Golf player at sunset. -- Digital Vision/Digital Vision/Getty Images

This week's questions were of a general nature and covered the range from golfing to packing to destination inquiries. What is clear is that Canadians continue to create strong demand for tour operators who should be looking ahead to a very good year.

Q: Because I am not one to lie in the sun for long, when I travel I choose to spend my mornings on the golf course. However golf has become a very expensive pastime in the United States. How can they charge such exorbitant rates?

A: I guess the simple answer is supply and demand. Golf has become one of the fastest growing activities and new golf course construction has kept pace. There is even greater demand to golf the high profile courses where major championship tournaments have taken place and resorts have developed expensive championship courses all over the world. However there is something you can do to keep within most budgets. Firstly, chose a resort that not only has its own golf course but offers significant discount rates to its guests. Stay away from the "major brand" courses unless a $200 US starting point suits you. More significantly look for publicly run courses. These are courses which are publicly owned and operated in some manner by the region you are visiting. Prices here will be very low, often lower than what you pay at home. Some courses may not be up to the standards we see the pros play on every weekend, but for a few rounds away from home in the middle of winter they serve the purpose well.

Q: Is the Great Wall of China really worth seeing?

A: Wow! I guess in an era of highrises and mega cities this wall may seem innocuous to some. But it is a powerful experience to be on the wall and walk up and down the hillsides on it. It is still a construction marvel given its length and passage through some of the world's roughest terrain. Most of China is worth seeing but the Wall should be a considered a must-see for travellers.

Q: I have heard there is a thing called a compressor pack for more efficient packing. What is that?

A: I guess the word compressor pretty much describes its function. There is lots of air in clothing packed one atop the other. The compressor pack allows you to squeeze the air out reducing the size of your clothing by almost two-thirds. This is especially helpful when travelling on tours which control the amount of luggage you can take with you. It also allows you to pack your needs in one suitcase, essentially eliminating the weight of a second piece of luggage. For many, the compression eliminates the movement of garments which contributes to creasing. It's not that the compression is without creasing of its own but it really does stop the excessive creasing you can get from loosely packet garments you find in most baggage.

Ron Pradinuk is the President of Journeys Travel & Leisure SuperCentre in Winnipeg.