Pickleball continues to captivate Americans, with nearly 14 million people engaging in the sport last year, as per a 2023 study by the Sports and Fitness Industry Association. The growth rate of almost 224% over the past three years solidifies pickleball’s status as the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. since 2020.
Entrepreneurs and professional athletes have embraced the pickleball craze, and now, the travel industry is eager to capitalize on it. From cruise lines and traditional resorts to pickleball-specific vacation planners offering coaching in idyllic settings, everyone is vying for a slice of the pickle pie.
Here are some top money-saving tips and destinations to consider if you want to enjoy pickleball away from home.
1. Cruise and ‘Dink’ on a Pickleball Cruise
The surge in pickleball popularity is evident on cruise ships.
In 2022, Carnival Cruise Line installed a dedicated pickleball court on the Carnival Conquest ship. Other companies like Norwegian Cruise Line and Regent Seven Seas have also introduced dedicated courts on their vessels. Holland America, the “exclusive cruise line of the Professional Pickleball Association,” features dedicated pickleball courts on all its ships, offering complimentary lessons and tournaments during the cruise.
If river cruises are more your style, AmaWaterways provides a pickleball court on the AmaMagna boat, allowing guests to enjoy the sport while cruising down the Danube River.
Most facilities offer public paddles if you don’t want to bring your own equipment, although dedicated players may prefer to bring their own paddle.
Cost Considerations
Cruise prices vary based on duration and amenities, with Carnival offering affordable options and Regent Seven Seas providing luxury experiences.
To offset expenses, consider using a travel rewards credit card like the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, which allows you to earn miles for cruises. The card offers 2 miles per dollar spent on qualifying purchases and a substantial sign-up bonus.
2. ‘Drive’ at Luxury or All-Inclusive Pickleball Resorts
If cruise ships aren’t your preference, consider heading to a tropical paradise with dedicated pickleball courts at luxury or all-inclusive resorts.
Sandals Resorts in various locations offer pickleball courts, with tournaments and professional instruction available. Turks and Caicos, Costa Rica, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic are other destinations with pickleball courts at resorts.
Negotiate group rates if traveling with a pickleball crew.
Cost Considerations
The cost of a resort stay varies based on location, amenities, and duration. Sandals Resorts offer all-inclusive packages, while non-inclusive resorts may provide more budget-friendly options.
To maximize rewards, consider using a flexible travel rewards credit card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, which allows you to book resorts through the Chase travel portal and earn points for future travel.
3. ‘Drop’ on a Group Pickleball Vacation
The travel industry is adapting to the demand for pickleball, with vacation organizers like Pickleball Getaways offering group pickleball vacations that combine leisure and sport.
Pickleball Getaways, founded by professional players Ben Johns and Dekel Bar, organizes trips to destinations like Portugal, Spain, and Mexico, providing coaching and competition opportunities.
Cost Considerations
Pickleball Getaways offers week-long trips ranging from $2,500 to $4,500 per person, accommodating up to 80 guests with professional coaching included.