Best Golf Packages

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Golf packages can save you a lot of money on booking travel and play separately, and ensure you get a wonderful golfing vacation. You'll need to book carefully, though, and use these tips to get the best value for your dollar.

Check the Web for Last-Minute Deals

If you can be flexible, check Web sites for last-minute travel deals on a golfing package. Many sites offer rates of 50% off, or more, for people who book golf package vacations at the last minute. Resorts offer these packages when they know they'll have vacancies for an upcoming weekend.

Don't assume that you'll always be able to get a travel deal at the last minute. Some regions and areas are booked solid during peak seasons. Put together a list of courses you'd like to play, and compare prices between them.

Go During the Off Season

It may not be glamorous, but if you can manage to go during the off-season, you can get significantly better deals on golf packages. From prices to tee times, you can almost name your terms for off-season travel. Spring and fall tend to be prime golf travel times, so you'll have more competition for lodgings and tee times. If you can handle Florida and Arizona during the summer, or southern states in winter, you'll stand a better chance of getting a good value.

Be Flexible About Destination

If you have your heart set on playing a specific course at a specific time of year, you're at the mercy of the market. Competition dictates the price of golf packages, and if you want to golf a course when everyone else is there, you're virtually guaranteed to get stuck with tough tee times, expensive lodgings or a tiny, cramped room that no one else wanted. On the other hand, if you're willing to be flexible about destination, you can look around until you find a package vacation that really appeals to you. Look off the beaten path, and you could get deluxe accommodations for the same rate that you'd pay for a standard room at a popular resort.

Track Down Insider Information

Golf enthusiasts are always looking for the best deals. Many Web sites cater to golf enthusiasts who want to know when deals are released or when courses have special events. Sign up for newsletters or visit these sites frequently, and you could find yourself hearing about great golf packages that you wouldn't have discovered elsewhere.

Just like websites, golf magazines sometimes cater to the golfer who wants to get the best deal on a golf travel vacation. Go to a local bookstore and flip through the golf magazines on the racks. If you find one that has advertisements from golf resorts or helpful insider information about getting the best tee times at a particular course, grab it and consider getting a subscription. The cost of a subscription can more than pay for itself if you find out about great golf packages. Magazines can also expose you to courses and resorts you may not be aware of, and some of these provide excellent value.

Three Barbados Golf Vacation Tips to Help You Plan Your Golf Holiday

Golf vacations in Barbados are a very popular trend that is gaining a lot of momentum among golf enthusiasts, yet it is still a new enough phenomenon that these types of vacations can be a little bit more difficult to plan than the other ones.

Planning your next Caribbean vacation as a Barbados golf vacation can be difficult if you don't know exactly what it is you're doing. Beyond planning your golf outings you're going to need to take care of the standard vacation issues that everyone must deal with. You will need to secure plane tickets, local transportation and scope out local restaurants to find out where you will be eating every day.

This may all seem like a tough task but with a little help it can be a breeze. Here are 3 tips to help you out:

Tip #1 - Choose Your Golf Course Before Your Hotel!

For starters, obviously, you're going to want to find a Barbados golf course that you are interested in playing on then find a hotel that is either on the golf course grounds or near enough that you don't mind the commute. There are a number of hotels on the island that are partnered with various golf courses offering guest discount rates and preferred tee off times. These hotels usually provide you with complementary transportation to and from the golf course. This all results in convenience and money saved!

If you are interested in playing at multiple golf courses then you'll probably also want to find a hotel that is close to all of them. For example, The Sandy Lane Golf Resort and Spa is home to 3 of the best golf courses in Barbados. Choosing to stay at this resort will give you a variety of fairways and greens to experience during your golf vacation.

But remember if you're going to be spending a lot of time on the golf course you want to make sure that the course has a great clubhouse where you can enjoy a relaxing lunch or dinner between rounds.

