February 2, 2026
1) Never leave your hotel without a portable phone charger.
I personally carry the Clutch brand because of its slim design and built-in cord. Your Olympic tickets live exclusively in the app—no exceptions. If your phone dies, accessing events becomes a headache you definitely don’t want to deal with.
2) Embrace public transportation.
As someone who doesn’t usually rely on public transit (suburb life), I was genuinely impressed by how well Paris executed transportation for the Games. Every event I attended was accessible by train, which ran frequently, and the walking routes to stadiums were clearly marked. There’s also a great app that lets you preview routes and estimated arrival times—super helpful. Pro tip: review your route ahead of time so you’re prepared. And remember, constant map-checking drains your battery fast… which brings us right back to tip #1.
3) Don’t overbook your days.
Trying to attend multiple events in one day is a rookie mistake. I did plenty of research beforehand, and experienced Olympic-goers consistently recommended sticking to one event per day—and I couldn’t agree more. Racing between venues is exhausting and takes away from the experience. Save your energy and balance your day with sightseeing or a great meal instead.
4) Choose one event outside your comfort zone.
This tip might surprise you—in the best way. At Paris 2024, I bought tickets to Women’s Water Polo (USA vs. Greece), a sport I wouldn’t normally seek out. By chance, we sat next to the team captain’s husband, a former men’s water polo champion, who shared insights about game strategy. From hearing the National Anthem to joining in USA chants and watching elite athletes compete, the entire experience was unforgettable. Multiple goals, electric energy, and an incredible crowd—pure magic.
5) Rank your must-see sports and prioritize tickets accordingly.
First things first, sign up for the ticket draw. You will be assigned a window to buy tickets. It’s important to go in with a strategy. Start by listing the sports you’re most excited about and build your schedule around those. For example, if you want to see basketball and beach volleyball—but they’re happening 10 days apart—it’s likely not realistic unless you’re spending the full two weeks at the Games. For my itinerary, swimming and the Opening Ceremony were my top priorities, so I locked those in first and then explored what other events were happening during my travel window.
Here’s the plot twist: you also need to factor in location. Some venues may be just outside the main city, while others can be three to four hours away. Take Milan, for example—it’s spread across multiple locations. Since figure skating was my anchor event, I decided to stick strictly to Milan-based competitions. We’ll also be catching USA Men’s Hockey and speed skating, all within the same area, which makes logistics much more manageable.
6) Hotels are the hardest part to secure—plan early.
Expect hotel prices to run at least 20% higher than normal, with many properties requiring full prepayment on non-refundable rates. Because of this, it’s smart to insure both your hotel and ticket costs in case plans change.
While Olympic tickets are released in waves—and can even be scored last minute, up to about a month before the Games—that flexibility doesn’t apply to accommodations. If you don’t have a hotel secured, tickets quickly become irrelevant.
The earlier you decide to attend, the better—hotel availability typically opens 11–13 months before the Games. Some major brands, like Hilton and Marriott, often sell out quickly because they contract large blocks of rooms to tour operators and Olympic packages.
I’ll share more later on how to decide whether an official package might be the right fit for you.
7) Olympic gear is the ultimate conversation starter.
I love wearing my Paris 2024 Olympics sweatshirt—people always stop to ask about my experience, and it naturally sparks great conversations. I genuinely love connecting with others on a personal level, especially through travel stories. Do yourself a favor and buy a special item with the year and location on it. It becomes more than just merch—it’s a memory, a story, and honestly one of the coolest souvenirs you’ll ever own.
8) Consider working with a travel advisor—especially for major events.
Yes, I’m a travel advisor—but for big events like the Olympics, having one in your corner truly makes a difference. Advisors have real relationships with hoteliers, and those connections matter. These are the people who welcome you during extraordinary moments, and first-class hospitality immediately elevates your entire experience.
At Paris 2024, the street our hotel was on was closed to car traffic. The bellman and manager met us down the block, took our luggage, and personally escorted us inside. We were shown to our room, complete with fresh flowers and bubbly waiting for us.
Travel advisors don’t just book trips—they know where you’ll be genuinely welcomed and cared for. Once you experience that level of hospitality, it’s hard to travel any other way.
9) Follow the athletes on social media—it makes the Games even more fun.
If you don’t already, start following the athletes competing in the sports you’re attending—@TeamUSA is an absolute must. It’s such a great way to build excitement before you arrive. You’ll see behind-the-scenes moments like getting fitted for those Ralph Lauren outfits, heartfelt tributes to the family and friends who support them, and glimpses into their personalities.
Following along with each athlete’s individual Olympic journey adds a whole new layer to the experience. Some are first-time Olympians with next-level excitement, while others are seasoned veterans sharing thoughtful perspectives on the Games. Either way, it’s an incredibly fun and meaningful way to feel connected before you even step into a venue.
10) Pack your USA flags. Seriously.
This may seem obvious, but learn from my mistake—I didn’t pack any mini flags or even a regular USA flag, and it felt like a huge missed opportunity. I especially wished I had one for the Opening Ceremony (and honestly, every event after that). We eventually found a shop in Paris selling USA flags for €40… which felt borderline criminal. Don’t be me. Be better.
Bring your own flag from home—and always treat it with respect. And while it’s amazing to celebrate Team USA (especially with all those gold medals), remember that the Olympics are about sportsmanship, too. Keep the vibes positive and friendly with other nations. Everyone’s watching, and it feels good to represent with pride and class.
Going to LA 2028 or Brisbane 2032? Reach out to me emily@epsignaturetravel.com when the time is right. I offer complimentary consultations and VIP treatment for my clients.
