Planning a Tennis Trip: What to Look for in a Tennis Resort or Camp

A good tennis trip combines lots of court time, players at your level and enough coaching to bring something new home. A bad one means expensive courts you can't book, drills with players far above or below you, and a week of rain with nowhere indoors to play.

Whether you're booking a resort with courts, a full tennis camp or just packing your racquet for a family holiday, the questions below will help you choose. Most of them apply to pickleball trips too.

First, decide what kind of trip you want

Be honest about how much you want to play. Several hours a day in the heat is a lot more than most recreational players are used to. Many players enjoy a half-day program more than a full-day one.

What to look for in a tennis camp

Players grouped by level

This is the most important question. Drilling with players far above or below your level wastes your time and theirs. Ask how the camp groups players, whether it's by self-rating, NTRP or UTR, or an on-court assessment on the first day. Ask what happens if a group isn't working for you.

Know your level before you go. The NTRP and UTR level estimator gives you a starting point, and NTRP Ratings Explained describes each level.

Coach-to-player ratio

For drills, about four players per coach on a court is a common standard. More than that and you'll spend a lot of time waiting in line. Ask about the ratio for both drills and match play.

Coaches and their qualifications

Ask who's actually coaching. Are they full-time staff or seasonal? Do they have coaching certifications, such as from the USPTA, PTR or a national federation? A camp led by a well-known name may have most sessions run by assistants, which can be fine, as long as you know.

The daily schedule

• How many hours of instruction are there each day, and how many hours of match play?
• Is there a break during the hottest part of the day?
• Does the program include video analysis, strategy sessions or fitness?
• Is there free court time outside the program?

What to look for in a resort

Many resorts advertise "tennis" when they have two courts and a ball machine. Ask specific questions before you book:

• How many courts, and what surface? A mix of hard and clay is ideal. See how court surfaces change the way you play.
• Are court fees included? Some resorts charge per hour, especially at peak times.
• How far ahead can you book? At busy resorts, prime-time courts may be booked days ahead.
• Are the courts lit? In hot climates, early morning and evening are the best times to play.
• Is there a tennis pro on site? Ask about clinics, private lessons and whether they can arrange matches with other guests.
• Is there indoor or covered backup? Without it, rain can cancel your whole trip.
• Can they string racquets, and do they sell balls? Prices at resorts are often much higher than at home.

Timing and climate

• Heat: Hot destinations are often best in spring and fall. In summer, plan to play early and late, and drink more water than you think you need.
• Rainy seasons: Check the rainy season for tropical destinations, and ask about indoor or covered courts.
• Altitude: At high altitude, the ball flies faster and farther. Expect a few days of balls flying long.
• Peak season: Courts and camps book up around holidays. Book early, or travel just outside peak dates.

Budget: what's often extra

Prices vary widely by destination, season and program. When comparing options, check whether these are included:

• Court fees and ball fees
• Clinics versus private lessons
• Video analysis
• Stringing and racquet demos
• Airport transfers
• Meals, especially lunch between sessions
• Activities for a non-playing partner or children

Also check the cancellation policy, especially for injury and weather. Travel insurance that covers sports injuries is worth considering for camps.

Prepare before you go

A camp isn't the time to get in shape. If you're going from two hours a week to four hours a day, build up gradually in the month before your trip.

• Add one or two extra sessions a week for 3–4 weeks before you leave.
• Use a proper 10-minute warm-up every time you play.
• Restring your racquet about a week before you go, so the strings have settled. If you have two racquets, bring both.
• Break in new shoes at home, not at camp.

Packing checklist

• Two racquets, if you have them, and a spare overgrip or two
• Tennis shoes, plus a herringbone clay shoe if you'll play on clay
• Enough playing clothes for one or two sets a day, plus socks
• Hat or visor, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen and lip balm
• Reusable water bottle and electrolyte tablets
• Blister care, tape and any braces you use
• A light resistance band for your shoulder warm-up
• A notebook or phone notes for what your coaches tell you

Playing while you travel, without a resort

You don't need a camp or resort to play on vacation:

• Use our court finder and court map to find public courts and clubs at your destination.
• Ask your home club whether it has reciprocal guest arrangements with clubs elsewhere.
• Look for open play sessions where visitors are welcome.
• Find players at your level in the area before you arrive.