Festival picks from around the world
As the Fringe grips the world’s imagination in Edinburgh, Flight Centre, the UK’s leading discount airfare experts; pick the best of festival fever across the globe. Exciting destinations, from New Zealand and Australia, India to Thailand and the USA turn into fabulous festival magnets during autumn – winter, inspiring the spirit of millions.
Festivals present a unique moment to drop the tourist hat, slip in with the locals and truly embrace the traditions and culture of your chosen destination. From Hanukkah to Hanami, Stampedes to Sopot, Mardi Gras to Maslenitsa, people come together to celebrate with food, wine, art and lights, a time unique to their country, community and culture.
Flight Centre brings you top 5 festival fixes this year, for inspiration and choice of a perfect holiday at an incredible value offer.
Real New Zealand Festival: Sep – Oct 2011
During the six weeks of the Rugby World Cup, New Zealand stages the nation’s biggest festival this year. For sports fans and international visitors wanting to experience the magnificent beauty of a Kiwi holiday, the country is hosting the Real New Zealandfestival. There will be hundreds of events that celebrate arts, food and wine, heritage, culture, entertainment, sports and lifestyle for an authentic Kiwi experience.
Book a seat: New Zealand World Cup Fly-Drive- from £1155
Holiday includes return airfares and 15 days’ car hire, so you can choose where you want to go and when – as the country hosts 48 matches across 13 venues starting September 9, 2011. Based on two people travelling. Departs London Heathrow.
To book, visit flightcentre.co.uk, quoting reference AKLLONFD1. Valid for travel between 01 – 25 Sep 11, offer ends 15 Aug 11.
Tulip Time, Southern Highlands, Australia: 20 Sep – 03 Oct 11
Australia’s breathtaking display for flower festivals, featuring more than a million blooms as a backdrop, kicks off in September every year. The Bowral Tulip Time festival, an easy drive from Sydney, is a stunner during the 14 days in September.
Book a seat: Essential Sydney – 4 nights from £1245
Holiday includes return airfare four nights’ accommodation at the 4.5* Swiss Grand Resort Bondi Beach, based on two people sharing. Offer also includes Sydney Harbour cruise and Sydney Opera House tour. Departs various London airports.
BONUS: Save £120
To book, visit flightcentre.co.uk, quoting reference SYDPAC2. Valid for travel between 01 – 30 Sep 11, offer ends 15 Aug 11.
Monkey Buffet Festival, Thailand: 27 Nov 2011
For those looking for an excuse for some monkeying around and ideal for a winter sun escape – the Monkey Buffet Festival is a perfect time to be in Thailand. On 27 November this year, Pra Prang Sam Yot temple will play host to over 2,000 long-tailed macaque monkeys as the locals provide them with food and drink in a celebration.
Book a seat: Bangkok Beginner – 4 nights from £575
Holiday includes return airfares and four nights’ accommodation at the 3.5* Bel Aire Princess Hotel, based on two people sharing. Departs London Heathrow.
BONUS: SAVE £166
To book, visit flightcentre.co.uk, quoting reference BKKLONCITY1. Valid for travel between 01 – 30 Nov 11, offer ends 31 Aug 11.
Hua Hin Sensation – 8 nights from £669
Holiday includes return airfare and eight nights’ bed and breakfast accommodation at the 4* Imperial Hua Hin Beach Resort, based on two people sharing. Departs London Heathrow.
BONUS: SAVE £220
To book, visit flightcentre.co.uk, quoting reference HHQLONPAC4. Valid for travel between 01 – 30 Nov 11. offer ends 31 Aug 11.
Miami International Ballet Festival, USA: 26 Aug – 18 Sep 2011
Fighting back against the stereotype of a party town, Miami is also the home of one of the most prestigious ballet festivals in the US. Featuring a range of world-wide renowned ballet stars, this festival has become an autumn staple on the South Florida calendar.
Book a seat: Florida Fly Drive – 7 nights from £525
Holiday includes return airfares and 8 days car hire. Departs London Heathrow
BONUS: SAVE £110
To book, visit flightcentre.co.uk, quoting reference MIALONPAC16. Valid for travel between 01 Sep – 30 Nov 11, offer ends 15 Aug 11.
ID UL FITR, Middle East: 30 Aug – 01 Sep 2011
The three day Muslim celebration after the completion of the holy month of Ramadan is one of the most colourful times to be in the Middle East region. The streets are lined with sumptuous food, clothes and jewellery souks with exotic decorations and lights to bring alive the festive spirit.
Book a seat: Dubai Delight – 4 nights from £439
Holiday includes return airfares and four nights’ bed and breakfast accommodation at the 3* Ibis Al Barsha, Dubai, based on two people sharing. Departs London Heathrow.
BONUS: Save £95
To book, visit flightcentre.co.uk, quoting reference DXBLONPAC30. Valid for travel between 01 – 29 Sep 11, offer ends 31 Aug 11.
Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Scotland, 5 – 29 AUG 2011
And if you are in London and hoping to catch a weekend of Scottish sun this summer, The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the largest arts festival in the world, turning the city into a global village with visitors coming from all over the world.
Book a seat: Edinburgh Tattoo – 3 nights for £465
Holiday includes return direct airfare and three nights’ bed and breakfast accommodation at the 3* Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh Waterfront, based on two people sharing. Departs London Gatwick.
To book, visit flightcentre.co.uk, quoting reference EDILONVD1. Valid for travel between 22 – 27 Aug 11, offer ends 15 Aug 11.