Golf Vacations – Finding the Ideal One for You

If you’re a senior golf enthusiast or even just a weekend warrior then you should consider a golf vacation. It will offer you new scenery and depending on where you go, it can be fun for the entire family. Golf and travel go hand in hand since many golf courses are located in warm weather or touristy areas. Picking a destination really depends on what you’re looking for. Here are some tips to finding the perfect golf outing for you.

Many golfers would like the opportunity to play on courses where the pros have played. For them a true golf vacation would be paying on the same courses Arnold Palmer and Tiger Woods have teed off. This is possible though some courses are only open to members so it’s beneficial to know someone who belongs to these prominent clubs.

For other golfers, an ideal golf trip depends more on the weather than the destination. If you live in a cold weather city then maybe a tropical destination such as Florida or Hawaii would be ideal. If something cool and dry is preferred then maybe Las Vegas or Phoenix in the winter time. All of these destinations have award winning golf courses that are sure to fulfill your “need for green”.

Some golfers like to try their hand at golf courses with a new challenge. That can be golfing in the snow or at night. There are certain golf courses that cater specifically to these kinds of challenging games. There are glow in the dark balls for night golf and florescent balls for snow golf so they are easier to find (but still more difficult).

There may be a course near you that offers these types of golfing but you can also combine it and make a vacation out of it. Lake Tahoe in California and Aspen in Colorado are perfect vacation spots for the snow golf enthusiast. Make sure you bring a thermos of coffee and warm clothes.

For most golfers they are just satisfied to play at a new course with other golf friends. They play for fun and compliment or razz each other depending in the shot. Many times they play pairs and socialize between holes. This can be a cross country flight to a tropical destination or just a road trip with an overnight stay at a resort.

There are a few golfers who prefer to hit the green by themselves and find the opportunity to improve their game an ideal vacation. They will take the time to walk the course and challenge themselves. Sometimes they will purposely find non-ideal weather so they can practice their skills.

In any case, a golf vacation (or even just an outing) can be the break you need to enjoy gold and get away from the stress of everyday life.

Gary Player Helps Improve Your Golf Game

Golf may look simple, but it is a complex sport requiring drive and determination. There are three dimensions that create a complete golfer: a solid mental game, technical skill and physical fitness.

Gary Player, professional golfer and winner of golf’s career grand slam, advocates mastering these three dimensions to improve your golf game. He has partnered with BoomerTowne.com to provide advice to anyone, especially the 9 million baby boomer golfers like himself, who strives to improve their score.

Mental Game

“The most important dimension, mental game, is often the most overlooked and least practiced,” says Player.
A lot of golfers buy into the phrase “grip it and rip it.” They assume the game of golf only requires one to grab a club and swing away. The truth, however, is that without a solid mental game a golfer will never reach his or her true potential, no matter how great the swing is or how physically fit the person.

Player reminds golfers, “By simply making the effort to start something, you will be miles ahead of almost everyone else, and after that, success lies in your determination.”

One way to improve a mental game is to visualize success. Before beginning a round, or even while practicing, visualize the desired outcome. See yourself hitting the perfect shot, reading a complicated break on the green and sinking the putt or hitting the approach shot to within a few feet of the flag.

Technical Skill

Before a golfer can succeed at golf, he or she must understand and implement certain fundamental techniques.

Often it is a lot easier, and more effective, to learn the proper golf swing from a professional golfer right away rather than try to unlearn the wrong swing and bad habits.
“Ben Hogan was a great inspiration in motivating me to practice and develop a balanced swing technique. He always said the “secret was in the dirt,” says Player. “What I understood that to mean, and still believe to this day, is that the harder you practice, the luckier you get. Better said; nothing worth achieving comes easily.”

With that in mind, make sure to get out on the practice range and do exactly that – practice! Start warming up by hitting with a middle-iron, a 5- or 6-iron works perfect, and then work your way through your entire bag. Focus on past instruction and really concentrate on making a good, consistent swing.

Physical Fitness

Golf requires a sound base of physical strength and flexibility. This becomes very apparent when you consider that in the course of walking 18 holes, one can cover over a couple of miles while carrying a 20- to 30-pound golf bag. There is no doubt that the physical fitness aspect of the sport is the most difficult for golfers to sustain.
A great place to get going with a good physical fitness routine, and low budget effort, is stretching. Before hitting the range or playing a round, make sure to stretch out and get loose. Swinging a weighted club or swinging two or three clubs at a time effectively accomplishes this. Start by taking the club back and hold it at the top of the backswing. Then swing through and hold again at the finish. Doing this will effectively stretch out the muscles used when golfing.

Article courtesy of ARAcontent

Do You Think Green When You Travel?

Think “green” when you travel? Eco-tourism is a growing movement that encourages environmentally responsible travel around the world.

