The World's Best Events & Trips to Build Around Them (Pt 3/4)

Not all trips are created equal.

The right WHEN is as important as the right WHERE.

Below, you'll find a detailed breakdown of 3 epic trips, each anchored to a world-class event, so you can do the right trip at the right time.

As always, we'll be scoring our trips using the 3 L's:

• List: How many bucket list items am I checking? Most often this is countries, but it also applies to cities, landmarks and iconic events.

• Local: How much authentic / local / cultural fix can you expect? This is the stuff you'll tell your kids about. It's also where you earn your trip (hard hikes, lessons in something local, all apply)

• Loco: Spanish for "crazy", this is the hot sauce to your trip's burrito. Think nightlife, adrenaline sports, the 'hangover' in Hangoverseas.. Price: Reluctantly, we'll rate this too - though it's not as fun to think about

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Carnaval (late February)

Rio de Janeiro

Summary

Carnaval's reputation speaks for itself. In fact, this might be the most famous party in the world - so there's no better time to visit legendary Rio de Janeiro. With Brazil's size, it's hard to make a "road-trip" out of it per se, but this week in Rio will bring you: Copacabana beach, a legendary viewpoint / photo, a World Wonder, the planet's biggest street-parties, and enough caipirinhas to lay you out for a month.

 🗺️ The Route

Rio de Janeiro

Here, we'll cover the main elements of Carnaval itself, but if you want a more in-depth guide to your Carnaval week in Rio (including neighbourhoods, tourist sights, etc.), check out our Carnaval For Dummies (The World's Biggest Party) article. Also, for a quick video feel, you've got our IG recap; HangOverSeas does Carnaval.

Where to Stay:

Copacabana or Ipanema. Dealer's choice. The Selina Hostel is always a good bet, it has quality rooms, a great crowd, and a lively rooftop bar with the perfect view of Copacabana beach.

🚨BOOK IN ADVANCE🚨:

The accommodation gets ridiculous this time of year. So much so, it might force you to cancel your trip. We're the first to say "wing it", but when it comes to Carnaval.. that's not an option. Consider booking many months in advance.

"Blocos" - The Soul of Carnaval

The "Blocos" or block parties are the heart and soul of the festival. What's less known is that they start as early as 8am and constantly move throughout the day! Unless you're starting bright and early, you'll have to keep track of where they are and where to meet them. Or, wander aimlessly and hope one passes by. This was one of our biggest revelations about Carnaval: It's NOT just ALL PARTIES, EVERYWHERE, ALL AT ONCE. You have to know where to be and where to go. There are apps for this, and hostel staff can be helpful, but there is absolutely no substitution for the knowledge of a local. This is true for any trip, but especially for Carnaval. Pull every string, do what you can, and try to befriend a local before or during your trip - it's a game-changer!

Night Events: Private Parties

We had nooooo idea these existed until we got there - and boy do they ever exist!! At night, the mayhem of the streets is funnelled in all directions. Many people go to the Sambodromo for the samba parade (transparently, it's just a long samba parade..) while many others opt for a private, pay-to-enter party. They're ultra expensive ($200-300 USD), which obviously is a pain when travelling ...but...

They. Are. Awesome.

On one hand they're safe, so you can be more relaxed. Their crowds are also fantastic, and the production value is out of this world. Imagine busses taking you (and thousands of other partiers) up a mountain, overlooking Rio, where basically a scene from Tomorrowland is set up in the middle of the woods. Lasers, pyrotechnics, clowns on stilts, and of course an open-bar (with no wait times for drinks, which is unheard of). It's equal parts magical and madness.

We personally did the Adoro Frozen party, but there were many to choose from. Each weirder and cooler than the next. Again, we only learned about this one from talking to a local "friend-of-a-friend". So do whatever it takes! The juice is worth the squeeze. NOTE: Some also suck. If it's really cheap, it's a crap-shoot whether you'e getting a great deal or a sketchy warehouse with sketchy people on the outskirts of town. Be aware. See Carnaval for Dummies (World's Biggest Party) for more details on your time in Rio.

