Any excuse to get away for a break is a good one, but the eight events we’re suggesting here will be the decisive push you needed to pack your bags. 2018 is full of concerts, music festivals, and sports events that invite you to travel the world.
1. Winter Olympics. Pyeongchang, South Korea. February 9-25
Pyeongchang is set to become the first Asian city outside of Japan to host the Winter Olympics. It’s a multi-sports event combining ice and snow disciplines: figure and speed skating, ice hockey, ski jumping, cross-country and acrobatic skiing, curling, etc. The South Korean Taebaek Mountains are located 126km from Seoul, and it’s an exceptional destination to visit the palaces and sanctuaries of the Joseon Dynasty, the Lotte World theme park, the famous 63 building and the markets in Namdaemun and Dongdaemun.
2. Ultra Music Festival. Miami, Florida, United States. March 23-25
Experience the 20th edition of one of the world’s most impressive outdoor electronic music festivals. And while you’re there, discover one of most surprising destinations in the U.S. Miami has it all, beautiful beaches, Latin atmosphere, and an excellent range cultural and dining options.
3. Coachella Festival. Riverside, California, United States. April 14-22
Join the hip and stylish festival scene and organise that trip to California and the Coachella Festival that you’ve always been dreaming about. The festival is held over two consecutive weekends where you get to rub shoulders with celebrities and dance till you drop. Hotels are usually booked out months in advance, so we recommend staying in one of the nearby towns like Riverside or on one of the campsites set up for the festival.
4. Washington Square Outdoor Art Show. New York. May 26-June 3
Spring is one of the best times of the year to travel to New York, and the Washington Square Outdoor Art Show is the perfect excuse for a visit. Held over two weekends, the outdoor art festival in Washington Square showcases paintings, sculptures, photographs, jewellery and woodwork from artists and craft artisans all over the city. Book your flights now and enjoy a visit to the top of the Empire State Building, a picnic in Central Park, a Broadway musical, and hitting the shops of Fifth Avenue.
5. Football World Cup. Russia. June 14-July 15
A dream event for all football fans and a great opportunity to cheer on your team from the sidelines. Russia is the country chosen to hold the 2018 World Cup and its many venues make up the perfect scenario for some sightseeing between matches: Moscow, with its impressive Red Square, Saint Petersburg and the Hermitage, Kaliningrad and its Gothic cathedral, and the beautiful beaches in Sochi.
6. Almagro Classical Theatre Festival. Ciudad Real, Spain. July
The Manchegan town of Almagro will play host to the International Festival of Classical Theatre, considered by many to be the most important in the world. Almagro, Historical-Artistic Zone since 1972 is part of ‘The most beautiful villages in Spain’ association, thanks to its Plaza Mayor, ancestral homes and different palaces like that of the Marqueses de Torremejía.
7. Open-Air Flea Market. L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. France. Easter and August
This small town in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region in Avignon is transformed twice a year for Europe’s largest outdoor market with all the vintage stalls you could possibly imagine. Sellers come from all over France with their best products: ceramics, kitchenware, books, furniture, bedclothes, rugs, antiques, etc. And when you’ve had enough of shopping, you can enjoy a stroll through ‘Little Venice’ and admire the picturesque canals and savour the incredible Gallic cuisine.
8. Frankfurt Book Fair, Germany. October 10-14
This year is the 70th anniversary of the world’s biggest book fair. It takes place in the Messe Frankfurt Trade Fair, and 7000 exhibitors and about 300,000 visitors are expected to attend. It’s a huge event for publishing companies and offers visitors the chance to discover Germany’s financial centre. The Goethe House, the Imperial Cathedral of Saint Bartholomew, Main Tower and the Römerberg are all must-visits in Frankfurt. You should also try to visit the Sachsenhausen district and some of the old cider bars to try some Apfelwein.
