Wayne O. Overton Blog: August 2016

Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Travel agents are back

MMGY research over the past three or four years, and this year in particular, shows a huge jump - a 50% increase - in the number of travelers who plan to use a travel agent.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2bEJgvt

The travel agent ‘advantage gap’ widens

This year's Travel Weekly Consumer Travel survey presents a powerful case for the value of the travel agency channel. The per-night spending for leisure travel, which includes food, transportation and lodging, was again significantly higher than for trips made without the use of an agent.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2ce9d3k

Travel agents are back

The travel agent ‘advantage gap’ widens

Business travel: ‘Bleisure’ is now more than a buzzword

Bleisure is big business, and while the melding of business and leisure trips has long existed, it has recently been growing, along with the use of the 'bleisure' buzzword.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2bU3Vfd

Kayak highlights Labor Day travel trends

Labor Day data from Kayak has uncovered some interesting travel trends. Several states find that a vacation in the U.K. is now more affordable post-Brexit, while other states are looking northward to take advantage of the weaker Canadian dollar.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2ceagQX

Fees at U.S. hotels on track for a record high this year

Should hotels be more concerned about making money from charging fees or a potential consumer backlash? That’s a question hoteliers may want to ask themselves this year, especially as the FTC scrutinizes hotel fees.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2bU4xSg

Business travel: ‘Bleisure’ is now more than a buzzword

Kayak highlights Labor Day travel trends

Fees at U.S. hotels on track for a record high this year

Should hotels be more concerned about making money from charging fees or a potential consumer backlash? That's a question hoteliers may want to ask themselves this year, especially as the FTC scrutinizes hotel fees.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2bU4xSg

Facebook tells advertisers to speed up sites or don’t bother asking for clicks

Facebook wants advertisers to get faster. The social network is going after one of the biggest concerns in mobile advertising by telling brands to build better mobile web experiences that load more quickly.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2c6ef2A

8 essentials every GM needs to know about digital marketing today

Of the most pressing issues facing hotel marketers, internal stakeholder communication and education about digital marketing continues to be often overlooked and neglected.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2cguzQJ

Webinar: Live demonstration will showcase personalized loyalty pricing

Today, Duetto will host a free webinar and live demonstration of its breakthrough Personalized Loyalty Pricing feature, led by Co-founder and Chief Product & Analytics Officer Marco Benvenuti. The webinar is held today, Sept. 1 at 11 a.m. EST.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2c6cVNz

Facebook tells advertisers to speed up sites or don’t bother asking for clicks

8 essentials every GM needs to know about digital marketing today

Webinar: Live demonstration will showcase personalized loyalty pricing

3 Ways to Remove Bathroom Mold

Content originally published and Shared from http://perfectbath.com

Knowing how to get rid of mold in showers, and keep it from returning, can save you both time and money. Here are 3 simple ways to remove bathroom mold. Read on!

Image Source: Flickr

Scrub Away
To properly care for your bathroom and remove the mold from tile grout, you will need a good scrub brush and baking soda. To effectively scrub the mold away, treat the grout between tiles and the caulking with a paste made of water and baking soda. Leave on for as long as you need to—for example, very dirty grout can use an hour or two. Spray the tiles with water and use a scrub brush to clean the grout with a brisk back and forth motion. Rinse well and buff dry. Once you have scrubbed the grout, you can prolong your mold-removing efforts so that you do not have to use as much elbow grease next time! If your bathroom is not properly maintained between cleanings, it does not take long for mold to come back. In fact, think of mold prevention like oral care—we have to maintain our teeth to keep plaque away. Source: NaturallySavvy

Vinegar
Put mild white vinegar in a spray bottle without diluting it. Vinegar has a mild acidity, making anywhere you spray it very inhospitable for mold. Do not dilute the vinegar when placing it into the spray bottle; you want to use it at full-strength, not watered-down.
Spray the vinegar onto moldy surfaces and wait for an hour. If possible, let the bathroom air out during this time.
After an hour, wipe the area clean with hot water and dry the surface with a towel. Damp surfaces encourage mold growth, so be sure to wipe the area clean fully. After you have wiped the vinegar away, it should not smell anymore.
Use vinegar to prevent outbreaks of mold before they happen. Vinegar is reported to kill 82% of mold species, making it an exceptionally effective solution for preventing mold from inhabiting your bathroom like it owns the place. Plus, vinegar does not have any toxic fumes (like bleach) and is all-natural.

Simply spray a bit of vinegar onto a mold-prone surface and leave it. If you do this regularly, mold will have a tough time growing, and you will not have to remove it in the first place. Source: wikiHow

Hot Water and Baking Soda
You’ll need one teaspoon of washing up liquid, one cup of baking soda, and a few drops of something fragrant (we recommend lavender or citrus oil). Then add water and mix until the solution becomes a viscous paste and you’re done – a natural black mould remover. Source: Cleanipedia

Contact:
Perfect Bath
Phone: Toll Free 1-866-843-1641
Calgary, Alberta
Email: info@perfectbath.com

The post 3 Ways to Remove Bathroom Mold appeared first on Perfect Bath Canada.

from Perfect Bath Canada http://ift.tt/2ca1pPM

3 Ways to Remove Bathroom Mold

Content originally published and Shared from http://perfectbath.com

Knowing how to get rid of mold in showers, and keep it from returning, can save you both time and money. Here are 3 simple ways to remove bathroom mold. Read on!

Image Source: Flickr

Simply spray a bit of vinegar onto a mold-prone surface and leave it. If you do this regularly, mold will have a tough time growing, and you will not have to remove it in the first place. Source: wikiHow

Hot Water and Baking Soda
You'll need one teaspoon of washing up liquid, one cup of baking soda, and a few drops of something fragrant (we recommend lavender or citrus oil). Then add water and mix until the solution becomes a viscous paste and you're done – a natural black mould remover. Source: Cleanipedia

Contact:
Perfect Bath
Phone: Toll Free 1-866-843-1641
Calgary, Alberta
Email: info@perfectbath.com

The post 3 Ways to Remove Bathroom Mold appeared first on Perfect Bath Canada.

from Perfect Bath Canada http://ift.tt/2ca1pPM

Tuesday, August 30, 2016

How to make a great hotel video on a shoestring budget

Fundamental to any great digital marketing strategy for hotels is visual storytelling. Using a blend of words, pictures, video and audio helps convey your property's unique story to travel shoppers in an engaging manner.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2bQMw9d

