As the date of a diver’s next getaway approaches there is so much to look forward to. We all daydream about that first decent into clear warm water, while hoping the big storm of the winter will blow by while we are immersed in 82 degree water and gorgeous sunsets. When we get home we will regale our family and friends with our tales of underwater adventure, while we secretly plan our permanent escapes from the “real world” so we can live in paradise.

The one thing we do not anticipate with glee about is traveling to and from our vacation destination. Our adventures usually begin and end at the airport. Some “adventures” can be avoided or at least minimized with a little planning, so that the diving adventures are the highlight of your trip.

Do your Homework

Get in touch with the airlines that you will be traveling with to get the facts on baggage size and weight limits. Airlines based in the USA generally have higher weight limits than airlines in other countries. So be sure to check the baggage size and weight limits of all the airlines you will be flying. Also check with the hotel at your destination to see what it will provide. If you can survive with the local soap and shampoo, there is no need to pack it.

Plan Your Pack and Pack Your Plan

Start out by making a list of all the items you need on your trip. You may want to categorize the list by what bag it is to go into and whether it is a carry-on item. A few days to a week before you leave, gather all of the items on your list and pack them in your bags. Now weigh your bags and compare the weights to the baggage limits set by the airlines. If your bag will not fit on your scale consider purchasing a digital fish scale to weigh your bags.

 Are there full sizes of toiletries in your bags? If so, can you get by with some of the items the hotel at your destination will provide and/or can you get smaller travel sizes? Most hotels provide hair dryers, so if you can persevere a week or two without yours leave it at home. One thing you should not try to save space on is medicines. Any medicine you need should be packed in your carry-on baggage.

Most of us over pack and we will need to determine what we can live without while on our trip. Sometimes you have to be strict with yourself. Start by trying to eliminate duplicate gear. So you really need two sets of fins, if so keep them on the list. Are there “just in case” items that you are packing? If so, ask yourself if you can make do without them. Most dive resorts will have staff that can assist you if a piece of gear needs an on-site repair. So packing your entire dive toolkit probably is not necessary, except for a minimal “save a dive” kit.  Also, consider upgrading your BCD if you have not in many years.  Manufactures offer many light weight BCD options without giving up comfort and functionality.

Clothing weight can really add up fast if you are not careful. First consider where you are going on your trip. If you are going on a live aboard dive vessel you won’t need as many clothes as you would if you are going to a land resort where you will dine out each night. Next, plan out the clothes you will need each day and pack only what you will need. You can also reduce the amount of items you have to pack by utilizing quick-dry articles of clothing that you can give a quick hand wash to and leave out to dry.  Look at how many t-shirts are you packing. If you are planning on buying t-shirts for yourself as souvenirs why not purchase them the first few days of your trip and wear them while you are there? Shoes can be a touchy subject but they also can be fairly heavy. Again, analyze where you are going on your trip. Usually you will need only three pairs of shoes; a comfortable pair for traveling, a good pair of boat sandals, and a pair that will be kept dry that will be used when you are done diving for the day.  If you need dressier shoes try to reduce the number of pairs you will need by selecting neutral pairs that can go with multiple outfits.

Once you have whittled down what you will take with you on your trip it is time to re-weigh. Hopefully, you will be below the weight limits set by the airlines. If not, you must try to eliminate more items from your baggage or be content with paying the excess baggage surcharge. If you decide that you will just pay the baggage surcharge, be aware that there is a limit to the excess amount of weight the airlines will let you bring onboard. 

How to Pack

Luggage gets lost. All of your bags should have a good quality luggage tag on it that identifies each bag as yours. Also, make sure each bag has your contact information inside the bag. Any item that you cannot be without for a few days, such as medicines, must be packed in your carry-on. It is also a good idea to pack one day’s worth of clothing, a bathing suit, and any dive gear that is personally tailored to you, such as a mask, with prescription lenses in your carry-on bag. Sometimes the pressure changes in the cargo hold has strange effects on Dive computers so it is best to put them in your carry-on bag. Fragile items, such as camera equipment, should also be carried on to the plane. If you have more room (and the strength to lug it through the airport) you can put your regulator and BCD in your carry-on as well. Remember your  passport, certification cards, and logbook; these should be in your carry-on bags. Finally, do not pack cash or credit cards in your checked baggage.

Knives and tools must be in your checked luggage. For the safety of security officers and to protect the rest of your gear, wrap any sharp objects securely. Rules have recently been changed regarding items that can be carried on. You should check the TSA website for the most current rules. (http://www.tsa.gov). Protect your clothing from getting wet while your bags sit on an uncovered tarmac by packing them in plastic bags. Zip-Loc makes large bags for this purpose.

Arriving at the Airport

Airlines over sell their flights. Unfortunately, we have had divers who arrived at the airport two hours before their flight left, only to be bumped from the flight. Even though two hours is generally enough time to get to the departure gate, there are other factors that may throw a monkey wrench into vacation plans. For international flights, we recommend arriving at the airport at least three hours before your flight leaves. If your flight leaves first thing in the morning, plan on being at the ticket counter when it opens. If you live an hour or more away from the airport, consider booking a room at an airport hotel for the night before. This will force you to have everything ready the day before you depart instead of the day you depart. In the event you forget something, you have time to run home and get it. Many hotels will let you park your car for the week at no additional cost.

Smile and Go with the Flow