Maldives

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued an update for a sun-soaked holiday hotspot and warned that there have ‘been fatal accidents’ in the area

The Foreign Office has issued a travel warning for a hugely popular holiday destination that welcomes thousands of Brits every year.

On Wednesday, 15 April, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) updated its travel advice for the Maldives. They warned about swimming safety in the Indian Ocean, with the Maldives renowned as a hotspot for snorkelling, swimming and watersports due to its crystal-clear turquoise waters.

While the waters around the Maldives are appealing, the FCDO warned that they “can have strong tidal currents that can drag you away from the shoreline.” They noted that more than eight Brits have drowned in the area since 2021, and urged everyone to be aware of the risks and understand how to minimise them.

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In an updated warning, they said: “You should read the security information provided by your tour operator and make yourself aware of local swimming conditions on arrival at the resort. Keep in regular contact with resort staff to see if these conditions change.

“Only swim in well supervised areas, areas designated as safe for tourists, or where lifeguards are available. Pay attention to warning signs or flags and avoid swimming in areas with strong currents, high waves or dangerous underwater conditions. If something does not feel right, get out of the water at the earliest opportunity.”

They further highlighted: “Being aware of the potential dangers will help you to stay safe. Always take local advice before going into the sea.

“There have been fatal accidents involving boat propellers in the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA) and nearby whale shark tourism sites. Regulations requiring propeller guards are not yet fully enforced. Take extra care when swimming or snorkelling near boats and follow local safety instructions.

“See water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.”

The FCDO doesn’t advise against travel to the Maldives, but it has warned that “escalation in the Middle East has caused widespread travel disruption”. This has resulted in airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights, which could impact “connections to and from the Maldives.”

For anyone planning a trip to the Maldives, the Foreign Office advises the following before travelling:

• “Check travel advice for any countries or territories you are transiting through
• Check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator before travelling
• Review your travel insurance policy to confirm what is covered
• Monitor local and international media and sign up for FCDO travel advice email alerts”

In further travel advice for safety in the Maldives, the FCDO highlight that terrorist attacks “cannot be ruled out”. They state: “Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.”

For more information on travel advice to the Maldives, visit the Foreign Office website.

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With pristine white-sand beaches and azure waters, this European destination has been dubbed an affordable Maldives alternative by a flight attendant

Everyone’s heard of the Maldives, but there’s a budget-friendly alternative that’s just as beautiful, and a flight attendant couldn’t recommend it more.

The Maldives is perhaps one of the most well-known destinations, with luxurious island resorts, ocean villas, azure waters, stretches of pristine sand shores and an abundance of tropical sea life. Yet a getaway to the islands can come with a hefty price tag, in addition to a long-haul flight of around eight hours from the UK.

While it’s undeniably striking, there’s a European destination just three hours from London that Adam Hodge, 35, who has worked as Wizz Air cabin crew for eight years, said starkly resembles the Maldives. What’s more, Wizz Air offers flights to its capital from just £19.99, so you won’t need to fork out thousands for a slice of paradise.

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Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, Adam, who hails from Newcastle but is based at Luton Airport, said: “Albania has similarities to the Maldives, especially with its beachy vibes, lovely sun loungers, and its aquamarine waters. If you want to do a city break, it’s brilliant, or if you want to do a beach getaway along the coast, and towards the top, you have the European destination alternative to the Maldives.”

The Albanian coastline stretches along the Adriatic and Ionian seas, with some of the most beautiful beaches found along the Albanian Riviera in the south. With crystal-clear turquoise waters and unspoilt white-sand beaches, they have been hailed among the most beautiful in Europe, with the Ksamil Islands being a notable highlight.

Dhërmi and Jale Beach are another standout spot for those looking to soak up the rays on the beach, with the addition of beach parties and vibrant bars. But it’s not just the south coast; the northern shores offer a quieter alternative, with stunning beaches nestled among bays and hidden coves.

Having spent almost 10 years flying to various destinations, Adam has been able to explore some of the lesser-known holiday spots, with Wizz Air operating more than 750 routes across Europe, Africa and the Middle East. And Albania, the uncrowded location away from other Mediterranean hotspots, remains high on his list of places to visit.

Adam said: “Albania is definitely one of my favourite destinations, and I’d say that it’s one to watch out for. Plus, it’s good to try somewhere lesser-known.

“It’s got everything which is great, and it’s very good value for money. Some of the destinations we fly to are not using the euro currency, so actually you do get a little bit more value for money with the destinations out of the euro currency as well, when it comes to eating out, drinks and destination activity trips.”

One particular destination in Albania that Adam recommends is Tiranë, also known as Tirana, which he said is “very up-and-coming”. Adam noted: “It not only has the city aspect of it, but nearby, it also has the beaches and coastal areas, so it has the best of both worlds.”

He added that Albania is “somewhere a bit different that people might not necessarily realise is out there”, and noted that its appeal is only going to grow. “We fly to Albania four times a day from London Luton, which tells you that the destination is becoming popular.”

Aside from the affordable Wizz Air flights from London to Albania, you won’t need to spend much once you’ve landed, either. Albania remains one of Europe’s most budget-friendly destinations, with reasonable accommodation, dining, and transport options.

For those looking to enjoy “pleasant temperatures with fewer crowds”, Wizz Air suggests visiting in spring or autumn, while the summer months see “peak beach season” with temperatures of up to 30C. But the country is also ideal for a winter getaway, with cities to explore and diverse landscapes to hike through.

For more information about Wizz Air flights or to book your next trip, visit their website.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

THE average Brit has enjoyed three ‘holidays of a lifetime’ – with Maldives, Tokyo and the Great Barrier Reef among top destinations.

Previously considered something taken once in everyone’s life, Brits are finding new ways to make travel a priority with 46 per cent believing dream trips are more achievable than 10 years ago.

The poll of 2,000 adults found stunning natural scenery (50 per cent) and luxury accommodation (45 per cent) are the top criteria for making somewhere a holiday of a lifetime.

And 71 per cent have used loyalty points to help them book a trip that would previously have been out of reach.

The research comes as Virgin Red releases its fourth annual report, The Points Index, ‘Living the Dream Holiday’, revealing the shift in how the nation values loyalty points in a bid to unlock ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ holidays.

Data from the firm showed that in 2025, adults were using reward points to attain these trips, with 31.2 billion points redeemed across its travel experiences, marking a 13 per cent year-on-year increase.

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In the UK, point-spending peaks are in May and July and highest in September, potentially coinciding with back-to-school fatigue.

The survey also found 21 per cent who might book a big trip, would do so to celebrate a milestone birthday.

A third (34 per cent) are currently in the midst of planning a big holiday, with 39 per cent prioritising beach and relaxation holidays abroad – and only 19 per cent opting for shorter getaways.

Other key elements of a once in a lifetime trip include exceptional food and drink (40 per cent) and experiences unique to the region’s culture (38 per cent).

Of those who took part in the study by OnePoll.com, nearly three quarters (74 per cent) have paid for either part, or the full price of a flight with loyalty points, while 29 per cent have used points to upgrade flights.

Andrea Burchett, chief loyalty officer at Virgin Red, said: “Loyalty is fundamentally reshaping how consumers think about travel.

“Trips once seen as ‘once in a lifetime’ are becoming achievable, as consumers increasingly treat points as a strategic currency.

“Even amid economic uncertainty, points are helping consumers prioritise meaningful travel, loyalty is helping make it possible.”