Travel To Rio

Travel to Rio de Janeiro is fun and exciting because of events such as The Carnival, places like the beautiful countryside and people who are culturally fascinating. The Carnival is an event that begins at midnight on the Friday before Ash Wednesday and continues for five long days. What Mardi Gras is to New Orleans, Carnival is to Rio. Those who visit Rio during Carnival become a part of one of the largest parties of the year. This party is referred to as exotic and unforgettable by those who love it and as an event that celebrates debauchery by those who do not. Whether planning to visit this city during Carnival or not will depend on what constitutes a celebration in the traveler's eyes. If a tourist does plan to stay in Rio during this event, they will need to book a hotel and flight well in advance to insure a location that is not only available, but is also safe.

Regardless of when one's Brazilian trip is, travelers may want to learn a little bit about the country. Brazil is a country of 8 million people, with over 70% of them professing to be Catholic. The nation is at the same time both religious and secular. "So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth" (Revelation 3:16). Anyone can see this difference when they travel to Rio by comparing the looming Christ the Redeemer statue on the Corcovado Mountain with the party atmosphere along the beach. The language of Rio is Portuguese which, while different from Spanish, allows many Spanish speakers the ability to communicate. When people travel to Rio, they will need an unexpired passport and a visa. Passports are obtained or renewed at the local Post Office, and information on obtaining visas is found by calling the Brazilian Embassy or searching their website. Visitors do need a visa to enter the country, but those in need of one from the Brazilian Embassy can call and ask if it is possible to purchase a visa at the airport in Rio when landing. The visa should cost approximately ten dollars.

The exchange rate of the Brazilian Real to the American Dollar is almost half. That is, whatever the ticket price is, a quick conversion would make it roughly half that amount in dollars. Tourists may want to convert some dollars to real before the trip to be able to tip the airport baggage helper, the hotel staff and taxi driver with their currency. By paying in dollars, one may overpay. If travelers are wondering how to pack for such a trip, it's best to keep in mind that Rio has tropical weather. The average summer temperatures range from 77-104 degrees Fahrenheit and winter temperatures stay between 68 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit, a comfortable temperature for most who travel to Rio.