Sporting trips overseas can consist of professional and semi-professional events and competitions, coaching tours, and skills camps. Although the Olympics is the most famous international sporting event, sportspeople of all ages take their career overseas to progress and build knowledge, with many being sponsored either individually or through a club.
Some common sports that are regularly played abroad include:
- Golf – Many clubs and bodies organise both professional and amateur open tournaments overseas.
- Winter sports – Sports such as skiing and snowboarding often feature in competitions, events and championships in mountainous countries, such as Italy, France and Canada.
- Tennis – Semi-professional tennis tournaments across the world are used as a stepping stone for players wanting to compete professionally and build a career.
- Cricket – Clubs take part in overseas tournaments and offer events for various levels, depending on the league of the club.
- Cycling – These events and races include international road and mountain biking competitions at professional and amateur level.
Other common sports that are regularly played abroad include football and rugby.
Planning an overseas sporting trip
If you’re travelling internationally to take part in an event, race, competition or tournament, there are a few important factors you’ll need to consider when preparing.
Insurance
Taking out sports insurance will provide peace of mind and cover you for eventualities such as personal accident, risks, legal liability and cancellation. Insurance can be taken out as part of a club or as an individual, regardless of whether you’re a professional or amateur association.
Location
Consider the country’s entry requirements such as visas, applications and passport validity before you travel. It’s also a good idea to check the most up-to-date government travel advice for the location you’ll be visiting so you can plan accordingly.
Packing and transporting your sports equipment
Some sports equipment can require extra luggage declarations with airlines, such as snowboards, golf clubs and bikes. It’s vital to pack your sporting equipment correctly to fit with the regulations but to also protect your gear. This might include removing a wheel on a bike or using a ski or snowboard bag.
It’s worth checking with the airline if they charge extra or whether you need to add an additional piece of luggage in advance. Many air operators have different rules, so it’s best to clarify before arriving at the airport.
Weather
Depending on where you travel and the sport you’re taking part in, the weather of your destination can be a huge factor to consider. Winter sports are suited to different hemispheres and countries at different times of year, for example. A location with a heavy rain season might not be ideal for a road cycling competition if you’re more of an amateur.
There is certainly a lot to think about before you travel. But knowing your level and the time of year you want to travel will help you decide when and where to take your sport overseas.
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