Are Golf Vacations Worth It?
There's no better way for avid golfers to enjoy well-deserved time off than out on the course. But what do you do when your vacation is also the family’s vacation?
The best solution for an incredible getaway that everyone can enjoy: a golf vacation.
A golf vacation doesn’t have to be solely about golf—at least, that’s how you can sell it to your family. A golf resort in an exciting new place will provide ample activities and adventures for the kids while you spend your days on the course.
But with the costs of flight, hotel, rental car, club fees, and more, are they worth it? Here's what you need to know about taking a golf vacation to decide if it's the right choice for you.
Bundled Services = Cheaper Rates
It's easy to get overwhelmed when you think about all the different expenses associated with a vacation. It can get even more complicated if you're traveling with your family as you calculate how much individual activities may cost and how much to budget for your trip.
But if you opt to take a golf vacation at a resort, there's a good chance you can save money by purchasing a vacation package. With various services bundled together, you can ensure everyone in your party will have plenty to enjoy during the trip at lower rates.
Plus, if you purchase bundled services or an all-inclusive package, you don't need to count pennies in the moment, as the package will already take care of the biggest expenses.
Stress-Free Vacation
Taking a golf vacation at a resort, especially as part of an all-inclusive package, means you can truly unwind and relax during your vacation, with plentiful fun for the whole family built into your stay.
There are typically plenty of planned activities for the kids at all-inclusive golf resorts, so you don't need to worry about entertaining them during the trip.
Restaurants at the resort mean you don't need to waste time planning where to eat or worry about commuting. It’s the ideal setup for a stress-free vacation.
Perfect Balance of Practice and Relaxation
On a golf vacation, you can strike the perfect balance of relaxation and hard work on the course. Many golf resorts even have practice facilities, allowing you to hone your skills during your vacation.
Some resorts even partner with reputable golf instructors. You can sign up for a class or one-on-one coaching session!
6 Golf Vacation Booking Tips
Consider these six booking tips to get the most bang for your buck and enjoy your vacation to the fullest.
1. Research Affordable Destinations
Think about the bigger picture for your budget when looking at various packages and comparing rates. Maybe there's a great deal at a course in Miami, FL, but have you researched costs for food, accommodations, and other activities?
Look at the total overall cost of the trip, not just the cost to play, to make the savvy financial choice.
2. Book During the Off-Season
Everyone wants to go on a golf vacation during the warm and sunny summer months. Since June, July, and August are in high demand, booking during this season is also substantially more expensive.
But you can get all the benefits of the stellar weather at a lower price by simply booking a week or two out of the peak season. The weather in late May or early September will be just as lovely as in June or August, and you could save a substantial chunk of cash for your flexibility.
3. Go With a Group
Golfing builds positive connections and community among people with common interests. Why not get the full benefit of your time on the course by bringing along some friends to enjoy the experience with you?
Some people think of golf as a solo sport, but that couldn't be further from the truth. Sure, you can practice or play a round by yourself, but a day playing 18 holes is more enjoyable when it comes with good conversation and laughs among peers or colleagues.
By including others in your golf vacation, you get to have a unique, shared experience that can bring you closer together. Plus, many resorts offer discounted packages for groups!
4. Book at the Right Time
The early bird can indeed get the worm—but the bird who hunts strategically may get many!
Studies have shown that the best time to book a domestic flight is between 3 weeks to 3.5 months before the travel dates. For international travel, it's best to book a few months out.
The relatively small window of time may be surprising for some people, as it's often believed that getting a huge jump start on planning can lead to greater savings. While this may sometimes pan out, it's not always the case.
Set price alerts and get notifications when costs drop to get the best deal on travel and accommodations. This way, you can hop on the lowest rate possible and get more bang for your buck during your golf getaway.
5. Consider All-Inclusive Packages
If you want to maximize the fun and cost savings while also lessening your workload, an all-inclusive package is the way to go.
Golf resorts offer play and accommodation packages, and some even include meals, equipment rentals, and more. Akin to going on a cruise, you can climb aboard and enjoy the ride, knowing that everything is in the price.
Plus, you can find all-inclusive packages in some incredible destinations. Bundles are an excellent way to have a memorable trip for both the golfers and non-golfers in your family.
6. Play Multiple Rounds on The Same Course
It may be tempting to play different courses every game while on your vacation. And while there's nothing wrong with trying out all the courses a destination has to offer, you may be able to save a hefty chunk of change by playing the same course twice.
Many golf courses and resorts will offer a Replay Discount of as much as 50% off if you play the same course back-to-back!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does All-Inclusive Include Golf?
Sometimes. It's always wise to read the fine print before purchasing any all-inclusive package. Many big-name golf resorts offer packages that include rounds on the golf course, while others offer golf add-ons. Do your research to get the best deal possible!
Conclusion
Since vacations only come once or twice a year, make the most of your time by taking a memorable golf vacation! With all-inclusive deals, amazing destinations, and ample fun for the whole family, you can feel good about spending your days on the course.
When you’ve booked your vacation, the next step is to shop Stitch Golf, where you’ll find all your golf vacation needs, from travel bags to weather-ready gear and more. Shop Stitch today for golf apparel and equipment that looks stylish and saves you money.
