DALLAS, TX – In 2018, Dekel Bar and Ben Johns started Pickleball Getaways, a business venture focused on creating world-class pickleball vacations around the globe.

Participants travel to fabulous locations for clinics hosted by Bar, Johns, and fellow professional players.

The company has grown tremendously over the past six years.

“When we started, we just had one trip, and then slowly we grew. We had 10 trips in 2023, and we're planning on 12 to 14 trips in 2024,” said Bar. “We have trips to Mexico, Costa Rica, Croatia, Slovenia, Portugal, Spain, and we’re adding a few new ones to the Caribbean.”

Whether you’re looking for tropical beach adventures or journeys to historic European cities, Pickleball Getaways has you covered.

“Some of the trips are all-inclusive style where you stay at the resort all week and we play every day and teach, and some of the other ones, like the ones in Europe, are more travel-based with more excursions,” explained Bar.

The 30-year-old Israeli is one of the most well traveled pros on tour.

If you want anyone as your tour guide, it's Bar.

“When we go to Spain, we visit two or three different cities and then we play for a couple hours every day in the morning, and then travel in the afternoon to see the location,” he shared.

These excursions include visits to notable landmarks, stunning local views, and all of the best sights around.

At first, Bar and Johns participated in the vast majority of the trips, but with more and more destinations being added annually and jam-packed tournament calendars in North America, the pair simply can't attend every single one.

No need to worry, though, because outstanding substitutes are ready to lend a helping hand.

“Collin Johns and other top pros are going on the trips, too, so there’s always a good crew,” promised Bar.

If you decide to book a getaway, here’s what an average day will look like.

“We’ll split everyone into two groups. Then, it’s a two-hour clinic in the morning for each group. Clinics are basically just us teaching. We usually have seven pros that we send to teach, so it’s a really good ratio,” said Bar. “Then, we have open play in the afternoon.”

Even with their teaching responsibilities, the pros still manage to maintain their respective training programs. While guests are putting their newfound knowledge to the test in matches against one another, players like Bar are drilling in preparation for their next event.

“After open play, we have different events like fun social events that we do with the clients like trivia or a Q&A. We hang out and have dinners together, too,” mentioned Bar. “We try to make it as social as possible.”

As much as Bar enjoys hosting and teaching clinics, his favorite moments of each trip revolve around the farewell dinners.

“At the end of each trip, we have our final dinner and we give out awards. People are always so happy with the week. It’s very satisfying to see how much they enjoyed themselves and appreciated the trip,” he shared. “Some people get emotional or cry while telling their stories. People often explain how much they were looking forward to the trip because of the different things they’re going through in life. It’s always a very special moment to hear people’s stories.”

Bar has traveled all over the world thanks to Pickleball Getaways and made amazing memories along the way.

“This year, we’re going to Spain for the first time. We have permanent courts there which are hard to find overseas. I’m very excited about that one. It’s a cool destination with good courts,” said Bar. “I’ve also always loved the Slovenia and Croatia trips, too, and this year we’re combining them. Everything is close there, so you can see many different things. The variety is really cool. I like the beach and the scenery there, along with the nature, the people, and the food.”

It's no wonder Pickleball Getaways has taken off.

Playing the sport you love in exotic spots seems like the perfect vacation - and your game is sure to get better with tips and tricks from the some of the best players to ever pick up a paddle.

Click here to find your dream getaway.