Golfing is becoming as mainstream as hot dogs and apple pie.  It seems that there is a golf course popping up almost everywhere you turn.  Even though there are a lot to choose from, all golf courses are not created equal.  Search the country to find some of the best courses around.

1.    Pelican Hill Golf Club is located in Newport Beach California.  The resort offers 36 holes that are not only a challenge to play but offer amazing views.  The courses were just recently re-perfected by Tom Fazio.
2.    Augusta National Golf Club is home to the annual Masters Tournament since 1934.  It is considered one of the top golf courses on the PGA Tour.  The landscaping is amazing and in full bloom during the tournament each year.
3.    The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail is a series of course throughout the state of Alabama.  There are 11 sites to visit with a combination of 468 holes.  It is the perfect golf vacation with plenty to do for the whole family at all of the sites you will visit.
4.    Doral Golf Resort & Spa can be found in Miami, Florida.  Besides the incredible weather, the resort also offers a challenge for golfers.  There are five championship courses to choose from including the legendary Blue Monster.
5.    Five Ponds Golf Club is a public course in Warminster, Pennsylvania.  The course is well designed and sure to keep you on your toes.  There are twelve water hold, plenty of fairway and greenside bunkers and plenty of other design elements that will test most any golfer.
6.    San Antonio, Texas is home to a number of historic and cultural locations.  The Pecan Valley Golf Club can be counted among them.  It is set on 200 wooded acres along Salado Creek and is recognized as one of the sports greatest masterpieces.
7.    The Crystal Downs Country Club golf course was designed by Alister MacKenzie and Perry Maxwell back in 1929.  There are some amazing views of both Lake Michigan and Crystal Lake along the course.  It was built on a bluff, so expect some challenging shots.

For many people, there is nothing more relaxing than a good game of golf.  That experience can be completed in a golf vacation where the top courses in the United States can be experienced.  It can be one course at time for multiple days and games or it could be a whirl-wind of courses that offer a variety of locations and challenges.  In the end, it is as much about the game as it is about the vacation.

The next few months are some of the best times to visit botanical gardens around you (or around the regions where you might be traveling).  Many of the gardens offer great hands-on opportunities, educational experiences and a relaxing and calming atmosphere.  Spending the day “smelling the roses” can offer the perfect experience for the whole family.

Louisiana - Jungle Gardens on Avery Island, Louisiana is 250 acres of landscaped and natural beauty.  You will get to see a wide variety of plants and even a number of wildlife species native to the region (including alligators, deer and raccoons).

Maine - The Coastal Main Botanical Gardens is located on 248 acres of waterfront property in Boothbay.  There are landscaped gardens, native wildflowers and amazing views.  You can also enjoy the walkways and stonework around the gardens.

Maryland - Brookside Gardens in Montgomery County is a 50 acre public display garden.  It includes several landscaped garden (an azalea, rose and children’s garden along with many others).  One of the best features is that admission is free.

Massachusetts - Heritage Museums & Gardens is tucked away in Sandwich.  The area offers a number of things to do and to see.  Enjoy one of the many museums or a ride on the Carousel.  The gardens are located on 100 acres and are spectacular when in bloom.

Michigan - The Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is more than just a garden - it is an experience.  You will likely need four to eight hours just to enjoy the trails, landscaped gardens and amazing sculptures.  There are also a number of events held in the gardens throughout the year.

Minnesota - The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska is on a mission to be a world-class landscape arboretum.  It is well on its way with more than 1,000 acres of gardens, landscapes, and natural areas for your browsing pleasure.  Take a stroll through the 12.5 miles of paths and trails or enjoy a drive or bike through some of the areas.

Mississippi - The Crosby Arboretum of Mississippi State University offers a chance to see native plant species and natural landscapes.  The Arboretum manages seven associated natural sites that total around 1,000 acres.  You can enjoy a self guided tour of the 104 acre Interpretive Center is made even more pleasurable by the trail signs along the paths.

During this season of renewal, take some time to “stop and smell the roses” or just enjoy the beauty that nature has been hiding for the lonely months of winter.

It is important (albeit not easy) that you travel with children to as many places as you can AND that you travel by a variety of transportation modes.  The formative years can be the most important ones when it comes to developing a desire to travel.  Take your children for a trip and make the whole experience one that they will treasure.

