Same here too.

And, some notes:

Thailand - it's just a puddle and is generally regarded as not the best place to go, if diving is your first priority.

Florida, the Keys, specifically Key Largo area - great places to dive around here, especially the wrecks, the 327' US Coast Guard cutter, the Duane, was my favorite. On a clear day, you can see it from the surface 120' down. On a crummy day, expect to throw up in your reg as you decompress. You are pulled back and forth, back and forth by the strong surge as you hang onto the tourist rope.

Ireland & N. Ireland - great place to dive because a) a small fee, paid beforehand, to an area dive club will insure use of their gear and their boat! It seems that is how they do things there, the clubs have their own boat and extra gear for paying visitors. And, b) you can collect! Dive places even advertise to all to come collect, collect, collect. Try even touching the bottom in Florida, let alone trying to collect a shell or, god forbid, an artifact. Do I remember correctly that it's like actually against the law? And, c) parts of Ireland, like on the coast of Waterford County are not cold at all (in the summer). In fact, this coastline is identical to Laguna Beach, CA with its sandy shores full of sea caves, rocky outcrops, sandy tidepools and, yes, water temperatures. And, d) It's inexpensive there. Try $30 a nite for a killer B&B right on the cliff above your beach. And, e) no crowds or competition. Since not that many have popularized diving in the area, the locals don't know how easy it is to go in and get the stuff they know is sitting out there waiting to be collected.

I have been trying to get people to go to Ireland and dive with me for so long, but it has to be in the summer months and with others who can use a drysuit. So, not much luck. Anyway, for now, I would be interested to see where you guys end up. Didn't someone mention Mexico? Depending on where you go, it's a blast from like November on because of the warmth and the whales. They come right into some of the small bays that are off the beaten path. It's an incredible experience to see them so close up.