Necessary Paper Work Before You Go

Airline ticket. Check that the name on your ticket matches the name on your passport
Passport. Make a photocopy or two of the first two pages and carry in your wallet
Diver certification card. Make a photocopy and carry separate from your card
Photo ID. Best: valid driver's license
DAN/PADI dive insurance. Required at all destinations
Travelers checks
Credit cards. Don't bring them all! One or two will do
US cash. At least $25 in ones for tips, etc.
ATM card
Phone card. If you don't have a universal satellite cell phone, bring a prepaid phone card
Emergency information (contact phone numbers)
Prescription for prescription medications
One parent traveling with a child under 18 years of age must have a signed notarized letter from the other parents authorizing the child to travel

Baggage and Baggage Requirements

Make sure all your luggage has clearly mark a return address and phone number on the outside of each bag. In addition, have tags clearing marked on all your luggage indicating your final destination. In the event the luggage is left behind, the airline will know where to send it. It's also a good idea to have duplicate tags inside your luggage with the return and final destination.
Most international airlines allow 2 bags per person at 70lbs each with one carry on not to exceed 15lbs.
All US airlines have a weight restriction of 50lbs per bag. The weight limitations and overweight charges of overseas domestic airlines vary. Get the info before you go.
On the subject of airport security and your bags, click here

Health Care Needs

Make sure your shots are up to date for the destination you are visiting.
Prescriptions. Take an ample supply to last entire trip
Antibacterial hand cleanser and towelettes
First aid kit Insect repellent
Sunglasses
Sunscreen, aspirin, antacid, and decongestant

Clothing

Think casual, breathable, washable, and layers. Most travelers bring too much clothing. Pack light.

Shorts, comfortable trousers
T-shirts/long and short sleeves
Comfortable soft-sole shoes
Light rainwear
Swimsuits, visor/hat
Money belt/neck wallet

Packing Tip: Pack items like shampoo and conditioner in re-sealable plastic bags. If your luggage gets crushed, the contents of these will not end up all over the inside of the bag and on your clothes.

Things to Leave Home

Expensive jewelry
Family heirlooms

Pre-Trip Checklist for Divers

Mask, snorkel, fins
BCD
Regulator
Dive computer. Batteries should be replaced each year. Bring a spare battery
Compass
Octopus/alternate air source
Boots. Necessary if you are using adjustable-type fins
Dive suits. A 5/4/3mm neoprene suit is suitable for most tropical locations
Mask defog
Tropical weight gloves. Some destinations will not let you wear them
Tropical hood. Keeping the head warm helps keep the whole body warm
Vest. Sleeveless 3mm vest to warm the upper torso for those of you who get cold
Safety sausage, Dive Alert or Hammerhead. I recommend the hammerhead; it makes a strong signal underwater as well as on the surface. A signaling device is required at most destinations
Dive light. Can't night dive without one
Batteries for dive light
Weight stays - if your BC isn't weight-integrated
Mesh bag to carry dive gear to and from dive boat, hotel or wherever
Spares: snorkel keepers, fin strap, mask strap, tie wraps
Logbook

Pre-Trip Checklist for Photographers

Film, if you're using a film camera. Estimate one roll per dive, and extra for topside.
Re-sealable plastic bags to store your film. For details, Click Here
Memory cards or video tape for the digital shooters
Batteries. Lithium ion for most digital cameras
Batteries. Alkaline for non-digital cameras, dive lights, etc
Battery tester
Battery charger
Voltage converter and adapter
Microfiber cloth
Rough cloth
Cotton swabs
Silicone grease
Photographic lens cloths
Sable or camel's hair brush
Rubber syringe blower
Toothbrush
Spare O-rings in assorted sizes
Sea & Sea O-ring remover
Set of jeweler's screwdrivers
Small needle-nose pliers
Phillips screwdriver
Allen wrench set
Assorted nuts and washers
Two rolls of plastic electrician's tape
Assorted stainless steel screws, nuts and washer
White vinegar
Hair dryer
Packets of desiccant
Small plastic bowl
Mild liquid detergent
Lanyards for exterior mount filters and conversion lenses

10 Important Guidelines for Tourists

Do not expect to find things to be like at home. You left home to find things different.
Do not take anything too seriously. A carefree mind is vital to a good vacation.
Do not let other travelers get on your nerves. You paid good money to enjoy yourself.
Do not forget: you are a representative of your country at all times.
Try not to worry because he or she who worries will have no fun.
Know where your passport is at all times.
As a stranger in a strange land, be prepared to do as its people do. Leave the ugly American image home.
Do not judge all people of a country by the one person who has given you trouble.
Learn how to say thank you in the language of the country you're visiting. A sincere thank you, along with a smile, doubles the value of any tip you may give.
Remember that you are a guest and those tourists who treat their hosts with respect will be treated likewise.

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