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Pre-Lenten carnivals are celebrated in many places around the world, from Trinidad to Rio de Janeiro to New Orleans' famed Mardi Gras. But Venice claims to have the oldest carnival tradition, with laws establishing the holiday dating back to the 13th century. This year, the Venice carnival -- known for elaborate masks and costumes -- takes place Feb. 17-28. Events include masked balls, music and dance performances, gondola parades, formal dinners and children's celebrations.

Details: www.carnivalofvenice.com.

Brazil's Carnival known for array of parties

Like Mardis Gras in New Orleans, Carnival in Brazil is a time for crossing the line, when men dress as women, and the poorest take over the city's streets, covered in glitter and gold.

This year, festivities officially start Feb. 25. Officially, Carnival goes from Friday to the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday -- days when Brazilians on either side of the country's deep social and economic divide cast aside their worries and chalk up some sins in anticipation of the 40 days of abstinence and repentance during Catholic Lent.

Roving street bands, known as blocos, meander in some of the city's best-known neighborhoods like Ipanema, spreading their own brand of chaos and attracting anyone who cares to join. Black-tie balls, surreal combinations of luxury and eroticism attracting politicians, actors, models and the like, can cost up to $200 per person, and offer the wealthy an opportunity to party away from the masses. The most glamorous, held at upscale hotels such as the Copacabana Palace, require a tux, formal dress or a costume.

There are a handful of other less-costly parties, among them the colorful gay extravaganza at Le Boy, also in the beach-side neighborhood of Copacabana.

Details: www.riodejaneiro-turismo.com.br/pt/.

Armchair traveler

Lindblad Expeditions has issued its latest catalog, "Spring/Summer Explorations." The New York-based cruise line, one of the first to offer tours to Antarctica, offer cruises combined with lectures by naturalists and biologists, environmentally conscious practices and the latest technology. An example of the latter is their bow cam, an underwater camera attached to a ship's bow, designed to deploy and retract. Passengers can view the dolphin or sea lion traffic from monitors in the lounge of the Sea Bird or the Sea Lion, two ships in Lindblad's fleet. Most expeditions, including o the Columbia River in the Pacific Northwest, Costa Rica and Nicaragua, and the Galapagos, are structured to grant photo buffs access to wildlife and exotic landscapes. A free copy of the catalog is available by calling 800-397-3348.

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