How social intelligence shapes hospitality marketing

Marketing Land columnist John Donnelly discusses the role that social media plays in travelers' planning, experience and evaluation and explains how hotel marketers can use this channel to better serve guests.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2bQLv0y

Weakening reservation pace continues into final summer months

Heading into the latter summer months, the pace of new bookings continues to decline, with new August reservation commitments falling -2.8 percent, according to new TravelClick data.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2bHRj9A

Alternative lodging grows in importance for Expedia, Priceline

The two largest OTAs reported substantial growth last quarter in sales of the alternative accommodations they offer, Expedia via HomeAway and Priceline through listings on Booking.com, which analysts said are becoming increasingly important parts of their portfolios.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2bQOlma

Marriott Rewards unveils points bidding

The future of hotel rewards programs has arrived. Marriott Rewards now allows members to use their points to bid on special experiences, like a New Year's cruise aboard Royal Caribbean International's Oasis of the Seas.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2bHS5Dx

Expedia promises investigation over bait and switch allegation

Expedia says it will look in to whether its own regulations were followed correctly after being accused of a "bait and switch" scam.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2bQMhL1

Messaging, the new social media for hotels?

Over the next few months, expect to see more hotels offering guests the ability to text or message the hotels, whether through their own proprietary apps, established messaging channels like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger, or the use of third-party technologies.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2bHRu4v

How social intelligence shapes hospitality marketing

Marketing Land columnist John Donnelly discusses the role that social media plays in travelers’ planning, experience and evaluation and explains how hotel marketers can use this channel to better serve guests.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2bQLv0y

Weakening reservation pace continues into final summer months

Alternative lodging grows in importance for Expedia, Priceline

Marriott Rewards unveils points bidding

Expedia promises investigation over bait and switch allegation

Expedia says it will look in to whether its own regulations were followed correctly after being accused of a “bait and switch” scam.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2bQMhL1

Messaging, the new social media for hotels?

How to make a great hotel video on a shoestring budget

Fundamental to any great digital marketing strategy for hotels is visual storytelling. Using a blend of words, pictures, video and audio helps convey your property’s unique story to travel shoppers in an engaging manner.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2bQMw9d

Revenue management technology: Which three essential tools do you need to drive bookings?

The key to successfully implementing a revenue management strategy is utilising the right tools and resources. Manually managing your revenue is not practical, and it’s also not scalable.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2bHSeqs

Revenue management technology: Which three essential tools do you need to drive bookings?

The key to successfully implementing a revenue management strategy is utilising the right tools and resources. Manually managing your revenue is not practical, and it's also not scalable.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2bHSeqs

Addressing Poor Air Consumption when Scuba Diving: Part III

In this third installment of our series on addressing poor air consumption when scuba diving, we’ll examine neutral buoyancy and breathing.

Donald descended through the water column, pinching his nose to equalize his ears and looking toward the seabed. Diving on a wall with a depth of over 650 feet (200 m), he reached for his BCD’s inflator button at 65 feet (20 m) and put some air in his jacket. He didn’t start earlier because he liked the feeling of dropping like a parachutist from a plane. An incremental addition of air just wasn’t as exciting. Still, he had it under control and slowed to a near-stop at 82 feet (25 m), the maximum depth allowed in the pre-dive briefing.

Donald turned to look at the wall, which was still moving past his eyes. A quick glance at his computer showed his depth at 89 feet (27 m). So he kicked against the unintended extension of his descent, soon finding himself level with the group.

After 10 minutes, Donald noticed that his air pressure had dropped to 2,175 psi (150 bar). It was a relaxing dive with little current, but he noticed his breathing was slightly heavier than intended. He stopped finning for a moment and slowly dropped a little deeper — not far, but remaining still would mean he’d drop even further.

Poor air consumption when scuba diving: why?

When a diver breathes in and out, it represents a cycle. My own is about 15 seconds; eight seconds inhaling and seven seconds of exhaling. That’s four breaths per minute while swimming at a relaxed pace without a head-current.

Tilting upward and finning against negative buoyancy is one of the biggest air thieves in the sea. You have now introduced mild exertion. Not such that you’ll be exhausted or stressed, and you may not even realize it, but you will expend a little more energy, which will require a small increase in your breathing rate.

You are now taking six cycles per minute. Although that may not be noticeable, it’s 50 percent more than your buddy who takes four cycles. When she has 2,175 psi (150 bar), you will have 1,800 psi (125 bar). When she has 1,45 psi (100 bar), you will have only 725 psi (50 bar). And by the time her tank reads 725 psi, you’ll be back on the boat with a cup of tea wondering what went wrong.

Like an athlete, your rate of breathing is proportional to your rate of exertion. Imagine a mild walk turning into a light trot and then into a full-blown sprint; each level of exertion requires a faster intake of air. It’s impossible to run but breathe as if you’re walking. The same is true underwater; increase the workload and you increase the speed of your breath. But you know this, so why do you still get caught unaware?

Many divers are too engrossed with marine life to take stock and check if they’re truly neutrally buoyant. They will always spot a runaway descent due to excess weight at depth, but it’s the failure to make minor adjustments that mystifies divers. If you’re not sure what the problem is, then stop, face the reef, cross your arms and legs and wait. Feedback will be instant.

A slightly negative diver will slightly drop. But the answer isn’t to flap your arms like a chicken, attempting flight or kick your way back up, because it will just happen all over again. A diver has two perfectly functioning tools — his lungs and his BCD — to deal with this problem, yet many choose to ignore them.

Proper BCD Control

Breathing in fills the lungs and slows the fall. Of course lungs have a limit, and we shouldn’t fill them to full capacity because any subsequent upward movement may cause an expansion injury. Inside the left-hand pocket of many traditional BCDs there is a white label which, among other things, states the volume and lift capacity of the internal bladder. An adult male, size large BCD, for example, would have a volume of around 20 liters, over three times the capacity of the diver’s lungs. When the lungs reach their limit, the BCD must take over and a simple inflate will do the job. But keep in mind that proper buoyancy control is as fundamental to diving as the air in your tank.

Pumping several liters of air into your jacket on the way down means that it’s bursting to get out on the way back up. Many divers get caught out from 40 to 20 feet (12 and 6 m) where the pressure-differential is the greatest. What worked between 60 and 40 feet (18 and 12 m) will not slow your ascent in shallower water, where jacket expansion is exponentially greater.

