After an exciting summer of sport around the world, we’re feeling well and truly back into the swing of things after 2020 saw many of our favourite events postponed and cancelled entirely – and while some restrictions remained in place with regards to spectator numbers at key events like the Tokyo Summer Olympics and ongoing travel measures prevented us from seeing some of our favourites first-hand, 2022 is looking brighter still.
With global travel restrictions slowly but surely easing and more nations opening their doors once again to tourists, sporting fans can prepare to fill their calendars for the next year with all the tests, tournaments and games they hope to attend in person. And if you happen to be as much a travel enthusiast as you are a sports fanatic, then there are plenty of exciting destinations to set your sights on for a luxury getaway to remember.
The sports experts over at Bettingtips4you have been placing their bets on these three cities being the top sporting destinations of 2022 – and offering up the perfect mix of warm, sunny weather, an excellent cultural scene and of course, all the nail-biting sport you’ve been craving, it’s easy to see why.
Daytona, USA
Daytona, Florida is home to one of America’s most spectacular beaches, offering a long, golden stretch of sand where you can often find sports enthusiasts indulging in a game of beach football or volleyball, or pumping some iron at its outdoor gym.
But this iconic US destination has much more to offer than just a space for amateurs to get their sporting fix, and each year, it plays host to the famous Daytona 500 NASCAR race, which attracts thousands of fans from around the world – and in 2022, it’s set to take place in February. So, not only is it the perfect choice for enjoying some trackside action, but soaking up some winter sunshine, too. As well as taking in the race itself, attendees are given the chance to get behind the wheel themselves and take one of the cars for a spin around the track, as well as the chance to try parasailing and even run a half marathon.
In the summer, the Daytona Beach Bandshell, which can be found close to the Boardwalk, plays host to a plethora of free summer concerts, while go-karting, laser tag and waterslides are all available to enjoy at the Daytona Lagoon waterpark. And, since it’s Florida, sport fishing fans will be spoilt for choice, with some excellent opportunities to land a big catch year-round.
Barcelona, Spain
Home to Spain’s most respected, and arguably most powerful, football club, Barcelona has plenty to offer in the sports stakes – and if you’re planning a summer visit, then you can bet on hot, sunny weather that’s just perfect for relaxing and enjoying the nearby beaches.
Iconic football stars including Lionel Messi, Neymar and Xavi have all built their careers at Barcelona FC, but earlier this year, the club shocked the sporting world when it announced that it could no longer afford to keep Messi on its books for the new season. Despite the fact that he has since reluctantly made the move over to Paris St. Germain, where he joins former team mate Neymar on the pitch once again, both players have left a legacy behind them, and the current team continues to serve up plenty of action you won’t want to miss should you happen to be in the city on a match day.
A city that is rich in history, there are plenty of cultural activities to fill your free time with, too. From the Picasso Museum, which is a must for art fans, and the various examples of iconic Antoni Gaudi architecture scattered throughout – including the impressive Casa Batllo and hilltop haven of Park Guell, there’s plenty to tick off your bucket list, before rounding your evenings off with some local paella, washed down with a jug of traditional Spanish sangria.
Melbourne, Australia
Australia might currently still remain closed to British tourists, but hopes are high that it is edging towards a reopening in 2022, which is great news for tennis fans.
As the host city for the word-famous Australian Open tournament, a January visit will leave you on the edge of your seat as you watch heavyweights such as Rafael Nadal and 2021 winner Novak Djokovic battle it out for the men’s title, and Naomi Osaka returns to defend her crown in the women’s singles.
Of course, Melbourne has far more to offer than the nation’s biggest annual tennis tournament alone, and visitors throughout the year can expect a thriving culinary scene that’s certain to tempt foodies. A city with a love of the covert, one of the highlights of a trip here is diving beneath the surface to find its hidden gems. All of its best cafes, art galleries, museums and bars are kept on the downlow, all adding to its intrigue – so be sure to give yourself long enough to really explore.
