
Not when youre on a beach vacation
@@jeanhubsch4757 Jean.. hit me up, I lived in Windhoek, Hochland park, after independence, I've been in America the last 25 years.
I find you always remember the times when everything goes wrong. It becomes a "remember when" story, regaled with laughter to friends after the fact. The good days blur into one, the difficult ones become legend! đ
So so true
Exactly what I always tell to people. I`ve travelled a lot and best stories are when sth unexpected happens :D
Yes! Call me crazy but I really do love the 'bad' trips! If something doesn't go wrong then what stories do you have to tell?
Iâve traveled a fair bit and also spent a year travelling Thailand.
The amount of tourist I would see missing out on the moment because they are so focused on the Instagram shot and they never take time to stop, put the phone down and actually take in the surroundings.
Everywhere this situation. Some people are so addicted to fake "endorsement" they receive through social media. So they are missing out the entire life.
How old r u
Steven you are 100% correct
Everyone is overly narcissistic
For me the most important part of a trip is to discover the people, culture, food, atmosphere, cities, landscape etc. It surprises me to see that the restaurant moments of this Maldives travel correspond to spaghetti, eggs with a toast, pastries, sushi... All very international, safe and not Maldives-y.
Hmmm... Type of the food depends on the resort your pocket is able to afford. And think again: remote tiny island in the middle of huge ocean. And you can eat basically the same food as you have at home. Isn't a magic? And if you wish to try local food you can go to locals. Easy. The same in Australia. If you will go there, would you eat a kangaroo tail everyday? I don't think so... Local food is good to try a few times but for comfortable stay you have to have "normal" food.
been here... they serve local foods too
@@user-yt5hs1fz7c I can get your point. But in my case (French guy living in Spain), my travels have been to Italy, Croatia, Greece, Turkey, Israel, Georgia, MĂ©xico, etc. I see that all the places I have been too have a huge gastronomy history and local food is one of the main reasons of the travel. So I think I tend to choose destinations based on their local food variety potential.
The end message showing time with your partner enjoying the laughs and rainy weather makes this look like the most fun! Iâm glad you got to enjoy more than just the sunny beauty!â€
Every time something went wrong on vacations as a child, I was told, "It makes for a better story!"
If there was a love button I would have clicked on it!
Often the unexpected âadventuresâ are the ones you remember years later.
When travelling alone in Italy I sat in the wrong part of the train and ended up heading down the eastern rather than western side of the country. A number of stories arise from this mishap including me becoming the evening entertainment for the residents of the small village I ended up staying overnight in.
Hereâs to more of âthe road less traveledâ for all of us.
Stay safe!
I've been to the Maldives - and that rainstorm one day, being outside on the beach and in the water, with all the somewhat hard rain of soft, warm waterdrops all around - was one of the highlights of that holiday.
THAT is what I call "good weather", and I loved it.
I could not agree more with this, and I feel sad that people only show the good side of their travels most of the time, creating this irealistic expectation that everything goes well on every holiday, when it's simply not the case. Glad you had a great time with your loved one regardless, and still managed to have two good mornings! âșïžâșïž
this is why I always research the "best time to go to (blank)". I am a very weather oriented person and try my hardest to go to certain places when I can expect the best weather. That being said, it does not always work that way. I was in Auckland and it rained almost the whole time. When I was in Japan it rained a lot too. A pouring, soaking rain which was not easy to sight see in, but you make the best of it. I was just in Cartagena, Colombia and it was SO HOT. I travel alone, so good weather is important to me because it can be quite boring by yourself if you are stuck inside!
I've been watching your videos since yesterday as I plan a trip with my friends. And the biggest problem when planning with friends is everyone wants to do different things on a vacation. This was a nice reminder that we're going to have fun with people we love, and also to celebrate our graduation and "no-more-exams". :)
It's a mark of great company when you have fun together even in a crappy situation. I loved the sentiment of this video, and I think you hit the nail on the head! I also loved your storm re-creation - spot on!
My husband and I love your videos. Great content as usual. My husband was saying that if he doesn't think he would have a bad time traveling with you both. I think so too, your humour and positivity would outweigh the negative stuff happening.
