Essential Facts
Currency
The Seychellois Rupee is the currency of the islands of the Seychelles. Though you may rarely use the currency itself as Euros and Credit Cards are accepted everywhere. It is advised to convert some of your Euros or Dollars into the local currency if you plan on making purchases at local stores or markets, otherwise all major 3-5 star hotels will accept other currencies.
Language
Seychelles has several national languages. French, English and Seychellois Creole are the three main languages, and most everyone can speak English. Most people you’ll meet work in the tourism industry, so that makes communication fairly easy.
Best time to go
The best months to travel to Seychelles are April, May, October and November. These are generally times inbetween the very hot seasons and have the best weather all round, with clear skies, blue waters and cool nights.
Climate
Seychelles has a tropical climate with maritime influences. The temperature is a balmy 25-30 Degrees Celcius and rarely dips lower than that. Seychelles can be visited at any time of the year, but be cautious some months do offer rougher seas and seaweed on some of the beaches.
Ideal traveller
Seychelles is a destination for adventurous travellers looking to explore uncharted or barely inhabited islands. If you want to dive, swim or snorkel in pristine waters, Seychelles is the perfect place. You can also hike, golf, fish, and participate in many activities on the islands. 
Getting There From North America
Major Airports
Flights go through the only major airport in Seychelles, found on the island of Mahe. Seychelles International Airport is the primary gateway to the archipelago. All flights to the outer islands fly out from this airport.
Major Air Routes from the United States
In the United States, most major cities have connecting flights to the Seychelles either through Paris, Doha, or Dubai.
Major Air Routes from Canada
In Canada, most connected flights go from either Vancouver or Toronto flying through Paris, Doha or Dubai.
Essential Sights of Seychelles
Anse Lazio, Anse Source d’Argent
These are some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The white blue sands and the crystal clear waters are some of the most photographed in the world. Both these beaches also feature the granite rocks that are a staple in pictures of the Seychelles. A sight you truly have to see yourself.
Valle De Mai
At the heart of Praslin Island is the Valle De Mai national park. It is a park and hiking trail that leads to the highest point on the island. On the way, you can learn about all the flora and fauna endemic to the Seychelles islands including the famed Coco de Mer. Free tours are offered every morning in English and French.
Beau Vallon Beach
This is the most happening beach in all of Mahe. There are bars and restaurants that dot the beach, with the occasional 5 star hotel. It is the best place to spend a day when you are on the island of Mahe.
Other Highlights of Seychelles Off the Beaten Path
Aldabra Island
Part of an atoll around 1000 km from the main island of Mahe. While the island is difficult to access, this has given the giant aldabra tortoise free reign on the island. There are some 150,000 giant tortoises on the island of Aldabra. You can take a day trip to the island via helicopter, or be part of a charter ship, taking you to the island and back.
Essential Seychellois Foods to Try
Seychelles Cuisine is a mix of French, European and Indian food. Staying here allows you to try some beautiful breads, alongside dals, curries, and more traditional indian food. Seafood is also a staple on the islands, and everyone has their own recipes and secrets to cooking the perfect fillet of fish. Some dishes you must try are the salted fish, the chicken/lamb curry, and definitely the sosis rougay, a dish with sausages and a gravy of tomato, onion, garlic and ginger.
Tips for Sustainable Travel
Seychelles is already known as one of the most eco conscious island destinations in the world. As a rule they do not allow water sports activities for fear of disturbing their precious reefs. In addition to that, travellers can take different steps to ensure that they leave the Seychelles just as they first saw it.
Carry a reusable water bottle - Plastic bottles are expensive and harmful to the environment. Leave the plastic, and pick up a water thermos for yourself. This will also keep the water at the temperature you want it. Also, avoid accepting plastic bags if they’re offered. You shouldn’t need them in Seychelles.
Visit local restaurants. Not only will you enjoy better meals, but this will go a long way in helping the Seychellois people in maintaining Seychelles the way they want.
Where to Go Next
If you’re going all that way, there are a few destinations you can connect to a Seychelles vacation. You could use the hubs of Dubai or Doha to check out a corner of the Middle East. If you’d rather check out more exotic beaches, then your options would be Madagascar, Zanzibar, and Mauritius. If you crave an adventure, India is only a 5 hour flight away from Seychelles and has many connections back to North America.
6 Jul 2020, 3:43 p.m.