If you’re rising too quickly, stop, vent, look at the escaping air, and check your depth to avoid runaway ascents. Incorrect body position can result in trapped air in your BCD; this would happen, for example, in a head-down position while trying to raise your shoulder-mounted deflator hose to dump air. If the trapped air near your waist is higher in the water column than the outlet from which you’re trying to dump it, then you’re violating the laws of physics by attempting to make air travel downwards. Either become vertical or pull the vent string for the dump valve down by your waist. Finning against positive buoyancy expends energy and consumes more air.

So, what about our diver, Donald? He breathes in and presses the inflator button of his BCD. He is moving neither up or down, hovering motionless in midwater next to the reef wall. Now it’s time to swim with the group. But he’s still feeling a little weighty around the middle and his heavy rubber fins make his feet sag a bit.

His air consumption has improved slightly, but what about his trim? If only he could sort that out he would be gliding effortlessly along with the rest of the group.

By John Kean

John Kean is the author of four books. He holds the PADI Master Instructor rating along with TDI’s Advanced Trimix Instructor qualification. Since 1997 he has amassed over 7,000 dives, trained over 2,000 students and project-managed several world record deep dive events. His book is available here.

The post Addressing Poor Air Consumption when Scuba Diving: Part III appeared first on Scuba Diver Life.

from Scuba Diver Life http://ift.tt/2bzbjch

Addressing Poor Air Consumption when Scuba Diving: Part III

In this third installment of our series on addressing poor air consumption when scuba diving, we'll examine neutral buoyancy and breathing.

Donald descended through the water column, pinching his nose to equalize his ears and looking toward the seabed. Diving on a wall with a depth of over 650 feet (200 m), he reached for his BCD's inflator button at 65 feet (20 m) and put some air in his jacket. He didn't start earlier because he liked the feeling of dropping like a parachutist from a plane. An incremental addition of air just wasn't as exciting. Still, he had it under control and slowed to a near-stop at 82 feet (25 m), the maximum depth allowed in the pre-dive briefing.

Poor air consumption when scuba diving: why?

When a diver breathes in and out, it represents a cycle. My own is about 15 seconds; eight seconds inhaling and seven seconds of exhaling. That's four breaths per minute while swimming at a relaxed pace without a head-current.

Tilting upward and finning against negative buoyancy is one of the biggest air thieves in the sea. You have now introduced mild exertion. Not such that you'll be exhausted or stressed, and you may not even realize it, but you will expend a little more energy, which will require a small increase in your breathing rate.

You are now taking six cycles per minute. Although that may not be noticeable, it's 50 percent more than your buddy who takes four cycles. When she has 2,175 psi (150 bar), you will have 1,800 psi (125 bar). When she has 1,45 psi (100 bar), you will have only 725 psi (50 bar). And by the time her tank reads 725 psi, you'll be back on the boat with a cup of tea wondering what went wrong.

Like an athlete, your rate of breathing is proportional to your rate of exertion. Imagine a mild walk turning into a light trot and then into a full-blown sprint; each level of exertion requires a faster intake of air. It's impossible to run but breathe as if you're walking. The same is true underwater; increase the workload and you increase the speed of your breath. But you know this, so why do you still get caught unaware?

Many divers are too engrossed with marine life to take stock and check if they're truly neutrally buoyant. They will always spot a runaway descent due to excess weight at depth, but it's the failure to make minor adjustments that mystifies divers. If you're not sure what the problem is, then stop, face the reef, cross your arms and legs and wait. Feedback will be instant.

A slightly negative diver will slightly drop. But the answer isn't to flap your arms like a chicken, attempting flight or kick your way back up, because it will just happen all over again. A diver has two perfectly functioning tools — his lungs and his BCD — to deal with this problem, yet many choose to ignore them.

Proper BCD Control

Breathing in fills the lungs and slows the fall. Of course lungs have a limit, and we shouldn't fill them to full capacity because any subsequent upward movement may cause an expansion injury. Inside the left-hand pocket of many traditional BCDs there is a white label which, among other things, states the volume and lift capacity of the internal bladder. An adult male, size large BCD, for example, would have a volume of around 20 liters, over three times the capacity of the diver's lungs. When the lungs reach their limit, the BCD must take over and a simple inflate will do the job. But keep in mind that proper buoyancy control is as fundamental to diving as the air in your tank.

Pumping several liters of air into your jacket on the way down means that it's bursting to get out on the way back up. Many divers get caught out from 40 to 20 feet (12 and 6 m) where the pressure-differential is the greatest. What worked between 60 and 40 feet (18 and 12 m) will not slow your ascent in shallower water, where jacket expansion is exponentially greater.

If you're rising too quickly, stop, vent, look at the escaping air, and check your depth to avoid runaway ascents. Incorrect body position can result in trapped air in your BCD; this would happen, for example, in a head-down position while trying to raise your shoulder-mounted deflator hose to dump air. If the trapped air near your waist is higher in the water column than the outlet from which you're trying to dump it, then you're violating the laws of physics by attempting to make air travel downwards. Either become vertical or pull the vent string for the dump valve down by your waist. Finning against positive buoyancy expends energy and consumes more air.

So, what about our diver, Donald? He breathes in and presses the inflator button of his BCD. He is moving neither up or down, hovering motionless in midwater next to the reef wall. Now it's time to swim with the group. But he's still feeling a little weighty around the middle and his heavy rubber fins make his feet sag a bit.

His air consumption has improved slightly, but what about his trim? If only he could sort that out he would be gliding effortlessly along with the rest of the group.

By John Kean

John Kean is the author of four books. He holds the PADI Master Instructor rating along with TDI's Advanced Trimix Instructor qualification. Since 1997 he has amassed over 7,000 dives, trained over 2,000 students and project-managed several world record deep dive events. His book is available here.

The post Addressing Poor Air Consumption when Scuba Diving: Part III appeared first on Scuba Diver Life.

from Scuba Diver Life http://ift.tt/2bzbjch

Top Five Underwater Macro Photography Subjects

Underwater macro photography has become more and more popular each year, as these easy to overlook creatures reveal stunning colors and shapes in miniature. While photographers used to need a large, expensive camera rig to nail that crystal-clear macro shot, modern compact cameras, such as the SeaLife Micro 2.0, are more than capable of capturing photos and video at the super-macro level. SeaLife’s new Super Macro Lens, for the Micro cameras, captures macro images and videos from 3.5 inches to 7 inches. The camera itself is compact and easy to carry on a dive, and the macro lens makes it easy to pull off pro-looking shots. So next time you’re on a dive, ask the guide to point out all the area’s great macro subjects and take a look at a few of our favorites below.

