The 10 Most Irresistible Travel Destinations On The 2016 Sports Calendar
We all know what the new year means: resolutions, financial goals and a whole new round of tax returns to add to a batch of savings that will inevitably be used on vacations.
Yeah, we know how this game works. And "game" is really the key word here because if there's anything you should be looking toward for help in picking your next destination, it's the sports world.
Have the itch to reward yourself with a good vacation down the line? We've got you covered. Here are the 10 best destinations on the sports calendar in 2016:
Aspen - Winter X Games: January 28-31
Aspen needs no introduction as a winter resort destination, but the arrival of the X Games adds a new flair into the mix.
The X Games make Aspen the site for extreme sports competitions and a music festival rolled into one event.
Clearly, being there is much better than watching on ESPN.
Toronto - NBA All-Star Weekend: February 11-14
With the All-Star Weekend headed to "The 6," you can expect your usual group of famed celebrities making their way up north for basketball's biggest celebration.
The added twist this year? Well, we're gonna go out on a limb and guess our favorite Canadians, Bieber and Drake, will have something to do with a few off-court festivities.
ASW is already poppin' as it is. Now just imagine the prospect of Drizzy adding a little bit of OVO Fest flavor to the weekend. Yeah, uh, we'll see you there.
Dubai - Dubai World Cup: March 26
No, this has nothing to do with soccer. What we're talking about here is a thoroughbred race with $10 million on the line in the middle of the desert for the main event.
A total of $30 million in prize money will be handed out at the Meydan Racecourse in Dubai. For those who already enjoy the atmosphere of the Kentucky Derby, the novelty of visiting this Emirate will be cause for excitement.
You can either go or feel serious FOMO watching the action unfold on the inevitable live Snapchat story.
Monte Carlo - Monaco Grand Prix: May 27-29
The Monaco GP is the holy grail of F1 racing combined with incomparable views and the luxurious ambiance of Monte Carlo.
Habitual attendees will tell you there is a unique electricity during GP weekend in Monaco with super-exclusive parties like the star-studded Amber Lounge. It's no wonder the likes of Kendall Jenner and Cristiano Ronaldo roll into town for the event.
Milan - UEFA Champions League Final: May 28
The greatest club competition in soccer meets one of the fashion capitals of the world.
That means the chance to see Da Vinci's art, shop at the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and visit the Milan Cathedral before joining 80,000 people at the San Siro Stadium, one of the true cathedrals of European football.
France - UEFA Euro 2016: June 10-July 10
Now is the time for you to fulfill your ambition of traveling through France for the summer.
Not only will you be able to pass through Les Champs-Élysées and dine on the south coast in Marseille but with 24 national soccer teams and their fans set to touchdown in France for a month, you'll encounter so much more.
And, if France actually wins the Final in Paris, you can bet on being a part of one of the biggest celebrations the world has ever seen, especially considering what the city has been through.
London - 130th Wimbledon Championships: June 27-July 10
There's no place on earth to enjoy tennis like Wimbledon. The tournament is always noted for its intimate atmosphere and vintage feel.
Because the All England Club is a fairly notable trip away from central London, we suggest you satisfying you guiltiest of shopping pleasures at Harrods, dine in Soho, take a trip to Buckingham Palace all before reserving a day to watch Serena Williams assert American dominance in the face of the British crown (sorry, such arrogance can't resisted).
Huntington Beach - Vans US Open: July 23-30
The US Open of Surfing is one big party disguised as a sporting event. For one week in Huntington Beach, CA you can expect there to be just as many surfing enthusiasts as there are people who don't know a thing about the sports and are just there to have a good time and meet beautiful people.
We don't blame them, either. For an event that features a surfing tournament, Cali summertime fun, musical acts, skateboard and BMX invitationals all rolled into one, the Vans US Open is definitely worth visiting.
Da Nang - Asian Beach Games: September 24-October 3
This Vietnamese city is sure to show you something new.
You can experience majestic mountainous views, ancient ruins and exotic cuisine while discovering new sports at the beach, like soccer/volleyball hybrid Sepak Takraw.
If you've never heard of Da Nang, allow this video to take your breath away.
Rio de Janeiro - Summer Olympic Games: August 5-21
Forget the Rose Bowl, this is the granddaddy of 'em all.
It's Rio, it's Copacabana, it's Christ the Redeemer. It's Usain Bolt racing to the finish line, Michael Phelps swan song and the last chance Kobe Bryant may ever get to shoot a basketball in his professional career.
It's a destination that's probably on your bucket list to begin with paired with an all-you-can-eat buffet of sports. There's something for everyone at this table and the whole world is invited.
