Home     Flights     Hotels     Cars/Rail   My Stuff

Concierge Services  |  Dream Maps  Traveler Advice

It's a Day for Dad (and It's Coming Soon!) By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large June 2, 2004 To me, the Father's day column is a no-brainer. It may not be original, but as the saying goes, there is truth in every cliche. For many of us, Father’s day is all about golf: talking about golf, playing golf, and giving golf gear. It's the perfect time to play a round, and to get around to one the country’s fine courses, of course. Yet I can't help but wonder, is something wrong with this golf give-over that has besieged our beloved Dad's day? Golf has long been an opportunity for me to bond with Dad. At first I took it up only as a way to get time with the man. Aggravatingly, golf tested my skills (or lack-there-of) in numerous ways. Through it all, Dad stood by my side, doing what he does best. Generally bossing me around and offering advice on my grip, my swing, my stance whether I wanted the tips or not. He guided me to become something I didn't know I could be--and I'm a (slightly!) better golfer because of it. Golf has grown on me, much like spinach--I even play on my own now, reporting back to him on every game. Golf has been more fun for us than his helping with algebra homework or teaching me to drive. Though cars were always a way to get Dad's attention. Thus, an auto-themed Dad's day is another idea. For the car enthusiast, options range from an affordable magazine subscription for car connoisseurs to a car-tailored excursion at a pricy hotel. The Fairmont hotels offer packages, and there is a Land Rover 4X4 off-road experience offered by the Chateau Montebello, which includes golf ($375 per room per night). If you're feeling flush, the recently renovated Sonoma Mission has a speed and spa package, offering three days of open wheel racing at the Jim Russell Racing School. This too comes with choice of golf, or spa ($3,595 total per room). There are plenty of great travel opportunities available for you and your Dad’s escape. Perhaps you'll want to sail away at the Sagamore on Lake George in New York, go fly-fishing in Big Sky Montana, or go horseback riding in Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. The interesting thing is that on nearly all these trips, you'll find that golf can be played, which brings me back to where I started. Why? Well, perhaps it's because like me, the rest of you are searching for ways to bond with Dad. Golf gives us something to do together on a sunny afternoon. By now I know to yell "fore" at the first sign of trouble. Because life is short and Dad is sweet, you should celebrate this June (see my short list of a few favorite courses or look for one nearer to him). If you're gearing up for that golf getaway, remember that when you're flying with your clubs, you must check them. Be sure to have them securely packed with proper identification. Also be sure that both your clubs and golf shoes are cleaned before packing them. Some fertilizers can set off the security devices and will be sure to slow your things down. Some of Amy Ziff & Travelocity's favorite golf spots include: The Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay, California The Hyatt Lake Las Vegas, Nevada Wild Dunes Resort Isle of Palms, South Carolina Wydham Rose Hall, Jamaica If you have a question or topic you would like me to cover in a future column, please e-mail Amy Ziff at askamy@travelocity.com And remember to look here for your topic each week!

Holiday & Seasonal Travel Tips & Advice Summer Is Here – It's Time for Vacation! By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large It's a Ho-Ho Holiday Gift Guide By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large Halloween Graveyards By Natasha Carvell, Editor Call Me Crazy, But I'm Ready to Talk Holiday By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large Why Traveling This Winter Holiday Will Be Different! By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large Over the River and Through the Woods for Thanksgiving We Go (and Go!) By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large 'Tis the Season for Gifts--and I Have All the Inspiration You Need! By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large Driving Smarter This Season By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large The Hottest Holiday Buy This Season Is a TotalTrip By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large It's a Day for Dad (and It's Coming Soon!) By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large A Beach Is a Beach--Or Is It? By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large Travel Inspirations for Today's Modern Mother on Her Day By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large Make a Break for It By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large Valentine's Day Vows Anyone? By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large Where Will You Ring in the New Year? By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large Holiday Gift Guide For Travelers By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large Red Hot Trouble Spots This Holiday Season: Predicting Delays By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large Travelers Want to Know What To Expect This Holiday Season By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large Getting Into the Spirit By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large Getting Into the Spirit By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large Time to Rethink that Holiday Buying Strategy. Starting Now. By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large Autumnal Outings by Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large Barbecue is a Big-Time American Tradition: Why Not Take a Bite This Summer? By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large What Have You Done for Her Lately? By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large Take a Break While Playing it Safe By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large Father's Day Top 10 Golf Resort Picks By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large Getting Away for Romance or Just Getting Away? By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large Holiday Travel Can Be a Breeze! By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large