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Island Golf – Ideas For Your Upcoming Golf Vacation

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If you’re like me, you like to find a vacation spot where you can engage in some of your favorite activities. Some people pick the destination based on its beauty or the weather, but I’m not to just sit and watch the sunset every day I want a little action with my R&R.

Before you start planning a vacation, I want you to consider going to an island, but not because you can snorkel or surf but because it’s the most beautiful golf I’ve ever seen in my life.

Playing a round of golf on an island is the most peaceful mental game I’ve been exposed to. Of course, if there are jagged cliffs and shattering waves looming by the green, I’ll admit it can get a tad intimidating.

Somehow, though, it’s a little easier to accept your ball flying off over a cliff and into the big blue ocean than it is to see it sink into a stagnant pond on a mainland course. It might be the sea air or the fact that when I’m on vacation, nothing seems to matter much, but my game actually improves when I fly away to an island resort and reserve a tee time for the first morning I’m there.

So what do I look for when I want to go on an island golf getaway? Let’s take a look at some of the most important criteria for me:

Is it family-friendly? Now I know not all kids belong on the golf course, but I drag my sons and daughter along with me and they hit the ball better than most adult players.

Still, we receive skeptical looks from those who don’t know us and assume I’m going to ruin the course with my unmanageable brats. At the Kiawah Island Golf Resort, families get to use the Kiawah Island Family Tee Program from May 29-September 5th.

That means every day between 6 and 7 PM, families can tee up together without being rushed by other players to hurry up to the next hole. It’s affordable (free for the kids) and everyone plays from the junior tees to encourage togetherness.

How many courses can I play? When you visit some of the islands, they’ll have more than one course and you’ll want to play them all while you’re there! It’s not like you can drop by three weeks from today, so you want to get access to the various courses whenever you can.

If you order a golf resort package for a particular island, make sure you have access to the various courses, not just one. They may have different levels of course from Championship courses to those for the average Jane.

How hard will it hit my pocketbook? I’m a savvy shopper, whether it’s whole grains or a good golf resort, so I want the most play for my money. A good golf resort package will include more than 1 round of golf, and will include green and cart fees, range balls, and a breakfast, dinner, or meal or two along the way.

Of course the costs will vary depending on what time of year that you go, just as it does for any resort vacation. If you go to Kiawah Island in the winter, from January 1-March 15, for instance, you’ll only have to pay $303 per person. But an Easter vacation from April 8-21st will go up in price to $446 per person.

The Pros And Cons – All Inclusive Vacations

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All-inclusive packages will also normally include a couple of extras, such as a free tour or two, and on-sight recreation. All-inclusive means that once you get to your destination, you dont have to spend any money except on souvenirs of your trip unless you go outside your resort. These vacations are a no hassle way of taking a vacation and being able to relax and enjoy it without figuring out how much your accommodations will cost and finding the right place to stay. Prices vary and depend on the time you plan to spend at the resort and what amenities you want or expect.

There are many advantages of an all-inclusive vacation package. The buffet-style food gives you a huge choice in what you want to eat, is easily available and will allow you to sample different varieties of food you normally wouldnt try. The service is always helpful and you will find many activities included in the package. The all-inclusive trip that we took included two tours of our choice as well as snorkeling and other water activities. Many sights have pools, tennis courts, or golf courses. These activities are free and part of the package.

One of the best advantages in buy an all-inclusive package to a major theme park such as Disney World is they have so many activities that are included. For instance, water parks, miniature golf, canoeing, biking, and horseback riding. The best part is they have free shuttles back and forth between the different areas so you dont have to worry about transportation. No need for the extra expense of renting a car.

If your family includes older children, you might enjoy an all-inclusive package such as a skiing adventure in the Rockies, or a trip to a dude ranch in Arizona. No matter what your tastes are, you can find an all-inclusive vacation to make everyone happy.

There are a few cons to an all-inclusive vacation. You should explore your destination on-line and sometimes that still doesnt tell the whole story. We booked an all-inclusive vacation in Cancun that sounded like heaven. The resort was found on a reef just off a major island and not on the strip of hotels in the heart of Cancun. Sounds perfect right? When you are booking your all-inclusive vacation, be sure you know exactly what all-inclusive means. Some resorts offer low prices but you are subjected to sales pitches to buy time-shares. What you thought would be an ideal vacation could turn into a nightmare when you realize that in some places, though it advertises no tipping, the workers still expect it. If they arent tipped, your service will be affected. At least we found this to be true at the resort we stayed at. At our resort, there were tip jars everywhere and tips were absolutely expected. Some resorts ban all tipping and you need to find out ahead of time which type of resort you are going to.

