Travel: What's on Worldwide

26 Nov-7 Dec

Kanchanaburi, Thailand

Made famous in the movie of the same name, the bridge on the river Kwai in Kanchanaburi is the exotic setting for a week-long series of events in a province which also possesses many other attractions for the adventurous visitor.

The highlights include a light-and- sound show at the bridge itself, plus archaeological and historical exhibitions and rides on vintage railway trains.

27 Nov-24 Dec

Salzburg, Austria

The traditional Christmas market in Mozart's city offers all manner of seasonal goods from decorations to food. The wide assortment on offer includes delicate Christmas-tree ornaments made of glass or pewter, wooden toys and fur-lined slippers. The market is held in Cathedral Square and Residenz Square, but can be easily found by following the wonderful scents of mulled wine, Turkish honey, baked apples and incense or the sound of carols sung by a live choir. The less energetic can stop and watch the pastoral plays on the steps of the cathedral.

27 Nov-27 Dec

New York, USA

Roger Daltrey, lead singer of The Who, makes a rare stage appearance as Scrooge in A Christmas Carol at New York's Madison Square Garden. This musical adaptation of the classic tale of love and redemption in Victorian London was created by the composer Alan Menken, whose previous credits include Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast and Pocahontas, with lyrics by Lynn Ahrens.

29 Nov

Hollywood, USA

The renowned Hollywood Christmas Parade takes place along the Hollywood and Sunset Boulevards from 6pm. Starting from Paramount Studios, this is one of the world's largest celebrity processions with more than 100 stars. Among those taking part will be Dick Van Dyke, Nancy Sinatra, Donnie and Marie Osmond, Mickey Rooney and Barbara Eden.

28, 29, 30 Nov

Bathsheba, Barbados

Surfers will be testing their wave- riding skills against Atlantic surges at the Independence Classic Surfing Championship. This annual event will be held near Bathsheba on the eastern coast of Barbados. The finals of the three-day competition will coincide with the island's Independence Day celebrations.

25-29 Nov

Auckland, New Zealand

The Regional Botanical Gardens in Auckland will be blooming when the Ellerslie Flower Show returns. A blend of traditional English horticulture, exotic plants and a sub-tropical climate, Ellerslie is the southern hemisphere's Chelsea Flower Show. Bets are laid on who will be the subject of the celebrity flower sculpture.

29 Nov

Chiclayo, Peru

Famous for its central market, Chiclayo, 770km north of Lima, plays host to Zana Week. The celebrations for the founding of this ancient city will include folklore shows, sporting events and exhibitions of Paso horses.

Ingrid Kennedy