What is the ideal group size?
This depends on group dynamics, but we feel that a group of 8-12 golfers is an ideal size, as it allows for good group interaction. It also provides better opportunity to book the preferred golf courses and accommodations, in relation to larger groups. However, Golf Away Tours can accommodate any group size.
How far in advance should I book a trip to ensure best availability?
Obviously, more time given for coordination of the trip provides the best opportunity to secure your preferred destinations and golf courses. Some courses book up their visitors’ tee times well in advance, so it’s best to provide at least 6 months of advance time for the planning of your trip. That doesn’t mean that a trip can’t be planned in a shorter timeframe, but a longer lead-time offers the best chance for securing your exact desired itinerary.
What aspects of the trip does Golf Away Tours handle?
At Golf Away Tours, we pride ourselves on taking care of all aspects of your trip including golf bookings, accommodations, transportation, as well as flights and insurance if requested. We can book meals during your trip, and if you choose to use transportation services your driver will be a great resource in recommending the best places to eat and drink during your travels.
Can I customize my vacation or do I have to follow your sample itineraries?
We are here to help you plan the vacation that will work for you. Just let us know and we will customize a trip that's specifically tailored to your interests, schedule, and budget.
Who chooses the accommodation?
We will choose your accommodations after you have decided the style or standard of accommodations in which you are interested. While this does mean that you will not find out the names of the hotels etc., that you are staying in until after you have confirmed your reservation, rest assured that you will be happy with the choices that we have made for you. We know each of the areas that you will be staying in very well and as such, we know what lodgings will be most suitable for your chosen tour itinerary. While we do not deal with every hotel in the country, if there is a hotel or premises that you would like us to include in your plans, then make sure to mention this to us and we will do our utmost to include it in your itinerary.
What kind of transportation is available for my group?
We offer chauffeured tours as well as self-drive tours. We recommend chauffeured tours as it eliminates the stresses involved in getting around a foreign country, and the drivers can be very beneficial in recommending places to eat, drink or visit during your tour.
Can I make my own air travel arrangements?
Yes. Golf Away Tours will be happy to book your flights for you but if you would like to book them yourselves, you are welcome to do that. Many travellers like to use points to book their flights, in which case you would book directly.
Can I rent my car elsewhere and book only the accommodation/tour with you?
Certainly, while we can offer excellent rates for our car inclusive packages, we understand that you may already have a preferred car rental agency with which you enjoy dealing.
I do not know all the participants names at this time. Can we still book and provide the names later on?
Yes, however we do require a deposit for each golfer. Also, if you use Golf Away Tours to book your flights we will need all relevant information for each traveller in order to confirm flight bookings.
How late can we add golfers to our group?
Golfers can be added right up to the departure date; however there may be restrictions on flight, golf and/or hotel availability.
Can we make any amendments to our schedule once the booking is confirmed?
Yes. There is a nominal administrative fee but changes can be made.
What is your cancellation policy?
Our cancellations policies are clearly defined in our Terms and Conditions and we would encourage you to read them in advance of booking your trip.
Do I need travel insurance?
We strongly suggest and offer an attractive travel protection program described on our Insurance page. Although many credit card and health benefits programs do feature some travel-specific insurance, often the policies are not comprehensive and will not protect you from unforeseen circumstances.
We are happy to work with you to ensure you have the best coverage possible so you can relax and enjoy your trip with peace of mind.
Is the cost of the trip fixed?
Once the trip has been fully paid for, the cost will not change.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept cheques, MasterCard, VISA and American Express.
When will I receive final travel information?
We ordinarily distribute final travel information 21 days in advance of departure. This includes all hotel contact details for your trip along with other pertinent information.
What travel documents do I need?
A valid passport is required along with a driver’s license for those who will be driving a vehicle. We will advise you of any countries requiring a visa for entry.
What is the best way to transport my clubs?
While some golfers like to utilize hard side golf bag carriers, we have found them to be very awkward once you arrive at the destination. Without doubt they provide excellent protection from the airlines, but they do not store well in your hotel, coach or rental car, as they are quite bulky. We would suggest a travel bag that provides adequate protection but also collapses for storage. To save the hassle of lugging your clubs around airports, some travellers opt to have their clubs shipped to the destination. Depending on what airline you are using, the fees charged for extra baggage including golf clubs can offset most of the cost of having the clubs shipped. We can provide more information on this service if the option is considered.
What cash should I take to the destination?
Most items can be paid via credit card at the destination, e.g. restaurants, hotel extra accounts, etc. You will require cash for caddies and we suggest using your ATM card to secure local currency, once you arrive at your destination.
What can I expect from my driver and what level of gratuity is expected.
