Despite his begging, and impossibility of getting money back, we had officer take him to police station on his motorcycle while we followed in a taxi (Paying with a twenty from under sole of my shoe). We filed a complaint, and he would spend night in jail, then be released for a lack of evidence in morning. At least his finger prints were on file now.

Travel Security Lessons

A money belt probably would have prevented robbery. Pockets that close help too, although I had a wallet stolen from a zipered pocket once, and I didn't notice until forty minutes later. At least it was a decoy-wallet, put there for just such an occasion. My real wallet was safely hidden elsewhere (another little travel security trick).

Carry your money in at least three different places. These can include; under sole of your shoe, in a pocket that you pin inside your clothes, in your shaving kit. Also carry two credit or debit cards in two separate and secure places. Have "lost or stolen" phone numbers in another place.

Dress properly. If area you're visiting has much crime, leave expensive watches and jewelry behind.

There are many things you can do to travel more safely. Of course, biggest lesson of our experience was obvious. You have to learn to trust your intuition.

4) Course Conditions – Golf packagers with no local ties do not know what course conditions are like in Myrtle Beach. These companies rely on dated information and have no idea about yearly maintenance schedules. Getting tee times at a lower rung course is bad enough. Don't compound problem with horrible course conditions. What is solution? Contact Myrtle Beach golf courses yourself and ask them about their maintenance schedule and course conditions. Or, stick with a golf packager that has local market knowledge.

Do you need a golf package? This is definitely something to consider. Myrtle Beach has over 120 golf courses and they are not always sold out.

5) Buyers Market – During some times of year there are more golf courses than golfers. This gives you an edge. It also gives you a reason to consider booking tee times separately. Summer and winter are slower than spring and fall. However, you can sometimes get a better deal booking tee times yourself even in busy months. Do your research and investigate options instead of blindly buying golf packages.

Remember, golf deals always look great on paper. If your Myrtle Beach golf package is far below cost of other deals, don't expect a great golfing experience. Investigate, read fine print, deal with a company that has local knowledge and ask for customer testimonials. This is best advice we can give you before you purchase a Myrtle Beach golf package.

Make sure to visit our Myrtle Beach golf section for more great tips and information before booking your next golf vacation. For complete golf package tips and advice visit our Myrtle Beach golf package page. You'll find both at http://www.PerfectGolfVacations.com

Copyright 2005 Evans Putman - All Rights Reserved. Reprints allowed see below.