Update from the Sports Desk…

As a child I would travel the country following my father as a Premier League official. It sparked a love for sports that I carry on in my career now, arranging trips for our clients to witness sports events all over the world

2021 Lions, South Africa
In all of sport, there can be few more revered and respected institutions than The British & Irish Lions. From visiting the Cape Winelands to sample world-renowned vintages to climbing Table Mountain; spotting the Big Five on safari, to exploring the Rainbow Nation’s history in Soweto and Robben Island…your South African experience will go far beyond the pitch.

Ryder Cup
The Ryder Cup is one of the biggest events in the world of sport, staged on a different championship course every two years. Your RB Ryder Cup experience will include guaranteed premium tickets to your choice of rounds. We can also arrange access to all the events of the weekend; from the Opening Ceremony right through to the Trophy Presentation and subsequent celebration.

England Cricket Tour of India
The cricket, crowds, sights and diversity of life across the sub-continent will surprise, entertain and amaze, all in equal measure. Discover snow-covered Himalayan mountains and grand,historic buildings, cosmopolitan city life, glamorous entertainment and Bollywood! We know India well and can piece together the perfect trip for you. December 2020 – March 2021

Contact us for more details…

Top Tip: Advance Register for popular events!

We are here to help you get organised and strongly advise advance registering for the more popular events. England’s cricket tour of India in 2021 is a good example as is the South Africa Rugby Lions Tour.

The difference when booking with us is that we have an award-winning team of travel specialists who have been piecing together perfect travel arrangements for our clients all over the world for many years. We have a fully flexible service so can integrate a sports event into a bigger itinerary. We have travelled extensively and firmly believe in creating special holiday memories for all of our clients.

With this in mind, we suggest setting up a consultation call or visit to our luxury travel lounge so get the ball rolling and discuss the options. This can be vital when planning far ahead so we can line everything up in advance for when the event starts booking.

We deal with clients all over the UK and further afield.

Our unique links in the industry allow us to ensure you have not only the best experience but specialist advice too.

Do call us on +44(0)1543 258631 or email vip@rbcollection.com to discuss your next trip.

 

Super Bowl 2020

The NFL Super Bowl is one of the most iconic sporting events in the World. The 54th Super Bowl will decide the champion for the 2019 and 100th season. The game will be played on February 2, 2020 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

We are pleased to offer an amazing package so that you can witness this event first hand. This is an example package that we can offer, please use it as a guide and contact us to create the perfect trip for your requirements.

Itinerary 

Day 1: 31st January 2020
Depart from the UK and fly to Miami. On arrival you will transfer to the Clevelander South Beach Hotel.

Day 2: 1st February 2020
Day at leisure in Miami.

Day 3: 2nd February 2020
Attend the Official Pregame Hospitality Party Steps from the Stadium. Then move across to the stadium for the 54th Super Bowl! This package includes dedicated stadium entry, live entertainment, NFL Legend appearances, all-inclusive food and beverage, and more!

Day 4: 3rd February 2020
Check out of your hotel and transfer to Miami Airport for your return flight to the UK.

Whats Included

  • Return International Flights
  • Airport Transfers
  • 3 Nights Accommodation at the Clevelander South Beach Hotel
  • Official Super Bowl Pregame Party
  • Official Super Bowl Game Ticket (300 Level End Zone Seat) with All Inclusive Hospitality
  • ATOL and ABTA protection for your financial security
  • RB Collection ‘VIP Experience’ service

Total package price from £8995 per person based on 2 sharing a double room

 

 

South Africa Vs England 2019 / 2020 **BOOKING NOW**

Visit South Africa this winter one one of the specially designed cricket trips to South Africa. We have a range of options to choose from and can tailor make the perfect trip to best suit your needs.

We have excellent contacts for the best arrangements and tickets, plus we know South Africa extremely well. Nathan, Alan, Oliver and Sam have all visited themselves and so you are in very good hands.

