It’s kick-off time in the longest-running sports event in the Middle East and 30,000 jolly spectators have just belted out “Sweet Caroline” at the top of their voices. Out on the pitch, England responds to the expat fervour in the stands by muscling ahead against the fleet-footed Fijians. Despite a late comeback inspired by the wizardry of Fijian legend Waisale Serevi, a disciplined English team manages to hold on in a tight contest, sending the rapturous crowd wild.

That 2004 Dubai Sevens rugby tournament still ranks as one of the most atmospheric sports events I’ve ever attended, perhaps topped only by the week I’d spent in Sydney watching athletics and hockey and whatever other tickets I could get my hands on during the 2000 Summer Olympics.

People travel for different reasons – to sample food or visit art galleries, for example, but I like sport. If there’s a chance to see a high-level game of soccer or baseball or even pétanque when I’m abroad, it’s inevitable I’ll try to find a way to squeeze it into my itinerary. And I’m not alone on that front.

So read on, fellow sports nuts. From cricket to tennis and horseracing, here are some international sporting events worth planning your travel calendar around.

SEASON STARTER: RUGBY LEAGUE

Where: Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

When: March 1

What: For the second year running, the NRL circus moves to Sin City for round one of the season. The action takes places at Allegiant Stadium, home of the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders, with the double bill pitting the Canberra Raiders against the New Zealand Warriors before the reigning premiers, the Penrith Panthers, take on Cronulla.

Who: Travel packages with TripADeal, including game tickets, merchandise and hotels, were so popular this year that they sold out. Sportsnet Holidays is already taking deposits towards 2026, when NRL teams are set to return to Allegiant Stadium for the third year of a five-year contract. Keep an eye on the NRL website, too, for offers.  

Add: Tag on a helicopter tour to the Grand Canyon that includes flying over the Hoover Dam before landing inside the geographical marvel that’s considered to be one of the world’s seven natural wonders. 

STATE OF PLAY: AUSSIE RULES

Where: South Australia

When: April 10-13

What: After the sellout success of the second Gather Round in 2024, the AFL returns to South Australia for its four-day Festival of Footy. All 18 clubs will play in three venues across Adelaide and the Barossa Valley, coinciding with school holiday periods in most states and territories.

Who: Stay two nights in Adelaide and experience the beauty of Kangaroo Island on a day trip that includes ferry, coach transfers, entry fee and an exploration of the Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch. 

Add: Gain 360-degree views of Adelaide and beyond during a guided tour across the rooftop of Adelaide Oval. 

FLOWER POWER: HORSERACING

Where: Louisville, Kentucky, USA

When: May 3

What: The Kentucky Derby has been called “the fastest two minutes in sports”. It’s also known as the Run for the Roses for its tradition of draping the winning horse in flowers. First run at Churchill Downs in 1875, the derby is the first leg of the famed Triple Crown that has only ever been won by 13 thoroughbreds, including course record-holder Secretariat in 1973.

Who: Slip on your fanciest hat, sip on mint juleps and cheer on your favourite three-year old during a seven-day tour ($10,995) that includes grandstand seating, stud farm entry and a bourbon distillery visit. 

Add: While in Louisville, visit the interactive Muhammad Ali Center that celebrates the life and legacy of the hometown boxing legend. 

NET GAINS: TENNIS

Where: London, England

When: June 30-July 13

What: Of tennis’ four Grand Slam tournaments, it’s Wimbledon that has stubbornly upheld tradition more than others, requiring even bad boys like John McEnroe and Nick Kyrgios to step into line. Held on the grass courts of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, Federer, Borg and Navratilova are just some of the players who have etched their name on to the trophy.

Who: Dress up, sip Champagne, order strawberries and cream and witness the men’s final on a three-night, five-star tour ($21,245) with private transfers to the All England Club. 

Add: Get up close to the famous trophies as well as clothing and equipment donated by the sport’s top stars at the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum. 

STREET FIGHT: FORMULA 1

Where: Singapore

When: October 3-5

What: For a short time each year, the streets around Marina Bay are blocked off for the running of the Singapore Grand Prix – one of six street circuits on the 2025 Grand Prix calendar. It features tight corners and long straights and was also the first race to be run entirely at night under floodlights, adding an extra layer of excitement and intrigue for drivers and spectators alike.

