TiMeTravel

One of the best palindromes is “A man, a plan, a canal – Panama!”, penned in 1948 by British writer and mathematician Leigh Mercer. The 48-mile canal, nicknamed The Big Ditch, opened in 1914 to link the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, saving a 14-day trip round South America. It is a triumph – but also a tragedy as 25,000 workers on it died, mostly of yellow fever and malaria. New, larger locks opened in 2016. Today it is a big attraction. Transit on a cruise ship or ferry, or ride the vintage train alongside. NT

transforms into an even more magical and colourful place when the Carnival comes to town.

Join the world’s most famous masked party and enjoy the electric atmosphere of the parades and elaborate costumes.

And soak up live music against the majestic backdrop of the floating city’s squares including magnificent St Mark’s. (Ends March 5,

is all about flower power and, at the annual extravaganza, blooms are tossed from traditional floats adorned with beautiful floral arrangements.

Crowds lining the Promenade des Anglais this year will watch more than 1,000 dancers and musicians from all over the world bringing to life the theme King of the Cinema on the French Riviera. (Until March 2,

hosts the raucous Mardi Gras Carnival and the weekend before Fat Tuesday is a prime time to visit.

That’s when the two biggest parades, Bacchus and Endymion, roll through the streets of the Loui- siana city on the Mississippi. Billed as the “greatest free show on Earth” – the combined parade route totals 300 miles – New Orleans parties hard in the days leading up to Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent.

Stroll around the French Quarter and see the costumes and masks.

And don’t forget to try King Cake cinnamon roll, iced in the Mardi Gras colours of yellow, green and purple. The spectrum of flavours, on top of the cinnamon, includes coffee, praline and vanilla. (Until March 5,

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