With less than 50 days until the highly anticipated 'summer of football,' new research from KAYAK reveals that fans are turning the global tournament into a full-blown holiday. Rather than chasing expensive stadium seats in host countries or competing for tickets to local UK fan zones, nearly a third (32%) of football fans report they have planned or are planning a holiday that coincides with the tournament. Travellers are seeking sunny terraces and buzzing bars to enjoy late-night matches in a different country's atmosphere.
Top Destinations for Football Viewing Holidays
Spain emerges as the top 'dream destination' for football viewing on holiday, cited by 23% of fans, followed by Italy (15%), Portugal (12%), Greece (10%), and France (8%). These countries offer not only great weather but also vibrant football cultures that enhance the viewing experience.
Key Drivers Behind Football-Led Travel
KAYAK's research indicates that better weather (36%), visiting a new country (33%), going with friends and family (33%), and experiencing a different football culture (30%) are the main motivations for planning holidays around watching matches. The appeal lies in combining the excitement of football with a memorable vacation.
To assist fans in planning their perfect football-viewing escape, KAYAK has launched a dedicated guide that brings together the most searched European destinations during the tournament. The hub provides practical insights such as average flight and hotel prices, local beer costs, and how easy it is to find pubs with decent screens to watch the matches. According to the page, locations like Málaga in Spain, Rome in Italy, and Paris in France are well placed to meet fans' football holiday needs.
