Read the Brochure

    Having determined the type of diving you want to do and the area you want to visit, check out the various resorts in that area.
    Read the brochures from the resorts carefully. Find out if the pictures of the rooms are the same as one you plan to book. Many resorts have a range of rooms at different prices and will surely print pictures of their best. If you are booking the cheap rooms, make allowance for the difference. Call the resort and ask them about it - a telephone call will easily answer the question.

Establish a Budget

    It is best to spend a little more for quality accommodation rather than have the lack of comfort spoil your vacation. Stay closer to home for your dive site, and save on airfare, if this is a problem.
    Remember, the price paid for a fabulous vacation is sooner forgotten than the disappointment of a lousy one!

Save Money

    Book early. Not only will this prevent disappointment, it can sometimes result in lower room rates, especially if you agree to a non-refundable deposit. If you are organizing a group dive trip, book all the rooms at once. A multiple room reservation can sometimes get you reduced rates.
    Buy airline tickets early, too, and take advantage of low fare advanced bookings.
    Travel agents earn a commission on dive vacation packages they sell. Experienced travellers may consider making all arrangements themselves and asking the airline and resort for a reduction in lieu of the agents' commission. You won't always get it, but it's worth asking. However, if you are not an experienced traveller, use an agent and let them earn their commission - there are many benefits to be gained from having a travel agent work on your behalf.

Consider Home Stay and Home Exchange

    Instead of paying out for a hotel, consider economical alternatives - Home Stay is where you are the guest of a family in your chosen location. Home Exchange is where you swap homes with someone from the area of your choice - (See home exchange). The Youth Hostel Association is a worldwide organization that offers very economical boarding.

What's Included?

    Make sure you know what is included and what is excluded from the accommodation package.
    Are meals included? Are all meals included? Taxes? Tips? Transfer costs? Airport or Departure fees?
    What else is there to do? You won't be diving all the time - Is use of the tennis court included or at extra charge?

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