Posts Tagged ‘golf’

Dundee is a great place for golf.

Monday, October 10th, 2011

Just half an hour’s drive to Carnoustie Golf Links or The Old Course St Andrews Dundee offers the best location for both courses. The city also provides a great opportunity for shopping, dining out and nightlife. Dundee University is a magnet for students and the computer games industry has developed in the town in conjunction with the calibre of workforce available.

Two of the most famous courses in the world of golf are close to the city. Carnoustie provides a challenge and St Andrews Old Course is the one all golfers wish to play at least once. St Andrews also has a world renowned university with certain links to royalty. The town is very traditional and has a wonderful atmosphere. There are lots of interesting places to grab a bite to eat or spend a little more time and indulge in a longer lunch or dinner. As one would expect there are many opportunities to pick up a golf related memento to remind you of where you have been.

Links courses abound on the east coast of Scotland. Several are qualifying courses for the British Open and all offer competitive rates for groups and individual visitors. Many golfers enjoy the comradely of travelling to new course and pitting their wits and skills in a team effort to challenge the course head on.

Membership of many golf courses is available yearly although some do have a waiting list. A few, especially the major golf clubs, with several years wait before membership is available. However there are many golf clubs throughout Scotland that would welcome new members and the courses all provide their own unique challenge.

From east to west and north to south Scotland has a vast selection of golf courses to choose from, links or parkland all will have their own challenge. The wind and rain can play their part to. However the scenery is always fantastic. There are a number of historic buildings throughout Scotland that can be an alternative day out should the weather be too harsh.

Today’s golfers expect great places to stay and fantastic golf courses. Dundee is the place to stay and Scotland is the place to play.

If you need Dundee hotels, then make sure you checkout the Shaftesbury Hotel, its location in the popular West End of Dundee is great for shopping and dining out

Looking For Hotels Offering Affordable Rates

Sunday, September 11th, 2011

Accommodation is one of the most important things any traveler must take care of. Travelers who need to stick to a certain budget will find it beneficial to stay in Hotels Kimberley offering pocket-friendly rates. It’s a good thing that you don’t have to end up broke each time you take a trip, provided you go for reasonably priced accommodation.

In this day and age, searching for lodging in your destination can be very simple. The internet allows you to find one easily. However, the real challenge is locating one which offers rates that fit within your means. There are many travel blogs in cyberspace where the writers share their overseas experiences. Most of them offer tips on how they were able to stick to their budget by settling for inexpensive accommodation. Read and get ideas from these people’s blogs.

You may also get recommendations from forum sites. Look for threads where people talk about cheap accommodation they were able to enjoy during their travels. Become an active participant by signing in. Such gives you the chance to take part in the discussions and even post questions some people around may have some helpful answers to.

Having a flexible trip schedule can also be beneficial for people who travel on a budget. There are times of the year when you can find affordable accommodation. During off-peak times, there are fewer tourists going to a particular place. In such instances, hotel owners bring down their rates in order to attract customers and keep the business earning. It’s therefore important to be familiar with the local calendar of your destination.

However, this means you have to skip experiencing certain festivities that many tourists go after. During peak times of the year, tourism in a place experiences a rise. This is an opportunity many businesses take advantage of, including lodging, so they bring up the rates. Taking a trip when tourism is low can help you save a lot of money on accommodation.

Where the establishment is located also factors significantly. Notice that 5-star hotels are located where all the happenings are – business areas, shopping zones, etc. It’s due to the fact that many tourists are flocking to these areas, making demand for lodging higher there. If you want to enjoy affordable rates, pick accommodation located as far away from all the hustle and bustle of your chosen destination.

Decide on which services are really important and those which you may live without during your trip. The range and quality of the facilities the establishment offers also affect the price you got to pay. Enjoying an infinity pool, indoor shopping arcade, a tennis court, fitness gym, classy dinning area, etc. Can have a huge impact on your travel budget. Go for facilities that really matter, such as a clean and comfortable room, outstanding service and a secure location.

Take your time in finding hotels whose rates you can afford. Take advantage of the internet to find one, or ask around for recommendations. Remember to do the search weeks before your travel schedule so you may book early on. By devoting some time to researching, you will find that having a memorable trip need not burn a huge hole in your pocket.

