People are different, and our ideas of an ideal holiday getaway are also different. Some prefer to lounge on the beach of a tropical island. Others choose to spend this time indulging in energetic sports and activities. Due to this, exciting sporting activities will be sought after by such tourists. But, getting the ideal sporty destination might be a bit challenging. This article will explore ten (10) countries with the best sports and activities for that perfect sporty holiday.
Without further ado, let’s get right to it!
Australia
In 2000, the world Olympic Games were held in Sydney. Having successfully hosted the event, the sport tourism sector in the country saw a big boom. Thousands of sports enthusiasts visit this destination for diverse, exciting sports and activities available. For a fun-filled holiday, you can engage in various indoor and outdoor activities such as:
- Skiing
- Snorkeling
- Scuba diving
- Kayaking
- Water rafting
- Surfing
- Canoeing
- Horse riding
- Jet skiing and others.
For tennis lovers, you can visit this destination to witness the Apia International Sydney tournament. It is an annual event which usually starts in January. The Apia tournament is held at Sydney’s NSW Tennis Center.
New Zealand
Located in the South-western Pacific Ocean, this Island country is famous for being rugby champions. However, that’s not all New Zealand has to offer. Visitors to this country have a host of outdoor sports and activities they can choose from. You can try out zorbing in Rotorua or go bungee jumping. It doesn’t end there. Visitors can also try out tramping, ski across remarkable landscapes, or try out several other adrenaline-rushing activities. New Zealand hosts a lot of sporting events throughout the entire year. Depending on when you visit, you can witness a variety of sports and activities, including:
- Cycling
- Diving
- Motorsports
- Tennis
- Swimming
- Horse racing
- Touch rugby
- Golf
- Equestrian and others.
High thrill-seekers aren’t left behind as there are several adrenaline-rushing activities to experience. If you’re a daredevil at heart, you can try sky jumping off New Zealand’s highest building in Auckland. If that’s too much excitement for you, try out canyon swinging solo or as a group over high rocky terrain. Had enough? There’s more! White water rafting and caving are other extreme activities offered by this amazing destination.
New Zealand has all it takes to give you a fun-filled experience.
Spain
The Spaniards are known for a lot of things. But, notable amongst others is Spanish football. Located on Europe’s the Iberian Peninsula, Spain offers thrilling activities to its visitors as they enjoy its spectacular natural environment. Asides from football, there are other sporting activities popular in Spain. Visitors usually feel exhilarated as they witness, a popular traditional sport in the country. However, this event has met opposition by activists in recent times, which has greatly reduced its frequency. Notwithstanding, other rousing events like formula one racing, wakeboarding, biking, in-lining, and snowboarding are hosted at different times of the year.
South Korea
Situated on the southern half of the Korean Peninsula, South Korea is a great place to spend sports holidays. Several unique sports and activities make South Korea stand out amongst others. From traditional Taekwondo and Judo events to more popular football and rugby activities. Visitors can show off their skills at locally hosted foreign football leagues. When it comes to water sports, they don’t disappoint.
Its massive coastline is great for boating, sailing, and other exciting water activities. If you’re not in the mood for any of these, you can go golfing at any of the world-class golf courses available in the country. You can also explore the countryside mountain as you hike through it.
When it comes to extreme sports, South Korea doesn’t disappoint. Feel the adrenaline rush as you slide your way to Nami Island using a zipline. Or, try out rail biking at the Gangchon Rail Park. There are also high summit mountains such as Mount Bukhasan you can overcome. You can as well paraglide at the Yangpyeong Paragliding Park, feeling the rush of the wind as you marvel at the spectacular scenery South Korea offers.
Morocco
This North African have kept their visitors coming back with their impressive sporting facilities. There’s a good number of ski resorts, fishing areas, and daring backcountry skiing slopes for thrill-seekers. You can also participate in magnificent trekking trails or bike your way through the High Atlas Mountain. Watersports and activities are not lacking in this country as you engage in water sports such as:
- Yachting
- Rafting
- Windsurfing
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- River rafting
- Diving and others
If you’re in search of more adrenaline-pumping activities, you can try para-gliding across the spectacular Moroccan terrain.
