While some may choose to travel specifically for certain events, others may have the chance to experience them as a happy coincidence. No matter what the purpose of your journey is, here are a few events you might enjoy partaking in during your travels.
1. Songkran Water Festival – Countrywide, Thailand
Thailand hosts its yearly water festival during the Thai New Year which falls in April and spans three days all around the country. From water guns to hoses to buckets of water, everyone is out there to celebrate and get drenched. The festival originates from a time when monks would bless people with sacred water to spiritually cleanse them for the year to come. Over the years it turned into a nationwide event that has become tremendously popular with locals and international travelers alike. If you are planning on taking a trip to Thailand during this time, be aware that if you venture out of your hotel or hostel, you WILL get wet. The event is fun for the whole family and well worth experiencing at least once in your life.
2. Oktoberfest – Munich, Germany
We all know that Germans love beer, so it is no surprise that there is a giant annual beer festival held in Munich every year. Don’t let the name fool you, as the majority of this annual event actually takes place in September. Contrary to popular belief, Oktoberfest is not just about drinking, there are plenty of things to do during the festival including attending the opening day parade which demonstrates traditional clothes and music. Food is also a major part of Oktoberfest. From traditional bratwurst to roasted pork knuckle, the amount of food available is staggering.
3. Spring Racing Carnival – Melbourne, Australia
The great thing about the Spring Racing Carnival is that it is set when the weather is mild and sunny and there is something to do for everyone; it’s not just about horse racing. There are plenty of fashion events held over this period as well as a multitude of bars and restaurants to check out all around the city. Follow the Melbourne Cup and check the Caulfield Classic odds to get in on the action and dress in your best for a day at the races. Watch the city come to life with excitement and decorations and don’t miss the race that stops the nation on the second Tuesday of November.
4. Grand Prix – multiple countries
Depending on where and when you are traveling, it is well worth checking out the Formula One calendar to see if it lines up with the dates and the country you are visiting. Depending on the year, the F1 calendar usually starts in late March and ends in late November and usually has around 22 rounds in 19 countries on 5 continents, so there are a lot of places to choose from. Take a day out of your backpacking schedule and gather with the F1 elite in Monaco or experience the thrill of the race in Southern France.
Events showcase the finest of local art, culture and various other special interests and are a fantastic way to get into the heart of the place you are visiting. Though these are just four, there are countless events which you can combine with your travels to experience a different side of the city or country you are visiting.
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