Six Questions for Planning a Golf Vacation Package

Six Questions You MUST Ask When Planning a Golf Vacation Package

Golf vacation packages usually offer significant savings, but only if you go about booking them the right way. Here are six questions for planning a golf vacation package. Golf vacation packages require some pretty specific planning, and planning is a whole lot easier when you know the right questions to ask. The details, if you can figure them out before you book, can make the difference between a memorable golf vacation and a disaster.

1. Why use an agent when you can do it yourself? Most agencies have been in business for many years and have developed relationships with the hotels and golf courses. This gives them negotiating power. For instance, they can ask for and receive the best values and discounts. Many agencies have Golf Vacation Planners who know the industry inside and out. They can find destinations and resorts that will fit your budget, which can save you hundreds of dollars.
2. What’s the cancellation policy - for lodging or tee-times? Hey, the worst can always happen, and if it does you need to know what will happen to you financially. Ask the booking agent what happens when you cancel. Many agents need a couple of weeks notice. If you book just golf, 48 hours notice is usual to cancel tee times.
3. When will your credit card be charged? Silly question, and what does it really matter? Well, some individuals run their cards close to the max and it’s important there’s a large enough balance to cover the cost of your golf vacation package, AND a request from the front desk to cover incidentals while you’re at the resort. Also, you will probably required to give a deposit when you book the package, and that could be as much as %100. Deposit will are usually charged immediately. The deposit may be as great as 100%. Full payment usually becomes due 30 days before you travel. Make sure you understand ALL the details about the deposit, payment in full, and any potential cancellation charges.
4. How are upgrades, changes or cancellations processed? Always treat your booking agency as your travel provider. They will provide you with information and pricing on upgrades, and they will handle any required changes or cancellations to your reservation.
5. Can you change a specific itinerary for a "special" vacation package? Special packages usually have specific itineraries: number of nights, rounds of golf, meals, etc, but you may want to add to the package – an extra night or round of golf, perhaps. This should never be a problem, but don’t wait until you arrive at the resort to make the changes. Your agent can make adjustments and still provide you with substantial savings.
6. Can you arrange lower cost afternoon twilight rates, reserve 36 holes in a day or reserve rental golf clubs? This is an important question, and you should know the answer BEFORE you book. Most golfers I know like to get in an extra nine holes in the afternoon, or even 18. A good booking agent can get you the answer and help you get twilight and re-play rates, if available. Finally, how about rental golf clubs? With airlines charging as much as $50 each way to transport you own clubs, it makes sense to leave them at home and rent. Most resorts and courses will take advanced reservations for rental golf clubs. Rates can run from $25.00 -$45.00 a day, depending upon the resort – you booking agent may be able to get them for you at a discount as part of the package.

OK, those are what I consider to be the six important questions you should ask when planning a golf vacation package; you will probably think of more – don’t be afraid to ask. There is no silly question, especially when the answer can, and probably will, save you money.