Category Archives: Festivals

Most Popular Destinations for New Years Around the World

December 28, 2015 Brooke Chaplan Leave a comment

Many travel during the holiday season to visit family, friends, or to spend the time in a unique location. There are many destinations around the world where communities and cities host fantastic celebrations for these winter holidays. Hot spots for winter holidays come in all shapes and sizes, from cold mountain peaks and ski resorts, to humid beaches with colorful shades of sand. Consider some of these destinations to experience awesome New Year’s Day festivities this coming new year! You’ll be sure to find something new and exciting, and won’t be disappointed with your ending year experience.

New York City, New York
In the United States, few places rival the popularity of spending New Year’s Eve in New York City and Times Square. Every year, approximately one million locals and visitors arrive for the pleasure of watching the massive 12 foot, 12,000 pound crystal ball fall from the sky. In recent years, the festivities have also included live celebrity entertainment. This city also has tons of other things to try from famous restaurants and sights, to award winning plays and productions. Use your New Year’s trip to get a true New York experience and find something everyone will enjoy.

Most Popular Destinations for New Years Around the World - new york

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
If still pondering a holiday destination, follow Discountrue to receive the best deals on flights and Travelocity packages, and consider the Brazilian city known for its extravagant celebrations. World renowned Copacabana Beach is the place to be for the largest New Year’s Eve party on the planet. Millions arrive and gather along the 2.5 mile stretch of beach where the Reveillon unfolds. The local cultural festival combines religious and traditional beliefs, as locals donned in white attire toss flowers into the ocean to honor the sea goddess Yemanja. Oceanfront stages feature live concerts and dance performances. At midnight, all are treated to a massive fireworks display.

Rio de Janeiro is also home to some one-of-a-kind historical hot spots. Explore this unique city and learn about the varied and intense history behind the people and culture.

Sydney, Australia
The popular Australian metropolis happens to be the first destination in the country where midnight occurs. The city also presents the largest fireworks display in the world. The first begins at 9 P.M. and the second presentation starts as the clock strikes 12 midnight. Millions who attend the festivities also have the chance to witness the dozens of lighted vessels take part in the Harbour of Light Parade. There is also an exciting aerial acrobatics show. Aboriginal community members also make an appearance and perform a special ceremony to rid the area of evil spirits.

Apart from New Years, spending time in this city is an amazing opportunity to experience the quintessential Australian home. Check out the opera house, beaches, museums, hotels and more.

Edinburgh, Scotland
New Year’s Eve is a grand celebration for the Scots who call this occasion Hogmanay. The festival begins on December 30 and spans three days. Events begin with a torchlit procession through the city that concludes with a beautiful fireworks display. Street parties and concerts abound. At midnight on December 31, more than four tons of fireworks are ignited and explode over Edinburgh Castle. Other scheduled activities include a dog sledding competitions, the Loony Dook Parade, and jumping into the icy waters of the River Forth.

Finding things in Edinburgh isn’t hard to do either. You can explore historical castles, churches, museums and more. Taking a quick trip to the countryside is a great opportunity to see some purely Scottish sights as well.

Prague, Czech Republic
New Year’s in Prague is something you have to live once. The pub and club scene is perfect for partying and ringing in the New Year. The downtown city has an amazing celebratory air, and the fireworks display that explodes over the city is a delight to locals and tourists alike.

You’ll also be able to tour and see some unique historical sites and castles in this area.

It is not too late to make some New Year’s travel plans. Travel to the location of your choosing and enjoy a lifetime of memories after experiencing one of these amazing celebrations. Have a great New Year as you end 2015 with a bang and a new experience.

Brooke Chaplan

Destination Details, Festivals, Travel Plans

5 Thanksgiving Day Parades Worth Seeing in Person

November 22, 2015 Fiona Moriarty Leave a comment

Since 1863, when President Lincoln proclaimed it a federal holiday, Thanksgiving has marked the official beginning of the holiday season. Many traditions have developed around the day over the decades from the standard turkey dinner with family, food drives to help the underserved, and of course, football. The day is also known for the famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, held annually since 1924 and televised on NBC since 1952. While New York City’s parade may be the most famous, we rounded up five other favorites from across the United States!