1.    Taking children on travel adventures will expose them to new people.  The more types of people that you children are exposed to when they are growing up the more likely they are to be accepting of people from different backgrounds than their own.  This will help them through life in business and in social situations.
2.   Taking children to new places will expose them to different cultures and different ways of doing things.  It is easy to believe that your family’s way is the only right way around.  Learning new ways to eat, sleep and live will broaden the minds (and hearts) of your children.
3.   Taking children to new locations will give them the chance to try new foods.  Every state, every region and especially every country will have unique cuisine.  Starting your children experimenting with new types of food from an early age will open doors throughout their lives.
4.   Taking children around the globe (or around the state) will open them up to educational opportunities that might otherwise be missed.  A drive to Florida could include a detour to watch the launch of the space shuttle.  Include a little history, science or trivia in each of your family trips and you may spark an interest in you children that might otherwise go dim and be forgotten.
5.   Taking children on family outings will create memories for the whole family that will carry over for lifetimes.  It will help to build family bonds and individual relationships.  Traveling can open doors to communications in the future that might be the thing that saves your children’s lives.
6.   Taking children on trips can teach them patience and understanding as they learn through seeing.  Being crammed together for any length of time can try the nerves of parents and watching you remain calm and find fun ways to deal with the close locations will help your children cope in the future.

Traveling can be an important addition to the memories and experiences of your children.  Take the challenge and travel with your children.  It may be that you get as much out of the experience as they do.

The time has come to start thinking about fun in the sand.  Just in time for the summer beach season, Professor Stephen P. Leatherman, a.k.a. Dr Breach, has revealed his top 10 Beaches for 2008. The Dr. uses 50 criteria to determine his choices and is the director of Florida International University’s Laboratory for Coastal Research.I guess it’s no surprise that the Florida Professor chose 3 of Florida’s beaches for his top 10 picks in the United States.  Although with the fine, white sand and the fact that it has one of the longest coastlines (second only to Alaska) of any state in the United States probably helped the cause.

Caladesi Island, Florida received the top honors.  It is one of the barrier islands north of Clearwater.  The Island is only accessible by either private boat or the Caladesi Connection ferry service.  Ferry passengers are only allowed a four hour stay.  The other two Florida beaches to make it into the top 10 are Siesta Beach in Sarasota, Florida and Cape Florida State Park near Miami.

Hanalei Beach (Hanalei means Crescent Shaped) in Hawaii is in the Hanalei Bay on the North Shore of Kauai.  The entire bay is ringed with the magnificent white sand.  In the early morning hours the water is often so smooth that it reflects the majestic mountains around the bay.  During the day, these same waters offer fair swimming because of the protection of the surrounding mountains.  It is one of only seven beaches that have a lifeguard station.

Coopers Beach in Southampton, New York was the 4th beach on the list. Non-residents pay to enjoy the beach, but there is a pavilion that offers lunch, shower facilities and lifeguards.

Rounding out the top five is Coronado Beach in San Diego.  Parking may be a challenge, but there is always plenty of room on this California gem.

With all the choices around the United States, you are likely to be within a relatively short drive of one of the top Beaches in the country according to Dr. Beach.

It isn’t easy finding Mr. Right. More often than not you end up with Mr. Rightnow. This is especially true when you go on holiday or just getaway for the weekend. For the most part, people that are on vacation are just interested in the temporary good time and not looking very far in the future. There are some places that are more inclined to offer long term opportunities and some things that will help you with that as well.

1. Avoid the party goers. That means traditional Spring Break, Mardi Gras, and New Year’s destinations are not the place to go to find your mate for life. These might all be great trips for letting it all hang out, but they are not know for creating lasting relationships.

2. Take a cruise. There are many cruises available these days around themes, activities, and even relationship status. Find one that is all about the singles and give it a go. Pick a cruise that you would enjoy anyway. If you don’t find Mr. Right then you will still have something to show for your time and effort. Besides, if you are busy enjoying yourself you are more likely to develop lasting relationships instead of focusing on making that perfect match.

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3. Make it a real adventure. Don’t just go looking for Mr. Right, but take an adventure trip as well. There are several companies that offer trips specifically for singles. These intense opportunities will help you bond with the people around you which means forming lasting relationships that you will carry away from the trip.

4. Go on a mission trip. Helping others is good for you and the other people that are helping others are the kind you need to be looking through to find Mr. Right.

5. Learn as you look. Take a course or class where the travel is included. When you find Mr. Right on the trip then you know you will have at least one thing you can continue to do together as a couple.

The key to finding Mr. Right on your vacation is to not look for him. Instead, plan a vacation that you would love, look for opportunities to share the experience with other singles, and then let nature take its course. The best relationships are those that are formed from mutual interests. Let the trip of a life time be the foundation of a life time together.

