Links 4 - The Travel Doctor

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Travel Organisations	Adventure Travel Sites	Diving Travel Sites
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Travel and Related Organisations

ABTA	ABTA – the Association of British Travel Agents – now represents over 6,000 travel agencies and 850 tour operations, throughout the British Isles. Our Members range from small, specialist tour operators and independent travel agencies through to publicly-listed companies and household names; from call centres to internet booking services to high street shops. All of them carry the ABTA logo, which means choice, value, and high levels of service.

ATOL	ATOL is a consumer protection scheme, set up to protect consumers in the event of their tour operator ceasing to trade. ATOL protects you from losing your money or being stranded abroad. It does this by carrying out checks on the tour operators and travel organisers it licenses, and requiring a financial guarantee called a bond, which is lodged with us. If a tour operator goes out of business, the CAA will make a refund to you, or if you're abroad, we'll arrange for you to finish your holiday and fly home.

The British Mountaineering Council	The BMC (British Mountaineering Council) is the representative body that exists to protect the freedoms and promote the interests of climbers, hill walkers and mountaineers, including ski-mountaineers.

The Ramblers Association	We are Britain's biggest walking charity. We've been working for over 70 years to promote walking and to improve conditions for everyone who walks in England, Scotland and Wales.

Royal Geographical Society	We are a world leading learned society and professional body that has been advancing geographical science and supporting its practitioners since 1830. The membership ranges from professional geographers, researchers and teachers, to expeditioners and enthusiasts.

The Sub-Aqua Association (SAA)	The Sub Aqua Association (SAA) is an association of independent dive clubs in the UK. SAA member clubs maintain their independence while maintaining the national standards of the SAA and benefiting from regional and national support.

The British Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC)	The British Sub Aqua Club is by any measure a quite extraordinary organisation. Formed and run throughout its existence by enthusiastic and dedicated members, the club has successfully competed with commercially orientated bodies and has thrived in the process. From its beginnings the club has received world-wide recognition as a leader, standard-setter and innovator in the field of sport diving.

PADI	No matter where you choose to dive, your PADI certification card will be recognized and accepted. In fact, on most dive adventures you’ll be surrounded by other PADI Divers who made the same certification choice you did – to train with the world’s largest diver training organization.

The Marine Conservation Society	The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) is the UK charity dedicated to caring for our seas, shores and wildlife. The MCS campaigns for clean seas and beaches, sustainable fisheries, protection of marine life and habitats, and the sensitive use of our marine resources for future generations.

Maritime and Coastguard Agency	Our vision is to be a world class organisation that is committed to preventing loss of life, continually improving maritime safety and protecting the marine environment. Safer Lives, Safer Ships, Cleaner Seas.

Diving Diseases Research Centre	The Hyperbaric Medical Centre - The Diving Diseases Research Centre (DDRC) is housed in a purpose-built centre at Derriford, Plymouth, Devon, U.K. We specialise in the treatment of medical emergencies involving decompression illness, carbon monoxide poisoning, smoke inhalation, cyanide poisoning and soft tissue infection including necrotising faciitis.

Divers Alert Network (Europe)	DAN stands for Divers Alert Network and was born in 1980 following the initiative of certain scientists and university professors of international standing, in the USA and in Italy, who had understood that the managing of a diving emergency requires a special knowledge, not commonly found as part of normal medical structures.

The British Canoe Union	Set up in 1936 to send a team to the Berlin Olympics, the BCU is the lead body for canoeing and kayaking in the UK. Since then the organisation has grown considerably, and the range of canoeing opportunity has increased tremendously.

Disability Holidays Guide	Disability Holidays Guide offers worldwide holidays, accessible accommodation and mobility equipment hire. This is a guide for all types of disability.

Sites of General Interest to Travellers

World Outdoor Web	Dedicated to the world of outdoor sports, travel and adventure.

Wanderlust	Wanderlust, the UK’s leading magazine for independent travellers contains the right mix of wildlife, activities and cultural insight not to mention inspirational writing and photography.

Travelmag - The Independent Travel Magazine	Travelmag correspondents travel well beyond the guidebook routes, illuminating little-known corners of the globe and the travel writing here, unlike those filtered by more conventional media, reflects the huge variety of individual travel experiences.

Scuba Diving - Sport Diver	Sport Diver - The Official Magazine of the PADI Diving Society.

Himalayan Trekking Information	The Himalaya, the "abode of snows", extends from Assam in eastern India west to Afghanistan. It is a chain of the highest and youngest mountains on earth and it encompasses a region of deep religious and cultural traditions and an amazing diversity of people.

Lonely Planet On Line	Lonely Planet has an unmatched reputation for producing well-researched, up-to-date information that travellers can depend on no matter where they're going.

National Geographic	Since 1888, we've traveled the Earth, sharing its amazing stories with each new generation. The Society's Mission Programs support critical expeditions and scientific fieldwork; encourage geography education for students; promote natural and cultural conservation; and inspire audiences through new media, vibrant exhibitions, and live events.

CIA World factbook	In depth information about every country in the world! Including maps & flags.

United Nations Web Site	Most of us have heard about the United Nations peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance programmes. But the many other ways the UN affects all our lives are not always so well known.

Simon's Mountain Lists	A site about the UK's mountains with photos, lists and discussion.