Five of the best sporting events worth travelling for!
How far would you travel to cheer on your team? Would you hop on a plane, cross continents, or plan an entire trip around a single match? For a growing number of fans, the answer is a resounding yes. Sports tourism is heating up, and it's not just about the game, it’s about the atmosphere, the destination, and the memories made along the way.
According to Skyscanner’s latest trends report, nearly 29% of 25–34-year-olds are planning to travel – domestically or internationally – to catch a live sporting event in 2025. From Grand Slam action in New York to rugby fever in Manchester, the calendar is packed with events worth booking a ticket for.
If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your fanhood into a full-on adventure, here are five epic sporting events that are calling your name in the next twelve months.
US Open, New York, 18 August to 7 September 2025
Why go? In terms of tennis tournaments, this is a biggie. The fourth and final in the Grand Slam tennis calendar, the US Open is one of the oldest tennis championships in the world. In 2024, a record one million people attended. Visitors might have found themselves rubbing shoulders with Hugh Jackman, Taylor Swift and former champs Serena Williams and Andre Agassi.
What else? As well as enjoying world-class sporting events, a visit to New York wouldn’t be complete without setting time aside for shopping, dining, and taking in some of the city’s must-see sights. It’s not just about the Big Apple: if you can, add on a few days to explore the wider state of New York. From kayaking in Adirondack Park to beachcombing in the Hamptons or horse riding in Saratoga Springs, there’s plenty more to the region than just the bright lights of the buzzing metropolis.
Women’s Rugby World Cup, England, 22 August to 27 September 2025
Why go? Women’s football has garnered all the attention over the past few years, but in 2025, it’s the turn of the Women’s Rugby World Cup to steal the spotlight. The event will be hosted across eight cities around England: Brighton & Hove, Bristol, Exeter, London, Manchester, Northampton, Sunderland, and York. With sixteen teams competing, the tournament will be the biggest ever Women's Rugby World Cup.
What else? This might be your sign to take a tour of England’s cities. The official Women’s England 2025 RWC website has curated a handy guide to each destination, with stadium facts, travel info and ideas of top things to do. Whether that’s strolling Brighton Pier, taking a music tour in Manchester, or visiting the home of chocolate in York.
England Men’s Cricket Tour of Sri Lanka, January / February 2026
Why go? If you like your sport with a side helping of winter sunshine, then this could be the tour for you. The England Men's Cricket Team is set to play three T20 internationals and three one-day internationals in January and February 2026. This celebration of cricket will offer visitors the chance to experience the vibrancy and picturesque settings of Sri Lanka's stadiums as well as watch top-tier cricket.
What else? The culture and captivating wildlife are just two reasons to put Sri Lanka on the travel wish list. Then there are the endless beaches and delicious food, from egg hoppers to amazing curries and mouth-watering fresh fruit. Don’t miss the verdant hills and tea plantations and allow plenty of time for a safari in one of the national parks, where it’s not uncommon to see leopard, elephant, and buffalo.
The Winter Olympics, Italy, 6-22 February 2026
Why go? The next Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games (6 to 15 March) are set to be the most widespread ever, taking place in Milan and various sites across northeast Italy. The 2026 event will see the Olympic debut of ski mountaineering, a gruelling ascent and descent sprint race.
What else? Go for the skiing and snowboarding, obviously. But off-piste attractions to tag on include Verona’s Renaissance architecture and monuments such as Juliet's House (as in Romeo and Juliet). Other highlights include the thermal springs of Bormio, and the northern lights, which can sometimes be seen at Cortina d'Ampezzo resort, the 'Queen of the Dolomites'.
FIFA World Cup 2026, Canada, Mexico and the USA, 11 June to 19 July 2026
Why go? This is the first time that the World Cup is being co-hosted across three countries, so the real question is where to go. The opening match will take place in Mexico City and the final in New York. With sixteen cities hosting the games, wherever you can score a ticket, it’s sure to be an exciting tournament.
What else? Most matches will take place across the USA, so planning a trip around at least one of the North American cities would be an obvious choice. Although don’t rule out Canada: Vancouver will host seven games, including five group stage matches and two knockout round matches. The city’s combination of urban adventure and outdoor exploration, as well as proximity to the rest of British Columbia’s incredible wilderness, makes it a natural choice for anyone keen to build a once-in-a-lifetime trip around the beautiful game.
Turn that unforgettable event into something you can wear forever.
Our Custom Steps can be engraved with the date, the score, or anything that takes you back to that moment. Which sporting memory deserves a place on your El Camino?