Wednesday, May 13Sports. Travel. Events. Play

Bucket List

Sports travel bucket list: Rocco Forte Hotels’ grand European golf tour
Bucket List, Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts

Sports travel bucket list: Rocco Forte Hotels’ grand European golf tour

Here’s one for the golfers… hospitality group Rocco Forte Hotels has introduced “The Grand European Golf Tour”, a curated collection of golf experiences across its European destinations, created in partnership with Golf Travel Centre.  Guests can combine stays at Rocco Forte's celebrated hotels with play at Europe's most prestigious courses, all within easy reach of the properties. From historic championship layouts in Scotland to the award-winning fairways of Verdura Resort in Sicily, each experience is designed for discerning golfers seeking world-class sport complemented by culture, cuisine, and renowned hospitality. The hotels and destinations The Balmoral, Edinburgh: Standing at the east end of Princes Street, The Balmoral combines Scottish heritage with contemporary fiv...
Sports travel bucket list: the new Porto Carras Athlos event in Halkidiki
Bucket List, Events, Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts

Sports travel bucket list: the new Porto Carras Athlos event in Halkidiki

The Porto Carras Athlos is a new three-day international sports tourism and wellness event that will be held for the first time in northern Greece, at the highly acclaimed Porto Carras Grand Resort in Halkidiki.  Located alongside a nine-kilometre sandy coastline, the resort is surrounded by a verdant area of 18,000 acres, with gardens under the shade of pine trees dressing the slopes of Mount Meliton.  Its facilities include an 18-hole golf course, the biggest organic vineyard in Greece, a spa and wellness centre, restaurants with high-level gastronomy, a casino and a marina that provides integrated services. In addition, a wide range of sports and cultural activities on land and sea are available to visitors of all ages.  About the Porto Carras Athlos The event...
Sports travel bucket list: run the ‘world’s most remote marathon’ in St Helena in 2027
Bucket List, Editor's Pick, Events

Sports travel bucket list: run the ‘world’s most remote marathon’ in St Helena in 2027

Runners and adventure travellers can now sign up for the “world’s most remote marathon”, taking place for the first time in St Helena on 28 February 2027, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take part in one of the most extraordinary races on Earth. Set in the heart of the South Atlantic, this marathon is far removed from the crowds and noise of city races. Instead, participants will experience a subtropical paradise with dramatic volcanic landscapes, lush green highlands and sweeping ocean views, all while testing their endurance in one of the world’s most isolated destinations. About the event Runners can choose between a full marathon (42.2km), half marathon (21.1km), 10km or 5km distance, all starting in the grounds of Plantation House, the residence of the island’s G...
Sports travel bucket list: derby experiences at the 2026 Kentucky Derby
Bucket List, Events

Sports travel bucket list: derby experiences at the 2026 Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby returns in 2026 as one of the most iconic dates on the global sporting calendar, blending elite thoroughbred racing with a spectacle of Southern culture, fashion and tradition.  Taking place on 2 May 2026 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, the race is widely known as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports” and forms the opening leg of US horse racing’s Triple Crown alongside the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes. The 152nd Kentucky Derby is expected to attract more than 150,000 spectators, alongside millions of viewers worldwide, reaffirming its status as a cornerstone event in the sports tourism landscape. With a purse typically exceeding $3 million, the Derby brings together the top three-year-old thoroughbreds from across the United States and beyond, ea...
Sports travel bucket list: road cycling ‘coolcation’ through the fjords of Norway
Bucket List, Holidays & Trips

Sports travel bucket list: road cycling ‘coolcation’ through the fjords of Norway

With popular European holiday destinations like Spain, Portugal and Greece experiencing record temperatures in recent years, more holidaymakers are seeking out destinations with cooler climes.  This has led to a rise in “coolcations” – holidays in countries with milder, cooler climates – with nations across Scandinavia being a popular choice. To meet the growing demand, cycling holiday company Saddle Skedaddle has launched a range of cycling holidays in cooler destinations, including a guided road cycling holiday through the fjords of Norway, featuring the country’s iconic mountain climbs. Classic fjords guided road cycling holiday Delving deep into the country’s famous fjords, Saddle Skedaddle’s nine-day, guided road cycling holiday in Norway combines beautiful coastal r...
Sports travel bucket list: Porto Elounda x Common Bond fitness retreat in Crete
Bucket List, Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts

Sports travel bucket list: Porto Elounda x Common Bond fitness retreat in Crete

As the peak summer crowds begin to fade and temperatures soften across the Mediterranean, early autumn is emerging as the ideal window for fitness-focused travellers seeking a more restorative escape. One for the sports travel bucket list is an exclusive fitness and wellness retreat held at Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort in Crete – part of the Elounda Collection – in partnership with Common Bond from 13-20 September 2026.  Guests will take part in a fitness and rejuvenation retreat led by Common Bond’s team of expert trainers across Barrecore, KOBOX, Triyoga and Reformcore, offering participants a premium and well-rounded fitness and wellness experience. New for this year’s retreat will be the incorporation of Reformer Pilates, combining high energy with low impact to deliv...
Sports travel bucket list: running the inaugural Amazon Marathon
Bucket List, Events

Sports travel bucket list: running the inaugural Amazon Marathon

Marathon Tours & Travel has announced the launch of the inaugural Amazon Marathon, a new endurance event taking runners deep into the heart of the Peruvian Amazon in September 2026. Taking place on Wednesday 9 September, in Puerto Maldonado on the edge of the Peruvian Amazon rainforest, the Amazon Marathon offers runners a rare opportunity to race in one of the most biodiverse and remarkable regions in the world. The event blends trail running with cultural immersion and adventure, providing access to a part of the world that few people would ever be fortunate enough to experience in their lifetime. There will be distances to suit all runners; with marathon, half marathon, and 10.5km, all taking place on a looped jungle trail course. With race capacity intentionally limited, esti...
Sports travel bucket list: Matterhorn, Mont Blanc and Alps weekend hiking adventures
Bucket List, Holidays & Trips

Sports travel bucket list: Matterhorn, Mont Blanc and Alps weekend hiking adventures

Walking tour operator Ramble Worldwide has expanded its portfolio of “Weekend Adventures” – a range of UK and European short breaks for experienced walkers which were launched in 2025.  A further four high-impact escapes in spectacular mountain settings across Mont Blanc and the Alps have been released. A choice of 17 Weekend Adventures are now available.  Here we take a look at the new weekend options…  Matterhorn Weekend: Alpine Hiking in the Swiss Alps (Grade 7)  Set amongst the iconic backdrop of the Matterhorn, this unforgettable trip is designed for walkers seeking breathtaking scenery and exhilarating mountain trails. With expert Ramble leaders guiding the way, travellers follow rugged paths through glacier-polished valleys dotted with wildflowers and panoramic...
Sports travel bucket list: a guide to winter in the Tatra Mountains
Bucket List, Editor's Pick

Sports travel bucket list: a guide to winter in the Tatra Mountains

The Tatra Mountains’ growing appeal as one of Europe’s best winter sports destinations is gaining momentum year-on-year. Inviting thrill-seekers and families to experience resorts like Tatranska Lomnica and Strbske Pleso, which are ideal for intermediate to advanced skiers, to the family-friendly slopes of Stary Smokovec rated as easy-to-moderate and all connected via the Tatra Electric Railway line and Jasna, one of central Europe’s best and largest ski resorts, catering for all levels of skier. However, this bucket-list guide to winter in the Tatra Mountains will give a different perspective of this spectacular region, one which will inspire, educate, explore and ultimately encourage you to add these life experiences to your memory banks. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--0mH...
Sports travel bucket list: an epic cycling holiday from Barcelona to Porto
Bucket List, Holidays & Trips

Sports travel bucket list: an epic cycling holiday from Barcelona to Porto

Adding to Saddle Skedaddle’s growing list of iconic cycling journeys, the new 22-day guided road cycling holiday from Barcelona in Spain to Porto in Portugal takes riders on an epic 935-mile adventure along the Iberian Peninsula.  Starting in Barcelona, the route leaves the hustle and bustle of the city behind to reach the wide-open skies of southern Catalonia. After weaving through endless vineyards in the Penedès wine region (homeland of Cava), the scenery transforms into oak and pine forests in the foothills of the Prades Mountains. Crossing the River Ebro for the first time, the quiet village of Bot marks the gateway to the rugged Ports de Tortosa-Beseit mountains as the scenery changes again, with jagged limestone cliffs rising against the open sky.  Passing through an...
Sports travel bucket list: exploring Stockholm Archipelago on two wheels
Bucket List, Holidays & Trips

