Our vacation planning ideas for that first family trip to Brazil provide a 10-day tour of this huge, fascinating country and leave plenty more to do on your second trip.
Those who follow international business know that the so-called BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China) have been among the world’s fastest growing economies, with the resources, infrastructure and skilled workers needed to weather economic crises. For the past 10 years, analysts in the travel industry have predicted that the newly prosperous citizens of these populous countries would become the world’s largest consumers of travel, changing where and how the world takes vacations. And as the Chinese proved in early 2013 when they became the tourism industry's largest spenders, they have.
Recent events are helping Brazil blossom as the next big tourist destination. It is the world’s fifth largest country and covers more than 43% of the South American landmass. With the FIFA World Cup coming to Brazil in 2014, and the Rio de Janeiro Olympics following in 2016, this hospitable, energetic and welcoming country is poised to become the hottest tourist destination in the Americas.
Preparing for the FIFA 2014 World Cup Brazil
With this in mind, we spoke to Miguel Jeronimo, Director for East Coast USA of EMBRATUR, the Brazilian Tourist Board. He explained that Brazil’s focus on major sporting events was a natural result of the successful Pan-American Games held in the country in 2007. At that time, the country invested in improvements to its infrastructure, including the building of stadiums and other sports facilities. The government, now led by the charismatic President Dilma Vana Rousseff, estimates that more than 70% of the facilities needed to host the 2016 Olympics already exist. Mr. Jeronimo added that due to the anticipated impact of the cruise industry, improvements were scheduled in the major ports at Sao Paulo, Rio, and Salvador in Bahia, which serve ships plying the Atlantic between Brazil and neighboring Argentina.
The FIFA World Cup is soccer’s biggest match in what’s arguably soccer’s biggest country. The playoffs and final matches will be held over several weeks in a dozen major cities. Projects underway include many “green” initiatives intended to preserve Brazil’s uniquely bio-diverse environment. Millions of trees are being planted; a railroad is being built between Sao Paulo and Rio; the international airport at Rio de Janeiro is being expanded to accommodate new planes and more passengers. While the economy was growing throughout 2012, government expenditures were condoned, but millions protested during the summer of 2013 that the continual investment should go to improving the daily lives of the people. Today, projects are on track but concerns linger about Brazil's financial stability.
No one doubts its potential as a tourism powerhouse.
Rio & The Amazon Top a 10-Day Itinerary
Given a 10 to 12-day trip for a family with two kids ages 12 to 18, Mr. Jeronimo suggests a mix of destinations, selected according to a family’s interests. He admits that most families will only get to two or three destinations because there is so much to see at each. Review his list of top picks and decide what your family can accomplish in 10 days, allowing plenty of rest for young children.
Rio de Janeiro: Culture & Beach
His first must-see is the city of Rio de Janeiro, where families can enjoy both culture and the beach. In Rio, highlights for families include Corcovado, the hilltop crowned by a 98-foot-tall blazing white statue of Christ the Redeemer that has been chosen as one of new Seven Wonders of the World. The steep railway that takes visitors up to the summit is one thrill; the view of the skyline and coast from the summit of Corcovado is the other attraction. Pao de Acucar or Sugarloaf is another hilltop marvel, whether your family scales it by foot or by cablecar, a two-stage process that affords wonderful views. From the peak, you can see Corcovado, the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema and the whole city panorama. Families will want to see some of the city’s historic forts, the favelas or slums (the film “City of God” made these so famous that there are organized tours to see the city’s poorest neighborhoods), the Museum of Modern Art MAM, samba clubs where kids can try to pick up some steps of their own and many other sights.
Amazon Rain Forest: Eco-Adventures
The Amazon Rain forest is a personal favorite, and Mr. Jeronimo says families should start their visit in Manaus, in the northern state of Amazonas, which has the facilities to support many kinds of adventures. One of the unique places to stay is the Ariau Amazon Towers (888/GO-ARIAU), located about two hours by boat from Manaus on the Rio Negro. This hotel has luxury rooms built within cylindrical towers on stilts connected by three miles of catwalks strung between treetops. In addition to guided rain forest tours with resident naturalists, restaurants, two swimming pools, a theater for folkloric dancing, and the on-site monkeys and other indigenous creatures who like to watch the guests, Mr. Jeronimo notes that this hotel has a nursery where your youngest children can play under supervision, if parents and older siblings want to join a more adventurous expedition to the surrounding rivers or villages.
Minas Gerais & the Royal Route: History
One of the favorite destinations for families is Minas Gerais, in the southeast state that includes Rio, Espirito Santo and São Paulo. The capital of this former gold mining region is Belo Horizonte, yet Ouro Preto, with its old churches, is one of the prettiest villages. This historic town is along the so-called Royal Route or Estrada Real, a self-guided tour of the region that enables families to stay in old posadas, or country inns, that have been renovated. In addition to touring the many traditional buildings, many of which have been repurposed as trendy cafes and boutiques, kids can don the costumes of yesteryear, when Ouro Preto was a colonial capital, and let professional photographers capture this step back in time on film. This region is also known for its excellent Portuguese-inspired cuisine.
