Seven travel startups from a variety of sectors have raised over $150 million in the past two weeks.
25.02.2024 - 03:03 / forbes.com
Any parent knows that traveling with teens can be fraught with tension, arguments and challenges. Teenagers at home aren’t the easiest bunch and that’s no different on the road. However, one thing that can really help make traveling with teens easier, is to find an activity that can be done together, but minimize the amount of talking (arguing) that can take place. Enter scuba diving.
Scuba diving is an ideal activity to do with challenging family members (like teens) because it’s an activity that is done together (great memories), but each person (parent and child) has their own experience. Also, even if the teen wanted to argue and complain, there’s no talking under water. Therefore, it’s the perfect teen/parent activity—everyone has fun and nobody fights.
“I believe it is incredibly beneficial for kids to learn how to dive because it gets them away from their electronic devices, immerses them in nature's beauty, and encourages physical activity,” says Gideon Malan, Director of Diving World in Mauritius. “Diving as a family offers a wonderful opportunity to bond in an active yet non-competitive way, reinforcing the importance of sharing special experiences.” What makes Mauritius particularly special for family diving certification is the water’s calm and safe conditions.
Malan is also seeing the trend of families that are going on trips and creating unique experiences to celebrate milestone birthdays or graduations for teens. “Getting certified in scuba diving in Mauritius is the ultimate gift for a milestone birthday like graduation or sweet 16,” says Malan. “A scuba diving certification is more than just a present—it's a rite of passage, a passport to another world that must be earned through conquering fears with newfound skills and knowledge. This certification opens the door to a lifelong passion that can take one around the globe, exploring the breathtaking beauty of nature beneath the waves and connecting with incredible like-minded individuals.”
Mauritius also caters to families with a host of amenities such as specialized clubs for babies, kids, and teens, along with a wide array of activities. This makes it an ideal place for families to celebrate and embark on a shared adventure. “In Mauritius, the gift of scuba diving certification becomes not just a singular experience, but a gateway to a lifetime of exploration and wonder,” says Malan.
He notes that there is a noticeable rise in families choosing to dive together, a trend that has been boosted by the availability of all-inclusive packages including diving. Plus, he notes that there is a concerted effort to engage younger divers by leveraging technologies such as online learning platforms and dive apps. Says Malan: “This approach aims
Seven travel startups from a variety of sectors have raised over $150 million in the past two weeks.
I was at the airport, and lines were building up at the entrance to the jetway. There had already been several delays and I was getting nervous. Would I miss my connection? Would there be enough overhead space for my bags? Will they serve water? These questions vexed me for what felt like an eternity until I finally heard the announcement that we'd be boarding soon. When the airline called boarding for people with disabilities, I felt a sigh of relief. Although the check-in person looking at me questioningly — my disability is invisible.
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