South Africa’s undisputed beauty makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and the country is currently preparing for an influx of visitors from across the globe for this summer’s FIFA World Cup .

Unfortunately, however, South Africa has been hampered by a reputation for crime that instills fear amongst travellers that is both disproportionate and unnecessary. The reality is that whilst many of the country’s urban centres – notably Cape Town and Johannesburg – do have relatively high crime rates, there is no reason to be unduly concerned as long as you take the appropriate precautions.

Most of these are the same precautions you should take when visiting any unfamiliar territory. Namely, taking taxis rather than walking home late at night, avoiding ostentatious displays of material wealth, and trying to move around in groups rather than alone.

Another important tip for South Africa World Cup visitors is to always ensure your 2010 accommodation is sorted before you arrive in a city. Due to the vast numbers visiting the country for the tournament, hotels, hostels, B&Bs and camp sites will fill up quickly, and the last thing you want is to be left without a bed for the night and the prospect of sleeping on a park bench or in a shop doorway.

The safest way to travel across South Africa is by using one of the myriad of established and reputable tour operators who will provide you with a vehicle and a driver. However, if you are on a budget and intend to travel between cities by bus, be sure to place all valuables in your luggage, rather than anywhere that can be reached while you sleep.

Those planning to hire a car are likely to hear and read horror stories of car-jacking. This is actually a rare occurrence, and only really happens in busy cities like Johannesburg. However, vigilance is still required, and drivers are advised to always keep car doors locked. It is also recommended that – so long as it is safe to do so – you avoid stopping at traffic lights late at night. South African police will not treat this as a driving offence.

For visitors intending to spend their entire trip in one city, the standard advice applies. Avoid walking anywhere late at night, particularly if you’ve been drinking, and always plan your journey home before you head out for the evening. If possible, pre-book a registered taxi to take you back to your accommodation at the end of the night.

To reach the World Cup stadiums, visitors should make use of the shuttle buses that will be put on by tournament organisers and will operate from several points across each city. Alternatively, for those hiring a car, there will be park-and-ride schemes to help you on your way.

A safe spot to congregate before and after matches will be the official FIFA Fan Zones that will be set up in every host city across the country. These well-policed venues will allow fans to watch games live on big screens, and enjoy an array of entertainment options.

Above all else, enjoy yourself. This is a country with so much to offer, and you don’t want to spend your entire trip looking over your shoulder. Keep your wits about you, lap up the stunning scenery, and you’ll depart with nothing but incredible memories. Have a great World Cup!

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

Croke Park is the largest stadium in Ireland, holding 82,300 fans. It is located in the heart of Dublin, just a 15-minute walk from the main thoroughfare of O’Connell Street. Croker, as it’s called, is also the fourth largest Stadium in Europe making it a favorite stop for big touring rock bands like U2, Tina Turner, and Bon Jovi. In May 2008, an environmentally friendly program was launched that aimed at making the stadium carbon-neutral that focuses on electricity, waste and water management.

Where To Stay

There are several hotels within walking distance to meet all travel budgets. Located opposite the stadium is the four-star Jurys Corke Park Hotel, a contemporary 232-room hotel with complimentary parking. Rooms are air-conditioned with satellite TV and high-speed internet connections. Jurys Croke is also close to the Irish Museum of Modern Art, Hugh Lane Gallery, and the airport. Less than a mile away is Ireland’s oldest hotel, the Gresham Hotel. Since 1817 visitors to Dublin have enjoyed the luxurious rooms, afternoon tea, and hearty meals. The Gresham offers old world charm with modern amenities like WiFi, interactive TV, and room service.

Half a mile from the stadium is Glen Guesthouse, a luxurious family-run hotel that is very affordable. Start your day in the sunny dining room with a complimentary Irish breakfast. The friendly staff at the Glen Guesthouse will be happy to tell you how to enjoy the sites by foot, car, or double-decker bus. The Lynams Hotel is another 3 star within walking distance of Croker. Located on O’Connell Street, this boutique hotel is housed in two Georgian Townhouses facing the Dublin Spire. It maintains its warm Georgian ambiance while offering travelers modern amenities, with breakfast served until noon.

