Game on: Top 5 Sports Events to Travel for in 2025
Last week I was asked which international sports events I would like to attend next year. After the initial brain explosion of possibility, I identified 5 different events that promise magic moments of travel and sport.
The Open - Portrush, Northern Ireland
The Open returns to Irish soil in 2025 for the first time since 2019. Will Rory McIlroy finally win another major, and do it at his home course? Can he bounce back from the US Open nightmare with his fellow countryman, 2019 champion Shane Lowry, also in the mix. While the 16th hole - nicknamed Calamity Corner - is brutal, the atmosphere is guaranteed to be electric. Golf at its finest.
(photo credit: CBS Sports)
Itinerary add-on:
Take the Coastal Route from Belfast to Derry - stopping at castles, archaeological sites, the Giant’s Causeway (World Heritage site), and the world’s oldest distillery.
Women’s Rugby World Cup - United Kingdom
Who remembers the 2022 final when New Zealand won a lineout at won the World Cup at a sold-out Eden Park in full voice? The English were left heartbroken after their unbelievable run of 30 wins (thirty!) finally ended at the hands of the Black Ferns. Revenge is best served on home soil, and a rematch looms with Twickenham as the host in 2025. This World Cup is ripe to take the nation by storm and go down as one for the ages.
(photo credit: Simon Chapman)
Itinerary add-on:
There are 8 venues for this event, so following your team in group stages carves out an itinerary for you. Beyond that, I suggest The BritRail Pass - an unlimited rail ticket you can use on the entire UK network.
Beach Soccer World Cup - Victoria, Seychelles
It might come as a surprise that this will be the 20th edition of the Beach Soccer World Cup. It might not come as a surprise, however, that Brazil are the current champions. So why attend this one? Well, it’s the first time it will be held in Africa (Shakira theme song of 2010?), and not just anywhere in Africa but in the Seychelles - an Indian Ocean paradise. Perfect weather, amazing water and nature, and beautiful resorts and villas.
(photo credit: M. Mishina)
Itinerary add-on:
Island hop on a boat cruise between several of the 115 tropical islands. Add a fishing component to this or include an experience with the giant tortoises.
Super Bowl LIX (59) - New Orleans, USA
If you’ve ever wanted to see America’s pinnacle of sporting events, then 2025 is the right time to lock that in. Why, you ask? It will be hosted at the Big Easy, the birthplace of jazz, home to French heritage, Mardi Gras, and bourbon. Super Bowl LIX is set to provide a carnival-like experience, and don’t skip the half-time show entertainment: If the Kansas City Chiefs are anywhere near the final, then expect Taylor Swift to leave her mark on the event in some way too.
(photo credit: Stephen Luke)
Itinerary add-on:
February just might be the best time of year to cruise the Caribbean. Take advantage of the low February rainfall, warm temperatures and seasonality outside of US public and school holidays.
Australian Grand Prix - Melbourne, Australia.
Hear me out. There are 3 reasons why this particular race on the calendar is best enjoyed in 2025. Firstly, due to Ramadan, Bahrain will not host the 1st race of the season - Melbourne will. That means better race conditions, warmer weather and longer days in case of red flags or incidents. Second, it’s the last year before new regulations change, among other things, the shape and capacity of the cars - the end of an era, perhaps! Finally, if common sense prevails, Liam Lawson will be flying the Kiwi flag on the track, so get over there and support the young man!
(photo credit: F1 2022)
Itinerary add-on:
Early March is gorgeous in Victoria. For coastal folk, take a trip west down the Great Ocean Road or east to the Mornington Peninsula. Or head inland to the Yarra Valley for some vino tasting and B&Bs.
