Boy we get some good musical talent in Australia these days when it comes to festivals. Aussie music is certainly in a golden age, and some huge names tour our shores on the regular. But sometimes being so far away means it’s hard to land headliner-on-headliner-on-headliner type of European or American lineups.
And sometimes you’re just craving a festival experience on the beaches of Spain, or the Cali heat. Maybe you’re already planning a trip or have sights set on a festival-based holiday, so why not experience the best sounds and scenes your destination has to offer? Would be rude not to, tbh.
Whether your Euro trip needs a better soundtrack or your ultimate headliner is making an appearance abroad, we’ve teamed up with Travel Insurance Direct to bring you all of the festivals that are worth jet-setting for.
Benicà ssim Festival, Spain – July
View this post on Instagram
Small town location, big music vibes. When the festival takes over in the middle of summer, the party rages all day and flows throughout the campsite all night. Man of the moment, Travis Scott, headlined this year – along with The Killers, Eric Prydz and Two Door Cinema Club. And that’s only a sample. Damn Australia, y u so far away?
Glastonbury, UK – June
The muddy revelry that personifies England. A little rock and roll, a lot of average weather and a whole lot of good times. The lineup is always expansive, pulling together so many acts you won’t know what to see. Pre purchase your gumboots and you’re off.
Spilt Milk, Australia – December
View this post on Instagram
Taking over Commonwealth Park in Canberra is this relatively new festival, with a local lineup boasting your entire playlist and newcomers not the rise. Take in the sounds as you look out over Lake Burley Griffin and eat up a storm while you’re at. It sells out every year, and there is another stellar lineup in 2018. You can jump on this year’s ticket waitlist here.
Outlook Fesitval, Croatia – September
Feel the beat at this festival where bass music is king. If you’re into the vibrations of drum and bass, what better spot to enjoy it than the idyllic Croatian coast. Celebrating sound system culture in the very best way.
Sziget, Hungary – August
View this post on Instagram
One of Europe’s largest festivals, Sziget takes over an island for an all time party you’ll never forget (2018’s edition recently wrapped to rave reviews). Budapest (and Hungary) is an amazing place to visit alone, so this is just added incentive. Arts, culture and sweet music fill the space as you fleet between sight and sound. You have 108 hectares to roam and over 1,000 acts to enjoy, what’s not to love? Start prepping for 2019.
Lovebox, UK – July
Founded by legendary DJ’s Groove Armada, Lovebox has been stirring up a party crowd since 2002. A two-day offering in the heart of London, you’ll be wishing it was summer again in no time. Praised for it’s diverse lineup and community vibe, nab tickets early or deal with the disappointment.
Burning Man, USA
View this post on Instagram
Flooding the Nevada desert with bargaining and pure debauchery, anything you’ve ever wanted you’ll find it here. A temporary community where money doesn’t exchange hands, instead bartering is the currency. Notoriously hard to acquire tickets, but if you do let loose and enjoy. What can you offer?
Coachella, USA – April
Iconic palm trees, laid-back style, Coachella is a festival in a league of it’s own. Taking over Palm Springs over two weekends in April, the A-List fill the grounds and the acts pull out all the stops to impress. Crazy collabs, guest appearances and even post-humous holograms. Soak up the sun in style, and check out the rumoured 2019 lineup featuring Yeezy himself here.
NOS Alive, Portugal – July
View this post on Instagram
If you’re used to Australian festivals, Lisbon’s NoS Alive will blow your mind. No 12pm starts, instead roll in at 7pm and don’t you dare leave before tomorrow morning. The drinks are cheap and the crowd electric, you’re bound to see a mix of Aussies, foreign visitors and locals mingling together. A mixture of rock heroes and dance legends serve up an all round good time. Make sure to walk home via the beach too, bliss.
Exit, Serbia – July
Held in a Serbian fortress, Exit festival is truly unique. A mix of genres and quality acts meet in this wonderful little spot with a little extra historical charm too. The crowd is rambunctious and if you want to be a part of it, dickheads will not be tolerated.
Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland – July
Even if you’re not in to jazz, this location will have you switching up your playlist. Sitting along the Lake Geneva shoreline as the saxophone echoes around, magic.
Lost and Found, Malta – May
View this post on Instagram
Presented by the legend herself Annie Mac, you know the tunes on offer here will be expertly curated. Taking over the Mediterranean island for four days of sheer mischief. Boat parties, poolside stages, all night raves and castle perched sounds. Too good to pass up, get your Insta filters out.
Colours of Ostrava, Czech Republic – July
The biggest festival in the Czech Republic, Colours as it’s affectionately known is a melting pot of genres. Held in a castle, each stage is a trip to another time. Soak up whatever you fancy in this delightful setting.
Envision Festival, Costa Rica – February
View this post on Instagram
Priding itself on the cultural experience along with the sound, Envision festival is the perfect excuse to make your way to Costa Rica. Music meets dance performance and an all over educational experience, where the connection to nature is key. Channel your inner hippy in these superb surrounds.
Festival N°6, Wales – September
An intimate boutique festival that doesn’t find it’s way on to many of these lists, but that’s what makes it so charming. Delightful Welsh country side meets castle vistas, wharf side stages and whimsical details. You’ll be enchanted to coming back year after year.
Planning a festival-based holiday in the near (or long term) future? Well god knows you deserve it. Amongst all of the amazing days that await the last thing you need is travels tress or your suitcase not rocking up. So check out the insurance out with TID right here (you’ll also get 10%* off!). Less worrying, more partying in the most amazing places across the world.
* T&C’s apply, please refer to TID for the full list of deets.
