You’re a sports fan. You’re obsessed with one team. And you’re dying to travel to see their big game in some other city. What’s the best way to plan a trip to a major sporting event?
During a recent interview on WGRZ-TV, I shared travel tips about how to plan a trip to see the Buffalo Bills play in London this fall. But the advice I shared can apply to just about anyone considering a vacation centered around a major sports event.
- Determine the details: Research the exact location of the event, including the location of the stadium or arena. Be sure to figure out details like transportation options, proximity to airports or train stations and nearby accommodations.
- Buy your event tickets: Depending on pricing and availability, you may be able to buy tickets from official sources, authorized resellers, or the event’s official website. Buy tickets as early as possible to ensure availability and potentially secure better seats.
- Consider the differences between package deals and buying different elements separately: For the Buffalo Bills game in London, for example, you could buy any of a variety of package deals at various price points. Some include game tickets, accommodations, airfare and other activities. But you may be able to beat those prices by shopping independently, depending on how much time you have and how much control you want over the details of your trip.
- Plan your arrival and departure dates: Since you never know what might happen when you travel, it’s probably a good idea to arrive a day or two before the sporting event takes place. That way, even a cancelled or delayed flight won’t stand in the way of you seeing the game.
- Choose your accommodations: Your overall budget will likely affect where you stay. Keep in mind that you can choose from hotels, Airbnb and other vacation rental options. And you may want to consider properties that are close to the sporting event venue as well as those that are perhaps located elsewhere but that are well connected to the venue, either by mass transit, shuttle or highway.
- Check travel requirements for the destination: This isn’t usually a concern if you’re traveling domestically, but if the event is in a different country, ensure you have the necessary visas or travel documents. Check the visa requirements well in advance and make sure you have all your documentation in order, well in advance.
- Get the best airfare: If you’re flying, shop around for the best airfares. The more flexible you are with travel dates, the more opportunities you’ll have for a decent airfare. You can talk to a travel advisor for advice about this, check package deals that include air and also set up alerts through platforms like Google Flights to get a handle on airfare trends.
- Do more in the destination: You may be traveling to see the game, but why not take advantage of your time to get to know the destination better? A bit of research will give you ideas about fun and rewarding activities, including local attractions, restaurants and entertainment.
- Stay updated about the sporting event: To get the latest news about the sporting game you’ll be attending, you can follow official event websites, social media accounts and news sources for updates and announcements. It’s always good to know about any changes to the schedule, venue or ticketing as early as possible.
- Consider travel insurance: Depending on the cost of your trip, it may be wise to consider travel insurance to protect yourself against unforeseen circumstances, such as trip cancellations or medical emergencies.
- Connect with fellow fans: Why not share your passion and excitement? Consider joining online forums, fan groups or social media communities related to the event or the sport. You may make some new friends as well as learn more about how to make the most of your sporting event vacation.
Category: Travel Tips