The Year of Sports Travel: Why Fans Are Building Trips Around the Game

This episode takes you inside the booming world of sports travel for 2026, where global events like the FIFA World Cup are driving fans to create unforgettable journeys. Rachel Satow and Ashley Martinez share their personal experiences and industry expertise on event-led travel, fandom, and the evolving opportunities for travel and loyalty brands. Discover how families, superfans, and brands are navigating rising prices, creative trip planning, and the emotional highs of once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Tune in for practical insights, engaging stories, and fresh perspectives on the intersection of travel, passion, and community.Chapters(00:00) Major Sporting Events Drive Travel Demand(03:00) Emotional Value of Event-Led Trips(07:00) Expanding Travel Trends and Spillover Markets(10:00) Building Complete Itineraries and Packages(13:00) Emotional Dynamics of Sports Travel(18:00) Personalization and Hospitality Packages(24:00) Brand Loyalty and Tailored ExperiencesConnect with SwitchflyWebsite: https://www.switchfly.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/switchfly/X: https://twitter.com/switchflyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SwitchflyOfficial