Small Aircraft Considerations

    While you may start your journey on a wide-bodied jet, it may be necessary to transfer to something more capable of landing on a tropical island's short runway. Be mentally prepared, if this is the case.
    There's nothing particularly worrying about flying on a small plane, but if you have never flown on anything smaller than a 747, flying low enough to be able to see the waves cresting when you look out of the window can be disconcerting, if you are not prepared.

Baggage

    If you pack all your belongings in one large bag, there may not be enough room on a small aircraft, which means your bags will come later. Not very convenient, if 'later' is a day or two. Consider packing several smaller bags. There is a greater chance of losing something this way but far less chance of losing everything.
    Don't try to bypass airline rules regarding the size of carry-on bags. You not only inconvience yourself and others, it adds considerably to the danger. Not only in the event of a serious accident (which are fortunately rare), but more people are injured by carry-on luggage than the type of accident that makes it to the evening news. The only scuba gear that deserves to be carried on board is your regulator, and perhaps your mask. Everything else can be rented if it is lost.
    Golden rule: travel light!

Ground Transport

    Find out what transport to expect after you land. Will you be picked up at the airport by the resort's own bus, or must you arrange your own taxi? Find out how best to do this and how much the taxi fare should be.
    Even if you are promised a pickup, determine how to reach the resort by yourself just in case, including bringing sufficient local currency to pay the taxi.

Documentation

    Make sure your passport is in order and up to date, and that you have all necessary visas well in advance.
    Check with your travel agent or nearest airport health authority for recommended and required immunizations for the country you are visiting. Do this sufficiently far in advance of your trip - some inoculations require a double-dose with some weeks between injections.
    Don't forget your diver certification card and dive log. And if you intend to complete some training, remember to take the appropriate documentaion from your local instructor.

Previous Next