These major sporting events are worth travelling to, writes Megan Singleton.
I love the hype and hoopla of a big sporting match. It doesn't matter which code or which country, as long as the fans are mad, I'm into it. Here are five great sporting events in 2015 worth travelling to.
Don your lycra to look the part as you line the streets of the Tour de France. The race starts in Utrecht in the Netherlands this year and the city has been waiting 12 years for this moment. They are even building a garage that will house 20,000 bikes in anticipation of the riders that will embark on this 21-stage, 3344km tour winding through Belgium and into France.
2. The Rugby World Cup, September 18-October 31, UK
The Rugby World Cup sits at the pinnacle for all red-blooded Kiwis (male and female) and whether you're travelling with Ted and Beaver (aka Graham Henry and Stephen Donald) as part of "the team" of screaming fans or making your own way, this event promises to deliver on many levels. I'm looking forward to a few high teas, some shopping, oh, and wearing my All Blacks kit to ensure we make the final.
3. The AFL Grand Final, October 3, Australia
The AFL season started later this year, thanks to the Cricket World Cup, so that means the final has dribbled into October. The MCG will be packed with the loudest fans you've probably ever had the pleasure to bump plastic cups of beer with. I've never been to an Aussie Rules game, so this is on my Bucket List.
4. The World Series, October/November, USA
The Major League Baseball World Series runs into October and this year it could, depending if all seven games are required, trickle into the first week of November. I'd love to ask Americans how many countries play in the World Series. It's a question that dumbfounds them as they've never thought of it that way. However, all across the US during the World Series bars are jumping and fans are hollering. You don't have to be in the stadium to enjoy it.
5. The CME Group Tour Championship, November 19-22, USA
If you're a golf fan, or just a loyal Kiwi, the chance to watch Lydia Ko defend her title on the LPGA circuit at Naples, Florida will be an amazing opportunity. This tournament carries a $2 million purse on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Add a few days to head into the Everglades and check out the wildlife to celebrate Lydia's win, too.
For more from Megan, see bloggeratlarge.com.