No, I'm not offering an around-the-world dive trip at unheard of prices, just reflecting on my last really big trip as an example of how it can be done without breaking the bank.
My boss doesn't pay me whether I'm at work or off on a trip, but at least he let's me take the time off to do some really great trips. These have included three months in Europe, almost three months circling the northern and southern Pacific Ocean, and two months in Belize and Honduras. This post is about my 2001 trip around the Pacific. Keep in mind that the value of the US$ is much less today than it was back then.
First, I look to air consolidators such as Air Brokers Intl. and buy routes that hit the major dive destinations I'm interested in. For the Pacific trip, they had a fantastic fare of $1,600 for the following itinerary (see maps below):
I stay at hostels and guest houses for the most part with expenses far less than the hotels or resorts most choose. I had water front bungalows with private bath for as little as $3 (in Thailand) and the most I spent was $25/night in Hong Kong.
Although I researched dive operators in some areas, I usually relied on local advice regarding who to dive with. I believe I did about 60 dives during the nearly three month trip.
The TOTAL for this trip was about $4,500 and that included all air fare, accommodations, food, diving and even gifts for my friends and family.
Currently I'm research possible routes that will bring me within reach of some of my "bucket list" destinations: Red Sea, South Africa, return to Europe (Greece most likely), Philippines, Vietnam... and possibly South America (Chile or Brazil).
It can be done. You can get far more bang for your buck than if you did a 1-2 week long stay at some fancy resort. And it is far more of an exploration being a traveler than it is at the resort. You get to see more of the local culture and eat some really interesting things (I declined on the roasted giant water bugs and scorpions in Thailand but loved the Thai curries, now a frequent menu item here at home).
Oh, and I did have a great airplane ride from the Cook Islands to Tahiti with a real Polynesian princess (Merita) from Raiatea named Merita sitting next to me. Sigh.
My boss doesn't pay me whether I'm at work or off on a trip, but at least he let's me take the time off to do some really great trips. These have included three months in Europe, almost three months circling the northern and southern Pacific Ocean, and two months in Belize and Honduras. This post is about my 2001 trip around the Pacific. Keep in mind that the value of the US$ is much less today than it was back then.
First, I look to air consolidators such as Air Brokers Intl. and buy routes that hit the major dive destinations I'm interested in. For the Pacific trip, they had a fantastic fare of $1,600 for the following itinerary (see maps below):
I stay at hostels and guest houses for the most part with expenses far less than the hotels or resorts most choose. I had water front bungalows with private bath for as little as $3 (in Thailand) and the most I spent was $25/night in Hong Kong.
Although I researched dive operators in some areas, I usually relied on local advice regarding who to dive with. I believe I did about 60 dives during the nearly three month trip.
The TOTAL for this trip was about $4,500 and that included all air fare, accommodations, food, diving and even gifts for my friends and family.
Currently I'm research possible routes that will bring me within reach of some of my "bucket list" destinations: Red Sea, South Africa, return to Europe (Greece most likely), Philippines, Vietnam... and possibly South America (Chile or Brazil).
It can be done. You can get far more bang for your buck than if you did a 1-2 week long stay at some fancy resort. And it is far more of an exploration being a traveler than it is at the resort. You get to see more of the local culture and eat some really interesting things (I declined on the roasted giant water bugs and scorpions in Thailand but loved the Thai curries, now a frequent menu item here at home).
Oh, and I did have a great airplane ride from the Cook Islands to Tahiti with a real Polynesian princess (Merita) from Raiatea named Merita sitting next to me. Sigh.
After our short trip there in July, Ron and I have both decided that this is a place we would be happy diving over and over again, so much fishlife and so much history. It suits us both very well. (our dream trip to Truk is no longer that high on the list)
