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An organised sports tour can be a highlight for any tourist but don't forget to see the world's best landmarks.

Playing Sport Overseas
If you're a keen amateur sportsman then it can be a true test of your ability to go on tour and put your talents up against your counterparts from overseas. Whether you're into rugby, football, cricket, or any other team sport, it's worth seeking out a trip for your club.

The level of sport can vary tremendously all across the world so from a purely sporting point of view, it's great to test your ability against players from overseas but there are other benefits too. On a sports tour, you can look forward to a great social life for the period of the trip and you can guarantee making some new friends along the way.

Watching Sport Abroad
Whether you're a keen sporting enthusiast or just somebody who is passionate about their favourite game, there is a great thrill in watching an event while on a professionally organised tour. Over the next two years there are some intriguing competitions in prospect including the 2013 British and Irish Lions rugby visit to Australia, while cricket sees back to back Ashes series in England and Australia.

You can of course organise your own trip but if you take a package tour then you can guarantee seats for as many games as you want to witness. The best tours also employ notable former players as your guides so you can get a real insight into the participants' way of thinking.

Once again, you can expect some great social events along with some top local sightseeing and that's why many travellers view a sporting tour as their true trip of a lifetime.

Seeing the sights
If you are lucky enough to be able to travel on a tour of this kind then sport is obviously going to be the main focus for everyone in the party. The trip pivots around sporting events but there is plenty of time to see some of the world's best tourist sites too.

Take those rugby and cricket tours to Australia as an example. Naturally you'll want to see the Lions in action or the English cricket team battling for the Ashes but suddenly you have a glorious opportunity to see some of the greatest tourist destinations in the world.

Both events take in Sydney where you can see the distinctive Opera House and Harbour Bridge while other cities such as Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth have their own unique attractions.
Australia is a good example of a sports tour that has added tourist benefits but the same principle applies no matter where you are in the world.

If you're taking part in a cricket or rugby tour, either as a player or a spectator then naturally sport is going to be your main focus. It will be a truly memorable adventure from this perspective but remember to take the opportunity to experience all that the individual country has to offer.

AUTHOR BIO
Alice Aires is a sport and travel journalist who has covered every British Lions rugby tour in the last thirty years. She combines both of his passions and her published work can be found on many websites all across the internet.

When you're thinking about choosing your next holiday, why not consider a boating holiday? Hiring your own boat is a great way to explore a region by following the canals and waterways within it. Read on to find out more about the benefits.

Why Boating?

It's a nice slow pace of life, other people you will meet on the river are friendly and helpful and you get a unique view of the country you are exploring. There are opportunities for fishing, cycling, sightseeing, plus history, culture and eating out in towns and villages along the way.

You decide where you go and when   you've got your very own accommodation with you so you don't need to worry about checking-out times or booking ahead. You can stop by a sunny river bank and spend a whole day chilling out or you can keep cruising into the evening.

You will enjoy the fresh air and countryside, but many rivers go through larger towns and cities too so you can even plan a stop there for a bit of urban exploration too.

It's Easier Than You Think!

It's simple to learn the basics of boating and it's not complex or dangerous   most vehicles you can hire only go at a few kilometres per hour and are they are usually steered with a wheel in a similar way to a car. You don't need a license and it doesn't even matter if you've never set foot on a boat before!

The only hazard you will have to contend with will be dealing with locks on canals, which are simpler than you might think. They are often automatic or electric and if not there may even be a lock-keeper to help you through, or other boating folk also waiting to get through who will lend a friendly hand.

It's hard to get lost when you're following a waterway   and when you do have to pick left or right you will be able to check your maps. You don't always have to moor at a designated marina, in many areas you can stop anywhere. If you need a pit-stop, to refill your water tank or plug into the electricity supply, there are plenty of marinas in most countries where you can use the facilities for a small fee. You might need to reserve a space during high season though so it's a good idea to call ahead.

There are many different types of boat available for hire, whether you're looking for a cosy vessel for a couple or a larger vehicle for a whole family group. They are surprisingly luxurious, usually with hot water on tap, well equipped kitchens, proper showers and toilets and sometimes even tv and air conditioning! You may not even need to plug into the mains when you moor as in most cases the engine charges the batteries which power the appliances and heat the water.

So now you know all the great features and advantages of canal boat hire, why not try it out for your next holiday. It's a great way to relax and enjoy quality time for yourself and your travelling companions.

AUTHOR BIO

Alice Aires writes regularly on a range of subjects including travel, adventure and canal boat hire for several websites and blogs.