| Planning you next dive destination means | | | | the diving equipment you will be |
| a lot more than just picking a spot you | | | | bringing with you. You need to know if |
| want to dive. Just as with any dive, | | | | your choice of airline will allow for |
| preparation is the key to success. You | | | | everything and what type of rules are |
| should read all you can about your dive | | | | applied to certain pieces of diving |
| destination and make sure you have all | | | | equipment. |
| of the most recent information. | | | | Lets get more specific about dive |
| That includes weather patterns and | | | | equipment and related items. I think |
| forecasts, charters, hotels, and | | | | everyone knows by now, any sharp |
| transportation as well as anything else | | | | instrument in your carry-on luggage will |
| that pertains to your diving adventure. | | | | be confiscated. That expensive new dive |
| Even if you have been somewhere before, | | | | knife you bought? Gone if you put it in |
| you need to make sure everything is | | | | your carry-on luggage. The same goes for |
| still the same as the last time you were | | | | all sharp objects like scissors, nail |
| there. | | | | files, and even nail clippers. |
| Lets talk about some of the normal | | | | Most dive destinations will be able to |
| things you need to have before you leave | | | | provide you with air tanks, but if you |
| for your dive destination. Some of these | | | | are thinking of taking a spare air tank, |
| tips apply to any type of vacation. | | | | make sure you remove the valve so there |
| Is your passport up-to-date and signed? | | | | is no compressed air in it at all. And |
| Have you checked to see if you will need | | | | keep in mind there are weight |
| a visa to enter the country that you | | | | restrictions that differ for each |
| plan to travel to for your dive? You can | | | | airline. You will be charged extra for |
| search online for travel warnings and | | | | more weight or in some instances not be |
| announcements for the country that you | | | | able to check in more than a specific |
| plan to visit. There is also something | | | | weight at all. |
| called a Consular Information Sheet that | | | | Check with the airline that you are |
| explains all of the rules for visitors | | | | planning to use about weight |
| to a particular country and it can be | | | | restrictions well in advance. For |
| found online as well. | | | | instance, American Airlines at one time |
| Also search online for tourist | | | | allowed you to take an extra air tank |
| information and local customs and | | | | for an extra $90. They may have changed |
| services you might need. Being familiar | | | | their policy by the time you read this. |
| with your dive destination is very | | | | The last thing you want to do is show up |
| important. Remember the unexpected can | | | | at the airport the day you had planned |
| cost you money and possibly even ruin | | | | to leave and finding out you cannot |
| the whole trip. | | | | board with your dive equipment. |
| You also need to plan for your flight to | | | | Some pieces of dive equipment you may |
| your dive destination. Traveling with | | | | not see as a problem may very well be a |
| your dive gear is much more involved | | | | problem with airport security, |
| than just taking a normal flight, | | | | especially airport security in some of |
| especially with new security | | | | the countries you plan to visit. |
| restrictions and other changes at | | | | If you take anything from reading this |
| airlines. | | | | article, I hope it is that you need to |
| First of all, you need to plan your trip | | | | plan your dive trip in advance, |
| far in advance if you want things to run | | | | especially where the airlines are |
| smoothly. You need to call the airline | | | | concerned. Have a great dive trip! |
| you are going to use and tell them all | | | | |