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.
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Top festival cities
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photo by The JourneyersRio 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 »
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photo by LoCaKo 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 »
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photo by MarcosMunich
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 »
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photo by jean neeEdinburgh
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 »
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photo by Jackie & DeanChiang 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 »
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photo by MarshallParis
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 »
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photo by Jan & LeeBangkok
 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 »
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photo by The LeanosLondon
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 »
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photo by Len and JennBunol
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 »
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photo by 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 Festival Countries
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photo by Katja auf WeltreiseIndia
Travelers looking for a range of rich cultures, topography, and recreational pursuits will be pleased to find everything in India. Gorgeous beaches, stunning temples, rain forests, mountains, deserts, lively cities, and friendly people can all be found in this fascinating destination. read more »
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photo by Jan & Lee
Thailand
Drawing more visitors than any other country in Southeast Asia, Thailand is a wonderful harmony of history, architecture, people, culture and cuisine. With the mountains of Mae Hong Son, dance clubs of Bangkok, peaceful villages along the Mekong River and intimate beach resorts studding the Andaman Sea, Thailand is a paradise for any traveler. read more »
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photo by Len and Jenn
Spain
Spain is more than bullfights, flamenco dancers and crowded beaches. It is a spectacular and diverse country, the north resembling the rolling, green hills of Ireland and the south giving you a taste of Moroccan landscapes and architecture. Mixing the old and the new effortlessly, Spain provides every traveler so much to discover. read more »
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photo by little haxbyUnited States
Travelers to the United States of America experience a melting pot of diverse people and cultures into an equally diverse and mind-blowing landscape. Home to several of the world's most exciting cities and a plethora of unique outdoor opportunities, the United States is a country that offers every visitor unique and unforgetable travel destinations. read more »
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photo by The Leanos
United Kingdom
One of the world's ultimate travel destinations, the United Kingdom has so much to offer. Encompassing England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, the UK is extremely diverse in its people and culture. Whether your interest lies with its world famous city of London or in the castles and rolling hills of Scotland, there is much to do and see for every traveler. read more »
Top Five Festival Trip Blogs
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Another Day in Paradise ... | Nov 02 08'
We moved from one perfect beach to another – Coral Bay actually has a spot called Paradise Beach. Quite different from where we were as this is a r... Continue reading »
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Oktoberfest, Pizza y Jazz... | Oct 14 08'
What do cerveza, pizza and jazz have in common? They are universal in nature. They bring the world together. No, really. Eat, drink and be merry. P... Continue reading »
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Visit with family in Slovakia | Jul 11 07'
"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 »
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Ko Tao - Dive, dive, dive! | Sep 04 06'
"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 »
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Antalya | May 17 07'
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 »
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