Okay, so, I’ve always been a HUGE fan of outdoor events. Music festivals, food markets, cultural celebrations – you name it, I’m there. But, I’ve learned the hard way that just showing up isn’t always enough to have a great time. You gotta do a little prep work, especially if you’re heading to something big in Europe.
So, this summer, I decided to put all my past experiences (good and bad!) to good use and really plan out a trip focused on hitting some of the best outdoor events across Europe. Here’s what I did.
Figure Out What You’re Into
First things first, I brainstormed what kind of events I REALLY wanted to experience. Am I a music person? Foodie? History buff? For me, it’s a mix, but music is usually my top priority. Once I’ve nailed that, I look into it.
Research, Research, Research!
I then spent hours – seriously, hours – scouring the internet. I looked at dedicated event websites, travel blogs, and even just googled things like “best summer festivals Europe” or “unique outdoor events [country name].” I made a massive list of potential events, jotting down dates, locations, and what made them appealing. And, write down anything interesting.
Narrow It Down (The Hard Part!)
This is where it got tricky. I had SO many options! I had to be realistic about my budget and how much time I could actually take off work. So, I started crossing things off my list. I focused on events that were relatively close to each other (to minimize travel time) and fit within my budget.
Book Stuff in Advance
Once I had my final list, I booked EVERYTHING I could in advance. This included:
- Tickets to the events themselves.
- Accommodation.
- Transportation.
Seriously, don’t wait on this! Popular events sell out FAST, and prices for flights and hotels skyrocket as the dates get closer.
Plan Your Route
With the big stuff booked, I started mapping out my route. I used a combination of Google Maps and some travel apps to figure out the best way to get from one event to the next. I looked at train schedules, bus routes, and even considered renting a car for a portion of the trip.
Pack Smart
Packing for outdoor events is an art form in itself. I always make sure to have:
- Comfortable shoes.
- Layers of clothing.
- Rain gear.
- Sunscreen.
- A reusable water bottle.
- A portable charger.
Because you will need it.
Embrace the Chaos
Finally, the most important thing I’ve learned is to be flexible and just go with the flow. Things will inevitably go wrong – trains will be delayed, the weather might not cooperate, you might get lost. But that’s all part of the adventure! I try to embrace the unexpected and just enjoy the ride.
So, that’s how I tackled planning for the best outdoor events in Europe. It takes some effort, but it’s SO worth it in the end. The memories I’ve made at these events are some of my most cherished, and I can’t wait for the next adventure!
