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Sports Travel and the Thrill of Athletics Abroad

Camp Nou, a top football stadium in Barcelona that attracts sports fans from around the world. (photo: Shai Pal)

International sports events bring together the finest athletes from around the globe, offering a rare opportunity to witness exceptional skill, talent, and athleticism. Sports travel enthusiasts see these occasions as unique opportunities to get in on the action.

Whether it’s a European football tournament (soccer, for my U.S. readers), Olympic Games, Monaco Grand Prix, or Tour de France, these events showcase the peak of sports performance and provide unforgettable moments that can inspire and captivate spectators.

Camp Nou, a top football stadium in Barcelona that attracts sports fans from around the world. (photo: Shai Pal)
Camp Nou in Barcelona (photo: Shai Pal)

A through line of my backpacking trip around the world was attending elite sporting events wherever possible.

These included an Australian Open Final in Melbourne (Djokovic’s first win at a major), Lionel Messi playing for FC Barcelona, and a World Cup qualifying match between Colombia and Peru.

Whether you stumble upon events like I did or book packages with hotel accommodations through GO Sport Travel, attending international competitions can be a unique thrill. Here are a few more reasons to add them to your itinerary.

Why Travel for Sports?

Host Cities

Top sporting events often take place in vibrant cities and countries that use these occasions to showcase their culture, heritage, and hospitality.

While there for the contest, you can explore the host city’s landmarks, museums, and attractions, enhancing your overall travel experience. Sports become a gateway to discovering new destinations.

This is currently appealing to me as it relates to Formula 1 racing, a sport I only got into after moving to Austin, Texas (home to the United States Grand Prix).

Formula 1 holds races in a wide variety of destinations, including Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, the U.S., and Latin America.

After attending several U.S. races, I traveled to Montreal for my first Canadian Grand Prix.

The event was the catalyst for the trip. However, as these races occur over a weekend, I had plenty of time to explore Montreal.

Sebastian Vettel leads the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal for Ferrari
Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal (photo: Dave Lee)

Next, I have my eye on the Mexico Grand Prix, held every fall in Mexico City, a two-hour flight from Texas.

Cultural Exchange

Traveling for sports allows you to immerse yourself in different cultures and experience the distinctive atmosphere that only these events can offer.

You’ll meet people from diverse backgrounds who share a common passion for the sport you’re attending, fostering…

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