When in British Columbia consider staying at one of the finest Kimberley Accommodations. You can enjoy the benefits of golf and four season activities.

Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride on your next Palm Springs Vacation

Sunday, February 13th, 2011

On your next vacation to Palm Springs and the California desert cities, you should consider taking a hot air balloon ride it is one of the most serene ways to spend an early morning or late afternoon.

The hot air balloon is the oldest known human-carrying flight technology. The first such ride was recorded on Nov 21, 1783, in Paris, France, the first untethered manned flight was made by Jean-Franois Piltre de Rozier and Franois Laurent d’Arlandes in a hot air balloon created on Dec 14, 1782 by the Montgolfier brothers.

Today, hot air balloons are used primarily for recreation and there are some 7,500 hot air balloons operating in the United States for this purpose. Most hot air balloon launches are made during the cooler hours of the day, at dawn or two to three hours before sunset. At these times of day, the winds are typically light making for easier launch and landing of the balloon.

In the California desert area there are a number of hot air balloon companies, Fantasy Balloons, Balloons Above and Sunrise Balloons. On our trip we chose Fantasy Balloons. We arroved in the late afternoon preparing for a sunset flight.

After watching the balloon fill with hot air, we climbed aboard. While floating effortlessly above the desert floor we took in breathtaking vistas of some of the most picturesque landscapes in California. Golf courses, vineyards, polo fields and exotic orchards are just a few of the unbelievable sights we experienced.

We got a guided tour of some of the landmarks below, as well as serving champagne and cookies which I was told is a common tradition among the early French aeronauts who carried champagne to appease angry or frightened spectators at the landing site.

The pilot’s only ability to steer the balloon was to climb or descend into wind currents going different directions. So it is important for the pilot to determine what direction the wind is blowing at altitudes other than the balloon’s altitude. The altitude and our direction was controlled by changing the temperature of the air inside the balloon. This was accomplished by turning on what could only be described as a large blow torch. Blowing flame into the balloon so that the air would heat and the balloon would rise. As the air cooled, the balloon would descend.

Most pilots try to perform as smooth a landing as possible. This can be difficult if the air at ground level is moving at more than five miles per hour or so. Fortunately, the day of our flight there was not much in the way of ground level wind so our landing was smooth.

My kids enjoyed the flight thoroughly and it was the perfect way to watch the sun set over the California desert.

Before you travel to Palm Springs and the California desert resort cities, visit www.PalmSpringsVacationDiscounts.com for the latest information and best values on the web for your nextPalm Springs vacation.

The Benefits of Lakeside Living at the Village at Waterside

Friday, December 17th, 2010

The Village at Waterside is a new residential development located on the shores of Lake Allatoona near Atlanta. It is designed to be an up-market, gated community where you can build the home of your dreams and be surrounded by a beautiful natural environment. Enjoy the tranquil setting and laid-back lifestyle without being too far away from city life. In a way, it provides a perfect solution so you can have the best of both worlds.

Stylish Architectural Design

An architectural control committee ensures that all designs are approved prior to building. This ensures that the community retains a consistent level of stylish design and has an element of uniformity to it. The development uses Old World, Craftsman and French Country styles in the design of the homes. These are styles that blend in beautifully with the incredible natural surroundings and outdoor lifestyle offered by the location. Lots available have either a mountain or lake view and vary in size. You can select a site that will suit both your interests and budget.

Great Outdoor Living Opportunities

Imagine waking up in the morning and being able to go for a hike through the forest before setting off for work. Or returning from work in the early evening and being able to go on a scenic mountain bike ride. On the weekend, you could camp out with the family in your backyard and still have a genuine nature experience. There will be trails galore right on your doorstep that you can explore each week if you choose. Teach your children an appreciation for nature that they can treasure for a lifetime. The community is located adjacent to the Red Top Mountain State Park and lies on the shores of Lake Allatoona. If you have ever dreamed of being able to enjoy a country lifestyle then this could be the ideal location for you to design and build your new home.

