The Best Sports Travel Bucket List

For sports fans, combining your favorite hobby with your passion for travel is the ultimate way to see the world. Whether you’re into football, hockey, basketball, soccer, boxing, or any other sport, you’ll find outstanding venues to explore across the globe.

If you want to plan a vacation that allows you to see an iconic sporting location or watch a big game live, it’s easy to book your trip to coincide with major events. However, there’s much more to sports travel than simply securing tickets to must-see matches and games. To make sure you don’t miss out, take a look at the best sports travel bucket list now:

1. Watch the Championships at Wimbledon

Founded in 1877, Wimbledon’s history dates back more than a century and showcases how tennis has evolved into the modern era. Today’s tournament may be high tech but the strict dress codes and copious amounts of strawberries and cream give it a distinctly traditional feel.

As one of the four Grand Slams, and the only one to be played on grass, tickets are always in high demand. In fact, you’ll find people queuing for hours in the hope of picking up a ticket on the day. However, your best chance of securing entry is to get your tickets in advance, if you’re able to. The Wimbledon Public Ballot registration process usually begins in Fall, so you’ll need to apply early if you want to try and secure your seats.

2. Be Trackside at Spa-Francorchamps

If you love speed, you’re probably a big fan of Formula 1, and Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium is arguably the best F1 racetrack in the world. The track originally incorporated public roads but has now been shortened to create a permanent circuit. Home to the Belgium Grand Prix, many other racing events take place at Spa-Francorchamps throughout the year too.

For fans who are visiting the track for the first time, the sound of the engines as they whizz past is something that you’ll remember for a lifetime. If you want to make your most of your time in Belgium, grab tickets for practice days and qualifiers, as well as for the big race itself. However, you’ll want to keep your eyes peeled while the race is taking place; at speeds of around 200mph, if you blink, you really will miss it!

3. See the World Cup in Qatar

Due to kick-off on November 21st, 2022 in Qatar, the 22nd FIFA World Cup will have soccer fans glued to their seats until the final on December 18th, 2022. Usually held in the summer, 2022’s World Cup has been moved to winter due to the intense heat in the host country. With stadiums custom-built for the occasion and minimal travel time between venues, it’s set to be a spectacular competition as national teams from around the world take each other on.

If you’re eager to see the World Cup but Qatar is a little too far, you can always plan ahead and get ready for the FIFA World Cup in 2026 instead. Due to be hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the U.S., you might even find that a World Cup match inspires some cross-country travel.

4. Go to the Stanley Cup Finals

For hockey fans, there’s no greater event than the Stanley Cup Finals. As the oldest pro sports trophy in North America, the coveted event attracts spectators from all over the world, with tens of millions of people watching on TV and on online. Previous venues include Rogers Place in Edmonton, TD Garden in Boston, and the Enterprise Center in Missouri, so look out for announcements regarding the upcoming 2021 Stanley Cup Finals venue. Tickets always sell out fast, so you’ll need to be quick if you want to be close to the ice and the action.

5. Take a Tour of Old Trafford

Manchester United is certainly the most well-known soccer team but they might just the best-known sports team in the world too. With legions of fans in every corner of the globe, their inimitable red shirt can be seen wherever you go. If you’re planning a trip to England, be sure to include a trip to Old Trafford on your itinerary.

On non-match days, you can take a behind the scenes tour of a stadium itself, as well as visiting the iconic Old Trafford Museum. If you’re eager to see the first team line-up, try to book tickets well in advance, as they’re always in high demand. To see the newest summer transfers don a Man Utd strip for the first time, you’ll want to visit in September or October when the season starts. Alternatively, if you’re eager to see whether United can take the top spot in the Premier League, visit between February and April when the season is drawing to a close and there’s everything to play for.

6. Visit England and Scotland to Watch The Open

Of the four major golfing championships, The Open is the only one to be held outside the U.S. If you’re looking for a great excuse for an international vacation, this is it! In 2021, The Open is set to be held at Royal St George’s in England, while the 2022 Championships are scheduled to take place in St Andrews in Scotland.

Whether you’re a golfer yourself, a diehard fan or you simply want to enjoy world-class golf in a spectacular location, tickets to The Open Championships must be on your ultimate gift list. The atmosphere and adrenaline build as you move from one vantage point to another, waiting to see who will triumph.

7. Travel to the Tour de France

Attracting around 12-15 million spectators each year, the Tour de France is a force to be reckoned with. Taking place over three weeks and stretching across 2,000 miles, it’s a test of strength, endurance, and strategy as teammates work with each other to try and gain an edge over their competitors.

As the tournament is spread out over three weeks, you could plan a tour of the country and take in the spectacular scenery as you keep up to date with who’s claimed the famous yellow jersey. Of course, nothing beats the feeling of being there as the winner crosses the finishing line, so be sure to adjust your schedule so that you’re in Paris for the culmination of the tournament.

8. Play Polo in Argentina

If you’re a keen sportsman or woman, you may have already tried your hand at polo but, rest assured, you don’t have to be an experienced rider to enjoy this sublime event. The Campeonato Argentino Abierto de Polo is widely considered to be the most important event of the Polo calendar so, if you’re going to go anywhere to see a match, this is where you’ll want to be.

Founded in 1893, the prestigious event has a rich history dating back more than 120 years and combines modern-day sporting endeavors with effortless style. In recent years, La Dolfina has triumphed in the competition but who will succeed in 2021, and will you be there to see it?

9. Fly to Florida for the Super Bowl

The Super Bowl is arguably the biggest event on America’s sporting calendar and 2021’s game is set to be due to be held at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Florida. While music artist, The Weeknd, has been confirmed to perform at the immensely popular half-time show, it remains to be seen which teams will secure a place in the championship game.

There’s no doubt that Super Bowl weekend is a highlight for diehard football fans, but it really is a major event across America, regardless of how closely you follow the NFL throughout the rest of the year. If you want to see history made, start making plans to get your tickets and get down to Florida in time for the coin toss.

10. Watch the World’s Best Athletes at the Olympic Games

Postponed until July 2021, you’ve still got time to arrange a flight and book tickets to one of the many events taking place under the umbrella of the Olympic Games. From weightlifting and gymnastics to the 100m sprint, soccer and swimming, there are so many sports represented that it’s easy to find something you enjoy.

The next Olympic Games will be held in Tokyo, while the 2024 and 2028 Olympic Games are set to be held in Paris, France, and Los Angeles, California respectively. Whether you head to Asia, Europe, or the West Coast, being present at the Olympic Games is a dream come true for any sports fan.

Follow Your Team and Travel the World

There are many benefits associated with being passionate about sports but getting the opportunity to travel is one of the best. As you support your favorite team, tour famous stadiums, and take in the breath-taking sights, you can see some of the best destinations in the world when you combine your love of sports with your desire to explore.