National Parks US

National Parks US

In 1872, Yellowstone National Park became the first national park in the United States. Today, there are 390 areas under the National Park domain. Every state with the exception of Delaware has some National Park Service land. This land includes national parks, monuments, battlefields, military parks, historical parks, lake and sea shores, rivers, trails, historic sites, and the White House.

                                                                                    The National Park system provides plenty of opportunity for a variety of vacations and tours. Well over 250,000,000 people visit these sites every year. From educational tours, back-to-nature experiences to relaxing seaside vacations, the plethora of opportunities for recreation at the National Parks is endless.  

Use this article to assist you in planning your visit to a National Park. Whether you are flying or driving, your travel consultant can assist you with transportation choices, accomodations along the way and at the park, as well as with very important travel advice that will keep you focused on your vacation and visit rather than on the logistics of travel. In addition to independently planned trips to any national park, your travel agent will also have access to special tour packages that provide additional amenities, guides, transportation and meals often not available to those booking independent tours. Many tour operators have access to special accomodations and provide logistical support for groups. In some instances, tour operators provide excursions to multiple national parks in a single tour, allowing the traveler to sit back, relax and let someone else do the driving. Many such tours are nearly all inclusive, encompassing meals, transportation, accomodations and all passes, organizing the traveler's time so that travel and sightseeing is efficient and affordably on budget.

The mission of the National Park Service is to "preserve the natural and cultural resources for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of this and future generations." Along those lines, vacations to the National Park Service sites should follow that goal. You wouldn't find amusement parks and fast rides at the sites but you will find just about everything else, even shops at many of the parks.

Choosing the National Park Service site for a vacation depends on your budget, your time allotment and most of all, your idea of a vacation. Many National Park Service sites have park rangers that lead programs including interpretive walks and hikes, shows at the visitor centers and other special events. There are Junior Ranger programs at many parks where children can earn badges by exploring the park and performing simple tasks.

Many parks have lodging that includes simple cabins, camping areas, and rustic lodges. There are concession stands, small grocery stores and restaurants at many sites as well. And for those who always need to buy a souvenir, many have wonderful stores with books, clothes and even jewelry items for sale.

Pets are welcome at most National Park Service sites so long as they are properly restrained.Interested in history?  Visit Gettysburg National Military Park, or ssateague National Seashore. Always wanted to spot a grizzly bear?

                                                                                                  

Recreational activities available vary from park to park and season to season. At many parks ,you can hike miles and miles of trails and paths on your own or participate an interpretive hike with a ranger; bike; swim; visit the visitor centers and museums and partake in events and interactive displays; ski; fish, and in some, even hunt. And of course, you can always just relax and enjoy the scenery!

Many of the national parks, forests and seashores are perfect settings for animal lovers. The animals are protected in the parks so there are often plentiful where you may not see them in other areas. In our national parks, you can see animals such as grizzly and black bears, elk, moose, deer, jackrabbits, squirrels, various snakes and fish, turtles, marmots, ground hogs, prairie dogs, rabbits, wolves, coyotes, manatees and even whales.          
                                     

Bird watching is another favorite hobby with national park visitors. Stop in at the National Park Service visitors' and nature center when you first arrive at a park to see what wildlife and bird sightings you can expect at that park. Of course, use caution when necessary around wild animals.

Park rangers and naturalists are well trained in local wildlife and fauna and are a wealth of knowledge for park visitors.     

Some of the national parks charge an admission fee. Fees vary from park to park. For those visiting several parks per year, there is a National Parks Pass, an annual pass that provides admission to any of the national parks that charge an admission fee. The year starts from the first use of the pass in a park. If traveling on an organized tour, pass fees are often, but not always, included in the tour fee. Be sure to ask your travel consultant.

It is important to note that when the park has a per vehicle entrance fee, the National Parks Pass admits the pass owner and any passengers in the vehicle (this is per private vehicle, not a commercial vehicle). If the park charges a per person entrance fee, the National Park Pass is good for the owner, spouse, children and parents. Passes are non-transferable. It is also important to note that the fees do not include or reduce fees for camping, tours, concessions or parking.

