What's really in a golf holiday? The simple answer is that each vacation is intended to give us some time away from our daily routine, from the pressures of work and family. Ideally, we could have an extended holiday, perhaps a week or even two playing golf and relaxing. But some people only have time enough for mini golf breaks. Many avid golfers can only get away for two or three days, which is certainly better than no holiday at all.

Fortunately, nearly every golf resort and club will accommodate the short-term player. In fact, many of the best resort locations encourage travellers to take those short golf breaks. Many of the most desirable golf destinations, which feature some of the top golf courses in the world, have package prices for mini golf breaks that are within the budget of nearly everyone.

For example, some golfers choose to play in the popular resort city of Orlando, Florida, where they can spend just three nights and play up to four rounds of golf for about $400. In a similar plan, some golfers travel to one of the best golf regions of the United States, Myrtle Beach, for three rounds of golf and a comfortable room. The cost is only about $200, without all the extras. For those interested in shorter golf breaks, these programs are ideal.

But the opportunities are not limited to just a few select locations. In addition to the numerous Arizona golf courses that offer short-term plans, some of the world's major hotel and resort companies specialize in mini golf breaks at affordable prices. Marriott, for example, currently has 16 courses on its list for short golf breaks, and many of those courses have been the site of a professional tournament (so the golf course is designed at championship level). In the UK there are golf trips to such destinations as Bournemouth, with a choice of excellent courses. A typical package price might include two nights (bed and breakfast) and two rounds of golf.

France has become one of the popular locations for short golf breaks in recent years. One golf tour planner offers a short stay and golf at an 18-hole parkland course just 30 minutes from Calais. Another unique idea is the plan that includes Le Manoir, a 9-hole course ideal for the shorter time limits. Most of these short golf breaks include bed and breakfast, one round of golf for every night confirmed at the hotel, and for those in the UK, ferry service. Many have started to include golf school in their mini golf breaks. Prices for these simple plans are quite reasonable.

Of course, the most important thing to think about on a golf break is…nothing! It is sometimes very difficult to relax when the time is short. It's easy to rush out to the golf course, play in a hurry and play poorly. But that will only start the short holiday on the wrong foot. Some experienced short-break golfers take a few minutes to make sure possessions are safely stowed in the room and some even take time for a cocktail before hitting the links. It works!