Here’s How to Plan a Trip to the Next Olympics

Our family has always been big fans of the Olympics, making time to watch the Summer and Winter Games together. From high-visibility events like gymnastics to more curious ones like curling, we are constantly amazed as we watch the absolute best athletes in the world compete to claim first place. It is as close to watching real-life superheroes as you can get. 

Experiencing the Olympics in person has been my husband’s long-time dream and bucket list trip. So, for a milestone birthday, I gifted him my time and our budget to plan a family trip to the Paris 2024 Olympics. Since I am a travel writer and blogger who has been to 50 countries and Paris seven times, I embraced the chance to bring his dream to life and give our family this incredible experience.

Three years before the trip, we began saving and planning—benefit from what I learned along the way. I share a planning timeline, how to buy event tickets, find accommodation, and detail exactly how much an Olympics trip costs.  My goal? To help you make your Olympic dream a reality, too. 

Catch my quote and source information about the costs of attending the Olympics in this article on TIME.

How do you go to the Olympics? Here’s a timeline.

As the Olympics attracts millions of international visitors, advanced planning is essential to attend as a spectator. The earlier you start planning, the better your chances of securing tickets, affordable accommodations, and transport.

Ideally, and for the best results, you should begin planning your Olympics trip at least two to three years in advance. If that window is already past, your next best bet is 18 months in advance. Within this window, you can sign up to put your name in for a ticket lottery or a priority purchase. And book your lodging and airfare before options become scarce and costly. This period will also give you time to research the event, plan extended travel in the region, and develop an itinerary that allows you to make the most of your experience. We began planning our Olympics trip three years in advance.

Here are our planning steps and when we took them. Click the links for more details. Or jump to the sections below.

3 years out: 

• Decide which Olympics to attend.
• Apply for rewards credit cards with bonuses to build airline miles.
  
  

2 years out: 

• Sign up for email notifications and the ticket lottery (if being held) on the host country’s official Olympic website.
• Determine the best dates to attend the Olympics.
• Set a high-level budget for the trip and begin saving.
  
  

18 months out: 

• Buy event tickets.
• Research the event destination. Pinpoint ideal areas to stay.
• Research and contact lodging about booking in advance.
• Buy travel insurance to purchase time-sensitive Cancel for Any Reason coverage (if applicable).
  
  

12 months out:

• Book and pay for lodging.
• Understand local transportation options, like trains, buses, taxis, and ride-shares. If public transportation is not an option, reserve a rental vehicle or identify and book private driver services.
• Decide which destinations to add to an Olympics trip (if applicable).
• Set alerts to receive host-city news related to the Olympics.
  
  

330 days out: 

• Buy plane tickets.
  
  

3 months to 1 week out: 

• Buy travel insurance if you still need to do so.
• If using public transport, explore and pre-purchase multi-day passes. If renting a vehicle, re-price your booking to take advantage of price drops and learn about international driving and rental car insurance requirements.
• Make restaurant reservations.
• Book local tours, airport pickups, or other non-Olympics activities (if applicable).
• Pre-purchase your country team gear to bring with you and wear at the Games.
• Update your budget.
• Reconfirm all bookings before arrival.
  
  

Where will the Olympics be held? 

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) organizes the Olympic Games and maintains its official schedule. Find the most current and comprehensive information on the official Olympics website. The website typically includes the dates and locations of the upcoming Summer and Winter Olympic Games and specific event schedules.

In addition to the IOC’s website, you can find helpful information on the official Olympic websites of the host cities and countries. These sites often provide more detailed local information, such as ticketing, accommodation availability, and cultural events surrounding the Games. 

Locations and host country websites (if live) for upcoming Games:

• Milano Cortina: Winter 2026
• Los Angeles: Summer 2028
• French Alps: Winter 2030
• Brisbane: Summer 2032
• Salt Lake City: Winter 2034
  
  

How much does it cost to go to the Olympics?

Attending the Olympics can be a significant financial investment—it was for us. However, with planning and budgeting, you can make your dream trip more affordable. Jump here to see our budget actuals from the 2024 Paris Summer Olympic Games.

The cost of your Olympics trip will depend on several factors, including:

• Event tickets: The cost of event tickets can vary widely, from single-event passes to comprehensive hospitality packages with VIP perks.
• Accommodation: The type of lodging you choose and its location will significantly impact your budget.
• Transportation: Airfare and local transportation will contribute to your overall costs.
• Food and entertainment: Dining, sightseeing, and other activities in the host city can add up.
• Additional expenses: Remember to factor in travel insurance, souvenirs, and other activities.
  