The National Park Service has made tremendous strides in accessibility for those with disabilities. There are many attractions that are accessible including some trails that are wheelchair accessible or designated for those who are blind and are marked with Braille signage.

Want to hear the ocean when you wake up and watch wild ponies on the seashore? Try the campsites at Assateague National Seashore. There are campsites at many national parks. For a minimal fee, campers may rent a campsite for one night to two weeks. Services are limited usually to water, campfire rings, toilets (sometimes chemical toilets) and bathhouses (again, sometimes very primitive).   

Those wanting a more exotic camping experience may want to check out the Virgin Islands National Park campground at Cinnamon Bay. Accommodations here are a step up in rustic but comfy cabins right on the beach at the U.S. Virgin Island St. John. Two-thirds of the island belongs to the Nationa Park Service which maintains the natural island beauty.

 

The United States is truly blessed with an absolute panorama of sites and natural wonders. Make visiting a National Park one of your travel goals soon. Contact Jadd Fong Travel an Albuquerque travel agency.

Honeymoons

Honeymoons

Honeymoons too often take a backseat to the arrangements and plans of the actual wedding, but you owe it to yourself to give honeymoon planning greater and more careful attention. After all, while the wedding is mainly for your family and friends, the once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon that follows is a private getaway for you and your new spouse to celebrate your marriage.

Though you may spend a portion of your vacation relaxing and reflecting on this major life change, the honeymoon is most of all an opportunity to enjoy being a newlywed, spending quality time with your new spouse, and experiencing a romantic and exciting getaway.

Honeymooners have endless options. Following months of wedding planning, couples often retreat to a luxurious resort that caters to their every need, while others trek to an adventurous escape from their day-to-day lives. Whether a beach vacation, a safari or a ski trip, the honeymoon should reflect your joint personality and wishes.

Keep in mind that perfect honeymoons don't just happen, and planning requires thoughtfulness, patience, careful attention to details, and a lot of decision-making along the way. The more homework you do before leaving for your honeymoon, the more you will enjoy your special vacation.

Top Honeymoon Hotspots

Your honeymoon can be the most romantic trip you'll ever take, and it can also be a lot of fun. Look for a destination that offers everything you want. Remember that there is no "ideal" destination — the personality of you and your partner will determine where on the planet your honeymoon should be. However, the following locations traditionally are considered the greatest spots to honeymoon and top many newlyweds' travel wish-lists.

• Hawaii - Hawaii remains the number one destination for honeymoons year after year because of its romantic sunsets, magnificent beaches, and luxurious hotels. Visitors to Hawaii can also conveniently hop from island to island to experience just about any climate and adventure under the sun, including kayaking, mountain climbing, surfing, scuba, and even hiking in a rainforest.

• Mexico - From the Yucatan peninsula to the Pacific Coast, Mexico is all at once romantic, adventurous, and laidback. A collection of spectacular land- and seascapes larger than almost anywhere else in the world, reasonably priced attractions and an easy-to-reach location make a Mexico vacation hard to beat. Honeymooners can enjoy a wide variety of activities, including eco-tourism, water sports, horseback riding, diving, and touring ancient Mexican ruins. 

• The Caribbean - The islands of the Caribbean have long been favorites for honeymooners. While we mention a few below by name, your travel consultant can assist you with destination materials that provide a wealth of information for helping you choose the perfect spot. 

• Bahamas - With over 700 separate islands, you'll find numerous resorts with all the water sports, pampering, night clubs, fine dining, casinos, and beaches you could possibly want. Many amazing islands in the Bahamas can also be visited easily in one trip by booking a cruise. If you're seeking a truly romantic paradise for your upcoming honeymoon, look closely at the Bahamas.
• Jamaica - If you're eager to just get away and relax after hectic wedding planning, Jamaica is the place to be. From the famous reggae music festivals to the beautiful shorelines, it's easy to get into the Jamaican state of mind. Whether you stay on the island in a luxurious resort or simply visit for a couple of hours on a cruise ship stop, Jamaica's culture of fun, sun, and romance will make you feel welcome.  
• Bermuda - Bermuda is a truly sightseer's delight, and couples are encouraged to rent a moped or take public transportation to see all the sights. Offering an array of ocean activities and charming historic towns, Bermuda provides a romantic and mysterious escape to an era of class and grace.
• U.S. Virgin Islands - Replete with sailing, snorkeling, sports fishing, and tons of shopping, honeymooners have long been attracted to the Virgin Islands for an active escape.

