Kurt Kucera

Scuba Diver, Car Enthusiast, Outdoorsman

Historical Sites to Visit in Key West

by

For people wanting to vacation to beautiful spots within the US, there are a large number of places to check out. One of the vacation hot spots in the US is the Florida Keys, and it attracts many tourists and travelers from around the world each year. There are a lot of different things to see and do when you visit Key West, Florida. Some of which are fun outdoor sports including, snorkeling, scuba diving, jet skiing, boating, fishing, and many more.

The great thing about Key West, Florida is that there is so much to see and do that is not only outdoors and water-related, but it also offers so much history to be explored. Let’s take a quick look at five of the best places to check out when you plan your next vacation to Key West.

Harry S. Truman Little White House
Harry Truman came to Key West during the winter months and utilized this spot as his vacation home. Because he worked extensively during those vacations, they named it the “Little White House” like a home away from home. The structure was initially built and used as naval command headquarters in 1890 during the Spanish-American war as well as World War I and II. Truman wasn’t the only president who vacationed here. In fact, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter also used this spot during their time in the Keys. Tourists can visit The Little White House and check out the history that has gone into it.

Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
Many people already know that Ernest Hemingway’s home in Key West is a historical landmark and will come to the island just to check it out. He is a well-known literary icon and was not born in Key West, but he had a house in which he lived in for less than ten years. Tourists can take tours of the house and the grounds and check out the space in which many believed he wrote some of “A Farewell to Arms” as well as “For Whom the Bell Tolls.”

Key West Cemetery
The Key West Cemetery is a spot you don’t want to miss out on seeing during your trip. It is very different from many other cemeteries you will find anywhere else in the world. In the authentic Key West quirky style, tombstones are left with quotes that are the typical inscriptions you would think. A very famous quote from a tombstone reads, “I told you I was sick,” and another, “I’m just resting my eyes.” On each burial, spot resides quite a few people piled on top of one another because it is a spot many want to be buried and remembered.

Top Rated Diving Locations of 2019

by

Each year scuba divers from all over the world rate the best places and destinations they’ve been during the previous season. One of the greatest things about this is that other divers can read all about the best places to scuba dive and plan for their next vacation based upon these reviews. Of course, everyone takes into consideration divers with real in-person experience from each of these spots, so it’s no wonder these types of articles are so well received.

Scuba Diving Magazine takes a poll from its readers to gauge the best scuba diving spots around the world. The list goes into detail and shares each of the destinations based on diver choice and what the place offers in regards to visuals and what you will be diving for. The vote was taken from over 5,000 readers which gives it a significant edge to be as accurate as possible. The great aspect of this list is that it is also broken down by the type of diver you are. Let’s “dive” into some of the best destinations.

One of the most significant ways to look at scuba diving destinations is to review the best overall and all around dive locations by the different regions. Within the Atlantic and Caribbean region, Mexico, the Cayman Islands, Bahamas, Bonaire, as well as Turks and Caicos are among the top five. The Pacific Ocean, the Indian Ocean, and the Red Sea include Hawaii, Indonesia, Galapagos, the Philippines, and Fiji, to name a few. If you’re looking for places a little more local where you may not have to spend all the travel money to go abroad, here are the top five locations within the United States and Canada that include the Florida Keys, California, the Great Lakes, Florida Panhandle, and Washington. If you live close to any of these places, you already know you are in prime diving territory.

In reviewing some of the other relevant categories, Scuba Diving Magazine breaks each region’s top five into the follow which includes, big animals, macro life, wreck diving, cavern, cave and grotto, shore diving, beginner diving, advanced diving, underwater photography, and the best value. This yearly recap of destinations serves as a great way to get the best out of your next diving adventure and make sure you experience precisely what you came for.

Water Sport Destinations Around the World

by

People who love water sports, understand there are certain places you must go in order to surround yourself with the best conditions. Water sports are in other words, any sport you practice out on the water. This includes scuba diving, surfing, jet skiing, snorkeling, swimming, wake boarding, and sailing, just to name a few.

When you’re an avid water sports enthusiast, you understand the importance of doing your research to find the best spots to travel to in order to practice your chosen sport. Luckily, theSports Daily has been able to put together a list of the best places to vacation that provide perfect locations for water sports.

El Puerto de Santa Maria
In El Puerto de Santa Maria, located in Spain, is home to some of the best wind conditions for Windsurfing. Anyone who is a dedicated Windsurfer understands the need for perfect conditions, which is why competitions are held all over the world. This is one of the hot spots to check out when deciding on an adventure vacation in Europe.