🏅 The Rating

List: 8.8 - This trip is only 1 country - but it's a city who's clock you see in hotel lobbies around the world, it's a beach they sing songs about, a World Wonder, and the most notorious party ever. No shortage of bucket list scratching here. Local: 8.6 - The culture in Rio is thick, and what's great is that culture is only boosted during Carnaval, not watered down. Eat your picanha, drink your caipirinhas, learn some Portuguese phrases and rub elbows with the locals in the famous "blocos".

Loco: 10 - It's the world's biggest party. From 7am to 7am, across the city and the beach. It doesn't get any more loco than this. Price: $$ - When it comes to accommodation, VERY expensive. Again, MAKE SURE YOU BOOK IN ADVANCE. Whatever you're thinking, do 6 months before that! The private night parties are also very steep (but do include open bar). As for day-to-day spend Rio is relatively affordable, albeit more expensive than in Brazil's neighbouring Latin-American countries.

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Monaco Grand Prix (& French Riviera Roadie) (May)

Milan ↣ Nice ↣ Monaco ↣ Gorge du Verdon

Summary

This is your "do the French Riviera" moment. Believe it or not, you can make this as bougie OR as backpacker-y as you want. Within about a week, you'll get 3 countries, 2 iconic landmarks, a breath-taking drive, some outdoor adrenaline sports in the stunning Gorge du Verdon, the most historic motor-racing event in the World, and a bonus chance to spot some celebrities, with the Cannes Film Festival also taking place nearby.

This is a quick summary. For our complete guide to this trip (and how to do it affordably), check out Yes, You CAN Afford the French Riviera.

🗺️ The Route:

This roadie starts in Milan, and heads down to Nice which then acts as a hub for visiting both Monaco and Gorge du Verdon. Ultimately you end back in Milan for an easy roundtrip flight.

📍 Milan

Milan is one of the cheapest and most well-connected airports in Europe. Between that, it's proximity to the French Riviera and it's own eclectic vibe - it's a perfect start/end point. Here, you'll see some historic architecture, wicked nightlife and some of our favourite speakeasies on the Mediterranean.

Best Hostels in Milan:

The big players by way of hostels are undoubtedly the pair of Ostello Bello (Hostelworld: 9.7) and Ostello Bello Grande (Hostelworld: 9.3), though they are a bit pricier than the others. Alternatively, we loved Madama Hostel (Hostelworld: 9.0), which is just slightly further East, but has a great social vibe, and an amazing restaurant in it's lobby. The building is split into a hostel and a restaurant owned by a pair of business owners with these two respective passions. A brunch at the bistro will cure any hangover.

⭐️ SNEAK PEAK: Milan's speakeasy and secret-bar scene is INSANE. From 1930 to White Rabbit, these places are no joke; with secret addresses, invitation-only requirements and password-protected entries. Any good speakeasy is one you have to earn! Hint: stop by MAG, in Navigli, the precursor bar for 1930, and try chatting up the managers for some intel.

🚂 From Milan, take one of the 5 daily trains to Nice (5 hours)

📍 Nice

Welcome to France! A jewel of the French Riviera, Nice will be your home-base for the next few legs of the trip. Here, you'll find a vibey nightlife scene with some solid pub crawls, and a pebble beach. You'll also rent a car for your upcoming day trips to Gorge du Verdon and Monaco.

Best Hostels in Nice

With location in mind, the best and closest hostel is Villa Saint Exupery Beach (Hostelworld 8.2 with 7k reviews). Although it's slightly more expensive and not rated the highest in "Atmosphere"(7.6), it has a massive common are you can make plenty of fun in, and for what it's worth also has a gym and co-working space. For a slightly more party or social vibe, you may opt for Antares Hostel (Hostelworld: 8.2 with with 7k reviews). It's located slightly more North, but sits right along the Avenue Jean Médecin meaning it's an easy street-car (or drunken walk) to or from the beach and bars.

Overall, don't expect to be blown away by Nice hostels in general, they're average relative to some other European hotspots, but the diverse crowd and lively pub crawls make up for it.

🚗 **After 1 or 2 nights in Nice, rent a car for the next legs of the trip**

📍Gorge Du Verdon

This is one awesome drive. Not only will you come across the gorge itself, a striking river that cuts through the cliffs of the French countryside, but also the mountain highway (and French towns) on the way are both straight out of a storybook..