One night away - that is a thought that crosses most women’s mind on any given day. Just one day away from the hustle and bustle that makes a life chaotic. Just one day away from the cries of responsibility. Just one day away from everything with no cares and nothing to worry about but your self.

Taking a day doesn’t have to be elaborate or cost a fortune. It does take a little bit of preparation (at the home, at the office, and with the family) and research (to find the best location). The key is to do something that you enjoy at your own pace without interruption.

If getting lost in a good book is the way that you recharge then you should find a hotel with room service. It would be even better if there was a hot tub in the room. You can revitalize your body and mind all in one stay.

Many spas offer one night stays. If you need to be pampered to recharge then this could be the place for you. Make a reservation for a massage or mud bath and you will be recharged in no time.

If peace and quiet is all you are looking for then find a hotel that is just far enough from home that no one will bother you. It doesn’t have to be fancy or cost a fortune. All you need is a comfortable bed and a hot shower.

If you want to have fun while you get away, check out some local sites or shows. You don’t have to have company to enjoy a night out (but do make sure that you take extra precautions to keep you and your property safe). The internet can be a great tool for finding packages that would include the show and hotel together.

Try something out of the ordinary to make your day way special. Tour a museum, eat at an ethnic restaurant, or find a local event that you might be interested in seeing. Remember that this day is all about you.

Most women forget to pamper themselves. There is too much time eaten away by other responsibilities. It always seems that there is another chore to be done, even if you spend the whole week checking off to-do’s. Taking a day away will not only be good you (heart, mind, and body), but everyone around you will benefit from the peace you will bring home.

Rome is a city that inspires romantic ideas and visions. In reality, Rome is layers of crowded streets, tourists, and amazing historical significance. There is more to do, to see and to experience in the city of Rome than you could ever accomplish in one trip.

One of the best things about Rome is that you can enjoy it in a number of different ways. It can be a great city to see on foot, or you can choose to tour the area by taxi or bus. No matter how you decide to get around, there are some things that you have to be sure to see on your trip.

The Colosseum is a 2,000 year old building and a leading example of Roman engineering. It is big and marked by the concrete, brick and arches that were a trademark of Roman designs. The Colosseum was the location of the gladiator shows, executions and other gruesome “entertainment” for the people of that day.

The Pantheon is a dynamic example of the splendor of the Roman Empire. The dome is 142 high and wide (even Michelangelo’s amazing dome is not as wide) and its architectural design has astounded the experts for years. The concrete in the dome gets thinner and lighter as it goes up and the top of the dome is made out of volcanic pumice. The Pantheon is the burial place of Raphael and other great Renaissance artists.

Vatican City is a tiny country within the walls of Rome and it is full of wondrous architecture and artworks. St. Peter’s Basilica is the richest and most impressive church that you will ever visit. It is filled with sculptures and other breathtaking sites. The Vatican Museum offers four MILES of displaces and is one of Europe’s top displays of artwork.

To experience the true magnificence that Rome offers, you will probably want to take a tour (guided or self-guided) that follows a particular path. There is so much to see and do that it is easy to miss some of the most amazing aspects of the city. You can find tours available through the internet or create your self guided tour through the same medium.

You are likely to find that one visit to Rome is not enough to experience the city completely. It seems that around ever corner or in ever nook there is another surprise or wonder to see.

Staying with friends or family is one of the top ways to save money when you are traveling. The trick to staying at another person’s home is knowing the rules. Following a few simple tips will help insure that your stay is pleasant and that you are also welcomed back in the future.

1. Invest in a host or hostess gift. Do a little research to find out what your host enjoys and invest in a nice gift to complement that interest. If you are unable to find something specific for the hostess then go generic. Get a nice vase with a flower arrangement or some bath salts. The purpose is to let the person you are staying with know that you appreciate what they are doing.

2. Offer to help out around the house. If meals are included in the stay then offer to clean up after the meal. Few hosts will allow their guests to do any kind of labor, but the gesture will still be appreciated.

3. Treat the home you are staying in better than your own home. Pick up (and put away) your dirty cloths. Put trash in the garbage can. Keep the noise down all the time and inaudible after normal bedtime hours.

4. Leave things in the same or better condition than when you arrived. Make the bed, fold the dirty towel and leave it next the bathtub and wipe down the sink and mirror. It will fill good to leave the place looking nice and it will be a nice surprise for you host or hostess.

5. Take your host and the host family out for a meal before you leave. It is just one more way to show your appreciation for their hospitality.

