Historic Sun Valley Resort - A National Treasure in Idaho

The difficulty level in planning a family vacation that pleases everyone often ranks around 9.5 out of 10. The Sun Valley Resort, in Idaho, has such a variety of top shelf amenities and activities, which should rank it near the top of all resort destination lists, that it greatly reduces family trip planning difficulty.

An All New Nine

In 2008, the resort opened a new nine holes, to add to its 18-hole championship golf course. The new nine, designed by golf course architect Don Knott, features challenging golf and breathtaking, panoramic views of the Northern Rockies that envelope the resort. An all new clubhouse, which doubles as the Nordic Center in winter, also opened in 2008. For guests who can't squeeze in 18-holes, or a quick nine, Sun Valley Resort has enhanced their golf practice facility. They now offer clinics as short as two-hours, as well as private instruction and a driving range for individual practice.

Golf is only the beginning of Sun Valley Resort's activities. The resort was the first to bring the look, feel and mystique of European ski resorts to America. Since 1936, the resort-goers have enjoyed world-class skiing on the 9,150 foot summit of Bald Mountain, as well as on the beginner-friendly Dollar Mountain.

Ice Skating Year-Round

The country's first ski destination also boasts the country's first year-round outdoor skating rink, allowing guests to skate under the sun, even during the hottest of summer days. Sun Valley's ice-skating rink has been named to Budget Travel's Top 10 list. Home to legendary ice shows that feature Olympic medalists and greats such as Scott Hamilton, Nancy Kerrigan, Sasha Cohen and the Canadian team of Jamie Sale and David Pelletier, Sun Valley's outdoor rink rests in the heart of the resort and offers spectacular views of the majestic mountains. The resort's ice skating complex also features an indoor rink for organized hockey.

According to Sun Valley's General Manager, Wallace Huffman, "Generations have enjoyed skating on our outdoor ice rink and it's an honor to be recognized as one of the country's top skating destinations. While the ice shows have drawn national attention, it's the countless guests who've enjoyed the rink that's most gratifying."

In addition to skiing, ice skating and golf, Sun Valley is flush with activities from horseback riding and hiking/biking, to an acclaimed tennis facility and gun range. The resort's Symphony Pavilion plays host to the Sun Valley Summer Symphony and other outdoor events.

What Else Could There Be?

Although too numerous to list everything else the resort provides, here is a short sampling of things that make Sun Valley Resort one of the most family-friendly destinations in the world:

•The Playschool - A full-service, licensed day-care center

•Young Summer Camp - Kids age 6-14 enjoy supervised swimming, ice skating, hay rides, barbecues, fishing, horseback riding, and tons more

•Sleigh Rides

•Ice Skating School/Lessons

•Salon and Day Spa

•Swimming and Fitness Center

•Movie and Opera House

It seems that any time is the right time to visit Sun Valley Resort, Idaho.

Image Courtesy CarolineJoan.

Hilton Head Island Golf Vacation - Southern Beauty, Family Fun, Fantastic Golf

Among the eastern United States' great family vacation destinations is Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Hilton Head is also known for its great golf. Home to the PGA TOUR's Verizon Heritage, Harbor Town Golf Links leads a host of other great courses that are complemented by a wide variety of activities the whole family will enjoy.

When entering the island, which measures 12 miles from heel to toe, vacationers will be struck initially by the lack of visible commercialization. Although a family vacation and tourist destination full of every convenience imaginable, planners succeeded in keeping the signs so plentiful and visible everywhere else from easy view. All business signs, such as restaurants and shopping centers, are kept at eye-level, which succeeds in making the island less commercial and more naturally beautiful.

Hilton Head Island Golf

On Hilton Head and in the surrounding area, there are literally dozens of great courses to play, which causes some difficulty in deciding where to tee it up. The most widely acclaimed is, of course, Harbor Town Golf Links. Located in the Sea Pines area of the island, this course provides spectacular views of Calibogue Sound and the Atlantic Ocean, as well as lots of the native flora. As it is a PGA TOUR venue, it is immaculately maintained and deserving of it's high rating. If you plan to play, contact the course well in advance of your arrival to secure a tee time. Expect to pay upwards of $200 for the privilege.

The Palmetto Dunes area of the island is home to three courses by famous golf course designers; the Robert Trent Jones Course, the Arthur Hills Course; and the George Fazio Course. They are within a few minutes of each other and located approximately in mid-island. Palmetto Dunes has beachfront and beach view lodging and dining for any budget, as well as activities for the kids. The location and amenities makes Palmetto Dunes a great place to stay and play on the island.

Lodging and Activities

Few places so beautiful have as much to offer by way of golf and other activities as HHI. When looking for places to stay on on the island, expect to pay more than you would in the surrounding areas; however, it is worth the extra money to experience the island's beauty and activities. Several rental companies can provide great lodging referrals and reservations to fit most budgets. Island Getaway, a vacation rental company, has access to numerous locations and the staff are friendly, courteous and willing to assist with any question or concern.

Everyone has different shopping tastes and Hilton Head has something for everyone. From the Shelter Cove Mall, which contains a Saks Off 5th Avenue and other national stores, to the outlet malls just off the island, to the numerous boutiques and shops throughout, no shopping taste will go unsatisfied.

For golfers, Golf Outfitters and Golf Headquarters are two popular HHI golf shops. The two golf retailers have a full selection of golf equipment from Adams, to Callaway, to Taylor Made. Both also offer golf club rental and golf equipment rental in case you can't bring your clubs along.

In short, if anyone in your family loves golf, Hilton Head Island is a great choice for your next family vacation. The golfers and non-golfers alike will have a spectacular time.

Now’s The Time for Great Golf Deals

You don’t need to look very far or very hard, golf deals are everywhere, advertised and unadvertised.

Due to a confluence of factors like a sour economy, fewer travelers, maybe even Tiger Wood’s absence from the Tour (Who knows? It could be a reason), there are fewer golfers on the tee everywhere.

Fewer golfers teeing-off mean less money in the bank for golf courses. Many courses and golf resorts are, or may be soon, beginning to feel the lack-of-revenue pinch. That means everything from greens fees, to hotel stays, to airfare will be discounted.

If you have a golf destination in mind, chances are you can find advertised deals and golf packages for previously unheard of low rates. If there are no advertised deals at the places you want to play don’t worry, you can get a better deal if you aren’t locked-in to a particular golf course/golf resort/hotel/etc., and you don’t mind a little haggling.

For instance, a simple call may be just the ticket. You may call (and this is purely hypothetical) one of Myrtle Beach’s popular resort courses, stating that you are considering their resort and their competitor for an upcoming stay. You might then say that, since both are fantastic, your decision is simply coming down to the issue of price and what is included in the package. You could then ask them for the lowest nightly rate for the number of days/nights and rounds of golf you’d like to play.

Pay attention to what is included in your package. It may be that you can negotiate a lower rate, meals, rounds of golf, or some combination of those and other amenities.

Now is the time to strike a great golf deal. You’ll play so much better knowing you’re golfing on your own terms!