“Regardless of where you plan to visit this summer, being kind to Mother Nature during your travels is easier than you may think,” said Jeanenne Diefendorf, Orbitz Travel Insider. “Whether you rent a hybrid car, choose to offset your carbon emissions, or spend a week cleaning beaches, eco-friendly travel is a growing trend that everyone can contribute to on many different levels.”

Making big contributions to the environment on your own can often seem overwhelming, but there are plenty of simple things any traveler can do to make a difference when you’re on the road.

• Conserve at home while you’re away. Before you leave for vacation, turn down the thermostat, lower the water heater, and stop newspaper delivery for the duration of your trip.

• Stay at a “green” hotel. Many lodging properties use wind and solar power as energy sources or purchase only environmentally-friendly products, such as “green” detergents for linens and soaps. Check out www.eco.orbitz.com to find eco-friendly hotels in your destination city.

• Rent a hybrid car. Write your favorite rental car company and tell them you want to rent a hybrid vehicle. Some rental companies are already offering hybrid rentals in certain areas of the world. Some eco-friendly hotels even offer free parking to guests who are driving these efficient vehicles.

• Offset your carbon footprint. If you’re flying or driving, you’re contributing to carbon dioxide emissions already in the environment. CO2 emissions are a major cause of global climate change. Check out non-profit organizations

ike Carbonfund.org that allow you to contribute to carbon-offsetting initiatives such as reforestation projects and renewable energy programs.

• Get involved. Whether its one day or one week, spend some of your vacation time giving back to the local environment in the community you visit. Volunteer opportunities are plentiful and help is always needed for activities such as trail maintenance and beach clean-up.

So, whether you’re off to see the lights of New York City or the depths of the Grand Canyon, make this summer vacation a green one!

Article courtesy of ARAcontent

Don’t Let Tropical Storms Ruin Your Beach Vacation

Late summer is not only when hurricane activity typically increases, it’s also when many vacationer’s take advantage of their last chance to get away. So, where can beachgoers head with less worry of a tropical storm?

While, according to The National Hurricane Center, every island in the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic seaboard are vulnerable to hurricane activity, there are some islands that are less likely to be impacted. Check out some of these tropical retreats located outside or just on the boarder of the “hurricane zone.” These destinations offer all the sand and surf with a smaller chance of impact by inclement weather for travelers still looking to get away as summer days come to an end.

“Beach getaways are still a great option for late summer travel, as long as you plan appropriately,” says Jeanenne Diefendorf, Orbitz Travel Insider. “Take some of the worry out of your vacation and try beaches — like Aruba, Barbados and Curacao — that have less chance of being impacted by severe weather.”

Aruba

Located in the heart of the Caribbean, Aruba prides itself on having some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The culture on the island is a unique blend of Native American, African and European influences and offers all the activities and luxuries travelers’ look for in an island vacation. From sailing to scuba to deep sea fishing, there’s something to suit nearly everyone’s mood on this tranquil, tropical island.

Barbados

This easternmost Caribbean island sits on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, but outside the hurricane belt, and offers nearly 3,000 hours of sunshine a year. One great way to experience this scenic environment is through the many island, air, sea and underwater island tours. A must-see while visiting Barbados is the Animal Flower Cave. The cave’s floor is estimated to be 400,000 years old. Visitors can take a swim through parts of the cave or relax at its restaurant and bar.

Curacao

This Caribbean island located off the coast of Venezuela is famous for its exquisite and picturesque beaches. The island offers extensive diving among eye-popping coral reefs and plentiful sea life. The architecture throughout the island’s historic port is worth checking out, as well as art from one of the many local artists. This destination exudes a European charm and friendly atmosphere, and makes a great choice for a late-summer beach retreat.

Puerto Vallarta

If Caribbean adventures don’t suit your taste, check out one of Mexico’s most beautiful western beach destinations — Puerto Vallarta. This seaside town has a deep Mexican culture and beautiful landscape that will captivate your senses. In addition to its laid-back beach attitude, Puerto Vallarta also offers wonderful local art and some of the best in traditional Mexican dining as well as other eclectic food options. The city is full of galleries and five-star cuisine from chefs around the world. For a great day trip, venture to the small mining village of San Sebastian. A short trip from Puerto Vallarta, it offers a glimpse into typical rural life Mexico, breathtaking mountain views and a relaxing atmosphere.

Kauai

If you really want to steer clear of hurricanes, head to Hawaii. Kauai is the oldest of all the main Hawaiian Islands, and geographically it has some of the most stunning vegetation and canyons. Greenery and flowers overwhelm the island with beauty. Hiking and sightseeing are a must-do in addition to spending some time on the beautiful beaches. The Waimea Canyon is deep and vast, and shows amazing colors that even rival the Grand Canyon. Golf is also popular on the island and is available at many of the resorts. For a cultural and historical adventure visit some of the artwork and architectural remains of the Hawaiian People over the centuries.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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