The World's Best Events & Trips To Build Around Them (Pt. 1/4)

Not all trips are created equal.

The right WHEN is as important as the right WHERE.

Below, you'll find 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 things am I checking off the bucket list? This can be countries, iconic cities, landmarks or events.

• Local: How much authentic, local, cultural fix can you expect? This is the stuff you'll tell your kids about.

• Loco: Spanish for "crazy", this is the hot sauce to your travel 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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Oktoberfest (late September - early October)

Munich ↣ Innsbruck ↣ Vaduz ↣ Lucerne

Oktoberfest needs no introduction. Literally, we won't offend you by introducing it. But for those in the dark, the picture tells you everything you need to know.

Located in Munich, this beer-junkies' paradise comes to life the last week of September (ironically - don't make the mistake of thinking it runs all of October - learned that one the hard way). Normally, the Hofbräuhaus and Augustiner Keller are two of our favorite beer-

gardens, but during Oktoberfest the Theresienwiese Fairgrounds is where you'll want to be. If you want a spot inside during Oktoberfest, make sure you book WAY in advance. Whatever 'in advance' means to you, book several months before that. Well worth it.

📍The Route:

Munich ↣ Innsbruck ↣ Vaduz ↣ Lucerne From Oktoberfest, you can run a monster roadtrip.

In a few days (and just 6 hours of driving), you can tackle FOUR countries (!!) and 4 iconic cities; Munich (Germany), Innsbruck (Austria), Vaduz (Liechtenstein) and Lucerne (Switzerland), all while road-tripping through the glorious Alps.

Each of these deserve their own blog, but we won't give you all the spoilers. What you need to know is this is one of the best road trips if you're short on time, and eager to get some passport stamps in quickly. Hit the road and explore for yourself!

NOTE: Some people might prefer ending in Zurich, but if you're like us and want to jump off bridges into crystal canals, with a backdrop of medieval castles and snow-capped mountains - then stick with Lucerne.

🏅 The Rating:

List: 4 - Four countries is a monster tally for such a short trip Local: 8.2 - Oktoberfest is culturally iconic, and all the small towns you'll drive through will give you an authentic view of each country

Loco: 7.9 - This route is pretty balanced. Your days at Oktoberfest will be wild, but the rest of the roadtrip can be as casual (or not) as you want it to be Price: $$$ - Being in the highly prosperous centre of Europe is never cheap. Expect fairly steep prices in Munich and definitely throughout Switzerland

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Tết - Vietnamese New Year (& Hoi An Lantern Festival)

Hanoi ↣ Ha Long Bay ↣ Da Nang ↣ Hoi An

Frankly, we'd use any excuse to put Vietnam on this list, but in fairness Tét is a good one.

Picture if New Years Eve, your birthday, and every single one of your friends' birthdays were on the same night. That's Tét - Vietnamese New Year - literally.

Taking place in late January (Jan 22, in 2023), Tét is not only a new years celebration, it's also when all Vietnamese people jointly celebrate their birthdays. As you can imagine, this night is a perfect marriage between cultural and curaazy. If you're ever planning to visit Vietnam (which.. come on), this insane experience is the perfect event to anchor to.

We can't possibly cover all that Vietnam has to offer in this blog, but we can give you the Cole's notes:

"This is one of the greatest backpacking routes anywhere in the world, full stop."

📍 The Route:

Hanoi ↣ Ha Long Bay ↣ Da Nang ↣ Hoi An

The default route for a Vietnam trip is North to South, starting in Hanoi and ending in Ho Chi Minh. Most people buy or rent a motorbike and trek across the country, but if you're limited by time, there are plenty of flights and buses. Either way, this is one of the greatest backpacking routes anywhere in the world, full stop. There are a million things to do, but the standard line is:

Hanoi ↣ Ha Giang Motorcycle Loop ↣ Ha Long Bay (and Castaway Island) ↣ Hai Van Pass ↣ Da Nang ↣ Hoi An ↣ Dalat ↣ Ho Chi Minh

Three incredible cities, mountains, motorcycles, islands, boats, beaches, culture, canyoneering, exceptional street food, friendly locals and insane nightlife - all at shockingly low prices. This is Vietnam.

