Emirates capped off a successful Dubai Airshow week, announcing major commitments to expand its fleet, unveiling plans for the latest cabin products and technologies, and forging strategic partnerships to bolster the UAE’s capabilities as an emerging aerospace hub, demonstrating confidence in long-term growth.

The airline’s largest-ever display of Airbus A380, A350 and Boeing 777 aircraft attracted over 82,000 visitors throughout the week, with over 15,000 experiencing Emirates’ Starlink high-speed Wi-Fi aboard the Emirates Boeing 777.

The airline announced a series of strategic initiatives that support its ambitious plans and Dubai’s D33 goals:

Amid the pavilions of the Dubai Airshow, TransFuture Aviation CEO Bai Zhiliang, China’s eVTOL pioneer, presented a bold vision for the next era of flight. With the unveiling of its Honghu fully tilt-rotor eVTOL and a comprehensive roadmap for global urban air mobility, the company positioned itself at the forefront of the emerging low-altitude economy.

My second trip to the Maldives made one thing clear: as magical as these islands are, they’re a destination where planning truly matters — particularly when choosing between a la carte and all-inclusive stays.

If you’re planning a Maldives trip based on Instagram alone, you’re only getting half the story. The Maldives is a destination unlike anywhere else on earth. Once you’re on an island, you’re on that island — no cafe down the street, no quick grocery run, no outside restaurants to wander into. Your resort becomes your world. Which is exactly why the right kind of resort can make or break your trip.

And in the Maldives, all-inclusive isn’t just a perk. It’s a game-changer.

Why All-Inclusive Matters More In The Maldives

Planning your own trip to the Maldives without going all-inclusive is absolutely possible, but it can end up costing you more than money — it can eat up your time. You’ll need to budget for every meal, hunt down excursion vendors, and factor in transfer costs (which add up quickly). With an all-inclusive resort, you eliminate those constant decisions and surprise expenses. Instead, you typically get:

• Predictable costs
• Unlimited access to incredible dining across multiple restaurants
• Included activities like snorkeling, paddleboarding, sunset cruises
• Daily rituals that feel indulgent instead of stressful

Above all, you’ll find a sense of ease that lets you relax into island time instead of mentally calculating your bill or planning every detail of your itinerary.

Read more: Inside The Maldives’ Most Romantic Private Islands

Where I Stayed In The Maldives

On my most recent trip, I split my stay across Vilu Reef, Iru Veli, and Iru Fushi. Each island had its own rhythm, but all three shared something I didn’t expect: a blend of warmth, authenticity, and generosity that made all-inclusive feel less like a package and more like a philosophy.

Staff greeted us with their hand over their heart — a gesture so simple, but deeply sincere. Meal times felt unhurried, with fresh, local flavors and unlimited options. And the best part? My days became fluid. If I wanted a fresh juice by the pool, dinner over water, or a late-night cocktail under the stars — it was all there. No hesitation, no tallying, no second-guessing.

It made the Maldives feel like it should: effortless.

Read more: The Side Of The Maldives Most Travelers Never See

What You Actually Get With All-Inclusive In The Maldives

Here’s what many travelers don’t understand: all-inclusive doesn’t just cover meals. At Sun Siyam, it folds in so many experiences that your days naturally expand.

Included or discounted experiences at Sun Siyam include:

• Snorkeling gear
• Activities like kayaking and paddleboarding
• Cultural nights with music, food, and dancing
• Afternoon tea (which often turned into island story time)
• Spa discounts
• A variety of dining options
• Unlimited selected beverages
• House reef access right from the beach

On my first trip to the Maldives, I stayed on Dhigurah, a local island, and imagined I’d be snorkeling nonstop, but the reefs just weren’t what I’d hoped for. And since the Maldives is a Muslim country, beachwear is limited to designated bikini beaches, which can feel restrictive if you’re used to wandering freely.

At the private resorts, I loved the freedom of being able to wear a swimsuit anywhere, I didn’t need to pack bulky snorkel gear, and the house reefs at Sun Siyam were far better than anything I saw on Dhigurah.

This is why all-inclusive resorts end up being the smarter choice for most visitors. Not because they’re inherently cheaper, but because they make your budget predictable and the private islands give you the kind of underwater access most people imagine when they book a trip to the Maldives.

