Tournament Travel Guide.
Tips and essentials for traveling with your team to volleyball tournaments.
Hotel Blocks
Team hotel blocks for the upcoming tournament season will be released soon. Check back here for reserved room links, group codes, and booking deadlines.
Travel Tips
Stay & Play Policy
Tournaments in Sarasota or the Tampa area are considered local — parents are responsible for their own lodging and may drive back and forth if preferred. For any tournament farther than Tampa, it is a stay-and-play event and all families must book lodging through the tournament's designated hotel block. This supports the event and ensures team coordination.
Pack Smart
Bring all uniforms, extra socks, knee pads, and comfortable court shoes. Pack a small first-aid kit with athletic tape, ibuprofen, and blister pads. Don't forget a water bottle and healthy snacks for between matches.
Plan Your Arrival
Aim to arrive at the tournament venue at least 90 minutes before your first match. This allows time for parking, check-in, finding your court, and a proper warm-up. Account for traffic and weather delays.
Food & Nutrition
Bring portable snacks: bananas, granola bars, trail mix, and sandwiches. Avoid heavy or unfamiliar foods before matches. Scout nearby restaurants in advance for team dinners, and confirm they can accommodate a large group.
Stay Hydrated
Travel can dehydrate you more than you realize—especially air travel. Start hydrating the day before. Bring electrolyte packets and avoid excessive caffeine or sugary drinks on tournament days.
Rest & Recovery
Tournament weekends are long. Prioritize sleep, stretch before bed, and use hotel ice machines for any soreness. Bring a foam roller or lacrosse ball for quick muscle relief between match days.
Team Communication
Download the TeamSnap app and any tournament-specific apps before you leave. Save your coach's phone number and confirm the group chat is active. Know the schedule and any last-minute changes.
Entertainment & Downtime
There is often significant downtime between matches. Bring headphones, a book, cards, or a tablet. For parents, pack a portable phone charger and a comfortable camp chair for long days in the gym.