• Tahiti and the South Pacific - These islands are becoming an increasingly popular destination for couples (including celebrities) seeking an exclusive honeymoon experience and are the closest most ever get to a private island retreat. The sheer beauty and history of the land and the people allows couples to participate in awe-inspiring eco-tourism and cultural activities. Many also opt to stay in traditional style burés, some of which are directly over the water, to take advantage of the unparalleled views.

• The Continental U.S. - Many couples are drawn to distinctive locations throughout the United States. California, one of the most popular, offers marvels ranging from San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge to the glamour of Hollywood. Las Vegas, Nevada, always draws a lively crowd.  Its incredible range of world-class hotels, casinos, entertainment, and shopping venues gives honeymooners an exciting vacation from home. New York, Florida, and Colorado are also very popular destinations for honeymooners, as they offer fun and romantic tourist attractions that welcome visitors year-round. Traveling within the U.S. is an excellent opportunity to experience the unique diversity for which America is world-renowned.

• Europe - Europe has always been high on honeymooners' lists, in part because of the distinctiveness of each country and the many destinations couples can visit during their trip. From the majestic views of the snow-covered Alps to the Eiffel tower in Paris, Europe is filled with unforgettable history and romance.    
• Australia and New Zealand - If you're looking for outdoor adventure both above and below the ocean bed, you'll love the exceptional beauty of these lands. From snorkeling and scuba diving to bush treks and mountain climbing, honeymooners won't find any more high-energy activities than these locations offer.

Planning a Hassle-Free Honeymoon

If you and your fiancé are just beginning to think about your honeymoon plans, a good place to start is agreeing on a specific destination. A recommended way to do this is to sit down together and compile a list of your top dream vacations. Choosing a destination and an itinerary that really works for your personality is also key. It's easy to get overwhelmed at this stage, since you have so many possibilities, but you can narrow down the options by deciding if you'd prefer a tropical beach, big city, or a place known for adventure travel. Also consider if you want warm or cool weather, a distant land or someplace closer to home, a vibrant location with people to meet, or seclusion, where it will just be the two of you. Speak with your travel consultant about all of your honeymoon ideas, and consider including adventurous and unusual travel themes along with more popular options like mass market cruises and all-inclusive resorts.   

Also remember that you may need to psychologically accommodate to your new status as a partner and a spouse, and with proper planning and smart travel choices, you can enhance your opportunity to bond without undue stress over logistics or other complications. Your travel consultant can always develop a customized honeymoon that provides not just a vacation experience, but a real journey for the two of you set in a locale that reflects your personalities and values.   

Once you've decided where you want to go, your next step is to make a budget. Find out if you have any frequent flier miles or hotel discounts you can use towards your trip. Also think about putting all the wedding expenses on a single credit card that accumulates frequent flier miles for the honeymoon. The cost of your honeymoon will, of course, be the sum total of the accommodations, activities, transportation, meals, tips, souvenirs and other travel costs. Be candid with your travel consultant to make your honeymoon economically comfortable.

When considering your budget, know that all-inclusive resorts take care of most of your meals, athletic equipment, and tips. Some also include liquor and bar costs as well as resort-specific activities. These arrangements vary widely, however, with some including roundtrip airfare, so find out exactly what is and is not included in the price.    
Also note that honeymoon packages offered by hotels, airlines, and wholesalers typically include special perks for newlyweds that you can't get with standard packages. Your travel consultant will know to ask your hotel if special honeymoon packages are available.

Once you have a budget, decide when to go and for how long. Figure out how many vacation days you have and how many you'll need before the wedding to take care of odds and ends at the last minute. Decide whether you want to leave immediately after your wedding, or wait a few days or weeks to give yourself more time to focus on the trip. If you don't have very many vacation days, you may want to take a "mini-moon" the weekend of the wedding and then a longer, second honeymoon on your first anniversary. It's usually a good idea to give yourself at least a day or two to continue the honeymoon after returning home, before you head back to work and settle into your everyday life.  

