source: forbes traveler

But, Mardi Gras is only one of many festive Carnivals taking place all of the world this week. Street parties, parades, and people donned in vibrant colors, feathers and beads are a part of Carnival celebrations from Aruba to Trinidad and Tobago to Rio de Janiero.

It seems like every year I’m wishing I was celebrating Carnival, but because the dates vary year-to-year, it always sneaks up on me and I miss it. However, I’ve discovered that Carnival isn’t just celebrated in February, but its held throughout the year around the world.

For instance, Carnival is being celebrated February 23-24 in Aruba, Trinidad/Tobago, Rio de Janiero, New Orleans, Dominica, and Guyana. But, I can still catch Carnival celebrations in Jamaica, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, and the Cayman Islands during the month of April. St. Lucia in June; Barbados in August; and St. Kitts, St. Croix and the Bahamas in December and January. Go here for a listing of more 2009 Carnival dates.

Carnival and Rio go hand-in-hand. If this is the spot where you want to celebrate Carnival next time, you can get your trip planning started early. We’ve got you covered, with a a list of Rio Carnival Dates from 2009 to 2030. Talk about pre-planning!

Carnival isn’t just a Caribbean or South American celebration, Carnivals take place in Venice, Germany, Canada, and the U.S (hey, even ATL celebrates Carnival!). Forbes Traveler has some great photos of how various countries celebrate Carnival. Check it out.

Trinidad

But now I have no excuse to experience the mother of all parties. I’m grabbing my beads and going to shake my “tailfeather”….somewhere…somehow…sometime soon. Question…where should I go for the most ‘unique’ Carnival experience? I know this question will be open for debate…but we welcome it!

JetSetters, have you experienced Carnival? If so, tell us where and your best experience. If you’re like me and you haven’t, where you’d like to celebrate Carnival if given the opportunity?

Share your thoughts.

A girl from Detroit and one from St. Louis were randomly paired together as roommates freshman year in college at Xavier University of Louisiana, KD Hall Room 511, and 11 years later (11 YEARS!) Janelle and I are still friends! There is this social networking site, XU Gold, where Alumni hook up and she sent me a message – Synopsis: I am going to Germany and I want to be the next JetSet Diva of the Month. I got the pictures from the trip before I actually read the message so, I’m calling her to see if she will accept such an HONOR as being named the JetSet Diva of the Month and she’s calling to tell me about the trip and so it…!
I get to wrtie about my friend, Dr. J, our JetSet Diva of the Month.


Please read her ‘virtual interview’.






Recently you visited Germany and The Netherlands. What made you decide to visit?
My husband recently started a new job, [and] the headquarters are based in Kelve, Germany. We were invited to come for the company annual Christmas party.

Did you see any great cultural differences between Europe and the USA?
The Germans tend to eat more organic food that is grown on farm land near their homes. They also, eat more pork than beef or red meat. There are trails that cross the country side for walking and bike riding. One could walk from town to town if he/she desired. In the Netherlands, the main difference is that marijuana is legal.

What are some of the other places you have visited domestically and internationally? Which is your favorite location and why?
Domestically I have traveled to Hampton, Baltimore, Chicago, Nashville, Little Rock, New York, and Boston just to name a few. Internationally, I have visited Windsor, Canada, Los Cabos, Mexico, Bahamas and Jamaica. My favorite place was Negril, Jamaica. The weather was awesome and the water was warm with great spots of snorkeling.

We hear you are expecting! Do you have any tips for Traveling Mommy-to-Be Divas?
I would highly recommend some compression socks; they help prevent swelling of your ankles and feet. Also, I would suggest comfortable clothing to wear on the plane. Lastly, get up and walk around everyone hour as well as use the restroom frequently

What is your dream destination?
Italy


What are your next vacation plans?
We have a baby on the way, so traveling will be on hold for a little while.

Any words of travel wisdom you would like to share?
When going to Europe use the ATM for money, don’t exchange because you will lose money, the USA dollar is worth less.

Give us your best shot(s) (a photo from your travels) and the story behind it.

Visiting at a outdoor Christmas Market. Christmas Markets are huge in Germany. Most of the items are hand made by the vendors. In the background that is a 900 year old castle.

My husband Jimmie and I in the Netherlands standing in front of a 1000 year old church; the entire walk way was cobblestone. There were tons of outdoor shops, strip malls, cafes and restaurants, they went on for miles.

Area shot of shops and restaurants in the Netherlands.

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Want to share your travel experiences? Join our online community…and you just might be featured in our JetSet Diva or JetSetter (we’ve got love for the guys too!) of the Month column.