At Gorge du Verdon, you'll either grab kayaks or a raft. In either case: MAKE SURE TO BOOK IN ADVANCE.

The kayaking experience is 100% worth it. You're surrounded by limestone cliffs and travellers from around the world, having a floating hangout in the French sun. Where exactly you start and end will depend on who you choose as a provider, they'll give you all the details.

⭐️BONUS: Since you're already off the beaten path, you'd be remiss not to stop for dinner in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie before heading back to Nice. This mountain-top village looks like it's built INTO the cliff-side and is as authentic a French dinner as you can have. A full "LOCAL" experience that none of your friends have been to (until they read this of course..).

🚗 At the end of the afternoon, you'll be driving back to Nice for the night. Tomorrow, the big dance! Well the big race..

📍Monaco & The Grand Prix

(Note: You might not be into F1, or be willing to shell out the money to watch the race. Below, you'll first find a general guide to the Monaco day-trip, outside race weekend)

Monaco is arguably the richest place on Earth... and yes, unless you're swimming in money there's lots of it you won't have access to. That does not mean you shouldn't go. If you run Monaco as a day trip from Nice, it can be quite reasonable. We personally packed up the car early in the morning and took off on the 30-minute drive to Monaco. We stopped for a hardy breakfast and hangover gatorades in a small town en route, and were parked in Monte Carlo (Monaco) by 10:30am.

Monte Carlo is a visually unbelievable place, and even if you're on a budget, grabbing a coffee at any harbour-front patio will be well worth it. We personally had some cocktails and it didn't even set us back all that much. Think London prices.

Casino Monte Carlo: Listen.. even if you're not a gambler.. playing a few hands at the world-famous casino is a bucket-list must. Transparently, we lost $300, but it was 1000% worth it. NOTE: the casino is not open for visitors during race weekend.

After you play - I highly recommend grabbing a seat across from the main entrance, in the centre of the famous roundabout. From here, you can watch the who's who of world elites stop their what's what of exotic supercars in front of the casino's valet. We were blown away..

If you're really on a budget - don't hesitate to do as the French do - reach for a baguette. At one point, we grabbed baguette, salami and cheese from a small shop and had a 5-euro lunch overlooking the mega-yachts of Monaco Harbour. Brilliant.

The Grand Prix: For racing fans, you won't get the casino but you'll get the most historic race in motorsport! Not to mention the ambience, celebrity-sightings and fanfare associated with the prestigious spectacle. For any who haven't seen footage of this event.. stop what you're doing and hop over to YouTube (but then, you know, come back). Surprisingly, entry-level tickets are on the low-to-mid range relative to the annual Formula 1 calendar (less than the US, UK and UAE races) - with standing room tickets as little as 200 Euros, and around 1-1.5k euro for the weekend. Again, pricey no doubt, but for those who are hooked... it's once in a lifetime.

🚗 At the end of proceedings, you'll be driving back to Nice for the night (while undoubtedly making race car noises), where you can stay as long as you'd like before taking the train back to Milan to fly out.

🏅 The Rating:

List: 9.3 - Three countries (Italy, France, Monaco), the O Duomo, the world's most iconic casino, the most prestigious motor-race in history, and perhaps a few celebrity sightings. Albeit different than our usual, this definitely packs some bucket list punch. Local: 8.3 - The French riviera is not only glitz and glamour. Sure, in Nice and Monaco you'll spend more time with backpackers dancing on the bar-top, but the riviera itself, especially Gorge du Verdon and Moustiers, are as authentic as you can hope for. Mix these in and leave with a reasonable Local fix.

Loco: 8.1 - Speakeasies and the famous Navigli neighbourhood in Milan, wicked pub crawls in Nice, celebrity sightings in Monaco and high-adrenaline rafting in the Gorge, this trip has no shortage of spice. Price: $$$$ - When you read "Monaco & The French Riviera" what did you expect.. this won't be your cheapest trip. That said, with the tips above: i.e. flying in and out of Milan, using Nice as a hub, only day-tripping to Monaco etc., you can keep the costs manageable.

