5 Things We Used in the Maldives & 3 We Didn’t

Maldives Packing Hacks: What We Used & What Didn’t

Packing for the Maldives can be tricky—you want to be prepared without overpacking. After visiting 4 Maldives local islands and 1 resort islands, here are five things I actually used and three that stayed in my bag.

✅ 5 Things I Actually Used

1. Full-Sleeve Sun Protection Shirt - The Maldivian sun is strong and this lightweight shirt kept me cool while protecting my skin during snorkeling and beach walks.

2. Sunblock (High SPF) - An absolute must. Whether relaxing on the beach or on a boat trip, sunblock was essential every single day.

3. Crocs Sandals - Comfortable, waterproof, and perfect for sandy beaches and rocky paths. On our boat tour, we left them on the dock in the open sun for 6 hours and still didn’t find any damage from overheating.

4. Light Portable Foldable Backpack - Ideal for carrying essentials during day trips without feeling bulky.

5. Mini Flashlight - Dhigurah’s roads were pitch black at night with no street lamps. This small flashlight was a lifesaver for evening walks.

❌ 3 Things I Didn't Use

1. Mosquito Repellent - I packed 5 bottles expecting trouble, but mosquitoes were barely an issue. We only used one. The rest I gave to hotel employees on different islands.

2. Extra Coffee & Brewing Gear - Every island had plenty of coffee shops and hotel rooms offered complimentary coffee. Our Tim Hortons coffee and filters stayed unused.

3. Rain Jacket - The Maldives rain comes in short bursts and clears quickly. We carried our rain jackets everywhere but never needed them.

What I Would Do Differently Next Time

Packing smart for the Maldives means focusing on sun protection and practical essentials. Leave behind the "just in case” or excess items. Instead, bring what you'll truly use—like a good sunblock and even a mini flashlight for those quiet island nights. We would still carry our light foldable rain jacket next time but the rest of the items we didn’t use won’t make the cut. The Maldives is all about simplicity, so travel light and enjoy paradise.

Best Travel Shirt for Hot Climates: Columbia Omni-Shade Review

Columbia Travel Shirt: Sun Protection for Tropical Adventures

For travelers who value performance, style, and practicality, the Columbia travel shirt stands out as a top-tier choice. In my latest video, I explore the features that make this shirt a reliable companion for frequent travel. Watch the full review here: Columbia Travel Shirt Review on YouTube.

Designed with Columbia’s Omni-Shade™ UPF sun protection, this shirt is particularly well-suited for destinations with strong sun exposure, such as the Maldives, Thailand, and other tropical regions. The fabric blocks harmful UV rays, offering an extra layer of protection without the need for constant sunscreen reapplication.

In addition to sun safety, the shirt features Omni-Wick™ moisture control, which helps regulate body temperature and keeps the wearer dry in humid conditions. Its quick-dry capability makes it ideal for travelers who prefer to pack light and wash on the go—perfect for multi-day trips or minimalist packing strategies.

Its functionality is further enhanced by hidden pockets, roll-up sleeves, and a lightweight, breathable design. These elements make the shirt adaptable for a range of activities, from urban exploration to outdoor excursions. It transitions easily from daywear to evening attire, maintaining a polished look without sacrificing comfort.

The Columbia travel shirt is not just about convenience—it’s about smart travel. Investing in gear that performs across climates and situations allows for smoother, more efficient travel experiences. This shirt exemplifies that philosophy.

For those planning trips to sun-drenched destinations or simply looking to upgrade their travel wardrobe, this shirt offers a compelling blend of protection, performance, and style.

How To Use AI To Created Perfect Malaysia Itinerary

How AI Created My Entire Malaysia Itinerary: A Travel-Planning Experience with Google Gemini

Planning a multi-city trip across Malaysia can be a challenge, but I decided to let Google Gemini take the lead—and it turned out to be one of the smartest travel decisions I’ve ever made.

I started by asking Gemini a simple question: “What are the best things to see in Kuala Lumpur and Penang?”. It responded with a curated list of top attractions, from the Petronas Towers and Batu Caves in KL to George Town’s street art and Penang Hill. But the real magic began when I started customizing the list. I added places that matched my interests and removed others that didn’t appeal to me. Gemini adapted instantly, refining the suggestions with each conversation.

Once I had my must-see spots, Gemini built a day-by-day itinerary. I asked it to break each day into morning, afternoon, and evening segments, which made the schedule feel more manageable and realistic. It even matched activities based on where I was staying, pulling location data to ensure I wasn’t crisscrossing the city unnecessarily.