Frogfish

MICR0476

This lie-in-wait predator is the king of camouflage and one of the best photo subjects for macro photography. Add strobes or lights from the Sea Dragon Lighting line to reveal the camouflaged pattern of this perennial diver favorite.

Nudibranch

MICR0187

Nudibranchs come in all different colors, shapes, and sizes, making them a macro photographer’s dream. These tiny nudis all pop in photos when shot either head-on or from an angle.

Ghost Pipefish

MICR0491

Not only are these critters hard to find, they also tend to be difficult to photograph. This challenge, of course, only makes the result more rewarding. Capture the pipefish’s intricate details or photograph the entire scene. Whichever option you choose, patience is key.

Banded Coral Shrimp

11219667_852041071588769_10335478344217377_n

Banded coral shrimp help marine life stay clean and free of parasites. You’ll most easily spot these remarkable creatures at night, hidden in nooks and crannies of coral.

Clownfish

Clown5

No matter if you’re shooting macro or with a regular lens, clownfish are some of the most photogenic creatures in the sea. Set the shot by finding stunning anemone with colorful tentacles to bring out the vibrant colors of the fish. Clownfish are constantly on the move, so trial and error is unavoidable and offers great practice.

All photos are taken with the SeaLife Micro 2.0 Pro 2500 set.

The post Top Five Underwater Macro Photography Subjects appeared first on Scuba Diver Life.

from Scuba Diver Life http://ift.tt/2cotd7N

Top Five Underwater Macro Photography Subjects

Underwater macro photography has become more and more popular each year, as these easy to overlook creatures reveal stunning colors and shapes in miniature. While photographers used to need a large, expensive camera rig to nail that crystal-clear macro shot, modern compact cameras, such as the SeaLife Micro 2.0, are more than capable of capturing photos and video at the super-macro level. SeaLife's new Super Macro Lens, for the Micro cameras, captures macro images and videos from 3.5 inches to 7 inches. The camera itself is compact and easy to carry on a dive, and the macro lens makes it easy to pull off pro-looking shots. So next time you're on a dive, ask the guide to point out all the area's great macro subjects and take a look at a few of our favorites below.

Frogfish

MICR0476

Nudibranch

MICR0187

Nudibranchs come in all different colors, shapes, and sizes, making them a macro photographer's dream. These tiny nudis all pop in photos when shot either head-on or from an angle.

Ghost Pipefish

MICR0491

Not only are these critters hard to find, they also tend to be difficult to photograph. This challenge, of course, only makes the result more rewarding. Capture the pipefish's intricate details or photograph the entire scene. Whichever option you choose, patience is key.

Banded Coral Shrimp

11219667_852041071588769_10335478344217377_n

Banded coral shrimp help marine life stay clean and free of parasites. You'll most easily spot these remarkable creatures at night, hidden in nooks and crannies of coral.

Clownfish

Clown5

No matter if you're shooting macro or with a regular lens, clownfish are some of the most photogenic creatures in the sea. Set the shot by finding stunning anemone with colorful tentacles to bring out the vibrant colors of the fish. Clownfish are constantly on the move, so trial and error is unavoidable and offers great practice.

All photos are taken with the SeaLife Micro 2.0 Pro 2500 set.

The post Top Five Underwater Macro Photography Subjects appeared first on Scuba Diver Life.

from Scuba Diver Life http://ift.tt/2cotd7N

OTA bookings not only cost more, they also bring less total revenue

Sometimes, we all need to be reminded of just how much we’re throwing away by leaning too heavily on OTAs as a primary source of online bookings. Everyone knows that OTA bookings cost more, but very little is ever made of the fact that OTA bookings are usually much lower in total value than direct bookings.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2byf3Qi

Internet sales overtake traditional agents at Best Western Australasia

Head of Commercial Steve Richards told members at Best Western’s annual conference on the Gold Coast that surging internet sales powered the strong results. He also revealed that online sales overtook bookings by traditional travel agents at Best Western for the first time.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2bye7v2

These travel hacks just don’t work

When it comes to travel, everyone wants to be a hacker. Problem is, most of the hacks don't work and may hurt travelers more than they help. Maybe we should try to be smarter consumers instead.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2bysRp0

7 trends for the Internet of Things in hospitality

The hospitality industry possesses great potential for increasing revenue and decreasing expenses by integrating IoT technologies in their operations.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2bygjTd

Google’s SERP changes: A watershed moment for hotel brands

What can be done to avoid having to jack up your PPC budget? In truth, very little. Unless consumers suddenly change their behaviour from depending on Google for search, hotels are going to have to buckle up for the ride.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2bysAlP

Google updates local reviews schema guidelines

Mike Blumenthal reports that Google has updated their local business reviews guidelines around when you can use the schema markup on the reviews and when you cannot.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2byfAlb

What’s in your hotel technology stack?

Why should you care what’s in your hotel technology stack and how can it help you achieve your goals this year (such as increased direct bookings and improved guest satisfaction)?

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2bys5bB

How to go mobile with your hotel website

If your hotel booking experience isn’t mobile-friendly, potential guests will leave your site as soon as they arrive, driving away potential guests and direct bookings. Fortunately, with a bit of guidance, optimizing your hotel website for mobile can be easy.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2byf5HV

OTA bookings not only cost more, they also bring less total revenue

Sometimes, we all need to be reminded of just how much we're throwing away by leaning too heavily on OTAs as a primary source of online bookings. Everyone knows that OTA bookings cost more, but very little is ever made of the fact that OTA bookings are usually much lower in total value than direct bookings.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2byf3Qi

Internet sales overtake traditional agents at Best Western Australasia

Head of Commercial Steve Richards told members at Best Western's annual conference on the Gold Coast that surging internet sales powered the strong results. He also revealed that online sales overtook bookings by traditional travel agents at Best Western for the first time.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2bye7v2

These travel hacks just don’t work

7 trends for the Internet of Things in hospitality

The hospitality industry possesses great potential for increasing revenue and decreasing expenses by integrating IoT technologies in their operations.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2bygjTd

Google’s SERP changes: A watershed moment for hotel brands

Google updates local reviews schema guidelines

What’s in your hotel technology stack?

Why should you care what's in your hotel technology stack and how can it help you achieve your goals this year (such as increased direct bookings and improved guest satisfaction)?