On tours with a driver you should expect your driver to “manage” your experience. The driver will remain with you throughout, from your arrival at the airport until departure. Their duties are far more than driving you; rather they will proactively anticipate your needs, assist with dinner reservations and generally be a trusted travel manager. In your final travel package we provide guidelines for gratuities.
Will I be provided with vouchers to present to the hotels or golf courses?
Yes, all vouchers will be included in your documentation package.
What are golf handicap requirements?
Many golf clubs have handicap requirements, however rarely are they enforced. All golfers should travel with a certified handicap card in case the courses request them. Golf Away Tours can help you secure a handicap card if you are without one.
Are golf carts available?
Motorized golf carts (or buggies as they call them in the UK) are not as common outside of North America, however there are some courses that offer carts. That information will be provided by Golf Away Tours when discussing potential itineraries. Some courses do require a medical certificate in order for golfers to gain access to their golf carts.
How do I reserve a caddie and what is the cost?
When you plan your itinerary with Golf Away Tours, we can book caddies for you if you so desire. Caddies are recommended for certain courses, and we can provide that information during the planning process. The cost is often dependent on the experience of the caddie, but generally they will cost approximately $50-75 CDN. Although many courses have a strong caddie program, availability is not guaranteed.
Can we book additional golf while at our destination?
Yes. If you’d like to play more golf you are welcome to book additional tee times directly with the golf course.
What golf course information do you provide?
Golf Away Tours provides golf course information in your documentation package including driving directions (for self drive) and relevant contact information.
What local assistance do you provide on self-drive tours?
Local assistance is provided on a 24/7 basis.
Can you assist with sightseeing suggestions?
Golf Away Tours provides sightseeing suggestions for self drive travelers at your destination. Your driver can provide sightseeing options on escorted tours.
Do I follow your itinerary to the letter or can I see other locations not mentioned on the day-to-day itinerary?
Our day-to-day itinerary is merely a suggested tour route and in fact, depending on the day, there may be a number of different routes that you can take from one overnight location to the next. You will know where you are starting from and where your final destination is each day. How you reach that destination and what attractions you visit on route is entirely up to you.
What is the best time of year to travel?
This depends on group dynamics, but we feel that a group of 8-12 golfers is an ideal size, as it allows for good group interaction. It also provides better opportunity to book the preferred golf courses and accommodations, in relation to larger groups. However, Golf Away Tours can accommodate any group size.
How far in advance should I book a trip to ensure best availability?
Obviously, more time given for coordination of the trip provides the best opportunity to secure your preferred destinations and golf courses. Some courses book up their visitors’ tee times well in advance, so it’s best to provide at least 6 months of advance time for the planning of your trip. That doesn’t mean that a trip can’t be planned in a shorter timeframe, but a longer lead-time offers the best chance for securing your exact desired itinerary.
What aspects of the trip does Golf Away Tours handle?
At Golf Away Tours, we pride ourselves on taking care of all aspects of your trip including golf bookings, accommodations, transportation, as well as flights and insurance if requested. We can book meals during your trip, and if you choose to use transportation services your driver will be a great resource in recommending the best places to eat and drink during your travels.
Can I customize my vacation or do I have to follow your sample itineraries?
We are here to help you plan the vacation that will work for you. Just let us know and we will customize a trip that's specifically tailored to your interests, schedule, and budget.
Who chooses the accommodation?
We will choose your accommodations after you have decided the style or standard of accommodations in which you are interested. While this does mean that you will not find out the names of the hotels etc., that you are staying in until after you have confirmed your reservation, rest assured that you will be happy with the choices that we have made for you. We know each of the areas that you will be staying in very well and as such, we know what lodgings will be most suitable for your chosen tour itinerary. While we do not deal with every hotel in the country, if there is a hotel or premises that you would like us to include in your plans, then make sure to mention this to us and we will do our utmost to include it in your itinerary.
What kind of transportation is available for my group?
We offer chauffeured tours as well as self-drive tours. We recommend chauffeured tours as it eliminates the stresses involved in getting around a foreign country, and the drivers can be very beneficial in recommending places to eat, drink or visit during your tour.
Can I make my own air travel arrangements?
Yes. Golf Away Tours will be happy to book your flights for you but if you would like to book them yourselves, you are welcome to do that. Many travellers like to use points to book their flights, in which case you would book directly.
Can I rent my car elsewhere and book only the accommodation/tour with you?
Certainly, while we can offer excellent rates for our car inclusive packages, we understand that you may already have a preferred car rental agency with which you enjoy dealing.
I do not know all the participants names at this time. Can we still book and provide the names later on?
Yes, however we do require a deposit for each golfer. Also, if you use Golf Away Tours to book your flights we will need all relevant information for each traveller in order to confirm flight bookings.
How late can we add golfers to our group?
