Kurt Kucera

Scuba Diver, Car Enthusiast, Outdoorsman

How to Travel and Dive Responsibly During the Pandemic

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A year into the Covid pandemic, many people are eager to get back out to travel. Preparing in advance is essential at this time. Anyone can have a wonderful and safe trip, full of great experiences and memories, but only by putting in the effort. 

Travel Planning

Before booking a trip, be sure to check into the travel restrictions based on location and type of transportation. Whether it is a country, U.S. state, or city, many places have their own rules. Venues may also have travel restrictions based on the location. For example, Walt Disney World in Florida and Disneyland in California are in two states and must comply with their respective state’s rules. For other countries, check the embassy website, which should provide covid guidelines. While it is rare to find travel insurance for Covid, carrying some travel insurance is a matter of good practice. Also, plan to bring along any documents, such as medical insurance cards, that could be useful in an emergency.

Covid Testing

Some countries and places require Covid testing before a flight. Check if rapid Covid testing is available while you wait, like at the Denver International Airport, or the requirement is to have a negative test three days in advance, which is the rule in the United Kingdom.

Covid Gear

There are several items every traveler should take to protect themselves from Covid. First, bring several masks. It may be easier to use disposable masks and throw them away after each use. However, if a cloth mask is more comfortable, be sure to bring enough for each day. Next, pack hand sanitizer as it may not be readily available. Finally, if possible, bring a forehead thermometer for venues that take body temperature before entry to any venue. Some businesses have the right to refuse access to their locations if customers do not meet body temperature requirements. 

Social Distancing

During travel and while at any venue, try to maintain social distancing. Some places have markers for social distancing or guides to remind visitors of the rules. While social distancing is not possible in every situation, it is best to observe the six-foot rule when appropriate.

Finally, enjoy the trip! Preparing in advance can give travelers the peace of mind they need to enjoy the sights and activities that drove them to travel in the first place.

Top Rated Diving Locations of 2019

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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.

2019 Spring Travel Destinations

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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.