By The Man About Town

I bet Michael Eavis and the production team behind Glastonbury are feeling very smug about the fact this year was a year off for the UK's biggest music festival. Imagine the carnage that would have ensued with hundreds of thousands of 'revellers' heading to the iconic festival?

But while 'Glasto' had a lucky escape, the UK weather has meant festivals across the country have been cancelled, leaving some very bored and unhappy people left wondering what to do with their time. But it's not just the time and the fun you miss out on, it's the expense of the whole thing that can cause a headache. Festivals in the UK are expensive and getting a refund on your tickets can be a painful process. That's why I am advocating spending a little bit more to get a significant saving and boost to your summer fun.

If I was young enough to want to party the night away, sleep in a tent and indulge in everything else that comes with a festival here are the top five I would look at attending to combine revelry and a summer holiday at the same time:
Benicassim - Spain

Spain may have its financial woes at the moment but it seldom has a summer that's washed out like we do. You can drive down there, taking in some of the sights on offer as you head towards Valencia and then pitch a tent for the duration of the festival. If you want to go, you'd better be quick about sorting the holiday as it starts on July 12 and has an amazing line up of The Stone Roses, Noel Gallagher and the high flying birds, The Vaccines and many more confirmed.

Exit – Serbia

You might want to fly to this one, although it would be one hell of a road trip and, again, you need to get your skates on if you want to go as it also starts on July 12. You can camp and Exit also boasts a stellar line up that even includes Guns 'n Roses.

Pukkelpop – Belgium

Not one I know a huge amount on if I'm honest and it may be a bit too close to home to ensure great weather but it sounds like a lot of fun and starts on August 16th. Snoop Dog and Bjork kickstart the festival, with The Stone Roses and The Foo Fighters finishing it off and that sounds like a pretty good line up is you ask me.

Sziget – Hungary

I've been to Budapest and it's a great city and one that's really good value for money. You can get a decent price on flights and you can camp. It has the best line-up of any festival in my opinion with The Stone Roses (they are making a fortune!) and Placebo both confirmed. It starts on August 6th so you have some time to get things planned and this is the one I'd go to as it can combine a great holiday with a festival.

Off – Poland

If you couldn't make it to Poland for Euro 2012, then why not try this festival? You'll probably spend less in a week than you would in a day at a UK festival and the weather will be great in August when it starts (August 3rd). You can combine it with some sightseeing in Poland – a country I have always wanted to go to.

So there it is – the alternative guide to summer festivals where you won't end up sleeping in a river and covered in mud. Plus I imagine you won't be plagued by hundreds of 'try hard' UK festival goers but the European elite that know how to have a party!