That sounded like an infomercial, but it's all true.

Sticking to the North

While we did the whole route as long-term backpackers (1 month), we're sticking to a tighter itinerary for this guide. One that covers the North and Hoi An (central). In truth, almost all of the above applies here, as Northern Vietnam is the most densely packed with amazing culture and natural beauty. While Ho Chi Minh is great, I don't find it as unique as Hanoi and the rest of the North. For those short on time and budget, the South is much easier to sacrifice than the North. (Sorry Ho Chi Minh fans..!)

Our line looks like this: Hanoi, Ha Giang Loop, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An. This trip can easily (albeit action-packed) fit into 2 weeks, and covers the best that Vietnam has to offer!!

Timing

If you're using Tét as your anchor, you'll likely want to spend that specific night in Hanoi, just because it's the biggest city and will likely have the most going on. That said, if you can, plan your following days accordingly, so that you're also in Hoi An during a full moon, this way you'll get a 2-for-1 of festivals! Open up that calendar app and map it out!

Where to Stay in Hanoi:

Our personal favourite has always been Central Backpackers (been there 3 times). They have a great (and social) rooftop bar / patio, open-bar at certain times of night, and the best Ha Long Bay trip of any provider. It's something like $150 for a stay (and party) on what is essentially a super-yacht / cruise-chip / party-boat. It's a great time, with great food (included), water activities and a hell of a party.

Alternatively, if you're a sucker for a pool, Hanoi Buffalo Hostel is the only real competitor in town. They also boast a fun social scene and great location.

Hoi An sits about halfway down your North-to-South route and is an awesome backpacker hub - especially during it's monthly Full Moon Festival - when floating lanterns fill up the town's canal.

The vibes of this place are immaculate; it feels like the beginning of a Disney movie where everything's colourful and everyone is perpetually happy. Picture waking up everyday at your $9 hostel, enjoying a free breakfast before walking out into the sun and hopping on your $4/day scooter. Now zip that scooter through town, past a lively produce market, along the glorious rice-fields and directly onto the beach. It's one hell-of-a morning routine.

This is a snippet from my time in Hoi An:

For reference, I planned to stay 4 days, and was still there 4 weeks later - grunting "one more night" to the Hostel-owner while trying to survive another glorious hangover. Hoi An is an easy place to go, but a tough place to leave.

Where To Stay:

, though Vietnam Backpackers Hostel (VBH) is always a safe bet (albeit a bit outside of downtown).

🏅 The Rating:

List: 1* - Just one country, but Vietnam sits firmly on the podium of best countries in the world to visit. Local: 9.8 - Vietnam itself is a cultural mecca. Between statues of Buddha, those iconic little plastic chairs at street-side restaurants, and the insane (but amazing) scooter traffic - you really are on another planet. Mix that with the country's biggest festival of the year AND the Lantern Festival... you're maxing out this category.

Loco: 9.6 - Scroll up to the part that says "New Years Eve and Everyone's Birthday on the same night". Not to mention Vietnam Backpackers Hostels (VBH), Castaway Island (if you don't know, ask around) and Bui Vien walking street. Simply put, Vietnam turns the f** up. Price: $ - Best advice; get there soon. Vietnam is slowly becoming known as one of the World's best-kept secrets. Notice the paradox.. the epically low prices and authentic experiences won't be there for long - so get to Vietnam ASAP.

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El Superclásico

Buenos Aires ↣ Bombonera ↣ Colonia del Sacramento

Buenos Aires.. it's on everybody's bucket list. The capital of Argentina, the "Paris" of the West, the birthplace of tango and the home of the world's greatest rivalry: River Plate vs Boca Juniors. (If you're not a soccer fan - don't worry - it really doesn't matter)

I once had an Argentine tell me, "my parents would let me marry anyone, a poor man, a rich man, foreign or domestic, tall or short - just not a Boca Juniors fan."

