Travel Tips
The following suggestions have been put together to make your travel planning easier. We welcome feed back from all travellers and if you have any information you think may be helpful please email it to us.
PASSPORTS AND VISAS
Check your passport for its expiry date. Many countries require you to have at least 6 month's validity beyond your intended stay. Check visa requirements for all intended destinations. Most visas must be issued prior to arrival and are usually obtained in your country of residence. Some countries do allow for visas to be issued on arrival. It is always a good idea to carry spare passport photos.
TRAVEL MEDICINE (link)
Allways consult your local doctor before travelling
MONEY AND CREDIT CARDS
Credit cards are generally acceptable in most countries and you are unlikely to have problems with well known cards - Mastercard, Visa, Diners Club, and American Express. There are some exceptions to this. There are now a host of schemes available for cash overseas via your bank. However, bear in mind the destination which you are travelling to. It will be some time before remote locations in Asia and the Pacific have all the latest technology available in Europe and the USA.
All countries have banking facilities and will exchange Travellers Cheques. It is best to stick to well recognized brands such as Thomas Cook, American Express, etc.
Most international arrival terminals in airports around the world will have a bank where you can exchange money. This may not be the best rate of exchange but if funds are needed you can always change a small amount. For most Pacific/Asian countries you will not be able to purchase currency prior to arrival. (Generally, this practice is not recommended in any case, as it is the most expensive way to change money). Usually the best rate of exchange is obtained in town at a bank or official money-changer. Avoid changing money at your hotel.
A canvas money belt is a good method of carrying your money and passport.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Like the ad says, "Don’t leave home without it". All travellers should take out a comprehensive travel policy to cover them for the entire duration of their trip. If you are a member of DAN, dive related medical requirements are covered. But DAN will not cover you in the case of a non-dive accident, travel delays causing mis-connections and additional expenses, stolen wallets, lost passports and tickets, and a list of scenarios that would take too much space to cover.
DIVING EQUIPMENT
Don’t forget your Certification Card. Without this you will NOT be allowed to dive.
Ensure that your gear is serviced before departure. Carry a selection of spares, especially computer batteries - some brands only have a 3 month lifespan. Remember, availability of parts is extremely limited in remote destinations.
Check the water temperature for your destination. You may not require a wetsuit. For summer in the tropics, a lycra suit is recommended for protection against coral cuts.
A "safety sausage" is a good addition to your equipment - especially for drift diving. A small strobe light is also a great safety consideration. These items may save your life one day.
After diving, soak all your gear in a warm bath. Salt and sand will shorten the life of your equipment if not removed.
UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT
Carry your film requirements and any spare parts that you may need if you are diving in remote locations.
Load your camera into its housing in an air-conditioned room if possible. This will prevent condensation problems. Take plenty of time putting the housing together. Many a camera has been flooded by rushing to a dive.
Keep camera housings out of direct sunlight whilst on the dive boat. Cover with a towel or keep in the cabin, if possible.
ELECTRICITY
If you need to re-charge your equipment, check to see that there is a compatible electrical supply. Also electrical pin configurations vary from country to country. You can purchase a universal adapter which will cater for all eventualities. These are generally available from good department stores that have a travel goods section.
BAGGAGE LIMITS
The international weight limit for baggage in economy class is 20kg or 44 lbs. Some airlines will permit an extra allowance for dive equipment. However, on inter-island flights in light aircraft these limits may be reduced and excess baggage will be charge.
Remember, it is best to pack light. People invariably carry too many clothes. If you are travelling to Asian/Pacific destinations, you will only need lightweight casual clothing.
HELPFUL HINTS
Carry plenty of sunscreen and wear a hat. In the tropics you should be especially careful of the sun, even on overcast days as exposure will cause sunburn.
Drink plenty of fluids (water, fruit juice, soft drinks). Watch your alcohol intake as this can cause dehydration.
Avoid coral cuts as they can cause infection and are very slow to heal in the tropics. If cut, rinse and use an antiseptic cream immediately.
TRAVELLING ALONE OR IN A GROUP
If you are travelling solo and planning a holiday with shore based diving, most resorts and hotels will charge a single room supplement. Most holidays are quoted as "per person" and are based on two people sharing a room. Some locations have dive lodges where it is possible to have share accommodation - usually dormitory style. Liveaboard dive vessels will accept single passengers on a share basis.
If you would like to avoid paying a single rate, join one of our group departures and we will match your booking with another diver. Click here to look at our Group Departures.