This actually made me want to visit during rainy season. I looove rainy weather and this all looked like a blast.
same, it's actually the best and most relaxing time, especially on the Beach â± â± đđ
Quite possibly the best, most accurate travel video I've seen... job well done.
đź
Absolutely
I love this video. Iâve had trips where things went âwrongâ like the weather being bad or bags being delayed or what have you. And you are absolutely right. The most important thing is to appreciate the time with your loved ones in a wonderful new place. Rain or shine. Iâve always come out of it with fantastic memories and stories to share.
fantastic storytelling :) completely with you on this. travel is not about perfect vacations but savouring and cherishing the experiences, mindfully!
Mans went to Maldives in rainy season and complains about the weather. âWhy isnât this on the brochure?â đđ€Ł
Exactly. Complete tool
Haha exactly! This video was super cringy
He even admitted himself that it was a " bargain " not seeing why is a " bargain "
This is such a wonderful narrative of making the most of what you have at the moment. Kudos!
Youâre positive attitude makes all the difference! Great going , rain sun wind all facets of nature. Best we appreciate
Stumbled across your video tonight. Was only back in the office for 6 weeks when I was hurt at work on May 21, resulting in foot surgery 4 weeks later. I was on 4 weeks bed rest after that and am still stuck working from home for at least another 6 weeks. Our 2020 vacation was postponed due to the pandemic and my injury grounded us again this summer. Iâve mostly stayed positive but given how active our lives are and how much we love traveling and exploring, I get run over by the storm clouds every now and again. I initial clicked on your post as we upgraded our Barbados trip to the Maldives in July 2022 and I was naturally intrigued, and, letâs be honest, terrified Iâd made a mistake...until your closing remarks. They made me reflect and smile and realize there are still good people in the world - thank you for reminding me that love IS all around...and that happiness is what we make of it. Slainte!
Thank you for watching until the end before making an opinion. Lots of other people do not and misunderstand the videos meaning. All the best with your future trips.
This had to be the best advice I have ever seen on CZcams or anywhere regarding traveling. And as a hotelier I am so happy to know that there a still people who understands that itâs wasnât the hotels fault it rained. Btw your choice hotels in the maldives is not that great. Try Niyama Maldives or May any of the Anantara properties here in the Maldives. You wont be disappointed with the quality of service or the things to do. Anyways love the video and time to check your other content.
This is such an important aspect about travel, thank you for talking about it and reminding your community! đđ
Your content is underrated. One of my favourite channels and your dry humour is brilliant.
Completely agree, my family loves watching Suitcase Monkey videos!
Yes, unfortunately it is underrated. đđ©đ€Ł
Agreed! I love his content
Couldn't agree more
Dude is LEGEND! I find him so dang funny! â€ïžđ€Ș
It is a refreshing bit of honest candor that can recenter and ground ones expectations. The beauty of this, is despite what you encounter, it is what you encounter and how you react to it that reflects what is of importance to you. Does one live for expectations or experience. That is the key. Well done. Your summary of privilege is truth. Thank you for this video.
Love the message! You're such a great storyteller!
I always enjoy your videos, and I particularly loved the authenticity and your message in this one. These are the experiences that become the best memories. Keep up the great work! Best wishes from Canada for safe travels sometime soon.
There is a reason rainy season is called rainy. Being an English native and not understanding the meaning of rainy seasons, can indeed make you frustrated about the amount of money you spent for staying in the rain.
Thank you for sharing your story...Totally agree, when it comes down to travelling, enjoy your time with you love one(s) and being grateful for opportunity to spend time together, rain, snow or sunshine đ Creating long last memories...
This was a really great video. Really well done. I was laughing out loud when you were recreating the wind storm and really liked your message at the end. Be well.
This reminded me of a similar trip I took to the Whitsunday Islands which was a total disaster. Had to stay indoors for most of it, got the worst pedicure of my life and realised how horrible Aussie TV is. So much for our Insta moments! :) Thanks for sharing the real side of travel. Hope your next trip goes much better!
