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Few things bring people together like sports. Whether it’s a high school football game or the Summer Olympics, sporting events can be exhilarating to watch, with the pumping adrenaline and tight community, especially if you are actually in the stadium.
If you love to travel and enjoy the excitement and energy of sports, planning a trip to be a spectator at a major sporting event is a unique experience that I highly recommend. Whether you fly across the country to watch the Super Bowl or across the world to watch the World Cup, you’ll see new things, meet new people, and be swept up in the rush of the game.
Not sure what events are worth watching? Here are some of the biggest sporting events in the world that make a fantastic climax to any trip. These are the ultimate destination for a traveling sports fan.
1. UEFA Champions League
If you’re from the USA, football, basketball, and baseball dominate the local sporting culture, around the globe soccer (football everywhere outside the US) is the most popular sport.
The UEFA Champions League is an annual tournament that pits the top European soccer clubs against each other, and it is one of the most popular events in the sport, watched by millions of fans. You’ll consistently see several of the same teams in this event every year: Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Madrid, and Manchester United, to name a few. These are the best teams in the world, and the Champions League is the highest-stakes event where they put everything out on the field.
If you are wanting to get tickets to watch matches in the UEFA Champions League, GO Sport Travel is one of the best sources for event tickets and travel packages for sporting events in Europe. Whether you just want a match ticket or are looking for an all-inclusive travel experience with transportation, lodging, and dining, they’ve got you covered.
2. Summer Olympics
No sporting event is quite as iconic as the Summer Olympics. Every four years, nations from around the world send their best athletes to compete in a wide range of disciplines. More than just a sporting event, it’s a cultural celebration.
One of the most exciting things about the Olympics is that new sports are being added all the time. For 2024, four new sports will be added: surfing, sport climbing, skateboarding, and breakdancing.
The next Summer Olympics will be held July 26-August 11 in Paris, France, and the first two phases of ticket sales are already over. There are still opportunities to get tickets, but you need to hurry.
Of course, you can always wait four more years.
3. Tour de France
While the sporting world seems to be dominated by ball sports (especially in team events), The Tour de France is a road cycling race that is one of the most watched sporting events in the world. It is the most prestigious cycling event in the world and is one of the most coveted trophies among cyclists. Held since 1903, this race is truly a piece of history and culture.
The Tour de France is raced by teams of eight cyclists trying to make the best overall time. It takes place on 21 different stages over 23 days, and features incredibly challenging hilly and mountainous terrain in some of the most beautiful areas of France.
The fact that the Tour de France stretches across the entire country means this is a perfect opportunity for your own tour of France. Follow the racers along their journey and see some amazing sites along the way.
If you think it sounds boring to watch a bunch of people ride by on bicycles, get ready to be surprised. The energy and excitement of the Tour de France is unbelievable.
4. Soccer World Cup
We’ve already covered one soccer event, but it would be impossible to talk about the greatest worldwide sporting events without mentioning the World Cup. Held every four years, this iconic competition draws fans from around the globe. If you want a piece of worldwide sporting culture, traveling to watch the World Cup is hard to beat.
For many people around the world, watching the World Cup live is a lifelong dream, and it truly is an unforgettable experience. Like the Olympics, it’s held in a different countries every time, so there are plenty of opportunities to visit new places around the globe.
The 2023 Women’s World Cup is taking place in Australia and New Zealand, and the 2026 Men’s World Cup will be held in Canada, Mexico, and the US.
5. Super Bowl
Few things are as American as Super Bowl Sunday. While many people have long-held traditions for watching this culminating NFL game from home, traveling to the stadium to watch in person is a whole new experience.
The Super Bowl is hosted in different cities across the US every year and takes place in February. If you live in a colder climate, it’s a great opportunity to head somewhere warm and escape the winter.