Earlier this year, two-time world champion and Olympic silver medallist Amir Khan said that Saudi Arabia is bound to become a ‘big-fight capital’ for boxing alongside London, Las Vegas, and New York.
An increasing number of boxing fans have started to flock to Saudi Arabia, thanks to more high-profile fights already taking place in the country.
While traveling overseas in support of your favorite boxers is undoubtedly a treat, it can be somewhat of an expensive hobby.
Thankfully, there are a number of ways to help ease the financial burden of international travel. If you start planning now, you can still catch the rematch between Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz that takes place in December this year.
Start Saving Well in Advance
With the Joshua/Ruiz fight only a little over two months away, you may not be left with enough time to save up a lot of money for your trip. It does not, however, mean that you can set your sights on the future and start your saving efforts now towards a fight you would like to catch next year.
You can save a lot of money by making small lifestyle adjustments such as using water & electricity more sparingly and reducing the amount of takeout you get, opting to cook at home instead. Opening a separate savings account for your travels may be a good idea as you are less likely to spend money when it is separate from your earnings.
Use the Right Credit Card
Your credit card can become a close ally if you are planning a trip to Saudi Arabia to catch the Joshua/Ruiz fight or dream of seeing Zuhayr Al-Qahtani take to the ring in his country of birth. By using an interest-free credit card you can end up saving a lot of money that can be put to good use elsewhere.
You can also end up benefiting from using a card that offers a variety of rewards such as discounted accommodation and complimentary air miles. Some banks even offer extensive travel insurance to credit card users – covering them against accidents as well as inconvenience. A credit card can also simplify international purchases although it is important to stay abreast of your repayments to avoid the accumulation of bad debt.
Book the Cheapest Flights
The most expensive thing about a trip to Saudi to see your favorite boxers in action is undoubtedly the airfare. Luckily, finding cheap flights is a lot easier than it may seem. Where possible, try to be flexible with your travel dates as airline ticket prices vary significantly depending on the day of the week, season, and upcoming holidays.
It is also cheaper to fly during the week than over a weekend so consider getting to Saudi a few days prior to the big Friday-night fight in order to save on your flights. While direct flights may be more convenient, they can also end up costing a lot more.
Weigh your options up carefully before parting with any money and remember to check out sites such as Skyskanner and Momondo that can help you find the cheapest flights available.
Saudi Arabia is fast becoming the new home of international boxing. With a bit of planning, you too will be able to travel abroad and catch all the exciting fights destined for the Arabian kingdom.