How To Get There

Croker is located in central Dublin, in the middle of a residential area so parking is limited and priority given to residents. Fans are encouraged to use public transportation- bus, rail, DART, and LUAS all bring you less than a 15 minutes walk from the stadium. DART, LUAS, and buses provide service from around Dublin, LUAS runs additional services to facilitate Croke events. If you are driving to Dublin, it is best to park and take one of these public transportation options to get closer to the stadium. There is also rail service from all over Ireland to get to Dublin, with extra local service on game days.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

Our guides will eventually cover all sports, but we are beginning with football. We currently have:

• Stadium information
• Directions to the ground
• Hotel recommendations
• Places of interest in the area.

Supporters’ clubs listings have also been discussed, and we’d like to know if you think they should be included in our guides.

So, what else would benefit you as a travelling football fan and ensure you get the most out of your trip?

We’d love to hear from you, the people we are ultimately writing for, to make sure we deliver the most useful advice possible. Please add a comment to this blog post, or talk to us on Twitter.

Thanks in advance!

Paul Joseph

MATCHhotels.com

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

Twickenham Stadium, or Twickers for short, is known as the home of English Rugby. Located in the London Borough or Richmond Upon Thames, it is the largest rugby stadium in the UK and seats 82,000 fans. Twickenham is home to the English Rugby union team who plays all of their home games at the stadium, and also hosts several other international and domestic rugby matches, as well as big touring rock bands like U2, The Police, and The Rolling Stones.

Where To Stay

Several hotels are within walking distance of the stadium and public transportation. The Bremic Guest House overlooks Twickers and is a great value for the money. This is a small 26-room bed and breakfast, most rooms en-suite. Just over a mile away from Twickers is the Lampton Guest House. 20 en-suite room are housed in this 5 story Victorian where you are assured a warm and friendly stay.

If you like a little more luxury when you travel, stay at the 4-star Continental Hotel. This contemporary 67-room hotel offers modern rooms with flat screen satellite TV and complimentary tea and coffee. There is a state-of-the-art Gold’s Gym on premises, free for all guests, including swimming pool, sauna, and massage. Their restaurant, Twentynine features delicious cuisine and full bar in stylish surroundings. The Riverside Hotel is located on the River Thames and it’s lounge and breakfast room offer gorgeous views of Richmond and the river. The rooms are comfortable and spacious, located near other points of interest like the Hampton Court Palace and Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew.

How To Get There

To get to the stadium from London, take the train from Waterloo or Reading straight to Twickenham Station.  The District Line and London Overground will take you to Richmond Station, which is also nearby. Buses are also a viable option, with a free shuttle bus to the stadium on game days. Driving to the stadium is not recommended due to the limited parking surrounding the stadium, congestion, and frequent road closure.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

Where to Stay

Cardiff’s grand old Angel Hotel was built in 1833 and still retains its Victorian air. The hotel underwent a refurbishment a few years ago, which has helped to restore it to its former glory. Situated between Cardiff Castle and the Millennium Stadium. The recently renovated Holiday Inn is one of the closest hotels to the Millennium Stadium. The hotel is located adjacent to the riverside walkway into Gate 1. From The Sandringham Hotel it is only a few minutes’ walk to the Millennium Stadium and less than a 10 minute walk to the Cardiff CIA. The Legacy Royal Hotel is situated on St Mary Street in the heart of Cardiff city centre. From here it is only a few minutes’ walk to the Millennium Stadium. The Marriott is located towards the back of Cardiff city centre within the Cafe Quarter on Mill Lane.

How To Get There

Automobile access to Millennium Stadium is through Gate 4 on Westgate Street in City Centre, Cardiff. Approaching from the east leave the M4 at J28, take the A48 and follow the signs. From the North, leave the M4 at J32, take the A470 South and follow the signs. From the West, leave the M4 at J33 and take the A4232 East and follow the signs. Parking is difficult as there is no parking within Millennium Stadium so parking will be extremely difficult.

