Once again the Rio carnival returns and is livelier than ever. This year it begins on Saturday the 2nd of February until ‘Fat Tuesday’ the 5th of February. I know it’s Monday morning but if you happen to be in Rio get yourself down there or just remember the month for 2009’s carnival.

With so much to do the carnival is one of the liveliest and most talked about events in South America. Samba parades, carnival balls, Rio scala, Samba land, merry making in Lapa, Samba school nights and street parties are just some of the forms of entertainment on offer, it is an event not to be missed.

Visit the Rio Carnival website for information about tickets and prices or just head to the street parties for free and party the night away.

I know winters coming up and Ski and Snowboard lovers are about to venture to their heavenly snow topped mountains to satisfy their craving for the fast paced sport but I have just been turned to the up and coming craze of sand boarding.

There are times of the year where the snow is not accessible but boarders, but fear not as you can speed down sand instead of snow. The activity is widely known and has its own governing body, international competitions and profession riders. Confident snowboarders will find this just as fun but it is a little different to boarding the white slopes. A word of advice, to prevent a fall, you must tilt back slightly as the board will bury in the sand.

Currently there are few sand boarding resorts, but head to Merzouga in Morocco, Genipabu Dunes in Brazil, Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado or Great Sand Sea in Egypt if your tempted by the excitement.

For more information on sand boarding and bookings visit cybercapetown.com and sandboard.com - (photo source).

If you happen to be travelling to Miami this October the annual carnival is perhaps worth a visit. One of North America’s largest street festivals and most anticipated events of the year, with stacks on entertainment it is one not to miss if you’re in the area.

Prior to the main event the party kicks off with a mini carnival and comprises of steel bands, Caribbean food, drinks, arts and crafts and costumed talent.

The main event will bring Caribbean culture to the US and will display a huge parade beginning at NE 2nd Ave and NE 27th Ave eventually moving into the festival park where there will be live music and a range of international foods to sample.

Miami’s main Carnival this year begins at 12 noon located in Downtown Miami on Sunday the 7th of October 2007 but the build up starts around the 23rd of September with lots of fun for everyone.

Visit www.miamicarnival.net for more information.