The popularity of youth sports in America is at a fever pitch. According to Project Play, 56.1 percent of kids ages 6 to 17 participated in organized sports in 2021. The frequency of games can take over a family’s schedule, leaving little opportunity for anything else.
Make the most of your time on the road by approaching these trips like mini vacations. Here are five tips teaching you how.
As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.
Choose Amenities That Make Life Easier
Traveling for youth sports takes a lot of time, energy and investment, so choose accommodations that will keep your life as comfortable and hassle-free as possible. With more than 500 locations across the country, SpringHill Suites by Marriott makes finding a place to stay a breeze.
Search for hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy which are close to the field or arena where the team is playing, and book room blocks for the whole team. SpringHill Suites offers spacious suites with microwaves and mini-fridges for greater flexibility around meals and stylish decor courtesy of a partnership with West Elm.
Free hot breakfast eliminates morning stress and keeps everyone well-fed. Additional amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi, dedicated in-suite workspaces and a 24-hour market for late-night munchies.
Start with a Pool
Book a property with a large pool where everyone can relax and play during downtime. Hotels offering full-blown aquatic experiences will earn you bonus points with the kids. For instance, the River Bluff Water Experience at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa in Texas features a nine-acre water-filled paradise.
You’ll find two 275-foot-long tube slides, a sandy beach pool, a kiddie pool and an 1,100-foot lazy river for a leisurely float. The adults-only pool is a perfect escape for those moments when a little grown-up time is required.
Plan a Group Activity
Keep things on point by selecting accommodations close to sports-themed attractions. Try touring one of the more than a hundred sports museums across the country or a local arena. The Orlando World Center Marriott, for example, is a short drive from the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
Catch a game at the complex, and then grab a bite to eat at the on-site Sports Grill. For additional interactive, action-packed activities, the hotel is also a short distance from Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park, which features zip lines and an array of obstacle courses for all skill levels.
Add Fitness and Wellness to the Lineup
A large, well-equipped fitness center enables burgeoning athletes the space and equipment they need to keep in tiptop condition on and off the field. Westin Hotels & Resorts prioritize guest health and wellness with 24/7 fitness studios featuring TRX functional training systems.
For weary parents, top-tier spa treatments are designed to engage all of the senses and provide an opportunity for well-earned relaxation and renewal.
Don’t Let Your Location Go to Waste
Wherever the games take you, add a few days to explore the sights or use it as an opportunity to kick off a mini road trip. When making reservations, consider proximity to the playing field, notable landmarks and public transportation.
For instance, the pet-friendly Residence Inn by Marriott Washington, DC Downtown is within walking distance of the White House and many of the capital’s iconic attractions.
From away games to tournaments, when youth sports take you on the road, Marriott Bonvoy is there. With 30 hotel brands to choose from, you can find the perfect accommodations to make every player feel at home.
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