Great sporting events worth traveling to this summer

2016 is set to be one of the most exciting years for sporting events across the globe, with both the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro and the Euro 2016 soccer tournament in France taking center stage this summer. Many of the leading events will play out in picturesque locations across Europe, Asia and South America, which gives sports fans the chance to enjoy other adventures and experiences while holidaying abroad.

French Open and Euro 2016

The second Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year will take place in Paris from May 22 to June 5. The world’s leading players, including Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer, are set to battle it out on the clay courts in the suburbs of the French capital. If you want to explore other regions in this beautiful country, then Euro 2016 is just around the corner. 24 teams will compete in the competition, which will feature games in ten cities, including Marseille, Lyon, Nice, and Bordeaux. Those attending or watching at home will also be able to indulge in other fun games, such as betting on whether each match will have over 2.5 goals.

UEFA Champions League Final

One of the four major fashion capitals, Milan, will host the final of European soccer’s premier competition at the San Siro stadium on May 28. Italy is set to welcome two of the continent’s best football teams as they battle for the ultimate prize. Those visiting can soak up the atmosphere on game day and make visits to the local cathedral, Teatro alla Scala opera house, and high-end shopping outlet Galleria Vittorio Emanuele. 

Wimbledon

Wimbledon is the home of strawberries and cream and the most prestigious tournament in the tennis calendar. This year’s event will begin on June 27 with the much-anticipated men’s final scheduled for a 2pm start on July 10. London is a prime location for sporting fans as it offers a multitude of other interesting experiences and locations to visit.

Olympics

The Olympics is the biggest event in the calendar and will feature a record number of countries in a record number of sports. The opening ceremony in Rio is likely to be one of the most colorful and eye-catching spectacles, and will kick-start a two-week extravaganza of water sports, track and field, and other disciplines. Golf will also make its first appearance for a century. Visiting the host city of Rio during this time is sure to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

There are other alternative sporting events this summer, including the Rincon Classic surfing competition in Santa Barbara, California; the Rugby Sevens tournament in Sydney, Australia; the European Universities Games in Zagreb, Croatia; and the Women’s Baseball World Cup in Busan, South Korea. All these events could provide a backdrop for further fun activities for you and your family.

2016 offers no shortage of major and alternative sporting events, which will be hosted in cities that would be the perfect places for a late spring, summer, and early fall holiday.

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