Important events around the world in April

April is a month for remembrance, as Australians across the globe stop to commemorate the sacrifice of our fallen soldiers. In addition to the more serious events occurring around the world next month, there are also plenty of opportunities to create new and unique memories at some of the world's most inspiring festivals.

To help you plan an April you'll never forget, here are just a few of the key events happening around the world:

ANZAC Day

Istanbul, Turkey, April 25

Perhaps the most important event for Australians this year, ANZAC Day 2015 commemorates the 100-year anniversary of the landing on Gallipoli Cove. While the official event is completely booked, there are still opportunities nearby for those wanting to pay their respects and learn a little more about our history.

If you missed out on the official Gallipoli trip, you can commemorate the experience in Istanbul with many other Australian and New Zealand travellers likely to be in the region. Just remember to book your Istanbul hotel sooner rather than later, as demand is likely to be high at this time.

Then, for those who stick around long enough, it is simple to jump on a quick day tour to Gallipoli Cove once all the crowds have cleared. Late April will be an ideal time to see the monument covered in commemorative poppies and enjoy an unobscured view of the beach and sea.

World Ski and Snowboard Festival

Whistler, Canada, April 10-19

For fun in snow, head toward Whistler for the official World Ski and Snowboard Festival this April. The event hosts some of the globe's best skiers and snowboarders on world-class slopes, and you also get to join in the winter fun if you are so inclined.

Whistler is also a great location for camping in Canada, though there are plenty of hotels available for those who prefer all the creature comforts.

Songkran Water Festival

Chiang Mai, Thailand, April 13-15

Grab your squirt gun and be ready to get wet in Thailand next month. To mark the Thai New Year, locals and visitors alike will take part in a nation-wide water fight.

This fun and exciting celebration demands participation, and you can come home with stories of being soaked by elephant, watching the colourful parade and interacting with monks from the Wat Mongkin Bopit. 

Songkran Water Festival activities are held all through the country, but Chiang Mai is of particular import as the city with the largest, most recognised festival parade. Everyone is encouraged to take part in the parade, so be prepared to pour water over the arms and legs of the featured Buddha – and splash as many of your friends as possible!

Coachella

California, USA, April 10-12

A music festival on many people's bucket lists, Coachella is now just around the corner. If you have been lucky enough to land tickets to this bohemian weekend in the South Californian desert, you'll need to get in quick to avoid missing out on accommodation.

Featuring acts like AC/DC, Florence and the Machine, David Guetta and Kasabian, this event is likely to attract a huge range of partygoers from all walks of life. With a long and lucrative history, Coachella has quickly become the place to be for music lovers and celebrities, so it's time to grab your best friend, your dancing shoes and your camera and get there!

Earth Day

Choose your own adventure, April 22

If none of the above options take your fancy, don't let us tell you where to travel. April 22 this year is Earth Day. This is a chance to raise awareness about the fragility of our environment, but also an opportunity for you to celebrate your favourite places across the globe.

Perhaps you could try a round-the-world trip next month, to fit in as much of our precious land in your travels as possible and properly celebrate Earth Day 2015. Just remember to book with an airline that offers a carbon neutral program to help you offset your share of the unavoidable carbon emissions.

On the day itself, there are many potential places to be as 174 different countries have pledged to mark the event this year. You could try planting a tree in the United States, digging a well in Uganda or marking the occasion in India, which is one of the globe's loudest advocates of the 2015 Earth Day.

No matter where you choose to go, it's clear that April could become one of the most memorable months of your life. Isn't it time that you packed your bags?