Europe in the summer is something else— warm days, long evenings and festivals that fill every street, town square and countryside with music, colour and celebration. From giant tomato fights in Spain to jazz by the lake in Switzerland, there’s something for everyone.
But while planning what to pack and where to go, it is just as important to think about travel safety. Things like lost luggage, cancelled flights or sudden illness can turn a dream trip into a headache and that is where travel insurance comes in. In this blog, we will walk you through the top summer festivals in Europe, travel safety tips and why getting international travel insurance is a smart move before you jet off.
List of famous festivals in Europe to visit in summer
Here are some of the most exciting festivals that draw visitors from all over the world each summer:
1. Glastonbury Festival
Glastonbury is a five-day festival of contemporary performing arts that takes place in the month of June near Somerset, England. Regarded as the pinnacle of the British culture, the festival is inspired by the ethos of counter culture and hippie movements. Over the years, various dance, comedy, theatre, circus, cabaret and other leading pop and rock artists have featured in the festival. The event coordinators also take utmost environmental precautions while organising and operating the festival.
2. San Fermin
San Fermin is a weeklong, historically rooted celebration held annually in the city of Navarre, Spain. The celebrations commence on 6th July, marked by the setting of the pyrotechnic Chupinazo (rocket) and conclude with the singing of Pobre de Mi. The festival involves many traditional and folkloric activities, with the most famous of them being The Encierro or the running of the bulls. Over 1,000,000 people from all over the world participate in the festivities every year.
3. Tomorrowland
Tomorrowland is an electronic music festival held in the month of July in Boom, Belgium. It is one of the most popular music festivals, attracting crowds from every continent in the world. Tomorrowland has hosted some of the most well-known and critically acclaimed international DJs and electronic music artists. Tickets usually sell out within minutes, so if you are planning to check out this event, you need to book yours as soon as ticket sales are announced.
4. Berlin Beer Festival
This one is for the beer aficionados. The Berlin Beer festival, held in the month of August, includes 340 breweries from 87 countries offering 2,400 unique beer specialties and 22 beer regions presenting their culinary specialties. 20 stages are set up all around the venue for playing live music by national and international bands. Each year a different country or a theme is at the centre of attention. The best part about this festival is the free admission it grants to its visitors.
5. Øyafestival
Øyafestival is an annual music festival held every August in Oslo, Norway. From its modest inception in 1999, it has since grown to become one of Norway’s biggest festivals. The event consists of four main stages, hosting artists across all genres of music. Just like Glastonbury, Øyafestival goes to extreme lengths to not disrupt the ecological balance maintained by the government of Norway. The organisers take every precaution to conduct an eco-friendly event.
6. Zurich Street Parade
The Zurich Street Parade, held in the month of August, is the most attended techno parade in Europe. According to its official website, it was first organised by Marek Krynski in Zurich as ‘a demonstration that calls on everyone to live together in peace and tolerance’. Through the parade, the organisers and the revellers preach about the ideas of love, liberty, freedom and generosity. Comparable to Berlin's Love Parade, the Zurich Street Parade is one of the largest techno parties in the world.
7. La Tomatina
La Tomatina is an annual festival that is held every August in the Valencian town of Buñol, Spain. This event as depicted and popularised in the 2011 Bollywood film ‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara’ includes participants throwing tomatoes at each other purely for entertainment purpose. If you are planning to visit Spain in the month of August, you definitely owe it to yourself to experience this crazy festival at least once.
On your next trip to Europe, make these festivals a part of your itinerary. Be sure to talk to your insurance advisor about the best travel insurance plans on offer and make your travel trouble-free.
Safety & precaution tips when travelling to Europe
Europe is generally safe for tourists, but it is wise to take a few precautions to keep your trip enjoyable and stress-free:
- Carry backups of important documents: Have digital and printed copies of your passport, visa and travel insurance details with you at all times.
- Be aware of local laws and customs: What is acceptable in one country may be frowned upon in another.
- Keep your belongings safe: Busy festivals and popular tourist areas are often targeted by pickpockets, so it is wise to use secure bags and store valuables discreetly.
- Stay hydrated and sun-safe: Many European summer festivals are outdoors, so carry your water bottle and use sun protection to guard your skin from harmful UV rays.
- Have emergency contacts saved: Include embassy numbers, hotel contacts and local emergency services.
- Buy comprehensive international travel insurance: A good international travel insurance should cover medical emergencies, lost luggage, trip cancellations and more. This is especially useful if you are attending festivals where plans can change quickly.
Reasons to buy travel insurance for Europe
Here’s why having travel insurance is essential for your summer trip to Europe:
1. Medical emergencies
Healthcare in Europe can be expensive for non-residents. Travel insurance ensures you are covered for sudden illnesses, accidents or hospital visits.
2. Flight delays and cancellations
Festivals often mean tight schedules. Insurance helps you recover costs if your flights are delayed or cancelled due to unforeseen reasons.
3. Lost or stolen belongings
Crowded events increase the risk of losing passports, phones or luggage. A good policy offers financial protection and assistance in such cases.
4. Trip cancellations
Illness, emergencies or changes in visa status can force you to cancel. Trip cancellation cover in your insurance helps you get back costs that cannot be refunded if your plans change unexpectedly.
5. Visa requirement
For some countries, especially in the Schengen zone, international travel insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 is mandatory for visa approval.
6. Peace of mind
Perhaps most importantly, travel insurance provides mental ease, letting you enjoy Europe’s vibrancy without stressing about unexpected expenses.
Conclusion
Europe’s summer festivals offer a cultural feast for every kind of traveller— music lovers, foodies, art enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. But while the excitement of planning your itinerary takes centre stage, do not forget the practical side of travel.
With international travel insurance, you are covered for everything from a sprained ankle at a dance fest to a missed flight due to weather. It is the safety net that ensures your summer memories remain joyful, not stressful.
So, pack your festival gear, keep your documents safe and set off with confidence, knowing your insurance policy has your back across every border.
FAQs
1. Is travel insurance mandatory for travelling to Europe?
It is mandatory for travellers visiting Schengen countries and highly recommended for others. Some visa applications also require proof of travel insurance.
2. Can I use the same insurance for multiple festivals across countries?
Yes, if you are attending multiple events across Europe in one trip, a single international travel insurance policy can cover all destinations, just ensure each country is included in your policy.
3. What is typically covered in a travel insurance policy for Europe?
Travel insurance typically covers medical costs, cancelled trips, delays, lost or stolen baggage, personal liability and emergency departures.
4. How early should I buy travel insurance before my trip?
It is best to buy travel insurance as soon as you make your first booking, especially if you want cancellation benefits.
5. Will travel insurance cover festival ticket refunds?
Not always. Certain policies provide optional extras that cover cancellations of events. Read the terms carefully or check with your insurer.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the topic featured in the article. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.