  

Our actual 2024 Paris Olympics budget & expenses: 

See below for the actual expenses for our family of four for attending the 2024 Olympics over a 5-night stay. The average cost per person for an Olympic trip typically ranges between $5,000 and $6,000. We came in significantly below this. Plus, it can range much higher when purchasing premium VIP hospitality or bundled travel packages. 

Airfare: $3,776 + 160,000 airline miles

Hotel: $5,157

Event tickets: $3,284

Dining: $1,636

Taxi & local transportation: $482

Souvenirs: $464

Other activities: $319

Trip insurance: $294

Total cost to attend the Paris 2024 Olympics (family of four) = $15,412

Per person costs = $3,853

These costs are for a family of four, including two adults and two teens, ages 17 and 14. For airfare, we booked round-trip tickets from Chicago to Paris. We traded 160,000 airline miles, plus fees, for outbound direct flights. Returning home, we kept costs lower by buying tickets that included a stopover in Dublin. 

For our hotel, I rigorously researched and ultimately booked a room at the excellent and centrally-located Hôtel Résidence Henri IV in the Latin Quarter, or 5th arrondissement of Paris. This 4-star independent hotel offered a one-bedroom apartment with a pull-out couch and mini kitchen that was well-sized for two adults and two full-size teens. For five nights during the Olympics, the price, including taxes paid onsite, totaled $5,157, or $258 per person per night. I booked and paid in full for our room, except for the taxes, a year before the Olympics.

Initially, we bought tickets to three Olympic events—track and field for two days and women’s water polo for another. Our total ticket cost for four people was $2042. Then, closer to the Games, we splurged and bought another $1242 worth of tickets to attend a beach volleyball semi-final when we learned it would take place under the Eiffel Tower. Doing this raised our total event ticket cost to $3284, or $821 per person across four events. See the highlight reel of our favorite event moments below.

5 budgeting tips for an Olympics trip.

Based on our experience, which came in under the average spend per person for an Olympics trip, I recommend five cost-saving and budgeting tips so you can do the same.

1. Start saving early: Begin setting aside funds for your Olympics trip as soon as possible, even if a small amount each month.
   
   
2. Sign up for and build points in rewards programs: If you have loyalty points or credit card rewards, consider using them to offset the cost of flights, hotels, or other expenses. Doing this helped us cut our airfare costs in half.
   
   
3. Avoid package deals…unless: The Olympic host city will offer travel and hospitality packages. I researched these packages for the Paris Olympics and found they ran significantly higher per person for lower-quality lodging vs. arranging travel independently. However, if you have your heart set on attending an in-demand event (e.g., gymnastics or figure skating) with hard-to-get tickets and have a flexible budget, buying a high-end package may be one of the only ways to attend as a spectator.
   
   
4. Research and book lodging early: I share tips on which properties to look for to avoid price surges and ensure reliability (e.g., no canceled reservations) in this section.
   
   
5. Purchase plane tickets as early as possible: Ticketing for airline routes typically opens 330 days in advance. The earlier you book, the more options you will have, especially if you plan to trade in miles for tickets.
   
   

How to get tickets to the Olympic Games.

Securing tickets to Olympic events seems like an impossible task. However, I promise you it is not. If you plan 24 to 18 months before the Games, time is on your side. Despite the high demand, there are hundreds of opportunities to get them. For example, the official website of the Paris 2024 Games indicated 329 medal events across 45 sports held at 35 different venues.

Your best bet to get tickets at the most affordable price is to sign up for a ticket lottery or priority spot approximately 18 to 24 months before the Games. To do this, visit the host country’s official Olympic website and submit your contact information, which we did for the Paris Olympics.

Once we received notification that our names came up in the lottery, we had to buy our tickets within our assigned 24-hour window in packs of three events, up to 30 tickets. For our family of four, we chose to buy only one ticket pack, equaling 12 tickets.

Although we did not win an early spot in the Paris 2024 lottery—I would guess French citizens got contacted before non-citizens—we still found many tickets available. Although future Olympics will manage its ticket pre-sale process differently, other host countries will likely replicate the Paris lottery process. So, it pays to sign up early.

Additionally, and especially if you have your heart set on attending high-profile finals competitions, you can explore the option of buying specially branded hospitality ticket packages from the host country. These packages, which often include the best seats for the most popular events, VIP services, and special athlete access, are premium-priced and marketed to spectators with generous budgets.