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La Tomatina (& Spain's Costa Blanca) (August)

Madrid ↣ Valencia ↣ Buñol ↣ Alicante

Summary

We skip a little further down the Mediterranean coast, for a far cheaper, crazier beach roadie. For this one, we're anchoring to the legendary Tomatina festival, and mixing in: A-level cities Madrid and Valencia, as well as a roadie down Spain's "Costa Blanca" (White Coast) to the ever-popular beach destination of Alicante. Expect a mix of delicious, affordable eats, epic "until-sunrise" nightlife and a culture that's so laid back and fun-loving it'll have you seriously considering a permanent move.

For the full breakdown of this trip check out The Ultimate TOMATINA Roadtrip (World's Biggest Food Fight). There, we go into detail about each city's awesome flavour (including where to stay, where to eat and where to party!).

🗺️ The Route:

Madrid ↣ Valencia ↣ Buñol ↣ Alicante

📍Madrid

Much like Milan in the previous trip, Madrid acts as the convenient starting point with access to cheap flights (it's a Ryanair hub). Luckily, it also happens to be a great f***g city. I spent a year there and can tell you the level of both "chill" and "wild" that the people there have is beyond measure. They live like Wednesday is Saturday, Thursday is Sunday and Monday is a write-off so who cares. It's brilliant.

Best Hostels in Madrid The current, unanimous champion for pure party hostel is Cats Hostel Madrid Sol (Hostelworld 8.9). The location is a perfect 5-minute walk from Puerta del Sol and sits in an ultra-vibey neighbourhood right off of Calle de Las Huertas, a famous pub and bar street. It's also on the way to Madrid's wildest nightclub, which we'll get to in a minute. Cats has a badass, Bohemian courtyard in the middle of it's building, where everyone gets together to party. Don't be surprised to see 10+ people sipping sangria (simultaneously) from the courtyard's central fountain. It's that kind of spot!

If you want a little extra luxury and comfort while still being in a central and social hostel: The Hat (Hostelworld: 9.4) has been a staple for quite a few years and sits in a PRIME location close to Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol. It also has a wicked lobby bar and rooftop patio (one of the best in the city). I've stayed here multiple times and have nothing but great things to say! It's a matter of preference between these two.

NIGHTLIFE IN MADRID

You're absolutely spoiled for choice: Patio / Day-Drinks: Definitely don't miss the jewel that is La Terraza Florida Park (image above). This patio is absolutely packed every Saturday and Sunday during the summer, as the crowds flock to the stunning property and it's immaculate terrace. There's a lot more to this place, a restaurant, a club, and a luxurious version of a "food court" called Los Kioskos, all part of the Florida Park property located right in Retiro (Madrid's version of Central Park).

Pub: Fontana de Oro, a proper tavern / pub vibe, live music, international beers and a great night out. Alternatives: James Joyce Irish Pub

Nightclub: Teatro Kapital, easily the crown jewel of Madrid nightlife, a 7-story super-club with a monolithic main stage courtyard that you can see from all other floors. Each floor plays different genres of music (including a karaoke room) and there is a rooftop patio that acts as the proverbial cherry on top. Alternatives: Teatro Barcelo, Fabrik, Opium, Shoko, Joy

Unique: Ojala is a cool hidden gem in which you can sip on Coronas with your feet in the (literal) sand. They've imported tons of sand into their bar and it feels like an night-time beach hangout.

Speakeasy: Clandestino, or Hemingway.

Rooftop: There are literally too many rooftops to count, much less list, in Madrid. That said, some top picks would be be Terraza de Cibeles, Gymage, Azotea, La Terraza Florida Park, Oroya and the hostel rooftop at The Hat.

I'd recommend at least 2-3 days in Madrid, before heading to Valencia, so plan your flight dates accordingly, to align with the day of La Tomatina.

🚂 From Madrid, you'll head to Valencia, which will be your basecamp for La Tomatina. Your best bet is the RenFe AVE train (approx. 2 hours).

📍Valencia

What a city this is too.. and on the beach no less.

Valencia will be your transition from "city" to "beach" as it has the benefit of both. It'll also be where your base for the Tomatina adventure ahead! Not for nothing.. but Valencia stands on it's own two feet as a stand-alone vacation by any measure. The people, food and nightlife here are all class.