Millennium Stadium is within five minutes walk of the Cardiff Central Railway Station and passengers can access the stadium leaving the station’s main entrance on the North side and exiting through gates 5,6 and 7 or by exiting through gates 2,3 or 4 and continuing around to gate 1 on Castle Street. Right next door it the Cardiff Central Bus Station. Passengers can access the stadium by exiting the bus station and exiting the same gates as shown for the railway station. The Cardiff Wales Airport is approximately 30 minutes away by car and the Bristol Airport is 40 minutes. You may want to take a taxi or public transport from the airport as there is no parking at the stadium.

There are many hotels within close proximity to Millenium stadium. Find yours at sports travel website MATCHhotels.com.

Credits: Thanks to BigCardiff.co.uk for the info on hotels near Millennium Stadium.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

Where to Stay

Staying within walking distance of the Riverside is also a convenient treat, especially since the Lumley Castle is the nearest hotel. This magnificent 4-star hotel overlooks the stadium, and the castle has been part of this countryside for over 600 years. Each of the 74 luxurious rooms are en suite and have complimentary WiFi. The Black Knight restaurant is so popular that you will need reservations.

Within 5 miles of the stands you will find several other quality hotels to accommodate different budgets and tastes. The Ramside Hall Classic Hotel and Golf Club has buildings dating back to 1820 on their 220-acre estate. The Ramside Golf Course boasts a 27-hole course, three loops of 9 holes, 14 lakes, and is known as one of the best courses in the area. The hotel offers babysitting, currency exchange, laundry and medical services, and has ample free parking. Close to Durham’s city center is the Hotel Bannatyne Durham. Guests enjoy complimentary use of the health club, with gym, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, and sauna.

Larger parties might enjoy a stay at the Radisson SAS Durham. All of the 207 guestrooms are air-conditioned and offer modern amenities like wireless internet and satellite TV. Complimentary newspapers are available in the lobby, where the multi-lingual staff will be happy to get you a taxi to the Riverside. No matter where you stay to watch the ODI at Riverside, you will enjoy the tradition and comfort of the English countryside.

How To Get there

Drivers to the Riverside are advised to get there early and carpool as parking is limited. You can also ride your bike as there are secured cycle racks. Several forms of public transportation are also available if you prefer to skip all those parking hassles. The local bus service is extensive, and easy to find your way to the stop only a few minutes walk from the stadium, at the Black Horse. Rail is also a convenient way to get to the match, especially if you are coming from farther away. The Chester-le-Street station is a 15-20 minute walk, sometimes there is a shuttle that takes fans to the stadium.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

Where to stay?

For a comparatively small town, you would not expect such an array of accommodations, however Monza isn’t just any small town and it is well supplied with many comfortable abodes for your stay. Only 15 minutes from Milan and facing the former summer residence of the Royal House of Savoy, the four star Hotel De La Villa Monza would be an excellent option. Not to be out-shone, the AS Hotel Monza’s 66 double rooms were designed to better satisfy distinct, business clients who demand a high-quality standard. And also boasting a four star rating, those 66 rooms are sure to be reserved quickly. The Royal Falcone – Monza is another “Impressive” four star accommodation smack dab in the center of Monza. With Wi-Fi and 20″ flat screen TV’s, the Royal Falcone seems to be the most technologically hip option.

For the more expense-wary traveler, the three star  Standard Hotel Milano is still close to the action and offers all the basic amenities: Wi-Fi, Air Conditioning, free breakfast, and “sound proofed rooms.”

Getting to the event

The formula one track is located in a public park in Monza, this town is located approximately ten miles from downtown Milan. Being located on the outskirts of Milan, Monza is interlaced with transportation modes. By car coming from the East or West, you would simply take A4 Highway (Turin-Milan-Venice) and exit ‘Monza’. From the North, you would take Milan-Lecco expressway(ss36) and from the south ‘Tangenziale Nord’ and take the Monza exit. By train you can leave from either the Garibaldi or Centrale stations, you can also travel by ATM bus line.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

Where to stay?

