Celebrate the upcoming games in destinations from World Cups past and join in the predictions for host country of the future. With the first game set to kick off in New Zealand on 9 September, Rugby fans around the world will be gearing themselves up to watch their favourite teams battle it out on the pitch. What better way to ease the tension than by combining it with a holiday while taking bets on who will win the bidding war to host in 2023? Argentina has our vote.
Argentina
Where better to start than Buenos Aires? One of the world’s most spectacular cities is also known for being the most European city in South America. Characterised by cobbled streets, hip neighbourhoods and stunning architecture, its sights are best explored by foot. Take a stroll over to the Plaza de Mayo and witness the balcony from which Evita famously greeted her crowds at Casa Rosada. For a touch of nature, head just 30 minutes outside the city for horseback riding and Polo matches. The Iguazu Falls are also a must see; twice as wide as and taller than Niagra Falls, this is the world’s most impressive cascade of water. Sun seekers can hit the beach at Mar del Plata, the country’s most famous beach resort that also boasts its own impressive metropolis.
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New Zealand
Kick off with the games in Auckland. The City of Sails derives its name for being home to the famous yacht-filled Waitemata. It’s also known for its scattering of 50-plus dormant volcanoes, which, combined with the metropolis, make for stunning views. Visitors can marvel at Auckland’s Sky Tower, the 12th highest in the world and the 90-kilometre views that it offers. Strong-hearted adventure seekers can also bungee jump off the tower as well as the famous Auckland Harbour Bridge. For the more “tame” of heart, Rotorua is widely known for being New Zealand’s tourist town. Visitors can enjoy authentic Maori culture and historic sites as well as indulging in its therapeutic thermal attractions including geysers, mud and hot pools. The country’s beaches are numerous and varied comprising everything from white to black sand. Surfers can chase the waves in Auckland, Whangarei and New Plymouth.
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England
For those who’d rather keep things “staycation” for the remainder of the year, why not celebrate by exploring England? Take a weekend break in Bath, the historic city of Roman baths and Georgian architecture, and the basis of many a Jane Austen novel. Or for pampering of a different kind, indulge in the tranquillity of the trendy Cotswolds and watch the games from a countryside gastro pub. For a rowdy experience of the intellectual variety, hit the university towns of Oxford or Cambridge. The former is known as the City of Dreaming Spires, boasting a famous Art Gallery among its lively pubs and restaurants, while the latter hosts some of Europe’s finest medieval structures.
France
From urban sophistication to quaint rural villages, France has something for every travel taste, but for the purposes of a World Cup celebration, look no further than its capital city, Paris. The stunning City of Lights delivers culture, history and people watching by day in the form of world-famous museums such as the Louvre, fairy tale-like structures such as Notre Dame, and street side cafes from which to watch the “chic” go by. By night it dazzles with romantically lit avenues like the Champs Elysees and Boulevard Saint-Germain. Visitors can celebrity watch at venues such as Hotel Costes and Buddha Bar, or keep it casual in one of the city’s many bars or bistros where you can order a “steak frites” while watching le Rugby and yelling “goal” in a French accent along with the locals.
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South Africa
After hosting last year’s football World Cup, South Africa is on a roll in the popularity stakes as a holiday destination. Head to the progressive and trendy Cape Town, southern Africa’s oldest city where visitors are spoilt for choice for things to do. Feast your eyes on the fascination of whale watching, head to the beach, visit the Winelands or simply take your pick of hip bars, restaurants and clubs. Alternatively, stop off at the more brash city of Johannesburg, which is close to Kruger National Park, the most famous wildlife reserve in the world where visitors can indulge in a cycling safari then rest their feet at a luxury game lodge.
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Australia
Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth – Australia has no shortage of hip urban experiences to choose from set against a backdrop of sunshine, beach, wildlife and all manner of outdoor activity. Visitors can take their pick of things to do from hitting its trendy restaurants and cool bars by day or night, to swimming with dolphins and enjoying fun rides at theme parks such as Sea World and Wet ‘n’ Wild. Both Melbourne and Sydney are known for their shopping, while the latter also serves up the Opera House, Darling Harbour and its marine aquarium, and The Blue Mountains for views of the valley below. Beach lovers can get sun soaked at the world famous Bondi beach with its spectacular promenade on the beach front.
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Wales
Scenic cycling, raucous Cardiff nightlife, year-round festivals, rugby games, mountain hiking and river kayaking are just a few of the many things to be enjoyed on a visit to Wales. Cardiff happens to be one of the UK’s hottest cities for going out, while the country itself is rich in history, housing one of Europe’s largest groups of medieval fortresses. For those wanting to experience a small-town vibe in the literal sense, St David’s is Britain’s smallest city and happens to be the birthplace of Wales’ patron saint who left behind his 6th-century monastery comprising St. David’s Cathedral, which still operates as a church and comes complete with grounds full of ancient tombs for visitors to explore.
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Scotland
Mountain-top castles, kings in kilts and historical legends such as Braveheart and the Loch Ness Monster enchant all of those who visit this land of rolling hills and year-round festivals. Edinburgh is one of the country’s most famous attractions for both culture and the highland games. Book a tour of Ediburgh Castle then tour the city, taking in its gothic architecture and winding medieval streets. Movie fans should head to Midlothian for a visit to Rosslyn Chapel and retrace steps from the Da Vinci Code. The capital is also host to the world’s biggest festival, the Fringe, which transforms it into one big party every year. It goes without saying that the Scots are huge rugby fans and will almost surely have a pub around every corner from which to down some lager or some whisky and yell support at the TV screen.
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Ireland
Ireland doesn’t fall short of variety for attractions and things to do. Head over to Northern Ireland and explore the enchanting nature in beautiful areas such as the Mourne Mountains and Sperrins or Lough Neagh, the largest fresh water lake in the UK. Take a drive down the Causeway Coastal Route for breath-taking views along 80 miles of coastline. Stop off for highlights such as Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge, Dunluce Castle and White Rocks Beach, along the way. For those more inclined towards the city, Dublin is the perfect place to enjoy a rugby themed break. Head to famous pubs like Davy Bynes and Mulligans of Poolbeg street after a day of roaming the shopping districts of Grafton Street and Henry Street.
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Japan
Smaller than the UK, but with twice its population, Japan boasts bustling futuristic cities, mountainous forest regions and stunning coastal areas with white sand beaches drenched in sunshine and high temperatures. Visitors to Tokyo can check out the short-stay “love hotels” unique to Japan or visit the Tsujiki fish market for freshly caught, soon-to-be sushi. For a piece of nature witnessed from the city, head up to the famous Tokyo Tower, which offers views that extend all the way to Mount Fuji. And whether you’re a gadget lover or not, Japan’s Electric Town, Akihabara, is a must-see.
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(Images: Buenos Aires – Mr.Boombust; Auckland – Kiwi Flickr; England – srboisvert; Paris – wlappe; Cape Town –
eguidetravel; Australia – Aschaf; Wales – col&tasha; Edinburgh – CmdrGravy; Ireland –
l.bailey_beverley; Japan – Marc Veraart)