Don't forget to research the travel documents you might need for your honeymoon as well. U.S. citizens need valid passports for all air and sea travel to and from Europe, Asia, and Australia. As of January 8, 2007, passports are also required for travel to or from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. Your travel consultant will assist with all of the necessary documentation, including documentation of your recent name change!

Be diligent about keeping copies of all correspondence, confirmation numbers, and invoices given to you by your travel consultant. Double- and triple-check all the plans to be sure that your departure and return dates are correct. Inform everyone along the way that you're traveling on your honeymoon, so you don't miss out on complimentary perks. Stay organized by creating a folder or notebook where you can keep all this information.
One last bit of advice: Have realistic expectations throughout the course of planning and taking your honeymoon trip. While it's only natural for you to want your honeymoon to be perfect, bear in mind that travel is inherently an adventure. Approach your honeymoon with an open mind, and prepare to have plenty of laughs along the way.

There really are endless possibilities for honeymooners. Whether you decide to go on an exotic foreign expedition or visit a nearby luxurious resort, start planning early to make sure you're right where you want to be... and then Bon Voyage!

Contact Jadd Fong Travel an Albuquerque travel agency, today to start planning your Honeymoon.

Film locations and Festivals

Film Locations and Festivals

Have you watched a movie filmed in a familiar setting and recognized buildings, a restaurant or a street? Have you ever wanted to visit a location after seeing a film? Watch the "Borne Identity" and you will see many Parisan locations.   If you are ever in Prague, look for the many easily identifiable scenes from the first "Mission Impossible". Just outside Asheville, North Carolina in Lake Lure, you can see the spectacular backdrop for "Last of the Mohicans" and "Dirty Dancing". Where are the terrific scenes in the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy filmed? You probably know that New Zealand doubled for Middle Earth.

Researching and then visiting a film location is terrific entertainment as is visiting one of the over 1,600 film festivals held each year. If you are a film buff, there is no end to the game of identifying and then finding the locations of famous movie scenes. All you need is a Blockbuster account and a good travel consultant and you are not just off to the movies, but also on a very unique scavenger hunt.

           The internet is a great place to begin locating your favorite movie settings. Go to Google, and use a search term resembling the following: 'set location for "dirty dancing"'.  Most likely, you will get back dozens of search results assisting you with locating scenes, sometimes with great directional detail and, on occassion, with the actual lattitude and longitude geocoding for you GPS owners! If you are traveling to a destination already, try a search styled as follows: '"film locations" Seattle'. You will be rewarded with references to scenes from "Sleepless in Seattle"   along with detailed directions for locating the spots familiar to fans of the movie. Many cities, such as New York, London, Paris, Los Angeles, Vancouver or Chicago have appeared in so many movies that the challenge will be to decide from which movies you wish to choose!

A film festival is an event that lasts anywhere from a day to over a week and features films, films, films. They are held all over the United States and in several other countries as well. Many film festivals such as the well-known Toronto International Film Festival and the Sundance Film Festival are well established, each with over a twenty-five year history, while new festivals are popping up every year.

Many film festivals offer a variety of films including independent films, documentaries, gay and lesbian themed movies, full-length feature films, comedies, foreign films, music videos and more while others stay with one theme for the length of the festival. There are usually a few film premieres at each film festival and some, such as the Breckenridge Film Festival, are adding strong educational components to attract more visitors. In addition to dozens of film showings, many festivals are located in areas that are worthy of a vacation alone. Who wouldn't want to visit the beautiful mountains of Utah? The Sundance Film Festival makes that region even more attractive. When there isn't a film playing that you want to see, you can ski the fantastic slopes. Want to visit France? Why not do it during the Festival de Cannes, one of the most famous and oldest film festivals in the world?    

