Travel Tip: Preparing for Carnival & Mardi Gras [ 1:00 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

When it comes to places like Trinidad and Rio, I always say there are two season: Carnival and preparing for Carnival. So how can you prepare yourself for the festivities?

As with any large-scale event, it always pays to plan ahead. I’m talking about basic common sense like staying hydrated, starting your day with a good meal, and pacing yourself.

You’ve got a long day–and usually a long night–ahead of you, so don’t burn out early.

Then there are the things you may not have thought of…like leaving your smartphone back at the hotel.

With the crowds and chaos, your expensive smartphone might become a soccer ball. In fact, in Trinidad, if you’re part of the event, they actually hand out cheap, pre-paid cell phones ahead of time.

Can’t find a hotel on Bourbon Street during Mardi Gras? Don’t worry, you’re actually better off on St. Charles Street, which is on the parade route and less of a zoo.

And last, but not least, be prepared with a contingency plan. Streets shut down, shops close early, and transportation gets clogged. So don’t be surprised if things don’t always go as planned.

For more information, check out Carnival Travel 2012: Party Like a Local in Trinidad.

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Feature image credit Bigstock “Brazilian Samba Dancers”