With your tax return on the way you’ll be running wild looking for things to spend it on. It’s the time of year where you get a nice return on all your hard work over the past year; why not spend it on yourself? I’ve put together a list of the best ‘once a year’ travel destinations coming up in the next three months worthy of that return. Each destination has its own unique perks so I’ve thrown in a small description of each; the rest is up to you so choose carefully!
JULY
SAN FERMIN, RUNNING WITH THE BULLS: July 6 – 14
The running of the bulls is an adrenaline packed escapade in honour of San Fermin, patron saint of Navarra, taken place at the early hour of 8am. If that’s not enough to get you going, there’s always the spectacular day of drinking held in celebration after the race. Remember! Wear only white with a red bandanna around your neck to fit in with the dozens of others undertaking the once in a lifetime experience!
EXIT ADVENTURE: July 9 – 12 / 15 – 18
Exit Adventure is built for the seasoned festival goer, come prepared and stay hydrated! The first half, known as Exit Festival, is held in the magical Petrovaradin fortress where music reverberates through the medieval walls to create a wonderfully unique atmosphere. The second half, known as the Sea Dance Festival, is located on one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean – Jaz Beach. Both halves have been named “Best European Medium-Sized Festival” so don’t miss out!
MUD FESTIVAL: July 17 – 26
If you haven’t heard of it already, the annual Boryeong Mud Festival is a must do bucket list item. It’s exactly what it sounds like, a giant mud fight, and by giant, we mean thousands to millions of people. Don’t worry though, there are cosmetic benefits to the madness, so grab out your best (or worst) wear and tear clothing to join in on the madness!
TOMORROW LAND: July 23 – 27
This one has been on my bucket list for a while now. This years July Tomorrowland is being held in Boom, Belgium. Tomorrowland is what can only be described as a magical, fairy tale festival complete with cliché narratives opening and closing the sensation, accommodation in the DreamVille and performers around every corner. With people from across the globe attending the energy comes to life and you feel apart of a dream fairytale, grab a group and become apart of the action!
AUGUST
FULL MOON PARTY: August 1
This one is a near monthly occurrence, luckily there’s an event on the 1st of August. The Thailand Full Moon Party is held on the crescent shaped beach of Haad Rin, perfect for a beautiful view of the night sky; not to mention ideal for a memorable night of dancing, drinks and fun alongside 10-30 thousand other people partying the night away to electro, techno and trance music.
EDINBURGH FRINGE FESTIVAL: August 7 – 31
Renowned as the greatest show on Earth, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival is a hub of artistic culture, showcasing some of the best entertainment in a celebration of the arts. The Fringe Festival is taken over by thousands of performers on hundreds of stages, if you’re looking for a great show you can’t go wrong!
LA TOMATINA FESTIVAL: August 26
La Tomatina, or the ‘tomato throwing festival’, is the world’s biggest food fight – literally. Arrive early to secure a good spot, hunker down and prepare to be engaged in the wildest time of your life with anywhere from 40 thousand to 50 thousand other crazy people. Oh, and you’re locked in the tomato zone so don’t get any ideas about leaving early, bring a mate or group, stay safe and enjoy the fun!
SZIGET FESTIVAL: August 10 – 17
Regarded as one of the largest multi-cultural festivals in Europe, Sziget attracts hundreds of thousands of people each year from over 70 countries, all travelling to the beautiful island in the heart of Budapest. Sziget is a non-stop party; the ‘island of freedom’ is home to dozens of venues hosting some of the biggest names in the pop/rock scene to the electronic dance music scene. On top of the hub of music Sziget also offers a tailored experience into various cultural exhibitions, if you’re looking to smash together a rave and a circus, you’ve come to the right place.
SEPTEMBER
BURNING MAN: August 31 – September 7
Travel to Black Rock Desert in northern Nevada and experience something truly unique. The Burning Man event is best described as an experiment in community, art, radical self-expression and radical self-reliance. Travel in a group and become apart of the Black Rock City community, contributing and digesting intense forms of art, up to and including the construction of a yearly temple, built to be burnt as part of the celebration.
OKTOBERFEST: September 19 – October 4
Join millions of others in one of the most famous events in the world, Oktoberfest. Singing, dancing and an endless supply of beer will keep you company alongside live music. Grab yourself a tent and make the most of your time by drinking and making friends with those around you. Join in on the festivities and find out first hand just how much beer can be consumed in a number of days!
Author: Guest Blogger Daniel Hearne