Golf Archives - Ingenious Travel

7 Very Special Specialty Cruises

Posted in Cruises, Culinary, Europe, Food, Golf, River Cruising, Theme Vacations, on 15 October 2021, by Maria Stefanopoulos, 0 Comments

Do you have a hobby that you adore or an interest in something that keeps you excited?
Well, why not experience it in a different way by taking it to the sea or river.

This week we are highlighting some specialty/themed cruises that may just pique your interest. These cruise lines have taken care to curate voyages for enthusiasts from all walks of life. Food, wine, culture, wellness, sports, music are just some of the many options. So if you just want to be around like-minded people while cruising or if you belong to a special interest club or organization that is looking for a different meeting place or conference then let us know and we can arrange an amazing specialized voyage for you. It’s one of our favorite things for us travel tailors to do.

1. AmaWaterways – Wine Cruises
AmaWaterways’ Celebration of Wine River Cruises allow you to discover the world’s most fabled wine regions. On your journey, you’ll be accompanied by a North American Wine Host, who will
guide you through the wonderful vineyards and wines of Europe.

Hitting The Links In Aruba

Posted in Caribbean, Golf, on 17 September 2021, by Maria Stefanopoulos, 0 Comments

Though much of Aruba is dominated by an arid landscape, there are still several stretches of green ideal for one of the world’s favorite pastimes. Despite the fact that the small island of Aruba has fewer golf courses than some other Caribbean destinations, the sport has long been a popular activity for locals and visitors alike. Beginning golfers and children can participate in lessons and golf clinics at a number of sites, while true enthusiasts can enjoy an 18-hole gem designed by one of the world’s leading architects. As you enjoy the sites in Aruba, consider taking a break to hit the links amongst some of the most beautiful scenery on earth.

The finest of Aruba’s golf courses – Tierra del Sol – rests amongst the picturesque desert beauty of the island’s northwestern coast. Designed by world-renowned golf course architect Robert Trent Jones Jr., Tierra del Sol is notable for its harmonious integration with the natural landscape. With fairways weaving through patches of cacti and impressive rock formations, the course offers players a golf experience unlike any other in the Caribbean. One of Tierra del Sol’s signature holes – the perilous 3rd – lies atop an imposing cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Tierra del Sol is also known for its vibrant wildlife, including lizards and salamanders that spend their days basking in the sun and a community of elegant egrets that inhabit the salty marshes of the 14th hole.

Ten Things To Cross Off Your San Diego Bucket List

Posted in Baseball, Beaches, Family Travel, Food, Golf, Groups, San Diego, on 31 August 2021, by Maria Stefanopoulos, 0 Comments

When we think of California, it’s not uncommon to fill our heads of images of the Hollywood sign, celebrities, and the infamous traffic jams of Los Angeles; however, the city of angels isn’t the only prime travel destination within the state.

San Diego has a rich history and a laidback style to match. Not only is it the birthplace of California, but it’s also one of the first spots where Europeans stepped ashore on the entire west coast. Beyond its history, San Diego has a mass appeal that will allow everyone to find something within the city that they enjoy.

So to help jumpstart your next trip to San Diego, here are ten must-see places you can quickly cross off your bucket list!

Ten Things To Cross Off Your San Diego Bucket List

San Diego Beaches – You can’t make a trip to California and not visit the beaches, and San Diego is no exception. The water is perfect for swimming, surfing, and lounging around reading a good book. If you’re looking for relaxation, San Diego has the beaches for you. Pacific Beach, La Jolla Shores Beach, and Sunset Cliffs, to name a few.
LEGOLAND California – Let your creativity and imagination run wild with the whole family. Take in the movies, interactive rides, and Lego designs that overtake this popular destination. You can even try your hands at your own LEGO creations at any number of building activities. (Pictures are from my visit in October 2019.)

3. Balboa Park – The nation’s largest urban cultural park. There are plenty of trails, play areas for kids, as well as museums. Street performers line the streets to help give you a real sense of modern renaissance and entertainment.

4. San Diego Zoo – Who doesn’t love a zoo, and with more than 3,500 animals on-site, it’s easy to get lost in the jungle and enjoy a day with the animals. Learn more about conservation efforts, and the rare and endangered plants and species occupy the 100-acre zoo.

