WHERE I’D RATHER BE . . .

IN A WEEK: In Rio De Janeiro for the biggest and brightest party on Earth, the Rio Carnival. Celebrated every year before Lent, the vibrant carnival attracts about 2 million people to the streets of Rio every day for parades, music and non-stop dancing. This year’s carnival runs from February 24-March 1. ● riodejaneiro.com

IN A MONTH: In the Caribbean paradise of St Martin for the SXM Festival (March 15-19) — a celebration of electronic music with more than 80 acts on the bill. The festival got its name from St Martin’s airport code — SXM — and features five days of parties and performances at different locations across the idyllic island. ● sxmfestival.com

IN A YEAR: Having an extended holiday in India ahead of another worldrenowned festival — Holi, the festival of colours. This ancient annual event signifies good over evil, the end of winter, and thanksgiving for a good harvest, but it’s best known as the festival where people throw brightly coloured powder and water at each other and looks like a whole lot of fun. ● holifestival.org