1. Philadelphia, PA

Founded in 1920, the 1.4-mile 6ABC Dunkin Donuts Thanksgiving Day Parade in Philadelphia is actually the oldest Thanksgiving parade in the country. Like others, it features the usual balloons, floats, and marching bands, but Philadelphia’s holiday celebration is best known for its live performances and celebrities. (This year, members of the World Cup-winning U.S. Women’s Soccer Team will be in attendance.) This year’s parade is particularly family-friendly, featuring performers from Disney on Ice’s Frozen (yes, that includes Anna and Elsa). Be sure to explore the official website and check out a map of the best places to watch from. Those wishing to stay close to the action should try the Hyatt at the Belluevue Hotel or the Radisson Blu Warwick Hotel, both of which are well-priced and conveniently located along the parade route.

2. Detroit, MI

Like the Macy’s Parade in New York City, Detroit’s annual America’s Thanksgiving Parade was founded in 1924 and has been delighting residents and visitors ever since. The parade precedes the annual football game by the Lions (who host the Philadelphia Eagles this year) and features balloons, floats, and the unique Big Head Corps: walking bobbleheads dressed in costumes of animals, clowns, and celebrities. Spectators can even stroll the parade route themselves prior to the main event at the annual Turkey Trot. Visitors to the Motor City should consider a stay at the Westin Book Cadillac Detroit or the Crowne Plaza Detroit Downtown Riverfront, both of which are located in the heart of downtown, just steps from the parade route.

3. Houston, TX

Travelers hoping to spend Turkey Day in a warmer locale should look to Houston’s H-E-B Holiday Parade, now in its 66th year. Marching bands, cheerleaders, and elaborate floats are met by 200,000 spectators for a raucous and lively celebration. Spectator access along the parade route is free, although those wishing to can purchase tickets to sit in the grandstands (feel free to bring lawn chairs and blankets to settle in). Santa Claus is scheduled to make an appearance this year, so this parade is a great option for families. Book a room at the Hyatt Regency Houston or the Hilton Americas – Houston for conveniently-located, competitively-priced comfort.

4. Chicago, IL

One of only three Thanksgiving parades in the U.S. to be nationally broadcast, Chicago’s McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade is now in its 81st year. The 2015 parade will feature marching bands from all over Illinois, elaborate equestrian performances, and a show by Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus. Those planning to visit the Windy City for the extravaganza should try staying in the Silversmith Hotel or the Hilton Garden Inn, conveniently located in the heart of downtown Chicago.

5. Plymouth, MA

Want as authentic a Thanksgiving experience as it gets? Go back to where it all began in Plymouth. Known as America’s Hometown Thanksgiving Parade, the town’s festivities actually take place the weekend before the holiday. The parade starts at the waterfront and features historical set pieces based on a chronological history of the United States: the colonial period, the Revolutionary Way, the Civil War, Western pioneers, automatives from the 20th and 21st centuries, and a closing float featuring Santa Claus. Musicians include bugle and drum corps, with multiple ceremonies honoring the Pilgrims and Native Americans who celebrated the very first Thanksgiving in 1621. Visitors should stay right on the waterfront, near the action, at the Hilton Garden Inn Plymouth or the Radisson Hotel Plymouth, both competitively priced and comfortably luxurious.

Fiona Moriarty

More Posts - Website

Destination Details, Festivals, Things to Do

6 Intensely Thrilling Haunted Houses

October 31, 2015 Fiona Moriarty Leave a comment

Aside from candy corn, Jack-o’-lanterns, black cats, and ghosts, there’s nothing that screams Halloween more than a haunted house. During the month of October, thousands of small-scale haunted houses crop up around the States, many at local festivals, churches, or schools. However, for those brave souls, there are some truly terrifying worlds out there to explore. Check out our list below for some of the most impressive (and horrifying) haunted houses to see this Halloween!

That is, of course, if you dare.

1. Escape the Great Room at Headless Horseman

Spanning 65 acres of farmland in Ulster Park, NY, the Headless Horseman complex of terrors is a favorite amongst haunted-house-enthusiasts looking for an all outdoor experience. With naturally landscaped forbidden forests, eerie ponds, and darkly expansive cornfields, visitors are never quite sure what’s lurking in the shadows. Plus, they’ve got ten separate attractions, including a dizzying corn maze, a spooky hayride, 7 haunted houses, and the newly curated experience “The Great Room Escape,” in which visitors have to figure out how to escape a room of bolted doors and locked windows.

