7 Beard-Friendly Vacation Destinations

Planning to hit the road this summer or next? Here’s a tip: Don’t leave home without your beard travel kit and be sure to find a destination where you can go to show off your beard.

Need some inspiration? We’ve counted down a few of our favorite beard-friendly vacation spots. From beard and moustache competitions, to lumberjack festivals, these are some of the best places to go to show off your beard and enjoy camaraderie with fellow bearded gentlemen and facial hair afficionados.

1. World Beard and Mustache Championship

See the world’s best beards at this biennial competition. Sponsored by the World Beard and Mustache Association, the world championship draws spectators and competitors from around the world. And it’s an absolute must for beard-wearing chaps.

The WBMC celebrates the beard with people competing in dozens of categories for the title of best beard in the world. The next championship will be held in April 2021 in Auckland, New Zealand. In other words: you have a whole year to grow a thick beard.

Where: Auckland, New Zealand
When: April 10, 2021
Why Go: Mind-blowing facial hair artistry and amazing prizes.

2. National Beard and Moustache Championships (U.S.)

Looking for a beard competition a little closer to home? Compete for the title of America’s best beard at the NBMC. The yearly competition draws hundreds of bearded gents from all over the country, who come to compete, raise money for charity, and celebrate facial hair.

Each year, Beard Team USA, a national beard club, hosts the event, which is held in a different city each year. Details are still pending on the 2020 championship; if it doesn’t happen this year, start planning your 2021 trip!

When: To Be Determined
Where: Various Cities in the U.S.
Why Go: Incredible camaraderie among competitors and beard clubs, fun nightly events and entertaining competitions.

3. Lumberjack World Championships

Nothing celebrates the bearded and burly like a classic lumberjack festival. And if you want to show off your beard at one of the best, Wisconsin’s Lumberjack World Championships can’t be beat.

The weekend-long competition – held each year on the shores of Lake Hayward – draws competitors from around the world who come to showcase their lumberjacking skills. See daily competitions in sawing, chopping, speed climbing and more. Plus, there’s plenty else to do throughout the event: Beer tastings, shopping, and exploring Lake Hayward.

When: July 29-31, 2021
Where: Hayward, WI
Why Go: Entertaining lumberjacking competitions and beautiful scenery.

4. Music Festivals

Whether you’re rocking a neon beard at Coachella, or a more natural look at Bonnaroo, a music festival is the perfect place to showcase your amazing facial hair. Not to mention, you can push your beard style to the next level. Beard glitter, for example, will help you stand out.

Another idea: Head to a music fest that celebrates the beard. The Whispering Beard Folk Festival in Friendship, IN bills itself as a “sanctuary for the scruffy.” And across a long weekend in August each year, the fest brings together some of the best up-and-coming folk musicians from around the country. Although this year’s fest is on hiatus, expect a return in 2021.

When: Various Dates
Where: Various Cities
Why Go: There’s no better summer celebration than a music festival; choose one with a great line-up and plan your 2021 festival trip.

5. Hiking Trails

Thru-hikers on some of America’s favorite backcountry trails are known for letting their beards grow. So, if you’re looking for a destination where you can wear your beard proudly, consider a hike on the Appalachian or the Pacific Crest trails.

The beards you’ll find on the Appalachian Trail could definitely be described as scruffy. Another option: Head to the trail to grow your beard. Check out this time-lapse of one hiker’s beard growth on the Pacific Crest Trail for an idea of how it’ll go.

When: Summer-Fall
Where: Appalachian or Pacific Crest Trails
Why Go: Become one with nature and let your beard grow au naturel.  

6. Beer Festivals

Nothing goes together quite like craft beers and beards. In fact, many brewers rock beards for various reasons. And you wouldn’t wrong to think the Great American Beer Festival in Denver should be called the “Great American Beard Festival”.

If you’re picking a festival too go to: Denver’s annual event is one of the best, drawing brewers from across the country to compete. This year’s event is still tentatively moving forward in early October. Scoop up tickets while they’re still available.

When: October 16-17, 2020
Where: Denver, CO
Why: Taste beers from all over the world at the Great American Beer Fest in Downtown Denver.

7. Boardwalks & Beach Clubs

The beach is the place to be and be seen in the summer. That’s a reason Miami is perennially one of the “most beard-friendly cities in the U.S.”; bearded dudes love to show off their beards on South Florida’s sandy beaches.

If you’re looking for a destination in the Northeast: Head to Coney Island for the annual beard and moustache competition. Although this year’s event is on hiatus, expect it to return in 2021.

When: All Summer Long
Where: Beaches Across the U.S.
Why Go: There isn’t a better lace to show off your beard during summer.

Where Will Your Bearded Vacation Take You?

Bottom line, any of these destinations make awesome travel spots for guys with beards. So, whether you plan a trip for summer 2021, or you’ve got a staycation planned next week just remember these helpful tips for traveling with a beard:

• Bring It With You: A beard travel kit is a must. Bring all the essentials with you – like beard oil and beard wash – because you might not be able to find them on the road.
• Oil Up: Summer sunshine and travel can leave your beard dehydrated. Protect your beard from the sun with beard oil. A high-quality beard oil will prevent your beard from drying out and will moisturize your skin.
• Use Sun Protection: Sunblock isn’t just for your skin; there are plenty of products that will protect your hair from the sun too. If you’ll be in the sun for long periods, consider UV protection for your beard.

Alright, now you’re ready to plan the ultimate vacation to any of these amazing beard-friendly destinations. 

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