Who: Enjoy three days of reserved seat action and four nights’ hotel accommodation close to the track, with Zone 4 and performance stage access included (from $2890 a person, twin share). 

Add: Sip cocktails and overlook the action from the rooftop swimming pool in the Marina Bay Sands Hotel, where drivers often stay. 

ALLEZ ALLEZ: CYCLING

Where: France

When: July 5-27

What: The next edition of the world’s most watched bicycle race, the Tour de France, starts in Lille and finishes three weeks later on the Champs-Élysées in Paris. Twenty-two teams fielding 176 riders will battle for the yellow jersey over 21 stages that include five mountaintop finishes, with thousands of cheering spectators adding a festival atmosphere to the race.

Who: Ride then watch all of the mountain stages on a 14-day tour (from $12,995), enjoying VIP hospitality and team paddock access. Then extend the trip to Paris for the final stage beneath the Arc de Triomphe. 

Add: Towering 330 metres above the River Seine in Paris is the Eiffel Tower, one of the world’s first city skyscrapers. This engineering marvel rarely fails to impress and should not be missed during any visit to the capital. Adult ticket prices start from €14.20 ($23). 

KICK-OFF: SOCCER

Where: Switzerland

When: July 2-27

What: Spain beat England in the UEFA Men’s Euro final last year. Will it be the same result in the women’s tournament this year? Spain is the World Cup holder. England’s Lionesses are the defending champions. Or will Germany, France or Sweden spoil the party? Iceland and Finland kick off proceedings in Thun, with the final to be played in Basel on July 27.

Who: Tickets for the Women’s Euro went on sale via the UEFA website in October. At the time of publication, plenty were still available, with ticket prices starting from CHF25 (about $44). 

Add: Guests staying overnight in Basel can use their BaselCard to rent an e-bike for $35 per day from Rent a Bike at the main train station. With Basel bordering France and Germany, it’s possible to cycle through three countries in one day. 

BOWLED OVER: CRICKET

Where: London, England

When: June 11-15

What: The ICC World Test Championship final pits the two best-performed cricket teams over a two-year period against each other in a five-day match five at Lord’s – the home of cricket. With their recent victory over India, current holders Australia confirmed their place in the final against fierce rivals, South Africa. Can they win it again?

Who: Get front-row seats for every run, wicket and boundary, as well as access to exclusive lounges, for all five days of cricketing action. Prices to be determined. 

Add: Red-ball fans shouldn’t miss the chance to visit the Marylebone Cricket Club Museum, the world’s oldest sporting museum that houses an unrivalled collection of cricketing art and memorabilia. 

RUNNERS WORLD: ATHLETICS

Where: Tokyo, Japan

When: September 13-21

What: The biennial World Athletics Championships rolls into Tokyo’s Japan National Stadium – venue for the 2021 Summer Olympics. Pole vaulter Nina Kennedy will share the stage with superstar Noah Lyles and teenage sensation Gout Gout in her bid for back-to-back titles. Respected commentator Bruce McAvaney is tipping the Australian team to bring home three gold medals.

Who: Secure seating on the home straight (from £730 a session, or $1450) and stay in five-star hotels (from £2299, or $4600) just 15 minutes from the stadium for the duration of the championships (11 nights). Flights are extra. 

Add: Step inside the world of sumo wrestling with a visit to a Tokyo sumo stable during a morning training session. 

GREEN WITH ENVY: GOLF

Where: Augusta, Georgia, USA

When: April 7-13

What: The first major golf tournament of the year, the US Masters, is arguably its most coveted, and certainly its most picturesque. Past winners of the green jacket include a who’s who of golfing greats such as Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer. At least five Australians have been confirmed for this year’s event, including past winner Adam Scott and 2022 British Open victor Cameron Smith.

Who: Soak up the atmosphere of Masters week on a fully escorted tour ($US9070, or about $14,400). Included are three nights’ accommodation, breakfasts, two days attending the tournament and hospitality functions throughout the week. 

Add: Collette’s seven-day Southern Charm tour ($4799 a person, twin share) includes two-night stays in Charleston and Savannah, as well as the Jekyll Island Club that was once described as “the richest, most exclusive club in the world”. Book early as these tours sell out. 

See also: 

I hate sports, here’s why I catch a game whenever I travel

I found a stadium still selling $3 beers

Never wear this jacket at a Glasgow football game