2. Check Into the Pennhurst Asylum

Housed in an abandoned asylum in Spring City, PA, the Pennhurst Asylum is a wildly popular Halloween attraction. Fitted with high-tech animatronics, digital sound, artifacts recovered from the original asylum, and a bevy of realistic actors, a walk-through this dilapidated hospital is no joke. For those bold (or crazy) enough to make it through the narrow hallways of the hospital, the asylum offers two more haunted experiences in the Dungeon of Lost Souls or the Tunnel of Terror.

3. Explore the Dent Schoolhouse

Touted as Cincinnati’s scariest schoolhouse, the Dent Schoolhouse is the perfect haunted pick for those interested not only in shocks and thrills, but also in a compelling story. As legend goes, the very real schoolhouse opened in 1894 and was celebrated for decades as a top-notch school. That is, at least until 1942, when several students mysteriously disappeared. To find out what happened to those kiddoes, grab a group of friends and spend an evening exploring the spooky nooks and crannies of Dent.

4. Get Lost on the 13th Floor

Based around the mythology of the oft-missing thirteenth floor, Denver’s largest haunted house, 13th Floor, brings together spooks and thrills for an experience visitors aren’t soon to forget. New attractions for this year include Hallow House, a skin-tingling walk-through featuring manic clowns, Undead: What Lies Beneath, an exploration through an abandoned research facility complete with empty labs and shattered test tubes, and Feral Moon, which winds participants through a large and creepy cemetery.

5. Join the Cult of The Summoning

Based out of the Scarehouse in Pittsburgh, The Summoning is about as thrilling as any haunted house walkthrough could be. The experience takes you all the way back to 1932, to a time where secrets, mysteries, and betrayal were rife in the 100-year-old house where The Summoning is set. Visitors will find themselves twisting through darkened hallways, all while the chants of ancient ritual pulse in the background. The question is, are those who visit this house the initiates of some new order or are they instead, the sacrifices?

6. Commune with Freaks at the House of Shock

With live music and a full service bar, this New Orleans horror staple is the perfect pick for the those looking for something rollicking. Occupying over 25,000 square feet, the House of Shock boasts an impressive array of skin-tingling attractions for its 2015 line-up: Bordello of Freaks, Laff in the Dark, and the traditional House of Shock haunted house. No matter the attraction, the special effects at House of Shock are infamously realistic and will leave the fearless quaking in their boots and reaching for a strong cocktail.

Fiona Moriarty

More Posts - Website

Destination Details, Festivals, Regional Oddities

Halloween Celebrations from Around the Globe

October 19, 2015 Fiona Moriarty Leave a comment

In America, Halloween is truly an all-ages celebration. For kids, the day means trick-or-treating, costume parades, and an excuse to indulge in candy. For adults, the day/night entails house parties and bar crawls, costume contests, and an excuse to indulge in candy (among other things)! Throw in a haunted house or a Jack-O-Lantern carving party and Halloween has become a holiday with reliable traditions. Itching to try something new? Consider celebrating Halloween abroad this year! The following destinations have their own distinct versions of America’s spookiest celebration.

1. Mexico

Perhaps the most famous Halloween celebration outside the U.S. occurs in Mexico, where November 1 is known as the Dia de Los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead. Many countries throughout Latin America celebrate the day, but Mexico is where the tradition of honoring the dead with lively festivals originated. With roots in both indigenous Aztec rituals as well as the Catholicism brought to the region by the Spanish, the day celebrates the lives of those who have left us with food, drink, parties and activities that the deceased enjoyed when alive. Celebrators of the Dia de Los Muertos reason that the deceased would prefer this to the more expected mourning and sadness accompanying loss. Skeletons (calaveras) and skulls (calacas) are a recurring motif, appearing in many forms ranging from sweets to masks and dolls. These are not the somber black and white skulls accompanying American Halloween celebrations: The calacas and calaveras are colorful and are shown dressed in their best clothing and enjoying life. Visitors staying in Mexico City should check out the affordable and family-friendly Hotel Sybharis or the luxurious and modern Hilton Mexico City Reforma.

