A Traveler's Guide to Sports filled Vacations

One way of combining relaxation and excitement is by taking in a major sports event while you're on vacation, one that people travel from all over the world to attend.

Get involved

Whether you're enjoying a vacation with the whole family, going it alone or hanging out with your buddies, the experience is always enhanced by the rush and excitement of taking part. It could be a bonding experience, or simply a personal challenge. If you're going to be taking part in a sporting activity yourself however, it's important to be prepared. This means getting yourself in shape through exercise, and also making sure that you have appropriate clothing and the right equipment.

Be prepared

The gear you need to pack naturally depends on the activity you're undertaking. A golfing holiday will have one comprehensive checklist of equipment to pack, while a skiing holiday will have another. If you're going walking or hiking, then you shouldn't underestimate the need for all-weather clothing and stout walking boots. Copper compression clothing is a good idea for any physical activity where you're likely to push yourself, as the likes of copper fit sleeves can help you avoid injury and recover quicker.

Major sporting events

Looking ahead for 2017, the sporting calendar is packed with major events and tournaments for sports fans of all persuasions. February sees the Super Bowl in Houston, while in April the Golf Masters takes place in Augusta, Georgia. Horse racing fans may want to attend the Grand National at Aintree in Liverpool, England on April 8; alternatively, you could hold out for the Kentucky Derby in Louisville on May 6.

Bermuda is a great holiday destination for all the family, and if you visit there between 17-27 June you can also catch the America's Cup sailing event. In July a road trip to Europe could be combined with following the route of the Tour De France through France and Germany (1-23). You could also catch the World Aquatics Championships in Budapest between the 14th and the 30th. Tennis fans could also make a trip over to London to enjoy strawberries and champagne at Wimbledon.

Adventure vacations

Costa Rica is a great location for anyone wanting to explore nature and enjoy some thrills into the bargain. From the Arenal Volcano National Park, where you can hike up the volcanoes sides, explore the canyons and the rain forests, to surfing on the coast and cycling or white-water rafting through the interior, Costa Rica offers every manner of adventure activity amid breathtaking natural vistas.

Equally beautiful is the unspoiled natural landscape of New Zealand. Beloved of filmmakers for its stunning epic wilderness, New Zealand offers every activity from mountaineering in the Southern Alps to stargazing in the Dark Sky Reserve and trekking through the many national parks.

Caribbean experience

Divers seeking their dream vacation should head for Belize, where over seventy dive sites offer experiences suitable for all levels of experience. Explore one of the great natural wonders of the world in the form of the barrier reef, and afterwards relax on golden beaches with a cocktail in your hand. You can also explore inland, with opportunities for caving and hiking through wonderful scenery.

Work out in style

If your sports interest extends more to general fitness and giving your body a good workout on your vacation, you should head down to Miami's South Beach where you can combine fitness with luxury. Many of the hotels and fitness centers have state-of-the-art equipment that you can use, plus Olympic-sized swimming pools, and afterwards you can relax in the sun, giving your healthy body an all-over tan for good measure.

Whatever your sporting passion, there's a perfect destination for you. You might decide to travel as a spectator, and fulfil a dream by attending an international sporting event you've always wanted to witness. Or you might decide to get involved, and go diving, kayaking, hiking, climbing or surfing.

Well-organized adventure trips make for extremely memorable vacations, but there's just as much to be said for combining relaxation with working out; just make sure you plan ahead and pack all of the appropriate equipment and clothing you'll need.