So 2015 is booked with the Caribbean and ph ucket Thailand, but I want to start planning for 2016. I'd like to go somewhere for a massive cultural event, something along the lines of Oktoberfest or Carnival, but maybe something not so damn touristy. The wife and I are up for damn near anything, but we want to avoid the traditional family friendly events, we're young with no kids so we want to live it up while we can. Call the budget 8k, what would you recommend?

I'd go for Oktoberfest or Carnival

But really the running of the bulls in Spain would be awesome. Off the beaten path but maybe a trip to Machu Pichu or African safari.

The euro is cheap right now. If that sticks, I'd consider a trip across the pond to take advantage. The Palio in Siena and all of the events leading up to it is something I've always wanted to do. Easter in Florence is fun, too.

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I'd go for Oktoberfest or Carnival

But really the running of the bulls in Spain would be awesome. Off the beaten path but maybe a trip to Machu Pichu or African safari.

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I've done all of those but Carnival.

Oktoberfest is blast and there are people from all over the world there. It gets packed, but Munich is a huge city and can handle it.

San Fermin (Running with the Bulls) is another huge party. Pamplona is a small town with very few hotels. We rented a room out of someone's apartment, but paid $$. You'll see most backpackers camping in the park.

We hiked the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Its a 4 day hike, with the last day inside the park. But, you can also just take the train there if you dont want to hike.

My last trip was hiking Kilimanjaro followed by a 3 day safari. This hike was much more difficult, but do-able. We took the 7-day route.

la tomatina?

I've never been to Brazil during Carnaval, but heard it's a serious party! Even just being in Rio not during Carnaval was quite a cultural experience and party! Summer games are there next summer if you're wanting to incorporate that or stay away. I've never been to Octoberfest but have a German friend that lives in Hamburg and avoids it at all cost because it's a total touristy party, not all that authentic.

San Fermin/Pamplona...big time cultural experience, tons of fun, but it's tiring and gross and dirty! I stayed in an apartment right on Calle Estafeta (which is on the encierro route) so we were literally right on top of the action - great balcony views - but all the nearby streets, parks, plaza, etc. are just gross during the festival. Staying close by was convenient, but I'd recommend staying away from the main streets. There are plenty of busses and taxis to get you where you need to be. Staying on Estafeta just made for crappy sleep because the partying is 24 hours a day, random bands play and parade the streets all hours of the night - it's super loud! Don't get me wrong, I'm so glad I went and experienced it. I recommend it to people and I'd probably go again at some point, but take clothes and shoes that you don't mind pitching as you continue on your travels elsewhere!

I went to Lima and Cusco and trekked to MP last May and loved it. Incredible cultural experience there too. I did the Lares Trek and it was 4 days total (of hiking/camping). Hiked to Ollantaytambo, trained to Aguas Calientes and bussed to MP. It was surreal.

Guelaguetza in Oaxaca is on my short list but it's in July and I'm usually working in Central America June-July. One of these days I'll figure out how to make it happen.