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photo by Real Traveler globalchoirboy

To add a little excitement and cultural experience to your next vacation, find a festival, parade or celebration that is happening somewhere around the world! Usually you need to plan a bit in advance, as hotels quickly fill up for certain events, but you will find it well worth your time. Big celebrations like Mardi Gras and Cinco de Mayo will almost overwhelm you, while smaller parades and events will give you a taste of the culture of smaller towns and cities.

 see top cities    see top trip blogs

Top Destinations for Festival

Top festival cities

  • 0c459c8627f0e6f3f8aab990ddb03a79
    photo by Real Traveler The Journeyers

    Rio de Janeiro

    Well known for its prominent beaches, Copacabana and Ipanema, Rio is a popular retreat for many tourists. Home of the Brazilian Carnival celebration in the springtime, Rio is a favorite getaway for vacationers around the world. There are also major fest... read more »

  • Fa947581b006a441acc5def410ef183d
    photo by Real Traveler LoCa

    Ko Phangan

    Famous for hosting a lively "Full Moon Party" every month, Ko Phangan also offers plenty of relaxing and quiet adventures for all types of travelers. With both luxury and affordable accomodations, this island provides a comfortable and unforgettable hol... read more »

  • 43af12d2129aa1840367e576804f1fad
    photo by Real Traveler Marcos

    Munich

    From the elegance of its grand boulevards to the brass bands that perform at the beer halls, visitors can see immediately that Munich residents know how to enjoy life. Munich is compact and manageable, contains more theatres than any other city in Germa... read more »

  • 0cc824ff1d6ca4b5af92641d3877871a
    photo by Real Traveler jean nee

    Edinburgh

    A historic, cosmopolitan and cultured city, Edinburgh mixes a unique blend of the old and new. Perched on extinct volcanoes with the Edinburgh castle dominating the skyline, the city is a buzz with international festivals and modern discotheques. Every... read more »

  • 945f2836a15a0e4f85d2753491e2c83b
    photo by Real Traveler Jackie & Dean

    Chiang Mai

    Built in a lush valley, the city of Chiang Mai has spectacular mountain views, rich culture and inexpensive accommodations. Travel to one of the 300 temples, shop at the Night Market, or take a popular day trip to the nearby Golden Triangle and the Meko... read more »

  • 0e2b18d10176aee52181a0b2d750781c
    photo by Real Traveler Marshall

    Paris

    The city of lights, the city of love. Paris is known as one of the most romantic destinations in the world, and it is not difficult to see why. It is also known for its famous buildings and works of art, its chic fashion scene and its modern literary, a... read more »

  • 8a5fa61728bf0b1c8b9b63d94d41230d
    photo by Real Traveler Jan & Lee

    Bangkok

     Ancient Buddhist temples that sparkle in the sun, the Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha – this is just the beginning of what Bangkok, the City of Angels has to offer. Boasting some of the most lavish hotels in the world, Bangkok is also known for its... read more »

  • 886afec13eb83a2c5568d946ab01f47b
    photo by Real Traveler The Leanos

    London

    The capital city of the UK and England, London is one of the great "world cities." With a diverse mixture of old world history and modern capitalism, London has so much to offer any traveler. From the Tower of London to its avant-garde nightclubs to a q... read more »

  • 5227cb0f419c4e937cdb84f22f14f1fa
    photo by Real Traveler Len and Jenn

    Bunol

    Buñol is a charming town in the province of Valencia with a population of approximately 9,000 people. Cradled by beautiful mountain ranges, Buñol lies along the Buñol River and is a popular tourist destination in late August as tomatoes go flying during... read more »

  • 4af463fceacbc5a2f16e8f2c848768e9
    photo by Real Traveler Not Another Spider!!

    Sydney

    Brash and beautiful, Sydney sits nestled in the sandstone cliffs overlooking Sydney Harbor, basking in its role as a gateway for travelers, a mecca of culture and a playground for tourists and its five million residents alike. History abounds in Victori... read more »

Top Five Festival Trip Blogs

  • babeck

    Visit with family in Slovakia | Jul 11 07'

    by babeck a female traveling as a couple from Fremont, on vacation in Iliasovce

    "Three or four jumped on the tractor and at least 10-12 climbed up into the wagon."

    July 12 (Thursday) We crossed the border into Slovakia mid-afternoon driving from Budapest. The road where we entered is a smaller one from... Continue reading »

  • Niamh and Cathal

    Ko Tao - Dive, dive, dive! | Sep 04 06'

    by Niamh and Cathal a 34 year old traveling as a couple from London, on vacation in Ko Tao

    "saw loads of fish - barracudas, a moray eel, parrotfish, rabbit fish, anemonefish"

    From the train station at Chumphon, we bought a ticket for a bus/boat combo to get us to Ko Tao. You can get either a fast or slow boat. We chose t... Continue reading »

  • emily tanbt

    Antalya | May 17 07'

    by emily tanbt a real traveler from Singapore, on vacation in Olympos

    Day 12 Archaeological MuseumToday is our first day at Antalya after a gruelling ride of 8 hours. My knee caps hurt! I think that it has to do with... Continue reading »

  • Mad Essex Woman

    Indochina loop continued - Laos | Jul 26 07'

    by Mad Essex Woman a female from Romford, on vacation in Laos

    LAOS VOCABULARY:BEER LAO (local brew)SABADEE (hello)KOP CHAI LAI LAI (thank you very much)FridayLeft Thailand for Laos on boat trip down the Mekong... Continue reading »

  • little haxby

    Magical Lundi and Mardi Gras! | Feb 18 07'

    by little haxby a 27 year old female from Boston, on vacation in New Orleans

    The energy and the frenzy are contagious. Although I had never been to New Orleans before, I wondered whether the determination to fill the street... Continue reading »

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