The gift giving season can be super stressful as we agonize over what to buy our loved ones!
Do you have a foodie or gourmand on your gift list this year? While it can be intimidating to buy something for an expert eater there are some tips to follow:
Do they have a favorite type of cuisine or snack?
These foodies can be really easy to buy for! Find out their favorite cuisine or snack and find items they may not like to spurge on or consider a monthly subscription club.
For example, chocolate lovers would appreciate artisanal chocolate from Askinosie or Charbonnel et Walker or a chocolate club.
The possibilities are truly endless – even pickle lovers have subscription clubs!
Do they love to cook or grill?
Some folks like to both prepare and eat the food! For the amateur chefs or grillers in your life consider gifting them new equipment or gadgets, cookbooks or even experiences such as a cooking class at Sur La Table or through a local restaurant.
A sous vide is a great gift for foodies!A spiralizer is perfect for a health conscious cook
Are they a wine connoisseur, beer lover or whiskey aficionado?
Dedicated fans of beer, wine and spirits are super easy to please! Simply pair a bottle of something they would like to try with a nice coffee table book on the topic.
If that is too much effort consider a monthly subscription (Wine or Beer)
Have they taken any memorable vacations or dream of visiting certain exotic locales?
Does someone on your gift list have wanderlust or loves to travel? These people can be difficult to buy gifts for because they value experiences over material things. However, that doesn’t need to make Holiday shopping a chore! F
Whether your loved one is flying for business or pleasure frequent flyers can be easy to buy for if you have some inspiration!
Gear and Clothes
World travelers need to pack smartly so as to not spend their travels lugging 5 suitcases around airports! Luckily there are tons of new clothing companies that produce stylish yet low maintenance clothes. These are perfect for longer trips because of their versatility and quick drying!
Comfy yet stylish clothes are a must for long haul travelers!
A good suitcase will make life on the go so much less stressful!
Sleeping in planes and trains can be difficult. Make it more relaxing with noise canceling headphones and sleep masks!
Anyone who has traveled knows the fear of a dying phone battery! Solve this for your traveler with a Chargers or international adaptor! These make great stocking stuffers.
Another great stocking stuffer is a filtered Water bottle! This will save them when the water at he airport cost $10 or there isn’t a store in sight!
Make sure they keep in touch with a Global SIM card or even an international phone plan!
Consider TSA Precheck
Flights or Hotels
EuroRail Pass
Dinners, Activities etc.
Guided Tours
It’s easy and fun to plan an epic guy’s golf trip! If you haven’t taken a golf based vacation I suggest you rally some friends and family and start planning one now! A guy’s golf trip is a great way to stay in touch and have fun with your friends as you get older!
This post was inspired by an old college pal of mine who has taken the trip of a lifetime – a golfing tour of the UK capped off by a trip to Paris to watch the Ryder Cup!
Thanks to this peer pressure I have started to think of an epic guy’s golf trip for next spring – don’t tell my wife!
Epic guy’s golf trips do not have to be long or expensive! Choose a trip that suits your golf crew! Below are the top ten on my list! I will be sure to update the post with my selection!
Guy’s Golf Trip: Oregon Coast
The Oregon Coast is home to some of the finest golf in North America! The number of great courses is staggering. Plus, Oregon is home to a number of amazing breweries making it a perfect bachelor party or guys trip!
Bandon Dunes has wonderfully rugged vistasThe brewery scene makes the Oregon trip even better
Guy’s Golf Trip: Scotland
I don’t believe in regrets, but I remain tremendously disappointed in myself for not having made the trip from London to Scotland for some serious golf during my expat assignment. The home of golf should be high on the list for any golfers. I dream of taking my son there someday, before that I would love to lead a trip with my college buddies. Golf, Scotch, great food add up to an epic trip!
St. Andrews is a true bucket list trip!Scotch Tasting will take any Scotland trip over the top
Guy’s Golf Trip: Ireland
Royal County Down has been ranked the best golf course in the World!
Ireland is an amazing golf destination! I have been lucky enough to play a few courses on the Emerald Isle – Lahinch and Athenry. The people in Ireland are so friendly and welcoming, there food is better than advertised and the weather can be adventurous. One great aspect of an Ireland tour is the fact that the entire country is very drivable. Pack your rain gear and head to Ireland!
Lahinch on the west coast of County Clare has great golf and is the surf capital of EuropeIrish Pubs offer a great atmosphere to relive your rounds over drinksOld Head Course in Kinsale, County Cork
A San Francisco swing makes an awesome golf trip! If you can manage to combine a tee time at Pebble Beach with some tee times at the jewels of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park you will have executed a perfect trip. Mix in a trip to Napa, Alcatraz and a ball game and you might just have your best week ever!
Harding Park in San Francisco is a top public courseOlympic Golf Club offers 45 spectacular holesAlcatraz offers an epic “escape” from golf
Guy’s Golf Trip: Charleston
The low country of South Carolina is home to amazing food, hospitable people and great golf! Skip the Florida trip and give Charleston a shot! Imagine waking up for shrimp and grits before hitting the courses.
Charleston style shrimp and grits!Wild Dunes is great for a family focused golf trip
Guy’s Golf Trip: Arizona
Scottsdale is home to a number of amazing courses that can be played year round!
Again, I have been lucky enough to golf across a good bit of Phoenix and Scottsdale! I can not recommend it enough. Try to pair your trip with baseball spring training or better yet the best non-Major PGA Tour Stop the TPC! Look out for scorpions!
Guy’s Golf Trip: Florida
TPC Sawgrass!
If you are looking for a quick golf weekend over the winter keep it simple and head to Florida! There is no shortage of great courses no matter where you decide to go! Beware of the gators!
Sarasota Offers some amazing public courses
Guy’s Golf Trip: Myrtle beach
TPC Myrtle Beach is one of the best courses in the area
For an inexpensive and easy trip don’t forget Myrtle! Myrtle Beach has a fun, honky think vibe but hosts a number of high end courses. Flights from the northeast are under 3 hours!
The Myrtle Beach boardwalk offers tons of entertainment after your round
Guy’s Golf Trip: North Carolina
The Southern Pines area and Pinehurst offers another relatively inexpensive yet accessible area for great golf! There are a half dozen amazing courses in this small area. Easy flights into Raleigh or Charlotte make this a great trip!
Mid Pines in Southern Pines NC
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Don’t forget to make time for some bbq in North Carolina
Guy’s Golf Trip: Cabot Links Nova Scotia
I should really keep this to myself – the best golf destination in North America is Cabot Links Nova Scotia! The scenery is breathtaking, the food is incredible and it is just a few hours from the Northeast. Do yourself a favor and head north to Nova Scotia for an unforgettable golf vacation!
Nova Scotia lobster roll! The seafood is unbelievable
Now that you are sufficiently inspired grab your friends, pack your gear and get out there!
If you are looking for further inspiration check out these great books!
A sous vide is a great gift for foodies!
A spiralizer is perfect for a health conscious cook
Gino’s East in Chicago
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