Tip #2 - Online Travel Agencies Can Be As Useful As A Caddy

Perhaps the easiest way to plan a Barbados golf vacation is to use an online travel agency to get the job done for you. You can of course plan your own Barbados vacation but for someone with out a lot of free time using a travel agency is the best way to go. A travel agency can handle all the details for you; from putting you up at a hotel that's close to your favorite golf course in Barbados, to making sure you are eating at fantastic restaurants and flying at convenient times.

Now obviously, this is going to cost money. Travel agencies are not cheap and if you're planning a golf vacation you can expect to spend a little bit more money than if you were planning a regular vacation through a travel agency. However, if you do some comparison shopping and try to schedule your vacation around any discounts or sales that the travel agencies are running you can likely find some great deals.

If going through a travel agency isn't for you, and you want to have more granular control over your vacation then planning your own itinerary is definitely the way to go. While this will ensure you the vacation of your dreams, be prepared to put in a lot of work to make sure you get exactly what you're hoping for. You see, unlike with a travel agency that will handle all the obscure details for you; you have to think of everything when you plan your vacation so make sure you fully understand what it is you're going to need in order to have a great time. I would recommend you use a comprehensive Barbados vacation website to help you along the way.

Tip #3 - Ask Other Golfers Who Have Done It Already

Another great tip is to find out from those who have already been to the island. There are many travel websites where you can ask other golfers who have traveled to the island where they stayed and what they recommend.

Turkey - The Rising Star of European Golf

While Turkey has a long way to go to establish the range and breadth of golfing options offered in countries such as Spain and Portugal, there is evidence that the country is now emerging as Europe's hottest new golf destination.

Year-round fine weather, quality golf resorts, and a range of spectacular natural attractions and fascinating ancient buildings to explore, all combine to guarantee a memorable holiday experience. A March 2009 survey of British tourists, that were planning summer holidays, put Turkey into the list of top ten destinations, up there with several favourite Spanish resorts.

The most accessible and predominant golfing centre is Belek, 35 km from Antalya Airport, in southwest Turkey. Here there are 15 championship courses, many of them set on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, with the famed Taurus Mountains as a backdrop. Generally, hotels and golf courses are conjoined, so be sure to organise your accommodation and golf requirements in the one package. And if you wish to play on more than one course, shuttle buses join most of the hotels and courses.

One of Belek's most popular courses is the Cornelia, designed by Nick Faldo, with three loops of nine holes providing different 18-hole playing options. Umbrella pines line the fairways, and there are doglegs and small hills to negotiate, but a series of great vantage points will leave you with a memorable impression of your time here. The National, Belek's first course, established in 1994, also provides a scenic golfing experience, with its mountainous backdrop and sculptured fairways dotted with serene lakes. The terrace of the English-style clubhouse, with its panoramic views, is the perfect place for refreshments at sunset.

The Antalya Golf Club offers two courses, the Sultan and the Pasha, with conditions that suit both low and high handicappers. The longer course, the Sultan, is known for its integration with the pine and eucalypt woods, and excellent practice facilities, while the Pasha has generous fairways, well-placed bunkers, and putting and chipping greens.

Opened in November 2008, and located on the coast, Lykia has a challenging links format with a variety of hazards. The dramatic four coastline holes require accurate hitting, as does the water hazard between holes 7 and 8. Another new course, Carya, has a free-flowing heathland layout, set among pine and eucalyptus trees. The two-storey driving range has 22 bays and two teaching studios.

The newest Turkish golf hotspot, 450 km to the west of Antalya, is the Aegean resort area of the Bodrum Peninsula, which now has several courses, and at least four more on the drawing board. Bodrum, the first club to open on the Peninsula, has a 5-hole course, driving range, a practice putting area, chipping area and bunkers.

Also on the peninsular, and set on the shores of splendid Lake Tuzla, near Gulluk, is the up-market Vita Park, with two 18-hole courses, one in the Scottish style by the lake, and the other created in the Arizona style, following the contours of the surrounding hills.

King of Golf Holidays - The Algarve Or the Costa Del Sol?