Water Sports on Your Doorstep

Lakeside properties can benefit from easy access to the waters of Lake Allatoona. Fishing enthusiasts can have their boat moored on a private jetty. Spend the weekends out on the water, boating, swimming, sailing or fishing. Invite friends and family over to join you at your beautiful lakeside location. In no time at all, your place is sure to become the favorite meeting spot for holidays and special family events or celebrations. A lakeside setting is always relaxing and tranquil. Coming home to that environment each evening will help you to forget about the stresses of corporate life so you can simply enjoy spending time with your family instead.

Secure Living in the Countryside

Many people are wary of moving out of the city and into the countryside as they fear they will be isolated; however, staying in a gated community provides a secure environment for you and your family. Your children can ride their bikes around the streets and you can keep busy at home without having to be concerned about their whereabouts. If you or your spouse travels frequently for work, you don’t need to be concerned about being home alone as you will be in a secure gated community.

Easy Access to the City of Atlanta

You can enjoy this stylish country lifestyle without having to give up your corporate job in Atlanta. The Village is located just a 30-minute drive north of Atlanta which means you can easily commute to and from work each day. If you need to go shopping or would like a lunch date with friends, you don’t need to drive for hours in order to enjoy that. It is a way to enjoy the best of both worlds. It is quiet residential living in a natural environment without giving up any of the conveniences of a modern lifestyle. Your children can still attend the same schools and enjoy all the usual afternoon school activities and sports.

An Exclusive Address

If you choose to purchase a property in The Village at Waterside, you can be part of an exclusive community living in this prime location. It is not an extensive development. Rather, the stands are spacious and designed to accommodate only a handful of luxurious and stylish homes. It is a place for people who have achieved a level of success and want to be able to enjoy a bit of a leisure lifestyle. The setting is simply immaculate and will make you seriously consider starting a home office so you never have to leave this beautiful environment.

The Village at Waterside is a gated, architecturally controlled lake side community of custom luxury homes adjoining Lake Allatoona and Red Top Mountain State Park. Less than 30 minutes from metro Atlanta, the Village offers a unique and tranquil lake and mountain lifestyle close to the big city. You really can have it all! Contact us today if you are interested in atlanta georgia real estate!!

5 Top Attractions Within An Hour Of Atlanta

Sunday, August 15th, 2010

Atlanta, Georgia is a spectacular city to visit and explore. There are so many wonderful and unique things to see and do while you are here, both day and night. There are also many other great locations that are located within an hour of Atlanta that are filled with fun and exciting attractions for your pleasure.

Although there are hundreds of things to do and see in Atlanta, it is mostly an urban setting, rich in culture and entertainment and arts of all kinds. As you get a little bit away from the city, however, the beauty of Georgia opens right up before you, offering an exciting venue of activities and attractions in the midst of natural splendor. Here are the top five attractions located within an hour of Atlanta:

1. The Chattanooga River – This massive waterway is located in the heart of the Georgia Mountains. This river attracts locals and tourists alike, welcoming thousands upon thousands of eager visitors every year to its crisp and awesome white water rapids. This is a great place for the adventurous spirit to explore and get a taste of true heart pounding excitement of rafting. Families can even enjoy this magnificent place with tours and guided raft trips that are divided into two sections of the river, one side for the more experienced and the other side for the ones that want the simple pleasure of enjoying the subtly seductive surroundings of nature and the river together. You can picnic at the base of the waterfall for an experience you will not soon forget.

2. Lake Hartwell – This man made lake is nestled in the Georgia mountains and offers visitors a vast array of water activities such as boating, swimming, fishing, water-skiing, wake boarding and much more. With over 962 miles of shore the possibilities are endless. The area is also surrounded by other north Georgia attractions like famous outlet stores and flea markets, as well. For the avid golfer, the area provides multiple golf courses within a short jaunt away, offering all of the amenities on the links that any golfer could ask for. There are courses for the beginner as well as courses for the more advanced. The East Lake Golf Club is in the greater Atlanta area, and the site of the PGA Tour Championship in the fall of 2010.

3.The City of Toccoa – This quaint little city is located in the Georgia mountains and is a must see for any vacationer to these parts. Several North Georgia mountain attractions will be appealing to almost any age group. There is the 186-foot Toccoa Falls that are located on the campus of the local college, and Currahee Mountain with views that will take your breath away. You can hike here and then also take a tour of the Military Museum that has exhibits on hand from the Civil War, WWI and WWII. There is also the historic Old Stephen’s County Courthouse that was built in 1908 and is still in the same condition it was when it first opened its door.

