Sri Lanka is a magical place. It is an island that can be found off the coastal southeastern region of India. Surrounded by the Indian Ocean, it is a sovereign and independent nation that enjoys its freedom.

There are three major languages spoken in Sri Lanka; English, Tamil and Sinhala. The main religion of this island nation is Buddhism with at least 70% of the population practicing it. Hinduism, Christianity and Islam are also practiced here.

The lowlands boast a tropical climate and the central hills are cooler. The monsoon season lasts from the months of May to July in the southwest, and in the northeastern region, the monsoon season takes place in the months of December and January. The climate of Sri Lanka makes it a vacation destination that can be visited any time of year.

Tip #1- The climate is that of the tropics, so be sure to pack plenty of cotton clothing. If you will be traveling to the lowlands, it is recommended you wear cool, comfortable attire. If you are traveling to the hill country, light clothing made of wool will be appreciated. Bring a pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun.

Tip #2- When entering places of worship in Sri Lanka, you are advised to wear the proper clothing. In the Buddhist temples, your body should be fully covered. Bare shoulders and backs as well as shorts or skirts are not the normal mode of dress for worshipers or visitors. When you enter the shrines of the Hindus and Buddhists, you will be asked to remove all head coverings and footwear.

Tip #3- When you arrive at the Sri Lanka airport, be sure you visit the Travel Counter. It is open 24 hrs. a day and the staff is more than happy to assist those that are visiting their island home. You can also find travel information from centers at #80, Colombo 3 that can be found across from the Hotel Lanka Oberoi, Galle Road and at Kandy.

If you are a scuba enthusiast, there is no better place to discover the hidden treasures beneath the sea than the Maldives Islands. Explore the more than 1000 tiny islands that can be found scattered over nearly 60,000 miles of the Indian Ocean.

A live-aboard scuba vacation is a unique adventure that everyone who enjoys the sport should try. Instead of staying at a conventional hotel where you are afforded limited dive opportunities, why not try staying on board a ship where you will have the opportunity to make several dives a day. Surrounded by fellow enthusiasts you can eat, sleep, drink and dream of scuba diving for your entire vacation.

Most live-aboard scuba vacations typically last 7 days. You will spend your days and nights aboard a luxury yacht and be quickly transported to dive sites that are inaccessible to most land based vacation accommodations and dive tour operators.

Your ship will have many of the same amenities that are conventional hotel has such as running water, showers, private bathrooms and a gathering place where you can eat, drink and be merry with your fellow passengers.

Three meals a day are offered as well as snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. Alcoholic beverages are usually sold for an extra fee. You will enjoy the camaraderie that lends itself to this experience whether you plan to scuba dive or prefer a tamer snorkeling experience, sunning on the decks, fishing for the “big one,” or swimming in the clear waters.

Imagine setting anchor at one of the uninhabited islands where you can explore a tropical paradise that is uniquely your own. Find a hidden cove to have a picnic lunch and bask in the warm sun or search for treasures along the shore.

Families are welcome on many live-aboard scuba diving vacations. Your children will feel as if they are part of The Swiss Family Robinson and will carry the memory of this one of a kind vacation destination for the rest of their lives as will you when you take the plunge and book your live-aboard scuba diving vacation to the Maldives, the islands of majesty.