2. Ireland

Many historians suggest the origins of Halloween took root in Ireland, namely in the ancient Irish festival of the dead, known as Samhain (pronounced “sow-en”). Celtic lore divides the year into halves, associated with dark and light, and Samhain marks the beginning of the dark half at sunset on November 1st. (The light half begins at sunset on May 1st, the festival of Bealtaine.) Ancient traditions included communal feasts that included the dearly departed as guests; windows and doors were left unlatched, and the food set aside for them had to be untouched by mortals, as it would condemn that person to a hungry spirit in the afterlife. Nowadays, bonfires are lit in rural areas across Ireland, and children dress in costumes. County Meath hosts a yearly Samhain festival and is conveniently 40 minutes north of Dublin. Travelers should check out the budget-friendly Croke Park Hotel or the luxurious Merrion Hotel, which boasts a Michelin-starred restaurant.

3. The United Kingdom

Our neighbors across the pond have their own Halloween-like ritual, but it occurs a few days later, on November 5. Though Guy Fawkes Day shares some traditions with the American Halloween and Irish Samhain, its origins are entirely unique. The day and night’s festivities are designed to commemorate the notorious Englishman Guy Fawkes, a Catholic who was executed on November 5, 1606 after being convicted of attempting to blow up Parliament and oust the Protestant King James from power. The original Guy Fawkes Day occurred moments after his execution, with celebratory “bone fires” set up to burn effigies and “bones” of the Catholic pope. Two centuries later, the effigies burned became those of Fawkes. Children in some parts of the country walked the streets carrying effigies and asking “for a penny for the guy” and imploring everyone to “remember, remember the Fifth of November.” Nowadays, thanks to graphic novels like V for Vendetta and its accompanying film, Fawkes has transformed from traitor into revolutionary, with masks of his face being worn at protests such as Occupy Wall Street. London is well worth visiting to experience the bonfires and celebrations, and travelers should consider the quaint Colonnade Hotel, a refurbished Victorian townhouse in central London, or the glamorous Strand Palace, located in the Covent Garden neighborhood.

4. The Philippines

Those wishing to journey to a more tropical location should check out All Saints and All Souls Day in the Philippines on November 1st. Filipino traditions include visiting the tombs of deceased family members in order to clean and repair them, and offering prayers, flowers, and candles. Many also hold reunions at the graves themselves, where they play games and music, sing karaoke, and feast. The day is meant to remember deceased loved ones, reflect on their influence, and continue to seek guidance from them. First-time visitors to the island should try staying in Manila, which boasts numerous five star yet affordable lodgings such as the Manila Hotel and the New World Manila Bay Hotel.

Fiona Moriarty

More Posts - Website

Destination Details, Festivals

Check Out Stunning Views and Death-Defying Stunts at West Virginia’s One-Day Festival

October 16, 2015 Fiona Moriarty Leave a comment

Many people don’t know it, but one of the largest extreme sports events in the entire world takes place in West Virginia for exactly one day each year.

We’re talking about Bridge Day, when nearly 80,000 spectators come together atop the 876-foot-tall New River Gorge Bridge to stroll across the world’s second-longest single-arch bridge—and gawk as hundreds of daring BASE jumpers leap off of it.

This year’s Bridge Day Festival takes place this Saturday, October 17. Ready to get in on the action in normally quiet Fayette County? Here’s what you need to know.

The 411 on the Gorge and BASE Jumping

The New River Gorge is estimated to be around 345 million years old, making it one of the oldest river gorges on earth and perhaps the first river in North America. The section of the gorge underneath the New River Gorge Bridge is marked by steep walls and massive boulders, while the river itself is a hugely popular destination for whitewater water sports.

Sounds like the perfect place to plummet off of a tall object, right? That’s exactly what BASE jumpers do. BASE stands for “Building, Antenna, Span, and Earth,” four words representing the objects from which BASE jumpers leap before deploying their parachutes. It’s one of the most extreme sports in the world, and BASE jumpers have enjoyed leaping from the New River Gorge Bridge since 1979. Last year, jumpers leapt from the bridge more than 800 times before the close of the festival.

Spectators can ogle these death-defying stunts from the bridge itself, from hiking trails along the rim of the gorge, from Fayette Station, or from the National Park observation deck located at the bridge’s visitors’ center.

