THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO TO THE SEYCHELLES

Known for its white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, lush tropical forests and vibrant marine life, the Seychelles is a gorgeous place to explore. This is Katie from Creative Travel Guide and today we share the things to know before you go to the Seychelles. Looking for more travel tips? Make sure to hit subscribe and ring that notification bell. So let's begin with the best time to visit. The best time to visit the Seychelles is from April to May and October to November. When the weather is warm, the seas are calm and conditions are ideal for swimming, snorkeling and diving. When it comes to how to get there, there is really only one way. You can reach the Seychelles by flying into the Seychelles International Airport which receives direct flights from major hubs like Dubai, London, Paris and Johannesburg. Once there, you can travel between the islands by domestic flights, ferries and private boat transfers. When you arrive in the Seychelles, you have a few ways to get around. On the main islands, you can rent a car offering more flexibility while public buses are a budget-friendly option. Of course, you can use the ferries to get to the other islands and then once you are there, you can use bicycles, ox carts or electric buggies to get around. It's important to budget your trip to the Seychelles so here is an overview of the typical prices. Budget guest house or hostel styled hotels will cost you between 50 to 100 US dollars per night, whilst a mid-range room will cost you between 150 to 300 depending on location and season. There are some gorgeous luxury resorts in the Seychelles but these will begin at around 500 US dollars per night, sometimes much higher. You can get yourself some food from a local cafe or a takeaway spot for around 10 US dollars, whilst a sit-down meal in a local restaurant will cost you between 20 to 40 US dollars. However, upscale or resort restaurants will cost you at least $50 per person, sometimes much higher in those more expensive hotels. There are a few ways that you can visit the Seychelles on a budget so here are our best tips. Travel in the shoulder season from April to May or October to November when flights and accommodation are cheaper but the weather is still great. Book flights early and look for deals from major hubs like Dubai or Doha. Budget airlines sometimes offer connecting routes at lower prices. Stay in guest houses, hostels or self-catering apartments instead of the luxury resorts and when island hopping, try sticking to only visiting one or two islands to save money on ferry costs. You can also enjoy the free or low-cost activities such as hiking, swimming, snorkeling and relaxing on the world-famous beaches here. So now let's look at some of the best things to do in the Seychelles. Firstly, relax on Anse Source d'Argent, famous for its pink granite boulders, turquoise water and soft white sand. This is one of the world's most photographed beaches, perfect for swimming and sunset strolls. Then explore Vallée de Mer, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its lush palm forest and home to the rare coca de mer palms. Then go snorkeling or diving around the vibrant coral reefs and marine life around St Anne Marine National Park before enjoying some hiking through the many tropical forests here as well. You can get some amazing viewpoints from places like Mont Blanc. Next up, cycle around La Digue. With few cars on the island, cycling is the best way to explore. Ride past coconut plantations, quaint villages and hidden beaches. There are plenty of day trips and ferries available for you to enjoy some island hopping whilst you are here. We will leave some of our favourite day trip tours in the description below. Try fishing or sailing where you can join a local excursion to experience deep sea fishing or enjoy a sunset sailing trip across the islands. And then make sure to discover Victoria, the capital. One of the world's smallest capitals, Victoria features colourful markets, the clock tower and the botanical gardens full of orchids and giant tortoises. Watch this video to find out the 15 most beautiful places to visit in the world. Then for the top most romantic places to visit in Africa, watch this video. We hope you have an incredible time in the Seychelles and stay creative.