5. SeaWorld San Diego – Families flock far and wide to take in the wonders of SeaWorld. With its mixture of outdoor aquarium and theme park, there are plenty of rides, sights, and attractions for the entire family.

6. San Diego Bay Tours – San Diego Bay is the hub spot for major water-related adventures, so why not take in the harbor and book a tour by boat. This is a relaxing way to end your day or kickstart a day of exploring. Tours can be completed on Jet boats, Hornblower cruises, speed boats, and many others.

7. San Diego Breweries – Brewery tours are always a hit for those 21+, and San Diego has its fair share of breweries to wet your whistle. With nearly 200 breweries in the area, there’s always a fresh beer that you’ve probably never tried before.

8. San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park – This nearly 6,000-acre underwater park contains various habitats such as kelp beds, sand flats, and rocky reefs. The waves are calm and gentle enough to snorkel below the water’s surface for a day of swimming with sea creatures and exploring the surrounding sea caves.

9. Mission Bay – Mission Bay is another great locale for water sports. Not only are there boat rentals, paddle boarding, and other leisure activities, but there are also trails for walking and hiking, and a camping area to set up camp over a long weekend.

10. Annual San Diego Events – Like most major cities, San Diego hosts a variety of one day and weekend-long events that occur annually. These include things such as the San Diego County Fair, Comic-Con (see images below!), as well as the Padres Major League Baseball Season (Petco Park – you can do a tour or see a game!). Even if you’re not attending these events, you may want to plan accordingly because of increases in traffic and travel accommodations being few and far between.

Which of these bucket list items are you looking to cross off on your next trip to San Diego? Are there any other San Diego must-sees that didn’t make our list? Be sure to let us know when you call today to start planning your next vacation!

You can reach us by phone 727.748.4077, email: info@ingenioustravel.com or using our contact form. We’re ready to help you explore San Diego!

10 Reasons Why Ocean Cruisers Will Love River Cruising

Posted in Europe, Golf, Groups, River Cruising, Theme Vacations, on 25 June 2021, by Maria Stefanopoulos, 0 Comments

Ocean cruises have been a popular way to vacation for decades, and for good reason. They’re affordable, convenient, and offer travelers peace of mind knowing that everything they need for a fantastic getaway is all in one place. What could be better than that? Well, consider a river cruise.

You might think that the words “inland” and “cruise” are incompatible. Well, let me show you on AmaWaterways just how superbly well they go together. AmaWaterways river cruises combine all the comfort and convenience of an ocean cruise with the excitement of European excursions at each port of call.

What Does Luxury Travel Really Mean

Posted in River Cruising, Africa, Australia, Europe, Food, Golf, Luxury, New Zealand, Tours, Travel, Wine, on 23 March 2019, by Maria Stefanopoulos, 0 Comments

Here at Ingenious Travel, we’ve always defined our “niche” as luxury travel, but I’ve found that this means different things to different people.

There are some people to whom “luxury” means gilded walls, gold chandeliers, velvet covered furniture… and of course a hefty price tag. That’s not how we define luxury, and it’s not what most of our luxury travelers are looking for when it comes to their vacation.

We tend to focus more on exceptional, authentic experiences, a high level of service and hospitality, and a focus on comfort and convenience. Each client’s experience is customized and personalized to their wants, needs, and expectations. Moreover, we don’t focus solely on price because “more expensive” doesn’t always mean “better.” We look at the value rather than the price when evaluating travel experiences.

While it’s true that most of our clients book exclusive cabins and high-end suites, that isn’t the case for every vacationer. We also have clients who are less selective when it comes to accommodations and choose to focus instead on activities, experiences, and dining options for their vacation.

Collect Experiences – Not Things

Posted in Adventure Travel, All-Inclusive, Baby Boomers, Europe, Family Travel, Golf, Groups, Luxury, River Cruising, Unique Getaways, on 22 February 2019, by Maria Stefanopoulos, 0 Comments

As a travel professional, I value great experiences. The moments spent in awe of a beautiful view, a priceless piece of art or the wonder and pure joy on the face of a child as they experience something new and exciting are worth far more than the price of admission.

We all have a limited amount of time and money, and we are often faced with the dilemma of what is the best way to spend – or to invest – both of those resources.

