Sporting events are becoming a central part of vacation planning. The start of the NFL regular season, the US Open, and college football tailgating have kicked off, drawing travelers. Many are building entire getaways around these events, adding restaurants, cultural attractions, and popular spots to their itineraries.

Travel expert Tomeka Jones notes that sports tourism is a major trend. Expedia reports that a significant percentage of travelers attend sporting events while on trips. This number is even higher among younger generations.

Further details on turning sports travel into a full vacation getaway are available, including recommendations for making the most of a trip to the US Open.