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.

Going green - or finding ways to be environmentally conscious - is becoming the “in” way to live.  Many people are turning to hybrid transportation (or giving up the car altogether and taking public transportation).  People are learning to recycle and to compost.  It is also possible to travel on vacation or on a business trip in “green” style.

1    Many cities have become more pedestrian friendly.  When you travel to your destination, see if biking or walking are encouraged for getting around.  Cities that have expansive bike trails or just lean towards pedestrian use often have a place for you to rent a bike during your stay.  Check out the local regulations concerning safety rules and equipment before you peddle on your way.
2    Choose a “Green” Hotel that is concerned about the environment as well.  These hotels have programs that will help save water and energy and also reduce waste.  Many of them also work hard to save you money as well by providing reasonable rates.
3    The little things do count.  Treat your hotel just like you would at home.  Turn off the lights when you aren’t in the room.  Turn down the heat just a little (or turn up the air conditioning).  Cut down the length of the shower.  Let the hotel staff know that you don’t need fresh linens and cups each day.
4    If you are unable to locate “green” accommodations in the area you are traveling then be sure to write a note to the management where you are staying.  Let them know of your concern for the environment and also leave them the website of the “Green” Hotels.  The travel industry is very sensitive to the suggestions given out by their customers – particularly those that take the time to write out those suggestions.
5    Leave the paper at home.  Use electronic bills or tickets as much as you can.  Some hotels even let you use the internet or television to check you bill and to check out.  Every little bit helps when it comes to protecting the environment.

There are a number of ways to go “green” even when you have to go on the road.  Be aware of what you are doing and keep the same habits away from home that you keep at home.  Do some research to find companies and accommodations that are “green” conscious and do business with those companies.  If everyone does a little then it will make a big impact for all.

As the nation continues to experience rising gas prices and chooses ‘staycations’ in order to save money, the changes are taking their toll on flight options.  USA Today reports that a number of busy airports that cater to domestic flights are even cutting back departures this Fall by reducing domestic air service to various cities.  The October airline schedules show a 10% decrease in domestic air service options compared to the October 2007 schedules, and this may only get worse with the increase in oil prices and energy costs.

Major carriers including American Airlines, United and Delta are all reducing their flights by 10-14%, say the reporters at USA Today.  Some of the smaller airlines will also start cutting back.  Major cities and airports that will be most effected by the change include Honolulu Oahu, Oakland, Kansas City, Cincinnati, Houston and Santa Ana.  Even Chicago Midway airport is reducing its flights by 12.3 percent, according to the OAG-Official Airline Guide.

Airlines are also cutting back on staff and reducing investments in new carriers and jets as the season progresses.  This means fewer flight options not only for Fall 2008, but possibly into the Spring and Summer of 2009 – especially if fuel costs continue to increase at a steady rate.

Americans are already responding to the changes by turning to alternative vacations and getaways to escape the daily routine.  Instead of booking flights for their vacation, many are resorting to buses and trains for transportation, or skipping the vacation altogether and staying near home.  Still, even public transportation costs are increasing to accommodate the fuel increases; some train and bus operators are considering adding fees and increasing the rates of ticket prices for many of the nation’s top destinations.

Those who do choose to board a flight this Fall may find it difficult to book a non-stop flight from the favored destination, and will likely see fewer passengers than usual at the airport.

Flight delays are not just annoying for passengers but they are draining the pockets of everyone around.  Just last year, the delays of the nation’s airlines are believed to have cost around $41 billion when you take into account the passengers, airlines and businesses (this is according to a congressional study).  They also pay for an additional 5% of fuel because of delayed flights - at today’s prices it is probably one of the main reasons so many airlines are in trouble.

The costs include an increase in operating costs for the airlines.  They companies are often forced to offer some compensation for delayed passengers.  Even delays that are completely out of the airlines hands often forces them to pay for overtime for employees and other unexpected necessities.

Passengers also take a hefty hit in the wallet from flight delays.  There is the need to purchase meals, get temporary lodging or other unwanted expenses.  The costs to the passengers as reported did not even take into account the canceled flights or missed connections.

Non-airline businesses suffered the least financial damage, but they did not walk away unscathed.  Passengers miss out on part of their vacation time because they are stuck in the airport.  Any time they aren’t at their destination then the businesses don’t have a chance to compete for their dollars.

The reason behind delays seems to have no scientific logic, but they do seem to be an expected part of any flight travel plans you might have today.  If the airlines would spend more time working out the delays instead of trying to charge passengers for every thing imaginable (from check in luggage to particular seating) then people might be willing to spend a little more for the “privilege” of flying to their destination.

The thought of $41 billion being flushed away should make everyone stand up and pay attention.

Rising gas prices are putting a damper on many of the travel plans for the summer and holidays through out the summer season.  Not only are people concerned about paying the price at the pump, many are also worried about what those rising prices are doing to every day costs (like groceries).

The news reports in print and on the small screen are not helping the concerns.  They regularly report doom and gloom about the things that are still to come.  It is no wonder people are closing up their pocketbooks and turning away from the traditional family vacation.

Some people are just looking for vacation options closer to home.  The idea is that if they can save on the travel expense then they can still afford to enjoy a getaway – although the getaway may not be as far as they originally planned.

