Travel Diary in April

Snowbombing - Tirol, Austria (April 2-8)

This ski and snowboarding event takes over the whole resort of Mayrhofen. Fifty of the finest snowboarders compete by day; by night, it's one big party with 150 of the world's top DJs making the place hop. For accommodation, passes and equipment hire, see snowbombing.co.uk (from UKL199pp). British Airways (+44 (0) 870 850 9850) flies from Gatwick to Innsbruck form UKL19 return. Check BA.com

Pii Mai, Luang Prabang, Laos (April 6-16)

Join the processions of kids, elephants, ninja dancers and brightly decked beauty queens at Laos's New Year festivities. The highlight is a town-wide water fight in honour of King Kabilaphom (who had to be doused with water to stop the world going up in flames). Lastminute.com has flights from Heathrow to Luang Prabang from UKL852. Local guesthouses cost as little as UKL2pp per night.

Merrie Monarch Festival, Hawaii (April 16-22)

Dedicated to the Merrie Monarch of Hawaii, King David Kalakaua, this week-long festival plays host to the island's leading hula competition. Wiggle your hips at the crowning of Miss Aloha Hula or join in Ho'olaule'a (celebration). Kuoni Travel (+44 01306 747 008, kuoni.co.uk) has seven nights from UK789pp, based on two sharing, including hotel and flights from Heathrow. Regional add-ons from UKL100.

Easter Sunday, Florence, Italy (April 19)

In the Scoppio del Carro, two white oxen pull a cart through the city streets in a procession of thousands of costumed partygoers. The cart explodes in fireworks at the Piazza del Duomo, setting off a mechanical dove that hurtles through the cathedral doors. To Tuscany (+44 (0) 20 7193 7782, www.to-tuscany.com) have apartments from UKL360 for four. Alitalia flies from Heathrow to Florence from UKL200.

Solar Eclipse, Ghana (April 29)

Don't miss your best chance in a decade to see a total eclipse. Ghana's coast lies directly in its path, and at 9.10am, the capital, Accra, will be plunged into darkness for 2.58 minutes. British Airways (+44 (0) 870 850 9850, ba.com) has flights to Accra from Heathrow from UKL525. The Golden Tulip Hotel in Accra (00 233 2177 5360, goldentulipaccra.com) has double rooms from UKL122.