This year, 2024, has been hailed as the “sports year,” as various major sports events will take place around the world. As a sports fan, you might consider to enjoy one of these events directly as part of your holiday plan.
However, picking a destination and planning your travel can be challenging to do. Numerous factors come into play, such as travel expenses, the prevailing weather conditions, and your genuine interest in exploring the local tourist attractions.
Still, travelling has many perks. While enjoying your favourite sports event, you can immerse yourself in diverse cultures and create unforgettable memories.
So, to make you plan your vacation easier, here are the countries that might be a good choice for your travel destination as a sports enthusiast in 2024.
Germany
Germany might be a favourite destination for football fans, especially the country will host the UEFA Euro 2024 Championship during the summer. The exciting tournament will begin in mid-June, offering travellers the opportunity to enjoy the football festivities and meet world-class football players in the flesh.
The championship will be held not only in famous cities such as Munich, Hamburg, and Berlin, but also in lesser-known ones. One of them is Dortmund, where visitors can tour the National Football Museum at Signal Iduna Park. Another host city is Leipzig, which has made four of its biggest museums free of admission charge, including the Natural History Museum.
On top of that, you can also enjoy the country’s famous beer halls and gothic churches and take a stroll on the famous Berlin Wall.
France
Sports enthusiasts must not miss the opportunity to witness the biggest sports event in the world this summer in France. Paris will be hosting the 2024 Olympics with a grand opening ceremony set to take place along the River Seine.
The games will be hosted in Paris’ iconic landmarks that are transformed into sporting arenas, giving the spectators a unique experience. With 10,500 athletes participating in 329 events across 32 sports, the French capital will be abuzz with excitement.
You can immerse yourself in the Parisian culture by staying in one of the many charming villas or chateaux near Paris. While most of the historical places in Paris will be used as the Olympic venues, you can still visit other tourist sites, such as the Louvre Museum and Notre Dame Cathedral, and enjoy a posh dinner with an Eiffel Tower view.
Monaco
Race enthusiasts can pick Monaco as their destination to attend the Monaco Grand Prix in May 2024. The country not only offers a glamorous annual racing event in summer but also various fun activities to explore.
If you opt for a luxurious experience, consider hopping on the deck of a yacht in Port Hercule to watch famous race stars, like Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, compete fiercely in one of the most iconic races of the season.
You can also go to the famous Casino de Monte Carlo to test your luck in betting. Casino Café de Paris offers a similar experience, where you can enjoy various slot games or drink and admire the beautiful casino garden.
While in the country, the magnificent Prince’s Palace of Monaco is also a must-visit, providing the chance to catch glimpses of the royal family.
United Kingdom
Tennis lovers should consider visiting the United Kingdom (UK) to watch the prestigious Wimbledon Championships this summer. The tournament is renowned for drawing high-profile guests such as royals Prince William and Princess Kate and celebrities like George Clooney and the Beckhams. Tourists can enjoy the iconic strawberries and cream complemented by a glass or two of Pimm’s while enjoying the matches.
While being in London, where the event is hosted, don’t forget to explore the well-known landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and the Tower of London.
On top of that, London will also host the EUFA Championship final that will be held in June at Wembley Stadium, making it another perfect destination for football fans. If you are also a fan of one of the famous English Premier League (EPL) clubs, such as Chelsea and Arsenal, you can do a stadium tour package as part of your trip.
However, if you are a fan of another city’s club, like Manchester City and Liverpool, you can easily plan a day trip to the town from London by taking a bus or train.