The Top 5 Countries for Raving in 2016

If you think the dance music scene is big in the US, just wait until you hear how much it’s taking the rest of the world by storm. Unless you’ve been too hung up on the happenings in your own neck of the woods, you may have noticed that our culture is rapidly spreading to all corners of the globe, as new festivals, nightclubs and events continue to pop up in big cities on the regular.

Having spent the last three years traveling and raving in more than 75 countries, I would like to share some of my favorite and most notable scenes to rage in around the world.

Here are the top five international destinations that should be on your radar for 2016.

South Korea

Korea has undoubtedly the biggest dance music scene out of any Asian country that I’ve experienced. I spent two years living and teaching English in Seoul, and I had an absolute blast raving nearly every weekend.

Korean people are lively and energetic, and they know how to get down better than any other culture I’ve ever seen. Almost everyone religiously drinks soju—a rice liquor similar to Japanese sake—and it’s sold for $1 per small bottle. Take a few bottles of this good stuff down the hatch, and you’ll understand exactly why the Korean crowd is always ready to get wild and rowdy. And just wait until you see how they dance; it’ll blow your mind!

The music scene you’ll find in Korea is mostly fast-paced, upbeat techno and house. For a more in-depth look at the nightlife scene in Seoul, check out this blog post I wrote a few months back.

Notable nightclubs in Seoul: Octagon, Ellui, Syndrome, Mass, Answer

Philippines

You probably didn’t expect to see the Philippines on this list, but this country does NOT disappoint when it comes to nightclubs, music festivals and an all-around thriving scene.

I’ve been to the Philippines four times, and I’m heading back next month, because I just can’t get enough of the insanity that this country brings to the table.

Over the last few years, they’ve latched on to the dance music lifestyle—specifically in the major cities of Manila and Cebu. The nightclubs in Manila are some of the biggest, most luxurious and impressive that I’ve ever been to in my life, which is why they have big-name DJs swinging into town on a weekly basis.

Notable nightclubs in Manila: Valkerie, House of Manila, Pool Club, Chaos

Netherlands

As obvious as it may sound, the Netherlands remains the king of dance music around Europe. It’s only the home to many of the top players; we’re talking Hardwell, Tiësto, Armin van Buuren, Fedde Le Grand, Ferry Corsten, and Oliver Heldens, to name a few.

I’ve been to this magical country three times and absolutely loved it. The thing I love most about Amsterdam is that you can find all subgenres of dance music here, ranging from groovy deep house to tech trance to new-age trap music. Dutch people are very kind and open, and it’s easy to make friends, no matter where you are partying.

I went to Sensation White Amsterdam in Summer 2015, and I’ve never seen a more energetic crowd in my life!

Notable nightclubs in Amsterdam: Paradiso, Club NL, Bitterzoet, Chicago Social Club

India

The scene in India has been on the rise for quite some time, and it’s only getting bigger.

Did you know? Goa trance actually derived from the psychedelic dance music scene in—you guessed it—Goa. It’s the party capital of India, after all. Also, Anjuna—which you might recognize from Above & Beyond’s illustrious imprint Anjunabeats—is the name of a beach in Goa.

I spent a week in Goa last year, and I couldn’t believe some of the beach raves there. They go harder than most and don’t quit until 8am every day! Their psychedelic trance game is out-of-this-world awesome, and it’s worth a visit even if you aren’t a fan of that style of music.

Aside from Goa, the nightlife scenes in Mumbai and Delhi were freaking awesome. Most of the clubs are a mix of techno and psytrance. It’s truly a techno person’s heaven.

Notable nightclubs in Mumbai: Blue Frog, Royalty, Trilogy, Tryst, Hype

Sweden

This list of must-rage-in countries wouldn’t be complete without including the biggest house music scene in the world. The great list of Swedish DJs includes Avicii, Alesso, Dada Life, Steve Angello, Axwell, Ingrosso—and their style of house music is exactly what you’ll hear in the crazy nightclubs around Stockholm! I had the chance to visit the country’s capital for only three days, but it didn’t take me long to fall in love with the incredible vibes and beautiful people around me.

Notable nightclubs in Stockholm: Sturecompagniet, Hell’s Kitchen, Rose, White Room Laroy

Drew Goldberg will be raving all over the world in 2016. Follow him on Snapchat @drewbinsky.

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