Finally, and a boon for last-minute planners, know you can buy tickets even the day before an event via an official resale market. The Paris 2024 ticketing app made it easy for spectators who could not attend events to resell their tickets. For an evening we had free, we considered buying available track and field medal event tickets for the four of us but could not justify spending another $1700 for mediocre seats or $3000 for better.

As an example of what might be available in the resale market, play the screen recording below, which shows me browsing available next-day track and field tickets for four at the Stade de France.

8 tips for getting the best tickets to the Olympic Games.

Here are eight tips to help you get tickets to the best Olympic events at the most affordable prices:

1. Sign up for the ticket lottery. Sign up 18-24 months before the Games on official host-country Olympic sites for ticket lotteries and priority spots.

2. Recognize that each Olympics features events in multiple locations. For example, the Paris 2024 Olympics occurred across various locations—from Paris to Marseille to Tahiti. When your lottery spot comes up for future Olympics, search for tickets only for the destinations you plan to visit.

3. Read the Olympic organization emails. Read emails from the host country’s Olympic organization. As the Olympics approach, you will receive alerts about ticket availability. More tickets for more events will become available closer to the Games.

4. Stay flexible. You may have your heart set on attending the gymnastics or ice skating finals, but so do many others. If you are flexible on which events you attend, you will have a better chance of getting tickets. Consider choosing a sport you are connected to, interested in, or curious about, like we did. Our teens participate in track and field, water polo, and volleyball—all sports we bought tickets to see. Or look for lesser-known sports that may be more affordable. Either way, you will witness the top athletes in the world compete to see who is best, which is pretty incredible. 

5. Understand different ticket options. In addition to the ticket lotteries, which may include pre-set ticket packs, you can buy single-event tickets. You can also purchase premium-priced hospitality packages, which typically include tickets for the best seats and offer amenities. Tickets are also generally available via host-country Olympics travel packages, which include lodging, events, and sometimes transportation.

6. Buy tickets from the official Olympic website. All Paris 2024 tickets were digital and lived on the official Paris 2024 ticket app. To access events, spectators had to open their app to allow gate agents to scan tickets. Paper tickets or screenshots could not be substituted. I expect future Olympics to follow suit. So, only buy from official sources.

7. Know about the official resale market. Paris 2024 made it easy for ticketholders who could not attend events to resell their tickets via an official online marketplace. Future Olympics will likely do the same. If so, expect to have the opportunity to fill any gaps in your schedule from this last-minute ticket availability.

8. Look for free events! Each Olympics has long-distance events which spectators can usually watch for free. Look for routes for marathons or cycle races, especially for spots where the races might double back so you can see the competitors more than once.

9 on-the-ground event & ticketing tips for an issue-free Olympics experience.

Hooray! You have your tickets! As the Games approach, and on event days, you will want things to go smoothly. To ensure this happens, you will want to do a few things, which include:

1. Download and update the host-city ticket and event apps. Paris 2024 had three separate apps—a ticket app, an event app with venue and athletic info, and a transport app. We downloaded all three. However, we mainly only used the ticket and event apps. We used the transport app once to pre-purchase and download 4-day unlimited metro passes. To navigate Paris, we preferred using Google Maps instead of the official Olympic app. Future Games will likely arrange event access and information similarly. Because of this, before your Games, ensure you download, log in, and keep any Olympic apps updated.

2. Know your app password. If you get logged out, you want to be able to easily and quickly access your app(s).

3. Keep backups of your tickets. If you are traveling in a group, have another person log into the official ticket app under the same account so more than one person has access. Or, if you hold tickets for a group, consider transferring them to each ticketholder to store in their apps.

4. Plan for cell network access. Since your tickets will likely be on your mobile phone, have a plan for connecting to the local cellular network in case something goes awry. Do this via your home mobile provider. Or get an eSIM card to ensure international access. Our cell provider in the US is Verizon. In most countries, we can pay a per-day fee for full access to our data plan. Your provider likely offers similar.

5. Fully charge your phone and bring backup batteries. Expect to use your phone heavily while attending the Games. In addition to needing your phone to display your tickets, you will likely want to take tons of photos and videos or use your phone for navigation. So, remember to charge your phone fully before heading out each day and bring fully charged batteries and USB cords as backup.