Another downside to taking an all-inclusive vacation is that if you go off the resort you will pay for everything you do. In our case, our resort was small and had limited-access to other activities. What we thought would be a vacation to get away from it all, instead turned in to a vacation that was restrictive and more costly than we expected. For instance, the all-inclusive package included only one round-trip ferry ride to the mainland. That means, they got us to the resort and would get us back to the mainland for our trip home, and all other visits or excursions off our resort was our responsibility to pay for. The resort was beautiful, but we were expected to tip, we had to sit through a sales presentation, and it was restrictive on that particular resort.

All-inclusive has a nice sound to it, but be sure that where you are going is all-inclusive. Research on the Internet or ask for friends or family members recommendations.

Creative Summer Vacation Ideas

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Summer is a time to unwind, a time to relax, and a time to enjoy leisure activities with familybut for many of us, it is also a time to save money as best as possible. Summer vacations can be draining on the wallet, which is why more and more families are looking for vacation ideas that aren’t just fun, but are creative, as wellcost-effective breaks from the usual “touristy” stuff. And to be sure, you can create memories together as a family while cutting out unnecessary spendingand some of these creative ideas might be so off-the-beaten-path that they will end up wowing your kids as much as any traditional vacation model ever could!

One way to creatively save a few bucks is to come up with some alternative sources for meals. Consider, just for starters, the idea of a family picnic. This is especially effective for days spent at an amusement park, or in the midst of a particularly “touristy” area of town where there is nothing to eat but overpriced fast food. Packing luncheswith items from the local supermarketcan dramatically cut costs, and be a lot of fun, too. Consider also heading to the market for an array of do-it-yourself snacks and room-service items for in the hotel room.

Of course, there are other ways to save money and still have a great vacation, ways that have nothing to do with food. An obviousbut surprisingly overlookedstrategy is to choose activities that don’t cost anything. Amusement parks and the like can be amazingly costly, but spending an afternoon at a children’s museum may not cost much at all, and can be just as funas well as educational! Additionally, you might spend some time at a local park. And of course, there’s always the beach!

And of course, there is a great deal of money to be saved simply by planning things in advanced. If you plan on visiting a resort, consider going during the off-season; you’ll end up saving a bundle of money! Look for discounts on hotels or airfare on Facebook. Plan activities and events with your children ahead of time; if you buy tickets early, you can often get seriously discounted rates.

A final suggestion for family vacationers who want to save money and do something a little different is to consider making it a staycation, either by renting local lodging or even staying at home. You’ll cut out the cost of travelof airline tickets or gasand you can still have a lot of fun. Take it as an opportunity to watch movies, read books, or play games together as a familyor to enjoy the local attractions of your hometown, all from the standpoint of a tourist! This is an increasingly popular way to enjoy creative vacationingmaking fond family memories and saving big bucks in the process.

Discovering the Beauty of a Mazatlan Mexico Vacation

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The work week has been grinding you down through the years and today, after you returned home from yet another laborious day at the mill, you felt a need for escape.

The work week has been grinding you down through the years and today, after you returned home from yet another laborious day at the mill, you felt a need for escape. That is understandable and that is also, how many great vacations get started. A fantastic location and experience into which you can get away to, and at the same time recharge your batteries, is the Mazatlan Mexico vacation.

