17. June 2026

Sports Holidays: My Favourite Active Getaways and the Best Sports Destinations for 2026 and 2027

Sports Holidays: Why Active Travel Has Become My Favourite Way to Explore the World, Over the years, some of my most memorable trips haven't been traditional holidays at all. Instead, they've revolved around a passion for sport.

I've been fortunate enough to enjoy everything from golf breaks in Portugal and ski holidays in the Alps to cricket tours, Formula 1 weekends and cycling adventures. What I've discovered is that sports holidays offer something completely different. They combine the excitement of travel with the thrill of experiencing the sports you love, often in some of the world's most beautiful destinations.

Whether you're travelling with friends, family or your partner, active holidays create memories that last long after you've returned home.

With 2026 and 2027 promising some incredible sporting experiences, there has never been a better time to plan your next trip.

Why Sports Holidays Are More Popular Than Ever

Travellers today are increasingly looking for experiences rather than simply relaxing by a swimming pool.

Sports holidays offer:

• Adventure and excitement.
• Opportunities to meet like-minded people.
• The chance to visit destinations you might otherwise never consider.
• A healthy balance of activity and relaxation.
• Unforgettable memories and shared experiences.

For me, they've become the perfect combination of travel and passion.

Golf Holidays: One of the Best Sports Breaks for 2026 and 2027

Golf holidays remain one of my favourite ways to travel.

There's nothing quite like spending the morning on the fairways and then enjoying great food and sunshine in the afternoon.

Top Golf Destinations

• Portugal's Algarve
• Spain's Costa del Sol
• Scotland
• Ireland
• Belek, Turkey

These destinations offer world-class courses, fantastic weather and excellent resorts.

View Golf Holidays

Ski Holidays: Classic Winter Adventures

Ski holidays provide the perfect mix of adrenaline and relaxation.

Few things compare to finishing a day on the slopes and enjoying the atmosphere of an alpine village.

Best Ski Destinations

• St Anton, Austria
• Val d'Isère, France
• Courchevel, France
• Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy
• Zermatt, Switzerland

Winter sports holidays continue to be among the most popular active escapes heading into 2026 and 2027.

View Skiing Holidays

Cycling Holidays: Explore at Your Own Pace

Cycling holidays allow you to experience destinations in a completely different way.

Some of my favourite rides have been through regions where the scenery was every bit as rewarding as reaching the finish.

Best Cycling Destinations

• Mallorca, Spain
• Slovenia
• Provence, France
• Tuscany, Italy
• Girona, Spain

These destinations offer spectacular landscapes, excellent roads and plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the local culture.

Surf Holidays: Combining Adventure With Relaxation

Surf holidays have exploded in popularity, and it's easy to see why.

Even beginners can enjoy learning while spending time in beautiful coastal destinations.

Top Surf Destinations

• Costa Rica
• Portugal
• Australia
• Bali
• Hawaii

Whether you're chasing big waves or simply learning the basics, these destinations provide unforgettable experiences.

Cricket Holidays: A Dream for Fans of the Game

Some of my favourite sports holidays have revolved around cricket.

There's something special about watching a Test match or T20 game in another country while combining it with sightseeing and local experiences.

Best Cricket Destinations for 2026 and 2027

Australia

Experiencing cricket in Australia should be on every fan's bucket list.

Highlights include:

• Melbourne Cricket Ground
• Sydney Cricket Ground
• Adelaide Oval

A Boxing Day Test at the MCG is one of the great sporting experiences.

India

No country embraces cricket quite like India.

The atmosphere during the IPL is incredible, and cities such as Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru offer fantastic food and culture alongside world-class cricket.

England

For traditionalists, England remains one of the finest cricket destinations.

Iconic grounds include:

• Lord's
• The Oval
• Edgbaston
• Headingley
• Old Trafford

South Africa

South Africa combines outstanding cricket venues with safaris, wine regions and spectacular scenery.

New Zealand

New Zealand's relaxed atmosphere and stunning landscapes make it one of the most enjoyable destinations for cricket lovers.

Cricket Events Worth Travelling For

• The Ashes
• ICC T20 World Cup
• Indian Premier League (IPL)
• Big Bash League
• England's summer international season
• SA20 in South Africa

Formula 1 Holidays

Few sporting experiences can rival the atmosphere of a Formula 1 weekend.

Top Formula 1 Destinations

• Monaco
• Silverstone
• Monza
• Singapore
• Abu Dhabi

Combining world-class racing with iconic cities makes Formula 1 travel increasingly popular.

Football City Breaks

Football and travel are a perfect combination.

Some of the best football destinations include:

• Madrid
• Barcelona
• Milan
• Munich
• Liverpool

A matchday atmosphere abroad creates memories that last a lifetime.

Tennis Holidays and Grand Slam Experiences

Tennis holidays continue to grow in popularity.

Popular destinations include:

• Spain
• Greece
• Portugal
• Turkey

Meanwhile, attending Wimbledon, the US Open or Roland Garros is an experience every tennis fan should consider.

Hiking and Walking Holidays

Not every sports holiday needs to involve competition.

Some of my favourite trips have involved exploring spectacular scenery on foot.

Top Hiking Destinations

• Switzerland
• Madeira
• Canada
• New Zealand
• Norway

These destinations combine incredible views with outdoor adventure.

Tips for Planning a Sports Holiday

Book Early

Major sporting events and popular resorts often sell out months in advance.

Travel During Shoulder Seasons

You'll often benefit from:

• Lower prices.
• Fewer crowds.
• Better availability.

Invest in Good Travel Insurance

Sports holidays often involve specialist equipment and activities, making comprehensive insurance essential.

Don't Forget the Destination

One lesson I've learned is not to focus solely on the sport.

Some of the best memories come from exploring local culture, trying new food and enjoying the destination itself.

Why Sports Holidays Are About More Than Sport

After years of active travel, I've realised sports holidays are about much more than competition.

They're about sharing experiences with friends and family, discovering new countries and creating stories you'll still be talking about years later.

Whether it's skiing in the Alps, playing golf in Portugal, watching cricket in Australia or attending a Formula 1 race in Monaco, sports travel has a unique way of turning ordinary holidays into unforgettable adventures.

And with so many incredible opportunities in 2026 and 2027, there's never been a better time to start planning your next sporting escape.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sports Holidays

What is a sports holiday?

A sports holiday combines travel with participation in or attendance at sporting activities and events. Popular examples include golf holidays, ski trips, cricket tours, Formula 1 weekends and cycling holidays.

What are the best sports holidays for 2026 and 2027?

Some of the best sports holidays include:

• Golf holidays in Portugal and Spain.
• Ski trips to Austria and France.
• Cricket tours to Australia and India.
• Formula 1 weekends in Monaco and Silverstone.
• Cycling holidays in Mallorca and Slovenia.
• Surf holidays in Costa Rica and Portugal.

Which countries are best for cricket holidays?

Some of the top destinations for cricket fans include:

• Australia
• India
• England
• South Africa
• New Zealand

These countries offer iconic grounds and unforgettable atmospheres.

Are sports holidays suitable for beginners?

Yes. Many sports holidays cater to complete beginners and offer coaching, equipment hire and guided experiences.

How far in advance should I book a sports holiday?

For major events and peak-season trips, booking six to twelve months in advance is highly recommended.

Are sports holidays expensive?

Sports holidays can suit almost every budget. Luxury packages are available, but many destinations offer affordable options for independent travellers.

What are the most popular sports holidays?

The most popular sports holidays include:

• Golf holidays
• Ski holidays
• Cricket tours
• Formula 1 weekends
• Football city breaks
• Cycling holidays
• Surf holidays
• Tennis holidays
• Hiking holidays

Which sports holidays are best for families?

Ski holidays, golf resorts, cycling trips and surfing holidays are particularly popular with families, thanks to the wide range of activities available for different ages and skill levels.

Why are sports holidays becoming more popular?

Travellers are increasingly prioritising experiences over traditional package holidays. Sports holidays combine adventure, culture and unforgettable memories, making them one of the fastest-growing travel trends for 2026 and 2027.