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2bys5bB

How to go mobile with your hotel website

If your hotel booking experience isn't mobile-friendly, potential guests will leave your site as soon as they arrive, driving away potential guests and direct bookings. Fortunately, with a bit of guidance, optimizing your hotel website for mobile can be easy.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2byf5HV

Monday, August 29, 2016

Hybrid Shark Discovered Off Australia

In 2012, researchers discovered a previously unknown type of hybrid shark along Australia’s eastern coastline. While the term “hybrid shark” might sound like something out of a second-rate horror movie, there’s nothing to fear in this case. The sharks are mixes of two species of blacktip sharks, the common blacktip shark (Carcharhinus limbatus) and the Australian blacktip (Carcharhinus tilstoni).

While the former typically lives in temperate waters, the latter inhabits only Australian waters, along the tropical north and northeastern coasts. The new species lives in both types of water. Its habitat stretches more than 1,200-miles, from tropical Brisbane in the north to the chillier waters off Sydney in the south.

An expedition tasked with studying shark populations along Australia’s coasts discovered the species. The researchers first realized that they were dealing with something new when the genetic markers of one of the sharks showed up as one species, while the animal’s physical characteristics matched those of a different animal.

Hybridization in nature

The concept of hybrid species is not unknown in the animal world. The most commonly found species is the mule, which is a hybrid of a female horse and a male donkey. Killer bees also count as a hybrid species, and came about when scientists crossed a European honeybee with an African bee, ironically in an attempt to create a tamer, more manageable bee. Marine biologists have long thought that interbreeding between sharks, resulting in hybrid sharks, was theoretically possible. But this new discovery has moved the hypothesis from theoretical possibility to fact.

How many hybrids?

The 10 researchers who were part of the discovery identified several generations of the species and a total of 57 individual animals. This is the first species of hybrid shark ever found, and was the result of interspecies mating between the two types of blacktip sharks. Researchers hypothesize that the hybrid shark may be better equipped to live in oceans affected by global warming, as very few other species of sharks are able to exist in such diverse temperatures.

“We are now seeing individuals carrying the more tropical species genes in more southerly areas,” says Colin Simpfendorfer from James Cook University, one of the study’s co-authors.

“In a changing climate, this hybridization may therefore allow these species to better adapt to different conditions.”

While the idea of combining existing shark species and producing a new species with the best of both sounds like a Bond villain’s dream come true, we shouldn’t worry that we’ll now see hordes of super-sharks cruising the seas. The close resemblance between the two species makes interspecies mating much more likely than more diverse species of sharks, the researchers behind the study point out.

“It doesn’t mean we’re going to see great-white-tiger sharks anytime soon, or bull-Greenland sharks,” says Demian Chapman, assistant director of science at Stony Brook University’s Institute for Ocean Conservation Science If any species was going to hybridize, it was going to be this pair.”

The post Hybrid Shark Discovered Off Australia appeared first on Scuba Diver Life.

from Scuba Diver Life http://ift.tt/2bve41G

Hybrid Shark Discovered Off Australia

In 2012, researchers discovered a previously unknown type of hybrid shark along Australia's eastern coastline. While the term "hybrid shark" might sound like something out of a second-rate horror movie, there's nothing to fear in this case. The sharks are mixes of two species of blacktip sharks, the common blacktip shark (Carcharhinus limbatus) and the Australian blacktip (Carcharhinus tilstoni).

An expedition tasked with studying shark populations along Australia's coasts discovered the species. The researchers first realized that they were dealing with something new when the genetic markers of one of the sharks showed up as one species, while the animal's physical characteristics matched those of a different animal.

Hybridization in nature

How many hybrids?

"We are now seeing individuals carrying the more tropical species genes in more southerly areas," says Colin Simpfendorfer from James Cook University, one of the study's co-authors.

"In a changing climate, this hybridization may therefore allow these species to better adapt to different conditions."

While the idea of combining existing shark species and producing a new species with the best of both sounds like a Bond villain's dream come true, we shouldn't worry that we'll now see hordes of super-sharks cruising the seas. The close resemblance between the two species makes interspecies mating much more likely than more diverse species of sharks, the researchers behind the study point out.

"It doesn't mean we're going to see great-white-tiger sharks anytime soon, or bull-Greenland sharks," says Demian Chapman, assistant director of science at Stony Brook University's Institute for Ocean Conservation Science If any species was going to hybridize, it was going to be this pair."

The post Hybrid Shark Discovered Off Australia appeared first on Scuba Diver Life.

from Scuba Diver Life http://ift.tt/2bve41G

The Galapagos Evolution Expedition

Cressi is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year — and that called for something special. The epic Galapagos Evolution expedition (#galapagosexpedition) was the result. Cressi Ambassadors from around the world met in the incomparable Galapagos Islands for a collaboration of free divers and scuba divers in the spirit of conservation instead of competition.

With the expedition, Cressi sought for people to understand that as humans, we have the power to change and develop — to evolve. There was no better place than the Galapagos, the cradle of evolution. We've got all the technological advancements in the world, but without real human change, technology is meaningless. Our evolution to become more conservation-minded can have a huge positive impact on the marine environment. Only species that are most responsive to change can survive, as Charles Darwin once said, but only if we can evolve and adapt to change together.

The final outcome of the expedition will be a documentary featuring all Cressi Ambassadors. It it, they'll promote conservation and co-existence of marine life and marine sanctuaries, marking the first time a freediving expedition to the Galapagos was recorded with scuba divers' help.

Participating in the expedition were a number of freediving legends, including Guillaume Néry, professional freediver and world champion, Roberto Ochoa, videographer for Planeta Azul Ocean Conservation television show, Ocean Ramsey, marine biologist and competitive freediver, Leo Morales, scuba world record holder, Pierre Cousteau, Cousteau Divers founder, Juan Oliphant, underwater photographer, Estrella Navarro, professional freediver, Natalie Parra, free diver and environmentalist, and Pelayo Salinas, marine scientist for the Charles Darwin Foundation.

The post The Galapagos Evolution Expedition appeared first on Scuba Diver Life.

from Scuba Diver Life http://ift.tt/2bwqKH8

The Galapagos Evolution Expedition

With the expedition, Cressi sought for people to understand that as humans, we have the power to change and develop — to evolve. There was no better place than the Galapagos, the cradle of evolution. We’ve got all the technological advancements in the world, but without real human change, technology is meaningless. Our evolution to become more conservation-minded can have a huge positive impact on the marine environment. Only species that are most responsive to change can survive, as Charles Darwin once said, but only if we can evolve and adapt to change together.