Choosing a festival

What festival to attend depends a great deal on your idea of fun. At many festivals, you will see big name stars touting their new movies and walking the streets, shopping in local stores and eating in the same restaurants as the attendees. Often the media will interview the stars about their feature films and their reasons for attending. Many times, it is possible to sit in on these live interviews an opportunity to see and in some cases, visit, with the actors and actresses, directors and producers who make the films.

Festivals typically double as business venues for writers, directors and producers shopping their scripts, hoping to make contact with the elusive financier or actor. As with the stars, there are often open interview sessions with directors, producers and writers.

Legendary film critics also frequent film festivals. It is always fun to watch the critics while they see a film for the first time and to hear their initial reaction. Maybe you will even get a heads- up on the next academy award winning movie.  

                   

If it is your goal to see and meet these famous people, choose one of the better known, more established film festivals. Almost every film festival has a web site. Visit the sites and see who has attended that festival in the past. The list of past attendees will be a good indication of the caliber of stars, directors, producers and media that are attracted to this particular film festival. Next, visit with your travel consultant to find the best possible travel package to your destination. The most well attended festivals book early in advance and accommodations can be at a premium. Your travel consultant will have access to professional booking tools and hotel allotments that they can often tap into for hard to get bookings.

Film festivals are also an important networking venue for those hoping to enter the film making industry. Since so many important "players" in the industry are located in one spot, the festival creates an opportunity to make key business connections in a short period of time. Location, location, location — always an important factor in any vacation or trip, location is also something to consider for a film festival vacation. Depending on your funds, you may wish to choose a trip close to home or one in a vacation resort. Again, if you want to combine the festival with other activities, explore the area to see the offerings. Don't forget to factor in the climate. If you hate the cold and snow, you sure aren't going to want to attend the Sundance Film Festival high in the mountains of Utah in January. 

 

Many film festivals have added educational components such as workshops, presentations, classes and hands-on experiences in addition to the film viewings. There may be numerous opportunities to be exposed to all aspects of film making at a festival. Want-to-be actors, directors, writers, producers and filmmakers can get advice from the pros. There may be actual readings, production sessions and meetings with agents. Some carry workshops on public relations and marketing films. You may even learn how to finance a movie.

Perhaps the most important factor in planning a film festival vacation is the types of films you want to see. Some festivals host a variety of types of films while others will stick to one particular theme. As mentioned above, there are usually several films premiering at a festival.

Popular themes for film festivals include: independent films; documentaries; comedy; foreign films; gay and lesbian; full-length features; black films; outdoor and nature films; and music videos. There are even such niche film festivals as the Bicycle Film Festival, the Screamfest L.A. Horror Film Festival and Roger Ebert's Overlooked Film Festival.

Just as for any successful vacation, proper planning is essential. Some of the more popular film festivals are booked well in advance. Once you choose which festival you wish to attend, have your travel consultant check out the local accommodations. Depending on your price range, you may wish to stay at local motels or hotels, local bed and breakfast or maybe even camp. Ask your consultant to check for the availability of tour packages that might coincide with your visit, and which could mean additional savings by combining air, hotel and rental car. Taking along the children? Determine what opportunities are available for all family members and arrange child care at the accommodations in advance if necessary. If you are traveling to find famous locations for films, your timing is much more a matter of personal preference and budget.

Ask local establishments if they have special film festival packages on lodging and passes to the movies and events. Some festivals have featured accommodations where film goers get better rates. This information is usually listed on the festival web sites or ask!   

Check out the transportation situation at the festival. Not only do you need to know how you are getting to the festival, will you need transportation once you are there? It may be a small town and having a car would be a waste of time and money. Many festivals are doable by walking or utilizing local public transportation but find out in advance so you aren't stranded in an out-of-the way hotel with no means to make it to the films! Get a map of the town to see the spots where films will be shown in relation to hotels and restaurants.

Determine if the festival has any dress requirements. Many festivals do require black tie for special events or screenings in a high-end hotel or venue.

Most film festival locations have plenty of restaurants and eating establishments but find out in advance if you need to make reservations. Some restaurants may be leased to corporate sponsors and you will be left making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in your hotel room without proper planning.

