Motivational quotes by greatest athletes are peppered with “journeys” and “destinations” – but on top of gold medals, trophies and metaphorical roads to greatness, sport offers serious motivation for travel.

Whether it’s unique events in stunning settings or bucket list tournaments in hallowed grounds, fans around the world are flying into far-flung locations to make sporting pilgrimages they’ll never forget.

It’s now easier than ever to travel to watch your heroes compete, or catch the biggest events – like this summer’s Olympics in Paris – while enjoying everything that destination has to offer while you’re there.

So go ahead and book a trip to one of these sporting shrines, where the sights, sounds and scenery are as inspiring as the on-field action.