6 Special Events Worth Planning Your Vacation Around

Summer 2026 has been a marvellous reminder of the power of a special event to draw people from across the world. We’ve seen the world’s largest soccer tournament galvanize the world, America’s 250th Anniversary celebrations rally the nation, and even a little wedding at Madison Square Garden remind people that milestone occasions are worth the journey. These events are not isolated, either. 

Special events and festivals continue to draw record numbers of people. A 2025 report from American Express showed that 60% of global travellers were planning their travel around entertainment or sporting events. In 2024, McKinsey & Company identified that the experiental travel market represented a $1 trillion opportunity for the global economy. Clearly, travelling for once-in-a-lifetime events are big business. They also epitomize the bucket list nature of travel, the idea of going on an adventure for something you truly will never forget and will regret missing out on if you don’t take the journey. 

We’re no strangers to the power of event travel at Goway. For over 56 years, we’ve been helping travellers cross the world to catch rare solar eclipses, take in some of the world’s biggest festivals, and finally see their favourite sports stars on the world’s biggest stage. Following the suggestions of our Destination Specialists, who know the countries they specialize in inside and out, we recommend the following six special events and festivals that are worth planning your vacation around. 

2027 Solar Eclipse, Egypt

Few events are as once-in-a-lifetime as a complete solar eclipse. On August 2, 2027, a total solar eclipse will occur, and certain countries such as Egypt sit directly in the path of totality. Parts of Egypt, such as Luxor and Marsa Alam on the Red Sea, will experience over five minutes of total darkness—far longer than you usually experience for eclipses. Added to this is the extra significance of witnessing one of the rarest solar events in a land that pioneered sun worship. In ancient Egypt, the sun god Ra was the greatest of the gods, so there’s no better place watch the eclipse than under the clear skies of Egypt. 

Luckily, Goway can help you experience this for yourself. “To coincide with this rare celestial event, Goway has secured limited room allocations at two Red Sea resorts,” says Angela Donnelly, Commercial Manager, Africa & Middle East at Gowa.” Combined with Cairo's iconic highlights, this is an unforgettable opportunity that blends history, culture, relaxation, and one of nature's most spectacular phenomena.”

Oktoberfest, Germany

If you love good beer and great company, there are few better events to travel for than Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany. Held in the final weeks of September and ending on the first Sunday of October, Oktoberfest originally celebrated the wedding of Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. Today, no one may talk about the prince and princess; Oktoberfest has transformed into a celebration of Bavarian culture and the beginning of the fall. Join local and visitors in the raucous beer tents of Munich, feast on schnitzel, pretzels, and bratwurst, and join in a tradition that has embodied Bavarian spirit for more than 200 years.  

“Oktoberfest is one of the absolute iconic experiences in Germany,” says Channa Jayasinghe, Destination Specialist. “It’s the world’s largest beer festival, so it’s best to start planning at least six months in advance to secure hotel rooms, tours, and tent table reservations. Goway can help you secure your spot."

Diwali, India

Diwali epitomizes the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. It’s known as the Festival of Lights and is one of the holiest celebrations for Hindus and Jains. Falling in October or November each year, dependent on the Hindu lunisolar calendar, Diwali lasts five days and festivities include lighting diyas (oil lamps), setting off fireworks, and the exchange of gifts. In India, it’s a gorgeous time to visit as you experience the cities lit up for the festival and landmarks from Varanasi to Jaipur pulling out all the atmospheric stops. Goway can help you see the illuminated ghats of Varanasi or the lit palaces of Rajasthan, with tailor-made touring and custom arrangements throughout Diwali. 

Rio Carnival, Brazil

Starting on the last Friday before Lent and culminating on Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday, the Rio Carnival is the most colourful celebration in Brazil's calendar year. Traditionally, the carnival ended the Catholic feast calendar with a bang, but today, it’s expanded to become a celebration of the nation’s Afro Portuguese culture. Throughout the festival, you’ll enjoy street parties known as blocos, held in neighbourhoods throughout the city, but the must-see event is the samba parade at the Sambadrome, where all the samba schools compete with parade floats, performances, and the most elaborate costumes. There’s no better time to experience the essence of Brazil’s art, music, history, and nightlife than Rio Carnival.

Two Oceans Marathon, South Africa

One of the world’s most iconic running events, the Two Oceans Marathon is an ultra marathon that takes runners 56 km (34.5 mi) along the Cape Peninsula outside Cape Town, South Africa. Taking place in early April each year, it’s often called the most beautiful marathon in the world by even the most seasoned runners. It also showcases the best of the cape from the ocean views of False Bay in Muizenberg to the steep coastal cliffs of Chapman’s Peak. Goway’s VP, Africa & Middle East Bronwyn Hodge ran the marathon this past year. 

“The scenery was breathtaking, but what made it truly unforgettable was the incredible camaraderie and support from fellow runners and spectators. That sense of community carried me across the finish line,” says Bronwyn. “Goway can help you secure accommodation and tours during the marathon, which is perfect timing since April is one of the best times of the year to visit Cape Town.” 

New Year’s Eve, Sydney

When you turn on the TV on New Year’s Eve, you’ll inevitably see a familiar image: fireworks exploding from the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Sydney, Australia. It’s the first image people associate with the new year globally, as iconic as the ball dropping in Time’s Square. And trust us, it’s a lot more picturesque in person. For around 12 minutes, you can watch fireworks light up one of the world’s most beautiful powers. Treat it as the capper to an unforgettable trip through Australia or let it kick off your epic journey. No matter how you schedule your visit, New Year’s Eve in Sydney is the perfect excuse to finally cross Australia off your bucket list. “At Goway, we’re the No. 1 to Downunder,” says Alice Teramoto, Senior Destination Specialist. “This means we know all the best ways to enjoy the iconic experiences such as New Year‘s Eve in Sydney. If you’re lucky enough to visit, you’ll witness spectacular display you’ll never forget.”