Currently Holidaying in the Maldives with the new wife (late Oct 2022). Arrived and very sunny! Clear night skies - Stars ive never seen before. 3rd day it begins 2 whole days of non stop rain. Scuba cancelled , but went snorkelling instead , encountered rays, sharks and turtles, even in the rain. Staying positive and hopefully the next four days wont be as bad! Being with loved ones is really what its about! Great message!
Such a good Video! I love your positive view on things - I think itâs so easy to get hung up in the high expectations you have especially for trips like these. I admire people who look for the positives in those situations.
I love your videos, always filled with very useful advice, and your cheeky humour it's so entertaining. You're a fabulous and articulated story teller! I miss just going into Central London, but I'm too afraid to jump on the tube!
me and my boyfriend is traveling to Spain next week and it has been a little while since we travel outside the country. I was so busy planning our trip and hope for it to be perfect. but after I watched the whole video I came to realize that you are 100% right and I should be more appreciative to the uncertainty and enjoy it as part of OUR trip. so thank you!
always love watching your video and love your humor always making me laugh.
YES! Thank you. This âŹïž đ
How was your trip to Spain? :)
Landed on this one after watching the other two "traditional" Maldives videos, and I must say that it wasn't "gone wrong". Great perspective, and a much needed one in the current scenario!
"So, it is okay when everything isn't okay", I love this... thanks for sharing!
What a great message at the end đđŒ
You had me at âgoes wrongâ +1
Thank you for the message at the end of a video. I've been stressing out with trip preparations that I almost forgot why I travel in the first place.
I think that sometimes when holiday isn't perfect, it can create even better memories.
LOL I love how real you are. Its not about perfection if you want to enjoy the trip!!!!đ€đđŒ
We went to the Maldives in April and prayed for a rainy day/s like this. We live in the Middle East, and havenât seen rain in over year. I would have loved a few days like this to frolic in the rain and wind. Still a beautiful place is a beautiful experience with the one you love.
Thank you for this video! It came at a perfect time!! I will be going to the Maldives in July and we are worried about the weather! However, the ending to your video also gave me a greater perspective on what travel is! Thank you!
Haha oh wow! Great timing! Maybe we were unlucky, who knows I guess with the weather. Let me know how you get on though!!!!
I absolutely loved this ! Subscribed now and forwarded this to all my friends and family as we each look forward to our summer vacations, its good to be reminded: that vacation will be wonderful with those we live but not necessarily perfect!
Absolutely loved this. Sometimes the moments that donât go to plan make the best travel stories and memories. Iâve subscribed đđŒ
Surely, you cannot expect the weather to be perfect all the time⊠especially if you take into account the season in which youâre traveling.
Hey, I almost never put comments under videos, like never but this time I just had to! Sooo funny, honest and lovely video! Thank you for sharing in such light manner, what I could imagine was not funny at all on spot in Maldives. Had a good laugh and valuable lesson to be noticed, when planning trip to Maldives. đ„°đđș
Wow well thank you for breaking your comment silence for us! đ
Great angel Paul :) Perfectly imperfect. Often the things you remember an notice the most are the imperfection or quarks as you call them. The same goes for the rest of us. It's the sum of the little imperfections that make us who we are - which is great! Hope you'll be set free soon so we can enjoy more of your good work. Cheers.
thank you SO much for this- from someone who lives in the states and never been out of the country. I have seen Maldives so many times online and on commercials and yes it looks like paradise. I feel flying over the ocean is frightening enough especially this far. I appreciate you taking the time to show this island's beauty but also the downfall parts - rainy season and construction going on. It's beautiful there- and I would love the BLUE water and wildlife and the food that looks so healthy and delicious and fresh. I also think about MH 370 where someone on the island states he saw the plane flying so low he could read the lettering on it. :-(
Watched this with my kids and we all LOVED it! We watched it at least 5 times. Well narrated, loved the transitions, the music, and the final message. Vacations are all about the bonding experience. We'll be heading there soon in July. Wish us luck with the weather!
