From Our View

Importance of Getaways

I just returned from one of my short weekend getaways and I can say with certainty that it sure is good for the body and the mind. With today's hectic world and the added stress many of us have these days, it's important to get away once in a while and let your body and your mind relax and rejuvenate. Here's a couple of pictures from my latest getaway. You can also see other member pictures in our photo gallery.

I know what many of you are thinking - you can't afford the time or the money to do something like that. Believe it or not, it doesn't have to be that way. Be creative. Sometimes all it takes is a local getaway - something that just takes you away from home, away from work and away from the stress of everyday life. If you live near a cruise port (i.e. Los Angeles, Miami, etc.), did you know you can take a 3 or 4 day cruise for as little as $169 a person (depending on time of year)? There wouldn't be any airfare to worry about and I can tell you that 3 or 4 days of pampering at sea and visiting exotic ports is a surefire way to relax. There are also a lot of good local golf packages available at the moment. I've seen weekend packages with 2 rounds of golf for as little as $149 a person.

So, instead of talking yourself out of why you can't enjoy yourself, talk yourself into it. Remember, you need to make some time for yourself. That's really what THE Golf & Travel Club is all about. Enjoying life.

What's Happening with Golf and Travel

I know it's been a while since I've posted anything to this blog. Like many of you, it's been very interesting this past year. I'd be lying if I said our company weren't affected by all of the things happening in the economy and the world. The good thing was that it allowed us to reflect and take a closer look at our company and the golf and travel industry.

What did we see? It's not all doom and gloom and may be better than many people think. People who want to travel are still taking vacations and getting great deals. A friend of mine just got back from a cruise and said the ship was fully booked. I recently got back from a golf getaway and there were lots of people golfing still. What does this tell us?

I've spoken with many people on my travels and here's what I've seen: People still want to travel. People still want to golf. People are confused about their money. There's probably not better time than now to look at The Golf & Travel Club. Our memberships give you great benefits, such as savings on golf, cruises, and other trips, but also the opportunity to run your own business and put your money to work for you. Instead of putting all of your money into the uncertainty of the market, you can use it to help you build a business.

During this time, we've also reflected on ourselves. We've changed our website, we've done some restructuring of our membership and associate programs. We've added fun company events - like member golf tournaments and member cruises. Members can work together to achieve success instead of competing against one another. It's time to take another look at what we have to offer if you haven't already done so. It's time to take it upon yourself to make your money work for you, to build your business, and most of all, to have more fun so you can enjoy life.

Can't golf in the snow? Go skiing.

It's been a few months since my last post. It's been quite an interesting few months in the world. Will be interesting to see what happens over time and how this will all affect people, golf and travel. We've certainly noticed a difference in the way people think and act. Doesn't have to be that way. Being self employed means you still control your own fate and have the power to do what is necessary to succeed. Anyway, that's not really what this entry was supposed to be about.

For many of you, it's still winter outside and too much cold weather or snow to golf. That problem is easily solved - you can take a quick golf getaway to one of the sunnier destinations, or you can do what I did - go skiing. If you can't get away from the cold weather, you might as well enjoy it.

Taking a quick ski trip can be just as relaxing as a quick golf getaway. If you don't ski, you can just get away, enjoy the snow, curl up by a fire, drink hot chocolate (or something a bit stronger) and relax. Taking relaxing trips is a good way to unwind and re-energize yourself.

Although wintertime is cold, it makes for some of the most beautiful scenery and snow has a calming effect. Enjoy some of the pictures I took from this recent trip.

Is Now the Time to Travel? Or Start a Business?

http://www.thegolfandtravelclub.com

Well, it certainly has been an interesting few weeks. I know many of you are wondering what is going to happen down the road. One of the questions that we've been asked is whether people are still spending money on golf and travel.

Admittedly, there will be a segment of people that will reduce these types of expenditures. There is also a segment of people that will continue to do what they have always done. The travel industry has been growing for many years and has easily recovered from 9/11. It will certainly continue to grow into the future as well.

In fact, if you like to travel, there is no better time than right now to book a trip. Why? Well, for years, the travel industry has been growing and it looked to continue that way for the foreseeable future. With that in mind, travel companies made plans to meet those future demands. For example, cruise lines continued to commission new, exciting and larger ships. They added more ports. They added more itineraries. Guess what? Those aren't going away. So, in an attempt to keep the ship booking full, the cruise lines have dropped prices and have created fantastic packages. Many lines have even dropped the fuel surcharges that they added a couple of years ago. There are exceptional travel deals to be had for those that know how to take advantage of it.

It's the same reason that Warren Buffet is going on a spending spree at the moment. While people are panicking and selling off shares, Warren Buffet is scooping up bargain basement stocks because he knows they are undervalued at the moment and will eventually rise again.

If you were already planning a trip of some kind, you could decide to cancel it, or you could get a fantastic deal that you never thought was possible before. Your choice.

It's like our business. You can choose to hide or you can choose to find a way to grow. Instead of looking at the "doom and gloom", we choose to focus on the positives and continue to move forward. We sincerely believe that a good business can continue to succeed - it just has to adapt.

Golf, Golf, and more Golf

http://www.thegolfandtravelclub.com/store/

Okay, it's September. Schools back in for all of the kids everywhere. Summer is almost over, but that doesn't mean it's time to stop playing golf. The weather is still good and the courses aren't as busy (probably because all of the kids and university students are all back in school). Now is the perfect time to golf. Now is also the best time to get a new Driver or a new set of clubs. Why?

We have new pricing on all of our golf equipment and it bodes well for all. All pricing has been reduced, so there isn't any excuse not to get some new equipment. Whether you are just playing at your local course, or taking a golf trip somewhere, now is the time to order your new custom fitted golf clubs.

As they say, "See you on the first tee!"