Santa Caterina & Florianopolis: Style & Surfing
Santa Caterina is in the very southern part of the country, along with the states of Paraná and Rio Grande do Sul. The region has absorbed the influence of many European cultures, and is a favorite for Brazilian families because of that. Florianopolis, the picturesque capital, is on an island in the Atlantic and is popular with tourists for its great beaches and chic, laid back lifestyle. There are other wonderful beaches and many places to learn how to surf, as well as opportunities for outdoors adventure and recreation. Here, Italian and Portuguese explorers set the tone for the local cuisine, again making it very popular with visitors and locals alike.
Bahia & Salvador: Ethnic Heritage
In contrast, the coastal province of Bahia has a more exotic tradition based on the former slave trade and the African Santerria religion. The capital of Salvador on Bahia de Todos Santos is a popular cruise port for day-trippers who enjoy the bustling marketplace, displays of superbly crafted regional ceramics, dolls and folk arts, and famous drumming. Salvador’s 18th century neighborhood of Pelourinho is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Bahia Tourism will provide more information for families who can stay a few days and tour the old town, dine in one of the excellent restaurants, learn about the port’s place in the slave trade, and appreciate the African music at the root of the “Brazilian sound.” These rhythms have been popularized by Paul Simon, the Talking Heads and many other North American bands; kids are sure to recognize and enjoy the beat.
Welcoming Families & Newcomers to Brazil
In discussing tourism, Mr. Jeronimo proudly talked about his country’s natural assets, not the least of which is a 4,000-mile-long coastline with 2, 045 identified beaches. Most North American families will be traveling to Brazil to experience its culture, history, environment and unique sights such as the Amazon rain forest, rather than beaches that can be found much closer to home.
That’s why, in addition to sports tourism, the Brazilian Tourist Board sells Brazil’s culture: its remarkably diverse ethnic groups, music, performing arts, galleries and museums, and the regional cuisines – the African spices used in Bahia, fresh seafood of the south, grilled meats served at churascarias, and Portuguese flavors that infuse many dishes – that have found followers around the world.
Trip Planning Resources
In addition to browsing the internet for more information about Mr. Jeronimo’s suggested stops, kids can go the Brazil Consulate website and download two brochures intended for them: “Brazil for Kids” and “Brazil Map,” so they can keep parents on course in the family trip-planning.
Although many families will be limited by school holidays in planning their Brazil vacation, in fact this vast country with its many different geographical areas and altitudes has a wide variety of climates. According to the Brazilian Tourist Board, most of Brazil lies in the inter-tropical zone between the equator and the Tropic of Capricorn, and wet climates predominate. The average temperature for the country as a whole is 20º C (68º F), with little variation in any one region on any given day. Brazil’s main climates are the Equatorial (in the Amazon Region), with all-year rain, high average temperatures between 77º and 80.6º F; and the Tropical (Central Brazil and part of the Northeastern Region), with high average temperatures between 64.4º and 82.4º F and well-defined dry (mid-year) and wet (early in the year) seasons. The south is colder than the rest of Brazil (average temperature of 64.4º F; during winter temperature may fall below freezing point).
Of course, seasons in the southern hemisphere are the opposite of those in the northern hemisphere, so that the Christmas/New Year’s break falls in the January to March summer; April through June is fall; July to September is winter and October to December is spring.
Getting to Brazil & Getting Around
TAM is the international airline that connects Brazil with major cities around the world. In order to enter Brazilian territory, all foreign nationals must carry a passport valid for a minimum of six months from the date of intended arrival in Brazil (except Argentinean, Chilean, Uruguayan and Paraguayan citizens entering Brazil by land, who need only a photo ID). Additionally, a tourist visa is required for U.S. passport holders to enter Brazil; business travelers must meet other requirements. The website of the Brazilian Consulate in New York (917-777-7777) has a list of resources for families who need to arrange for tourist or business visas. By the way, nationals of most Western European and South American countries are not required to get a Brazilian visa to enter Brazil for the purpose of tourism.
Brazil is closer to North America than many families might think. For example, TAM flies daily from Miami to Manaus, the main city in the Amazon, in just four hours and serves 40 destinations in the country from 25 US cities. Delta is another carrier that serves this route, although less frequently.
For getting around, the Brazilian Tourist Board suggests that families use a mix of taxis and a car/driver recommended by their hotel to tour cities and surrounding attractions. The most economical and time-efficient way to move between destinations is to purchase a TAM Airpass that permits four stops within Brazil, including port of arrival and departure.
Families who prefer a fully escorted tour may check out the Brazilian Incoming Travel Organization or BITO website, which lists all of the tour operators who have met the government’s licensing requirements. Each of the BITO member websites highlights that company’s specialties.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
People who choose to book trips for summer or further out should do so with caution; the coronavirus pandemic is unpredictable. And many reservations may claim flexibility. Amid so much unknown, there will be one certainty: the headaches of rescheduling and canceling.
