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The World’s 10 Most Unique Festivals Worth Traveling For

March 5, 2024 By Catherine Reed Leave a Comment

Worlds Most Unique Festivals Worth Traveling For

In an age where unique experiences and cultural immersion are highly sought after by travelers, festivals around the world offer an unparalleled opportunity to delve into the traditions, foods, and communal spirit of diverse locales. From the vivid colors of Holi in India to the surreal landscapes of Burning Man in the USA, each festival presents a unique story, making them bucket-list destinations for adventurers and culture enthusiasts alike. This article explores 10 of the most unique festivals around the globe, each promising an unforgettable experience that goes beyond mere sightseeing, tapping into the essence of each destination’s cultural heartbeat.

1. Holi, India – The Festival of Colors

Holi, India

Holi, celebrated across India, marks the arrival of spring with a vibrant display of colors and joy. This festival is not just about throwing colored powders; it’s a symbolic celebration of good over evil, where social norms are relaxed, and streets turn into canvases of joy. Participants immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere, dancing to the rhythm of drums and sharing traditional sweets. Holi’s infectious spirit has crossed borders, inspiring similar celebrations worldwide, making it a global symbol of joy, love, and renewal. Travelers from all corners of the globe are drawn to India during Holi to experience this explosion of colors and unity firsthand, making it a truly unique cultural immersion.

2. Burning Man, USA – A Desert Utopia

Burning Man

Held in the Nevada desert, Burning Man is more than just a festival; it’s a community experiment in self-expression, art, and self-reliance. Attendees, known as “Burners,” create a temporary city filled with large-scale art installations, performances, and interactive experiences. The ethos of gifting, communal effort, and environmental consciousness permeates the event, culminating in the symbolic burning of a large wooden effigy. This festival is a pilgrimage for those seeking creativity, connection, and transformation in an environment that challenges the norms of daily life. Burning Man’s unique blend of art, community, and desert survival creates an unparalleled experience that draws a global audience year after year.

3. La Tomatina, Spain – The World’s Biggest Food Fight

La Tomatina

In the small town of Buñol, Spain, the streets turn red during La Tomatina, the world’s largest tomato fight. What started as a local squabble in 1945 has transformed into an annual event attracting thousands of participants eager to hurl overripe tomatoes at each other. The rules are simple, and the atmosphere is euphoric, with the battle lasting an hour, leaving the town and participants drenched in tomato pulp. This quirky festival is not only a spectacle but also a testament to the joy of communal playfulness, making it a must-experience event for those seeking unconventional fun.

4. Harbin Ice and Snow Festival, China – A Winter Wonderland

Harbin Ice and Snow Festival

The Harbin Ice and Snow Festival transforms the city of Harbin, China, into a dazzling winter wonderland. Featuring massive ice castles, sculptures, and illuminated ice lanterns, this festival showcases the artistry and resilience of life in cold climates. The intricate designs and sheer scale of the ice structures are a testament to human creativity and the beauty of winter. Visitors can explore ice palaces, enjoy ice skating and snow sports, and marvel at the craftsmanship that goes into creating this ephemeral ice city. The festival’s magical ambiance makes it a bucket-list destination for those enchanted by the beauty of winter and human ingenuity.

5. Dia de los Muertos, Mexico – A Celebration of Life and Death

Dia de los Muertos

Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a deeply spiritual Mexican festival that celebrates the lives of the departed. Far from being morbid, it’s a colorful, joyful event where families create altars (ofrendas) adorned with photos, mementos, and marigolds to welcome the spirits home. The streets come alive with parades, skull decorations, and face-painted revelers, embodying the belief that death is a natural part of life’s continuum. This festival offers a unique perspective on life, death, and the enduring bonds of family, providing a profound cultural experience for visitors.

6. Songkran, Thailand – The Ultimate Water Fight

Songkran, Thailand

Songkran marks the Thai New Year with a refreshing and spirited water fight, symbolizing purification and the washing away of sins and bad luck. For three days, the streets of Thailand transform into arenas of joyous water battles, with locals and tourists alike armed with water guns, buckets, and hoses. Beyond the fun, Songkran is steeped in tradition, with people visiting temples, offering food to monks, and gently pouring water over Buddha statues and the hands of elders. This blend of sacred rituals and playful water fights makes Songkran a uniquely immersive experience, reflecting the harmonious blend of reverence and revelry in Thai culture.

7. Gion Matsuri, Japan – A Month-Long Cultural Spectacle

Gion Matsuri, Japan

Gion Matsuri, held in Kyoto, is one of Japan’s most ancient and revered festivals, dating back to the 9th century. Throughout July, the city comes alive with processions of massive, elaborately decorated floats, traditional music, and performances. The festival’s highlight is the grand parade of floats, known as Yamaboko Junko, showcasing Kyoto’s craftsmanship, history, and community spirit. Gion Matsuri is not just a festival; it’s a living museum of Japanese culture and tradition, offering a deep dive into the ceremonial heart of Japan.