Sports travel bucket list: exploring Stockholm Archipelago on two wheels

Home to 30,000 islands and islets, Stockholm’s archipelago is a unique mix of nature and culture – which makes it an ideal addition to any sports travel bucket list. Saddle Skedaddle’s new seven-day, self-guided cycling holiday hops between islands by ferry and bike to explore a landscape shaped by land and sea. Starting in Sweden’s capital Stockholm – a city built across 14 islands and connected by a network of bridges – the riding begins with a relaxed spin around Royal Djurgården, a leafy island right in the heart of the city. After travelling by ferry to Bogesundslandet, peaceful forest tracks, gravel tracks and quiet roads lead the way to the harbour town of Vaxholm, often referred to as the ‘capital of the archipelago’. There’s a choice of two different routes on the ride to Fa...
Sports travel bucket list: Traws Eryri mountain bike holiday in North Wales
Bucket List, Holidays & Trips

Sports travel bucket list: Traws Eryri mountain bike holiday in North Wales

Following the Traws Eryri Cycling UK route, Saddle Skedaddle’s new seven-day guided mountain bike holiday in Eryri National Park covers some of the best off-road trails North Wales has to offer. Starting with a loop ride on Mach Trails, riders follow a mix of steep gravel climbs and flowy single-track descents, while taking in sprawling views over the Plynlimon mountains. Riding deeper into the heart of North Wales, an alpine-style singletrack road leads up the historic Ffordd Ddu to uncover views of Barmouth Bay as Eryri National Park comes into view.  Crossing the Grade II-listed Penmaenpool Toll Bridge across the River Mawddach to the lower Wynach Valley, gravel tracks take riders to the remote lake of Llyn Cwm-mynach. The route then jumps off the official Traws Eryri route to e...
Sports travel bucket list: Loch Ness and Great Glen Way walking holiday 
Bucket List, Editor's Pick, Holidays & Trips

Sports travel bucket list: Loch Ness and Great Glen Way walking holiday 

Self-guided walking holiday specialist Inntravel has launched a number of new European itineraries for 2026, ranging from the wild atmosphere of Loch Ness in Scotland to the Prosecco Hills of northeastern Italy.  Among the other introductions for the year ahead are Spain’s oldest National Park, the wild Picos de Europa, and its ‘Green Coast’, and a single centre walking holiday in the whitewashed fishing village of Calella de Palafrugell on the quiet side of the Costa Brava.  In this new addition to the sports travel bucket list, we look at Inntravel’s walking holiday to the most famous glen and loch in the Scottish Highlands.  Loch Ness and the Great Glen Way  Explore both shores of Loch Ness on this self-guided holiday based at a stylish four-star hotel in Fort Augustus. The ren...
Sports travel bucket list: ultimate basketball fan experiences with NBATrips
Bucket List, Holidays & Trips

Sports travel bucket list: ultimate basketball fan experiences with NBATrips

For basketball lovers, few experiences compare to stepping onto an NBA hardwood, tightening your laces, and running a full 5-on-5 game just hours before the pros take the floor. Yet this is not an unrealistic bucket list item, it’s the signature experience delivered by luxury basketball travel company NBATrips. Over the past four years, NBATrips has rapidly evolved into a global leader in high-end NBA travel experiences. Drawing fans from more than 20 countries – including, for the first time this season, the United States – the company offers immersive, meticulously curated journeys built entirely around the world’s greatest basketball league. Each seven- to 10-day adventure caters to around 50 guests and centres on three to five NBA games in iconic hoops destinations such as Los Angel...
Sports travel bucket list: horse trekking into Mongolia’s untamed wilds
Bucket List, Holidays & Trips

Sports travel bucket list: horse trekking into Mongolia’s untamed wilds

For travellers seeking a truly off-grid adventure, World Expeditions’ newest experience – the Central Mongolia Horse Trek Expedition – is one to add to your sports travel bucket list. Launching in June 2026, this remote expedition blends endurance travel, cultural immersion and wilderness exploration, offering an extraordinary chance to retrace the ancient riding trails of the Mongol Empire.  Spanning sweeping steppe, forested valleys and rugged mountain passes, the journey takes travellers deep into the Khentii Mountains, birthplace of Genghis Khan and heartland of Mongolia’s nomadic civilisation. This is a region where roads fade into rivers, where horizons seem endless, and where the horse remains central to daily life.  Across multiple days of point-to-point riding, guests p...
Sports travel bucket list: a ski touring weekend in Norway’s Lofoten Islands
Bucket List, Holidays & Trips