Sea of Cortez
Situated on the Pacific Ocean and only a brief boat ride from the famous Sea of Cortez, lies Mazatlan. As Mexicos second largest coastal city, this resort destination is home to 600,000 very-happy residents. The reason that these residents are happy stems for the fact that you would be ecstatic too if you woke up each morning to a slight sea breeze and a panoramic view that literally knocks you back into bed!
Sun-Kissed Coastal Town
Mazatlan is a vibrant town with eclectic people and beaches that you will have to see to believe. In this review, we are going to introduce you to the vacation destination that ranks in the top-ten for vacationers the world over. Before the beauty of this sun-kissed coastal town will be discussed, how about a brief Mexican history lesson?
Spaniards Influence Mazatlan
The best way to really get the most out of a Mazatlan Mexico vacation is to learn a few things about the sites rich and living history. The Spanish have a strong influence in the Golden Zone presently and that European history can be traced back to when the Spaniards first arrived here in 1531. That first inaugural visit turned into an exodus of Spanish Nationals to the exotic location and the remnants of that push for colonization of the New World can best be seen in the architecture and the food.
Sport Fishing Heaven!
As one of the oldest seaports in the world today, the Mazatlan Mexico vacation would not be complete without trying out the new rod and reel combo and dropping a line! There is no telling what you can catch as the variety of fish species that are available year-round in Mazatlan makes this a sport anglers paradise!
Mountains Touching Sea
Now that you have been indoctrinated into just a few of the activities and scenic brilliance that will be yours with a Mazatlan Mexico Vacation, why not inform the family that it is time to go on a holiday? With mountains that touch the sea and people that will make it very difficult to leave when that unfortunate time arrives, the vacation of a lifetime is waiting for you in Mazatlan Mexico!

Planning And Packing For A Stay In A Curacao Vacation Rental

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CURACAO, WILLEMSTAD Travelers planning their first Curacao vacations should consider making a checklist of important items to take. Nadine Naarden, manager of Curacao Bon Bini Rentals offers some suggestions for tourists who will be staying in one of the islands many rental homes instead of pricier hotels.

Clothing: Curacao vacations call for lightweight clothing that is appropriate for the activities tourists plan to enjoy. An extra swimsuit prevents days of damp swimwear. Flip flops and sandals are typical footwear in the Caribbean, but travelers will need slightly more dressy attire for nightclubs or casinos. Hikers will want sneakers to explore the trails and gardens. Except for the beach areas, Caribbean residents are more conservative, so tourists should plan to cover up a bit when shopping and dining out. (Caribbean countries generally forbid camouflage as well.)

Luggage: Rolling suitcases are an advantage when tourists find themselves carting luggage across an airport tarmac. Soft-sided suitcases are often lighter and can accommodate souvenirs for the trip home. Everyone should use a carry-on bag for necessary toiletries, medicines and even a set of clothes, in the event that luggage delivery is delayed. A carry-on bag can also be used as a beach bag during the stay.

Airline regulations: Airlines follow the Transportation Security Administrations 311 rule, which only allows travelers to carry liquids three oz. or less. Liquids should be packed in one clear, sealed quart-sized bag and only one per traveler. Medications have to be in original bottles, and its a good idea to carry the prescription. The Transportation Security Administration and most airlines list specific details and other rules on their websites.

Documents: A passport, drivers license, airline tickets, confirmation of the Curacao vacation rental, travelers insurance, credit cards and cash are essential. Travel documents should be kept together in a purse or exterior luggage compartment to facilitate security passage.

Sun protection: Many tourists wait to buy sunscreen on the island and then find that these products come at a premium price. Caribbean vendors have a ready-made market for tourist necessities, such as waterproof sunscreen, UV-protected sunglasses and lip balm, brimmed hats and aloe lotions. Residents rarely need the extra sun protection, so prices are high. Many rental homes furnish beach towels, but guests should inquire if they need to pack towels.

Health products: Nature-lovers will want bug spray for hiking and biking. Over-the-counter pain relievers, hand sanitizer, antibiotic cream, and stomach remedies for nausea or diarrhea are useful to have on hand.

Electronics: Prepaid phone cards can be less expensive than cell phone service in the islands. Most Curacao villas for rent provide wireless internet, so laptops are welcome. Travelers will likely want a camera, with extra memory cards, and chargers for any devices. Curacaos electrical outlets are 110-130 volts, but three-prong outlets are less common. Surge protectors should be used with sensitive electronic devices.

Waterproof bags: Plastic zip-lock bags are perfect for protecting cameras, watches, and purses on the beach; storing sunscreen and lip balm; packing wet swimsuits or carrying snacks.

Naarden and her staff at Bon Bini Rentals are experts at planning memorable Curacao vacations. The agency lists a variety of Curacao villas for rent across the island. Travelers who prefer ocean views, nature paths or a romantic setting will find a villa that meets their needs. Contact Bon Bini Rentals for assistance.