Travel Nightmares: When Stay-and-Play Hotels Go Wrong

Shoot us a text, just like your kid shoots for the goal!" ⚽🏆

Ever checked into a tournament hotel and immediately wanted to check out? You're not alone! In this candid conversation, Katie and Cari swap hotel horror stories from their soccer parent travels that will have you double-checking your next booking.

From rooms reeking of cigarette smoke to finding someone already sleeping in an assigned room, the hosts reveal the sketchy side of "stay and play" tournament accommodations. They question how these subpar properties make it onto approved hotel lists and share the frustration of team managers who spend hours researching options only to arrive at properties that fail to meet basic standards.

Beyond accommodation nightmares, Katie opens up about the emotional realization that she's coaching her daughter's team for the last tournament season before they move up to 11v11. This bittersweet milestone resonates with any parent watching their child grow through sports, highlighting the temporary nature of our roles in their athletic journeys.

The conversation takes unexpected turns through their shared interest in true crime entertainment and the recent Christian Pulisic documentary, which reveals the enormous sacrifices required to pursue professional soccer. This leads to a thought-provoking discussion about the fundamental cultural differences between American and European soccer development – in Europe, football is life; in America, it's just entertainment.

Whether you're a soccer parent who's experienced similar travel woes or you're looking for recommendations for your next tournament trip, this episode delivers both commiseration and practical insights. Share your own hotel horror stories or recommendations with us at [e-mail]!

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