A DIVE VACATION, “UNDER THE SEA”
BY CLAY LARROY
There
is nothing more exciting than travelling. Whether you are going for a road trip
to see something new in your own state, or heading off to somewhere for the
very first time to visit a city you have always dreamed of, there are some travel basics that you should
know. Travel in the
off seasons from November to April, to avoid crowds,
save money and enjoy temperate weather. In those months, many families with
children cannot travel due to school commitments, making many tourist
attractions much less crowded. This may also result in lower costs for airfare
and hotels. When
you are ready to plan a vacation contact me!
The
weather at your destination will greatly affect your dive experience. And
unfortunately, when traveling great distances, it is not easy to cancel at the
last minute without losing some or all of your deposits. Keep your eye on the
weather and be careful about booking travel during times of the year, for
example hurricane season in the Caribbean, when you’ll have an above-average
chance of trip disruption. Ask your travel consultant to check on the
cancellation policies available from the tour operator or resort and if travel
insurance is available for severe weather events.
As
mentioned, a key consideration for any dive vacation is how much time you want
to devote to diving. Some resorts offer diving opportunities as one of many
activities for visitors, and only one afternoon of an entire week might be
devoted to diving. Other destinations, however, center all activities around a
full diving schedule, and travelers find themselves below the surface for hours
each day - then usually relaxing at night with a big meal and a cold drink.
If
you are going with a group, early in your planning, determine how much diving
each traveler wants to do so you can choose the best location that offers
interesting and alternative activities. Remember, too, that diving is an active
sport with a small, manageable risk element. If the skill levels in your group
vary greatly, your destination and tour operator should take those differences
into account; if this is the case, you might not be able to dive together,
unless the more experienced divers chose to do easier dives. Many dive centers
will offer a range of dives allowing you to meet up with others in your group
between dives. If you plan to travel with children, make sure that your travel
consultant checks with the destination or tour operator about the
appropriateness of the trip and alternative care, if needed.
You
will most likely have a range of likely accommodation options, from budget to
deluxe hotels. There are also "live aboard" options where you sleep
on a boat and dive from the boat during the trip; if you go this route, you are
likely to sleep in a twin bed cabin with limited space. However, if you want to
maximize your diving opportunities, a live-a-board might be your best option.
Imagine diving in the morning, enjoying lunch in the sun, diving after lunch
and then reflecting on the day and making plans for tomorrow as you cruise to
your next spot, watching the sun go down. These arrangements typically include
high-quality meals and air for two dives per day in the package price. A couple
of days on dry land at each end of your trip will give you a chance to enjoy
life above the water as well.
While
almost anyone can dive, make sure you are prepared for the physical demands of
the trip and that the dive area is within your skill level. Some dives involve
strong currents or extreme depths, so knowing what’s in store and getting a few
hours of preliminary dive time at comparable depth and terrain will make your
time on vacation more productive and enjoyable.
In
addition to considering physical demands of a dive vacation, be aware of any
indigenous diseases in your chosen destination, such as malaria or yellow fever,
and protect yourself against them. As early as possible in the planning stage,
consult a physician to determine what shots and other precautions you need
prior to travel. Importantly, also consult your physician and dive masters
about your flight schedule and appropriate wait periods before your first
airline flight and after your last dive prior to flying to prevent problems
with nitrogen build-up in your blood from the compressed air in your dive
tanks.
Your
tour operator no doubt will provide a complete list of recommended clothing and
gear. In general, however, it is a good idea to pack as lightly as possible to
ensure you can carry all of the equipment you need with you. Most airlines
charge for excess baggage, and diving equipment tends to be heavy. Most
airlines will carry empty cylinders, but consider renting your cylinders and
weights at your destination to save baggage costs. Remember that diving knives
must be packed, not carried on. Some localities do not permit spear fishing
equipment, so check prior to your trip. If you do travel with your cylinder,
you will have to remove the pressure valve during travel. Many destinations
will have rentals of all equipment available, so just confirm the availability
during your planning stages. You will almost certainly want to pack your own
mask and flippers as these will need to fit perfectly. And remember to bring
along your certification card, which is required by most dive locations, in
addition to a logbook, sunscreen, and any necessary international travel
documentation, such as your passport and visas. Prescription drugs should be
carried with you, not checked. Work with your travel consultant to check in
advance that your airline will be able to take everything you want to carry
with you.
You
may be asking, is dive travel safe? It is important to remember that diving in
new surroundings will always entail a greater degree of risk. So play by the
rules, listen to your tour operator and dive master, and stay within the limits
of your skill level. The basics of safe diving apply in every instance, no
matter where you are. Use the buddy system, be smart about your dives and take
the same reasonable precautions you would in any unfamiliar dive territory.
Drinking and diving? Allow adequate detox time and be responsible. Finally,
remember standard precautions about airline travel post-dive.
The
costs associated with your dive trip will be your transportation to the
destination, your transportation at the destination and to the dive sites, your
accommodations, your food, any dive master services and any additional
activities. Tipping should also be considered as an additional expense. Many
tour operators cover all, or some large portion, of these items in the cost of
their tour. Work with your travel consultant to determine exactly what is
included and what’s extra to avoid last-minute surprises.
Dive
travel is almost more than a hobby, it can be a way of life. Come on in, the water’s
fine.
REFERENCE SITES:
http://www.travelresearchonline.com/
It's a beautiful thing,
diving into the cool crisp water and then just sort of being able to pull your
body through the water and the water opening up for you.
Dawn Fraser
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