Read more: The Most Romantic Tropical Getaways For Couples

Who All-Inclusive Is Perfect For

First-time visitors: If it’s your first time in the Maldives, an all-inclusive resort lets you dive straight into the beauty and luxury without worrying about logistics, meal planning, or transfers.

Couples and honeymooners: From private overwater villas to sunset dinners on the sand, all-inclusive makes romance effortless and indulgent.

Water lovers who plan to snorkel daily: With house reefs accessible right from your villa, you can spend as much time in the water as you like without extra planning or cost.

Anyone who wants a seamless, stress-free trip: If your goal is to relax, unwind, and let the Maldives do the work, all-inclusive means no tallying meals, no hunting for vendors, no second-guessing.

Travelers who want to experience everything a resort offers: From cultural evenings to spa treatments, water sports, and curated excursions, all-inclusive gives you full access without worrying about adding up costs.

Who Might Prefer A Different Setup

Adventurers focused on local experiences: Travelers who love seeking local cafés, family-run restaurants, or cultural experiences may prefer to book meals and excursions separately. (Note: If you decide to go this route and excursions are important to you, I recommend booking with a dive resort as they will have more opportunity for daily boat trips.)

Budget-conscious travelers seeking flexibility: If you want to explore a mix of local islands, street food, and budget-friendly guesthouses, paying a la carte can help stretch your money. All-inclusive resorts can feel restrictive if you want to roam outside the resort often.

Travelers with unlimited time and a sense of adventure: If you don’t mind long ferry rides or multiple connections, staying on local islands can offer a slower, more immersive experience of everyday Maldivian life. While I still enjoyed my local island stay, I got more out of my all-inclusive trip — and for the length of travel from the U.S., as someone who isn’t living a nomadic life, I want to make sure I’m using my time wisely.

Choosing Your Villa: Beach Vs. Overwater

All three Sun Siyam resorts offer both, and each one is dreamy in its own way.

Beach villas give you privacy, shade, direct sand, and a tucked-away feel under the palms.

Overwater villas feel like waking up suspended between sky and sea. Private pools, wide decks, and steps straight into the lagoon make them feel iconic for a reason.

I love both — but I’ll admit it: the overwater villas always win me over. There’s something almost surreal about rolling out of bed and slipping straight into the ocean before breakfast. For anyone who loves the water, it’s the Maldives at its purest.

Read more: The Safest All-Inclusive Resorts For Couples

Why All-Inclusive Makes The Maldives Better

After two visits — one a la carte, one fully all-inclusive — I can promise you this: All-inclusive makes the Maldives feel the way you imagine it in your dreams. Effortless, luxurious, unrushed, and full of moments that feel expansive rather than restricted.

The Maldives is one of the most beautiful places on earth — but it’s also one of the most remote, and the costs reflect that. Choosing an all-inclusive resort isn’t about limiting your experience. It’s about removing the friction that keeps you from sinking into it fully.

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The post Before You Book the Maldives, Read This About All-Inclusive Resorts appeared first on Ordinary Traveler.

Jackson, sits in the west-central part of the State of Mississippi, near the Pearl River, is the capital and the biggest city. Its central location, major highways, and airport made it an obvious starting point for a fly-drive tour—offering easy access to the state’s scenic byways, Civil Rights sites, and cultural attractions.

It is often referred to as the “City with Soul,” and having recently visited it, as part of a wider visit to the state, I can see why. It is a melange of history, culture, food, music and genuine Southern charm. From its pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement to its burgeoning culinary scene and surprising recreational offerings, Jackson offers a compelling blend of past and present, making it a captivating destination for any visitor.

For my brief visit, I stayed at the historic and locally infamous Fairview Inn, which, for a first-time visitor like myself, was a wonderful place to stay, not only for its Southern-style comfort but also because it instantly gave one a sense of place. You are in the South! Located in the Belhaven neighbourhood, it is also ideally placed to visit the city’s main attractions and restaurants.