You will also need passes to some events at the festival. Some festivals allow you the opportunity to purchase various types of passes depending on how many films you wish to see, events you wish to attend and days that you will be attending. You may be able to purchase individual passes or packages. There will be a great deal of entertainment and many parties at a film festival. Find out if they are private or open to the public and if your passes include any of these parties. Are workshops and presentations included in the passes? You may need additional tickets for such extras. Order your passes and tickets in advance.

Keep in mind that not all festivals have open screenings and events. Notably the Cannes Festival is largely closed to the public at large and invitations and passes provided to industry insiders. Research carefully the rules and regulations of the particular festival you wish to attend.The highlight of a festival is usually the closing night when the "Best Ofs" are awarded, the best documentary, best feature film, best foreign film, best actor, best writer and so on, sort of like a mini-Academy Awards ceremony. The event may be fancy or rather casual, depending on the overall climate of the festival. Awards are usually distributed and it is a good time for "star gazing."

Film festivals and film location vacations add a new dimension to travel. Planning in advance makes sure you make the most of your trip and avoids disappointment.

Ready? Lights...camera...travel! Contact Jadd Fong Travel an Albuquerque travel agency and get started!

Golf Vacations

Imagine breathing in the ocean wind while teeing off in Bermuda or learning the history of the game while making par at St. Andrew's. Whether you want to see how your game measures up against the pros on a PGA Tour course, or bask in the lush green scenery of an exotic locale, a golf vacation is the ultimate getaway for those who love the game. Find real excitement playing a new, unfamiliar course, especially one thousands of miles from home.

 

Planning an invigorating, unforgettable golf getaway can be daunting: lodging, transportation, restaurant choices, shipping clubs, local course rules, tee times and cart rentals all conspire to add new complexity to your itinerary. Here is where your travel consultant is worth their weight in gold. Golf travel can be expensive and the planning time consuming. Having the practiced eye of your travel consultant to arrange your vacation is a good idea - to make the most of your financial and time investment. Your travel agent can suggest tour packages at just about any destination that include all of the necessities and more, letting you enjoy your golf and travel without worrying about the logistics. 

Because of golf travel's popularity, tour operators are offering increasingly competitive deals on domestic and international packages - from budget to luxury. Work with your travel consultant to narrow down the many tour operators that offer packages to destinations you would like to visit and play. In particular, you want a tour operator experienced in golf packages that can provide you with excellent, even preferred tee times and can coach you and your companions in all of the local rules of the courses you will visit. Many tour companies offer "golf widow" rates for any in your group who may travel along but do not play. Tour operators assist with daily itineraries, accommodations, and transportation and provide access to courses and opportunities you might not be able to achieve on your own.

Choosing a destination and a corresponding course that suits your game is the most important factor in planning your dream golf vacation. If traveling with other players, you will also need to take their abilities, ages and health into consideration. If the skill levels of your companions vary dramatically, perhaps you will choose a destination that boasts an assortment of courses with varying difficulty. And if non-golfers will be joining you, you'll need to make sure other activities are available for them to enjoy, such as the beach, mountains, museums, art galleries, historic landmarks, and other tourist attractions.

The number of potential destinations for your golf vacation is truly staggering. Practically every country in the world that has a tourism industry has golf listed as one of its primary attractions. You could head to Ireland or Scotland and become one with the history and mystery of the game as well as enjoy summertime hours on the course as late as 9 p.m. You can head to Hawai'i and learn to surf and bogie on the same day. The Caribbean, comprised of 700 islands, offers more possiblities than you can imagine. Then you have exotic, Far East destinations where golf has taken a firm but zen-like grip on nations like Japan and Thailand. Not to mention spectacular domestic destinations like Phoenix, Palm Springs, or the Greenbriar in West Virginia.

Perhaps you will want to take advantage of several courses on your trip. If this is the case, you should allocate sufficient time for transportation between courses and the logistics of settling into your accommodations. On the other hand, if you're limited to a weekend trip, sticking with one or two courses will allow for some relaxing downtime. If you wish to play courses other than those included in your tour package, your travel consultant should easily be able to make the necessary arrangements and adjust the price of your package accordingly. 