Click here for more details…

Formula One gears up for an exciting year!

The Chinese Formula One Grand Prix has certainly ramped up excitement for this years F1 season! Interest has already increased in booking onto one of the trips to witness the thrill of F1 in person.

We highly recommend early booking and can offer trips to Monaco, Italy, Spain, Austria, France, Hungary, Azerbaijan, Abu Dhabi, Singapore and the USA now. All packages are flexible and we can make use of our well established contacts in the industry to create the perfect trip for you.

Contact one of our Sports specialists today and let us create your special formula one memories!

Key sports events to plan ahead…

Cricket: South Africa v England Series
It seems no time at all since we were arranging trips to the last England cricket tour to South Africa in 2015. Nearly 4 years on and here we are already in the planning stages for the eagerly anticipated return to the Rainbow Nation and the untamed wilds of the South African bush!

We know South Africa very well, in particular the various safari options as Nathan, Alan, Oliver and most recently Sam have all visited themselves. This is a great opportunity to take in the cricket and explore this great country, from the winelands to Cape Town to the safari regions of Kruger and Sabi Sands for example.

The cricket tours include carefully selected accommodation, match hospitality that is second to none and once in a lifetime excursions beyond the boundaries.

South Africa is one of the finest destinations you could wish for, offering dramatic scenery, beaches, golf, safari, the magnificent city of Cape Town and excellent food and wine. South Africa is also fantastic for touring, so if you prefer to venture off the beaten track between the test matches rather than following our proposed itineraries, our travel specialists will be delighted to personalise your holiday with the best in luxurious accommodation and experiences that will amaze.

Historic Monaco Grand Prix 2020
Monte Carlo is synonymous with motor racing and the Automobile Club de Monaco undertakes the job of putting on the Monaco Historic race with the same grace and passion as they did in 1929. Nowhere else do Grand Prix cars, historic or modern, look as good as they do around the narrow streets of the Principality, nor match the sights and sounds of F1 engines – Grand Prix racing was created to take place in Monaco. Held every 2 years, now is a good time to pre-register for 2020 and ensure you are not disappointed. Packages usually start from around £849pp

Vietnamese F1 Grand Prix 2020
Confirmed for 2020, this will be the first F1 event in Indochina, and one which will most certainly be on the wish list for many. The city of Hanoi will play host, which is in close proximity to the circuit. Nicola and Oliver have both visited themselves and can put together a tailor-made trip for you to make the most of your time away. Vietnam combines well with Cambodia, the home of many ancient temples including Angkor Wat. You could also take in China or Thailand if you wanted to extend your stay. If you  would like to start reading more about Vietnam and the places to see, visit our new Indochina menu at the following page where you can read about Nicola & Oliver’s trips too.

USA Golf 2020
Two key golf tournaments take place in 2020; the US Masters in April and the Ryder Cup in Wisconsin in September. Both events provide the opportunity to build an itinerary around the tournaments to make the most of the trip. Whether this is a twin centre with one of the nearby cities, or a longer driving tour to take in other areas of the US, we offer a flexible service so to do contact us do discuss ideas.

Other events worth noting: Euro 2020, Tokyo Olympic Games and the Ashes. Contact us to register your interest on 01543 258631.

Still time to experience Formula 1 this year!

The seasons is hotting up and there’s still time to experience the thrill of Formula 1 yourself with some key races still to take place!

First up at the end of this month is the Belgian F1 Grand Prix – one of the most popular races of the year. The circuit at Spa (experienced by our own MD Alan!) is famous for having its own micro-climate where you can experience snow at one end and yet have glorious sunshine at the other! This can often make for a VERY exciting race indeed!

Next brings us 3 of the most thrilling races starting with San Remo in Italy on Sunday 2nd September followed by a unique night race in Singapore. The city comes alive as the sounds and excitement of Formula 1 engulfs this modern metropolis.