The final outcome of the expedition will be a documentary featuring all Cressi Ambassadors. It it, they’ll promote conservation and co-existence of marine life and marine sanctuaries, marking the first time a freediving expedition to the Galapagos was recorded with scuba divers’ help.

The post The Galapagos Evolution Expedition appeared first on Scuba Diver Life.

from Scuba Diver Life http://ift.tt/2bwqKH8

Sunday, August 28, 2016

Distribution vs profitability – the future of hotel revenue management

With technology and data beginning to play a bigger role in global hospitality, properties may need to rethink their revenue management strategies and take a closer look at the relationship between optimal distribution and higher profits.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2bvQVcA

When hotels become hotel hell

As Americans round out their summer vacation plans this month and prepare for a sobering fall season to come, an etiquette study recently released by Expedia sought to find out just what makes a vacation a vacation or turns it into a vacation to regret.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2btLa1z

Dispelling the travel booking myths

Travel brands have historically focused marketing efforts in the UK from December through to February. In fact, a third of foreign travel advertising spend is committed to this period, peaking in January, but this is no longer the key booking time for the majority of consumers.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2bvQ9Mv

Distribution vs profitability – the future of hotel revenue management

When hotels become hotel hell

Dispelling the travel booking myths

Hotel rate rises outstrip inflation in Europe and US

Average hotel room rates in Europe and the US rose faster than inflation in July despite overall occupancy remaining flat.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2btLf5D

Lastminute.com bets on video to get advertisers spending

The company's new media business unit offers brands and agencies branded travel content made by its network of freelance content producers in different countries around the globe.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2c1NxqP

SEO best practices 2016: Seizing opportunities

SEO best practices continue to change and evolve as Google adjusts its algorithm and consumer expectations evolve. Here are some of the latest developments for your website tom remain relevant, visible, and useful for search engines and customers.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2btLmOq

Hotelogix and SnapShot announce strategic partnership

Hotel PMS company Hotelogix and hotel data company SnapShot announced a strategic partnership that will bring advanced hotel analytics to all Hotelogix customers.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2c1MyXw

RateGain unveils RezGain 5.1

RezGain being a crucial component of Rate Gain's award-winning suite of products, this advanced version will help hoteliers update & distribute inventory & rates and also receive reservation retrievals in a more effective and faster manner than the previous version.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2btKCsA

Hotel rate rises outstrip inflation in Europe and US

Average hotel room rates in Europe and the US rose faster than inflation in July despite overall occupancy remaining flat.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2btLf5D

Lastminute.com bets on video to get advertisers spending

The company’s new media business unit offers brands and agencies branded travel content made by its network of freelance content producers in different countries around the globe.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2c1NxqP

SEO best practices 2016: Seizing opportunities

Hotelogix and SnapShot announce strategic partnership

RateGain unveils RezGain 5.1

RezGain being a crucial component of Rate Gain’s award-winning suite of products, this advanced version will help hoteliers update & distribute inventory & rates and also receive reservation retrievals in a more effective and faster manner than the previous version.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2btKCsA

Dive Site: Kirby’s Rock, Anilao, Philippines

Divers begin to explore Kirby’s Rock in Anilao by leaving the dive boat near a rocky wall with a little wave action. After dropping down to about 20 feet (6 m) or so, you’ll start to see soft and hard corals and schools of reef fish. Within five minutes, we saw a large purple frogfish. He was just hanging out on the rock wall at around 30 feet (10 m).

Kirby’s Rock

After navigating along the wall for a bit, you’ll swim out to Kirby’s Rock. When we first saw this large rock, we thought yellow nudibranchs were covering it. We were astounded by the quantity of them. But upon closer inspection, instead of nudis, we discovered they were actually small sea cucumbers. This was still very cool since there were so many of them. As we made our way around the rock, we saw multiple moray eels hiding in their holes and one free-swimming. Hard and soft corals were abundant on the rock, including gorgonians and crinoids in a range of colors. Keep an eye out for scorpionfish and lionfish as well, and look closely for nudis here and there.

The post Dive Site: Kirby’s Rock, Anilao, Philippines appeared first on Scuba Diver Life.

from Scuba Diver Life http://ift.tt/2bY0rr2

Dive Site: Kirby’s Rock, Anilao, Philippines

Divers begin to explore Kirby's Rock in Anilao by leaving the dive boat near a rocky wall with a little wave action. After dropping down to about 20 feet (6 m) or so, you'll start to see soft and hard corals and schools of reef fish. Within five minutes, we saw a large purple frogfish. He was just hanging out on the rock wall at around 30 feet (10 m).

Kirby's Rock

After navigating along the wall for a bit, you'll swim out to Kirby's Rock. When we first saw this large rock, we thought yellow nudibranchs were covering it. We were astounded by the quantity of them. But upon closer inspection, instead of nudis, we discovered they were actually small sea cucumbers. This was still very cool since there were so many of them. As we made our way around the rock, we saw multiple moray eels hiding in their holes and one free-swimming. Hard and soft corals were abundant on the rock, including gorgonians and crinoids in a range of colors. Keep an eye out for scorpionfish and lionfish as well, and look closely for nudis here and there.

The post Dive Site: Kirby's Rock, Anilao, Philippines appeared first on Scuba Diver Life.

from Scuba Diver Life http://ift.tt/2bY0rr2

Saturday, August 27, 2016

The Best Diving in Marsa Alam

Until recent years, the diving in Marsa Alam, Egypt was relatively unknown. This small town on the western shore of the Red Sea is poised for discovery due to pristine reefs and the lack of crowds often found at other Red Sea diving towns. Marsa Alam is by far the best spot from which to explore the southern Red Sea, appealing to experienced divers looking for challenging dives and unique wildlife experiences. Sites offer the opportunity to dive with dolphins, sea turtles, dugongs and manta rays from May through August. There are whale sharks, as well as a variety of other shark species, from May through June. While it’s best to have some experience when diving Marsa Alam, local dive sites also offer a quiet and scenic spot for dive students or those who seek less demanding dives.

The dive season is year-round, though late summer and early autumn have the warmest sea temperature: 84 F (29 C) in August compared to 73 F (23 C) in December. Given that August is also peak diving season, we recommend visiting in autumn when the area is quieter and the water temperature is still balmy. Depending on your cold tolerance, pack a 3 mm or 5 mm wetsuit, and always carry a dive knife, torch, and DSMB. Expect water visibility up to 100 feet (30 m), but make sure to ask an expert about local dive sites and sea conditions before diving unguided. With that said, here are our picks for the best diving in Marsa Alam.