8. Mardi Gras, USA – A Carnival of Excess

Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras in New Orleans is a flamboyant pre-Lenten celebration, famous for its grand parades, intricate masks, and bead-throwing traditions. The streets buzz with jazz music, and the air is filled with the aroma of Creole cuisine, encapsulating the spirit of New Orleans. Mardi Gras’ extravagant floats and costumes are a feast for the senses, embodying the city’s love for celebration and its rich cultural tapestry. This festival is a testament to the enduring spirit of New Orleans and its people, making it a must-experience event for those seeking an unforgettable carnival atmosphere.

9. Oktoberfest, Germany – The World’s Largest Volksfest

Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest in Munich is renowned as the world’s largest Volksfest, combining a massive beer festival with a traveling funfair. The festival is a celebration of Bavarian culture, with attendees donning traditional lederhosen and dirndls, enjoying folk music, and indulging in hearty German fare. The communal beer halls, filled with long wooden tables, foster a sense of camaraderie and good cheer among locals and visitors alike. Oktoberfest’s lively atmosphere, cultural authenticity, and world-famous beer make it an iconic event that draws millions of visitors from around the globe.

10. Carnival of Venice, Italy – A Masquerade of Mystery and Elegance

Carnival of Venice

The Carnival of Venice is a spectacle of history, art, and tradition, famous for its elaborate masks and costumes that harken back to the 12th century. The city transforms into a stage for masked balls, parades, and cultural performances, set against the backdrop of Venice’s stunning canals and architecture. The mystery and elegance of the masked participants create an otherworldly experience, inviting attendees to step back in time and lose themselves in the romance and intrigue of Venetian history. The Carnival of Venice offers a unique blend of artistry, tradition, and mystery, making it an enchanting escape for those seeking the magic of the past.

Starting Planning Your Trip to a Unique Festival Today!

Starting Planning Your Trip to a Unique Festival Today!

These 10 festivals are just a glimpse into the world’s rich tapestry of cultural celebrations, each offering a unique window into the soul of their respective communities. Traveling for these festivals not only promises unforgettable experiences but also fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of global cultures. So, pack your bags, and let the spirit of celebration guide you to your next great adventure!

Catherine Reed
Catherine Reed

Catherine is a tech-savvy writer who has focused on the personal finance space for more than eight years. She has a Bachelor’s in Information Technology and enjoys showcasing how tech can simplify everyday personal finance tasks like budgeting, spending tracking, and planning for the future. Additionally, she’s explored the ins and outs of the world of side hustles and loves to share what she’s learned along the way. When she’s not working, you can find her relaxing at home in the Pacific Northwest with her two cats or enjoying a cup of coffee at her neighborhood cafe.

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: festivals, fun, travel, trip planning, vacation, world festivals

An Update on Our 2023 Financial Goals

September 4, 2023 By MelissaB Leave a Comment

Mount Fuji in the background with a woman in a kimono facing the mountain in the foreground

Back in December 2022, I shared two big financial goals my husband and I had for 2023. The good news is that we’ve partially achieved those goals, but as usually happens with life, not in the way we had imagined nine months ago when we set the goals.

Goal #1: Prioritize Domestic and International Travel

Our goal in December 2022 was to travel both domestically and internationally.

Domestic Travel

Domestically, I wanted to travel to Maine. Unfortunately, that did not happen. We did not travel domestically this year and likely won’t next year, either.

International Travel

Internationally, we wanted to save money for a trip to Europe. (We knew we wouldn’t take that trip in 2023 but wanted to save for it.) Unfortunately, we were not able to do this, either.

However, we did take our family on an 11-day trip to Japan to visit my husband’s family for the first time since our kids were born. (They’re all teens now.) We found out in January 2023 that my father-in-law’s cancer had returned, so we set aside our other travel goals and prioritized traveling to visit my husband’s family, and we’re happy we did!

Goal #2: Buy a New Car for Mostly Cash

Side view of a Toyota Corolla Cross

We saved for a new car for several years. Regrettably, the market was hot. when we needed to buy the car. If we could have waited until the market stabilized, we would have, but we couldn’t.

I would have loved to have bought another minivan, but that was outside the budget. Instead, my husband and I decided on a Toyota Corolla Cross.

We wanted to take out a car loan for $10,000 or less but had to go a bit higher. The car price fit our budget, but we neglected to consider the expenses beyond the sticker price such as tax (wow, was that a lot!), a warranty, and gap insurance. We ended up with a car loan of $16,800. We’ve had the loan for six months now, and the balance is down to $15,041, so we’re making progress on paying it off early.

