An ultimate sporting vacation is just what you need to relax and unwind. Regardless of whether you’re a sporting expert or need help getting back into sport, a breakaway is the way to go. Every year, thousands of people head off around the world to practice their favorite physical activities. The trouble is, in all the excitement of planning your vacation, you can make a few disastrous mistakes. These errors could have your trip ending in injury, illness, damaged equipment, or worse. To avoid any major worries, here are ten helpful tips for the ultimate sporting getaway.
1. Research Different Flight Options
Flexibility always helps when it comes to booking any vacation. After all, choosing different dates, times, and airlines can all affect the price of the flights. That is why you must research different flight options. Price comparison sites, like Skyscanner, will make this process much easier. When flexibility is allowed, you can compare prices across entire months to see which dates work out the cheapest. Experts agree that the cheapest day to fly is typically Wednesday.
2. Select All-Inclusive Destinations
Court costs, green fees, and other sporting-related expenses can hike the price of your trip significantly. Thankfully, many resorts have stay-and-play packages, which allow you to use their courses, courts, slopes, and other sporting areas for a set or unlimited amount of time. Although all-inclusive vacations can work out more expensive, that isn’t often the case for sporting trips. Having accommodation, food, sports, and more in one deal will make your life much easier.
3. Check The Weather Forecast
Before booking your trip, you must check the weather forecast. No one wants a rainy day on vacation, but this is especially true for sporting getaways. Since most sports are played outside, you’ll need mild weather. Although you could play through a little drizzle, most resorts will cancel activities if the wind or rain becomes too dangerous. Weather forecasts definitely aren’t always accurate, but you should avoid booking a week that all experts suggest will have thunderstorms.
4. Pack Any Equipment Carefully
Depending on your sport of choice, there are many pieces of equipment you might have to bring with you. Golfers will usually carry their own clubs, along with a cart, like the clicgear model 3.5+ golf push cart, while tennis players have their own rackets. When flying with this equipment, you must make sure that it is packed carefully. The last thing that you need is crucial equipment being destroyed en route. A travel bag will usually provide enough protection for your essentials.
5. Carry First-Aid Supplies
There is always a risk of travelers being injured abroad, especially on sporting vacations. That is why you must carry first-aid supplies in your bag. Band-aids, painkillers, antibacterial gel, rehydration sachets, and more can all be invaluable if you get sick or injured. Rather than have to shop for these items when you need them, you should keep them close. At the very least, these essentials will tide you over until you have an opportunity to seek professional medical attention.
6. Bring Your Friends Along
Everyone knows that traveling solo has many benefits, even on sporting getaways. However, a larger group can make the experience more fun. While getting a group of friends to commit to a sporting trip won’t be easy, it’s almost always worth the effort. When you travel with friends, the overall price of the getaway is cheaper, because you can split various costs. What’s more, you’ll be able to compete or play with your own friends, rather than people you met only hours ago.
7. Always Wear Sun Protection
Whatever the time of year, you must wear sun protection outside. Many people assume they can skip this task throughout autumn and winter because the weather isn’t as warm. Nonetheless, the sun continues to shine, which means that its UV rays continue to cause harm. Rather than put your health at risk, you should slap on some sunscreen. On warmer and sunny days, make sure you also cover up and take breaks in the shade, as this will help you to avoid sunburn.
8. Give Yourself Free Time
Sporting getaways aren’t just for playing your sport of choice. You can also give yourself free time to explore the local area, see the sights, and relax. Hitting the court or course early doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the nightlife and everything else the destination has to offer. With that in mind, you should research your vacation spot and make a list of things you want to see and do. You can also ask the locals what bars and clubs they would suggest visiting when you’re there.
9. Drink Plenty Of Water
With individuals and teams alike celebrating or consoling various wins and losses, alcohol consumption is a big part of sports travel. Even when traveling in a group, you must be extremely careful when drinking abroad. The alcohol found abroad is not only often stronger, but the measures are larger too. This means you could easily face dehydration, hangovers, and alcohol poisoning if you aren’t careful. Make sure you drink plenty of water and know your booze limits.
10. Invest In Travel Insurance
Travel isn’t the cheapest hobby, which is why many people do whatever they can to cut costs. Unfortunately, there are some expenses you can’t afford to overlook. Without travel insurance, your sporting getaway could wind up much more expensive. After all, this protection not only covers your health but your sporting equipment too. Not having insurance could leave you paying huge bills. That is why you should invest in a policy that covers what you need it to.
A sporting vacation is an excellent opportunity to relax, unwind, and play sports with your friends. Even when traveling alone, the type of getaway offers various benefits. Sadly, many people miss out on these benefits due to their own mistakes. To avoid injury, illness, or other issues on your sporting getaway, make sure you listen to the advice above.