Ireland golf vacations (and others in the Eurozone) will likely be a bargain in 2012.
Why have you, my savvy readers, lately been seeking advice about golf vacations to places such as Ireland, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Germany, and France?
Three words: the exchange rate.
Due to the European debt crisis, the Euro has taken a beating, down to 1.29 against the US Dollar as of this writing.
That’s a 15 percent drop in the last nine months alone, and I recently read a prominent economist’s prediction that it may slide even more.
He said the Euro is more likely to drop to 1.10 in 2012 than to climb back up to its mid-2008 high of 1.50.
If he’s right, you’ll be able to get as much as 30-40 percent more for your money in the Eurozone.
And, with the European economy in a funk, demand for hotel rooms and tee times is likely to be softer, too, leading to more availability and potential price cuts.
(Keep in mind, the Euro’s woes won’t help you in Northern Ireland or Scotland, both of which are part of the UK and use the British Pound).
So, if you’ve been dreaming about a European golf vacation, now might be the right time to take it…or at least book it.
To that end, I know there are a daunting number golf travel providers out there. If you’d like help choosing one, simply email me (editor [at] golfvacationinsider.com) with:
Your First and Last Name
Your desired destination, dates, and group size
Your preferred method of contact (telephone or email)
Your permission to share your inquiry with recommended golf travel specialists.
Your email will come directly to me and I’ll pass your information along to one of the golf travel specialists that we’ve used and/or recommend.
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
It’s true,
Ireland’s prices have dropped dramatically in the last three years and they won’t be going up any time soon for green fees and hotel prices. I contacted all the golf clubs last year and green fees have fallen by 20% – 70%. On average you’re looking at a 35% drop, and this applies to peak season fees at the big courses too:
Ballybunion used to charge €180 for the Old course – they still do, but you now get a ‘free’ round on the Cashen course too (and the Cashen is a site to behold: My Flickr photos http://tinyurl.com/75eswhh).
Lahinch has dropped from €165 to €125.
Both County Sligo and Ballyliffin have dropped from €90 to €70.
Not every course has dropped – Portmarnock and The European aren’t budging and, as you point out, Northern Ireland courses aren’t affected in the same way, so there are few if any reductions there.
Hotel prices are well down, too, and any travel company should be able to negotiate good prices – golfers planning trips themselves will find plenty of deals online.
And heaven knows… we’d love to have you over. We’ll even buy you a pint.