6. Be sure to follow up your visit with a thank you note. Mention specifics about your stay (like the fresh cut flowers in the room or the great home made meals). Specific information will give more meaning to your note. If you are in a position to do so, then extend an invitation for them to come stay with you in the future.

Being nice and polite can go a long way – particularly when you are staying in someone else’s home. Be sure you let them know you are appreciative. Take care to treat their home with respect. And follow up with a thank you. With just a few simple steps you are likely to become everyone’s favorite house guest.

When it all starts closing in on you, it is time to get away and recharge. Whether you are getting away from the job, the boss, or the family, there is a retreat that will help bring you back to a place of order. You can indulge your spiritual side, your adventurous side, or the side that just wants to be alone. Just take some time out for yourself so that you don’t take it out on everyone around you.

1. Women’s Quest offers great adventures designed to rekindle your passions and refresh your spirit. There are comfortable accommodations, inspirational talks, and expert instruction. You will also be treated to healthy, delicious meals - and you won’t even have to do the dishes afterwards. Round out the retreat with massage, yoga, and other creative activities.

2. You can take your retreat to a whole new level with the help of A Woman’s Way. These retreats off a unique path to discovering creative potential and creating a life filled with passion and joy.

3. If it’s adventure that you crave then Mind Over Mountains is the place for you. These retreats focus on the mind through discussions, journal writing, and inspiring presentations. The goal is to stimulate new thoughts, new insights, and new solutions all leading to positive actions. The body is also a focus through a variety of outdoor activities. There is mountain climbing, hiking, peak climbing, and other activities designed to push the limits we have set for ourselves. The spirit is included in the retreats through yoga and quiet time.

4. When you think of a yoga retreat, a dude ranch may not be the first place to pop into your mind. The Home Ranch has designed a week especially for women that brings yoga and horsemanship into harmony. Not only do you receive instruction from renowned instructors, but you will be treated to gourmet cuisine, massage, bonding and relaxation.

5. For a holistic approach to your getaway, you need to visit Nurture Through Nature. They offer canoe trips, custom getaways, and wellness retreats. The goal is to provide a reflective and contemplative space surrounded by the soothing qualities of nature. The retreats include Hatha yoga, guided meditations, and the mind clearing method The Work of Byron Katie.

6. The Dragonflye Experience lets you see past the illusion that the world places on your life so that you can see what you truly need to make your life better. The retreats are a place where women can find quiet (something we all long for) and also the space and comfort to discover the inner strength and wisdom that they already possess.

Taking time to refresh and recharge is important no matter what stage of life you may be walking through. If you can’t find the time or money for an “official” getaway or retreat then make your own. Check into a hotel (at least two hours from home so you won’t be easily accessible) and read a book or sleep the time away.

Resorts are vacation destinations that often offer all your travel needs under one room. You can find your accommodations, entertainment and food without ever leaving the premises. Or the resorts may offer guided tours of the local attractions. Resorts may limit your interaction with the locals, but they can also offer some great vacation experience that you will not find anywhere else.

Set in the heart of Phoenix, Arizona is the Frank Lloyd Wright influenced architecture of the Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa. It sits on 39 acres of gardens, pools and art work nestled at the foot of the Phoenix Mountain Preserve (more than 23,000 acres of nature reserve). The Resort offers activities that cater to the entire family as well as to the individual. There are also fitness classes that can be booked in advanced along with tours to any of the local attractions.

The Heidel House Resort in Green Lake, Wisconsin has been called the best resort in the state. Set on 20 acres (all fully landscaped) it is a great place to find lakeside accommodations. The recreation coordinator can help you meet most of your outdoor needs, from hiking to boating to biking. There are also great fishing opportunities. The spa service is a blend of all natural and high tech that is customized for each guest.

Tan-Tar-A Resort in Osage Beach, Missouri sits on the banks of the Lake of the Ozarks among 420 acres. It offers two golf courses (one 18 hole and one 9 hole), tennis, swimming, parasailing, boat rentals and other outdoor activities. The resort also has its own indoor water park, heated swimming pool, arcade, bowling and fitness center.

The Homestead in Hot Springs, Virginia is spread out over 16,000 acres that include three 18 hole golf courses, a trout stream, skeet and trap shooting fields, 19 tennis courts, indoor and outdoor pools, and a naturally-heated mineral water pool. You can also enjoy bowling, billiards, and movies all on resort property. The resort Spa and Salon features personalized massages, mineral baths, facial, manicures and so much more. It is every thing that you need for a complete vacation experience.

The resort development is making its way into the mainstream vacation getaways. Although the prices are still higher than your average hotel room, when you add it all up the amenities fare out weigh the costs.