Don’t Just Dive In!
January 17, 2026
A Travel Like Jenny Reflection on Why Preparation Matters
By Ian — with an introduction by Jenny
By Ian — with an introduction by Jenny
Introduction
I don’t scuba dive — but I live with someone who does.
Over the years, I’ve watched Ian prepare for dive trips with a level of care, patience, and respect that mirrors exactly how I think about travel. Every dive is planned thoughtfully. Equipment is checked and rechecked. Conditions are considered. Nothing is rushed. And the goal is never just to “get in the water,” but to create the best possible experience once you’re there.
When Ian shared the reflection below in his corporate newsletter, I immediately saw how closely his philosophy aligns with the way I design journeys for my clients. Whether it’s to a remote corner of Australia, a conservation-focused safari, or a once-in-a-lifetime expedition cruise, the same principles apply: preparation creates freedom – and reduces stress - good guides make all the difference, and the most meaningful experiences rarely happen by accident.
This is Ian’s story — through the lens of scuba diving — but its message sits at the heart of what Travel Like Jenny is all about.
— Jenny
Don’t Just Dive In
A Scuba Diver’s Perspective on Meaningful Journeys
Some lessons in life come from unexpected places. For me, one of the clearest parallels between preparation, teamwork, and navigating uncertainty comes from scuba diving.
I first learned to scuba dive in 1988 while attending a summer program at the University of Hawaii. Fast forward to today, and I regularly dive with people who weren’t even born then. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to dive across Asia, the Great Barrier Reef, the Caribbean, and even off the coast of Zanzibar in Tanzania.
There is, however, one location that stands out above all others: Raja Ampat.
Raja Ampat lies on the far eastern edge of Indonesia, remote even by adventurous standards. Reaching it required two red-eye flights, a local ferry, and an overnight sail to our first dive sites. For the next eleven days, my dive buddies and I did little more than eat, sleep, and dive.
Of the twenty-nine dives logged on that trip, twenty-seven were the best dives of my life.
Not long ago, Raja Ampat was considered almost mythical — difficult to access, logistically complex, and unmatched in marine biodiversity. It is not the kind of place you visit on a whim. Making it extraordinary required thoughtful planning, realistic expectations, and the right people around us. None of that happened overnight.
The result was an experience that stays with you long after you surface.
So what does this have to do with travel — or life more broadly?
The most meaningful journeys don’t begin with an epiphany or a rush of urgency. They begin with preparation. In diving, that means understanding conditions, checking equipment, and diving with the right people. In travel, it means clarity of intention, realistic planning, and knowing what truly matters to you before you ever depart.
Divers are taught early on to never dive alone. You always have a buddy. You also learn to check and double-check your gear before every single dive — even when it feels routine. Complacency is often where things go wrong.
Travel is no different.
When journeys involve remote destinations, complex logistics, or once-in-a-lifetime experiences, the work done in advance is what allows you to relax and be fully present once you arrive.
The most memorable dives are led by exceptional guides — divemasters who not only reveal remarkable sights but quietly manage challenges as they arise, whether that’s changing conditions, shifting currents, or the unexpected. A great guide doesn’t control the dive, but they do create the conditions for a safe and rewarding experience.
While the guide sets the general direction, you still control your pace, your depth, and what you choose to focus on along the way.
The same holds true for travel. The best journeys benefit from experienced guides and advisors working quietly behind the scenes — anticipating issues, navigating complexity, and adapting when plans need to change — while you remain firmly in control of what the experience means to you.
Of course, there are always surprises.
In diving, conditions can change quickly. A current may prove stronger than expected, and sometimes the smartest decision is to shorten a dive, surface, regroup, and try again another day. In travel, plans evolve too. A destination may not feel right. Timing shifts. Expectations change.
Experience allows for flexibility without panic.
When a journey truly comes together, the result can feel almost magical — not because it was effortless, but because it was well-orchestrated. These moments don’t happen by accident. They are the result of thoughtful preparation, trusted relationships, and a capable team working quietly in the background.
Like a once-in-a-lifetime dive, meaningful journeys deserve intention, planning, and the right guidance.