One of its most helpful features was Gemini’s ability to estimate travel times and directions. From my arrival at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, it mapped out how long it would take to reach my hotel, and how to get to each attraction—whether by train, Grab, or walking.

My itinerary includes 2 days in KL, followed by a trip to Penang for 3 days, and then 3 more days back in KL before flying to Malé in the Maldives. Every leg of the journey was planned with Gemini’s help, making sure I had time to explore, relax, and travel efficiently.

I plan to share this itinerary on my YouTube channel during the trip, showing how AI can transform travel planning into a personalized, stress-free experience. If you're planning a trip and want a smart assistant that listens and adapts, Gemini is worth trying.

💡 Tips for Using AI to Plan Your Trip

1. Start with broad questions like “What are the top things to do in [city]?”

2. Refine results by telling the AI your interests (e.g., food, history, nature).

3. Ask for day-by-day breakdowns and request time-of-day planning.

4. Share your hotel location so the AI can group nearby attractions.

5. Request travel times and directions to better manage your schedule.

6. Use follow-up prompts to simplify or adjust the itinerary as needed.

AI won’t replace your travel instincts, but it can definitely enhance them. If you’re planning a trip, give it a try—you might be surprised how much easier it makes everything.

BIG Packing Mistake - Why You Should Not Overpack Your Carry-On

Stop Overpacking Your Carry-On and Travel Smart, Travel Light

Traveling with carry-on luggage saves time and avoids hassle. However, the most common mistakes many travelers make lead in the opposite direction if you get flagged by airport security for a secondary screening.

Physical Burden

Besides the physical burden of a heavy carry-on, such as hauling cumbersome luggage through bustling airports, public transit, or flight stairs, the other main disadvantage is that a piece of heavy luggage is more likely to get flagged at the airport for screening and even at the flight gate.

Security Screening

Bulky luggage is hard for scanning machines to inspect, thus security officials need to pull them for secondary screening. This might open the door for longer delays and missing your flights. Also, security officials might get suspicious just by looking at an oddly-shaped, chunky bag and flag you to open and manually inspect it.

Gate Check

Another drawback of carrying a bulky carry-on backpack or suitcase is the possibility of gate check. I have seen this a lot; airlines are forcing passengers to gate check when they conclude that overhead storage will not be able to handle all the carry-on luggage. However, this has never happened to me because I always travel light.

Travel Light for a Better Experience

The joy of not carrying immense weight on your back and not maneuvering through the airport with cumbersome luggage is priceless. Traveling should be an enjoyable experience and not an experience in which you worry about how you are going to make it to your destination.

Packing Tips

Here are some quick tips: 1. Plan Ahead: Make a list of essentials and stick to it. 2. Use Packing Cubes: Organize your belongings and maximize space. 3. Roll Your Clothes: Save space and reduce wrinkles. 4. Limit Shoes: Try to limit yourself to two pairs. 5. Toiletries: Opt for travel-sized items.

Conclusion

Travel smart and travel light to avoid the common pitfalls of overpacking. Your journey will be smoother and you'll have more time to enjoy your trip.

What Are The Different Types Of GMT Watches? Caller GMT vs. Traveler GMT

Caller GMT vs. Traveler GMT: Understanding the Differences

GMT watches are handy for tracking multiple time zones. Two popular types are Caller GMT and Traveler GMT. Let's break down how they work and who they're best for.

Caller GMT:

The Caller GMT watch is ideal for people who stay in one place but need to know the time in another location. It has a GMT hand that you can set to show the time in a different time zone. Meanwhile, the main hour hand stays fixed to your local time. This way, you can easily see the time in another part of the world without changing your local time. This is great for business professionals or anyone with friends or family abroad.

Traveler GMT:

The Traveler GMT watch is perfect for people who travel frequently. With this type of watch, you can adjust the main hour hand to the local time wherever you are, while the GMT hand continues to show the time in your home time zone. This makes it easy to switch between time zones without losing track of home time. It's especially useful for globetrotters and frequent flyers.

Key Differences:

The main difference between Caller GMT and Traveler GMT watches is how you adjust the hour hands. The Caller GMT keeps the local time fixed and adjusts the GMT hand for the second time zone. The Traveler GMT lets you adjust the main hour hand for local time, making it easier for frequent travelers.

In summary, choose a Caller GMT if you need to keep track of another time zone while staying in one place. Opt for a Traveler GMT if you travel often and need to adjust your local time frequently.