6. Arrive at events early! Give yourself ample time to reach your events. Paris 2024 recommended arriving an hour and a half early. Plus, it is fun to arrive early. You get more time to take photos of the venues, buy Olympic merch, and purchase snacks.

7. Look for spectator guides before you go. The Paris 2024 Olympics offered detailed, multi-page spectator guides for each venue. These comprehensive guides answered every question, including what you can carry into an event, how to get to the venue, where to enter, links to interactive maps showing concession locations, and more. See an example of this guide for the Paris beach volleyball venue. Guides were also available via the event app. Future Olympics will likely do something similar.

8. Be prepared for all kinds of weather. Check the forecast daily to ensure you bring the best clothing and gear for any conditions. Doing so will help you enjoy your events to the fullest.

9. Be aware of your surroundings. Unfortunately, pickpockets and thieves can strike anytime and anywhere. Given your digital tickets are on your mobile, you will want to pay attention to your surroundings when using your phone. Losing it to an opportunistic thief will, at a minimum, cause a hassle. And worst—it will be the expensive and time-consuming reason you miss a once-in-a-lifetime event.

How to find lodging during the Olympics.

Securing accommodation during the Olympics presents another crucial aspect of planning. With millions of visitors descending on the host city, the demand for hotels, vacation rentals, and other lodging options can be extremely high. As with event tickets, you want to book accommodations as early as possible, ideally 12 to 18 months in advance. Doing this will give you the widest selection of options and the best chance of finding a property that fits your budget and preferences.

When researching lodging, consider factors such as:

• Location: Search for properties near the Olympic venues, public transportation, or other attractions to minimize travel time.
  
  
• Amenities: Determine which amenities are most important, such as onsite dining, fitness facilities, or a pool. For our Paris hotel search, air conditioning was a non-negotiable—not a given in Parisian accommodation.
  
  
• Budget: Establish a realistic budget for your accommodations and explore the options from hotels to vacation rentals or hostels that fit within it.
  
  
• Official Olympics travel packages: If you have budget flexibility and want to minimize your planning effort, consider buying an official Olympics travel package that includes accommodation or working with a travel planner. However, you will want to ensure that whoever you work with is knowledgeable about the Olympics, legitimate, and reliable.
  

For our Paris Olympics trip, 18 months before the Games, I drafted a list of Paris hotels that offered family or connecting rooms. I emailed several to inquire about advanced Olympics bookings. When someone infrequently got back to me, they told me they were either already pre-booked or would open their reservations a year in advance. So, 12 months before our trip, I booked and fully prepaid for a one-bedroom apartment that could accommodate four people at the Hôtel Résidence Henri IV, an excellent 4-star independent hotel in the 5th arrondissement of Paris.

I focused our Olympic lodging search on centrally located independent hotels with consistently excellent reviews for a few reasons. One is that independent hotels would be less sophisticated in surge pricing vs. a corporate hotel chain. Two, a highly rated and independently run hotel would honor my booking as part of their vested interest in maintaining excellent service. Third, for similar reasons, I avoided rentals on VRBO or Airbnb from independent owners who I felt had too much freedom to cancel bookings with little to no consequence.

Getting to the Olympics and getting around.

Navigating the logistics of getting to and around the host city can be daunting, but with strategic planning, you can make the process smooth and efficient. When it comes to getting there, you will have several options to consider:

• Air travel: Book your flights far ahead of the Games to secure the best fares, which typically go on sale 330 days in advance. Research nearby airports and consider alternative hubs.
  
  
• Train or bus: Depending on the host country’s infrastructure, taking the train or bus may be more affordable, especially if traveling from nearby regions.
  
  
• Cruise: For some Olympics, such as those held in coastal cities, arriving by cruise ship can be a unique way to reach the destination.
  
  

In the host city, if it is available, plan to navigate using the local transportation system to get to the Olympic venues and other attractions. Or via rental car, taxis, or private driver services if public transportation is not an option. Additionally, the organizing committee will typically provide comprehensive information on all available options, which may include:

• Public transportation: Use the city’s bus, subway, or light rail systems to get around efficiently.
  
  
• Dedicated Olympic transportation: Many host cities offer specialized transportation services, such as shuttle buses or dedicated Olympic lanes, to help spectators and athletes move between venues.
  
  
• Ride-sharing or taxis: For more flexibility and convenience, consider using ride-sharing apps or traditional taxi services, especially for shorter trips.
  
  
• Driving: Expect host cities with spread-out venues and less robust public transportation to offer dedicated parking garages and lots for spectators arriving by car.
  
