Top Destinations for Festivals and Culture: January through March

January

Essakane, Mali, Africa offers a Festival in the Desert with 3,000 Taureg nomads for three glorious days of music, dance, and camel racing where you can travel beyond Timbuktu. This celebration is arguably one of the most unique cultural experiences that you will ever experience, yet also one of the most challenging to reach, so I double dare you to try.

Lalibela, Ethiopia, Africa offers a center of Christian pilgrimmage and is considered as one of the most renowned religious historical sites in Africa where one can slip back a few centuries when exploring any of the 11 medieval churches cut into rock. January 6-7 celebrates Christmas (Leddet), while January 19 celebrates Timkat (Epiphany).

St. Petersburg, Russia, Europe resides on picturesque canals and boasts the impressive Hermitage Museum in a culturally rich city 250 miles northwest of Moscow.

St. Petersburg

February

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, South America hosts a 5-day long world ongoing world party of revellers in decadent and typically revealing costumes dancing the samba. Those lucky few who know local Brazilians can enjoy their warm, gracious hospitality and learn more about their rich and vibrant culture.

Angkor, Cambodia, Asia reveals the largest religious monument in the world; its abundant temples "wats" nestled in a tropical jungle add rich history to this capital. In February, cloud-free blue skies and low humidity make this a destination worth pursuing.

Venice, Italy, Europe for the 10-day Venice Carnival in which floats glide along the interwoven tapestry of canals. Ornate costumes and masks enhance the mystique that completes directly prior to Shrove Tuesday. Dare to take a step back in time amidst a bygone era of elaborate finery and theatrical performance.

Rio de Janeiro

March

Antigua, Guatemala, Central America commemorates Holy Week, an age-old Christian tradition in this lovely former colonial capital, and if the timing is near the end of March or start of April, the climate will be pleasantly balmy.

Barsana, India, Asia located southeast of Delhi in Northern India celebrates spring with Holi, now known as a Hindu "Festival of Colors". This joyful fete involves throwing gulal, colored powder, at anyone and everyone.

Izmir, Turkey, Europe on the sparkling Aegean Sea on the western coast resides near ancient Greek and Roman ruins for those who relish exploring history and culture.

Izmir, Turkey

Note: Special thanks to Eyewitness Travel’s photo-filled book, Travel Where to Go When, and Rough Guide's World Party book, for my daydreaming fodder. Some of these destinations may not currently be available as trips through Zicasso due to its stringent criteria for selection of premium, qualified travel companies.