The Olympics Are Over but the Global Sports Travel Calendar Is Just Getting Started

Spring Training in Scottsdale - Feb 27 to March 24

Masters - April 6 to 12

Augusta National becomes the center of the golf world each April. Entry requires planning well in advance, and access often comes through hospitality programs or lottery selection. Once inside, patrons move through a course that looks exactly as it does on television, from the fairways at Amen Corner to the leaderboard that still relies on manual updates.

Visiting the Masters in Augusta, Georgia, feels like stepping back in time in the best possible way, says travel writer Karee Blunt. “Prices for their iconic snacks are the same as what your grandfather paid, and the immaculate grounds look exactly like they always have on TV,” she says. “We were particularly surprised to find the merchandise store is its own event. People wait in line for a very long time for the chance to buy Augusta keepsakes you can’t buy anywhere else in the world. It’s quite an experience.”

Boston Marathon - April 20

The Boston Marathon was first held in 1897, inspired by the marathon at the 1896 Athens Olympics, and has run every year since, except 2020, when it was canceled due to the pandemic. Entry requires a qualifying time based on age and gender. Many runners spend years pursuing a Boston-qualifying result before earning a spot on the start line.

The course runs from Hopkinton through a chain of towns before reaching Boylston Street, where the final stretch draws the largest crowds. Runners face early downhill miles, then push through the climb at Heartbreak Hill before the turn toward the city.

More from this section

War in the Middle East: latest developments

Harvey Weinstein says prison is 'hell'

States urge USSC to uphold uniform herbicide label standards

The race takes place on a Massachusetts holiday, which turns the entire region into a spectator zone. Schools and offices close, and crowds line the course. The Mandarin Oriental, Boston, is one of the most coveted locations for marathon weekend. The hotel sits on Boylston Street at Mile 26, only steps from the finish line, so guests can watch runners pass by the final stretch of the race.

IIHF Men’s Ice Hockey World Championship - May 15 to 31

For travelers, the tournament draws devoted fan bases from across Europe and North America and delivers much more than game-day action. Zurich’s compact layout and outstanding transit system make it easy to move between the arena, old town streets, and lakefront promenades.

For a central base, Storchen Zürich sits directly on the Limmat in the heart of the old town. The hotel dates back to 1357, yet its recent renovations keep the experience current, with river views, a rooftop bar, and a terrace that draws both locals and visitors.

Catching a hockey game in Switzerland is an unforgettable experience. Swiss fans bring an unrivaled passion for their teams, filling the arenas with nonstop energy and excitement.

Monaco Grand Prix - June 4 to 7

The Monaco Grand Prix transforms Monte Carlo into one of motorsport's most recognizable settings. The circuit threads through city streets, passing the harbor, the casino square, and the tunnel before the run back toward Port Hercule, lined with yachts.

Several cruise lines time Mediterranean sailings to coincide with the race weekend. Explora Journeys, Windstar Cruises, Silversea, Star Clippers and Crystal schedule Monaco stops during the event. The format allows travelers to experience the Grand Prix as part of a broader Riviera itinerary that may also include ports such as Nice, Cannes, and Portofino.

FIFA World Cup - June 11 to July 19

Security concerns in parts of Mexico and political uncertainty in the United States are expected to shift World Cup travel demand toward Canadian host cities. In Vancouver, matches at BC Place are within walking distance of hotels, restaurants, and the waterfront, making it one of the most accessible host cities on the tournament schedule. The compact downtown core allows travelers to move easily between matchday events, public viewing areas, and the city’s dining scene without depending heavily on transit.

The Douglas, Autograph Collection, overlooks BC Place from its stylish hotel suites right next door. The property has front-row access to the sport’s largest tournament. The hotel’s The Den suite is a two-storey, two-bedroom and three-bathroom entertaining space for people seeking additional privacy and room to unwind between matches.

Wimbledon - June 29 to July 12

This summer, Wimbledon Championships returns to southwest London. Grass courts, strict dress codes, and long-standing traditions set it apart from every other Grand Slam. Players wear all white, a rule that dates back to the 19th century, and all eyes are on the Royal Box on Centre Court to see invited guests from sport, film, and public life.

Many fans secure tickets months in advance, but the queue remains one of Wimbledon’s famous rituals. Spectators line up overnight for a chance at same-day entry, often bringing tents, picnic gear, and a clear plan for which courts to target.

Once inside, strawberries and cream still headline the menu, grounds passes give access to outer courts, and large screens on Henman Hill draw crowds who settle in for hours. For those attracted to the tournament’s traditions, The Kensington Hotel offers a natural extension of that experience. Housed in a series of restored Victorian townhouses, the hotel displays a similar respect for heritage and sits about 30 minutes from Wimbledon via the District Line, a direct and speedy route to the courts.

Italian Grand Prix - Sept 4 to 6

The Italian Grand Prix at Monza delivers one of Formula 1’s most storied race weekends. The Autodromo Nazionale Monza is among the fastest tracks on the calendar. Travel to Monza from Milan takes less than an hour, and Ferrari supporters, known as the tifosi, fill the grandstands in red along the start-finish straight and Curva Parabolica.

Families, in particular, are incorporating sports more intentionally into their trips, building itineraries that reflect the spirit of Formula 1 even when race dates don't coincide. “I have worked with a family designing an Italy itinerary inspired by Formula 1; although no race coincided with their dates, we incorporated private track sessions, simulators, and behind-the-scenes motorsport access to capture the spirit of the sport,” says Michelsen.

MLB World Series - Late October

The World Series closes the Major League Baseball season each October, bringing the American League and National League champions together in a best-of-seven showdown. Host cities rotate between the two teams, giving fans the chance to experience postseason baseball in some of the sport’s most historic stadiums. Tickets are a hot commodity, particularly in cities that have waited years for a championship run.

Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix - November 19 to 21

Last year’s race delivered late drama, including a double McLaren disqualification and a dominant win from Max Verstappen to keep his Driver Championship hopes alive.

Bellagio’s Fountain Club is still the hottest ticket and the hotel’s location on the Strip is unbeatable for F1 fans. The multi-level hospitality space combines prime race views with chef-driven dining from names like José Andrés and Wolfgang Puck, along with premium cocktails and post-race celebrations on rooftop decks.

Concerts and fan activations spread across the city, including large viewing zones like T-Mobile Zone at Sphere and the East Harmon Zone by Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. Music performances, celebrity parties, brand lounges, and pop-up dining events run late into the night, giving fans reasons to stay out long after the checkered flag falls.