After a long winter, we’re looking forward to the sun with this year’s major sporting events: the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro and the European football championship in France!

Ticket numbers for both events have exceeded expectations so, for those who managed to get their tickets, we’ve listed some tips to help you save on transport and accommodation.

Olympics 2016

Travelling to the Olympics will unfortunately be pretty expensive. Our top tip is to search for connecting flights from America, Argentina or Mexico. On the plus side, once you’ve reached your destination, the pound is relatively strong against the Brazilian Real, with £1 buying over 5.5 Reals1 compared with just 2.8 back in 2009 when Rio won the 2016 Olympic bid.

In terms of transport when you arrive, the city’s network has been completely redeveloped. The new light rail system, the VLT, is set to open in April whilst the rapid transit bus system, introduced and developed for the World Cup 2014, has been a great success in connecting the city.

Accommodation may be slightly more difficult: there will be significant competition for rooms at hotels, particularly near the beach front. Our suggestion is to explore using a pousada: a small, independent room stay that is similar to a bed and breakfast or guesthouse here in the UK, offering the opportunity to experience a more authentic stay. Alternatively, you can explore the many apartments and rooms that are scattered across the city and offered via accommodation sharing sites.

European Championship 2016

With Wayne Rooney leading what is likely to be a youthful and exciting side with Raheem Sterling, Ross Barkley and Harry Kane, hopes have been again heightened to see if England can win their first major piece of silverware since 1966.

Getting to France has perhaps never been easier: you can organise your own minibus from England, hop on the Eurotunnel to Paris or even get one of the many cheap flights from budget airlines.

Accommodation though will prove quite tricky with very high competition for places in hotels, hostels and rented accommodation – even more so than Rio 2016. However, why not take advantage of France’s great weather and enjoy a caravan holiday too! Camp sites and caravan parks are littered across France, with some only a short distance away from local fan parks and even the stadiums – what a great way to enjoy the football and the weather!