Pickleball and Travel – How to Play Abroad and Find Courts with Xurge

django unchained
Sep 16
2 min read

Pickleball doesn’t stop just because you’re on the move. Whether you’re on a work trip, a holiday abroad, or backpacking across Asia, you can still play — and Xurge wants to make sure you do.

We believe LEAP IS GLORY is a mindset you carry with you. This post is your ultimate guide to pickleball and travel — how to pack, where to play, and how to turn any trip into a chance to grow your game.

Why Travel + Pickleball Is a Perfect Combo

Stay Consistent: Maintain fitness while away from home.
Meet People: Join local games, make new friends.
Explore New Cultures: See how pickleball is played in different countries.

At Xurge, we see travel as an expansion of your court — every city, a new rally waiting to happen.

Packing for Travel-Friendly Pickleball

Lightweight Paddle: Choose a carbon or composite paddle that fits in your carry-on.
Portable Net: Collapsible mini-nets are great for beach or park play.
Balls: Pack indoor and outdoor balls — surfaces vary.
Shoes: Bring multi-court shoes for unknown surfaces.

Xurge Tip: Always carry at least two balls — one for play, one as a backup.

Finding Courts Abroad

1. Use Apps & Directories

Global Pickleball Network (GPN): Search city-wise.
Places2Play (US): Updated court listings.
Meetup/FB Groups: Local clubs often post play times.

2. Hotels & Resorts

Many hotels are now adding pickleball courts — especially in the US, Europe, and Southeast Asia.

3. Community Parks

Search local recreation centers — most major cities have free or low-cost courts.

Connecting with Players Internationally

Social Media: Post on IG/Threads asking for games — use local hashtags.
Drop-In Play: Pay small fees to join rotating sessions — great for meeting players fast.
Xurge Community: Coming soon — a global map of courts curated by players like you.

Playing on Different Surfaces

Outdoor Asphalt: Faster bounce — adjust footwork.
Indoor Gym Floors: Softer bounce, slightly slower game.
Clay/Gravel (rare): Keep rallies slower, watch for uneven bounces.

Travel play is about adaptability — learning to leap in new conditions.

Cultural Etiquette Abroad

Learn local play customs — handshake, paddle tap, calling rules.
Respect rotation systems (many places use paddle stacking).
Offer to rotate in with strangers — great way to integrate.

Xurge encourages travelers to treat every court as a cultural exchange, not just a competition.

Quick Recap

Pack light but complete: paddle, shoes, balls.
Use apps and local groups to find courts.
Embrace different surfaces and play styles.
Connect with players to make the world your pickleball club.

Your game shouldn’t stay home when you travel. Take Xurge with you — every new court is a chance to GO FOR IT in a new place.