A New Zealand Family’s Trip to Sri Lanka & the Maldives

In this Q&A, Molly, the mum, reflected on the highlights, surprises, and honest moments along the way. We personally love her honest advice on traveling to countries that need tourism the most. 

Q: What made you choose a small group tour?
A: Small group tours are my preferred type of managed tour.

Q: The trip you booked was a guided tour. How did it feel to travel with a guide on this tour? Would you travel with a guide again? Why or why not?
A: Yes I would travel with a guide from G Adventures again. The guides with this tour have been superb and would definitely recommend it over my other small group experiences.

Q: How was it joining a trip to Sri Lanka and the Maldives? Would you recommend these destinations to other travelers and why?
A: For trips to developing countries I would highly recommend seeing Sri Lanka before it becomes another Bali. The honesty of the people we met there has truly made our trip a highlight. Genuine good prices; they don't hike up prices to scam you. It is good to see fair prices for fair work.

Sadly, Maldives has over tourism and the development there including 5-8 boats per snorkelling sites makes it over crowded for the poor sealife.

Q: Were there any parts of the trip that surprised you in terms of quality or value?
A: Due to the floods and landslides some parts of the trip had to be re-routed and missed but the new hotels booked were at a better location.

Q: Would you recommend Bookmundi’s tours to other travelers?
A: Yes.

Q: What made you choose this trip, and was it for a special occasion (e.g., anniversary, birthday, family reunion)?
A: It has a good mix of local culture, adventure, educational elements and community sustainability that made it a valuable experience.

Q: What was a memorable moment or story from your journey that you’d like to highlight?
A: Seeing our kid's first scuba dive moment.

Q: What were your favorite activities or excursions, and why?
A: Amba Estate tea plantation farm was memorable, especially its peaceful and historical sleeping quarters.

Q: Did you try any local food or cultural experiences that you would recommend?
A: The Sri Lankan culture show with fire and drums at Kandy should not be missed.

Q: Did you have any unique interactions with locals, guides, or fellow travelers that made your trip special?
A: Apparently 5 other travelers canceled their Sri lanka trip so with only 8 participants we all got on so well. Everyone was well liked with no dramas.

Q: Did this trip change your perspective on the destination, travel, or life in any way?
A: Yes, don't be afraid to go to a country dealing with an emergency event especially when the clean up is in place and things are settling down. This time is when the local people need more tourists to support their livelihood.

Q: What was the biggest surprise you encountered during your trip to these countries (positive or unexpected)?
A: That the food is similar in Sri Lanka and Maldives but different to India.

Q: Looking back, what was the best part of your entire journey? Do you have a day of your trip that you'd like to relive?
A: Amba Estate was lovely. Lovely architecture!

Q: What would you say to someone considering this tour or destination?
A: No regrets picking this tour for the family, both old and young enjoyed their time immensely.

Q: Any funny or unexpected stories from your trip you’d like to share?
A: Though everyone had their must-do wish list, we found that upon reflection the event that was not even considered for a must do item gave the best experience. One member named like 6 animals to catch on camera but it was the peacock's tail that provided the most Wow-factor but no one had this on their wish list.

Q: Any tips or things you wish you’d known before going on this trip?
A: That Negombo beach is too dirty to swim nor enjoy. The local council should tidy this beach up as it has so many cans, bottles and rubbish.