Hostels: In Ciutat Vella South, you can't go wrong with Home Youth Hostel (Hostelworld: 9.4) which boasts among the highest "atmosphere" scores in the city at 9.3, and is known for it's awesome staff, social vibe and sangria nights. Alternatively, you can stay right in Russafa at Cantagua Hostel (Hostelworld: 9.3). Ironic based on it's locationin the party area , this isn't a party hostel per se - but is definitely the "feel at home" hostel, with it's smaller size, close-knit community and family dinners. It also sits nicely on route to our favorite spot in the city (see below). Needless to say at 9.3 it's loved by the people.

NOTE: Everyone going to La Tomatina stays in Valencia, so book your hostel in advance!!

NIGHTLIFE IN VALENCIA

At night, the Ciudad de Artes y Ciencias becomes one of the bets patios in Valencia, if not all of Spain. A whole section of the grounds, including indoor, outdoor and rooftop garden space lights up into a BANGER patio, lounge, nightclub and overall party. Picture a rooftop promenade lined with palm trees, giant white arches, fountains, stages and bartenders at every 30 feet, ready to serve you. Or, just look at the photo above. It's amazing just to look at, much less party in. Before entering, you'll see hundreds of people; travellers, local and international students, partiers of every kind, all sitting in the park across the street, embracing the Spanish tradition of "botellon", aka pre-drinking with sangria while sitting in circles and socializing. It's a vibe in and of itself. Then they migrate into the super-club for a night of unparalleled Spanish fiesta.

Then of course, you have the old town and the beach itself. Each of these can (and should) easily take up a day, so I'd avoid trying to squeeze them into one. Spend a day exploring old town, a day at Ciudad de Artes y Ciencias, and a hangover day at the beach for some rest and recovery.

⭐️Pro Tip: Don't forget to try paella Valenciana while you're in its birthplace, and drink vermouth in the bars, a staple around here.

On your third day, you'll want to get your stuff (and yourself) ready for the big dance, LA TOMATINA! 🍅 For transport, you'll be taking a train to Buñol first thing in the morning.

📍Buñol & La Tomatina

It's time for the big dance - LA TOMATINA - aka the world' biggest food fight. If you're unfamiliar, it's a gathering of thousands of people for a day of tomato-throwing insanity in the main square of Buñol. Legend has it La Tomatina started when a group of ruckus kids interrupted a town procession. A tomato cart was tipped over, tomatoes were thrown - and generations later the city still honours the food fight that ensued. What you really need to know, though, is everyone who's done it says the same thing:

"I would never do that again.. but if you haven't done it.. you absolutely have to do it once."

How to Get There, How to Book

You have two options. Either book an organized tour (there are countless online including La Tomatina Tours) or do it freestyle. If you do a tour, it's all taken care of. Perks here include organized transport, pre and post parties, a shirt and designated showers after the fact. The link above has a video showing it all.

If you go freestyle, here's the scoop: You'll take a train (approx. 50 minutes) from the Valencia train station - which you don't have to book in advance. You can find the schedule here. The earlier you go the better, as things get crazy busy, and you don't want to be stuck outside the square missing the party. You can purchase tickets for the event here. When you get to Buñol just follow the crowds.. you can't go wrong.

THE TOMATO FIGHT 🍅

This couldn't be more simple. Pack into the designated area (the heart of the town), watch out as the trucks roll in (packed to the brim with tomatoes), wait for the "GO" cannon (at 12:00pm), and then chaos... for 60 minutes straight! A river of tomato soup at your feet, tomatoes flying overhead (or at your head), people screaming and laughing hysterically.. it's the best of gongshows..!

At 1:00pm, a second cannon sounds and all tomatoes must be dropped. From there it's a comical parade of soaked idiots (including you) roaming through the streets being hosed down by good samaritans from their balconies. It sounds so stupid, and it is so stupid, but it's also amazing.

Afterparty

The official Tomatina after party is notorious for it's brilliant debauchery, as are those organized by tour groups. Follow the crowds, follow your guides, you're in good hands either way.

When it's all said and done, you'll be in Valencia sleeping it all off. 🚂 From there, your last leg will be a train along the Costa Blanca to Alicante (2 hours)

📍Alicante

Time to kick back and let the mediterranean clean off the last bits of tomato. Sort of. Alicante is the backyard beach destination for Spaniards. Anyone you meet will tell you about "that time in Alicante last summer". That means great beaches, it means a good mix of locals and tourist, and it means more than enough "Loco" to go around.