Booking tee times in advance is a must. Your travel consultant will determine from the tour operator how far in advance reservations can be made, as this varies with each course. If not, you will need to inquire about tee time reservation guidelines and make your arrangements as early as possible, especially for better-known courses. Also be aware that many golf resorts offer their guests first choice concerning tee times, which might give you reason to stay at the resort rather than off-premises.

If you are traveling internationally, remember to leave time to acclimate to time zone changes. The day of arrival in Europe from the United States is often a gray haze of addled thinking and tired reflexes - not the optimal conditions for a game of golf. Leaving a day or two for sightseeing and relaxing will help assure that your golf game will be up to par, or as close as you can get, anyway.

Before leaving home, you will want to know whether the course you'll be playing has any restrictions. More popular courses often require a particular handicap of players, and at times, a home course letter of recommendation. Such courses might also specify a maximum amount of time allotted to complete a round - something to consider, especially if the course does not allow golf carts. These restrictions ensure that play is continuous and enables more golfers to enjoy the course. When playing a new course, it's a good idea to arrive early and familiarize yourself with its layout. Allowing time for practice on the range and putting greens should help you adjust to the course more quickly. 

Do remember to take into account your destination's climate. When traveling to the U.K., for instance, know that rain and wind will likely be factors in your game. When heading to the southeastern U.S., consider hurricane season. Furthermore, if a course closes because of rain, you may want to be in a destination that has other means of entertainment. But if there is nothing you would rather do on vacation besides golf, be sure to choose a destination with a mild and consistent climate.

If you're on a budget, you have an opportunity to save money and still play some of the best courses by traveling off-season. Your travel consultant will help you plan for "low" to "high" season travel, but if you choose the low season, remember that the trade-off is almost always your weather conditions. While the savings can be substantial, if you are planning on a trip to Florida or a tropical destination, do not underestimate the heat. However, in other destinations, such as Ireland and Scotland, off-season weather can translate into wet, cold and gale-force winds. Choose wisely!

Another option would be Vacationing at a golf school, which can be the perfect opportunity for players at every level who are looking to lower their scores. Many golf schools boast instructors who are PGA Tour professionals. Many also use state-of-the-art technology to analyze and enhance your golf swing. The training can be as focused or as broad as you wish, given the many schools offering multiple programs. For this reason, advance research is imperative.

In general, golf schools offer professional instruction for small groups with a particular skill level. Be sure to inquire about the school's teacher/student ratio before you go. One-on-one lessons may also be available at an additional cost. Instruction is usually given early in the day so participants can practice what they've learned in the afternoon. Golf school programs vary in length from a day to a week, and program costs vary as well. Costs are generally dependent on the intensity of the instruction, travel season, and whether or not accommodation and meals are included.

As you pack, keep in mind that golf courses have strict requirements regarding attire. Golf shoes are a must, as well as collared shirts, long shorts and/or pants. Also be aware of your destination's climate - rain gear is always advisable. Since playing with a set of clubs different from your own can hinder your game, renting clubs, though an option at many courses, is not advisable if it can be avoided. When traveling by plane, pack your clubs in a high quality travel bag, and stuff the bag with as many small items as possible (gloves, balls, tees, etc) to conserve space in your luggage and to provide a bit of padding for your clubs. Just a note -  clubs cannot be a carry-on item, so don't even try.  A hard-case is recommended for travel on airlines to prevent damage to the clubs from other bags and inevitable rough handling. As a precaution, check to see if the loss of your clubs would be covered under your homeowners insurance, or if a rider to your policy is necessary.  

Travel insurance is also a good idea. Items generally covered by a typical travel insurance policy include airfare, baggage, health, and trip cancellation/interruption for up to a year. Remember that your own health insurance may not be valid abroad, so also check into that. 

When you make your final plans, inquire about relevant cancellation policies, as well as any fees incurred if you change your golf schedule. And although you're counting on sunny skies, you may want to ask about a rain refund policy.

Once your plans are set — it's time to relax and enjoy the trip ahead. Travel on, and tee up! The green awaits. Contact Jadd Fong Travel an Albuquerque travel agency and get started!http://www.travelexinsurance.com/quote/?nc=1