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Stress Free Golf Travel
The quest for the perfect course and an
exceptional round of golf is a must for
the true golfer. Nothing beats the
thrill and anticipation of playing a new
course, but when it comes to traveling
there are some easy tips to insure a
stress free golf vacation.
Traveling with clubs can be a bother
when flying these days. Airlines are
notoriously rough on any luggage, let
alone golf clubs. Who wants to risk
having their favorite clubs maimed or
broken? Air travel often brings added
fees for golf bags that are too heavy or
oversized. On the other hand, leaving
your clubs at home and renting can feel
a bit like golfing without your best
buddy. What’s a golfer to do? The good
news is that golfers all over the world
are still traveling with their clubs.
Think about the following tips and see
how you can improve your golf travel
experience.
Travel Bags are a
big part of air travel and protection
for your clubs. Your clubs should always
be in a bag for extra protection when
traveling. Not every bag is created
equal, so take a look at the different
bag types and ratings before making a
decision. Remember that the price
reflects the features and protection
each bag has. It will also pay to check
warranty information when comparing
bags.
· Hard bags offer
the best protection and are practically
indestructible. These bags often come
with a higher price tag, but may be
worth the extra investment. Be careful
to follow the weight guidelines for air
travel as these bags are often heavier
and larger and may incur additional
charges by the airlines.
· Soft bags offer
limited protection and if packed with
clothing, rain gear, or other padding
around the club heads these bags can
offer an adequate and a less expensive
alternative. They also have the
advantage of being very light and
therefore no worries where weight
restrictions are concerned.
· Hybrid bags are
bags may offer the best of both soft and
hard bags for travel. The weight of
these bags is lighter and the size not
as bulky as the hard sider, but it still
has a great protection feature. Prices
vary on the hybrid bags, so look at the
prices and then look at the quality
differences. This will help you make a
decision and get the best bag for your
budget.
Head Covers will
keep your clubs from getting scratched
or scared during travel. Use the
neoprene head covers for a lighter
compact option. Of course clubs can
always be wrapped for shipping with
bubble wrap for yet a lighter weight
alternative.
Airline Regulations
for golf bags and additional luggage is
getting worse everyday. Recent
regulations have put fees in place on
traveling with a second bag
domestically. The following tips are
important to keeping your travel plans
running smoothly.
- Airlines now
are charging fees for second bags
for domestic travel. For
international travel you can still
travel with a second bag for free.
- Make sure your
bag is latched but not locked.
- Arrive early 2
hours for domestic and 3 hours for
international.
- Clean your
clubs before you travel. Detectors
sometimes can be set off by dirty
clubs with traces of fertilizer on
them.
- Pack one pair
of golf shoes, no more than 14 clubs
and 12 balls.
- Be prepared to
sign a limited liability release
with the airline when not traveling
with a hard side golf bag.
- Clubs must
adhere to size and weight
restriction determine by the
airlines. Bags in excess of 61
inches (length + width + height) and
anything over 50lbs will probably be
faced with an excess baggage charge.
Airline regulations vary so check
for specific regulations with the
airline you are using.
- Check frequent
flyer programs for variances in
regulations that apply to members,
if you are one. This may allow you
to bring an additional bag at no
charge or waive some of the
restrictions.
Insurance might save
you a lot of grief if something were to
happen to you golf clubs. If you have
expensive clubs take out a rider on your
homeowners insurance or check with your
insurance company to see if they are
covered. Don’t risk lost or ruined clubs
without being reimburses. Don’t count on
the airlines to reimburse the total cost
of your loss.
Current Handicap Card
at many courses is essential.
Some courses have handicap restrictions
and can refuse you the right to play.
Taking time before you travel to get a
current card might save you a
disappointment later.
Delivery and Shipping
Services are a great
alternative for the golfer who does not
want to be troubled with lugging extra
bags to their final destination. This
service can certainly expedite check-in
at the airport and baggage claim. These
door to door services are meant as
assist with transporting bulky and
cumbersome baggage or specialty items.
With these services you will still need
to make sure your clubs are well
protected, but you will be able to
travel relatively hands and worry free.
Why not let France Journeys arrange
your next golf vacation with a castle
stay, wine tasting, spa visit or
sightseeing, it will surely leave you a
little less stressed at the end of the
day.
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