Traveling to support your team makes some of the best memories of your life. So why risk turning them into something you would rather forget? Billions of people all over the world enjoy sports such as women’s cricket. But just by traveling, you can open up some issues in the situation. From staying sober to emergency planning, here’s how you can make the most of it.
Don’t Burden Yourself
You may or may not have to travel far to support the team you love. It can be a case of going to the next town over or to another continent entirely! In any case, it is best to travel light on match day. If you have a hotel booked, you can leave your stuff there. Transport hubs, especially those in major cities, have plenty of storage services you can use. For example, you can use Paddington Station luggage storage, and storage in other stations in the London Tube.
Stay Sober when Traveling to Support Your Team
We see it almost every time there is a major sports event. Drunk supporters are making fools of themselves, often before the match has even started! It’s all too easy to think of drunk men at football games doing this. But women aren’t so innocent either! Maybe the figures are better now, but a report by The Mirror in the UK found that arrests of drunk women increased by 1,100% in 2008! Women’s cricket is unlikely to have this kind of behavior, but it’s not impossible!
Get Excited while On Your Way
There’s nothing quite like the butterflies in your stomach as you anticipate the glory of winning a huge match. From the moment you wake up, if you even sleep, you can feel yourself getting excited. You can also use your time traveling to get even more excited to show your support for your team. Watching pundits on live streams can help get insights for the game ahead. You can also take part in social media discussions about the technicalities and predictions of the match.
Stay in Touch with Your Friends
Traveling can be a wonderful way to experience the world. But being alone poses many hazards. There are many obvious dangers for women. But men are also subjected to violence and abuse. If you are alone, you can be a target for aggressive yobs on the opposing team. Stay in touch with friends and family and keep them updated about where you are and what you are doing. This will help keep track of you and ensure you can be found in an emergency.
Traveling to Support Your Team with Respect
Traveling to another country or even city means things will be expected to be done in a certain way. All too often, we can forget we aren’t at home! So, here are some tips for travel respect:
- Always stay respectful of the culture of the country you are visiting.
- Don’t engage in petty arguments against supporters of the other team.
- Do as authorities and game officials tell you when attending the match.
- Don’t get involved with other people’s business, such as ticket complaints.
- Be respectful or even supportive when near players from the opposing team.
- Ensure you enter the sporting ground safely and calmly as you get to your seat.
- Calmly exit the sports grounds after the game, and don’t hang around outside.
Common sense prevails when traveling and attending sports matches. It’s okay to be enthusiastic, but it can sometimes go too far. Try to remain calm and do as authorities instruct.
Travel Together if Possible
There is strength in number when traveling to a sporting game, and not just for protection. When you travel in a group, you are much more likely to have more fun because you can engage with friends around you. Like your sports team has each other’s backs, so does your own team of friends. There’s nothing like attending a sports game with others who are just as excited as you are. The excitement, tension, and relief are amplified when you come together as supporters.
Get to Know the Destination
Getting out to support your team can be like a mini vacation. If you are traveling to another part of the world or another city in your country, take the time to get to know the place. Many supporters like to arrive the day before the game so they can experience what the city has to offer. If you are stuck for time, you can always arrive early in the morning to sample the local culture. A heart breakfast traditional to the region is a great way to start the match day!
Plan for Emergencies when Traveling to Support Your Team
Anything can happen when you are traveling. Whether it’s at home or abroad, there’s always the chance of an emergency. When abroad, up to 50% of visitors become ill or are injured every year. This could be even higher if you are attending a sporting event where there are rowdy crowds. One would expect supporters at a women’s cricket match to behave, but you never know! Ensure you have local emergency contacts in your phone and keep your family updated.
Double, Check You Have the Essentials
There are a few things you need when traveling. Of course these should be double or even triple checked. First, make sure you have your passport, even if you are attending a game in your country. A passport solves many issues and acts like a universal ID. Then, also check you have your match tickets. Imagine getting half way across the world only to find you can’t get in! Also check you have brought medication and have the necessary documentation for them.
Summary
Traveling lightly by storing stuff in transport lockers is a great tip when traveling to support your team. You will also have a much more enjoyable time if you stay respectful of the law, locals, and opposing supporters. Before you leave, check if you have what you need, such as tickets!
Loves all things female cricket