Dive travel is supposed to be fun - or at least, that's what we hope. Unfortunately, as with all things in life, frustrations can happen along the way. Luckily, there are some ways to prevent, or at least mitigate, some common frustrations associated with dive travel. Here, we'll explore some methods for ensuring you get the best possible travel experience - no matter where you're headed.
It's All in the Planning
We simply cannot overstate the importance of careful planning. In fact, most travel frustration stems from a lack of appropriate planning! Sure, you plan for every type of travel, even if you're just going to the corner store for a pint of ice cream - but for dive travel, you've got to take your planning further than ever before.
-
Choose your destination carefully. If this is your first time planning a dive trip far from home, look at the whole picture, not just at the dive sites or at the experience you want to have. Be sure you're prepared for the food and beverages, and be sure you understand local customs. Know what to expect, and ask yourself if the conditions you will be encountering are acceptable to you and your travel companions. If they are not, then select a different destination. You'll be happier in the long run.
-
Choose each aspect of your trip carefully. Picking your flights, your accommodations, and your dive charter or liveaboard with great care goes a long way in ensuring that you ultimately feel satisfied with the way things are going. Look for feedback as you plan, and look for feedback that appears to be realistic. Unfortunately, a lot of businesses that rely on travelers as their main source of income post false feedback on travel websites. If something sounds too good to be true, it just might be. Most reliable review sites have a few dissatisfied customers. As the old saying goes, you can please some people sometimes, but you can't please everyone all the time. Base your opinion on the experience most people seem to have had, and spend some time on this portion of your travel "homework." It'll be time well-spent. From ensuring you've got the right vaccinations, to knowing what topside attractions you want to see, planning is sure to save the day at least a few times.
-
Pack with Care. We've provided some specific information on packing for different types of dive travel, so be sure you take a few minutes to check out those posts. Also, don't forget to ask your liveaboard operator or dive shop operators for their opinions about what to bring to various destinations, and what to leave home. Remember to pack your dive knife and other items that could be considered weapons in your checked luggage, so they are not confiscated at the airport. Having your dive gear confiscated or being selected for extra attention by security personnel can be majorly frustrating. While we're on the subject, be sure you can explain what each item is for, and be kind to those security agents while you're being scrutinized.
As the great Winston Churchill once said, "He who fails to plan, plans to fail." This wise saying applies to all kinds of situations - and it's especially true as you consider how to plan for your next dive vacation. So, be sure to take advantage of the many planning tools we offer, ensure you get dive insurance, and ensure you create a backup plan for everything from lodging to dive sites. With careful planning and lots of redundancy, you'll be sure to enjoy your vacation - even if you encounter setbacks along the way.