Four major sports events worth travelling for this year – and how to make a holiday out of them

Travelling internationally for blockbuster sporting events – sports tripping, if you will – has been bigger over the last couple of years than it ever was before. And the concept makes so much sense: if you’re journeying far and wide for a match, game, test or tournament, why not turn it into a holiday?

The sports calendar for 2026 is packed to the rafters with massive international competitions, from the Winter Olympics to the Commonwealth Games, the Super Bowl 60 and the FIFA Men’s World Cup, and many are taking place in showstopper travel destinations. Here’s our guide to the year’s major sports events, and how to turn them into a cracker of a holiday. 

The best sports trips for 2026

Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics and Paralympics 

📆 Event dates: Olympics February 6-22, Paralympics March 6-15

The winter can feel like a long and relentless slog through horrible weather and looming darkness, but with the Olympics and Paralympics slated for February and March to drag us through that final stretch until spring, it’s not all bad. So, why not do one better than tuning in on TV to all the curling, bobsleighing, skiing, and skating, and head to Italy for the real thing? Check out what Olympic and Paralympic tickets are available on the official website. 

Milan

Awash with pretty, neoclassical buildings and striking art galleries and museums – including the Palazzo Citterio, which opened its doors in December 2024 – Milan is a classy and stylish city break destination, with plenty of culture to soak up alongside all the excitement of the Games. Stop by Fonderie Milanesi for an aperitivo before dinner at Ratanà. 

📍 The best hotels, restaurants and things to do in Milan

Cortina d’Ampezzo

This gorgeous Unesco World Heritage Site in Italy’s magnificent Dolomites is a popular ski destination, and while it will undergo some changes to accommodate for the competitions (namely the Olympia delle Tofane and Labirinti slopes will be closed), you can still hit the slopes yourself – just be wary of the crowds at this already busy window for the resort. 

🏩 Where to stay: Senato Hotel Milano and Grand Hotel Savoia Cortina d’Ampezzo should be on your radar when it comes to swanky and stylish hotel options. 

FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026

📆 Event dates: June 11-July 19

The 23rd Men’s World Cup is a mega sporting event taking place across not one, not two, but three countries in the summer. Forty-eight teams will be competing in 104 match fixtures held within 16 different stadiums: the first of these is on June 11 in Mexico City, and final will take place on July 19 in New Jersey. 

USA

Why go? Twelve cities across the US are sharing the burden of hosting, including New York, Miami and LA as well as Atlanta, Boston, and Dallas, but to make the most of the landscape and summery conditions, pay a visit to Seattle. Lush green forests surround this Pacific Northwestern city, and you’re in a good spot to make the most of the trails and the balmy temperatures. 

If you’re after warmer temperatures, why not venture down to Florida? Miami is humid in June, but there are shedloads of swimming pools and stretches of beach to soak up the rays, and Miami’s Design District is perfect for a culture-packed day out.

🏩 Where to stay: 1 Hotel Seattle, Lotte Hotel Seattle, and Thompson Seattle have all been tried and tested by our local writers, but check out our full, recently revamped roundup of the city’s best stays. Oh, and here are all our favourite hotels in Miami. 

📍 Discover the best cities to visit in the USA right now

Canada

Why go? Two of Canada’s biggest and best cities, Toronto and Vancouver, are also playing host to some World Cup fixtures. In Toronto, as well as mooching the Distillery District, and venturing out to Niagara Falls, be sure to pay Davenport a visit. It’s set against suburban streets and the bustling Geary Avenue, and was named one of the planet’s coolest neighbourhoods in our 2025 roundup (expect craft breweries and underground nightlife venues).  

As for Vancouver, the city is nestled between the Salish Sea and the mountains, meaning it’s not only blessed with outdoorsy things to see and do, like taking a cable car up to the top of Grouse Mountain, or hiring bikes to explore Stanley Park. The city boasts a top-tier roster of bars and restaurants (many of which have recently gained Michelin recognition). Make sure to visit Cambie Street, a formerly sleepy stretch that’s since become a spot packed with murals and brilliant restaurants. 

🏩 Where to stay: The Broadview Hotel is one of our favourites in Toronto, but there’s a roundup of all the top stays here. As for Vancouver, we’d recommend OPUS Vancouver, but here’s a list of all the city’s best hotels. 

📍 Discover the best things to do in Toronto and Vancouver 

Mexico

Why go? The third and final nation hosting World Cup fixtures is Mexico, in Monterrey, Guadalajara, and Mexico City. Monterrey is the country’s third-largest city and is flanked by the stunning Sierra Madre (‘mother range’) mountains, so use it as a base for some brilliant, challenging hiking. Guadalajara is the home of not just tequila but also mariachi, so if you’re after a quintessentially Mexican city break, this is an excellent spot to head. 

Then, there’s the crowning jewel, Mexico City. The Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco is a massive, impressive Unesco World Heritage site encompassing Spanish colonial architecture and Aztec ruins. Casa Azul, Frida Kahlo’s house-turned-museum, is a new addition to the city’s cultural scene, showing visitors a fascinating insight into the artist’s creative journey. Arena Coliseo is a brilliant spot to watch lucha libre, and make sure to leave some time for bar-hopping. 

🏩 Where to stay: Check out Quinta Real Monterrey, Casa Bosque Eduviges in Guadalajara, and Habita in Mexico City. 

📍 Discover the best things to do in Mexico City

Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games 

📆 Event dates: July 23–August 6

Four years after Birmingham hosted, the massive celebration of both able-bodied and para-sport that is the Commonwealth Games will land in Glasgow at the end of July. More than 70 nations and territories now take part, and now that it’s being hosted by Scotland’s splendid second city, there’ll be plenty to do outside the stadiums, too. 

Why go? From its brilliant pubs and clubs to its innovative and cool museums, its prospering LGBTQ+ scene and its bounty of independent shops, Glasgow’s well-rounded nature make it one of our favourite cities. Cop your Commonwealth Games tickets but make sure you also hunt for souvenirs at Barras Market, book a meal at Gloriosa and check out what’s on at the Citizens Theatre. 

🏩 Where to stay: Native Glasgow is a stylish hotel in the city centre – why not check that out?

📍 Discover the best restaurants, hotels and things to do in Glasgow

Super Bowl 60

📆 Event dates: Sunday February 8, 2026

The Super Bowl is the largest event in the USA’s sporting calendar, and the final between two teams (who are yet to be determined) will be kicking off in Santa Clara’s Levi Stadium. Puerto Rican singer and rapper Bad Bunny will be performing at the halftime show, but no matter who you’re placing bets on, we can guarantee there’s plenty nearby to make a holiday out of the weekend. 

Why go? Santa Clara is a city nestled in California’s Silicon Valley, and while the city is mostly known as a hub for tech companies, it’s less than an hour’s drive from San Francisco. In February, you can expect mild weather perfect for sightseeing. Santa Clara is also a road trip distance away from stonking natural sites like Lake Tahoe (a four-hour drive), and Yosemite National Park (a three-and-a-half-hour drive). 

🏩 Where to stay: Avatar Hotel is a vividly colourful, retro alternative to the cookie-cutter chains you’ll find elsewhere in the city. 

📍 Discover the best restaurants, bars and things to do in San Francisco 

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