Play and Stay Packages
One popular perk hotels often give their guests is the ability to play for a discount rate at one of the surrounding golf courses in the area. These are frequently referred to as stay-and-play packages, and they include discount greens fees or free golf, depending on where you stay. Las Vegas Harrah's hotels are well-known for this perk. It is still available whether you book online or not at most hotels, but combined with the discounts you receive by booking online it really makes traveling to play golf affordable.
Discount Flights
Maybe the most well-known advantage of booking travel online is the ability to fly for cheap. Online travel sites are like clearance houses for the airlines, and they use the Internet to fill seats that otherwise may not be occupied. This could save you anywhere from 10 to 50 percent or more on your flight.
Frequent Flier Plans Still Apply
The savings booking travel online is immediate and long term. It extends to your frequent flier programs and travel rewards programs. Since you can use these programs with nearly every online travel site, you won't lose out on the savings these plans offer. The actual dollar savings of booking online also will often be greater than all the savings you gain from these plans anyway.
Hotel and Flight Combos
Another great feature of booking travel online is the savings you get from hotel and flight combos and flight and car combos. Generally speaking, when you book both a flight and a car, flight and hotel, or all three from one of these sites (like Expedia.com) you will get an added discount. That's more money to spend on your greens fees. In some cases, I have been able to book a car rental with an already discounted flight for as low as $13 a day.
Trip Planning
Another benefit of booking travel online is the ability to plan your trip all in one place and receive itinerary by email. This makes your travel planning faster and simpler. You also will have a copy of your itinerary that can't be lost; it can be printed from any computer that can access your email. It makes planning the ultimate golf weekend simpler and more fun.
About The Author
Steve Smith has published hundreds of articles on a wide range of topics, including cars, travel, lifestyle, business, golf, weddings and careers. His articles, features and news stories have appeared in newspapers, consumer magazines and on various websites, including Trails.com and eHow.com. Smith holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and journalism from University of New Hampshire Durham.
