Why Sports Travel Is Becoming One of My Favorite Types of Travel

When most people think about travel, they often picture beaches, theme parks, cruises, or famous landmarks.

While those types of vacations remain incredibly popular, another segment of the travel industry has continued to grow: sports travel.

Sports travel is about much more than attending a game or participating in a race. It's about building an entire travel experience around an event that you're passionate about.

Over the past few years, I've found myself becoming increasingly interested in this style of travel.

At the beginning of 2026, I set a few personal goals for myself. One was to travel to new places. Another was to spend more quality time with the people who matter most to me. What I've discovered is that sports travel often helps accomplish both goals at the same time.

Events such as runDisney races, fitness competitions like HYROX, major sporting events, tournaments, and races give travelers a reason to visit destinations they may never have considered otherwise. The event becomes the centerpiece of the trip, but it is rarely the entire experience.

Many travelers extend their stays to explore the destination, enjoy local restaurants, visit attractions, and spend time with family and friends. What starts as a race weekend or sporting event often becomes a complete vacation.

One of the things I appreciate most about sports travel is the sense of community that comes with it. Whether you're participating, spectating, or simply supporting someone else, there is often an instant connection among people who share a common interest.

I've seen this firsthand at runDisney events, where runners from around the world come together to achieve personal goals while enjoying everything Walt Disney World has to offer. The races are important, but so are the friendships, celebrations, and memories created throughout the weekend.

Sports travel also offers flexibility for families and groups. One person may be participating in an event while others enjoy local attractions, shopping, dining, or sightseeing. Everyone gets to experience something they enjoy while still sharing the trip together.

As a travel advisor, I've come to appreciate that travel is ultimately about experiences. The destinations matter, but the memories often come from the moments we share with others.

Whether it's crossing a finish line, cheering from the sidelines, or experiencing a sporting event in a new city, sports travel creates opportunities for meaningful experiences that last long after the event itself has ended.

As this area of travel continues to grow, I'm excited to explore new destinations, discover new events, and help travelers create unforgettable experiences built around the activities they love.

Travel has a unique ability to bring people together, and sports travel may be one of the best examples of that.

Stay tuned for an upcoming recap of the NASCAR Race The Base weekend at Naval Base Coronado June 19-21!