22 replies to this topic

[DandyDon]

Usually, I'd rather do at least a week long trip, because of flight time and down time to fly. 

But, if the destination is close enough, the work schedule doesn't permit a week or more off and I'm desperate to dive, I consider the long weekends.

That sounds logical, but really - you can do a long weekend to almost anywhere in North America and some Caribbean sites.

One approach for me:
Fly to Miami on Thursday
Dive Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Fly back Monday

I do that from time to time, and - you could, too. Probably spend less on the plane ticket than me, as well.

My suggestion is that holiday weekends like Memorial Day and Labor Day are idea for me to do long weekend. I'd rather do them with SD.com

[WreckWench]

Who else sees Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend as a better trip for 3-4 days then 7 days? -ww

[chinacat46]

I'm kinda on the opposite end and don't like traveling then cause everybody else is. I'd rather go when nobody has any holidays less likely to be crowded.

[WreckWench]

I'm kinda on the opposite end and don't like traveling then cause everybody else is. I'd rather go when nobody has any holidays less likely to be crowded.

Ok so if it has to be over a holiday then you prefer the days people are least likely to travel?

[DandyDon]

I'm kinda on the opposite end and don't like traveling then cause everybody else is. I'd rather go when nobody has any holidays less likely to be crowded.

That has a logical sound to it, but have you done it with Scuba? Maybe you have, and maybe your experiences have been different from mine, but mine:

(1) When I went to Catalina Island over Labor Day WE, DrBill warned me how crowded it would be, yet - the wonderful dive boat only had 20% load one day, 40% the next day. I just planned early for the hotel, the ferry back, and the plane.

(2) When I do a SD.com trip, I count on WW to make sure we've covered.

But what have been your Scuba diving experiences over holiday weekends? Even if bad, I think our WW can do good.

My view is based more on when I can take 2 days off from work for a 5 day trip.

[randy54]

True but the opposite is just as well true. I know the dates are "FIRM" but still a month in NC with nothing planned seems like a wast to me. I'd rather fly in June 30th myself.

This is why I also golf

[AliKat]

Well, just something on my mind... I really want to do St Kitts, but there's NO way I can come up with the $$ by Nov 1. Why so early???? Why can't we get the same dicounts if we pay by like Feb??? How do you expect people to pay for a trip 6 months b4 the trip??? I mean, if I start saving now... I won't be able to consider signing up for a trip until April. That means the trip I sign up for won't be until next October. Get my drift??? Or am I just a dork?

Good question...the only discount you get by signing up by Nov 1 is the early booking discount. It is offered so that I can pay the deposits to book the entire boat...the first of which is due Nov. 5th. It also allows me to gauge if people are interested in doing the trip. If no one shows interest or books early then I know not to commit monies for that trip.

As for going...I will owe additional sizeable deposits on the boat at various dates between now and 60 days prior to the trip. So you can certainly sign up at anytime but to hold the spots I'll be collecting payments from people as we go so I can pay the boat as we go.

And I'm thrilled to know you might be joining us! Too cool girl!!! -ww

What about a 50% deposit up front due by 01 Nov with payments for the last half split and due in Dec, Jan, and final in Feb? You might actually get more takers, earlier, making it easier to put deposits on the boat.

I plan on doing this trip, and paying by the 1st, but this sure would make it easier!

[CaptSaaz]

I agree with chinacat. I prefer off times for less crowded conditions, less people flying and it's very hard for me to get the time off work around some of the holidays.
Except for NC Wrecks, which I would do for a long weekend, anywhere else I'm flying and prefer to spend a week.