This undying hatred makes for one of the most epic spectacles in sports, El Superclásico. The teams play at least once in each of their stadiums, but the one you'll want to visit is at La Bombonera, Boca Juniors' home stadium and one of the most iconic in World football (seriously, google it). If there's ever an anchor event to build your Argentina trip around - it's El Superclásico at the Bombonera. The build-up hype, the game itself, and the party that follows push Buenos Aires to its roaring peak.

To get an idea.. check out the YouTube clip above. Goosebumps.

🚨 NOTE: This is not an easy game to get into! Some tours offer "excursions" to games, but even these book out well in advance given the magnitude of this particular match. You cannot just show up to Buenos Aires and expect to get a ticket. Do your research and find the right tour for you, as they tend to change every season!

Soccer or not, Buenos Aires is up there with the best cities in the world.

While you're in town - [warning; travel cliche incoming] - you actually have to "roam the streets". Buenos Aires is globally known for it's many neighbourhoods, and how each is so different than the next. Luckily, the food, wine and bar scene is good throughout - so you'll never be bored. Palermo Soho is definitely the best for nightlife, patios and overall vibes, with more options than you know what to do with. But, if you prefer super-clubs you can always taxi out to the legendary Bayside, Moscú or La Mala which are all a GREAT time.

Also, don't miss out on real, Argentinian asado. Spanish for BBQ, it refers to an Argentinian tradition of having BBQ's on Sundays, with only the finest in Argentina's world-class beef. If you can, either connect with a local or use Airbnb Experiences to get yourself into an authentic, family asado. Between the steak, wine and good vibes - you'll remember that day forever - regardless of the hangover you're nursing. Alternatively, head to Don Julio, the most famous steakhouse in Buenos Aires for an incredible meal. PS - you'll have to go early and line up to make a reservation - but trust me it's worth it. Also, when you come back later and wait for your table, they'll have champagne for you.

Hostels: There's a toss-up here depending what you're after. For the space itself, it has to be Viajero Buenos Aires. It has a wicked rooftop patio, TWO pools (one rooftop, one indoor) and a great social scene with activities, live music and games nearly every night. Hostelworld: 9.3. Alternatively, if you're looking for a more digital nomad vibe in the heart of Palermo Soho (the city's best neighbourhood), you can aim for Selina Palermo, (Hostelworld 9.0)

📍The Route:

Buenos Aires ↣ Bombonera ↣ Colonia del Sacramento

Buenos Aires has plenty to keep you busy, after all it's Buenos Aires. But, there is a way you can double your country tally and add some diversity to your vacation. Only a couple-hour ferry from Buenos Aires, is the Uruguayan town of Colonia del Sacramento. A UNESCO Heritage Site, this little (but historic) town is perfect for renting a scooter and zipping through cobblestone streets. It has more quaint cafes and classic cars than you know what do with - and don't miss it's abandoned bull-ring, or the city gate with it's wooden drawbridge. You'll definitely get your IG content here, and another country on your list!

🏅 The Rating:

List: 9.3 - Two countries, one of the world's PREMIER cities, and the biggest rivalry in world sports. Local: 9.2 - The Superclásico, and soccer in general, is a huge part of Argentinian culture, combined with the super-city that is Buenos Aires and the UNESCO experience in Uruguay, this route will give you plenty of cultural feels. Add some asado and you're basking in "Local"

Loco: 8.9 - Put it this way, even if you don't find tickets, just being in the neighbourhood is absolutely insane. Combine that with the phenomenal nightlife scene in BA and you have yourself a TRIP. Price: $$ - Argentina's economy is pretty volatile, so prices may well vary depending when you visit. That said, while that Superclásico tour will put you back some, the rest of the country is still very affordable due to the massive exchange rate advantage.

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Untold

Bucharest ↣ Brasov ↣ Bran ↣ Cluj

If you're into electronic music, you're hard pressed to find better bang-for-your-buck than Untold. Taking place in one of Europe's best-kept secrets - Romania - this is one of the premiere festivals you have to hit. I mean, just look at that video^

On the music front, here is a look at the insane 2022 lineup.