Hal & Mal’s

One of those is Hal & Mal’s. This iconic restaurant, music and comedy venue has been a Jackson staple for decades. It is known for its hearty Southern fare, and so I indulged in a Mississippi Catfish (tastes like Cod) Po Boy, a soft baguette with shredded lettuce, tomato, mayo and pickle, served with absolutely delicious, seasoned crisps. Jazz music was played by a trio who, in typical jazz fashion, each member had their solo sessions with associated facial contortions resulting in informed applause from those in the audience who were ‘in the know’. I, whilst I enjoyed the music, remained silent in ignorance until the music stopped. I met the leader of the trio during a break, and he informed me that only last year he had performed on BBC Television with Jools Holland – impressive stuff. Throughout the year, the venue offers diverse musical genres performed by local bands right through to national touring artists, which, when coupled with its welcoming, unpretentious atmosphere, makes its popularity very understandable.

Elvie’s Restaurant

I also experienced some of Jackson’s finest cuisine at the award-winning restaurant Elvies (not Elvis who spent a lot of time in Jackson). Here, they serve a unique “Mississippi French” cuisine, blending classic French bistro elegance with Southern culinary traditions and ingredients. Amongst the sophisticated dinner options, I started with a Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail followed by one of the signature dishes, Redfish Almondine, which had almonds, Georgia brown butter, capers, charred lemon, parsley and buttered lettuce. It was delicious, and the whole establishment is a showcase for seasonal, ethically sourced ingredients.

As far as award-winning is concerned, Elvie’s has received notable recognition, including being named one of the New York Times’ 50 Best Restaurants in America (2022). Post my visit, no coincidence, I am sure, it earned a 2025 MICHELIN Guide Bib Gourmand for its excellent food at moderate prices.

Country Club of Jackson

As a keen golfer, I had the opportunity to tee off at the Country Club of Jackson, one of the courses on the PGA Tour Rota. In fact, I was one of the first players to take on the course after the Sanderson Farms Championship, which was won by World top 100 player, Steven Fisk, just a few weeks before. The course is magnificent with understandably very fast greens and the penal rough, the like of which I have never encountered before. Bermuda Grass, which is not long but has the adhesive qualities of Araldite. The nicest aspect of my golf experience was not, however, the quality of the course but the quality of the company I kept. Three members invited me to play in their regular lad’s competition, and immediately I was struck by their ability to make me feel at home, part of the gang and an object of friendly ridicule. I later found this act to be typical of Mississippian behaviour and it shows in every aspect of life. As far as my quality of play is concerned, we will draw a diplomatic veil over it but a par putt of 25 feet on the last surrounded by the spectator stands left over from the professionals meant I could wave to the non-existent crowd with my head held high.

Mississippi Civil Rights Museum

Nestled in the heart of the city, the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum demands attention—not just for its moving exhibits, but because the era it explores seems to echo through every corner of the state, its presence woven into daily life. Jackson is no different and it’s refreshing to witness, observe, talk and learn at institutions and landmarks such as this museum to get a greater perspective of the events that have helped shape the Mississippi of today.

Through the use of immersive exhibits, interactive displays, and deeply personal narratives, visitors are guided through the courageous battles fought for equality. From Emmett Till, a black teenager killed and dumped in the Tallahatchie River by white extremists, to the Freedom Riders and the work of local civil rights activist Medgar Evers, who was assassinated outside his house at the height of his powers. I spoke for an hour to Hezekiah Atkins about his encounters with the local police force, as he got arrested at a Freedom Ride protest in the early 1960’s and only the intervention of President Kennedy enabled his release.

The Freedom Rides were a prolonged act of defiance in the USA by blacks and whites to draw attention to the illegal segregation that was happening in the South during that period. Hezekiah was, as a thirteen-year-old, not deterred by his experience and was eventually arrested over one hundred and twenty times for protesting. The museum not only educates but also inspires, leaving a lasting impact not only on me but surely on all who walk through its doors.

To my mind, Jackson, Mississippi, is a place where the echoes of pivotal historical moments resonate deeply yet are fused with modern Southern culture, all wrapped up in a blanket of genuine warmth and hospitality.

 

You may also like:

• The land of the Mississippi
• Travel Guide: Missouri

The post Jackson – why you must make a stop at Mississippi’s “City of Soul” appeared first on The Travel Magazine.