4. Savannah – This true gem of the South, with the charm and grace of another era, is not to be missed out on. This is not only an absolutely beautiful city to visit but it also has several attractions that are well worth the trip. There is something for everyone here in Savannah. You can tour several old homes that are historic to the area, visit the many museums, stroll the beautiful live oak-lined streets and eat at fantastic restaurants. Savannah is a great place for those that have a thing for the supernatural and historical old houses and sites. This place is so full of history and old homes from long ago that you almost feel as though you are part of that time period, and there are even local tours of haunted houses.

5.Stone Mountain Park – This park is located near Atlanta and surrounds the famous granite rock that can be seen from several vantage points in Atlanta. You can either choose to hike there or take a tram to the top of the mountain. You can tour old homes and other areas of the park for an entire day of family fun and excitement. In the evening, the park features a fabulous laser light show on the side of the mountain. You can end your trip with a stop at Six Flags where you can experience the thrills and chills of awesome rides and entertainment that have enthralled guests for over 40 years. You can combine these two great locations for an entire day and night of sights, sounds and magical times.

With Atlanta as the hub of your vacation, you could travel easily to many of these spots for a day’s outing, and discover beautiful spots of your very own, as well.

The Village at Waterside is a gated, architecturally controlled lake side community of custom luxury homes adjoining Lake Allatoona and Red Top Mountain State Park. Less than 30 minutes from metro Atlanta, the Village offers a unique and tranquil lake and mountain lifestyle close to the big city. You really can have it all! Contact us today if you are interested in atlanta georgia real estate!!

Golf Holidays In Portugal – 5 Golf Clubs That Are Well Worth A Visit

Thursday, June 10th, 2010

Within Europe, Portugal has long been regarded as the ideal location for golf holidays due to its year round fine weather and range of championship courses. This does make compiling a top five list quite tricky.

This top five list brings together several on-line surveys along with the personal experience of playing some of these courses while on golf holidays in Portugal.

On a hot summer’s day the 6000 yard Estoril course is an enjoyable treat. The course requires skill around the 18 holes to navigate the well placed bunkers and difficult rough.

San Lorenzo is one of the gems of the Algarve region. It regularly features on European top 10 lists of courses and boasts finely manicured greens and fairways with a course design that offers a range of holes.

The south course in Quinta do Lago is the more mature of the two courses available to play at this resort. Some holes prove challenging due to the stark Atlantic Ocean breeze, while other holes are sheltered by lush vegetation and forestry. Given the courses maturity, the greens play exceptionally true and fast as one would expect.

Many day-trippers from Lisbon gravitate to the challenging Praia Del Rey. This is one of the newer links-style courses that provide a combination of forested fairways with ocean views and some holes with unforgiving bunkers and dunes waiting to punish errant shots.

A great many golfers will base themselves in Vilamoura town for their golf break. The highlight of such a stay would have to be playing the Vilamoura Old Course. The course has an array of trees running the length of some fairways, placed there to capture poorly placed drives and channel the gusting winds around greens. As one of the older courses in the area it probably has the smoothest & fastest greens in the region.

Any top 5 list of Portugal golf courses will always miss out some personal favorites. So while this list doesn’t limit itself to the Algarve (undoubtedly the perfect location to base yourself for a golf break) it hopefully provides some insights into the range of great courses that are available in Portugal.

Looking for European golfing breaks? For the perfect golf holiday Algarve, Estoril and the other Portuguese regions have it all. Visit the Golf Holidays Portugal Guide to learn more.

Ballybunion Hotels: 3 Great Hotels To Visit In Ireland

Saturday, June 5th, 2010

The majority of Ballybunion hotels are to be found in the picturesque countryside surrounding the village. The following hotels make a superb destination for a special occasion or an ideal base for visiting the nearby beaches, Ballybunion Golf Club and touring the Ring of Kerry.

Ballyseede Castle Hotel is an authentic 15th century castle set within its own estate. Each of the 12 rooms in the castle has a bespoke design and all afford wonderful views of the castle’s lawns.