Where to Stay

Because many local establishments are already booked, your best bet may be to stay somewhere that’s within a few hours’ drive of the New River Gorge Bridge. Luckily, the bridge is easily accessible from several major interstates (check out detailed directions here). Morgantown and Wheeling are both a few hours from the bridge and boast cheap lodging near family-friendly amenities. You’ll also be able to enjoy the fall foliage in either location. Just be sure to start the drive early on the morning of the festival so you don’t miss any exciting events.

Where to Park

Event organizers recommend parking a car at any of several shuttle stops and paying the $2 fare to be shuttled to the Bridge Day entrance. A complete list of shuttle locations can be found here.

What to Do

Whether you’re the adventurous type or you’d rather just be a spectator, here’s a sampling of the many don’t-miss events taking place at this year’s Bridge Day:

The highline. Daring members of the general public are invited to zip off the bridge on the highline, which reaches from the bridge’s beams 700 feet down over the gorge to Fayette Station Road. Learn more here.
The Bridge Day Rappel. The rappel consists of several teams who ascend and/or descend a fixed rope attached to the underside of the bridge.
BASE Jumping Plank & Antenna. Got a passion for the extreme? Then don’t miss the plank event, during which BASE jumpers walk out on a four-inch-wide plank that extends 15 feet past the edge of the bridge before jumping off. The antenna event allows BASE jumpers to add 24 feet to their jumps by climbing up the bridge’s antenna before leaping.
The XPOGO Stunt Show. At 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 1:30 p.m., XPOGO athletes will dazzle spectators as they perform stunts on pogo sticks more than 10 feet in the air.
The Bridge Jam. Head to downtown Fayetteville to hear live bluegrass music from both world-renowned and local musicians. There, you’ll also be able to enjoy the Fayetteville Chili and Cornbread Cook-Off.

A complete schedule of events can be found here.

What to Eat

While you’re welcome to pack your own snacks (just note the rules about coolers and alcoholic beverages, below), it’s worth taking advantage of Taste of Bridge Day, which showcases a wide range of foods from regional restaurants at an open-air restaurant perched above the New River Gorge. Bonus? The event benefits local charities. Taste of Bridge Day is held the evening before Bridge Day itself (October 16 from 5 to 9 p.m.) at Smokey’s On the Gorge. Contact the event organizers to purchase tickets here.

The Rules

The festival has a short list of very strict rules: No dogs, backpacks, coolers, folding chairs, large handbags, bicycles, skates, skateboards, strollers, wagons, weapons, fireworks, illegal drugs, alcoholic beverages, or quadcopters are allowed.

Also be aware that this is the only day of each year when traffic on the bridge is shut down and pedestrians are legally allowed on the bridge, so don’t expect to cross the bridge on the days leading up to or after the festival. This really is a once-in-a-year experience.

Regardless of whether or not you work up the courage to ride the highline, Bridge Day spectators are guaranteed to experience excitement, thrills, and enough memories to last until next year’s festival.

Fiona Moriarty

More Posts - Website

Festivals, Regional Oddities

Columbus Day Celebrations from Around the Globe

October 15, 2015 Fiona Moriarty Leave a comment

October 12th marks the anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ 1492 arrival in the Americas, and Americans have celebrated the occasion in an official capacity since 1937. While schoolchildren in the U.S. learn about the journey made on the Nina, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria, the holiday has become more recognized as a day off from work and the unofficial beginning of the fall sale shopping season. Travelers interested in seeing how other nations with a connection to Columbus celebrate the day should take a long weekend trip to the following four places.

1. The Bahamas

In the Bahamas, October 12th, once known as Discovery Day, is now celebrated as Heroes Day. Columbus’s initial landfall occurred on the Bahamian island of Guanahani, where he christened it San Salvador Island, and it’s now famous for its secluded and idyllic beaches. Like Columbus Day in the United States, Heroes Day in the Bahamas is accompanied by the closure of schools, banks, public offices, and most shops. This October, Heroes Day will be celebrated with a five day festival from October 8 to October 13, featuring traditional Bahamian food, drink, and performances. Those wishing to visit during that time should stay on the main island, in Nassau, which has a range of hotel options to suit all budgets. Travelers looking to splurge should check out the luxurious Cove Atlantis resort, while those hoping to save should try the Best Western Bay View Suites.

