How to Choose an All-Inclusive Golf Vacation

To minimize your golf vacation hassles—and get the most from your dollars—choose an all-inclusive package. Resorts and brokers offer such packages for most of the world's golfing hotbeds. These packages offer great rates on transportation, accommodations, greens fees and other activity costs. Some resorts also include meals and spa services. Brokers can secure advance tee times at courses you want to play. In many cases, you can tailor your golf vacation package to your exact needs. Group bookings can secure even greater discounts. Assembling your package is possible in the Internet age, but it is difficult to beat the package pricing.

Look outside the continental United States for bargains in Hawaii, Mexico, the Dominican Republican, Jamaica, Puerto Rico and other Caribbean destinations. A summer trip to scenic Alberta, Canada, allows you to golf in the clear mountain air. If you are more adventurous, consider trips to Ireland, Scotland and England to play the sport's most historic links courses.

Internet access to shop the thousands of potential vacation packages.

Passport for trips outside the United States.

Travel agent with extensive golf vacation experience.

Step 1: Decide where you want to go. Use your imagination, because your options are almost endless. Surf golf travel sites to get a feel for all the possibilities. Consult with a travel agent with experience in the field—since this person gains valuable customer feedback. Good travel agencies will steer you away from fly-by-night operators.

Step 2: Determine the dates of your trip and check the temperature and precipitation norms of the region to which you are headed. Make sure you have a good fit. All-inclusive Caribbean and Mexico golf resorts are popular because of their terrific year-round weather. The weather window in Great Britain is much smaller for golf.

Step 3: Choose what else you want to do on your vacation, such as gambling, chilling out on the beach, hike in the mountains and spoiling yourself in a spa. List your activity priorities and match them to your trip.

Step 4: Choose the type and location of your accommodations, whether it be in a hotel room, condominium or home in a golfing resort. Ask yourself if you prefer accommodations away from the course and near other attractions, how much time you will spend actually golfing, how much space you need and whether you will eat in, and entertain guests. Other considerations are the size of your group, if you will be traveling with another couple or family, will you bring children and will you have several parties in your group. List your priorities before starting to shop.

Step 5: Determine what caliber of clubs and courses to play. They range from fancy and challenging to economical and unimposing. If you don't know the courses, do your own research. Some discount packages will feature lesser courses because they less expensive.

Step 6: Decide if you would rather rent equipment than bring your own clubs. Many travelers prefer this option. Explore the rental opportunities and costs at your destination.

Step 7: Set a budget for both the trip cost and your daily out-of-pocket costs. Shop aggressively. Compare prices carefully. Look for hidden costs. Cart fees, for instance, may not be included. Calculate the taxes, if your quoted price does not include them. Definite what you consider to be "all-inclusive." Ask yourself if it means meals, equipment rentals and other activities, and find out what are the uncovered costs associated with your trip.

Seek multiple reviews on unfamiliar courses that you intend to play. Check publications that will offer a frank assessment.

Prepare your own list of all the relevant contact persons you may need to reach during your trip.

Understand all the terms of your package. There are often penalties for cancellations and changes. Be very sure before you book.

If a rental car is included in your package, make sure the vehicle is big enough for your needs. A foursome traveling with clubs needs a LOT of room.