Part of the thrill in planning a family vacation comes in imagining the seemingly endless options you may have available to make a fun trip. The world is simply filled with enjoyable travel packages that can take you to exciting lands. And one of your “can’t miss” choices is playing some of the great golf courses in Spain.

If you’re looking for a European-quality golf hotel, Spain is the place to be. The courses are amazing, the amenities are continental and the service is incredible.

In Costa del Sol in Spain, you’ll find the Valderrama Golf Club in Sotogrande, a 6,857-yard, Robert Trent Jones designed golf course that annually hosts the Volvo Masters and has been described as the most visually striking course in continental Europe.

But that’s not the only hot course in the region or the country. Costa del Sol is home to 36 courses alone and Spain itself offers hundreds of both public and private courses for you to enjoy. To find out more about the region and the best courses, keep reading.

The Andalusia Region

Costa del Sol is located in Andalusia and it’s only a 50 minute flight from Madrid. Along this incredible coastline, there are piles of amazing courses. Aside from the golf though, you can enjoy beautiful Spanish towns, hike nearby hills or simply lie by the beach and relax.

Recommended Golf Courses

For those not up to the demands of Valderrama, try The Golf Club Marbella (011)-(34)-(5) 283-0500, another Robert Trent Jones layout set amid the rolling countryside near this famous resort town; the Real Club de Golf Las Brisas (011)-(34)-(5) 281-0875, a favorite of King Juan Carlos I; or the thrilling Golf Torrequebrada (011)-(34)-(5) 244-2742, where the holes plunge into valleys and follow tortuous routes over heaving hills.

Other Things to Do

The Costa del Sol region is bursting with new hotels and even newer condo developments. But, you can still enjoy the beach, marinas and the numerous casinos that pepper the harbors and coasts. If you’re feeling bored of golf, then charter a boat for a fishing trip or take an excursion to nearby cities such as Seville.

But no matter what your pleasure, whether it’s golf, a cultural adventure, or even a short ferry ride to Morocco from the port town of Algeciras – at day’s end, eat and drink heartily, because on the Costa del Sol, particularly at its many beachside restaurants, the no-frills cooking is pescadito sardines and small squid or calamaritos, usually roasted on spits and, best of all, served with famous sweet Malaga wines.

Places to Stay

If you need a golf hotel, Spain has a number of great resorts in the Andalusia region. When your taste is old-school style and luxury, then try the Marbella Club Hotel. On the other hand, if you want something a little more modern and budget-friendly, try the Atalaya Park Golf Hotel and Resort. Finally, for the best in five-star golf, stay at the Fairplay Golf Hotel and Spa.

With the stresses of work, family schedules, finances and kids, most couples need the occasional break – a romantic retreat to rekindle their romance, invigorate their relationship and give them time to simply relax.

If you’re looking for the perfect romantic getaway that combines worry-free planning, all-inclusive budgeting and romantic sparkle, cruise travel is a great option.

To learn about how to book the best romantic cruise for you and your loved one – regardless of your cruise destination – keep reading for great tips on everything from what to look for in a cruise ship to how to get the best deals for your spouse.

Opt For a Cruise with an Age Limit

The last thing you want on your romantic getaway is to be surrounded by toddlers on their way to a puppet show at the children’s pool. So, book a cruise with an enforced age limit.

Most cruise lines offer cruises that restrict boarding to both individuals 25 and older or married individuals 21 and older. The bulk of these cruises are specifically targeted toward couples and will offer amenities like increased room service, couples’ massages, formal dining and couples’ activities.

If you’re unable to find a cruise with an age limit that’s right for you, most ships offer areas, including pools that are adults-only.

Stay Away From “Singles” Cruises

In contrast to couples’ cruises, some cruise lines offer cruise vacations that are specifically for single travelers or the ’spring break’ party crowd. Unless you want to spend your romantic getaway immersed in loud dance music and terrible pick up lines, you’re going to want to stay away from these options.

Pick a Boat Size That Works For You

A larger boat may have more passengers and a less intimate “feel,” but it also allows for greater anonymity while on-board ship and a larger range of facilities. When choosing a ship, think about what’s important for you in terms of privacy and boat size.

Get the Balcony

As tempting as it may be to book an inside cabin for a discount, know that the space is small and often windowless. If this cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime romantic treat, it’s time to splurge and opt for a cabin with a romantic balcony. When you’re watching the stars go by from bed, you’ll be thankful.

How to Get Great Couples’ Deals

Booking as a couple gives you an advantage. You can often look for “companion” rates that apply to either cabin bookings or air fare to your port. Many cruise lines and some air carriers offer a companion discount for couples traveling together.

It’s great to take an opportunity for a family vacation. However, what might be a fun trip for some may not serve as enjoyable travel for others. Consider teens or college students on break who want some adventure for a reasonable price.

Well if you are planning a backpacking voyage and looking for some great global student travel deals, then keep reading to learn the three best ways to save money on your next big trip.

Get an ISIC

ISIC stands for an International Student Identity Card. This card is available from most STA Travel offices, Travelcuts locations and other student-affiliated travel agencies around the world. Essentially, an ISIC is your proof that you’re a student, and the card is recognized by thousands of dealers, sellers and travel providers around the world.

Want to get a student rate on your Eurorail pass? You need an ISIC. Want to save on your admission to the national parks of Kenya? You need an ISIC. Want to get a discounted rate at that Australian hostel? You need an ISIC. It’s an internationally recognized card that can save you hundreds on a backpacking trip. If you have an ISIC, keep an eye out for the ISIC logo, you could access big savings wherever you see it.

Student Airfare Rates

Most airlines no longer offer student rates directly. However, some continue to provide youth fares that are only available through youth-focused or student-focused travel agencies. Check with your on-campus travel agency to see if they have any student specials before you book.

Before you book a student fare, be sure of your travel dates. Student fares are often cheaper because they’re restricted, meaning you either can’t make changes to the flight or you can do so, but only after paying a hefty flight change fee. So, before you book, make sure you won’t have to make schedule changes prior to the date of your departure.

Get a Hostelling International Membership

Hostelling International is a network of hostels all around the world. You can buy a membership to this network, and in return you’ll get savings at all their member hostels along with preferred booking status. Not only can you access HI-member hostels at a cheaper rate, but you also get basic travel insurance for a year and commission free money exchange.

but you will save money. For example, the cost of a membership in the United States is $28 per year for an adult between the ages of 18 and 54. However, you’ll typically hold onto between 10 and 25% per night on each of your stays, meaning you’ll often make back the cost of the membership after 6-10 nights in an HI hostel.

Remember, you’re not going to automatically get student travel deals. You have to look for and ask for them. So, always keep your eye out for special student prices, and keep your ISIC or student identity card on you at all times to take advantage of savings opportunities.