2. Mexico

In Mexico, Columbus Day is celebrated as Dia de La Raza (“day of the race”). Dia de la Raza is a public and bank holiday, but that’s where the similarities with the U.S. celebration of Columbus Day end. Many activists in Mexico, and other Spanish-speaking countries, have chosen to reclaim the day as a celebration of indigenous life and traditions, because for these nations, the arrival of Columbus from Spain led to nearly all of Central and South America’s eventual colonization by the Spanish. Thus, the Dia de La Raza has become a celebration and remembrance of the mixing of peoples and cultures. In Mexico, the Dia de La Raza has been celebrated countrywide since 1928, with Mexicans celebrating both their Spanish and indigenous roots. First-time visitors to Mexico should try staying in Mexico City, the capital and the country’s largest city. Mexico City boasts a population comprised of many people with indigenous roots, coming from all over the country. Try staying in downtown’s Hotel Imperial Reforma, offering a great location at a hard-to-beat price, or the upscale and charming Green Park Hotel.

3. Spain

As Spain’s Queen Isabella was the monarch backing Columbus’s fateful expedition, it’s no surprise that the explorer’s journey to the Americas is a holiday known as the Fiesta Nacional, which celebrates the diversity of the worldwide Spanish-speaking community. However, the day is shared with two other significant events: the Day of Armed Forces, marked by an extravagant military parade, and the feast day of Our Lady of the Pillar, the patron saint of Spain’s Civil Guard. Those wishing to be in Madrid for the assorted festivities should stay at the affordable yet luxurious Hotel La Moraleja or the ultra-modern Urban Hotel, both located in the city proper.

4. Italy

Travelers wishing to learn more about the explorer himself should try to take a trip to Italy, particularly Columbus’s homeland of Genoa. While Italian-Americans have long celebrated the explorer in the U.S., with San Francisco’s Italian Heritage Parade and New York City’s Columbus Day Parade being notable celebrations, his home country has only started feteing Columbus more recently. In fact, Columbus Day is not a national holiday in Italy, but his native Genoa hosts celebrations. In recent years, Americans living in Genoa join local politicians for a ceremony and reception at Columbus’s home, restored in 2001. Visitors to Genoa should stay at the budget-friendly and conveniently located Hotel Continental Genoa or the upscale Clarion Collection Hotel Astoria Genova.

Fiona Moriarty

More Posts - Website

Eastern Europe, Festivals, Fun Stories, Regions

My Life-Changing Trip to Kazantip

February 19, 2014 Anthony 3 Comments

When I told my friends in Ukraine that I wanted to come see them next summer, they suggested going to Kazantip along with them. That wasn’t the first time when I heard about this strange festival, the so-called “Republic of Kazantip”. Since I’m a big fan of techno music and love pretty girls in bikinis, I agreed without hesitation. I arrived in Ukraine at the beginning of August and soon my friends and I headed to Popovka, a sleepy resort town on the Black Sea coast where Kazantip is held. Once arrived, we first got settled in a small hostel, bought our tickets for the festival that are called “viZas” and went to look around the town. Although I came there for the first time, my Ukrainian friends had showered me with stories about wild parties on the beach, non-stop music played by the world’s best DJs and of course hundreds of beautiful girls in bikinis (and without).

The next day, when we were hanging out on the Kazantip beach lined with dozens of bars and dance floors, I noticed that some girls had their viZas of different colors. Unlike most visitors like me who had the red cards, there were girls with green and white passes. My friends told me that the green viZas are given to the girls who are specially hired to promote various parties and events during the festival. It’s no problem if you approach, talk and drink with them. However I was warned to stay away from the girls with white passes, not even try talking to them. Those were the most beautiful girls, true super models. They came along with VIP guests, the richest Russian oligarchs, who have their own private, strictly guarded areas at Kazantip with own bars, swimming pools and other facilities. In short, if I dared to bother one of those goddesses, I could have been immediately kicked out of the festival.