While there's no argument that Spain and Portugal are two of Europe's top golf holiday destinations, there's plenty of passionate discussion about whether it's best to head for the Costa del Sol or the Algarve. When it comes to climate, you can take your pick between the Spanish destination's average of 300 days a year of sunshine, or the cooler, Atlantic-influenced weather of the Algarve, with a similar amount of sunny days.

As far as accessibility goes, both Costa del Sol and the Algarve have transportation infrastructure geared to tourists, and a range of hotels, restaurants, and nightlife that ensures that your time off the greens will be well catered for. But when it comes to choosing a golfing holiday, you'll want to compare the golf course options to help you decide which destination suits you best.

Both regions are home to a variety of courses offering exceptional and challenging golfing, combined with stunning scenery. Costa del Sol has over 50 courses and there are choices in both style and price range. If you are looking for a top-end golf resort, for instance, Marbella's famed Valle del Golf has fine courses stretching from Marbella and Puerto Banus, to the Sierra Real and Sierra Blanca mountain ranges. With more than 100 km of coastline, you'll find greens that include beachside holes, such as the 4th at the par-71 Alcaidesa, set at the west of Costa del Sol. Here, accuracy is paramount, and you'll need all your skills on a windy day.

Likewise at Alhaurin, located in the Mijas Mountains, which has a series of tricky water hazards and bunkers thrown into the equation. As you steer your buggy around these courses, distractions include sweeping mountain and sea views, as well as inviting clubhouses for relaxing in afterwards. For a budget option, consider the new course at 72-par Atalaya, between Marbella and Estepona, where many of the holes are gently sloped, and its four putting greens and driving range allow plenty of practice opportunities.

With 150 km of white-sand beaches, and spectacular scenery, the Algarve coast in southern Portugal is considered one of the world's great golfing destinations. Top courses here include the picturesque, par 71 Benamor, which has a challenging par-4 first hole, a tough final par-5, and holes in between that are less demanding. Bunkers are everywhere, but it's the many mature trees that are the real obstacles.

With its Atlantic Ocean backdrop, the 7th at Boavista is an exciting and scenic hole, and five other holes feature water obstacles that are cleverly fitted into natural surroundings. Arguably Algarve's finest course, Vale do Lobo has two 18-hole courses near the sea - The Royal and The Ocean, set among pines, olives, oranges, and eucalypts. The famous 17th hole of the Ocean course was named in Golf Digest as one of Portugal's top 3.

So, the choice for a top golfing holiday is not just between the locales of Costa del Sol and Algarve - you also need to consider which courses offered by each of these excellent golfing destinations suit your budget and playing style, and then make your decision.

Why You Should Vacation in Litchfield Beach in Pawleys Island, SC

Litchfield Beach, SC is located about 15 minutes from downtown Myrtle Beach, SC. Myrtle Beach, SC attracts millions of visitors a year who come for the beach, golf, shopping and many of the other local activities.

Litchfield Beach is located in Pawleys Island, SC. The area is beautiful, with low density development; the natural environment has been preserved.

Pawleys Island has some amazing world class golf courses. Many of the golf courses were build on old plantation and you can still see remnants of many of the old rice plantations.

As far as cost of your vacation, there are only a few resorts in the area with the two most popular being Litchfield by the Sea and Litchfield Inn. Litchfield by the Sea has great amenities along with an on-site restaurant, starbucks and spa just to name a few. Many tourists coming to the area rent one of the beach vacation homes.

The biggest plus is the quality of vacation you get when you visit the area. Pawleys Island has some of the best restaurants in the south plus you don't have to fight the busy crowds in the summer just to get a great meal. The beaches are also more secluded. Because of the location of Litchfield By The Sea you have to be a guest at the resort to be able to use the beach there, so you pretty much have a private beach.

As far as cost, vacationing in Pawleys Island is not much different that Myrtle Beach. Just like Myrtle Beach there are some off the beach low cost options. However the area has kept a low density policy on building so during the real estate boom the area did not have any new high rises built ocean front.