The hotel manages to retain an old world charm through its use of ornate plasterwork and large open fireplaces and other period features. The hotel’s small capacity makes this a very personable stay with dinner in the castle dining room being a most memorable experience, with gastronomic treats to match the setting.

Closer to Ballybunion, the Glin Castle Hotel is on a much larger scale to Ballyseede with dozens of guest rooms and a variety of public areas. The castle grounds prove particularly popular with day-trippers for walks on the lawns and the walled gardens.

The Glin restaurant has a variety of menu choices to suit all palates and group sizes and a great selection of traditional Irish dishes all using produce sourced within Kerry. All rooms are modern and spacious with contemporary en-suites and wonderful views of the surrounding estate and countryside.

Finally for those searching for lodgings with bags of rural charm then the Ballygarry House Hotel has got to be the ideal spot. This country house style hotel has spacious rooms all with a modern design and views of the hotel’s own country gardens.

The real draw for many guests to Ballygarry is their restaurant and Nadur spa. The restaurant has a great hearty menu of Irish dishes that make great use of locally sourced produce. The spa is a new addition to the hotel that has added to its popularity thanks to the relaxing treatments that are available (mud-baths, seaweed soaks, thermal suites).

A key factor in Ballybunion’s popularity is that it is one of the few villages in Kerry not to have been over-commercialized with trendy bars and coffee shops. It has retained a small traditional Irish feel to it that visitors still wish to experience and this charm is just as evident in the warm welcome you receive at hotels in Ballybunion.

If you enjoyed reading this post about hotels in Ballybunion then check out our website for articles about Ballybunion, Ireland and other destinations

Golf Holidays Portugal – 5 Golf Clubs That Are Well Worth A Visit

Saturday, May 29th, 2010

Portugal has long been regarded as one of the great European golfing destinations. The combination of great year round weather, a thriving tourism industry (and its associated hotels & resorts) and the country’s love of golf makes it difficult to pick a top 5 list of courses.

Most of the best courses are in the Algarve region in the south of Portugal, but it is worth noting that the Estoril and Oeste coast are fast improving on the quality & quantity of their resorts and courses. This top 5 list attempts to give a mix of courses from each region.

Vilamoura Old Course: The old course is one of the more mature courses on the Algarve. The fairways and greens have matured well over the years thanks to the conscientious ground-keeping. The fairways are steep and hilly in parts which can provide for sometimes unfair bounces off the tee. It is certainly one of the highlights of the many courses in the area.

Porto Santo: Host to the 2008 Madeira Open, this course winds its way around the tropical island through a variety picturesque golf holes. The main challenge is not being distracted by the steep cliffs and trying to predict how the swirling wind will catch high-flying shots.

Monte Rei: Fans of Jack Nicklaus will savor playing this course on the East Algarve. Jack designed this course to make best use of the hilly terrain and it proves to be a tough course to play, even from the short tees.

Quinta do Lago: This estate sports 2 golf course, both of which regularly make the top 25 of courses in Europe. The one to play though is the links-style south course with its Atlantic views (and consequently, breezes) and well aged greens and fairways.

Palheiro: One of the few courses on Madeira, it is as memorable for how the course meanders through the volcanic hills on this tropical island and the scenic views across the steep cliffs surrounding most holes.

Playing any of these five during a golf holiday in Portugal will prove a memorable days golfing thanks, in no small part, to the improving design and course management on the Portuguese courses.

Discover golf holidays in Portugal. For the perfect golfing holiday Algarve, Estoril and the other Portuguese regions have it all.

Golf Holidays Portugal – A Guide To The Golfing Regions Of This Mediterranean Country

Monday, May 17th, 2010

Portugal has been competing with Spain for many years to draw in holiday golfers. Its combination of excellent courses, great infrastructure (hotels, resorts, restaurants, etc) and inviting weather conditions has elevated the county to being a highly desirable destination.

The main regions for golf are the Estoril region on the west coast, the Algarve to the south, the island of Madeira and the Oeste region. Each provides a mix of course types, everything from challenging links style courses to immaculate championship parkland courses.

Around Lisbon and the Estoril coast there are a dozen golf resorts that won the region an award from the IAGTO (2007) as the best European golf destination. A combination of scenic drives, coastal locations and great courses such as the Penha Longa championship course, the tough links at Troia and the Praia d’El Rey make this an ideal base for 2 week stays.

