Tag Archives: sports

Visiting Brazil in between the World Cup and the Olympics

Visiting Brazil at Carnival is the best possible time to see its culture in full motion...

Right now, there is no nation in the Americas that is as hot from a travel standpoint than Brazil. After hosting a successful World Cup despite the gloom and doom predictions of naysayers, this country is in better shape than ever to host travelers in its many interesting cities, towns and tourist attractions.

Between the World cup and the Olympics, there is still plenty of opportunity to book flights on TAM airlines and come down to South America’s largest country to experience Brazil before the crowds drive up prices once again.

With this in mind, here are some sights that you should check out in this diverse and laid back country…

Rio de Janeiro

Brazil’s most famous city sits in the shadow of Sugarloaf Mountain and faces the idyllic waters of the Atlantic with some of the world’s most famous beaches, making it a perfect introduction to Brazil as a whole.

After getting settled in your hotel, don’t deny yourself any longer – head straight for Copacabana Beach, a hive of activity where beach volleyball, football and surfing are pursued with gusto, while others are content to bake in the sun.

Before departing Rio, be sure to pay the Christ the Redeemer statue a visit if you’re into history, or go hang-gliding from the clifftops above the city if you are in need of a shot of adrenaline.

Manaus

If exploring the Amazon is high on your list of things to do, then flying to Manaus is your first step to discovering the secrets of its massive wild interior. Before renting a boat to take you deep into the heart of this wilderness though, be sure to take in a Nacional Futebol Clube match, Manaus’ football team.

They now have a shiny new stadium courtesy of the 2014 World Cup, a fact that the NFC’s supporters greatly appreciate. Before setting off in the bush, take time to also view the fabulous structures that the rubber trade has built over the years, most notably Teatro Amazonas, where free performing arts shows go regularly.

Salvador

Are you an enthusiastic party person? If so, coming to Salvador for Carnival 2015 will be a very smart move, as you will be able to duck the crowds that will almost certainly be present in 2016 in the lead up to the Olympics.

This is the place that boasts the world’s biggest celebration of the week before the start of Lent, a time where Salvador’s residents celebrate decadence before the penance and self-denial that defines the 40 day season.

While the prices and the amount of people here will be less this year than next, be sure to book early regardless, as prices on remaining accommodations shoot up dramatically the closer one gets to the big week.

When you aren’t reveling, Salvador’s numerous museums, churches, and sublime beaches will occupy what time remains in your trip here.

Cool Infographic About the Winter Olympics 2014 in Sochi!

The Winter Olympics 2014 in Sochi, Russia are still pumping and I just found this cool infographic Crystal Ski produced about Great Britain’s participation. Check it out, it’s pretty fun and has info about Olympic athletes, sports, predictions and some interesting facts.

Sochi Olympics 2014

Top 5 European Sports Destinations

Skiing in Chamonix, France

The diverse range of sporting competitions in Europe mean there are some fantastic destinations to visit all year round.  More familiar sports such as rugby and soccer can be found along with a whole range of winter games, obviously less recognizable in the UK and Ireland. For those interested in booking a trip over to the continent for a sporting holiday, here are our top 5 locations to visit.

Soccer

Dortmund, Germany

After experiencing the urban charms of Berlin, head to Dortmund to take in one of the better soccer clubs on the European continent. The higher exposure we have had to German soccer in recent years has also made us more aware of the sheer brilliance of their fans at games. No club typifies this more than Borussia Dortmund who have not just experienced success on the pitch but who have also been commended for their fans’ performance off it. Their Westfalenstadion has become a haven for football fans who wish to taste the imposing atmosphere of a Dortmund home game. Around 80,000 fans, many of them standing and constantly bouncing, make a plethora of noise throughout the 90 minutes of domestic and European games.

Skiing,

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France

Located at the foot of Mont Blanc in the French Alps, Chamonix is one of the most glamorous and popular winter sports destinations in the world. The town itself is naturally geared towards the skiing and snowboarding industries, whilst there are a wide range of budget and luxury accommodation options also. In terms of skiing itself, the more advanced slopes within the range are recognised as some of the most challenging and adrenalin-fuelled in the world. There are many courses for beginners and amateurs also which give us mere mortals a chance to enjoy the resort as well.

Rugby Union

Cardiff, Wales

Being the national stadium of Wales, the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff holds numerous sporting and cultural events. However, it is most commonly associated with rugby and the tremendous atmosphere generated for Wales home games. Although it is only the 5th largest ground in terms of capacity, the passion of the Welsh rugby fans always provides for a thrilling encounter on the pitch. First opened in 1999, retractable roof is another prominent feature of the stadium.

Golf

Perthshire, Scotland

Within Perthshire lies the luxury hotel of Gleneagles which encompasses world class golf courses within its vicinity. These include the famous King’s Course, Queen’s Course and PGA Centenary Course which attract many prominent players for events every year. Furthermore, in September 2014 Gleneagles will host the Ryder Cup battled out between the U.S.A and Europe; this is perhaps the most well-known golf tournament in the world with the top players competing in the exciting match play format.

Basketball

Moscow, Russia

In a sporting sense, Moscow may be more recognised for its wealth of soccer teams but it also home to one of the most successful basketball teams in Europe also. Being one of the top-ranked sides, PBC CSKA Moscow regularly do well in the Euroleague and have won the competition twice already in its young existence. Being one of the richest basketball teams in Europe, they also attract some of the continent’s best players meaning their games are definitely worth a watch.