Although they may seem to be an unlikely pair, sport and travel go hand in hand. Nations across the world compete in a wide variety of sporting events and use these events to showcase not only their sporting prowess but the beauty and attractions of the country itself. Travelling while watching your country dominate in the world of sport is definitely a win/win so we’ve given you a few destinations to put on your calendar over the next few years.
FIFA World Cup
Due to be held next in Qatar in 2022, the FIFA World Cup is a national soccer tournament that is held every 4 years. Each competing country goes through a qualification process that can begin as early as 3 years prior to the tournament and last over a 2 year period, until 48 teams qualify to compete in the FIFA World Cup. The host nations welcome the influx of visitors during the tournament and use the opportunity to showcase their country to spectators and tourists.
ICC Cricket World Cup
England and Wales are joint hosts of the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup which is due to run from 30 May to 14 July. 10 competing nations will play in 48 matches held in venues across England and Wales to determine the champion. The format of the ICC Cricket World Cup varies from other cricket tournaments as it is One Day International as opposed to Test Cricket and is held every four years.
Rugby World Cup
In 2019 Japan will host the Rugby World Cup between 20 competing nations who will play matches in 12 stadiums across the country. Like other sporting events of its kind, the entire country welcomes spectators and tourists of all kinds during the event, using the opportunity to put their best foot forward and show off their nation. The next Rugby World Cup will be hosted by France in 2023.
Summer Olympics
Held every 4 years, the Summer Olympics are due to be hosted in Tokyo, Japan in 2020. 206 National Olympic Committees will be sending athletes to Tokyo to represent their countries in 35 sports and 30 disciplines over 408 events. It’s not only the sporting events that are a massive drawcard for spectators but the opening and closing ceremonies are wonderfully choreographed showcases of the host nation’s music, dance, song and theatre.
Tour de France
Held annually in the month of July, the Tour de France is a 23-day stage race that covers approximately 3,500km. Cyclists from around the world compete in teams of eight trying to finish each day stage the fastest and hopefully be awarded the coveted yellow jersey. Each riders’ times are accumulated across the entire race and the rider with the fastest cumulative time is awarded the yellow jersey. Stages of le Tour wind their way through the entirety of France, showcasing its beautiful countryside, hilly mountain regions and also the capital city of Paris.
Wimbledon
The oldest tennis tournament in the world, The Championships, Wimbledon and is commonly called Wimbledon. Held annually at the All England Club in Wimbledon, England on outdoor grass courts, it is one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments. Both the men’s and ladies’ singles consist of 128 players competing for the title while 64 teams compete for the men’s or ladies doubles title and 48 teams for the mixed doubles title. Apart from the 5 main events, there are also 4 junior events and 7 invitational events.
Need more travel tips or planning to travel soon?
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