This Week at TravelGolf.com: Oct. 9, 2008

With the heat fading, now's the time to plan your winter golf trip to the Sun Belt

Yes, it's true, the sweltering days of our 2008 summer are an all-too-recent memory. But already you may be nostalgic for them.

If not now, the first serious cold snap, especially for you northern hackers, will do it.

Besides, it's never too early to start thinking about that winter golf trip. I know Canadians who start planning in August.

Planning early is a smart thing to do and will most likely save you money as well as helping avoid those frantic, last-minute calls to people who may just jack up prices for you Johnny-Come-Lately types.

TravelGolf.com is here to help, with in-depth stories on two of the most popular winter golf vacation getaways: Florida and Hawaii.

Wait, you say - I've been to Florida before and got bored with all those flat layouts surrounded by water. Check it out: There are Florida golf courses with elevation!

We're not saying there are mountain golf courses in Florida, though there are marketers who will swear there are. Still, there are some Florida golf courses with some very nice elevation changes, like Southern Hills Plantation in Brooksville, Black Diamond Ranch Golf and Country Club in Lecanto and Victoria Hills Golf Club in Deland.

If you're looking for something a little more exotic and have Hawaii golf on your mind, you should skip those cliched, "duh" Hawaii guidebook tips and read Chris Baldwin's insider advice in the story below.

For example, Hawaii's winding roads are slower than on the mainland, with lower speed limits. If your tee time is 40 minutes away, don't think it will take you 40 minutes to get there.

Also, don't be shy about island-hopping to enjoy the best golf courses, or even taking the ferry from Maui to Lanai, where there are two luxurious resorts and two unforgettable golf courses.

Those are just two of the seven practical tips to make your Hawaii golf trip more enjoyable and, most likely, cheaper.

As always, TravelGolf.com welcomes your comments.

Beyond the guide books: Seven truths to save a Hawaii golf vacation

Most Hawaii travel guide books treat vacationers like kids. It's time for a more advanced course in Hawaii vacation info. Chris Baldwin offers seven tips are just the stuff you wished those glossy guide books would tell you but never do. Like, don't expect to make good time on Hawaii's highways, and rental cars are not optional.

Also: Kauai, Hawaii's best golf in pictures

Still think all of Florida is flat? You're missing out on some great golf

Golfers who have never visited Florida seem to think the whole peninsula is as flat as a Wal-Mart parking lot. They're close, but not quite. There are more than a few Florida golf courses that will get you up in the air a little, if not in the clouds. Here are some of the better one ...

Also: Need help planning a Florida golf trip?

TravelGolf.com On Campus: The Georgia-Tennessee game still stirs passions down in Athens

This Saturday, the Georgia Bulldogs host the Tennessee Volunteers. Here's a look at the golf courses in the Athens area, including Jennings Mill Country Club, the University of Georgia Golf Course, Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee, Hard Labor Creek and the Georgia Club.

Podcast: Golf and music in Athens, Ga.