The Best Overseas Events to Visit in 2018


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26 September 2017

You’ve seen the photos, watched them on television, and dreamt of one day visiting yourself. So what’s stopping you?

With the assistance of Angas Travel you can make your dreams of witnessing world class events a reality. Here is a selection of must visit events overseas in 2018.

Carnevale in Venice, Italy
Image: Venice Carnevale, Italy

Carnevale Venice

Rather than trying to replicate the Italian celebration at a local festival or school event, travel to Venice for Carnevale and experience two weeks of costumes, candlelit boats, parades, concerts, street performances and, if you feel like splashing out, elegant masquerade balls. In 2018, Carnevale will be held in Venice from January 27 until February 13. The festival embodies an impeccable blend of tradition, culture and entertainment. Historic and traditional events during the festival include the popular show the Flight of the Eagle, and the Flight of the Angel where a guest of Venice flies along a rope from the San Marco bell tower to the middle of the Piazza San Marco, originally in homage to the Doge at the time.

 

Holi Festival, India

Holi Festival

This yearly Indian festival is hosted to commemorate the victory of good over evil, and also marks the start of the spring harvest festival. In 2018, it will be celebrated on 2 March. Often named the ‘Festival of Colours’, Holi celebrations are based on the cheeky activities of Lord Krishna; he played pranks on village women by covering them in water and vibrant colours. Nowadays, people smear coloured powders over each other, having parties and dancing to music around the country. Be sure to pack old clothes – the colour doesn’t wash out easily.

On the eve before, people perform bonfire rituals focused on the burning of the demoness, Holika. This is known as Holika Dahan.

 

Coachella Music & Arts Festival
Image: Coachella

Coachella Festival in California

Held annually at the Empire Polo club in Indio, California, the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is the place of pilgrimage for music-lovers around the world. Taking place over two three-day weekends in April 2018, tickets aren’t easy to get – especially with Beyoncé headlining – but are well-worth it if you’re successful. A stellar line-up of musicians, visual and installation art, food and celebrities will fill your time. Camping onsite is recommended to make the most out of your weekend to save on travel time to and from the event.

 

Villers-Bretonneux in France
Image: Battlefield Tours

Anzac Day in France

Anzac Day 2018 (25 April) marks the exact date of the 100-year anniversary of the 2nd Battle of Villers-Bretonneux. The battle took place on 25th April, 1918 – the exact date of the third anniversary of the landing at Anzac Cove in Gallipoli in 1915. Registration is required to attend the Dawn Service at the Australian War Memorial in Villers-Bretonneux and Angas Travel can assist in this, as well as planning a comprehensive itinerary to include Paris, the Somme and Flanders (or anywhere else you might like to include).

 

FIFA World Cup, Russia
Image: FIFA

2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia

If you’re a lover of the world game, the FIFA World Cup is the pinnacle of sporting events. In 2018 Russia, the largest and one of the most diverse countries in the world, will host the tournament across 11 cities from 14 June to 15 July. The atmosphere will be electric, as football has become one of the most popular sports in modern Russia.

While you’re in Russia, you simply must explore some of the major cities. Russia’s capital city Moscow boasts two stadiums that will be hosting World Cup games (Spartak Stadium and Luzhniki Stadium), but it is also an artistic and architectural treasure-trove. If you’re not watching the football, you might be watching the ballet, listening to symphonies or simply immersing yourself in Russian art.

 

Tour de France
Image: Tour de France

Tour De France

Rather than sitting at home watching the Tour De France from your living room, why not get amongst the action and witness it in person?  In 2018, Le Tour De France begins in Noirmoutier on July 7 and finishes in Paris on July 29. Follow the action while exploring the stunning French countryside. You may even want to bring a bike along and experience parts of the cycling route yourself. Paris is a perfect finishing point if you wish to extend your holiday and soak up the world’s height of sophistication and romance.

 

Rafael Nadal at 2017 US Open
Image: US Open 2017

US Tennis Open in New York

The US Open, held annually in New York, will take place from August 27 to September 9 in 2018. The tournament is one of the four Grand Slam tennis competitions and lures the best players from around the world.

For the elite players, immense crowds and loud atmosphere experience, you’ll want to see a match in Arthur Ashe Stadium which has a capacity of roughly 23,700 people. If you’re looking to get up closer to the action in a more intimate environment, Louis Armstrong Stadium Grandstand Stadium and the other 16 small courts are where you’ll want to go.

If you’re solely there for the tennis you can choose to stay near the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, but you may also wish to stay in Manhattan if you want to immerse yourself in New York City life.

 

Burj Khalifa NYE Fireworks, Dubai
Image: Time Out Dubai

Burj Khalifa New Year’s Eve Fireworks in Dubai

Fireworks are always far more spectacular in real life. The amazement is taken to another level in Dubai on New Year’s Eve, with a fireworks display being emitted from the tallest freestanding structure in the world. The Burj Khalifia boasts 160 stories, and is 828 meters high. To get as close to the spectacle as possible you can view the fireworks from near the ground level steps of the Burj Khalifa. Another popular option for those staying downtown is viewing from the Dubai Fountain, which is close by, which hosts a mesmerising light and water show at midnight.

 

The Passion Play, Bavaria
Image: Oberammergau

Oberammergau – the Passion Play in Bavaria

Although not in 2018 (it’s in May 2020), this event is a once-in-a-decade opportunity. In what will be the 42nd event, Oberammergau is a play about the life, death and resurrection of Christ, which is said to be the most important Passion Play in the world. During this event 102 performances are scheduled and 450,000 visitors are expected. If you’re interested in attending, we recommend organising as soon as possible to avoid missing out.

 

Is there an event you’ve always wanted to visit? Contact Angas Travel to discuss organising your trip today.