While we’re disappointed that the car loan wasn’t smaller, we’re also excited that we were able to pay a significant chunk down on the vehicle. Ideally, by the time we need to buy my husband a replacement vehicle, we can put even more down on his car so that over time, the amount we need to finance gets smaller and smaller each time we buy a new vehicle. (We keep our cars until well over 200,000 miles, so we don’t buy cars frequently.)

Final Thoughts

I’m happy that we accomplished our two primary goals for 2023—traveling internationally and buying a new vehicle. Like so many things in life, our plans didn’t work out exactly as we hoped. However, travel worked out better than expected because we prioritized seeing family we hadn’t seen in over 20 years. We created memories with older family members; Europe and Maine can wait a few more years.

Read More

Why Buying a Toyota Sienna Was One of Our Best Decisions

4 Budget-Friendly Travel Tips

Haggling or No Haggling When Buying a Car?

MelissaB
MelissaB

Melissa is a writer and virtual assistant. She earned her Master’s from Southern Illinois University, and her Bachelor’s in English from the University of Michigan. When she’s not working, you can find her homeschooling her kids, reading a good book, or cooking. She resides in New York, where she loves the natural beauty of the area.

www.momsplans.com/

Filed Under: Goal Setting Tagged With: financial goals, new car, travel

Our Two Large Financial Goals for 2023

December 12, 2022 By MelissaB Leave a Comment

Our Two Large Financial Goals for 2023

I’m a goal-setter. If I don’t set goals, I meander through life, often wasting time and money. Goal setting gives me direction and purpose. I have an objective to work toward, and since I dislike not achieving my goals, I work hard. My husband and I recently sat down to discuss our plans for next year, and we settled on two large financial goals for 2023.

We’re in a Good Financial Place Going Into 2023

Thankfully, we’re in a good financial place going into 2023. We have paid off all our debts in the last few years, except for my husband’s student loans and our house. We’re not paying anything on the student loans until the pandemic pause ends.

Since we’re not focused on getting out of debt, we can focus on enjoying life and strengthening our financial position.

Our Two Large Financial Goals for 2023

This year’s goals are ones we’ve never tackled throughout our 20-plus-year marriage.

Save/Plan for Domestic and International Travel

My husband and I love to travel, but we’ve struggled with low-paying jobs and raising kids while paying off debt for most of our marriage. Now, we’re more secure financially, the kids are older, and the debts paid off. So we’ve decided to prioritize travel while we’re still young enough to enjoy it.

Take a Trip to Maine

Two Large Financial Goals for 2023

I have wanted to go to Maine since I was a teenager. The closest I got was Vermont. However, since our recent move to New York, we’re only eight hours away. Our goal this year is to travel to Maine for a vacation.

Save for a Trip to a European Country

We would also like to travel internationally. I have had the privilege of traveling to Canada, Ireland, China, Japan, and Switzerland. However, we haven’t traveled internationally for 20 years! So, it’s time to get back at it.

While we do plan to save for travel, we also plan to research travel hacking so we can go sooner than if we relied on savings alone.

Buy a New Car for (Mostly) Cash

We bought our Toyota Sienna 18 years ago. We financed almost the entire thing and paid it off in 4.5 years. We’re still driving that car, though, as you can imagine, we should replace it soon. (It currently has 238,000 miles on it.)

We bought my husband’s 2013 Subaru Outback used and again financed almost the entire thing. We paid it off in five years. It currently has 113,000 miles on it.

For the last few years, we’ve been saving to pay cash for a replacement for the Toyota Sienna. We currently have $20,000 saved. The goal is to buy the car with cash and, if necessary, a loan for no more than $10,000. If we can achieve this, it will be a huge financial victory because we’ve never been able to mostly pay for our vehicle in cash. Now, we need to decide what car we want.

Final Thoughts

Having financial goals, especially large financial goals for 2023 motivates us to stay on track financially. We tend to want to fund the goals instead of wasting money on small, unimportant items.

What are your financial goals for 2023?

Read More

Why Buying a Toyota Sienna Was One of Our Best Decisions

Why We Have a Costco Card Even Though There Isn’t a Costco Nearby

Our Favorite Small Ways to Save Money

Target Holiday Schedule 2023 And Store Hours

MelissaB
MelissaB

Melissa is a writer and virtual assistant. She earned her Master’s from Southern Illinois University, and her Bachelor’s in English from the University of Michigan. When she’s not working, you can find her homeschooling her kids, reading a good book, or cooking. She resides in New York, where she loves the natural beauty of the area.

www.momsplans.com/

Filed Under: Married Money Tagged With: 2023 goals, car payment, financial goals, goals, new car, travel

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