Best Destinations To Explore: Travelling The World As A Sports Fan
Embarking on a global journey as a sports fan allows one to enjoy the thrill of the game and the excitement of exploring new cultures and destinations. Whether you’re following the swing of tennis rackets at Wimbledon or the competitive clashes of rugby, sports tourism combines the passion for sports with the adventure of travel.
Travelling the world for the best sports tournaments & sporting events
For many, sports are more than just games; they are a way of life. Travelling the world to witness the best sports tournaments and events is an exhilarating adventure that combines the love of sports with the thrill of discovery. Imagine a holiday that combines relaxation with exploring and soaking in the electric atmosphere of the Super Bowl or the courts at the French Open.
Planning your travels around world-class sports tournaments can transform an ordinary trip away into a series of unforgettable moments, from attending games and matches to making memories in the destinations where the events are held.
For tennis fans & golf enthusiasts: Exploring destinations in the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom, with its deep-rooted sports traditions and fan-packed stadiums, offers a diverse array of sporting events that attract fans from across the globe. Travelling around the UK to experience these events provides an opportunity to delve into the local culture and historical richness of various areas and regions.
London
One of the crown jewels of British sports is Wimbledon, held annually in London. This prestigious tennis tournament, known for its grass courts and strictly white attire, draws many visitors every year into the highs and lows of grand slam tennis.
Complete with traditional strawberries and cream to buy, the Wimbledon matches and its final attracts celebrities and royals every summer. The experience extends beyond the matches as visitors can explore London’s top attractions during their stay, from the historic Tower of London to the bustling streets of Camden Market.
South Ayrshire, Scotland
Further north, the Open Championship each year calls to golf enthusiasts and sports fans. Known simply as The Open, it is the oldest golf tournament in the world and one of the sport’s four majors. The Royal Troon in South Ayrshire, Scotland will host the 152nd Open this year in July.
Scotland provides many breathtaking landscapes and historic sites to explore, whether you are taking a break between matches or extending your stay after The Open. Afternoon tea at Culzean Castle or exploring a range of walking trails in Dailly and Straiton are great things to do in South Ayrshire that are perfect for a serene getaway.
York
Later this year could be a great opportunity for tourists to visit North Yorkshire as York will host the Snooker UK Championship at the York Barbican in November. With a central location, snooker fans visiting the city can make the most of their visit and explore some of York’s popular gems.
Whether spending a week or a weekend in the city, tourists can visit popular attractions such as the Jorvik Viking Centre and the National Railway Museum. York’s well-preserved mediaeval cityscape, including the iconic York Minster and the Shambles, and its riverside views add a historical charm to the visit.
From the annual Super Bowl to the Masters: Travelling in the US
The United States is a vast playground for sports fans, offering a range of iconic sporting events that cater to diverse interests, from the tactical complexities of American football to the precision of tennis and golf.
Looking forward, the United States will also co-host the FIFA World Cup in 2026, a significant event that promises to bring together soccer fans from across the globe. Various cities nationwide will host matches, offering fans a chance to explore different regions and cities including Los Angeles, Miami, Boston, and more.
Las Vegas, Nevada
The Super Bowl stands out as the pinnacle of American sports culture and a nationwide celebration featuring high-energy halftime shows and commercials as eagerly anticipated as the game itself. Hosted in a different location each year, the Super Bowl LVIII was held this year at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
Known as the ‘Entertainment Capital of the World’, the Las Vegas Strip is an iconic location to visit and get a glimpse of world-famous casinos like Caesars Palace and experience the majestic Fountains of Bellagio. As well as exploring iconic casinos, tourists can also have impressive Vegas skyline views from the Stratosphere Tower and High Roller ferris wheel.
Although the Super Bowl is now over, the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas has many other upcoming sports events this year including a range of American football games and even a few matches for the CONMEBOL Copa America. The next Super Bowl event will be held in New Orleans in 2025, allowing NFL fans to explore another fantastic city in the United States.
Queens, New York City
For tennis fans, one of the most popular tennis championships to attend in the world is the US Open. The 2024 US Open is set to be held at its usual location in Queens, New York. For residents of the NY State, there will be many tennis games to bet on when the final Grand Slam tournament comes around in August this year. In 2023, the men’s singles final saw Novak Djokovic win his 24th Grand Slam singles title, paving his way to becoming the world’s greatest tennis player.
Attending the US Open provides tourists with the opportunity to explore one of the greatest cities in the world, with many iconic attractions available to visit. From iconic landmarks like Times Square and Central Park to gourmet dining and Broadway shows, the city has plenty to offer alongside the excitement of one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments in the world.
Augusta, Georgia
Golf’s deep-seated tradition in the US is splendidly showcased at The Masters, held in Augusta, Georgia. This exclusive event invites patrons to witness some of the finest golfers in the world compete at the beautifully manicured Augusta National Golf Club. Earlier this year, golf fans witnessed Scottie Scheffler win his second Masters and second green jacket.
On a trip to Augusta, tourists can explore a range of parks and museums when they are not watching their favourite golfer play. But for tourists wanting to incorporate even more golf into their trip, the Topgolf sports bar and restaurant features climate-controlled hitting bays, a 9-hole mini golf course, and more, for golf enthusiasts to enjoy.
Exploring the French Open or Tour de France: Best places to explore in France
France, renowned for its cultural richness and historical depth, is also a vibrant hub for international sports. The country has been particularly sports-focused in the last couple of years with major sports events held in 2023 and 2024. From the clay courts of Roland-Garros to the scenic routes of the Tour de France, the country has had sports events that attract fans from all corners of the globe.
Paris
The highlight of the French sports calendar this year is the Paris 2024 Olympics, set to be a monumental event showcasing the city’s flair for grandeur and festivity. The Olympics will not only offer a chance to witness top-tier athletes compete in a range of sports but also provide visitors with an opportunity to experience Paris’s iconic landmarks during their stay.
Tennis fans are also drawn to Paris for the French Open, one of the four prestigious Grand Slam tournaments. Known for its challenging red clay surface, Roland-Garros tests the world’s best players in a battle of endurance and skill.
The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Seine River banks can all be enjoyed while soaking in the global camaraderie and celebrating the sporting spirit. Paris is a beautiful location where tourists can enjoy amazing scenery and fabulous French food no matter which sport they follow.
More beautiful cities to explore in France
Other than the capital, there are more beautiful cities to explore in France if you are a sports fan. In 2023, France hosted the Rugby World Cup and held games at various stadiums in cities such as Lille, Lyon, Toulouse, and Marseille.
France’s third-largest city, Lille, is where traditional French food can be tried and is perfect for foodies to be dazzled by Michelin-starred restaurants and food markets. Marseille is a vibrant city where sports fans can take a break from the thrill and anticipation of their favourite sports and take in the beautiful waterfront views by the old port.
Not to be overlooked by the Paris Olympics this year, the Tour de France is another sports spectacle that captivates not just cycling enthusiasts but also general admirers of perseverance and athletic prowess. As the riders traverse the picturesque countryside, mountainous regions, and charming towns, fans can witness this gruelling race up close while enjoying the local hospitality and scenic beauty.
For the first time, the race will not finish in Paris (due to the Olympic Games taking place) and will instead finish in the city of Nice. The city is known for its amazing scenery and is a popular spot to escape to the Mediterranean coast. Fans of the Tour de France can stop off at various locations on the cycle route this year such as the beautiful city of Dijon known for its vineyards and wine tasting.