The travel industry is scrambling to try and entice people to come their way.  Some locations are offering tax rebate specials to lure vacationers.  Others are just crossing their fingers and hoping for the best.

Concerns will only continue to grow if the prices at the pumps (and the stores) continue to rise.  Those consumers who were planning for shorter vacations or vacations closer to home may decided that costs are just high.  Then again, many will just adjust their plans once again to take into account the fuel costs.

Between the increased warnings and the actual increased prices of gasoline, people are traveling less this season.  How much damage that will cause the travel industry is yet to be seen.  It may be that local “tourists” manage to balance out the equation and in the end the industry is not as damaged as some may suspect.  In the long run, the fuel “crisis” may turn out to be less of a problem than the experts are predicting.

Getting through the security checks at the airport can be a stressful event if you’re not prepared.  As more airports tighten up security measures to ensure all bags and items are checked in appropriately, you may soon find many items you used to take along in your carry on no longer meet the TSA requirements.

Packing only the items you need for your carry-on bag can be a daunting task, but you’ll need to downsize that bag as much as possible to not only get through security, but also make sure it fits easily into the overhead bins or under the seat during the flight.  Here are some of the essentials you need to pack your carry on:

1.    Reading materials. Longer flights may encourage a few hours of quality reading, so pack at least one or two novels, magazines or newspapers to accompany you on the flight.
2.    A Ziploc bag of fluids or liquids.  A Ziploc bag of your miniature-sized hand lotion, contacts solution or other cosmetics is the easiest way to ensure your carry on items will pass through the system.  Pack these well ahead of time to avoid delays.
3.    Personal music player.  Take along the iPod or MP3 player, but make sure you pack it near the top of your bag so you can take it out easily to pass the security checks.
4.    Eye mask.  If you have a long flight ahead of you, take along an eye mask that will help you sleep better.  You’ll be much more refreshed and alert when you arrive at your travel destination.
5.    Travel journal and writing instrument.  Take along your journal or diary to capture some thoughts or ideas from your trip, or in anticipation of your upcoming destination.  Flying gives you some personal time to reflect, relax and capture your experience.

Leaving pets at home while traveling isn’t always practical, and many airlines accommodate for pets by offering carriers and special passenger areas for animals – all at a fee, of course.  Still, as Americans try to balance the budget for regular roundtrip and one-way airfare, many are realizing that pet travel fees are also on the rise.  Major airlines across the country are hiking up pet travel costs in addition to baggage handling fees, the cost of food and even imposing restrictions on ticket purchases.

Fees for traveling with pets can be as much as $100 each way, and while these include baggage handling and food costs, they don’t help the budget-sensitive traveler looking for ways to cut expenses at every opportunity.  Airlines such as JetBlue, Continental Airlines and U.S. Airways are just a few major carriers that are imposing higher fees this summer and Fall, and even charging extra for kennels and other pet carriers.

Still, some airlines are taking the lead on making air travel more pet-friendly with incentive programs and bonuses to help travelers make the most of their trip.  Continental Airlines offers a PetPass Program that allows travelers to earn rewards based on miles traveled with their pets; this can offset some of the fees and costs associated with pet travel, and make it easier to stick with just one airline in order to cash in the rewards at a later date.  Midwest Airlines runs a similar program with its Premier Pet Program, offering free trips for frequent travel and allowing pet owners to rack up travel miles on each trip.

For pet owners that insist on only the best, Virgin Atlantic Airlines offers an exclusive specialty package for all pets; their ‘welcome aboard’ pet package provides a special passport, a Virgin collar tag and even pet toys to keep pets happy and satisfied throughout their trip.  Pet programs may not be the ultimate solution for lowering pet travel costs, but do make it easier for pet owners to enjoy freebies and attractive options for future travel.

When you’ve done your homework for finding the best deals on hotels and flight packages, there are still savings to cash in on from the car rental. Car rental costs can become an outlandish expense if you turn to the wrong company or sign up for a package you don’t really need. Add mileage expenses, too much insurance and other fees, and you may be left with a bill that costs more than your hotel stay. When you’re working with a tight budget – or just want to travel smart – use some of these strategies to save on extra car rental costs:

1. Don’t pick up the car from the airport. Track down an actual office of your preferred car rental provider to avoid hidden surcharges, airport fees and higher-than-average rates. In many cases, you’ll be able to find a car rental company only a few blocks form the airport.
2. Shop online before calling the car rental company. Whether you prefer Hertz or Avis, go online to find discounts and deals from travel websites before you call the rental company. Few rental companies match the fares posted on budget travel sites and search engines, so it’s up to you to locate the best price before you get a quote from the service provider.
3. Fill up the tank before you drop it off. Most car rental companies will charge you an exorbitant mile-per-gallon rate for topping off the tank after the drop off. Head to the nearest gas station before dropping off the car so you can pay the average price of gas, and give the car rental company the receipt.
4. Review insurance coverage options. Most car rental companies offer a set of different types of insurance, but will ‘recommend’ one of the most expensive. If you have homeowner’s insurance, you may be covered for rentals as well. Take the time to consider your options, and avoid overpaying for coverage you don’t really need.
5. Book a package. If you’re using an online flight booking service, take a look at package options where the flight + car or flight + hotel + car options are all rolled into one. This can reduce fees and extra booking charges, and may even help you get a better rate for your trip.