With only 12 months in a year (which for the average employee only grants four weeks of vacation time) how can you utilize your free time to its maximum capacity and enjoy the best things life has to offer? Regardless of age, budget, or individual tastes, we have composed 10 of the ‘must attend’ events.

1. New Orleans Mardi Gras - One of the most sought after International Mardi Gras locations. New Orleans offers locals and tourists alike a week long session of street parties, colorful parades and local festivities, the perfect location to release all your inner inhibitions.

2. Carnival in Salvador, Brazil. Although many believe Rio de Janeiro is the place to soak up a true Brazilian carnival, the pulse of the party actually lies within the heart of Salvador. Tourists and Brazilians alike flock to Salvador for the official week long festivities (an unknown reality is the carnival in Salvador commences New Years Eve and is not over until April). Experience the Bahian beauty, hospitality, love and overall jest for life in an unforgettable carnival experience.

3. Chinese New Year - Beijing. China, otherwise referred to as Lunar New Year, traditionally commences on the first day of the new lunar cycle each year. The New Year celebrations in Beijing usually last around 3 days, however the weeks preceding the celebrations are also well renowned for partying.

4. Oktoberfest - One of the largest international public parties, Oktoberfest can be found celebrated in various countries throughout the world. The beer drinking festival is held over the last week in September and the first week in October. The most famous location for partaking in this fun filled holiday is in Munich, Germany.

5. New Years Eve - Sydney harbor bridge. The fireworks display held over Sydney Harbour Bridge on New Years Eve never fails to satisfy spectators. Be sure to arrive at a viewing spot early as it tends to get fairly crowded towards the late evening.

6. St Patrick’s Day in Dublin - Whether you are American, English, Australian, regardless of nationality the chances that there is a small percentage of ‘an Irishman’ running through your blood is very high. The Emerald isle is renowned internationally for its hospitality, warm heartedness, its love for the arts, oh and March the 17th, St Patrick’s Day, where young and old come together in unity to celebrate the joyousness related to being a proud Irishman. The Guinness Factory even has imprinted on their walls in Dublin that “everyone is Irish on March 17th”. Dublin holds day long celebrations generally starting with a parade through the city. However, the true Irish are known for celebrating St Patrick’s Day for more than a week long period.

7. The Henley Royal Regatta - This highly regarded regatta attracts the finest rowing enthusiasts from around the globe. Originally held in 1839 it has remained a yearly event (exemption during World War 1 and 2) and guarantees to provide a fun filled experience for participants and spectators alike.

8. The Cannes Film Festival - This international film festival held in France is known as the most important event within the world of the motion picture industry. A trip to Cannes during Film festival season allows for a spectacular tourist experience, from sunbathing to celebrity spotting. The large screens situated upon the beach even allow visitors to watch the up and coming movies being held within the festival.

9. Edinburgh International Festival - One of the largest international arts festivals in the world, the Edinburgh international festival has something to offer everyone, from classical compositions to recent rock and roll stars. The festival runs for a duration of three weeks and usually commences during the middle of August.

10. Tour de France - The most famous bike ride within the world, the Tour de France has propelled names such as Miguel Ángel Indurain Larraya (Big Mig in English) and Lance Armstrong into international stardom. The 23 day bike race takes in some of the most famous sights within France such as ‘The Champs-Élysees’ and the breathtaking Alps. The world hosts a large array of parties and events to indulge in on a continual basis.

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While perusing our fine dining establishments for the coming holiday, we discovered an amusing opportunity for a road trip that takes us to the best local restaurants in towns with coincidental names. The trip was too enjoyable not to share with you Zvents’ 2008 dining road trip, a whirlwind, foodie tour of the United States through the most unusual of towns.

Start with an early morning wake up call in the aptly named Collins Mississippi suburb of Hot Coffee. The moon pies at this area “mini mall” may not be your idea of a healthy breakfast but you can’t argue that the coffee must be world renowned; after all, they’ve named the town after it. So skip the moon pies grab a cuppa joe as we head to Bacon, IN, Buttermilk, KS, and Two Egg, FL for something to fill that belly. I like my eggs scrabbled but at Mary’s Breakfast Nook just outside Bacon or around the corner from Two Egg at the Huddle House, you can get them any way you want. Pancakes and Eggs not your cup of Tea? (hang on… we’ll get to Tea) Sit tight for the annual Oatmeal Festival brought to you by Oatmeal, TX and Quaker Oats. Every September, thousands flock to Bertram, TX (yeah I know, why isn’t it in Oatmeal, TX?) where you are encouraged “bring your honey to Oatmeal”

From Two Egg, we’re off to Sandwich, MA just 20 miles south of Boston and Tortilla Flat, AZ for lunch. We suggest Bobby Byrne’s Sandwich in Sandwich or Sluggo’s Sports Bar near Tortilla Flats (you expected Mexican didn’t you?). With Tortilla Flat just east of Phoenix, you have an endless list of options for lunch so consider this ‘free time’ from our tight schedule and enjoy the warmth and sun.

Back in the car we’re driving through Tea, South Dakota on our way to Kaladis Coffee Legend and Bistro for that mid-day snack to tide you over till dinner. If you are good in the car, we’ll stop in Pie Town, NM and swing by The Adobe Cafe and Bakery for a treat.

For dinner, we’re torn between a Picnic in Florida, there is the little market just off (ahem) Picnic St. in Port Charlotte, or some Good food around Goodfood, MS; Ragtime in Grenada is a great choice.

From there we leave you to your own devices. Search Zvents and discover amazing places to eat like Cheesequake, NJ,   Sugarland, TX, or Ham Lake, Minnesota where we should remind you to wait 20 minutes before going swimming.

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