Sporting events ? holiday’s secret weapon

by WaveMoran

Wimbledon Men’s Final tickets – £110. Formula 1 weekend pass – £200. Premiership season ticket – £750. Men part with cash for sports events without giving it a second thought – sometimes agreeing to tickets with friends without even enquiring about the cost first. But try asking: ‘How about a holiday this year, darling?’ and you’ll often be met with an accusatory: ‘How much?’ Of course, this is a massive stereotype and many husbands and boyfriends view time away on exotic shores as money well spent. But for those that do need a little more persuasion, basing your holiday around one of the world’s best sports events could literally prove just the ticket.

New Zealand is an unspoilt natural playground – with big scenery and plenty of thrilling activities, this beautiful country sells itself. It is also the location of the 2011 Rugby World Cup, beginning in September. Matches take place from Auckland at the top of the North Island to Invercargill at the bottom of the South Island, so travelling around seeing the sights interspersed with watching the games could be a great option. With the host nation’s fans more than passionate about their sport, it’s sure to be an exciting time to visit.

For tennis fans, head to January’s Australian Open at Melbourne Park to watch the world’s best players and enjoy the electric Aussie atmosphere with a cold beer. Australia’s sports capital, Melbourne also plays host to the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, held in March. Melbourne is an ideal base for exploring surrounding areas – drive the scenic Great Ocean Road, visit Philip Island with its Fairy Penguin Parade, sample local wines in the Yarra Valley, and of course go surfing and sunbathing on a number of white sand beaches, from pretty St Kilda just south of the city, to the legendary Bells Beach made famous in the signature 90s film ‘Point Break’.

The biggest sporting event in the world is undoubtedly the Summer Olympics. With previous host nations including Beijing, Sydney, Athens and Atlanta, 2012′s chosen city of London has a lot to live up to. Tourist-heavy central London draws visitors to famous landmarks including the London Eye, Saint Paul’s Cathedral and Buckingham Palace, but the wider region also has much to offer. Venture to the UK’s southeast coast to see the imposing White Cliffs of Dover, or travel north to the countryside and lakes of the Peak District. Head west to explore Oxford, ‘The City of Dreaming Spires’ with its world-famous university and historical sites, or east to maritime Greenwich on the River Thames and see the Cutty Sark and Royal Park.

Even a weekend in Barcelona can include a tour of Camp Nou (the famous football ground of FC Barcelona); a trip to Paris can be arranged during the Tour de France; or a skiing holiday in the USA can involve watching the Winter X Games. It might not be one of those luxury holidays you’ve always dreamed of – but it’s definitely a happy compromise.

Social Circle is the premier Manchester social network for both couples and singles in Manchester. Do you have the energy and the desire to break the dull routine whilst making new friends in Manchester? Whether it’s a pub crawl, a wine night, or a meal in, we’ve got a Manchester social event for you. Or maybe adventure weekends away and mind blowing holidays are your thing, Social Circle is the adventure you have been waiting for!
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