RTW trip

[Scubakraut]

I'm planning a around the world Scuba trip (RTW) next year. here is my dilemma:
How many bags should I travel with on my RTW trip? Large backpack and small one? A HUGE duffel bag or 2 and carry on? I normally travel with 2 duffel bags, one being a roller one with cloths the other with Scuba gear. Then I have my carry on laptop backpack with camera. Seems a bit much for a RTW trip especially when some airlines limit you to 20kg.
Should I ditch maybe the Fins and BCD and only take my Reg und Mask to fit it all into one big Bag? Any advise is greatly appreciated. I'm still in the planning phase and figuring things out.
You can follow updates on my blog though. Thanks.

[gibson1525]

personally i'd keep my fins with me. i like my own fins and they don't take up that much room or weight. BC would probably be the first thing to leave at home. easy to rent and takes up lots of room.

as far as bags, i'm a huge fan of the back pack dive bag. i carry on a regular backpack with laptop, etc., and then when i have all my bags i carry my dive gear on my back and my carry on backpack goes on top of my rolling bag. i think it's a little easier than trying to carry a large bag in each hand.

i'd also be careful about packing one large bag because the large heavy ones are often the ones left off the plane if it is overweighted. just a thought.

[gibson1525]

ps-i'm jealous

[Scubakraut]

ok, I will start in the end of February, here is my plan, feel free to comment and suggestions are always welcome.
LAX – Auckland
Auckland to Christchurch overland explore New Zealand in Campervan for 23 days.
Christchurch - Sydney
Sydney overland to Cairns to Alice Springs to Darwin 3-4 weeks
Denpasar Bali
Malaysia – Borneo Sipidan (Air Asia Kuala Lumpur – Tawau)
Thailand Spend time in Thailand (Phuket, visit Similans)
North Thailand to Cambodia, Vietnam
Hong Kong – China
China:
Visas for Mainland China can be obtained in Hong Kong.
They require one photo and usually take three working days to process. Visas can be obtained from the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in Hong Kong, China Travel Service (HK) Ltd, or China International Travel Service HK Ltd.

Singapore or Kuala Lumpur (depending on ticket pricing)– Sri Lanka - Maldives
direct flights from Maldives to Africa (Kenya maybe)? Or use hub in
Dubai Round trip to Kenya
Kenya –
Tanzania: Zanzibar, Serengeti National Park
(South Africa) maybe
Back from the Round trip to Dubai, to New York or Miami flight leaves through Heathrow Airport in London, may visit London.

[loudgonzo]

Is this an itinerary you have already, or are planning on purchasing? Sounds like you are undecided on some flights and cities.

Enjoy your trip! You got a lot of sightseeing! Don't forget to post a report when you complete it.

[Scubakraut]

This is a open itinerary, I will purchase my tickets as I decide to move on. However I do have my first flight booked to NZ Auckland. It is better in my eyes to book individual one way tickets vs buying a RTW ticket which would limit me when and where to go next. I want to let my spirit move me through this journey. I will write and post my trip report as I go along and document my experiences, I may not be able to post them right away, but will do so when time permits.