Carnivals, festivals, and celebrations happen every year all over the world. They offer travelers and locals alike great opportunities to explore cultures and meet new people. Carnivals usually have specific themes and unique attributes.
For instance, the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife features some of the best dancing in all the carnivals around the world. Knowing this, you expect that the attendees must love to dance. The big celebration in Venice revolves around an elaborate masquerade, where those in attendance don impressive masks in a bid to win prizes and show off.
For music lovers and aficionados, the Trinidad and Tobago Carnival might provide you with a better scene because it is known for having the best music. We reached out to the travel and tourism team for Trinidad and Tobago to ask a few questions. They were gracious enough to provide us with some great insight for our upcoming Interactive Carnival Guide. they also sent us this great overview video about Trinidad Carnival:
Knowing where these great carnivals are located is not enough. You need more details so you get a feel for each carnival and can make an informed decision about which one to potentially attend. Besides determining which carnival best suits your interests, you need to consider your budget and the logistics of getting there and back.
Things That You Should Think About:
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When is the carnival taking place? |
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The first thing you need to consider is whether you can actually travel during the time of carnival. You may have to take time off from work, so be sure you schedule it far in advance. If you can't make it this year, don't worry. All of the carnivals listed above happen annually, so you can plan ahead for next year's celebration. Or maybe you can find another carnival that you can work into your timeframe. |
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What does it cost to attend? |
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Some carnivals are cheaper than others. In fact, some are free to attend, though you'll have to pay for your lodging and meals. In some cases, carnivals are broken up into different events that you will have to pay for in order to attend them. This can add up quickly, so do some research beforehand to determine which events you can and want to attend. |
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Where can you stay? |
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Obviously, some hotels cost more than others and with a major carnival going on, you can expect high rates. And, because carnivals are popular destinations for travelers, hotels will book up quickly. Make sure you can afford the price increase, and be sure to get your reservation in well in advance. If hotels are out of your price range or you want a different experience, consider staying in a hostel. Again, book well in advance. |
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What is the food like? |
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Research the food of your destination by reading travel blogs or even reaching out to locals on Twitter. You want to get the most from your trip, and eating local fare can make a big difference. However, remember your budget and plan accordingly for the cost of meals. |
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Is transportation accessible? |
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You want to see the city and its sights, and the easiest and most effective way to do this is with public transportation. Some cities have better systems than others, so make sure you research your options beforehand. Furthermore, if the carnival you are attending is spread out over several locations, your access to public transportation is even more important. |
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Is it safe? |
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You need to think about the safety of the place you will be visiting and how foreigners are treated. You should also consider insurance that will keep you safe and secure as you travel. |
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What travel documents do you need? |
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In some cases, these carnivals might require you to have a visa, which means you need to get travel documents like passports, birth certificates, photos, and proof of financing. Be sure you understand what is expected of you before you actually leave home. |
Carnivals are one of the best ways to get to know a new culture and meet new people as you travel. Before you start making your plans and deciding which carnival you want to attend, be sure you take all of this information into consideration and choose one of the best carnivals in the world!