Best Hostels in Alicante

There are a few hostel options, but the most established is certainly Olé Backpackers Hostel (Hostelworld: 8.1). Their location is the best (right in the central neighbourhood, close to Mercado Central - more on that below), and they have quite a vibey lobby bar and terrace with beer on tap and good bar-food!

A Day in Alicante

Obviously, you start with the beach. Playa del Postiguet is undoubtedly the most popular, and has a ton of good facilities around it (restaurants, cafes, bars, bathrooms, etc.). You'll encounter plenty of families here as well, but there's a good mix.

At some point, you should dry off, head up the (very convenient) elevator and check out the thing you've been seeing above you all day: the Castell de la Santa Barbara, a thousand year-old castle that sits above a stone cliff and overlooks both the city and beach. It's historic, it's beautiful, and it has the best panoramic view of Alicante.

In the afternoon, you can do what the locals affectionately call "tardeo" (or, afternooning) which basically means day-drinking beers on the many patios and courtyards of the town's center. Specifically, close to the Mercado Central which in and of itself is worth a walk-through.

In the later afternoon-to-evening, you can continue the "tardeo" as it moves toward Calle Castaños. This is the prototypical Spanish "happy street" lined with pubs, patios, umbrellas and people having a whale of a time. The quantity and variety of establishments on this street make it a crowd-favorite for starting the night. All of these places shut down at 4am.

Eventually, the sun goes down, the kids go to bed and the party-seekers make their last move. You have a few choices of "neighbourhoods" (and depending on your schedule you can try a different one each night), but the two we recommend most highly are El Barrio and Alicante Marina.

El Barrio is one of the best areas to party in Alicante. From haute-cuisine restaurants, to 80's music, trendy electronic beats, terraces, gastropubs and everything in between, this is a bonafide hedonism buffet. Being on the historic cobblestone streets only adds to the immaculate vibes.

Alicante Marina on the other hand is home to one of the best spots in all of Alicante; the beloved Marmarela Mediterranean Cocktail Club. This place is special. Sitting right on the water, overlooking the sea, the town, and the towering castle, it's the perfect setting for a monumental open-air night club. The two palm-lined pools, top-shelf cocktails and frequent DJ sets don't hurt either. Being so large, it has two separate sections with differing music, so it's up to you what you're feeling tonight. Either way, you'll be feeling something tomorrow!

Honorable Mention: Code Social Club is a respected spot for people in the know, with a main room playing a mix of electronic and 90's music and another playing pure reggaeton, it attracts an interesting mix of 'older' crowd (early 30's) and younger latin-seekers (early 20's).

🚂 When you're all done, you'll take the 2h25m train back to Madrid just in time for your round-trip flight back to wherever you came from. That is, of course, unless Spain steals your heart and you decide to stay. You wouldn't be the first one.

🏅 The Rating:

List: 8.2 - One country, one world-famous festival, and (if you're lucky) the oldest restaurant in the world. There are more prolific trips on this list, but this one definitely holds its own. Local: 9.4 - The culture in Madrid is thick, as is the history and culture in Alicante. When you add those to the truly unique experience that is Buñol's historic Tomatina, you have an overload of Local, and plenty to feel good about despite your excessive partying (see below)

Loco: 9.5 - Madrid's Teatro Kapital (and clandestine speakeasy network), the world's biggest food fight, along with it's afterparty, clubbing next to dolphins (close enough) in the Ciutat de Artes y Ciencias, and ending with the legendary nightlife scene of Alicante. Yea, this is a 9.5.

Price: $ - Believe it or not, relative to European neighbours like France, Italy and Germany, Spain is substantially more affordable. The euro might still sting North Americans, but the payoff is well worth it. Your biggest expense might be your La Tomatina Tour which can run upwards of 150+ Euros. Otherwise, this trip is pretty affordable.

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Part 4 coming soon with more epic trip routes! Missed Part 1? Check out: The World's Best Events & Trips to Build Around them Part 1 The World's Best Events & Trips to Build Around them Part 2

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