Travelling to a new place could be exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. This is especially true for first-time travelers who don’t have enough knowledge of the destination they are about to visit. While it’s true that they can learn about it on the spot, it still wouldn’t hurt to make advance preparations before actually booking that flight.
One of the top choices for many travel enthusiasts is the spectacular country Malta. This tropical paradise may be the smallest nation in the European Union, but it has tons of things to offer. From fascinating history and breathtaking heritage sites to crystal clear beaches and flavorful delicacies, this Mediterranean spot is sure to give you that unforgettable travel experience.
If you’re planning to visit Malta and Gozo, there are several factors you have to consider first to avoid any inconveniences during your stay. Just like any other trips, the results of your stay will significantly depend on how prepared you are before setting foot on this spectacular destination.
Here are some useful tips that will definitely come in a handy before visiting Malta and Gozo.
MALTA IS SMALL IN SIZE, BUT IT TAKES TIME TO EXPLORE THE AREA
By now, you’ve probably heard that Malta is relatively a small country. That being said, it’s inevitable to assume that this place can be easily explored in as fast as two days. But don’t let its size deceive you. In reality, it takes longer time than expected to get from one place to another.
One factor that causes this is the country’s dense population. It may be small in size, but it’s home to over 430,000 locals, making it quite a busy place. It is also worth noting that Malta is jam-packed with historical sites and bustling establishments, thus making it crowded, especially during peak season.
To avoid these inconveniences, you might want to consider visiting the country from September to November when tourist crowds are gone, and the weather is still ideal. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the country without the hassle of heavy traffic and overcrowded locations.
LOCALS CAN SPEAK ENGLISH, BUT IT WOULDN’T HURT TO LEARN A FEW MALTESE PHRASES
It’s common knowledge that when you are visiting a foreign country, you have to learn a few useful phrases in their native language. Not only will it be easier for you to communicate, but it will make the locals feel more comfortable socializing with you.
While it’s true that many Maltese people can speak English fluently, it’s still best to give a good impression by using their local language. For beginners, you might want to start practicing the phrase Grazzi ħafna (Thank you very much) and Jekk jogħġbok (Please). You should also make an effort in learning other phrases that you can use when asking for time, directions, prices, and other important queries.
IT’S PERFECTLY SAFE TO DRINK TAP WATER IN MALTA AND GOZO, BUT YOUR TASTE BUDS MIGHT NOT LIKE IT
Although Malta is surrounded by water, access to clean drinking water straight from the tap remains to be a problem. While it’s true that the country’s tap water is safe to drink, many tourists and locals alike are still having doubts about its cleanliness.
Tap water in Malta and Gozo is basically desalinated seawater or water that has gone through the process of reverse osmosis. The process makes the water potable but leaves a distinctive aftertaste.
As an alternative, a lot of people turn to bottled water, which isn’t that expensive at all. If you are heading to Malta or Gozo anytime soon, you might want to prepare yourself by buying a water bottle with an inbuilt filter. That way, you wouldn’t have to spend money on bottled water during the duration of your stay.
CHECK FOR HOLIDAY DEALS
Travelling to a foreign country could be really pricey. Aside from spending money on food and souvenir items, you also have to prepare a budget for your accommodation.
Before booking a flight, make sure to check on Malta holiday deals. Typically, there are several special offers from hotels around the country that are sure to attract more travelers. You can take advantage of these deals to bag a bargain hotel or book something more luxurious than you originally planned.
If you’re persistent in looking for the best offer, you can find a good deal as early as 6 months ahead of your travel. Some hotels even allow you to book as far as a year in advance. This will give you enough time to prepare for the trip financially.
GOZO IS NOT FOR A DAY TRIP
A lot of visitors who travel to Malta tend to take a quick day trip to Gozo. But what they failed to realize is that Gozo is not for a single day trip. In fact, you can’t see the island’s true beauty in one day.
This small island may be a third of the size of Malta, but it is definitely packed with spectacular tourist spots and activities that could keep you busy all day. To fully appreciate Gozo, you have to spend at least 2 to 3 days exploring the place at your own pace. Don’t squeeze in your itinerary and rush your visit. Take your time and bask in the beauty of this marvelous island.
“Tropical Paradise” is stretching it a bit – Malta is nowhere near the tropics and, whilst it has a mild climate, it is far from tropical. However, having been there, I concur that it is well worth a visit. We rented a local flat for a week and found the bus services quite good (and thus did not rent a car). Rabbit dishes seem to be ubiquitous on restaurant menus and we found many of them very good – although it is probably true to say that I am more fond of rabbit than my wife.
Professorabe : Should that final line read “I am more fond of rabbit than my wife is”
🙂 Yes, indeed!