Diving in Marsa Alam

Elphinstone Reef (Sha’ab Abu Hamra)

Where is it: This reef lies in the open ocean, a little over seven miles (12 km) from the Marsa Abu Dabbab coastline. It takes around 20 minutes to get there via Zodiac from Marsa Alam, weather permitting. It takes two hours via motorized boat from Port Ghalib.

What makes it special: This site attracts shark-seeking divers from around the world, on the hunt for oceanic whitetip and hammerhead sharks. It’s one of the world’s few remaining sites where divers can regularly see these sharks, in fact.

Details: Only experienced divers should visit Elphinstone Reef. The open-ocean site is famous for strong and ever-changing currents, deep caves and coral plateaus. A dive depth of 100 feet (30 m) is sufficient for most exploration, but there are interesting features at greater depths, such the sarcophagus archway at 170 to 213 feet (52 to 65 m), accessible only to trained technical divers.

When to go: You can see sharks year round, but they are most numerous from October to December.

Diving in Marsa Alam

The Brothers Islands

Where is it: These two rocky islands sit almost 44 miles (70 km) offshore from Al-Qusayr (also El Quseir), about an hour north of Marsa Alam.

What makes it special: This area has been designated as a Marine Protectorate since 1983, and is known as one of the world’s top dive locations. The islands’ sheer drop-offs offer spectacular wall diving with the opportunity to see abundant soft corals, gorgonian fans and large pelagics, such as gray reef, silky, silvertip and hammerhead sharks, tuna, jacks and the occasional thresher shark.

Details: The Brothers are for experienced divers only and the Egyptian port authorities require a minimum of 50 logged dives to be allowed access. The islands are subject to strong currents and waves, and exploration of the wrecks and reefs beyond 130 feet (40 m) is for experienced technical divers only. The Brothers can be reached by liveaboard only; boats depart regularly from Marsa Alam.

When to go: Visit at the end of spring and fall for favorable sea conditions and fewer crowds at the dive sites.

marsa alam

Daedalus Reef

Where is it: This remote reef is 50 to 56 miles (80 to 90 km) from Marsa Alam and lies within a marine park.

What makes it special: The reef is less than a mile wide and, due to its remote location, dive boats visit less frequently than other area dive sites. It offers pristine hard and soft corals and deep walls. Hammerhead sharks are frequent visitors.

Details: Daedalus is for experienced divers only and is subject to strong currents, waves and surface swells that make the entry and exit conditions challenging. The abundance of marine life is well worth braving the elements, however, and both the eastern and western walls provide interesting drift dives. At the southern point of the reef, keep an eye out for thresher sharks. Dive depths range from 16 to 130 feet (5 to 40 m) and the reef is only accessible via liveaboard.

When to go: Accessible all year, though we recommend the end of spring and autumn as above.

Elphinstone Reef, The Brothers and Daedalus Reef are often combined within liveaboard itineraries, making for a convenient way explore the southern Red Sea. Try aggressor.com.

Diving in Marsa Alam

Dolphin House (Sha’ab Samadai)

Where is it: You can easily reach this offshore reef and lagoon with an 80-minute boat ride from Marsa Alam.

What makes it special: This popular reef is home to a large family of approximately 60 spinner dolphins, and it’s possible to snorkel and swim with them. The reef also offers great dive sites with swim-throughs, pinnacles and coral formations.

Details: Dolphin House is suitable for non-divers and divers of all experience levels. The conditions are usually easy and there are frequent boat trips to Dolphin House from Marsa Alam. A number of operators offer day trips, and liveaboards often also visit this reef as part of their itinerary.

When to go: Accessible all year

Diving in Marsa Alam

Abu Dabbab

Where is it: This sandy bay area is a little over 18 miles (30 km) north of Marsa Alam.

What makes it special: This shore site is popular with divers and non-divers alike and provides colorful snorkeling and shallow diving. You’re quite likely to see sea turtles grazing the sea grass meadows. You may also see guitar sharks and the very rare and endangered dugong.

Details: Abu Dabbab is suitable for everyone from snorkelers to novice and experienced divers. Dive depths range from 13 to 60 feet (4 to 18 m), and Emperor Divers offers a half-day trip to the area. Based at the bay, Abu Dabbab Dive Lodge offers divers the chance to explore the local diving for longer periods of time.

When to go: Accessible all year

Diving in Marsa Alam

Hamada Wreck

Where is it: The Hamada sank off a secluded shoreline south of Wadi El Gamal National Park in 1993. It sits 42 miles (68 km) southeast of Marsa Alam.

What makes it special: The wreck is unique in that it’s suitable for snorkelers, as well as experienced and novice divers. Qualified divers can also penetrate certain areas of the wreck. As a relatively new wreck, the masts and ropes are still intact. They are home to young corals, while the wreck itself is home to a number of species, including humphead wrasse, lionfish and moray eels.

Details: Dive depth ranges from 0 to 60 feet (0-18 m). Emperor Divers offers day trips to explore the wreck and enjoy the secluded bay.

When to go: Accessible all year

The post The Best Diving in Marsa Alam appeared first on Scuba Diver Life.

from Scuba Diver Life http://ift.tt/2bOdE5V

The Best Diving in Marsa Alam

Until recent years, the diving in Marsa Alam, Egypt was relatively unknown. This small town on the western shore of the Red Sea is poised for discovery due to pristine reefs and the lack of crowds often found at other Red Sea diving towns. Marsa Alam is by far the best spot from which to explore the southern Red Sea, appealing to experienced divers looking for challenging dives and unique wildlife experiences. Sites offer the opportunity to dive with dolphins, sea turtles, dugongs and manta rays from May through August. There are whale sharks, as well as a variety of other shark species, from May through June. While it's best to have some experience when diving Marsa Alam, local dive sites also offer a quiet and scenic spot for dive students or those who seek less demanding dives.

Diving in Marsa Alam

Elphinstone Reef (Sha'ab Abu Hamra)

What makes it special: This site attracts shark-seeking divers from around the world, on the hunt for oceanic whitetip and hammerhead sharks. It's one of the world's few remaining sites where divers can regularly see these sharks, in fact.

When to go: You can see sharks year round, but they are most numerous from October to December.

Diving in Marsa Alam

The Brothers Islands

Where is it: These two rocky islands sit almost 44 miles (70 km) offshore from Al-Qusayr (also El Quseir), about an hour north of Marsa Alam.