Russia follows, already a hot destination for 2018 following this year’s World Cup.

October brings us Japan following by the USA where on 21st October will see the teams descend upon Austin, Texas – the live music capital of the world! Circuit of the Americas (COTA), is an innovative World-class destination situated on 1000 acres of ground, the US Grand Prix track’s elevation offers striking views of Downtown Austin. We can tailor make trips to take in the Formula 1 Grand Prix so do speak to our travel experts to discuss your requirements in more detail.

Mexico is the final race of October following by Brazil on 11th November, and then the final, and some would argue one of the most exciting in Abu Dhabi on 25th November. Where better to spend your winter holiday than in the UAE where temperatures are guaranteed to be much warmer than in the UK. Why not combine your winter sun holiday with the Abu Dhabi F1 GP. It is one of the more popular races so early booking is highly advisable. Nathan and Oliver have both visited Abu Dhabi and we know nearby Dubai extremely well.

 

The Ashes Series: Interview with Gladstone Small

This winter, we are offering a special tour of Australia, following the Ashes Series 2017-18 from start to finish. From the tropical climes of Brisbane, to the spectacular cityscape of Sydney, guests will experience the excitement of the most famous cricket contest in the world, while also delving into the beauty of Australia’s sights, culture and cuisine.

Leading the tour is a former England fast bowler and Ashes winner, Gladstone Small. The Brit with Barbadian roots is loved on both sides of the UK-Australia divide, with his jovial demeanour making him the ideal commentator for the sport.

When he returns to Australia this winter, Gladstone will be the official tour guide for guests joining this special Ashes tour experience; a role he has happily fulfilled in previous years.

Hi Gladstone. Tell me, what exactly does your role involve on the tour?
As an ex-player, my role is to offer our guests some insights into the game, its history and also how it is to experience the Ashes from the player’s perspective.

At what points are you with the group through the trip?
Oh, I’m with my group all the time; on the bus, on the plane, in the hotels, in the bar, having breakfast and dinner. And at the cricket I sit in the stand with them.

Sounds busy but fun.
I still love the game of cricket, you see, and particularly test match cricket. So when I go abroad on these trips, I have a seat in the stand with my group and we watch it all together. That for me is a real pleasure and joy.

Why do you especially love test match cricket?
Because it’s the purest form of the game. All games are important, but it’s the one element of the game where the true quality of the player comes through. You get tested on all aspects of your game, from your technique, to your temperament, your fitness and weaknesses. Everything gets exposed.

The length of the game means you need to have a special approach to last the full five days. That’s why it’s called a ‘test match’, because it really is a test of every aspect of your game.

It’s long days for the spectators too, especially with all that hospitality! What’s your top tip for those people joining your tour?
Well it’s a test for them too. (Laughs). You know, it’s hot weather, and you can get thirsty and lulled into drinking too much of the amber nectar. That’s when you see people dozing off at 3pm in the afternoon. So, you do have to pace yourself. Though on these tours we always try to get seats in the shade, so it’s fine.

Australia itself is a big draw for people joining the tour. Do you like going back there?
I love Australia. As much as they do like to think they give the English a hard time, deep down there’s a lot of respect for the English. There’s a great sporting culture in Australia, and they are really up for this contest. At the same time, it’s a great place beyond just the sport. The cities are all different, it’s such a massive country. You start in Brisbane where it’s very tropical, then it’s on to Perth where it’s very Mediterranean. Then in Melbourne you can have winter and summer all in one day. So, when you throw the cricket in with all this, it’s a really good mix.

These kinds of tours are a great way to get a flavour of a new destination, such as visiting Ayers Rock, and visiting the wineries. It’s a great way to discover faraway places but in a sporting and convivial context.

You sound like you enjoy travelling.
Yes, I love travelling. And sport has really given me the opportunity to do it. I mean, I’ve been going to Australia since 1980 when I did my first cricket tour. I was an 18-year-old boy, a pup, when we toured all of Australasia. That gave me a taste for the touring life, being with a bunch of guys all on one mission.

