BRITONS are planning to splash out over £5 billion taking in the atmosphere of international sporting spectacles in the next two years, according to new research from Direct Line travel insurance.

In the next couple of years, more than 11 million travelling supporters will spend an average of £480.83 seeking out sport around the globe.

Whether it is getting up close to a local grudge match, such as Barcelona and Real Madrid battling it out in the El Clasico or travelling in search of British success on world-famous golf courses, cricket pitches and tennis courts, fans will rack up millions of sporting travel miles.

Foreign football matches are the most desirable event to see, with eight per cent of those surveyed making plans to jet away to see games live abroad, followed by Formula 1 (four per cent) and the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro (three per cent).

Tom Bishop, head of Direct Line travel insurance, said: “What with last year’s Olympics sparking sporting fever across the nation, it is no surprise that people don’t want to miss out on some of the finest global sporting spectacles.

“With the World Cup in Brazil next year, the Ashes in Australia, as well as the Tour de France and Formula 1, there are plenty of opportunities to witness world-class competition.”

Making sport a major focus of a holiday is particularly important for young people, with a third (34 per cent) of 18 to 34-year-olds planning to spend an average of £551.15 on travelling to and watching sport in the near future.

Meanwhile, only 14 per cent of over-55s will do the same, spending less in the process - an average of £320.92.

The research found that men are planning to invest more in following their sporting heroes across the world than women, with an average of nearly £570 over the next couple of years, as opposed to only £350 for women.

Despite the capital playing host to a plethora of elite sport, Londoners are most likely to make a big financial commitment to seeing some international action, with an average planned spend of over £680, according to the survey.

Mr Bishop added: “With the events spread all over the world, it is no small investment to actually get to the stadiums, so we recommend protecting yourself with comprehensive travel insurance as soon as you book your trip to ensure you’re covered should you need to cancel and for any emergencies while you are away.”