What makes it special: This area has been designated as a Marine Protectorate since 1983, and is known as one of the world's top dive locations. The islands' sheer drop-offs offer spectacular wall diving with the opportunity to see abundant soft corals, gorgonian fans and large pelagics, such as gray reef, silky, silvertip and hammerhead sharks, tuna, jacks and the occasional thresher shark.

When to go: Visit at the end of spring and fall for favorable sea conditions and fewer crowds at the dive sites.

marsa alam

Daedalus Reef

Where is it: This remote reef is 50 to 56 miles (80 to 90 km) from Marsa Alam and lies within a marine park.

When to go: Accessible all year, though we recommend the end of spring and autumn as above.

Elphinstone Reef, The Brothers and Daedalus Reef are often combined within liveaboard itineraries, making for a convenient way explore the southern Red Sea. Try aggressor.com.

Diving in Marsa Alam

Dolphin House (Sha'ab Samadai)

Where is it: You can easily reach this offshore reef and lagoon with an 80-minute boat ride from Marsa Alam.

What makes it special: This popular reef is home to a large family of approximately 60 spinner dolphins, and it's possible to snorkel and swim with them. The reef also offers great dive sites with swim-throughs, pinnacles and coral formations.

When to go: Accessible all year

Diving in Marsa Alam

Abu Dabbab

Where is it: This sandy bay area is a little over 18 miles (30 km) north of Marsa Alam.

What makes it special: This shore site is popular with divers and non-divers alike and provides colorful snorkeling and shallow diving. You're quite likely to see sea turtles grazing the sea grass meadows. You may also see guitar sharks and the very rare and endangered dugong.

When to go: Accessible all year

Diving in Marsa Alam

Hamada Wreck

Where is it: The Hamada sank off a secluded shoreline south of Wadi El Gamal National Park in 1993. It sits 42 miles (68 km) southeast of Marsa Alam.

What makes it special: The wreck is unique in that it's suitable for snorkelers, as well as experienced and novice divers. Qualified divers can also penetrate certain areas of the wreck. As a relatively new wreck, the masts and ropes are still intact. They are home to young corals, while the wreck itself is home to a number of species, including humphead wrasse, lionfish and moray eels.

Details: Dive depth ranges from 0 to 60 feet (0-18 m). Emperor Divers offers day trips to explore the wreck and enjoy the secluded bay.

When to go: Accessible all year

The post The Best Diving in Marsa Alam appeared first on Scuba Diver Life.

from Scuba Diver Life http://ift.tt/2bOdE5V

Friday, August 26, 2016

Dive Boat Etiquette for Kids

If it hasn't already happened to you, it's bound to at some point — you get on a dive boat, start putting your gear away and staking out a good spot for your dry bag, when they come crashing, banging and arguing onto the boat. It's a diving family…with kids. (Cue the "Psycho" shower scene music). Or, maybe you're the diving family — either way, teaching proper dive boat etiquette for kids (and keeping it in mind yourself) is absolutely vital when it comes to making sure everyone onboard enjoys the day.

Space is at a premium on dive boats, and it fills up fast with gear, water bottles, snacks, cameras, etc. That crowded feeling can extend to the water as well when divers don't wait their turn to see the latest cool find or are unaware of their position in the water. Kids typically don't need the personal space that adults do, and they don't always understand boundaries. As the mother of a teenager, I can confidently say that they can also be… somewhat self-absorbed.

Teaching Good Dive Boat Etiquette for Kids

Because of these things, kids tend to spread out everywhere on a dive boat. One of the most important lessons you can teach them is to pull out only what they need as they need it. Show your kids how to pack their gear in order of what they'll need first. Teach them to set up gear on their tank as it comes out of the bag. They can tuck their booties inside their fins and stack the fins underneath their tank or even put their booties on if that will not impede them from putting on a wetsuit later. Have them hang their mask and snorkel on the tank valve, stack them on top of their fins, or otherwise attach them to their BC with a clip.

Beside making a good neighbor to fellow divers, staying organized means kids will be ready when it's time to dive. They're also far less likely to lose gear. When returning from a dive, kids can reassemble their gear the same way. Or, if it was the last dive, they can stow it back in their gear bag so that it doesn't get mixed in with someone else's gear or inadvertently left on board.

Underwater Awareness

Once the gear is properly set-up and stored, it's time to talk to your kids about their position underwater. Children are generally less aware of where their bodies and equipment are in relation to others; add to this the excitement of a day spent diving and they may create a path of destruction underwater. "Repeat and remind" is a good rule of thumb, so go over the rules and especially discuss the buddy system before the dive. If they're reminded that they must stay with you, you'll be able to monitor or control their movements.

Parents should also explain that when the divemaster taps his tank to get the divers' attention, it does not mean to take off at warp speed and shove others out of the way to get a look at what he has found. Most DMs will work to ensure that everyone gets a look while also protecting the creature and the reef. Help your kids become more aware by explaining that they can help with this task by knowing where their fins, arms, tank, etc. are in relation to other divers, the divemaster and reef. No parent wants to hear that their child knocked someone's mask off, kicked another diver in the head, or used another diver as a makeshift landing strip while coming in at Mach 10 to see the seahorse first.

Safe Surface Intervals

A successful surface interval is about not only safety, but courtesy as well. After completing a dive, it's fun to watch other divers surfacing or jump in for a quick swim, but remind kids to keep the area around the ladder clear. This includes both the areas in the water and on the boat. Divers must be able to ascend when they're ready without having to navigate through swimmers or people loitering in their way on the boat. Remind kids that the diver coming out of the water is still fully geared up and is not as nimble; they could fall off the ladder onto a swimmer or lose footing on the boat's slippery deck.

When the boat is underway, either between dive sites or heading back to shore, tell your child find somewhere to sit and stay there for the duration of the trip. Once the boat starts moving, it's much harder to move around safely, and since kids are usually lighter than we are, they bounce around more and may not have the reach or strength to hold onto something to steady themselves. Your fellow passengers will appreciate a calm, seated child far more than one who's running around a moving boat as well.

Family diving can be a wonderful experience, and spending a day with someone else's family on board needn't cause waves of panic among other divers. A little extra guidance from mom and dad can help ensure that everyone on the boat has a good time. Most importantly, just as parents are responsible for raising their children to be good citizens on land, teaching them good diving habits early can ensure they grow up to be good citizens in the diving community and in the marine world as well.

By guest author Christine Brinkley

The post Dive Boat Etiquette for Kids appeared first on Scuba Diver Life.

from Scuba Diver Life http://ift.tt/2bFUYYP