As a Canadian I am pretty fortunate in terms of planning because our group stage is already decided and I have a plan of attack for the group and knockout stages should we advance. I am not sure how many other matches I may get to. It might be difficult to see too many extra unless the schedule lines up well in the city you are based in.
I think flights for the group stage should be easy enough and cheaper on your own, but if you want to stay beyond the group stage a tour might be the way to go. Because it’s like the 80s with the best third-place finishers, there are a lot of variables. You could easily go into the last group game with three possible destinations for your next match, with each being thousands of kilometres away…
I think ticket prices are going to be shocking. Accommodation could also be really bad, but I hope it’s not too terrible. Canada plays twice (at least) in Vancouver and this summer when Taylor Swift was there for her tour, hotel rates were 10x normal and in the $1,000-3,000 Cdn range per night. On the other hand, I went to the Copa America and saw the opening match with Argentina and ticket prices were out of control, but I got a very nice downtown hotel room, walking distance from the stadium, for just over $100US/night. I think there will be a World Cup bump for hotel prices, but I really am hoping they don’t gouge the fans too badly.
I have been to some of the host stadiums, so I might have some useful advice after the draw, but for now I’m just going to wish you well in qualifying and we’ll see what the future holds after that.