Spa has a myriad of  accommodations available. It is a very popular destination due to its natural springs. Spa’s tourism trade is a thriving one,  and as such, accommodations are available to suit any traveller.

Built in 1880, and remodeled in 1997, the A La Villa Des Fleurs has earned every one of it’s five stars with it’s multilingual, friendly and effecient staff. The Dorint Spa Balmoral is a much younger hotel, built in 1975, and remodeled only 2 years ago in 2007. It’s Four stars, and only 2km from the city center, and less than 10 from the racecourse. Le Pierre would be your ‘budget choice’ that’s anything but. With a private parking lot, and within walking distance from all of Spa’s Major attraction, Le Pierre would be the best choice for the traveller who is looking to cut out cost, and retain experience.

Getting to the event

There is an aerodrome on the outskirts of Spa, but Brussels is the nearest international airport to the event location at a two hour drive away. The only practical way to get to the event is by car. If you are unable to rent a car, your next option is to ride the rails to Liege. From there you can take one of the many buses that will be servicing traffic to and from the event.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

Where To Stay

The closest hotel to the racecourse is the Rutland Arms Hotel, located in the center of Newmarket. With a laundry service while you’re at the track ,  award-winning food, and the  Newmarket less than two miles away, the Rutland Arms is an excellent option if you’re interested in convenience. If you prefer to find a place to rack up rewards programs, then the Best Western Heath Court will be your choice. It offers the same service you expect and receive from other Best Western hotels and is a good place to hold your next conference. The ultimate in luxury can be found at the Bedford Lodge Hotel, Leisure and Restaurant. The only four star hotel located in Newmarket, it offers a feel of a modern hotel in a setting of the Victorian age.

How To Get There

The location of the racecourse is in Newmarket, which is centered between Suffolk and Cambridgeshire. It is situated 12 miles from Cambridge and about 60 miles away from London. The main two roads you can use to get to the course is the A 4 from east to west and the A11 from north to south. Several major roads connect to them, such as the A1/M1. If you wish to go by rail, you can go from, lets say, London or Liverpool and reach Cambridge; later you will take more trains or vehicles to reach Newmarket. Taxis will be able to take you to the racecourse; you can either flag one on the street or have one hired for you before you get there. During racedays, there are hired coaches that can take you to and from the racecourse for a small fee.

If you want to fly instead of driving, the Stansted Airport is about 45 minutes away from the racecourse. Regardless of how you get there, there will be two colored markers. The markers will show you which racecourse you will need to head to: red for the July Racecourse and blue for the Rowley Mile Racecourse.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

Where To Stay

For the longer events, or for just wanting to make a holiday in Ayr (or Scotland in general), there are at least 14 hotels that are within a mile of the racecourse. The closest to the racecourse is the Western House Hotel, which is 0.3 miles from Ayr. The Victorian style hotel offers not only location, but also 24 hour reception, Internet access and even currency exchange for those coming from other countries. If you want to be close to town, the Swallow Station Hotel in the center of Ayr is your best bet. The oldest hotel in Ayr, it offers 73 rooms and opportunities to pick up gifts for friends and loved ones back home. If a bed and breakfast is more of your style, the Kilkerran Guest House will be suited for you. It is run by a family and offers close location to local airports and personalized Scottish hospitality.

How To Get There

There are several ways to reach the racecourse; by air, land or rail. To reach it by car, the main road that you will need to find and get on is the A77. If you happen to come from the direction of Glasgow, you will need to take the M8, then jump on the A77. If you are heading from the south, you will have more roads to deal with. You first must get on the A74, then later the A70. You will need to get on the A713 before you even can reach the A77. The racecourse is hard to miss and can be reached from a dual carriageway. By rail, just head towards the Ayr rail station and take buses to the racecourse. Glasgow Prestwick airport is not that far from the course (approx 15 minutes), but if you plan to land at the racecourse itself, you can only do it with prior arrangements. Glasgow airport is about 45 minutes away from Ayr.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites