21 sports events that are worth traveling for

Baseball in October is one of the most exciting times of the year. So, why not travel and catch a game or two during the final series of the season? A World Series trip would, admittedly, be a bit more of a spontaneous trip, as the two teams aren’t determined until a week or less before the first game.

Eugene, Oregon, aka TrackTown, USA, hosts Olympic qualifiers every four years and, just like the global event, the public is welcome to attend. For a fraction of the cost of Olympic tickets, visitors can watch hopefuls race and then visit the University of Oregon’s beautiful campus. These take place in June/July, just before the Summer Olympics.

We all know women’s soccer is the more interesting of the two options to follow. And just like the men, every four years, the best players from each country come together for the biggest tournament in the world. The next one is set for 2027 in Brazil — get to planning!

Every four years, the world comes together to cheer on the best athletes in their countries. From basketball to swimming to equestrian events and everything in between, the excitement seemingly never stops for a few weeks.

The Olympics aren’t the only time you can watch Simone Biles and Rebeca Andrade kill it on the beam and mat. The World Artistic Gymnastics Championships bring together the top names in the sport.

The top teams in rugby, like many other major events, compete in a tournament every four years to determine a world champion. The next one is set to take place in Australia, in 2027, so start planning and stocking up on sunscreen now!

Formula 1 has gained popularity in recent years, in large part thanks to the culture of traveling to attend one. The good news is there are options for those who want a big international vacation as well as those who’d rather stick a bit closer to home. Check out Montreal, Mexico City, Monaco, Singapore, and Austin, to name a few.

Whether you’re running one or cheering at one, there’s nothing like the atmosphere at a major world marathon. There are seven races considered “the big ones,” and all could make a fantastic trip: Berlin, Boston, Chicago, London, New York, Sydney, and Tokyo.

Biking's most famous race is your next excuse to book a trip to France. The route varies each year, which means there are plenty of adorable French towns, mid-sized cities, scenic mountain and ocean views, and more that could create your epic French getaway.

If you have always dreamed of visiting New York, why not go during the US Open? The biggest names in tennis always put on a show, whether it’s 10 a.m. or 10 p.m. Yes, matches can go that late, which might be part of the reason this event is hosted in the “city that never sleeps.”

If you don’t mind bundling up to catch the best skiers, snowboarders, skaters, and more, then perhaps a winter Olympic trip is worth considering. These are often hosted in or near smaller cities than the summer games, due to the need for particular climates and topography, so think less LA and London and more Whistler and Chamonix.

For tennis fans in search of an international adventure, Wimbledon is an easy enough jaunt across the Atlantic. London is a magnificent city, especially in summertime, and the event is accessible from most parts of the city.

Who doesn’t dream of a beach vacation at least once a year? Well, if you plan accordingly, your next one could overlap with one of the most epic surf competitions of the year. The World Surf League switched up the format heading into next year, and qualifiers will compete in the Pipeline tournament, to be held in Hawaii as the final event of the year.

Various Central Asian countries take turns hosting this giant get-together of traditional sports from around the region. Spectators can enjoy kokpar — horseback rugby — falconry, various styles of wrestling (including on horseback), and more. The games take place every two years and are scheduled for 2026 in Kyrgyzstan.

Most North Americans hope their favorite team will reach the Stanley Cup Finals at the end of the season. However, the true international tournament — the World Cup of Hockey (formerly the Canada Cup) — is set to return in 2028. Top players represent their countries and play matches across Canada, Europe, and the US.

One of golf’s most prestigious matches can be an intriguing reason to take a trip. The locations change from year to year, but given the season (usually May), the destinations (US-based) are typically warm and sunny.

You don’t have to wait four years for the Winter Olympics to enjoy snow sports. The X Games are the premier annual event for skiers and snowboarders of all types. And Aspen, the longtime host city, is easy to reach from most parts of the country.

Another amazing option for seaside enthusiasts, the Asian Beach Games are unique in the international sports world. Held across the continent every four years, the games feature sports that typically receive little international attention. From beach soccer to dragon boat races, open water swimming, and more, there’s something for everyone!

Most people associate Argentina with Messi and soccer in the world of sports. However, polo is also very popular in the country. The largest annual tournament is held in Buenos Aires. Plan a trip to the “Paris of the South” and perhaps extend it afterwards to Mendoza (wine country) or Patagonia!

Soccer, or football as most of the rest of the world calls it, is huge in South America. This massive tournament across the continent is one of the biggest and occurs every four years with various hosts.

This epic event takes place on December 26 every year, also known as Boxing Day in Australia. Contrary to the name, it is mostly sailboats that compete to win the 630-mile race.