2. Floriade World Horticultural Expo, Venlo Region, Holland (April to October)

Floriade is an international exposition of flowers and gardening which takes place every 10 years in the Netherlands. In 2012, it’s held in the Venlo Region and features 100 participants. The festival takes place between April 5 and October 7, 2012 and has Five Theme Worlds displayed in a 66 hectares park. Each day, there is music, dance, theatre, and graphic art performances. The visitors can sample the food at the stalls or check out the restaurants. Visitors can also enjoy a light show and films at an open-air cinema.

A day ticket (including the cable car) is €30 for an adult and €15 for a child, but you can get a better deal if you purchase a two day ticket (€40, €20, respectively). If you don’t know which worlds to visit, you can start with the “Green Engine” with its ultra-sustainable Villa Flora, home to the biggest indoor flower show. Kids will love the “Education and Innovation” world where they can taste unusual fruit and vegetable combinations or experience life as a bee.

The festival is very popular since it only takes place every 10 years, so make sure to book the accommodation ahead of time, too. Expect to pay from €60 per night in a double room in a pension (with shared bathroom). There aren’t any hostels in Venlo, though.

3. Running of the Bulls, Pamplona, Spain (July)

Each year, Pamplona is home to the Festival of San Fermin. The festival is most well known for the Running of the Bulls, a 2600 foot (800 meter) run with dozens of angry bulls chasing the brave visitors. Injuries and deaths are not uncommon during the week-long festival. The event is held each year between July 6 and 14.

The origin goes back to the days when bulls had to be transported from the off-site corrals to the bullring for the evening shows. Youngsters would jump among the bulls to show their bravery. Others say this festival originated during the transportation of the bulls to the market. Men would attempt to speed the process by using various tactics. Over the years, this turned into a competition as youngsters attempt to race in front of the bulls.  If you plan to visit Pamplona for the festival but have no intention of racing with the angry bulls, then you can see those brave enough to do it from Plaza Consistorial or Estafeta Street, two of the best viewing spots.

The cheapest way to get to Pamplona is by bus from either Madrid or Barcelona. Both Spanish cities are served by plenty of European low-cost carriers, but make sure to book your ticket in advance as you’ll be traveling during a very busy period of the year.  Accommodation is very expensive. Expect to pay from €90 per night in a single room. While there are hostel-like accommodations, don’t expect low prices. A good idea is to pack the camping gear if you want to do it on the cheap.

4. Bastille Day, Paris, France (July 14)

La Fête Nationale is celebrated each year on July 14 and is France’s National Day. It is held on the first anniversary of the storming of the Bastille. The English-speaking countries know it as Bastille Day.

The oldest and largest military parade in Europe is held on the morning of July 14 on Champes Elysees avenue in Paris. It passes down from the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde. It has been held each year since 1880.  In the evening don’t miss the fireworks. You’d also want to be in Paris the night before Bastille Day when public concerts and dances can be attended and watched at the Place de la Bastille. Since Bastille Day falls during summer, you can plan a picnic for the afternoon.

Paris is served by a variety of European low-cost carriers but you’ll be traveling right in the middle of the peak season, so plan and book your flight in advance.