The Maldives, being a set of atolls on the equator in, between the tropics, is basically always rainy. I had to explain to my family, who always had this sort of "idealistic" view of the place due to Instagram. We got two out of five sunny days, which, honestly is quite good for the month of October.
It's been my experience that if you have a first trip that's perfect, you'll almost never be able to duplicate that on a second trip. Either the weather, unavoidable circumstances, personal illness, or just the fact that you're not seeing it for the first time, is going to prevent the trip from seeming as magical. I recently returned to the Florida Keys; after a ten year absence. I was looking forward to time spent relaxing on a lounge chair, under a palm tree, floating in the pool, outdoor dining, etc. It never got above 55 degrees, all week. The cold wind blew so hard that it formed foam on the water, and it periodically stormed. We still managed to get in some sightseeing, good dining, a glass bottom boat tour, some Christmas shopping, and ; one morning; some kayaking, before the rain returned. Ultimately, you have to make the best of your circumstances.
this is so true!! its a great experience with everything comes with it, so grateful for being able to travel
Amazed by your narratives! You could be a hell of a writer! Subscribed!
You deserve an Oscar for 6:52! Lovely video as always. The ending was phenomenal and thought provoking. Thank you for sharing!
This video was brilliant, and a great outlook on life! Thanks!
This is so needed! Thank you for this video!
Oh Paul, you do make me laugh đ that bathroom break cost makes me feel better about the toilet prices in Green Park
Haha thanks Owen!
You better have an appointment with God before you arrange your next vacation date
No one can predict the exact weather you wish
Itâll always be a forecast
Maybe watch the video till the end?
I usually just check the weather before I go haha it's not like it's a secret. At most, it's off by a few degrees. The technology has existed for awhile nowđ
I love this video! The sometimes harsh reality with a positive outlook and humor
Great reenactment of the storm noises. A+
That's was a great concluding comments on this vlog... A lesson for us to learn..adapt to the situation and enjoy...
WOW Who knew that it actually rains during Maldives rainy season. I am shocked. (you already got a significant discount )
Clowns eh?
I didnât realize I needed this video until now. Thank you for sharing your experience. Well done. đđœ
As with another commenter, my husband of 49 years died a few months ago. One of the few things in life over which you have complete control is how you respond to any given situation. It is important to remember, too, that if you lost your most important companion you would want your memories to be of the pleasures of your times together, even when things didnât go as you planned.
This made me smile. I really dislike Instagram photos. I tend to not like photos with a human subject as the main focus. If it takes longer than 1 minute for a photo, it isn't worth it because you miss the moment. Thanks for making me smile.
Exactly. It goes from Instagram to Stagestagram.
Your vlogs are wonderful to watch so was very happy to see this one available. Hopefully things will be back to normal soon.
Thank you for your patience with my random uploading schedule.
I totally agree. My hubby and I went to WA and OR last December, we only had 1 day without rain but we made the most out of it. The adventure discovering a new place, tasting the local food together is priceless.
Great video! Thanks for reminding us about keeping things in perspective and holding on to whatâs truly important in life. đ
Amen brother. Traveling is a privilege!
We need to be grateful that we get to enjoy it. I know people that canât afford it or are to sick. Some struggle just to bring food to the table.
Reminds me of a song (showing my ageđ€Ł) I BEG YOUR PARDON⊠NEVER PROMISED YOU A ROSE GARDEN⊠ALONG WITH THE SUNSHINE⊠THEREâS GONNA BE A LITTLE RAIN SOMETIMES
Love tropical rain. Wouldn't phase me one bit.
two different people
1. travelers
2. adventures
as adventures, i love a little bit of chaotic situation. and rain, to me its romantic
OMG! I loved you video so much! And laughed really hard half of the time. But really good message - I couldn't agree more!!! Wonderful! I do quite extensive travel (mostly airlines) reports too, and boy, it takes a lot of time showing it all. And so important to not just show the perfect image but stay normal and real and natural - including that humor! Thank you for this report! Subscribing now
Going to Maldives in 2 days and the weather forecast says it's supposed to rain until the next week. It kinda bummed me out a little but I'm glad I saw this video. Thanks for shining a light on the bright parts that we often tend to forget about in our privilege :)
Thatâs really great to read. Thanks for letting me know. Makes me glad I made this more now. Youâll have a great time. Iâm jealous!