Brisbane and Honduras
If you are planning on traveling to Honduras or Australia for vacation, it’s best to check out what all they have to offer when it comes to scuba diving. Brisbane provides some of the most beautiful underwater sites, including secret treasure and interesting wreckage and tragedies in the oceans. The marine life is a site not to miss while diving in Honduras. Each of these destinations also has more affordable options when it comes to scuba diving while getting to experience some of the most beautiful oceans in the world.

Galapagos Islands
If you plan on visiting Ecuador for your next vacation, the Galapagos Islands is the place to be in order to see a vast array of marine wildlife. Because they are so well known for their diverse wildlife population, it is one of the best places to venture to and enjoy an adventure under the sea while snorkeling.

There are many destinations within the United States and all over the world that offer up the best spots to enjoy the water sport of your choice. Each of the cities listed has affordable options for any budget so that you don’t miss out on a once in a lifetime travel experience. As springtime rolls around, it may be a great time to start looking into your summer vacation destinations to ensure they include your favorite water sports!

3 Top Diving Watch Brands

by

When you’re an avid scuba diver, it’s essential to have the most updated and high tech equipment to make sure each dive is your best. Many divers choose watches based on durability, style, and overall use. One of the significant things that have come to be over the years is that dive watches aren’t necessarily always explicitly used for diving. The design of dive watches is known to be the most durable and waterproof. The sport yet classic design is also what draws a lot of buyers into the dive watch market.

Cressi Manta Watch
The Cressi Manta watch runs a little under $200 for some of the more price conscious divers. The watch is waterproof up to 328 feet/100 meters with unidirectional rotating bezel, mineral glass display, and a longer strap which allows room to wear with an exposure suit.

Seiko Prospex SNE518
The Seiko Prospex watch is around the $450 price range. The design of a Seiko dive watch is like no other and stands out among the rest. This particular model is both light and solar-powered that runs up to 10 months.

Citizen Promaster 1000M Professional Diver BN77020-17E
The Citizen Promaster is one of the most expensive model dive watches coming in around $2,300. One of the significant perks of the watch is that it has been built to endure deep depths of over 3,000 feet with a helium relief valve. With an extension band built in the strap, the hands and markers glow for more than five hours, powered by any type of light.

Three of the top diving brands are listed above and have multiple options depending on what you are looking for in your style of a dive watch. Cressi, Seiko, and Citizen are among the best and have many different offerings that utilize the best diving technology. Thankfully, no matter what your price range is, you can find the best options for you.

When you know a watch is going to look great and last a long time, you are willing to spend the necessary money on achieving what you want. Although dive watches are used by everyone and not just scuba divers, divers know they are getting a great purchase with these models that will last through each dive.

 

2019 Spring Travel Destinations

by

Since we are starting to get into some of the coldest months of the year, it’s never too early to start planning your spring vacation. Right now you can see a lot of great winter discounts depending on where exactly you want to travel to. Your destination choice will also be contingent upon the activities you want to participate in and the type of weather you want to enjoy. Each travel spot offers different sites and activities for a vacation by yourself, with friends, a significant other or for the entire family. Now is the time to start looking forward to your spring vacation. Let’s take a look at some of the hot spots for 2019.

Mexico
Los Cabos, Mexico offers a vast array of marine life. It also houses one of the largest protected national marine parks in the world, which make it a perfect spot for anyone looking to add some wildlife to their vacation plans. Los Cabos offers many different experiences including the chance to pick your produce and prepare a meal with one of the visiting Chefs who own the local restaurant, Los Tamarindos.

Belize
Palencia, Belize is very different from other areas you would visit that include an extensive amount of resorts. Palencia is known as a fishing village with many beautiful styled homes that has become more and more popular. The new luxury resort, Itz’ana is making waves and creating a vibrant and cultured atmosphere for travelers. The resort uses Mayan artifacts to add to that culture and give visitors a piece of history.

Australia
Australia, specifically Brisbane, is becoming one of the most sought after cities to visit. With many historical sites and beautiful new architecture, there are so many things to do and see. The Brisbane river is one of the top attractions for locals and tourists alike. Labeled as the “river city,” they offer river cruises overlooking the beautiful city and landscape, restaurants, and tons of local culture spots.

Florida Keys
Since Hurricane Irma, the Florida Keys have been able to revamp and re-open a large amount of their best tourist locations and create updated and new hotel openings that are urging travelers to come vacation from all over the world. If you’re looking for a beautiful destination without traveling outside the US, Key West is an excellent spot for you. Key West also offers historical attractions in being the home of the novelist, Ernest Hemingway.