The New Year has come and with it, more hope for globetrotters everywhere that this is the year they can tick off their travel bucket list. As borders slowly open up and travel becomes a reality, it’s finally a good time to start thinking about future travel plans and get excited about upcoming trips. For those looking for ideas of combining travel with big events to make their trip even more memorable, look no further.
Agoda highlights six events from around the world to give travelers ideas and inspiration for a memorable trip in 2022, whichever corner of the world you want to discover. From north to south and east to west, and everywhere in between, there are memorable events happening this year that will bring travel back with a bang.
Wintry Wanderers – Winterlude 2022 – Canada
Ready to chill? Indulge in chilly winds, fluffy snow, and beautiful ice sculptures at the magical winter festival in Ottawa, Canada. There are several indoor and outdoor activities for people of all ages to enjoy, highlighting Canada’s cultural, artistic, and culinary diversity. The best thing? Most of them are free. For thrill seekers, take a skate on the Rideau Canal Skateway, the world’s largest naturally frozen skating rink and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The festival is usually organized during the first three weekends of February each year. This year the event will take place in the urban Ottawa-Gatineau region from 4-21 February. Get your skates on if you want to be there!
Technology Enthusiasts – Expo 2020 Dubai – United Arab Emirates
This spectacular major global event is a showcase of innovations, technologies, arts, and cultures from organizations and 192 participating nations. The whole site was constructed in the desert under the ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’ theme, and divided into three districts: Mobility, Opportunity, and Sustainability. There are countless activities to do and attractions to marvel at, including ‘The Future of Food: Epochal Banquet’ – a culinary voyage as imagined in the year 2320, inspired by AI, microbiology, and space. Don’t miss ‘Kaleidoscope’ – an immersive night-time extravaganza that combines lighting effects and visual arts. Expo 2020 exposition runs until 31 March 2022.
Nature Lovers – Floriade Expo 2022 – The Netherlands
If you are looking for ways to live a more sustainable lifestyle, this decennial international horticulture exhibition is an interesting event to learn more about sustainability. There are over 40 inspiring pavilions where countries showcase their latest green innovations. During the entire opening period from spring to early autumn, you can taste and smell the beautiful plants and flowers, with colorful music and art of the participating countries complementing the experience. Want a little more excitement? Try taking a ride in the cable car over the park. After the exposition, which runs from 14 April to 9 October, the site in Almere will be redeveloped into a green, healthy urban district called ‘Hortus’.
Time Travelers – Inti Raymi 2022 – Peru
Be amazed by the grand celebration of ‘Inti’, the most powerful sun god of the Inca civilization. The event, in conjunction with the South American winter solstice, involves beautiful costumes, sumptuous feasts, an elaborate reenactment of ancient Inca rituals meant to honor Inti, culminating in a royal procession to an ancient fortress. Travelers will be able to experience indigenous cultures from before Western influences came to South America. For a change of scene, there are ruins, farms, and trails scattered in the surrounding area. This year the traditional religious festival will be celebrated in Cusco from 21-24 June.
Musically-moved – MassKara Festival – The Philippines
Move to the rhythm of joyful music and kick it with the locals at the liveliest street party in Bacolod, known as the City of Smiles. One highlight activity is an epic dancing competition where dancers in colorful costumes and iconic smiling masks perform their impressive dance moves. The masks are a declaration from the locals that they will survive any challenges they face. After dancing, grab a bite and try the city’s famous grilled chicken dish called ‘Chicken Inasal”. Other fun activities include the MassKara Beauty Queen pageant, night parties, sports, and much more. This year the event will last for the whole month of October, with the main activities taking place on the 24th.
Wonder Seekers – Official Opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum – Egypt
Although currently delayed by the pandemic, this magnificent crown jewel of Egypt, located on the Giza Plateau, is set to be the largest, most modern, and most renowned museum complex in the world when completed. As building cost now exceeds $1 billion, the highly anticipated grand opening will surely be an event to remember. Slated to be opened in November, the museum will house about 100,000 ancient artifacts—around 20,000 of those have never been publicly displayed before—and the largest collection of Tutankhamun relics. At the entrance, you will be welcomed by a colossal statue of Ramses II, the third king of the 19th dynasty of ancient Egypt.