by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 2:40 PM ET, Thu July 18, 2024
For those who may be heartbroken about not being able to attend the Olympics this year in Paris, all is not lost.
There＊s always Italy in 2026 for the Winter Games in Milan-Cortina. And if that doesn＊t work for your schedule either, consider Los Angeles, California for the Summer Olympics in 2028.?
But here＊s the key, you should really start planning now. (Or, like yesterday.)
The helpful travel experts at AAA have even published some tips to help you get the process started.
Here＊s their official to-do check-list for globetrotters who missed the Paris event or are simply hoping to see an upcoming Olympics in person, rather than on television.
PHOTO: The Olympics rings (photo via Flickr/The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)
Summer or winter?
In case you missed the memo, the Olympics take place every two years in different locations worldwide.
That means after the Paris extravaganza , the next Olympics will take place in winter in Milan-Cortina, Italy, during which some 16 sports will be showcased. Everything from the wonders of luge, curling and bobsleigh will be on display for the event, which is set to commence on February 6, 2026.
?
And after that, there＊s the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, California from July 14, 2028 through July 30, 2028. For that event, attendees will be able to take in everything from aquatics to archery, cycling and judo.
So the first pressing question for you as the traveler is this: Winter? Or summer?
※Decide which experience you want 每 colder climate or warmer weather 每 and which location you prefer 每 overseas or closer to home,§ say the AAA tips.
Connect with a travel agent
Planning a big trip around a major event can feel just a tad overwhelming. But experienced travel agents can walk you through the process and make getting your trip booked far less stressful.
And here＊s the date you＊ll want to mark on your calendar: March 2025.
Why, you ask?
Because flights are released 11 months out. That means, if you＊re considering the Italy Olympics in February 2026, you won＊t be able to book flights until March 2025, says AAA.
Lodging meanwhile, may be one of your biggest expenses whether you opt for Winter Olympics in Italy or summer in Los Angeles.
For example, AAA booking data shows Paris hotels during the Summer Olympics are more than 100 percent more expensive this year compared to last. That means you'll want to budget accordingly or get creative to find less costly accommodations.
Protect your investment
※When you＊re spending time and money planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip, you don＊t want to leave much to chance,§ say the experts at AAA.
Obtaining travel insurance during the booking process protects you from unforeseen events, like medical emergencies or trip interruption.?And with the next Olympic events still a few years off, pretty much anything can happen.
Planning to drive?
If you＊ve never driven in Italy, consider this your warning: It＊s not for the faint of heart.
※If you＊re planning to rent a car, consider getting an International Driving Permit (IDP), which translates your driver＊s license information into 10 languages,§ advises AAA.
What＊s more, some countries 每 including Italy 每 require it.
AAA is the only entity in the U.S. authorized by the State Department to issue an IDP. But don＊t apply for one too early: IDPs can＊t be issued more than six months in advance of your trip.
Make the most of your trip
There＊s so much to see and do in Italy, one could spend a lifetime there and still not cover it all. Meaning, plan to spend a little time there before or after the Olympic Games if your schedule and budget can accommodate it.
Los Angeles, and California in general, also offer countless attractions for visitors.
※After you＊ve attended the Olympic events of your choice＃stay longer and explore other cities 每 or even countries 每 in the region,§ says AAA.
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