Sport is a universal thing. No matter what country you’re from, what race, religion, or political views you have, when you’re in a crowd with others supporting the same team, you’re as united as you’ll ever be. Sport has the power to bring people together like nothing else does.
Even if you don’t speak the same language, you can celebrate and mourn alongside fellow sports fans and feel everything they’re feeling. That means you can catch a sports match anywhere in the world and enjoy it with the same passion you would back home! Although sport is a great unifier, experiencing it in another country is twice as interesting and memorable, thanks to the culture and atmosphere that may be different back home.
Here are five countries that you should visit if you’re a sports fanatic.
USA
There are 4 main sports in the United States of America: American football, baseball, basketball, and ice hockey. American football is the most popular sport in the country! The season begins in September, and ends with the famous Super Bowl in February. If you’ll be in the country during that time, it’s well worth catching a game. If baseball is more your thing, the Major League regular season runs from April to October, with postseason carrying on until early November.
If you’re traveling in March, you could catch some preseason spring training. For those who prefer constant action, getting tickets to an NBA game may be the way to go. The National Basketball Association in America is the most competitive basketball league in the world.
There are 29 arenas across the U.S, so wherever in the country you happen to be, you have a chance of seeing some great sport. If you’re going to be in the country between October and April, you may miss football, baseball, andbasketball, but you’ll have the opportunity to see some ice hockey. The fast-paced, no-holds-barred sport is an experience to watch.
Scotland
Scotland could be considered the home of golf, and its rough links courses are where the modern game of golf was born. If you’re a golfer and you’re planning on swinging your clubs on a European trip, Scotland is well worth a visit.
Not only is the links golf rough, rugged, and exciting, but the scenery is magnificent and you won’t find a greener place elsewhere! Apart from the great opportunities to improve your golf game, Scotland is also big into soccer, rugby, and cue sports like snooker and pool. For a very Scottish experience, visit in spring/summer for the Highland Games.
This very Scottish affair is unique and consists of (among other things), heavy athletics, pipe bands, and the annual World Highland Dancing Championship.
Italy
Soccer fans, this is the place to be when an important game is on! Experience that Italian passion in full force, and expect hugs and back slaps when their team scores.
Tickets to soccer matches are surprisingly affordable, and you can’t beat the feeling of being in a living, moving crowd. If you can’t make it to a live match, even the experience of watching the game in a pub, restaurant, or hotel lobby is exciting.
Another huge sport in Italy is the Grand Prix. The Italian Grand Prix has been around since 1921, and has a tragic but fascinating history. If you’re lucky enough to be able to attend, you’ll be in for a treat.
Ireland
Ireland is unique in many ways, and that extends to their sport. No plain football for them - they play Gaelic football, which is a combination of rugby and football and makes for interesting watching.
Traditional football fans, there’s no need to worry! There’s a wide variety of leagues hosting many teams, so you can still get your fix if you’re in the country.
An unusual sport that you won’t likely see elsewhere is Hurling, which has the reputation of being the fastest field sport in the world. It’s the Irish version of field hockey and is a fascinating and action-packed watch if you get the chance.
South Africa
South Africa is known for being extremely passionate about their sport. Rugby is one of the biggest sports in the nation, and regardless of the time of year, you’ll be able to attend a live match somewhere.
Be prepared for plenty of beer, cheering, and waving of hands. Rugby fans are a unique mix of chilled out and excitable, but you can’t beat the atmosphere in a rugby stadium.
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Cricket is also a big sport, and a number of matches are available for watching throughout the year. Don’t underestimate the South african sun, though! Take precautions, or your sporting experience may end in heat stroke.