Pawleys Island beaches have been so secluded sea turtles have chosen the white sandy beaches to lay their eggs. Many of the locals have been very protective over these sites where sea turtle nests have been commonly found.

While there are many reason you should vacation in the Myrtle Beach area, the choice is clear if you want a high quality peaceful vacation, away from all of high traffic areas but close enough to enjoy endless options of fun, Come to Litchfield Beach in Pawleys Island, SC.

Spanish Golf Resort in Murcia - Planning Permission For Town Centre

The latest golf resort Murcia, Spain to have its planning permission for there town centre is Hacienda Requelme which is located near the small town of Sucina high in the mountains near Murcia. Hacienda Requelmeis only 10 Minute's drive away from the coast line and 15 Minute's away from the airport.

Permission was granted to start work on the the old Hacienda Requelme building at the end of August, which will allow the old Hacienda to be refurbished and extended to become the vocal part of the town centre.The Town Centre will include all type of services and commodities: restaurants, cafeterias, pubs,travel agency, rent a car services, fitness centre, swimming pool, medical centre, gardening and decoration services, etc ...

Work is due to start at the end of October, this resort holds a stunning 18 hole par 72 golf course designed by the famous Nicklaus golf course design company headed by Jack Nicklaus there is over 1800 properties on the resort with two bed apartments all looking over a swimming pool and the golf course. Nearly all the properties have occupancy and just a hand full are still available to buy.

With the old Hacienda being revamped then this will bring a historical theme to the resort accompanied with all the latest facilities. Hacienda Requelme is just one of six resorts in the Murcia region to hosting a town centre to give all residence and holiday makers all the amenities they need to enhance there stay.

Hacienda is a Spanish word for an estate. Some haciendas were plantations, mines, or even business factories.

Polaris World has extensive Choice - of apartments, townhouses and villas for every budget and need.

Outstanding Quality with the very best in standards of construction, quality of materials and design

Resorts with 7 resorts, 9 golf courses, 30 restaurants, numerous bars, shops, boutiques, supermarkets, banks, tennis, gyms, swimming, academy sports facilities, spas, and a international school, a hospital and more.

The Nicklaus Golf Trail is a circuit of 9 Jack Nicklaus designed courses that you can play each and every one of them.

Golf Marrakech - What Courses to Play?

Golf Marrakech has some of the most unique and exciting courses in North Africa. It is the perfect location for a golf holiday or for those who wish to get out of the city and play a round of golf in beautiful surroundings while holidaying in Marrakech. The climate is perfect, with little likelihood of being interrupted by wet conditions your round will be challenging yet enjoyable. There are three courses within easy travelling distance of the luxury Domaine Akhdar which has 15 villas in Marrakech available for rent.

Marrakech Royal Golf Club is the oldest club in Morocco, having been built in the 1920s. It is an English style course, situated in a picturesque natural setting at the foot of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. This setting, and history, makes the Marrakech Royal Golf Club a wonderful course to experience. At 12km from Marrakech, it is a short distance from the villa's and riad's in the city, giving you easy access to this special golf course.

Located next to the Marrakech Royal Golf Club is the Amelkis Golf Club. Opened in 1995, this is the newest course in Marrakech and definitely worth playing a round. The course is lined with palm trees while Moroccan villa's can be found throughout the course. There is also a traditional kabash style clubhouse overlooking the course. This authenticity lends to the surroundings of the Atlas Mountains and is truly an unmissable experience for golf fans.

When your golfing party are travelling from your riads in Marrakech you will find the Palmeraie Golf Club is situated in an oasis 10km north of Marrakech. Running through a valley, next to the desert and designed by the world famous golf course designer Robert Trent Jones, this is another course in a beautiful location. A holiday in Marrakech is perfect for those who enjoy golf. The superb courses, situated in the most picturesque surroundings offer a wonderful setting for a golf holiday. Accommodation at the Domaine Akhdar ensures you are within easy travelling distance of the city and the three best courses.