Spoiler Alert: David Guetta, Major Lazer, Oliver Heldens, Alok, Don Diablo, Hardwell, Kygo, J Balvin and G-Eazy are just some of the notable acts. With lineups like this, it's no wonder Untold has been sneaking up the list for EDM fans.

That said, your trip to Romania won't just be for drops and build-ups (though driving through the mountains will sometimes feel like it). This country consistently ranks among the most underrated spots in Europe - and for good reason.

📍The Route:

Bucharest ↣ Brasov ↣ Bran ↣ Cluj

To start, you'll land in Bucharest - Romania's capital. Here you'll find the "heaviest building in Europe", a mammoth parliament building built by infamous communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu. From there, get yourself to the old town immediately. This web of cobblestone walking-streets is an adult playground of Romanian food, patios, nightclubs and all the debauchery you could ever dream of. For dinner, consider Hanul Cu Tei - a vibey and delicious restaurant whose patio sits in an arched alleyway. It's owned by Romanian soccer legend Ilie Dumitrescu, who will likely come by your table to say hello, and will never say no to a photo request. Pro Tip: Try the "mici" (Romanian ground-meat sausage) and a Ciuc beer.

BONUS Bucharest Tip: DO NOT miss Beraria H - Possibly THE biggest and best beer-garden outside of Munich!

Hostels: No question it has to be T5 Social, this place is more than it's cool backyard patio and clean rooms - it has something that makes all it's guests fall in love. Read some of the reviews to get your sense, but on aggregate the 9.6 Atmosphere score and 9.5 Overall will speak for itself! It's T5 Social, no questions asked.

From Bucharest, make the winding drive over the Carpathian Mountains and into the jewel of Romania: Brasov. A mix of Medellin and Hollywood, this city looks like a stadium nestled between surrounding mountains and sporting a glowing white sign with it's name up in the hills.

Here, you'll once again want to head within the walls of the fortified Old Town.

There you'll find the main plaza, Piata Sfatului, and the holy grail for patio-lovers, Strada Republicii (both of which have a view of the iconic Brasov sign). At night, head to any pub in this area or go clubbing at Club Mood.

Hostels in Brasov: First choice should be SECRET Boutique Hostel. While not a party hostel, and not that big, it has modern, clean rooms with comfy pod-style bunk beds and amazing staff. Much like T5 Social in Bucharest, people always comment on how nice, helpful and welcoming the people are at SECRET - a common thread among hosts in Romania!

Only now, armed with the Brasov hangover, are you ready to head to Cluj for the festival itself (nothing like saving the best for last!). On route, make a quick pit stop in Bran to visit the world-famous Bran Castle (yeah, the one from Dracula - you are in Transylvania after all). From there, you'll have another 4 hours to Cluj.

Cluj is a vibey university-town that's BUILT to host thousands of hyped up festival-goers. Just stumble around and you'll run into nothing but pubs, outdoor gatherings, live music and a youthful good time. Come tomorrow, you'll be in the iconic Cluj Arena, alongside 50-thousand others, looking up at the stars while jamming to the very best DJ's. Welcome to Untold, welcome to Romania.

🏅 The Rating:

List: 9.4 - One country, but "the most underrated, hidden secret in Europe" (plus Dracula's castle which is pretty cool) Local: 8.2 - Untold itself is international - not a strictly Romanian experience. But, between the old towns of Bucharest and Brasov, and the notorious Dracula's Castle, you will get some cultural feels. The hiking in the Carpathians is also world-class.

Loco: 9.3 - I mean.. Armin Van Buuren cried after his 6-hour set at Untold. We'll leave it at that. Price: $ - Romania is still crazy cheap relative to its European neighbours. Not quite like the Eastern Europe scene from Euro-Trip.. but comfortable to say the least.

If you haven't found your dream trip here, we have plenty more for you:

World's Best Events & Trips to Build Around Them: Part 2

World's Best Events & Trips to Build Around Them: Part 3

Thanks for reading!

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