Rio de Janeiro and Salvador, Brazil (March) - Do you really want to look back when old and grey and not have done them?

London (August Bank Holiday) - The giant Caribbean celebration that is Notting Hill Carnival continues to flourish.

Port of Spain, Trinidad (28 February-3 March) - The biggest Carnival party in the region, enjoyed with near-obsessive fervour by residents.

Sydney, Australia (March) - The Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is Australia's biggest regular tourist event and has in the past attracted half a million spectators to the crazy parade down Oxford Street. This year marks the 25th anniversary.

Venice, Italy - The Venice Carnevale (21 February-4 March) has music, dance, theatre, parades and centuries-old traditions all behind the disguise of the city's famous masks.

New Orleans, USA - When isn't there a crazy party in the most 'on' of 'on-it' party towns? January and February is where it all really gets hot down south.