Packing, Travel, Resort Info, and Diving Tips
for the ScubaBoard SURGE 2019 to Curacao
Well, we are getting closer SB SURGE 2019 to Curacao!!!!!
I thought we could touch base on some of the great ideas and info
that everyone has on preparing, packing, travel, the Resort and dive related tips.
For some this is old hat, so share your knowledge.
I’ll get things started… Here are some of my tips and info.
Any new info that I update to these 4 initial posts along the way will be in GREEN,
so you won't need to search for changing information!
General Travel Info
CDC Destinations/Travelers Health Info
While we have no issues that necessitate recommended vaccinations you should always consult with your doctor prior to leaving the country.
Curaçao Tourist Board
Map of Curacao
Map of Curacao
Downtown Map
History and Culture of Curacao
History and Culture of Curacao
Travel Checklist
I have a travel checklist that I keep on file and printout for each trip. We'll send it out in the next email and you may use it if you like or make your own list. The list includes everything that might be needed. If there's something on the list that doesn't apply to this trip, I just cross it off. I also include things to do like stopping the mail, newspaper, contacting your cell provider if you want service there, and calling the credit card companies to inform them that I will be going out of the country so they don't cut you off in mid-trip.
It's also a Good thing to start packing early, in case anything needs to be serviced or repaired before you go.
DON'T FORGET These Items when Packing!
Airline tickets/info for going and return flights
Bay Adventures Travel Vouchers for the Resort and Diving Reservations. All voucher have been mailed out. One part is for your transfers to and from the airport if applicable. One part is for your ResortRoom Reservations. And One part is for Diving if applicable.
Passports (I also make a copy of it and put it in my carry on)
Driver’s License or if you don’t have one, some other form of picture ID.
Diving Certification Cards or E-Cards (I also make a copy of them and put it in my carry on.)
Oceans Encounters Diving Waiver - Print, fill out and bring with you along with the diving vouchers from Bay Adventures, and your certification cards to check in at the dive shop once you are settled into your room. (Skip the 2nd page if you're not using Nitrox)
DAN and Health Insurance Cards
ScubaBoard Waiver (Cardzard has emailed it out to everyone. Please print, fill out and bring with you to the welcome party.)
Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's always good to have cash. Small Bills (1’s, 5’s, 10’s and 20’s go a long way) (Some of the restaurants or shops don't accept credit cards or $100 bills if you plan on venturing out on the island.) Visit www.oanda.com or www.xe.com for current rates for those traveling other than from the US.
Prescription Medication (Keep it in the prescription bottle with your name on it) And always bring a few days extra in case you have travel delays along the way.
Over the counter medications and first aid items that you may need.
Please keep in mind, we are on an island and many items are not readily available.
Especially allergy medication if you have ever had an allergic reaction. A med pack for traveling with items such as band-aids, sports wraps, Benadryl, Imodium, Advil, bug bite cream etc. is a good thing to have.
Sunscreen (Try to use products if possible for the coral reefs health)
Sunscreen (my favorite Stream2Sea | EcoConscious & Biodegradable Sunscreen.
Hats
Bug spray (Insect repellent is recommended and is also sold at the resort.) Near sunset and sunrise are the worst time for mosquitoes) Here are a few products, www.reefsafesuncare.com. Here's a comparison of the Best Insect Repellents with Deet. Also, don't leave your door open or you may invite them into your room.
FYI Did you know that if you put hand soap on a bite right away, leave it on and don't scratch it, many times it will alleviate the itch and swelling.
Woolite or those all-in-one washer sheets if you plan on washing the funk off your clothes or dive wear in the sink/tub. Especially great when you're staying longer than a week.
Clothespins and lightweight rope. They help when hanging items up for drying and to keep them from blowing off the porches.
A light jacket, it goes on the plane with me as well. (Many of the airports and sometimes the planes can be very cold.)
Tennis Shoes if your planning on going on Island excursions. Much of the island is very rugged with cactus and spiny plants.