TRINIDAD

The Fest: This Caribbean island's two-day street party sees nearly the entire population throwing on beaded, scanty costumes and joining calypso-fueled parades.

Party Central: The fest starts at least a week before Ash Wednesday; Trinis and tourists alike rev up at private alcohol-fueled fêtes to hear the year's new batch of Carnival songs.

The Costume: Flesh-revealing bikinis bedecked with sequins, beads, and feathered headdresses—as well as the occasional over-the-top getup constructed of bamboo frames and covered in dazzling feathers.

Da Funk: Soca music—rump-shaking electrified boogie with randy lyrics—played by live bands; the most popular song wins the coveted Road March title.

Da Drunk: Carib beer; Johnnie Walker Black Label cut with coconut water.

The Big Moment: After a long day of marching, dancing, and drinking in the relentless sun, the last of the parade's jiggling, deafening juggernauts passes the judges' stand.

The Hangover: Exhausted visitors should hop a 15-minute flight to the serene sister island of Tobago; the often-deserted Englishman's Beach on the leeward shore is an ideal place to soak up the sound of newfound silence.
–Lynn Suhrie