Kurt Kucera

Scuba Diver, Car Enthusiast, Outdoorsman

Post-Covid Travel Trends

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The coronavirus pandemic has brought huge changes to what people expect from their flights and travel companies. With the new possibility of travel bans as well as a reluctance to travel too far from home for a host of safety reasons, people are changing when and how they travel. Check out these four major travel trends affecting travel companies and the payment industry as a whole.

Local travel or staycations

More tourists are choosing nearby or local vacations rather than traveling to other countries. Alternative modes of travel like car rentals and train trips are increasing while crossing country borders is becoming less common. This trend has been in part caused by the recent pandemic, keeping families at home or only traveling to other nearby, safe communities. Alternative modes of travel often offer more flexibility in their booking schedules and adherence to safety concerns.

Sanitary, safe facilities

Tourists and leisure travelers are becoming more selective in which company they want to travel with and where they want to go. Safety, comfort, and cleanliness have become huge factors in whether or not a traveler will book tickets. Travelers are more likely to book with facilities they find clean and safe. Cost and schedule availability have only recently made a comeback in terms of importance, but safety is expected to continue to be important.

Booking flexibility

Since the beginning of the pandemic and flight bans, travelers have been looking for more flexibility in their travel dates. More flights are being booked closer to the departure date rather than weeks or months in the future. Flexible bookings with refund options have become key to travelers who aren’t sure when another travel ban will restrict their vacations out of the country. An easy dispute process, card protections, and zero traveler liability have become essential features to many travelers across the globe.

Travel sustainability

Sustainability in the travel industry was coming into focus before the pandemic and now has reached an all-time high in public concern. Travelers are looking for smaller travel times and local options rather than traditional mass tourism trends. Sustainability is a key feature that many consumers are considering when booking tickets or planning trips.

Best Locations for EcoTravel and Diving

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There are many places in the world that can be called “eco-friendly” locations. What does this mean? A place with a high percentage of wildlife and natural habitat, as well as low pollution levels. This is an important list to know about for those who want to travel responsibly and see the beauty of nature first hand. The five best eco-friendly destinations for travelers include:

 

1) Belize – Known as one of the most beautiful countries in Central America, Belize offers not only great diving opportunities but also incredible eco-tourism opportunities too.

 

2) Jamaica – Jamaica has been ranked among some of the top five spots on Earth by National Geographic Traveler magazine due to its rich biodiversity, white sand beaches, and Jamaican culture.

 

3) Galapagos Islands – The Galapagos Islands are one of the most incredible islands in the world for diving enthusiasts due to their abundance of wildlife and unique features. Along with this, there is plenty of ecotourism opportunities on land as well.

 

4) Great Barrier Reef – The Great Barrier Reef is one of the largest and most beautiful coral reefs in the world. Starting from Australia, this reef will take divers to some of the most incredible corals and fish they have ever seen.

 

5) The Maldives – With over 1,000 islands filled with palm trees and white sand.

 

6) Madagascar – This Island is the fourth largest in the world and is home to some of the most unique wildlife. Currently, less than 5% of Madagascar’s native forests are intact, which makes ecotourism opportunities on land more important.

 

7) Indonesia – The Coral Triangle in Indonesia is known as one of the richest ecosystems on Earth for its biodiversity, coral reefs, and a wide variety of marine life.

In conclusion, the world is full of many different eco-friendly locations for travelers to visit. It is worth noting that there are different places that can be visited and happen to provide a critical and analytic framework that can be used to analyze the situation. The different locations are fundamental when trying to have an overview of the specific components which are associated with the situation. These are just a few of the top ones that are available.

Freshwater Diving Sites to Add to Your Bucket List

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If you’re looking for a new place to explore underwater, then look no further than one of these freshwater diving sites! Freshwater dives are often overlooked and don’t get the same attention as salt water dives. However, they can still be just as beautiful. If you want to see some of the most gorgeous underwater landscapes that exist on this planet, then read more below.

Mato Grosso Do Sul, Brazil

This is one of the most popular freshwater diving sites in all of South America! Mato Grosso Do Sul, Brazil contains a beautiful combination of natural saltwater lagoons and mineral-rich freshwater springs. This creates a unique mixture that has never been found anywhere else on Earth.

Molokini, Hawaii

Though this site is technically a volcanic crater, it still qualifies as one of the most impressive freshwater diving sites in all of Hawaii. Molokini Crater is located near Maui and contains an underwater portion. The state allows only 100 divers per day to visit this site, so make sure you plan ahead if you want to go!

Lake Tahoe, Nevada

This is another amazing site that combines freshwater and saltwater. This lake in Nevada has a depth of about 650 feet, which makes it perfect for divers who are looking to explore the depths. If you’re lucky enough to visit Lake Tahoe during wintertime, then make sure you check out its frozen underwater landscape!

Lake Baikal, Russia

This is the deepest freshwater dive site in all of Russia. This lake has a depth that reaches over 1612 feet! That’s almost half a mile underwater. If you’re looking for an adventure, then head to Lake Baikal.