I played for 20 seasons – 20 years – and in that time I probably only had two or three winters in England. I’ve always loved going abroad and playing, so now these holiday tours are part of that. The group that I’m with, everyone is included and we make sure everyone’s having a good time. So even though I’m not playing, it’s a great way for me to carry on in this tradition. And it’s a good time of year to get away from England, frankly!

What are your top tips for dealing with the long-haul flight to Australia?
A good book, hopefully there’s a couple of nice films to watch, and also a couple of some really good wines to help make it more pleasurable.

What kind of wine would you hope was on the menu?
A good Sauvignon Blanc or Chablis, and a nice Merlot or Malbec. Just as long as it’s a nice drink, it doesn’t have to be too posh.

What kind of food do you enjoy eating in Australia?
Oh, fish. Lots of fresh fish.

So go on then, tell me what it’s actually like to play in the Ashes.
Because of the history of it, it is a nerve-wracking experience, but at the same time you’ve just got to say to yourself, ‘look, it’s just a game of cricket’. Initially, the noise, hullabaloo and fanfare grabs you, particularly for the young players.

When you walk on the field to represent your country, you know the biggest battle as an Englishman is against the Australians, and vice versa. So you know it’s going to be really, really intense. It’s a real highlight to play in one of these series.

What’s your abiding memory of the 4th test of the 86-87 Ashes where you were named Man of the Match?
Well we just had the biggest party that you can have legally. (Laughs). I mean I was in a team with the likes of Mike Gatting, David Gower, Phil Edmonds, Graham Dilley – some really wonderful cricketers, but lovely people as well, who played hard on the field but enjoyed themselves off it too.

At that stage, England hadn’t won a series in Australia for a while. I was called into the test match in Melbourne only half-an-hour before the game started. It was just my first tour. But I was able to contribute to what put us two-nil up in play. To be able to contribute in that environment is something that will always be up there for me.

I can only imagine what went through your mind when you were called on to play in the match at such short notice.
Luckily it wasn’t the night before because I wouldn’t have slept with all of that going through my mind. I didn’t have time. So it was just a matter of saying to myself, ‘okay, here we go, let’s get on with it’.

Of course you get butterflies and your palms are sweaty, and the noise from the 70,000 people in the crowd is scary. But once you’ve started, you collect your thoughts and just play a game of cricket. You do what you’re trained to do, and your natural instincts take over.

Australian flag

Do you meet with old rivals when you’re back in Australia?
Yes, I get to meet the guys I’ve played against, the likes of Merv Hughes, Dean Jones, Tom Hogan and Allan Border. We can’t beat each other up anymore, so we have a beer, a laugh, reminisce, and play a game of golf.

In terms of travel in general, if you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you be and why?
Although I played for England my whole career, I was born in Barbados and that place has a real attachment for me. Also, these days, golf is my passion, so anywhere that there’s a stunningly beautiful golf course with nice weather that I can wear shorts and a t-shirt for a few days, that’ll do me.

What would be your dream course to play on?
That’s a tough question. Maybe somewhere in Scotland, that’s a stunning place, or Pebble Beach on the Monterey peninsula in California. But then in Melbourne you have the Sandbelt area which has a couple of really great courses too, so hopefully I’ll be able to take some money off Merv Hughes on those courses. (Laughs).

Ha! I love that. You say it’s all friendly reminiscing with your old rivals, but I bet it all comes out on the course when you’re playing together.
You better believe it. You don’t want to lose to those guys, no matter what.

You know, a lot of your career was in Warwickshire, near to RB Collection’s heartland. Do you have fond memories of your time there?
Absolutely. I played at Warwickshire for 20 years. I had a terrific time with some great people – cricketers and people – through my 20 years there. And alongside people who also played for England, such as Bob Willis, Dennis Amiss, David Brown, and international players like Brian Lara, Allan Donald and Shaun Pollock.