Brazil
Home to iconic football players such as Pele and Neymar, Brazil is the largest South and Latin America country. You can find a host of sport and outdoor activities possible here. Some of these sports and activities include:
- Horse riding
- Mountain biking
- Hand-gliding
- Scuba diving
- Mountain climbing
- Canoeing
- Kite surfing and others
Brazil has made a name for itself as a paradise for outdoor activities. Also popular in Brazil is skateboarding. It is considered to be the second most popular sport in the country after football. They also have notable pro-skateboarders. There are many parks where you can try out your skills alongside locals and other foreigners. Well, if you ever get tired of all the activities, you can participate in carnivals. Hosting colorful and exciting carnivals is also their specialty.
Canada
Canada hosted the 2010 World Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver. This event led to huge investment in the sports sector. The result can be seen now in a host of recreational and sports activities offered. Canada has the world’s longest coastline, which is excellent for some water activities such as kayaking during warmer months. Snowshoeing is popular amongst visitors to this country. Others also enjoy going on ski dives during winter. You can also have an exciting time interacting with locals at beaches as you engage in fun-filled sports and activities. If you don’t feel like participating in an outdoor event, you can stay-in and treat yourself to an exciting game of ice hockey or curling.
United Kingdom
The UK offers a variety of sporting activities to keep blood flowing and your adrenaline pumping. Lovers of tennis are drawn to the old town of Wimbledon, England, yearly to witness exciting tennis tournaments. London also hosted the 2010 Olympic Games. After a successful event, the variety of recreational activities and sports on offer was taken up a notch. You indulge in any of the outdoor activities like:
- Horse racing
- Greyhound racing
- Cycling
- Golfing
- Rugby
- Cricket
- White water rafting
- Jet skiing
- Scuba diving
- Wakeboarding
- Kayaking
- Archery and others
You can also try out your bowling skills, play a snooker game, or entertain yourself with a wrestling match. The United Kingdom is a great place for thrill-seekers to be and have a wonderful time.
United States
Citizens of the US are lovers of thrilling activities. The country is known worldwide as a sports tourism hotspot, with lots of recreational activities to give you the time of your life. If the super bowl is your thing, then you’ll this place. It is the most popular spectator game in the country, followed by baseball, basketball, ice hockey, and soccer. The United States offers the best super bowl experience in the world. Like other countries on the list, the US offers spectacular resorts where you can go cycling, paraglide, or skydiving. Whatever adrenaline-rushing you seek, there’s a place with the right amenities for you.
Are you a high thrill-seeker with a flair for extreme outdoor adventures? The United States offers electrifying outdoor activities such as:
- Flying an aerobatic plane across Las Vegas
- Base jumping off the Perrine Bridge in Idaho
- Climbing the Yosemite’s El Captain in California
- Canyoneering through Moab, Utah
The US is an ideal destination for thrill-seekers from all over the world
Malaysia
Located in South-east Asia, Malaysia has been a destination loved by tourists globally. Asides from its numerous spectacular attractions, the country is loved by many sports spectators and enthusiasts. A lot of sporting events are hosted here all year. Golf, formula 1 and boat racing tournaments, and many more are hosted in Malaysia. You can have an exciting time hiking to Mount Kinabalu’s summit, or you can through the Sabah jungle as you explore the beautiful landscape.
Also, a variety of water activities are available for visitors to choose from. Sailing, diving, and jet skiing, to mention but a few, are some of the exciting outdoor activities travelers can engage in.
Sports are loved all over the world. Irrespective of race, gender, or language, we all enjoy the thrill and excitement that comes with watching our favorite team win. Also, we share the pain that comes with losing. The various destinations discussed are all remarkable places. From fun outdoor activities to water sports and other mainstream spectator sports, you’re bound to have an exciting time at any of these destinations.