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In the UK, summer 2009 will forever be known as the year of the 'staycation'. The phrase was cast about almost as frequently as 'credit crunch' but now that the credit crunch is finally not so crunchy, the staycation is taking a vacation itself. Bad weather, expensive hotels and disappointing value for money last summer, along with a recovery in the economy boosting consumer confidence this year means 2010 sees the return of... the vacation.
However, holidays in 2010 and beyond have a twist. According to recent research carried out by Avis car hire, 20% of Brits heading overseas this year are going on an activity or adventure trip and 13% want to indulge their cultural side or learn something new.
A high priority on backpackers 'to-do' list when skirting around Asia is scuba diving. This underwater sport is growing in popularity and expanding out of the backpacker circuit thanks to increased awareness and reduced costs. Furthermore, for us Brits, Red Sea dive centres have exploded in the past 10 years meaning we can get under for a lot less than we used to, no long-haul flight required.
So what are the best underwater worlds to explore? According to the readers of Scuba Travel Australia and the Red Sea offer some of the best diving imaginable.
Top of the list was Yongala in Australia. It is a ship wreck that sank 99 years ago. The vessel is encrusted with coral turning it into an underwater fish city. The colours are extremely vivid and the sheer number of species is astonishing; the wreck has everything from manta rays, octopus and turtles to bull and tiger sharks, sea snakes and clown fish – it is like Finding Nemo on steroids.
The rest of the list was comprised of Micronesia, Malaysia, The Red Sea, Hawaii and Thailand. The Red Sea actually made up four spots in the top 10 so is the perfect place for Britons to test the scuba dive waters. The best places were Thistlegorm, Shark and Yolanda Reef, Elphinstone Reef and Big Brother.
Before you submerge yourself, remember to get travel insurance. Insurance is important for any kind of holiday, but it involves a lot of action, adventure and potentially dangerous activities, having full cover is even more crucial. Check out AA Travel Insurance for a full range of cheap travel insurance options. |