Sports travel bucket list: a ski touring weekend in Norway’s Lofoten Islands

With travellers already mapping out their 2026 ski escapes, Norway has emerged as one of the world’s trending luxury destinations – ranking third among the “on the rise” hotspots in the 2026 Virtuoso Luxe Report.  As active travel continues to surge, a new ski touring weekend in the Lofoten Islands by high-end Norwegian travel brand Norrøna Adventure is the kind of bucket list experience drawing global attention. For sports travellers seeking pristine slopes, rugged landscapes and authentic Nordic culture, this four-day journey offers a rare chance to ski where mountains meet the sea. Set for 12-15 March 2026, the experience in northern Norway blends world-class ski touring with the storied charm of Henningsvær, a fishing village known for its colourful houses, artistic heritage and ...
Sports travel bucket list: a women’s padel-wellness retreat in Bali   
Bucket List, Holidays & Trips, Trends

Sports travel bucket list: a women’s padel-wellness retreat in Bali   

Padel and wellness, two of the fastest-growing trends in sport and active travel, are the focus of a new experience hosted by Goddess Retreats. The Padel Goddess Retreat in Seminyak, Bali, is the world’s first women-only padel, yoga, and wellness retreat – and one of the most exciting new additions to our global sports travel bucket list. Blending professional padel coaching with yoga, cultural rituals, unlimited spa treatments and boutique villa living, this seven-day, six-night all-inclusive retreat invites guests to play, connect and reset in a vibrant, supportive setting. Whether you're a curious beginner or a committed padel fan, this Bali getaway delivers movement, mindfulness and meaningful community in paradise. Why padel and wellness is the next big trend Padel’s rise isn...
Ultimate ski bucket list: skiing under the Northern Lights tops poll
Bucket List, Holidays & Trips, Trends

Ultimate ski bucket list: skiing under the Northern Lights tops poll

A survey by ski holiday specialist Heidi has revealed the No.1 ski bucket list experience for UK skiers. Topping the list by a considerable margin is skiing under the Northern Lights, voted the must-do adventure across all age groups.  Participants rated 30 iconic ski experiences they’d love to tick off at least once in their lifetime. The magic of gliding across snow while the aurora dances overhead scored almost twice as highly as the average activity – making it the undisputed favourite.  In second place was another nocturnal thrill: night skiing under the stars, followed by tackling the world’s longest on-piste run – the legendary 22km descent from Klein Matterhorn to Valtournenche in the Zermatt-Cervinia ski area, crossing the Swiss-Italian border.  Interesting...
Sports travel bucket list: rent an ultra-luxury ski chalet for €550,000 per week
Bucket List, Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts

Sports travel bucket list: rent an ultra-luxury ski chalet for €550,000 per week

If your winter sports dreams include carving down world-class slopes by day and retreating to your own private Alpine palace by night, this one’s for the bucket list. London-based The Luxury Chalet Company has unveiled its most opulent winter portfolio yet – a collection of chalets so lavish they redefine what après-ski luxury means. With properties starting from €30,000 per week and soaring to an astonishing €500,000 per week (and sometimes beyond), these chalets are the ultimate in mountain indulgence. Guests can expect indoor swimming pools, private spas, cinema rooms, gyms, games lounges, wine cellars, and even grand pianos, alongside butlers, chefs, chauffeurs, and personal concierges. Cameron Temple, founder of The Luxury Chalet Company, said: “Our clients are looking for the u...
Sports travel bucket list: ‘Italian Swing’ golf trip on La Dolce Vita Orient Express
Bucket List, Holidays & Trips

Sports travel bucket list: ‘Italian Swing’ golf trip on La Dolce Vita Orient Express

For golf travellers who believe the journey should be every bit as memorable as the destination, the “Italian Swing” voyage aboard the La Dolce Vita Orient Express is a bucket list experience like no other. This four-day, three-night adventure fuses world-class golf with the romance of slow luxury travel – a rolling celebration of Italy’s landscapes, cuisine, and culture. Unveiled as part of the La Dolce Vita Orient Express’s series of curated Italian itineraries, the Italian Swing offers an indulgent round trip from Rome to Apulia, Siena, and Perugia, showcasing Italy’s finest fairways in cinematic style. Think golden Tuscan hills, medieval towns, coastal vistas, and evenings of exquisite dining – all wrapped in the timeless elegance of a train that redefines old-world glamour. Onbo...

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