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Surf Travel There comes a time in every surfer’s life when surf travel changes from a luxury to a necessity. Hawaii, Australia, Costa Rica, Indonesia, Samoa – the world is your playground; you just need to get there. First you have to decide where to go. The choice between Cabo or Indo may be more about time than the money. Indonesia is not exactly a hop from anywhere in the continental U.S. Regardless of where you choose to go, make sure you check a few places for the best airfare possible. You’d be amazed at the difference. There are the usual places to go: Expedia, Travelocity, and Orbitz as well as contacting air carriers directly. Some lesser-traveled individuals use tour agencies or surf travel agents who are happy to make all the necessary arrangements in exchange for your credit card number. Air travel can be a huge pain – particularly when you’re toting a stuffed coffin bag through crowded airports. Your primary concern before purchasing a ticket should be airline baggage restrictions. Some airlines won’t let you take surfboards to certain destinations or at certain times of the year. All it takes is a phone call to find out, but it’s a big one. Next, be sure you have the right equipment for your destination. For example, the water in Chile and other parts of South America is much colder than the water off the coast of Nicaragua or the Baja peninsula – wetsuits may be a good idea. We in the U.S. have to be aware of our own tendency to equate “south” with “warm.” You’ll also need one or two spare leashes, booties or reef boots, a good sunscreen, some zinc oxide or other waterproof skin protection, a few rash guards, board shorts, a first-aid kit complete with antibiotics, OTC painkillers, bandages, and a good bacteria fighter such as Neosporin or Bacitracin. Cold medicine is also a handy item to have since pharmacies may be few and far between. Beginner surfers may want to consider traveling to surf camps where they will receive personal instruction and tours as well. In fact, surf camps are probably the best way for a newbie to get wet in a strange country for the first, second or even third time. Important Note! If you're heading to a spot in non-developed country, Malaria could be a concern. If you choose a place like Indonesia, check the risk factor at the Center for Disease Control (CDC.gov) website. If they recommend a vaccine, you can get a booster from your family doctor and a scrip' for pills, just give doc a few days to get the serum. Remember, you should get your shot a couple of weeks before you depart in case you have a reaction to the shot and to allow time for your body to build up antibodies.