The Oeste region is included here for the sake of completeness as the area is playing catch up in golfing terms. That said, it is one of the up and coming areas as new resorts and courses are being constructed in Sizandro, Vimeiro and Rainha.

For many seeking a perfect golf holiday Algarve has it all. The area has the biggest selection of courses, resorts and accommodation options. The western coast has some great links courses, such as Boavista and the Penina that are made all the more difficult with the Atlantic Ocean breezes.

Around the central Algarve town of Vilamoura lies the greatest concentration of resorts and courses. Many visitors base themselves in one of the several Oceanico resorts (their old course being the best in Vilamoura to play) and take day-trips out to play other gems such as the Vale Do Lobo two courses.

While the tropical island of Madeira (500 km south-west of Portugal) provides something quite different in terms of golf holidays Portugal can offer. Visitors here enjoy the islands three courses, each embedded into the volcanic hills and valleys with awe inspiring vertical cliffs.

Each area adds to the variety of courses to play on golf holidays in Portugal. It is true to say that many golfers will focus on the Algarve but it is definitely worth going the extra mile (along some scenic drives) to visit the many coastal golf courses around the country.

Discover golf holidays in Portugal. For the perfect golfing holiday Algarve, Estoril and the other Portuguese regions have it all.

The Haven Of Golf – Ireland

Tuesday, April 13th, 2010

Golf, being the most preferred sport of the world’s richest and the powerful people, is one of the sports activities flourishing in Ireland. It is nice to see that the country is investing so many types of funds in improving the facilities and giving international standard grounds for this sport. The sport was called the Rich Sport during the olden days, as only Kings and wealthy men used to spend hours in playing this sport and it is said that they even had specially made lawns for this. However, we have seen great number of changes in the methods and systems of this game thereby allowing it to be played by almost everyone.

Anyone who can afford a membership card can play this sport in any one the many golf courses found all across the region of Ireland. The government of Ireland is making sure that the rules and the allotment of funds are carefully followed and proper enforcing bodies have been appointed for taking care of this. Funds for renovating old courses, building new ones, buying golf carts for transport and so on have been allotted by them in the most liberal manner as they have realized that Golf is one of the most important revenue systems of the world.

Proper rules and standards have been formulated and followed here to attract international support for the game and surprisingly, Ireland has become one of the most preferred spot for a game of golf to ease the stress of life. Renovated buildings, newly improved versions of golf courses and innovative facilities here have made several countries to look upon Ireland with awe and envy. It is said that the Irish government earns three times more each time they spend a part of their funds for golf courses.

The western and the north western regions of Ireland comprising of places like Donegal, Galway, Mayo and Sligo, have been made into linked golf courses which are found to start from Galway and goes right up till Ballyliffen. There are about eighty courses in Antrim, Armagh, Londonderry, Down, Fermanagh and Tyrone in the northern parts of Ireland. The south western parts like Limerick, Kerry and Clare have good coastline facilities from Galway to Waterville. The southern parts offer limited number of courses but the ones available are quite perfect for health regeneration.

Galway, Mayo, Sligo and Donegal have been the most sought regions in the western and north western Ireland for golf courses. They have linked golf courses found to extend from Galway till Ballyliffen. About eighty courses in Armagh, Londonderry, Antrim, Down, Tyrone and Fermanagh have good support from the people and these are in the northern parts of the land. South western regions like Kerry, Clare, and Limerick have good facilities with coastline from Galway to Waterville. The southern parts have limited but well equipped courses. South eastern parts of the Irish lands have good health facilities and the important places in the region are Tipperary, Waterford, Carlow, Kilkenny, Wesford and Wicklow. Tournaments and events have found the best suitable place in the north eastern parts of Ireland of which the important ones are at Port Marnock. This place conducts almost all of the events in golf ranging from the fifteen Irish Opens, the Canada Cup and the Irish Walker Cup Tournament. Druid is the venue for the Murphy Irish Open golf event which is one of the best in Ireland.

If you wan to find out more about Irish news – please have a look at New events in Ireland video site and recent Irish cultural events and news in our blog posts. www.newinireland.com