So a lot of fond memories. In fact, anywhere I am in the world and hear ‘Gladys’ I know they are a Warwickshire supporter because that’s what they used to call me when I played there.

Looking back at your career, and life in general, what are you most proud of?
The thing I am most proud of? Well my love of cricket was handed down to me by my grandad. I don’t have many pictures in my house of me playing cricket, but the one picture I look at regularly, which will always bring a tear to my eye, is my grandad standing in his sugarcane field in Barbados and he’s wearing my England cap and sweater from the 1990 tour I did to the Caribbean. To see the guy who gave me the love of this wonderful sport was a really proud moment.

That’s so lovely. Lastly, what message do you have for the group that will be joining you on the Ashes tour?
I look forward to meeting you! It’s all about meeting fun, like-minded people and going to a wonderful country together. So just make sure you come away having had a good experience and having made some new friends.

Tour details:
The Ashes 2017-18 tours runs from 23 November 2017 to 8 January 2018. The tour follows the whole series, including matches in Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne and Sydney.  Packages start at £3,445pp.

View example packages at SportsEventsTravel.co.uk. Plan your trip by contacting us on 01543 258631 or email vip@rbcollection.com.

Top Sports Events tips…

Here are our top tips to make the most of experiencing your favourite sports event abroad.

1. Book early: For more popular events like the F1 Grand Prix there will rarely be a last-minute deal. Don’t end up compromising and confirm your space and grandstand ticket early.

2. Be flexible: If you haven’t booked well in advance, having a little flexibility on your departure date or airport can really help ensure you get value for money and a great experience.

3. Create a priority list: What’s more important; location, or the facilities in the hotel? Prioritise your requirements, often a little compromise may be necessary when cities start to get booked up.

4. Will you go back? Will this be a once in a lifetime opportunity for you? If so, is it worth investing a little extra in the trip to get that perfect grandstand seat, or to enjoy the destination a little longer?

Welcome to Sports Events Travel

Sport events have always been of interest to me and I am pleased the team have agreed to bring back our sports brand. Here’s a quick sample of what we can offer. Read more online via our specialist website SportsEventsTravel.co.uk.

We first launched our Sports Events Travel brand over 10 years ago and it was a great success. We arranged many trips to F1 Grand Prix events all over the world as well as trips to the Cricket in the Caribbean, Rugby Sevens and European football. We are excited to bring it back and look forward to once again creating the perfect sporting event trip for you.

PASSION

As an organisation, we have huge passion for sports. I have been racing cars since I was 17 years old and many Monday mornings are spent reporting to the team about my escapades at the weekend. As a family business, we embrace each other’s passions and are excited to once again be arranging these trips. Not all of the RB team know their wicket from their hairpin, so we have dedicated experts to handle different enquires in order to help create the perfect trip for you.

INDUSTRY CONNECTIONS

We have continued to build all-important contacts with sports events specialists around the world to ensure you have the best possible experience. From ticket suppliers, to hospitality venues, hoteliers and airlines. We pride ourselves on offering the best service to you and are confident this will help enhance your trip to it’s fullist potential.

FLEXIBILITY

Whilst certain elements of packages we promote may be set, most of them are fully flexible in terms of when you fly, where you stay and how long you are away for. We appreciate the increase in busy lifestyles nowadays and will adapt our service to suit you wherever possible.

COMBINE A HOLIDAY

Time is precious, so why not combine a sports event with a holiday. For example, this works very well for the Cricket in the Caribbean or the Ashes in Australia. However, there are also less obvious options, such as the Spanish F1 Grand Prix where you could enjoy some pre-or post-event time in Barcelona, or further up the coast in the beautiful town of Begur on the Costa Brava. With our unique flexibility, knowledge and expertise plus access to our portfolio of leisure holidays built up over the last 32 years; we are in a strong position to maximise your time away.