We can choose from an endless assortment of high-tech gadgets, sparkly things, and material luxuries that will impress our friends and family… for a short time at least. Children (and some adults) have lists of the gaming systems, toys, and fashion labels they want for their next birthday or holiday gift.

But once we’ve bought the latest smart phone or the expensive shoes, how long do they last? How long will they continue to bring joy? And how likely are they to be truly treasured by those around us after we are gone?

Taking the Stress Out of Hosting A Group Trip

Posted in Adventure Travel, Baby Boomers, Europe, Family Travel, Girlfriend Getaways, Golf, Groups, Theme Vacations, on 30 November 2018, by Maria Stefanopoulos, 0 Comments

Going on a trip with a group is a wonderful way to travel. You’ll always have someone to explore with, you get to see things as a group you might not get to on your own, it’s safer to travel in numbers, and each person in the group will bring a different perspective to the experience. For these reasons alone, the idea of hosting a group trip often comes up as a good idea for families, friends, and even companies looking to host retreats.

If you decide to do a big trip as a group however, it’s no secret that it can be a little overwhelming. This is especially true if you’re the one putting it together. With that in mind, here’s a step-by-step checklist you can use to take the stress out of hosting a group trip:

Step 1- Decide where you want to travel to, and when you want to go.

Your best bet will be to initially come up with three options for the vacation as well as three separate times to go on the vacation. This is one of the perks of being the group organizer. Because you are setting the whole thing in motion, you can pick places you want to go and times that you are available.

Step 2- Consider the people you want on your group trip.

Will this group getaway be for business or pleasure? If it’s pleasure only, will this event limited to friends, family or a combination of the two? Or is this more about inviting people that you have common interests with, such as a networking/hobby/wine club/golf trip?

The Titanic Belfast Experience

Posted in Family Travel, Golf, Theme Vacations, Travel, Unique Getaways, on 20 April 2018, by Maria Stefanopoulos, 0 Comments

The Titanic is perhaps the most famous ship to ever sink. Movies and books have been written about it, and it truly changed the game in terms of what it takes for a cruise ship (or any ship ofr that matter) to be considered safe for the passengers aboard it. The city of Belfast in Northern Ireland is the city where this famous ship was built, and visiting it is one of the most educational, and eye-opening experiences one could have.

The Titanic Experience

Titanic Belfast is the world’s largest Titanic visitor experiences. This award winning visitor center offers nine interactive galleries by which to explore the Titanic. You can explore the shipyard where the ship was built, view full-scale reconstructions of the state-rooms, and see replications of artifacts from the ships including their White Star China, launch day tickets and even the menu for the last luncheon.

Property Spotlight – Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando

Posted in Family Travel, Golf, Hotel, Tennis, on 13 October 2017, by Maria Stefanopoulos, 0 Comments

Recently I had the opportunity to stay at a gorgeous hotel in Orlando, Florida – the Rosen Shingle Creek. To put it mildly, this property is huge and would make for the perfect place to stay should you be visiting a Disney park, Universal Studios or Universal’s Islands of Adventure, or if you are simply in town for a conference like I was. I enjoyed the Rosen Shingle Creek so much, I felt compelled to share this property spotlight with you. I think you will find it offers everything that one could need and so much more.

The Rooms

Rooms are available with double queen beds or single king beds, but there are also hospitality suites, executive suites, Grande and Presidential suites as well. The view from at least half of the rooms features the property’s stunning pools and golf course. All guest rooms come with:

Complimentary high-speed WIFI and hardwired internet access
40” LED HDTVs
Mini fridge
Plush robes
Hairdryer
Coffee and tea maker
IHome docking station and radio
Caswell-Massey guest room amenities and more.

North Island New Zealand | Ingenious Travel

10 Things to Do in North Island New Zealand

Posted in Adventure Travel, Food, Golf, Theme Vacations, Wine, on 22 September 2017, by Maria Stefanopoulos, 0 Comments

New Zealand features some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. But, there’s more to a vacation than gorgeous settings. With that in mind, here are a few of the things you can see and do while in North Island New Zealand:

Try their award winning wines – Sauvignon Blanc is made here, and tourists and residents alike contend that there isn’t another country in the world that makes a better Sauvignon Blanc than New Zealand.

Indulge in the fresh local produce. Some say that the food here is better simply because they are so good at farm fresh to table in terms of cooking.