18 replies to this topic

[WreckWench]

So how do you resolve the diver & non-diver vacation dilemma? Do you dive? Not dive? Or do some combination?


Or do you just take separate vacations?

[drbill]

Hmmmm... are you trolling, WW? Why would anyone have a non-diving SO? Oh, that's right... attached but buddyless. A strange situation in my books, but as long as they can live with it it's none of my business! So how do you guys and gals do "it?"

[annasea]

Call me overly independent, but I really don't understand why this would be an issue.

I can understand how as a *lifestyle* it can be difficult to manage when one dives and the other doesn't, but in terms of just a vacation, why is it problematic?

The impression I get is that people generally do a dive or two a day, and then the rest of their day is relatively free to be spent with their SO. If during the time you're off diving, your SO can't find a way to amuse and entertain themselves without you, then I'm reckoning you've got much bigger problems than a mate who doesn't dive.

I've never understood the *joined-at-the-hip* approach to *coupledom*. Hmmm...yet another reason as to why I'm single?

[BeachBunny]

I agree...it is not really an issue. My SO has his interests, and I have mine. When we went to Cozumel in August I dove the 1st day by myself, he and the other couple that went with us went over to the eco park on the mainland. The second day he did an intro to scuba dive with me in the am and I dove by myself again later that day.
I am planning on trying to make several trips this year and he knows more than likely I will be traveling without him. A part of me feels bad because we both love to travel and see new places, but he also knows that I am not willing to stay on the surface for the duration of a vacation either. I guess it will depend on where I go as to if he gets to tag along. It would be so much easier if he would just dive!! BUT we do try and respect each other's interests, space, time, blah blah blah. He knows diving is important to me and he encourages it. Who knows, he is probably looking forward to me traveling so he can have the house to himself for a change!

[madlobster]

So how do you resolve the diver & non-diver vacation dilemma? Do you dive? Not dive? Or do some combination?

No dilemma, we find a destination we both decide we would like to go to. From there it's a compromise, an examlpe; this past May we went to the Bahama's, we chose an all inclusive allowing her all the comforts while I dove. I did two tank dives on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. On Thursday we went into town and did some shopping and poking around. On the dive days it was on the boat at 8:30 and back on land with her by 1:00. Other things we'll do together is hit a casino or tour the islands in a rental or the like, sight see, and snorkle.

[Drgnfiend]

Being single I don't really have a lot of input on this, but next month I'm going on a trip with two couples. One of the couples dives, the other doesn't. We are all good friends so we'll be doing lots of activities together. Seems to me this will be very similar to trips that divers take with non diving SO's. Don't really see how it's a problem honestly.

[madlobster]

Call me overly independent, but I really don't understand why this would be an issue.

I can understand how as a *lifestyle* it can be difficult to manage when one dives and the other doesn't, but in terms of just a vacation, why is it problematic?

The impression I get is that people generally do a dive or two a day, and then the rest of their day is relatively free to be spent with their SO. If during the time you're off diving, your SO can't find a way to amuse and entertain themselves without you, then I'm reckoning you've got much bigger problems than a mate who doesn't dive. 

I've never understood the *joined-at-the-hip* approach to *coupledom*. Hmmm...yet another reason as to why I'm single?

I agree, but I think when it comes to a liveaboard, things may change :mauswhip:

[annasea]

Call me overly independent, but I really don't understand why this would be an issue.

I can understand how as a *lifestyle* it can be difficult to manage when one dives and the other doesn't, but in terms of just a vacation, why is it problematic?

The impression I get is that people generally do a dive or two a day, and then the rest of their day is relatively free to be spent with their SO. If during the time you're off diving, your SO can't find a way to amuse and entertain themselves without you, then I'm reckoning you've got much bigger problems than a mate who doesn't dive. 

I've never understood the *joined-at-the-hip* approach to *coupledom*. Hmmm...yet another reason as to why I'm single?

I agree, but I think when it comes to a liveaboard, things may change :mauswhip:

But I reckon most non-divers wouldn't go on a liveaboard vacation in the first place, no?

[cmt489]

When my parents travel together my dad dives and my mom just hangs out while he is diving (isn't that one of the benefits of diving vacations - they tend to include a beach and warm desination...)

I know my BF wants to get certified but, truthfully, I don't see this happening in the near future. As such, when we travel together, I will leave him to sleep on the beach while I submerge!

[madlobster]

But I reckon most non-divers wouldn't go on a liveaboard vacation in the first place, no?

Point taken I kinda hit the last line on WW post of "or taking seperat vacations".

[sudsymark]

I took a vacation to Belize where one friend didnt dive and the other did. Since the diving only took maybe 1/2 the day my non-diving friend would sleep in, explore the island and lay on the beach until the divers returned or if the area was shallow enough she would come and snorkle above us.

I wouldnt suggest a live-aboard vacation for a non-diver but most land based trips have something to keep them occupied.

[Capn Jack]

I think many liveaboards would be a challenge for the non-diver. You would have to consider something more like a sail/dive where you have planned stops and non-diving activities.

When your income doesn't quite match your spending habits, doubling up on vacations is not a great choice.

In the spirit of taking one for the team, I am willing to scout dive spots and liveaboards that are more suitable for traveling with non-diving SOs. Contributions can be mailed directly to me.

Seriously - I can recommend a couple of places we've gone....

Cabo - decent diving, great night life. Cabo Pulmo up the Cortez coast or LaPaz can offer awesome diving, but require a little planning and driving. There are some quiet resorts up there, so if you just want to chill and don't need the parties, I'd recommend skipping Cabo San Lucas.

Sailing and Diving in BVI There are some very nice dive spots, and wonderful island ambiance. If you can sail, check out TMM - they have catamarans that are much easier to dive from than monohulls. If you are a sailing purist, then The Moorings is your charter of choice. Both also offer Captains for additionsl $$. For TMM and a nice 4 cabin cat (8 FRIENDLY people), you are looking at about $7-8k for the week, plus airfare.

Red Sea - Best visibility I've ever seen with some unique marine life, there are resorts on both the Israeli and Egyptian sides. English spoken in both locales, better night life in Eilat, but the Egyptians know how to host anglo parties too. Bonus - you can visit the holy land if you are a Moslem, Jew or Christian. Thin wallets need not apply, but there are some relative bargains.

Just a few thoughts.

[Neptuner]

Okay, I'm a little confused here Wenchie. If I'm on vacation with a female whose "significant" to me and the vacation lasts at least a week... it's NEVER going to be a non-diving vacation... no matter what we do! Think about it...

[WreckWench]

Okay, I'm a little confused here Wenchie. If I'm on vacation with a female whose "significant" to me and the vacation lasts at least a week... it's NEVER going to be a non-diving vacation... no matter what we do! Think about it...

Gotta love multi-definition terms don't ya!

Now back to our regularily scheduled discussion of how a diver and a non-diver vacation together!

[jextract]

........ hmmm ........ dating someone who doesn't dive ............. I guess I could have done that .............. but why?