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Stressed out? Tired and overworked? When it’s time for a little R & R, you can sneak away from the office for a quick nine holes on the local course, or you can go for the ultimate stress-busting break with a golf vacation.
You’ve always wanted to take a golf vacation but never seem to find the time. Maybe you need to heed Nike and “Just Do It.” Book a week off, call your travel agent and get the ball rolling. Once you’ve set aside the time, the rest of your plans will fall nicely into place.
Budget, of course, plays a major role in vacation planning. First, determine how much you are able to spend on travel, accommodations, meals, sight-seeing excursions and, of course, all the golf you can pack in to one week. Having a firm dollar amount at hand allows you to shop for the golf vacation package that suits your needs and your budget.
What are your top priorities in a golf vacation package? This is a question that should be given a lot of attention before you agree to a vacation package. This is your dream vacation, and it’s no time to settle for second-best. Pick a destination that you really want to visit, rather than settling on a good package deal in the hopes that there is a decent golf course nearby.
Use the resources at hand, including magazines like Golf Digest and Golf and Travel. These are filled with information on great golf vacation destinations and detailed descriptions of many of the world’s best golf courses. Pick up a few back issues and you’ll be able to get a clear idea of what’s waiting for you in that great big world of golf.
Once you’ve chosen a destination, you must do a little research to find the golf package that suits you to a “tee”. If you don’t have the time to scan books and websites, find a good travel agent. A qualified professional will have all the information you need. These travel experts have been to many of the destinations you’re considering. By making the arrangements for you, a travel agent will save time, trouble, money and, above all, stress.
Packing for a golf vacation can be a little tricky, and knowing what to bring can be downright confusing. Should you bring your own clubs, or rent a set at your destination? Playing with rented clubs can be risky and many golfers choose to bring their own personal equipment. You’ll have to carry an extra load and check your precious clubs with the rest of your luggage, but it can be well worth the extra hassle.
Keep in mind that the purpose of your vacation is to relax and unwind. Don’t spend too much time fretting over your clubs. Make sure that “fun” is always your first priority.
If you decide to bring your own golf clubs, be sure to have a good bag as well. You’ll be carrying hotel keys, sunscreen, traveler’s checks and more accessories than you normally carry, and you’ll need to make use of every bit of storage space available. Pack your sunglasses, visor, sunscreen and other accessories into your golf bag before you leave home. You won’t have to worry about finding them and repacking when you’re ready to hit those exotic golf courses.
Vacations are all about relaxation, but that doesn’t mean that you can leave your personal rules and routines behind. You’ll still need to warm up before your tee time, to improve your game and reduce your chances of pulling a muscle. Nothing is worse than being stuck in bed with a sore back when you could be out enjoying your dream vacation. Play like the experts and arrive at the clubhouse well before your tee time, and allow plenty of warm-up time.
If time and money allow just a few days for your golf vacation, try to maximize your time on the course as much as the golf course management will allow. Play one round at two or two rounds at one. This will allow you to get the most enjoyment from your short stay, and the biggest bang for your buck.
You work hard every day, and you deserve a golf vacation. Treat this like a special getaway. Plan ahead, spoil yourself a little and don’t take things too seriously. You just may run into a pro golfer on a course in Southern California, and you may learn a few new tips to improve your swing. In the end, however, your golf vacation is all about having fun.
Tagged with: family travel • golf vacation
Filed under: Golf Vacations