Golfers can be added right up to the departure date; however there may be restrictions on flight, golf and/or hotel availability.
Can we make any amendments to our schedule once the booking is confirmed?
Yes. There is a nominal administrative fee but changes can be made.
What is your cancellation policy?
Our cancellations policies are clearly defined in our Terms and Conditions and we would encourage you to read them in advance of booking your trip.
Do I need travel insurance?
We strongly suggest and offer an attractive travel protection program described on our Insurance page. Although many credit card and health benefits programs do feature some travel-specific insurance, often the policies are not comprehensive and will not protect you from unforeseen circumstances.
We are happy to work with you to ensure you have the best coverage possible so you can relax and enjoy your trip with peace of mind.
Is the cost of the trip fixed?
Once the trip has been fully paid for, the cost will not change.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept cheques, MasterCard, VISA and American Express.
When will I receive final travel information?
We ordinarily distribute final travel information 21 days in advance of departure. This includes all hotel contact details for your trip along with other pertinent information.
What travel documents do I need?
A valid passport is required along with a driver’s license for those who will be driving a vehicle. We will advise you of any countries requiring a visa for entry.
What is the best way to transport my clubs?
While some golfers like to utilize hard side golf bag carriers, we have found them to be very awkward once you arrive at the destination. Without doubt they provide excellent protection from the airlines, but they do not store well in your hotel, coach or rental car, as they are quite bulky. We would suggest a travel bag that provides adequate protection but also collapses for storage. To save the hassle of lugging your clubs around airports, some travellers opt to have their clubs shipped to the destination. Depending on what airline you are using, the fees charged for extra baggage including golf clubs can offset most of the cost of having the clubs shipped. We can provide more information on this service if the option is considered.
What cash should I take to the destination?
Most items can be paid via credit card at the destination, e.g. restaurants, hotel extra accounts, etc. You will require cash for caddies and we suggest using your ATM card to secure local currency, once you arrive at your destination.
What can I expect from my driver and what level of gratuity is expected.
On tours with a driver you should expect your driver to “manage” your experience. The driver will remain with you throughout, from your arrival at the airport until departure. Their duties are far more than driving you; rather they will proactively anticipate your needs, assist with dinner reservations and generally be a trusted travel manager. In your final travel package we provide guidelines for gratuities.
Will I be provided with vouchers to present to the hotels or golf courses?
Yes, all vouchers will be included in your documentation package.
What are golf handicap requirements?
Many golf clubs have handicap requirements, however rarely are they enforced. All golfers should travel with a certified handicap card in case the courses request them. Golf Away Tours can help you secure a handicap card if you are without one.
Are golf carts available?
Motorized golf carts (or buggies as they call them in the UK) are not as common outside of North America, however there are some courses that offer carts. That information will be provided by Golf Away Tours when discussing potential itineraries. Some courses do require a medical certificate in order for golfers to gain access to their golf carts.
How do I reserve a caddie and what is the cost?
When you plan your itinerary with Golf Away Tours, we can book caddies for you if you so desire. Caddies are recommended for certain courses, and we can provide that information during the planning process. The cost is often dependent on the experience of the caddie, but generally they will cost approximately $50-75 CDN. Although many courses have a strong caddie program, availability is not guaranteed.
Can we book additional golf while at our destination?
Yes. If you’d like to play more golf you are welcome to book additional tee times directly with the golf course.
What golf course information do you provide?
Golf Away Tours provides golf course information in your documentation package including driving directions (for self drive) and relevant contact information.
What local assistance do you provide on self-drive tours?
Local assistance is provided on a 24/7 basis.
Can you assist with sightseeing suggestions?
Golf Away Tours provides sightseeing suggestions for self drive travelers at your destination. Your driver can provide sightseeing options on escorted tours.
Do I follow your itinerary to the letter or can I see other locations not mentioned on the day-to-day itinerary?
Our day-to-day itinerary is merely a suggested tour route and in fact, depending on the day, there may be a number of different routes that you can take from one overnight location to the next. You will know where you are starting from and where your final destination is each day. How you reach that destination and what attractions you visit on route is entirely up to you.
What is the best time of year to travel?
- UK & Ireland
May – October.
Although weather is very unpredictable at any time of year in the UK and Ireland, the high season offers long days and the best chance of good weather, and top course conditions. - France
May – October
July & August are particularly good around Paris. May, June & September are likewise excellent in the south of France. - Spain & Portugal
April – June & September – November
The summer months in the south of Spain and Portugal can be very hot and the condition of the courses deteriorates.
- Australia & New Zealand
This is dependent on the area of Australia you want to visit. If you are visiting the north, then May to September is best, as their summer can be very hot. For the remainder of the country, including the most popular golf destinations, as well as New Zealand, the best time to travel is between September and May.