Kazantip really turned out to be a paradise for open minded people like me. I enjoyed in full all the opportunities the festival had to offer: amazing music, swimming, dancing and sun bathing on the beach, drinking beer and Russian vodka with my friends and, of course, lovely evenings spent in the company of cute girls. That was the time to relax and not think, even for a second, about work and problems left at home. Just like for most other people at Kazantip, our day began late in the afternoon. Then we went to the beach and stayed there till sunset. And as the time got closer to midnight, the most interesting part began. There were different parties every night. We wandered from bar to bar, and from one dance floor to another one. When we felt totally exhausted, we just sat down on the sand and looked up at the night sky lit up with eye-popping fireworks, lasers and searchlights. Regardless of how tired you are, you never feel bored at Kazantip!

I’ve been to many festivals, but I have never experienced anything similar to Kazantip. I never thought I would see so many naked bodies, alcohol, wealth, sociability, neon, thunderous sounds of music and happy faces all at one place. While at Kazantip I totally forgot about the normal life. This is one of the main reasons why you will want to return here again and again after having visited it once. To tell the truth, it is much different from a typical festival and it is not for everybody. The Republic of Kazantip “gives shelter” only to the most open minded people without any complexes and taboo. I am proud to say I am one of those freaks!

Anthony

Anthony Freeman is a travel enthusiast who loves to explore new places and always looks forward to his next adventure.

Festivals

San Francisco Grand Carnaval Parade (& Festival) 2013

May 26, 2013 Drew Meyers Leave a comment

My buddy and I headed to the Mission in San Francisco today for a day of coffee shop working, and were greeted with the beginning of the Grand Carnaval Parade.

Sf carnaval grand parade twitter.com/drewmeyers/sta…

— Drew Meyers (@drewmeyers) May 26, 2013

We’ll see how productive the morning turns out with the Parade happening 15 feet from where I’m sitting.

You can get all the details at their website: http://carnavalsanfrancisco.org/

Drew Meyers

Drew Meyers is the co-founder of Horizon & Oh Hey World. He worked for Zillow from September of 2005 to January of 2010 on the marketing team managing Zillow’s API program and various online partnerships. Founder of Geek Estate Blog, a multi-author blog focused on real estate technology for real estate professionals, and myKRO.org, a blog devoted to exploring the world of microfinance. As passionate as you get about travel.

More Posts - Website

Follow Me:

Festivals

My Thoughts on the SnowGlobe Music Festival in Lake Tahoe

January 28, 2013 Drew Meyers 1 Comment

10 friends and I spent New Year’s in Lake Tahoe, attending the SnowGlobe music festival.

The good

The lineup was top notch – including Deadmau5 and Chromeo.
I’m going to go on a limb and say we had the most awesome costumes there (we were 11 Yetis strong).
Cold – I’ll admit, an outdoor music festival in the snow was a pretty awesome experience.
Close friends – I went with a really tight group of friends, which is what matters to me.

The bad

The shuttle lines – the first night, was horrendously unorganized trying to get back to town. The 2nd and 3rd nights were better, but not totally seamless by any stretch of the imagination.
Cold – the 2nd night, it was 7 degrees. Now, that’s cold.
The crowd was largely a younger crowd, mostly under the age of 23. Don’t get me wrong, we certainly weren’t the oldest people there (the 11 of us ranged from 28-30) — but were on the upper end of the spectrum.
There were a few costumes in the crowd, but by and large, cool costumes were few and far between. For those who have been to Burning Man — it’s not even a comparison.
Tahoe Casinos on New Year’s Eve – walking around the casinos after the show ended the last night exposed me to a world I’ve been out of for a long time. The party scene for the 18-23 year old crowd. Was that what I was like when I was 18, 19, 20, 21? Scary.

The ultimate question – would I go back again?

The answer to that is probably no. Given the choice, there are other festivals and locations I’d rather try next time. I would, however, go back to Burning Man.

Official Recap Video

Drew Meyers

More Posts - Website

Follow Me:

Festivals

Burning Man – Craziness

September 4, 2012 Drew Meyers 4 Comments

Ever since I got back from Burning Man (in Black Rock City, Nevada), all I seem to be getting asked is “What was Burning Man like?” After 3 nights at Burning Man, I totally understand why everyone I asked about Burning Man prior to attending gave me an answer along the lines of “you can’t explain it – you just have to go and figure it out.”

I went and figured it out. And I can’t explain it in words. So I’ll leave it at two:

Absolute craziness.

Drew Meyers

More Posts - Website

Follow Me:

Exploring the Wild Blue Yonder