Some sporting events are about far more than the final score. They take over cities, create traditions of their own and give fans an excuse to visit destinations they might otherwise never see. From tennis on the grass at Wimbledon to cycling through the French countryside, these eight events combine world-class competition with a memorable travel experience.
1. FIFA World Cup
Sport: Soccer
Where: Different host countries
When: Every four years, typically June and July
Almost no other sporting events match the international atmosphere of the FIFA World Cup. The next tournament will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, across Canada, Mexico and the United States, with 16 host cities giving fans plenty of opportunities to turn the tournament into a multi-city North American trip.
2. Summer Olympic Games
Sport: Multiple sports
Where: Different host cities
When: Every four years, typically July and August
The Summer Olympics give you the chance to watch everything from athletics and swimming to gymnastics and basketball during a single trip. The next Summer Games are scheduled for Los Angeles from July 14 to 30, 2028, giving sports fans another major international event to look forward to.
3. Wimbledon
Sport: Tennis
Where: London, England
When: Annually, June and July
Wimbledon’s grass courts, all-white dress code, strawberries and cream and long history make it unlike any other tennis tournament. The 2026 Championships are scheduled for June 29 to July 12 at the All England Lawn Tennis Club, making the tournament the ultimate centerpiece for a summer trip to London.
4. Monaco Grand Prix
Sport: Formula 1
Where: Monaco
When: Annually, usually May or June
The Monaco Grand Prix sends Formula 1 cars through the narrow streets of Monte Carlo, with tight barriers and the famous harbor creating an unbelievable racing backdrop. Its French Riviera location also makes it easy to visit locations nearby including Nice, Èze or Menton.
5. Super Bowl
Sport: American football
Where: Different U.S. host cities
When: Annually, February
The Super Bowl is more than the NFL championship game. The host city fills the weekend with concerts, fan zones, interactive NFL experiences and parties leading up to kickoff. Tickets and hotels can be expensive, but the combination of football and entertainment makes it a major sports trip.
6. Tour de France
Sport: Cycling
Where: Primarily France
When: Annually, June and July
The Tour de France gives spectators the opportunity to experience world-class sport without spending the day stuck inside a stadium. Its route changes each year, taking riders through cities, villages, countryside and mountains and giving fans the chance to build a European road trip around one or more stages.
7. The Masters
Sport: Golf
Where: Augusta, Georgia, USA
When: Annually, April
The Masters returns to Augusta National every April, giving golf fans the chance to see famous parts of the course such as Amen Corner in person. Tickets are very sought after and accommodation around Augusta can become expensive during tournament week, making this one sporting trip worth planning more in advance.
8. Melbourne Cup
Sport: Horse racing
Where: Melbourne, Australia
When: Annually, November
Held on the first Tuesday in November, the Melbourne Cup mixes horse racing with fashion, food and entertainment at Flemington Racecourse. For international visitors, it can also become the focus of a Melbourne vacation, with plenty to explore around the city once the racing is over.
For sports fans, these events offer a reason to visit some of the world’s most interesting destinations while seeing the competition at its highest level. Whether you plan an entire vacation around one or add it to an existing trip, each offers an experience that is difficult to replicate from home.