After all, the most rewarding experiences — in travel and in life — aren’t the ones where you simply dive in. They’re the ones where you plan carefully, surround yourself with the right people, and take the time to enjoy every moment along the way.
A Note from Travel Like Jenny
At Travel Like Jenny, this philosophy guides everything I do. I may not scuba dive, but I deeply understand the value of preparation, pacing, and trusted expertise — especially when journeys are meaningful, remote, or once-in-a-lifetime.
Because the best trips don’t just happen.
They’re designed — thoughtfully, intentionally, and with care.
Taronga Zoo is one of those places many travellers think they already “know” — but behind the iconic Sydney Harbour views lies one of Australia’s most important conservation stories. Having visited Taronga Zoo many times and being fortunate enough to stay at the Wildlife Retreat, I’ve always felt there is something truly special about its setting. Perched in one of the most iconic positions on Sydney Harbour, Taronga is just a short ferry ride from downtown Sydney yet feels worlds away. Arriving by water, with the city skyline behind you and wildlife ahead, is part of what makes the experience so memorable. Home to more than 5,000 animals, Taronga Zoo is a not-for-profit organisation with a powerful mission: protecting wildlife, supporting breeding programs for endangered species, and leading global conservation efforts. One of the most exciting developments is the planning of a new, state-of-the-art wildlife hospital, reinforcing Taronga’s long-term commitment to animal care, research, and education. What makes Taronga especially compelling for Travel Like Jenny clients is the ability to go beyond a standard zoo visit. Exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences offer rare insight into animal care, conservation programs, and the passionate people working quietly in the background to protect wildlife for future generations. For an unforgettable stay, the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga offers a unique overnight experience with wildlife views, guided walks, and a strong sustainability ethos — all just minutes from the heart of Sydney by ferry. Dining at Me-Gal completes the experience, pairing native-inspired cuisine with one of the most spectacular harbour outlooks in the city. This is Sydney with depth — where an iconic attraction becomes a meaningful, immersive experience rooted in conservation, education, and purpose. And that’s exactly why Taronga Zoo earns its place as February’s Pick of the Month.
MACq 01 Hotel, Hobart – Where Every Stay Tells a Story If you’re the kind of traveller who loves staying somewhere with a true sense of place, then MACq 01 in Hobart is a hotel I absolutely love recommending. Set right on Hobart’s historic waterfront, MACq 01 is not just a beautiful place to stay — it’s a storytelling hotel. Every room is inspired by a real Tasmanian character, from explorers and artists to pioneers, entrepreneurs and change-makers. Your room key doesn’t just unlock the door; it unlocks a story. This is Tasmania done properly — thoughtful, immersive and quietly luxurious. Why I Love MACq 01 Storytelling at its heart – Each room comes with a beautifully written story about the person it represents, giving guests a deeper connection to Tasmania’s layered history. Unbeatable waterfront location – Walking distance to Salamanca Place, Battery Point, waterfront dining, markets and galleries, with easy ferry access to MONA. Stylish, contemporary comfort – Warm timber tones, floor-to-ceiling windows and harbour or mountain views create a calm, refined space. Perfect for summer travel – January is one of the best months to visit Tasmania, with long daylight hours, festivals, food and vibrant cultural life. A Stay That Goes Beyond the Room MACq 01 also excels when it comes to food and drink. The hotel’s bar and restaurant continue the storytelling theme, celebrating Tasmanian produce and local flavours — whether you’re enjoying a relaxed drink overlooking the harbour or starting your day with breakfast and views. Who This Is Perfect For Couples looking for a romantic but interesting stay Culture lovers who enjoy history, art and storytelling Travellers seeking luxury with meaning, not cookie-cutter hotels Those combining Hobart with a Tasmania self-drive or food and wine journey Travel Like Jenny Tip MACq 01 works beautifully as a 2–3 night Hobart stay, the start or finish of a Tasmania road trip, or as part of a longer Tasmanian journey. I often pair it with Bruny Island, the Tasman Peninsula, or unique lodges and experiences across the state. Thinking About Tasmania? If MACq 01 has caught your eye and you’re dreaming of Tasmania — whether for a short escape or a deeper journey — I’d love to help design something that feels personal, seamless and truly special. This is Tasmania, Travel Like Jenny style. Button Button Button Button
