If you do what you've always done, you will always get what you've always got. Truer words have never spoken, whether it’s business or pleasure. Travel is the best education and there’s no better way to learn about history, nature and other cultures than to dive in. And of course, you might as well get in a few rounds of golf along the way. According to the State Department, only 36-percent of Americans hold a valid passport, compared to 60-percent of Canadians and 75-percent for Brits and Aussies. For the 65-percent that don’t qualify for international travel, if you never leave the country, how can you say you ever lived?

If traveling abroad is intimidating then start with a trip to Canada or the Caribbean and graduate to more adventurous locales. When you’re ready, here are some exotic places around the world to stay, play and capture special memories to cherish forever. And to make it easy, seek the help of a tour operator and let them handle accommodations, transportation and the tee times. And surprisingly, golf tour operators are typically cheaper than if you book the trip yourself.

Bogota, Colombia | Voyage Colombia Golf
Every day Colombia moves further away from its late ‘80s and early ‘90s reputation for exporting illegal substances. Today, Colombia is safe and welcoming for tourists from all over the world. Medellín, Bogota and Cartagena are popular stops for visitors and here’s a secret: there are quality golf courses there at an equally brilliant value.

In Bogota, be sure to tee it up at San Andres Golf Course and Los Lagartos Golf Course. There are approximately 30 golf courses in Bogota, 29 are private, however with a tour operator you can get the “member for a day” experience. Voyage Colombia Golf can sort out accommodation, travel and the golf for visitors.

Thailand | Golf Asian
Part of the magic when traveling are the local traditions and customs. Thailand and Colombia are similar in their casual approach to golf. It’s common to break for more than an hour after the front nine for lunch and drinks. Also, caddies are mandatory in both countries and typically pants are also required, just like playing on the PGA Tour. In and around Bangkok are some of the country’s best golf courses. Alpine Golf and Sports Club, where Tiger Woods won an Asian Tour event in 2000, is prime. Designed by Gary Player, the Lotus Valley Golf Resort is also in the area and is plush. Not far from Bangkok in Pattaya is Siam Country Club, one of the best golf courses in Southwest Asia. The experts in the area to sort the trip are Golf Asian. 

South Africa | Ascot Golf
Few parts of the world have produced more golf legends per capita than South Africa: Gary Player, Ernie Els, Retief Goosen, David Frost, Charl Schwartzel and Louis Oosthuizen to name a few. In and around Cape Town is the chance to play some of South Africa’s finest golf courses, enter a real-life zoo and drink delicious Sauvignon Blanc in the nearby lush Constantia Valley. Royal Cape and Pearl Valley Golf Club are quality golf courses in the area. And where in the world can you get away on a day trip to get up-close views of giraffe, zebra, water buck, antelope, impala, cheetah and more. After checking into the hotel, the Inn on the Square or the Protea Hotel by Marriott will do.

Ireland | Premier Irish Golf Tours
Sheep in the roads alone is enough to seek help. The roads of the country are not so easy to navigate, with their serious fob problem. On the southern tip of Ireland is Old Head, and the fog is so thick there that you’re required to lay down on the ground to avoid stumbling off the drastic sea cliffs. Luckily, the good people at Premier Irish Golf Tours will handle everything.  

In Northern Island, where Rory McIlroy and Darren Clarke come from, are Royal County Down, Royal Portrush and Ardglass Golf Club. Like a lot of the golf courses in Ireland, these links style courses were built pre-1900. To the southern tip of Ireland are Ballybunion Golf Club and Lahinch Golf Club.

In the middle of the country on Ireland’s east coast is Dublin; Portmarnock Golf Club and Royal Dublin Golf Club should certainly be on the agenda. And be sure to visit the Guinness Storehouse and Old Jameson Distillery.

After a few trips to South Africa, Colombia and Ireland then you might want to brave the roads yourself. On the first trip however, seek the help of a professional—you don’t want your first exotic vacation to be your only, and last.