Traveling is an exhilarating experience, made all the better by basing the trip around one spectacular attraction. Some specific attractions, however, are more rewarding than others! Recently, experienced travelers from all over the world met in an online discussion to reveal the things they’ve booked their entire trips around — with fantastic results.
1. The Northern Lights
Seeing the northern lights in person is awe-inspiring, which is why countless people book trips entirely around this beautiful phenomenon! The northern lights are best viewed in countries like Canada, Iceland, and Denmark, and travelers aren’t shy about booking entire vacations around the light show. The northern lights never fail to disappoint.
2. German Christmas Markets
One of the most under-the-radar attractions is Europe’s many Christmas markets, with Germany consistently having the best ones each year. Not all vacations need to be booked around thrilling events and attractions — sometimes, all you need is the promise of world-class shopping and cuisine during the holiday season!
3. Cherry Blossom Season
In Japan, cherry blossom season is something tourists and residents look forward to every year. Many people consider it one of the most naturally-beautiful recurring events on Earth. “I planned a really geographically weird route on our multimonth trip just to make sure we made it to Mt. Fuji for the cherry blossoms,” reveals one man. “I absolutely nailed the timing, and it was worth all the long, awkward flights on either side.”
4. The World Cup
Soccer is a worldwide phenomenon with billions of fans across the globe. As a result, the men’s and women’s World Cup tournaments are worth traveling to! There’s nothing quite like the excitement of attending the world’s most popular sporting event. “My significant other and I buy tickets for all the games as if the United States will go all the way,” explains one woman. “We make sure we have a hotel or Airbnb the night of the games, plan our round trip in and out of the country, and then pretty much do everything in between as we feel that particular day. We did this in France in 2019 for the women’s World Cup, and we can’t wait to do it again.”
5. The Olympics
I remember begging my parents to take me to the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta as a kid. Growing up in the northeastern United States, the logistics didn’t allow it. However, that’s not the case for millions who plan entire vacations around the summer and winter games! The Olympics is the perfect excuse to watch world-class athletes compete and experience a new country simultaneously.
6. Tour de France
If you haven’t been paying attention, popular global sporting events are something people plan vacations around! The Tour de France is the world’s largest and best-known bicycle race. “My dad watches it every year and loves the scenery, but was intimidated by the idea of France,” confesses one woman. “So my parents, my spouse, and I went. Two weeks in southern France, with a few days of the tour, was a wonderful trip. We had a room in a tiny hotel in a tiny town, and the peloton practically went past our door. It was great, and my dad loved it.”
7. Oktoberfest
Beer lovers aren’t shy about traveling far and wide to experience everything the beer world offers! Germany’s Oktoberfest celebration is one of many reasons to visit, as it’s an event that attracts millions of visitors annually. Cities like Berlin and Munich have reputations for catering to Oktoberfest fans, making the experience much more special.
8. The Burning Man Festival
Thousands of people travel to the middle of the California desert to let their freak flag fly at Burning Man! The ultimate celebration of individuality and creativity, the festival draws people from all over the world who base their entire vacation around experiencing all Burning Man has to offer.
9. Halloween in Salem, Massachusetts
How cool is it that some people travel to spend Halloween in Salem, Massachusetts? Home of the Salem witch trials hundreds of years ago, visiting the small town is the best way to experience some haunted and spooky vibes in October. “The best time I’ve ever had,” admitted one witch-lover. “Was super crowded, but the vibe from the crowd was amazing. I’m also a huge history and occult fan. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
10. Mardi Gras
Once a year, millions of visitors descend upon New Orleans, Louisiana, to celebrate Mardi Gras. It doesn’t get much better for partiers of all ages than stumbling around Bourbon Street while endlessly hunting for beads. Granted, you’ll suffer from the world’s biggest hangover when you leave town, but trust me, it’s worth it.
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