Lake Tianchi, China

This is known as the “Heaven Lake” in China. It’s actually a crater lake, which means that it formed from an extinct volcano. The depth of this site reaches almost 1442 feet (that’s more than half a mile!), making it one of the best freshwater diving sites to visit if you’re looking for extreme adventures!

If you’re looking for a new place to explore underwater and add to your bucket list, then look no further than one of these freshwater diving sites. You will experience some of the most beautiful landscapes on this planet and have a truly once-in-a-lifetime adventure that you will never forget.

Where to Dive in the Philippines 2021

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Good times have come for those who missed sea life in the Philippines after restricting outdoor activities to contain the Covid-19 spread.

The Department of Tourism allowed the opening of these diving spots for limited guests.

 

Sogod Bay in Southern Leyte

Southern Leyte gets popularity from the diving sites along Sogod Bay. It contains over 25 unspoiled sites with pristine reefs and healthy corals. Visitors also see frogfish, octopi, sea turtles, pygmy seahorses, and gigantic white sharks at particular times of the year.

 

Tubbataha Reef, Palawan

Tubbataha, a popular dive spot, was established in 1988 as Marine Park. Unesco made it a heritage site in 1993 because it hosts impressive biodiversity. In addition to diving, visitors can see 600 fish and 360 coral specials. They also come across 13 species of dolphins and whales. Note that authorities allow all domestic tourists to enter El Nido for leisure. Tourists of all ages without comorbidities and underlying conditions can enter. Minors should visit in the company of their parents or guardians.

 

Dauin, Negros Oriental

Dauin is a small municipality that is 30 minutes away from Dumaguete city has 18 different dive areas. Anyone who likes searching for life in the silt will find exhilarating five diving sites. An artificial dive site name “the Ginama” is one interesting spot. It is the middle of old car tires and now hosts a lot of marine life. Divers also find many marine attractions off the Dauin Coast. They include barracudas, crabs, cuttlefish, reel fish, and sea turtles.

 

Siquijor Island

This small island is a diving paradise with more than 10 diving sites around the isle’s waters. In addition, Siquijor has two marine sanctuaries, spots for much diving, and walls to dive in. A sunken Island reaching down to 40 meters is an excellent spot for experienced divers, although the different dive areas suit even the beginners. Each sanctuary has its set of marine life, including barracuda, turtles, cuttlefish, and reel fish.

 

Moalboal, Cebu

Moalboal in Southern Cebu holds an attractive array of marine life, including fish. It is a place for beginner and veteran divers to swim with frogfish, sardines, sea turtles, and white tip sharks, among many other species. Sardines spawn in the cool waters gathering off the coast at a place where divers can easily spot them.

 

Boljoon and Alcoy, Cebu

Boljoon and Alcoy municipalities provide a good quiet spot for macro divers. The expansive reefs along the islands house various rare life like the Lembeh Sea dragon and green sea turtles. These Cebu towns are open for travelers searching for a getaway.

 

Malapascua, Cebu

The blue waters of Malapascua Island are a popular diving spot. It is a place with many dive sites for beginners and seasoned. The visitors swim with thresher sharks at Monad Shoal and explore various underwater caves in the surrounding. They may also go for the popular resident white tip sharks of the Gado Island.

Diving in Croatia

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For all of those who have never tried scuba diving before, but always wanted to, Croatia is the place to go. With dozens of crystal clear springs, there are fish so colorful they don’t seem real. Sealife in this country is plentiful and you will be amazed at what lives in the water just beneath your feet. Diving in Croatia can be done by all levels of divers with one of the best spots being Trogir’s Castle on the island of Krk.

Top Reasons to Scuba Dive in Croatia

The Water is Pristine and Clear

Croatia’s waters are famously blue. Its lakes and rivers glisten and so do its seas. There are lots of fish and coral reefs in Croatia. And the best part? The fish don’t seem to mind visitors.

Various Islands to Visit

Visitors can explore the beautiful islands of Krk and Hvar, which are two of the most notable. Meanwhile, other islands can be found on the Croatian coast such as Culinary Island and Cres. These islands are a great way to begin your scuba diving experience.

Relatively Cheap Diving Courses

While the prices of courses may fluctuate, Croatia is not too expensive when it comes to scuba diving courses for beginners. In fact, there are numerous ways to find the money you need to pay for your classes and gear.

Warm Sea Temperatures

If you want to dive in a warm climate, then Croatia is the place for you. The sea temperature ranges from the high 60s to the low 70s in Fahrenheit, perfect for new divers and veterans alike.

Unique River Diving

Not only can you dive in pretty lakes and seas, but Croatia also has many rivers for divers to explore. The most popular river dive site is the River Plitvice, which is a series of lakes that flow into one another. Unlike many places where there is a strong current, the Plitvice’s water is slow-moving.

Exceptional Underwater Scenery

The scenery beneath the surface of the water has to be seen to be believed. The visibility here is great which means that you can explore the depths of the sea with both a camera and your eyes. The underwater scenery in Croatia can be said to be among the most beautiful in the world.

Safe Diving Environment

Croatia has one of the lowest drowning rates in Europe, so it is a safe place to learn how to dive. With good training, you are less likely to be hurt by accidents on the water or while diving.