  
• Walking or cycling: Depending on the size and layout of the host city, walking or renting a bicycle can be a great way to explore and dependably get to where you need to go.
  
  

We navigated Paris by walking or taking the metro, pre-purchasing 4-day unlimited-ride Paris travel cards to get around, which cost around $52US per person. Understanding your transportation options thoroughly before you arrive will help you avoid last-minute stress and help you make the most of your time in the host city.

Researching the host city and country.

Before your trip, you may want to research and familiarize yourself with the host city’s culture, customs, and attractions. Doing this will enhance your overall experience and help you plan a more meaningful and enjoyable trip.

Begin by exploring the official Olympics website and the host city’s tourism resources to learn more about your destination. Consider reading guidebooks to get an even more comprehensive introduction. Look into joining guided tours to get an informed overview of the local cuisine, history, and architecture.

Understanding the host country’s geography, climate, and transportation infrastructure will help you pack appropriately, plan daily activities, and navigate the area better. Before you go, learn etiquette, including tipping practices, customs, and everyday phrases, to communicate and interact respectfully with the locals.

Safety and security considerations for Olympic travel.

Witnessing the Olympics in person offers an incredible experience. However, as grand international sporting events go, attending them carries certain safety risks. Because of this, it is essential to prioritize your safety and security throughout your trip. Although the host city and country will ensure robust safety and security measures, you will also want to be informed and prepared. Here are a few essential steps to follow:

1. Know the entry requirements. 

Start by familiarizing yourself with the host country’s entry requirements, such as visa regulations and any necessary travel documents. Ensure that your passport is valid for your trip and any designated period after it—sometimes, an additional six months is required. Also, ensure you have any required vaccinations or health certifications. For US readers, you will want to check the US Department of State website to see entry requirements for Americans.

2. Stay informed. 

During your stay, be aware of your surroundings and follow the guidance of local authorities and the Olympic organizing committee. Sign up to receive Google alerts for Olympic news regarding the host city. Pay attention to any security alerts or advisories, and be prepared to adjust your plans if necessary.

3. Share your plans. 

Before leaving for your trip, you will want to register with your home country’s embassy or consulate, making it easier for them to assist if needed. For US travelers, enroll your trip with the US State Department as part of their Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, or STEP. Doing this will share your travel status with the US government, allowing you to receive important safety information about your destination country and help the US Embassy contact you in an emergency. Additionally, make sure friends and family have a copy of your itinerary.

4. Be protected with travel insurance. 

Especially for US travelers, remember to purchase travel insurance with medical coverage. Your health insurance will likely only cover you in your home country. Or, at best, it also partially covers you abroad, but only for medical emergencies. And likely not for complicated injury or illness requiring ongoing treatment or surgery. At a minimum, not having travel insurance when a trip interruption, injury, or loss occurs can be a pain. However, if the medical complication is serious, not having a travel insurance policy can be financially ruinous. For US readers, learn why to get travel insurance and get my preferred resource to shop and price compare policies here. 

5. Protect your personal belongings and financial information. 

Avoid carrying large amounts of cash, and consider using a money belt or hidden wallet to keep your essentials secure. Be cautious of pickpockets and scams, and only use reputable transportation and accommodation options.

In prioritizing your safety and security, you can focus on fully immersing yourself in the incredible atmosphere of the Olympics and creating unforgettable memories to cherish.

Related reading.

You will love these planning helpers if you plan to attend the Olympics. From time-saving packing lists and itinerary templates to recommended guidebooks and top travel apps, you will find tools and resources to simplify your prep and pre-travel research.

• Pack Faster & Better with This Universal Printable Packing List
• 15 Best Travel Guidebook Series & Why You Will Love Them
• Pre-Trip: A Practical Checklist to Close the House & Pack 
• Itinerary Template for a Trip: Free Downloadable Examples & More Resources
• The Top Travel Apps I Use for Better Travel
• Travel Insurance Simplified: 4 Reasons You Need It & 18 Things To Know Before Buying It
• From An Expert: InsureMyTrip.com Is My #1 Pick For Trip Insurance
• 25 Expert Packing Tips to Help You Travel Better
• 49 Things You Need to Do to Plan Your Best Trip (Free Travel Research & Planning Checklist)
• 5 Proven Ways to Simplify and Organize Your Travel Research
  
  

Feedback & questions.

Did this article help? Do you have questions about an Olympics trip? Or updates to the information shared? Please post in the comments below, and I will respond.