Update upon the weather from the trip? I go in two in the middle of November for honeymoon. Wondering if I should cancel
đ This is the funnest travel vlog I have ever watched. Very good job and good sense of humour, love it. I have ever dreamed about visiting Maldives, this video brings me back to the ground. Maybe one day I will go, not in the rainy season though. But as you said, itâs the time we spent with love ones that matters. Keep up with your good work. Subscribed.
I watched this video before my first visit to the Maldives last May and was worried we would be stuck inside due to rain. It turned out fine with one day being rainy and the other 5 pure sunshine and bliss.
It really is an extraordinary experience being somewhere so beautiful.
đ âLet me recreate the sound for youâ haha great job on this video!!
It really is incredible how many people will rate a resort very badly because it rained every day. Like the resort controls the weather. A trip is always what you make of it. The Maldives is a bucket list trip which will probably just always be financially unattainable, but I will continue to dream about dancing in the rain or sun, on a Maldives beach!
You saved us ÂŁÂŁÂŁÂŁÂŁ! Me and my husband booked to go Maldives in June for our honeymoon and we didn't think to check the weather reports when booking it after the wedding. Especially since the travel agents and brochures don't mention the rainy season. Looked at the weather predictions only to find out there would be thunderstorms/clouds when we were planning to travel at the end of June. Luckily we were paying extra for free cancellation so didn't lose out on any money and rerouted our flights to Cairo.
Oh wow. Good to hear it helped! Congrats!
Such an important message! Thanks Paul.
Similarly Iâve been to the Maldives twice, first time in February and second time early August. I knew summer was the rain season but in my two trips to spread across 14 nights, Iâve been lucky to only experience a drizzle on the first night when I arrived for the first time. It was already 11pm so it did not damage my first impressions. I will seriously consider to avoid booking my next trip during the rainy season again!
Thanks for being real! I'm glad you guys had some days with good weather. But you got to see a range of what the Maldives are really like. Sun and rain. It's good for future travelers to see this side of traveling too.
Really enjoyed that. Thanks.
Pre pandemic Iâd become so blasĂ© about travelling. One forgets just what a privilege it is.
I havenât been anywhere since September 2019 and I promise you when the Australian authorities finally unlock our cage Iâm on the first plane to anywhere. Even in the rainy season!
đ€Łđ€Łđ€Ł "...first plane to anywhere" hilarious đ
it really is a privilage. I havent traveled in well over a decade and I envy those that can. It's just about the only thing I want to do.
Oh mio dio! To live in Australia is the privilege! You can travel around the country.
@@user-yt5hs1fz7c Well, actually, we couldn't for a while there, with differing state/territory borders shut. Just to be able to travel freely around Australia now feels like a real privilege :-)
You are such a funny guyđ€©Never have I laughed so much on a travel video đ€Łđ€Łđ€Ł!!!
Those waking up to that view every morning. That just alone is totally worth it. Memory that will truly last a lifetime
Lmao this was a blast to watch. Definition of seeing the humour in things đ
đ this was so sweet. I love your editing style and story telling
HEY MAN! THANKS FOR YOURS VIDEO.... I'M STUDYING ENGLISH BY MYSELF..... AND REALLY YOU ALWAYS HELP ME WITH THIS INFORMATION... THANKS AND GREETINGS FROM BOGOTA COLOMBIA..
Thanks for this video- great advice. Your recreation of the experience using a hair dryer was especially brilliant.
đ
This was so fun to watch, thanks for your hilarious perspective and story telling!
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it and âgotâ it!
Thank you for this, I was trying to explain this to my wife if we go during wet season these inconveniences are not very enjoyable.
You put that in good perspective. We'll keep that in mind for when we visit the Maldives
Iâm glad that you two still enjoyed yourselves â„ïžâ€ïžâ„ïž