The Ultimate Guide to Travelling for Sports and Music Events
Top Sports and Music Events People are Travelling For
The number of sports and music events worldwide has surged, leading fans to travel more frequently to watch their favourite teams and artists live. A recent report from Collinson International, owner of Priority Pass, identified 83% of sports fans and 71% of music fans have flown to an event in the past three years or plan to do so within the next year. With more sports and music events taking place globally, fans have a wider selection of destinations to choose from. Whether it's a football match in Barcelona or a music festival in Rio, the options are endless.
If you’re a fan planning an upcoming trip for an event, why not transform your whole journey into an unforgettable experience? This blog will give you top tips for maximising your event travel and time spent at your location as well as the most popular destinations to visit for events according to the latest research.
For sports, football (soccer) leads the pack, with 69% of travelling sports fans attending matches both domestically and internationally. Other popular sports include basketball (27%), the Olympics (26%), Formula 1 (26%), and tennis (21%).
On the music front, festivals like Rock in Rio, Coachella, and Tomorrowland are top attractions, with artists like Taylor Swift, Travis Scott, Vasco Rossi, and Ed Sheeran drawing huge crowds.
Tips for Maximising Your Event Travel
The research revealed that most sport (76%) and music (78%) fans arrive between one and three days before an event and 79% of sports and 80% of music fans stay one to three days after the event. Here are some tips to help you make the most of extending your adventure before and after the big event:
1. Plan Ahead for the Best Deals
Book Early: Secure your flights, accommodation, and event tickets well in advance to take advantage of early bird prices and the best availability.
Flexible Dates: If possible, be flexible with your travel dates. Midweek flights and stays are often cheaper than weekends.
Bundle Packages: Look for travel packages that combine flights, hotels, and event tickets. These can offer significant savings.
2. Choose the Right Accommodation
Proximity to Event Venue: Staying close to the event venue saves time and transportation costs. Check out local hotels, Airbnbs, or hostels.
Explore Local Neighbourhoods: Consider staying in a vibrant neighbourhood with plenty of dining and entertainment options to enhance your experience.
3. Create an Itinerary with Local Attractions
Pre-Event Exploration: Arrive a few days early to explore the city. Visit museums, historical sites, and local landmarks.
Post-Event Relaxation: After the event, unwind at nearby beaches, parks, or spas. Use the time to relax and recharge.
Day Trips: Look into day trips to nearby towns or natural attractions. This can add variety and excitement to your trip.
Food and Drink: Research local cuisine and must try restaurants. Food tours or cooking classes can offer a delicious and immersive experience.
4. Efficient Transportation
Public Transport: Familiarise yourself with the local public transportation system. It’s often the most economical and efficient way to get around. Check if there will be any closures or interruptions to your journey due to the event.
Bike and Scooter Rentals: Many cities offer bike and scooter rentals, which can be a fun and flexible way to explore.
Rideshare Apps: Download local rideshare apps ahead of time to ensure you have reliable transportation options, especially for late-night events.
5. Safety First
Stay Informed: Keep up with local news and updates about the event and destination.
Travel Insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers event cancellations, medical emergencies, and other unexpected situations.
Health Precautions: Follow any health guidelines or requirements, such as vaccinations or mask mandates, to ensure a safe and smooth trip.
Safety Guidelines: Make sure you read up on any relevant safety guidelines before you travel. If you’re driving, become familiar with the road rules before you get on the road.
6. Enhance Your Airport Experience with Priority Pass
Travel Benefits: Many Priority Pass lounges offer additional benefits like spa services, sleeping pods, and shower facilities, allowing you to freshen up and recharge before or after your flight.
Global Access: Whether you’re travelling domestically or internationally, Priority Pass provides a consistent, high-quality lounge experience, ensuring your trip starts and ends on a high note.
Airport Lounges: With Priority Pass, enjoy access to over 1,800 airport lounges worldwide. Relax in comfort before your flight, with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, complimentary refreshments, and comfortable seating.
Popular Event Destinations:
These are the most popular destinations to visit for events, according to Collinson International’s latest research. Here’s just a few highlights of what you could do there if you’re planning on travelling to one of these destinations.
Sydney Explore the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Visit Bondi and Manly beaches, or relax in the Royal Botanic Garden. Before your flight, unwind at a Priority Pass Lounge at Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD), offering panoramic runway views, gourmet Australian cuisine, and local wines.
London Visit the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace, enjoy West End theatres, and explore the British Museum and Tate Modern. Relax at a lounge in London Heathrow Airport (LHR) with runway views, international dishes, and high-speed Wi-Fi.
Paris See the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral, wander Montmartre, and visit the Louvre. At Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), enjoy the YotelAir Paris Lounge with private seating pods, a gourmet buffet, and a quiet library.
Barcelona Admire Antoni Gaudí's La Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, stroll along Las Ramblas, and enjoy Barceloneta Beach. At Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN), relax in a Priority Pass Lounge with modern decor, a tapas bar, and a terrace with runway views.
Dubai Visit the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall, and the Al Fahidi District, or take a desert safari. At Dubai International Airport (DXB), enjoy lounges with private relaxation pods, a gourmet buffet, and family entertainment areas.
New York Explore Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, and Central Park. Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art. At John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), relax in lounges with food, beverages, and high-speed Wi-Fi.
The world of sports and music tourism is booming, offering fans incredible opportunities to create lifelong memories. Priority Pass can help to make every trip an unforgettable adventure. So, whether you're a diehard sports fan or a music enthusiast, pack your bags, and get ready for your next great adventure. The world is your stage, and the show is just beginning!
Notes Collinson International, the owner and operator of Priority Pass, commissioned this research independently. The report is not endorsed by any party mentioned herein.