Monday, June 14, 2010

Snorkeling And Diving Vacation Tips

By Adriana Noton

Scuba diving and snorkeling are always a popular vacation activity. Snorkeling is particularly easy and fun for every family member, including the children. Scuba diving and snorkeling allows people to view a beautiful under world not often seen. When planning a scuba diving and snorkeling vacation, it is important to be aware of such considerations as what to bring and safety measures.

1. When you are booking your flight, it is important to tell the airline that you are a diver and you may require a larger baggage allowance. As well, find out if there are any additional fees for extra baggage and what preparations have to be made to ensure there are no issues when checking in. Remember, you will likely be bringing a tank, air regulator, supply regulator, pressure gauge, tank harness, pair of diving fins, snorkel, and face mask and fins. If you book your flight through a travel site, you may be able to get a cheaper price if you pay ahead instead of paying when you check-in.

2. If you are going to a warm destination via flight, it will be easier to make sure you do not exceed the maximum baggage weight allowance. Just try to pack as light as possible. If you do exceed your baggage allowance, you will have to pay extra baggage fees. Airlines differ in their baggage weight policies. For instance, Air Transat will allow up to 20kg (44lbs) of scuba-diving equipment without charging any extra fees. Air Canada will count one piece of equipment as one piece of baggage.

3. You have to consider the financial loss if your equipment was lost or stolen. You can protect yourself if you acquire travel insurance. As well, your travel insurance should have enough medical coverage if you require medical attention. Read over your policy to make sure you have the right amount of coverage.

4. You should be able to fit some items in your carry-on bag. For instance, a face mask, scuba dive computer, certification documentation, and the log book can easily fit in a carry-on bag. It is important to remember that items deemed dangerous such as a diving knife will not be permitted on the plane. Other items such as snorkel, fins, wetsuit, etc, will go with the checked luggage.

5. It is important to have a medical kit that contains essential medical supplies. This can include: sunscreen, ear drops, band aids, decongestants, and sea sickness pills, etc.

Scuba diving and snorkeling are fun activities that will make a vacation extra special. Most resorts that are located directly on or near an ocean or gulf will offer some sort of snorkeling or scuba diving. Rent scuba gear from a rental company. When scuba diving, it is important to know your limits. It is important not to do anything that could cause you serious injury. When you are finished diving, make sure you take a day to relax before flying home as it is dangerous to fly right after scuba diving. You will need 12 to 24 hours to evade decompression illness. The most important tip for a snorkeling and diving vacation is to have lots of fun.

About the Author:

No comments: