The Most Exciting Sports Events to Travel For

31 July 2025

Alright, let’s just admit it—traveling is awesome, but you know what makes it even better? Mixing it with some adrenaline-pumping, heart-racing, scream-till-you-lose-your-voice kind of action. Yup, I’m talking about sports! Sports and travel are like peanut butter and jelly—perfect together. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just someone who loves soaking up the buzz of a stadium packed with roaring energy, this one’s for you.

So, grab your virtual ticket, we’re diving into the most exciting sports events to travel for. Warning: This list may cause extreme wanderlust and spontaneous ticket purchases.

1. The Super Bowl – United States

🏈 America’s Annual Mega Party

If there's one event that can turn even casual viewers into fanatics, it’s the Super Bowl. It's the NFL's championship game, yes, but it's also a full-on show. Think of it as the Beyoncé of sports events—unapologetically extravagant.

Whether you're there for the game, the halftime show, or the commercials (yes, people actually care about those), the vibe is electric. Every year, cities roll out the red carpet for fans, with tailgates, concerts, and celebrity sightings galore.

Travel Tip: Combine it with some sightseeing. Super Bowls are hosted in major cities like Miami, Los Angeles, and New Orleans. Your Instagram will thank you.

2. The Olympics – Global Rotation

🔥 The World Comes to Play

The Olympics are the ultimate bucket-list experience. Where else can you see synchronized swimming, archery, rugby, and fencing in one place?

Held every four years (alternating winter and summer games), the Olympics aren’t just about sports—they’re about global unity, culture, and lots of early morning coffee sessions to catch all the events.

Why Travel for It? Because it’s like the world’s coolest field trip. You get to cheer for your country, discover new sports (hello, curling), and eat international snacks while waving tiny flags.

Pro Tip: Plan early. Tickets sell out fast, and accommodation prices can soar like Simone Biles on a vault.

3. FIFA World Cup – Global Rotation

⚽ When the World Hits Pause

The FIFA World Cup is basically Earth’s unofficial holiday. Cities transform into football fever zones. Fans wear their teams' jerseys like armor, and bars become war zones of passion and celebration.

Whether you're in Brazil watching a beachside game or in Germany dancing with strangers after a win, the World Cup is just pure magic. Even if you're not a soccer fan (yet), this event will make you one.

Cool Detail: Some fans even get haircuts of their favorite players’ faces. Yes, that’s a thing.

4. Wimbledon – London, England

🎾 Strawberries, Cream, and Smashing Serves

There’s something wonderfully quaint yet fiercely competitive about Wimbledon. With players dressed in white and spectators sipping Pimm’s, it's like stepping into a sporty Jane Austen novel.

But don’t let the polite claps fool you—Wimbledon is one of tennis’s most prestigious tournaments, and the level of play is insane. The drama, the sweat, the five-set thrillers that go past midnight... pure joy.

Why Go? It’s not just tennis—it’s tradition, style, and seeing legends like Federer (okay, now maybe Alcaraz) in their element.

5. The Tour de France – France (duh)

🚴‍♂️ Pedals, Peaks, and Pastries

Ah, the Tour de France. It’s like a moving postcard of the French countryside—with Lycra. This multi-stage bicycle race takes riders through breathtaking routes: think vineyards, Alps, cobbled villages, and even the occasional cow.

It’s the only event where you can cheer roadside with a fresh croissant and a bottle of Bordeaux. You can drive or cycle parts of the course, hang out in villages, and soak up the atmosphere (and wine).

Insider Scoop: The best part is it’s free to watch roadside. So, wear your loudest outfit and get ready to be captured by TV cameras.

6. The Kentucky Derby – Louisville, USA

🐎 Two Minutes of Glory and a Whole Weekend of Fun

The Kentucky Derby is often called “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,” but what’s not mentioned enough is the party that happens around it. Mint juleps, outrageous hats, and Southern charm? Yes, please.

It’s more fashion show than horse race—but the energy is real. And when those horses burst out of the gates, the crowd noise practically causes seismic activity.

My Advice? Go all in and dress up. We're talking garden-party chic with a side of flamboyant. Trust me, it’s part of the fun.

7. The NBA Finals – USA and Canada

🏀 Slam Dunks and Citywide Showdowns

If you want intensity, drama, and a sudden obsession with stats, the NBA Finals will deliver. There's something electric about being courtside (or nosebleed, we don’t judge) during those final games. Every point matters, and the crowd holds its breath with every shot.

The best part? The Finals rotate cities, so you might catch Game 5 in Boston, then journey to LA for Game 6. It's a sporty road trip waiting to happen.

Bring Earplugs: The crowd gets loud. Like, “can’t-hear-yourself-think” loud. But oh, it’s worth it.

8. The Monaco Grand Prix – Monte Carlo, Monaco

🏎️ Fast Cars, Fancy Yachts, and Flashy Sunglasses

Imagine sipping champagne on a yacht while F1 cars scream past at 200+ mph. Sounds like a James Bond dream, right? That’s the Monaco Grand Prix for you.

It’s racing, but make it glamorous. The streets transform into a winding, dangerous track, and the city becomes a luxury playground for fans and celebs alike. You don’t have to know the difference between a pit stop and a pit bull to enjoy the fast-paced excitement.

Hot Tip: Hotels book up faster than an F1 car on a straightaway, so plan EARLY.

9. The Boston Marathon – Boston, USA

🏃‍♀️ Pain, Perseverance, and Patriotism

There’s something incredibly humbling about the Boston Marathon. It’s not flashy, it’s not loud—well, okay, it is loud in a "go human go" kind of way—but it’s raw and real.

Whether you run or cheer, this event feels personal. It’s about people overcoming limits, running for causes, and cities coming together. There’s just something in the air—sweat and inspiration, probably.

Best Spot: Heartbreak Hill. It’s where runners need the most cheers. Be the human Red Bull.

10. La Tomatina and the Running of the Bulls – Spain

🍅🎽 It’s Not Just a Sport, It’s a Lifestyle

Okay, so these might not be traditional “sports,” but there’s running involved, there’s adrenaline, and let’s be real—it’s wild.

La Tomatina is a tomato-throwing war in Buñol. You throw squishy tomatoes at total strangers (and get hit in return). Why? Why not.

Then there’s the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona. Brave—or crazy—participants run in front of actual bulls through the city streets. It's a high-stakes game of tag, basically.

Pro Tip: Wear clothes you don't mind ruining. Like, ever again.

11. The Cricket World Cup – Global Rotation

🏏 Sixes, Samosas, and Serious Fan Fervor

If you’ve never seen a billion people passionately watch cricket, you’re missing out. The Cricket World Cup brings together nations like India, Australia, England, and Pakistan into one glorious clash of bat and ball.

Even if you don’t "get" cricket, the crowd energy is enough to keep you buzzing. And the food? Indian chaat, British pub grub, Aussie barbie—take your pick.

Bonus: Matches can last a whole day. It's not a game—it’s a commitment. But in a good way.

12. The X Games – USA (Mostly)

🛹 For the Thrill-Seeking Souls

Ready for some flips, tricks, and high-flying human rocket ships? The X Games are for you. It’s the Olympics for extreme sports—think snowboarding, skateboarding, motocross, and more.

The vibe? A bit punk, a bit party, and a whole lot of "did-they-just-do-that?!" Perfect for adrenaline junkies or those who just like watching people defy gravity.

Cool Factor: You’ll probably walk away with a hoodie, a new love for alternative sports, and at least one crush on a pro skater.

13. Australian Open – Melbourne, Australia

🎾 Tennis + Summer = Unmissable

Held during the Australian summer, the Aussie Open is tennis with a tan. The crowd’s rowdy, the players are fired up, and the energy is unmatched. It’s the kickoff to the tennis season, and everyone’s hungry for glory.

Plus, Melbourne during the Open is a blast. Music festivals, food trucks, rooftop bars—all within walking distance of the stadium.

Pack Sunscreen: The Aussie sun doesn’t play around.

Final Whistle

So there you have it—13 epic sports events absolutely worth packing your bags for. Whether you’re chasing gold medals, heartbreak hills, or just the world's best party-at-a-sporting-event vibes, there's something on this list with your name on it.

Because sports aren’t just games. They’re stories. They’re emotions. They’re global street parties with goals and balls and giant trophies. So why not be part of the story, live and loud?

Go ahead, book that flight. Life's too short to watch everything from the couch.