Party holidays and clubbing holidays are two of the most popular type of break available, and it’s no surprise that the number of party holiday destinations in the world is overwhelming. This means that to have a genuinely great time it’s important to narrow down your choices in order to pick the type of clubbing holiday that suits you best. It’s easiest to do this by looking at what you want from your destination: whether it’s the best clubs in the world, beach parties or casinos, we’ve got all the information you need.
Europe
The Mediterranean was known to the Romans as the centre of the world, and it’s not very different for modern party goers. The islands in the middle of this sea are home to some of the best clubbing seasons the world has to offer.
Ibiza (internal link http://www.headingthere.co.uk/guide/europe/spain/ibiza/) is infamously known as the clubbing hotspot of Europe, and its summer season draws people from all around the world. Its most famous clubs include Pacha, Space, Privilage and Eden where you can see world-renowned DJs including David Guetta, Tiesto and Skrillex performing in the famous summer season. Catch an opening or closing show for the night of your life.
Ayia Napa (internal link http://www.headingthere.co.uk/guide/europe/cyprus/ayia+napa/) based at the bottom corner of Cyprus is quickly catching up to Ibiza as one of the top party destinations in Europe. Its 18-30s holiday scene is one of the best around and it is packed with bars and parties to suit all tastes such as Castle Club or Live Lounge, where the music plays throughout the night, and the town is now becoming a hotspot on the DJ circuit throughout the summer. The beautiful sandy beaches and calm sea for swimming in mean that this is fantastic location for daytime as well as night time activity.
Croatia (internal link http://www.headingthere.co.uk/guide/europe/croatia/) is fast becoming the scene of electronic music festivals throughout the summer, with the Soundwave, Hideout and Garden festivals growing every year. Their popularity lies in their location in the beautiful Croatian islands, allowing revellers to party late into the night beachside, as well as enjoy boat parties hosted by the best DJs around. Hit the scene in July and August to make the most of the festival season.
Amongst the Greek Islands, you are spoilt for choice if a party holiday is what you desire, but Corfu (internal link: http://www.headingthere.co.uk/guide/europe/greece/corfu/ ) tops the lot with its mix of beautiful Greek scenery and beaches as well as a thriving nightlife. Kavos, its main party town is filled with popular clubs, where by day the revellers hit the beach and by night hit the bars, but isn’t overrun by tacky tourist traps, instead will offer you an enjoyable and relaxing party holiday. See our guide to Greek Party Islands (internal link: http://www.headingthere.co.uk/article/106_top+greek+party+islands/) for more inspiration.
Asia
As we move to Asia the temperature rises and the clothes get looser. This is a place where you can really let your hair down with all-year round parties on the beach and backpacker vibes making you feel free and alive.
Goa (internal link http://www.headingthere.co.uk/guide/asia/india/goa/) a former favourite of hippies and gap year-ers alike is fast becoming India’s answer to our European party meccas. The tropical heat allows for 24 hour raves amongst the palm trees and paradise beaches of this alternative party destination. Enjoy fire spinners, all-night bars, festivals and raves without feeling too mainstream. Anjura Beach is a particular highlight.
No party holiday guide would be complete without a mention of the famous Thai Islands and their Full Moon Parties. Koh Samui (internal link: http://www.headingthere.co.uk/guide/south+east+asia/thailand/koh+samui/ ), Koh Tao, (internal link: http://www.headingthere.co.uk/guide/south+east+asia/thailand/koh+tao/) Koh Phangan (internal link: http://www.headingthere.co.uk/guide/south+east+asia/thailand/koh+phangan/ ) and Koh Phi Phi (internal link: http://www.headingthere.co.uk/guide/south+east+asia/thailand/koh+phi+phi/ ) are all home to some of the most famous parties on the planet, held monthly and attended by travellers from all over the world, attracted by the famous glow paint and whiskey buckets that these beachside raves promise. Many people consider them amongst their must-do list on a South East Asia trip, and to miss out seems foolish. Read our guide to the Full Moon Party (internal link: http://www.headingthere.co.uk/article/160_a+first+timers+guide+to+the+full+moon+party+thailand/) for more tips.
North America
The most luxurious, and most infamous parties are surely to be found in America’s golden shores. Here you can have anything you want…
In the middle of the desert lies the most manufactured city on earth, Las Vegas (internal link: http://www.headingthere.co.uk/guide/north+america/usa/las+vegas/) where all sorts of entertainment complexes vie for your attention. Casinos, shows, theme park style rides and replicas of the most famous buildings in the world make Vegas the easiest place to indulge on earth. Whatever your pleasure you can bet it will be there, and if you fancy putting that bet to the test, head down to one of the famous casinos such as the Bellagio, the Plaza or the Palace. You will most certainly have a night never to be forgotten.
The celebrity capital of the world has much to offer in terms of memorable sites and faces. Party at some of the most glorious bars and clubs the world has to offer in Los Angeles (internal link: http://www.headingthere.co.uk/guide/north+america/usa/los+angeles/). Visiting Hollywood, you will be greeted by some of the most extravagant and deluxe clubs, who are used to welcoming the A list, such as the infamous Viper Rooms, or Avalon Hollywood, both of which have seen their fair share of celebrity scandal and met more than a few paparazzi’s. Keep your eyes peeled for a Tinsletown sighting, or just let your hair down and enjoy the extravagance.
South America
Heading south of the border will open you up to a more colourful scene, with a touch more rhythm in the home of Latin dance.
Home of the world’s most famous Carnival, Rio de Janiero (internal link: http://www.headingthere.co.uk/guide/south+america/brazil/rio+de+janeiro/) has everything on offer in terms of high-class clubs, beautiful beaches and local hideaways. Visit in February for the annual Carnival where the city comes alive with colour and floats as the city celebrates the season before Lent, or just to lap the famous party scene as you hop between the beach and the bars as day turns to night.
The origins of the tango lie in Buenos Aires (internal link: http://www.headingthere.co.uk/guide/south+america/argentina/buenos+aires/ ), which is known for its passion. The dance can be found taking place both in the bars and on the streets, particularly during the August Tango festival, but the huge range of bars, both deluxe and traditional will give you somewhere to dance the night away whether in tango style or not, and during the carnival season in February the nights will run away with you quicker than you can imagine.
Oceania
A continent made up of islands, Oceania has much to offer in terms of beach parties and revelling in the sun. Both island hopping and longer stays are available and the islands have much to offer.
Beachcomber Island in Fiji (internal link: http://www.headingthere.co.uk/guide/australasia/fiji/beachcomber+island/) is popular with young travellers and it is clear why. Its crystal waters and all night bars mean that you can be sipping cocktails from noon until dawn. The island is so small it’s easy to walk around it in ten minutes, meaning that you and the group who are on the island with you at the time will become close knit in moments, but also offers a safe community feel, allowing you to party in an entirely carefree style.