With a rugged interior featuring 286 peaks topping 3,000 meters Taiwan’s railway system is shoehorned onto the coastal margins where most of Taiwan’s cultural life is concentrated. Whether you ride the high-speed service from Taipei City to the second city of Kaohsiung or spend a week slowly circumnavigating the island by local train, all journeys are within eyeshot of either the cobalt-blue Pacific Ocean, flatlands of verdant rice-paddies, or towering mountainsides
When I originally commented I appear to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on every time a comment is added I receive 4 emails with the same comment. Perhaps there is an easy method you are able to remove me from that service? Thanks a lot!
Amazing Post! about Amsterdam
There’s one street in Baltimore that’s more festive than the rest. Every holiday season, the neighborhood of Maryland’s miracle on h Street is decked out in Christmas lights and festive displays. From a tree made of hubcaps to classic candy cane fixtures, each house is uniquely decorated.
Considering Northeast Ohio has plenty of breweries, as well, Thomann was asked if it’s more likely we’ll find the members of Dorfrocker touring different venues tasting beers or visiting the Rock Roll Hall of Fame?
Covid-19 certainly affects travels plan…Not long ago my friends were among passengers of the British cruise ship Braemar. And how could the US refuse to help the ship and close the borders?? Unlike the US, Cuba showed its humanity and friendship! Thank you Cuba
Would you like to stay in the gorgeous area around Keukenhof? You can! We have a broad range of great hotels and bed and breakfasts for you. Accommodations in Haarlem, Leiden or Amsterdam are also good options.
I will reach Amsterdam only on 19 May morning, the last day of the flower exhibit. Is it still worthwhile to go Keukenhof Gardens? Will there still be many flowers to be seen?
Tulips and other flowers mainly bloom during spring. March through May is therefore the best time to visit the Netherlands if you want to watch them in bloom. The world’s most beautiful spring park, the Keukenhof, is open during this time.
If a court order states that one parent can travel abroad with the child without the consent of the other parent, what documentation is required? We recommend carrying a copy of the court order stating that the other parent’s consent is not needed to travel abroad with the child. Any questions about the wording of the court order should be directed to a family lawyer.
If transporting your pet by air is the only option, find out whether they can travel in the cabin with you. Most airlines will allow you to take a cat or small dog in the cabin for an additional fee. But you must call the airline well in advance; there are limits to the number of animals allowed in the cabin. If you are transporting your dog, make sure they meet the size requirements. If you get overwhelmed by all the regulations, there are companies that can help you navigate through the process of flying with a pet.
Is a consent letter mandatory? There is no Canadian legal requirement for children to carry a consent letter. However, a consent letter may be requested by immigration authorities when entering or leaving a foreign country, airline agents or Canadian officials when re-entering Canada. Failure to produce a letter upon request may result in delays or refusal to enter or exit a country.
Helpful, unique and bif it works, Great.
2 adults available to drive your car from New Orleans to north suburb of Chicago mid October. Need 3 or four nights. Split the gas,
Dogs and cats should always be kept safely inside the car. Pets who are allowed to stick their heads out the window can be injured by particles of debris or made sick by having cold air forced into their lungs. Never transport a pet in the back of an open pickup truck.
Ever dreamed of driving along the cliffs that overlook the Pacific with the windows down? Or wanted to travel the historic Oregon Trail in a car instead of on a computer? Explore these eleven incredible cross-country road trip routes across the U.S.
Rhonda, from a railman who started his train travel when he was 16, I would strongly suggest a Canadian Train Ride! Via Rail Canada offers four significant rides through wilderness and coastal areas with deluxe, overnight trains from Toronto to Vancouver ( 4 nights), and Montreal to Halifax, Nova Scotia (one night). Both offer a chance to have decent meals enroute, and sleeping car accommodations. Train crews tend to be a bit friendlier than south of the border, Canada, largely uninhabited, offers many scenic vistas with little hamlets few and far between, certainly a wonderful way for both of you to enjoy these new experiences.
Via Rail Canada also offers Railpasses, which enable you to travel on other routes as well for a bit of a price reduction. It’s all up to you!
Their website is http://www.viarail.ca for further information.
My son is a rail fan and we have traveled only in the US but I would love to surprise him with an excursion where he could talk to the train staff and railroad personnel. I would also like to include beautiful scenery as well for Both of us. My son is 16 and I am 59. We love to explore and don’t mind walking and roughing it!! any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Get your pet geared up for a long trip by taking him on a series of short drives first, gradually lengthening time spent in the car. And please be sure to always secure the crate so it won??™t slide or shift in the event of a quick stop.
I really like your post!
This driving route of the Appalachian Trail parallels the epic hike. From the top of New England to the heart of Dixie, it takes you through continuous natural beauty—without the sweat, bugs, or blisters.
7 memorable Tips for Traveling to Mexico
Don stress if you don Mexico is agreeable to English speaking travelers, And there a ton of tips to get to know the country landscapes, terms, And younger culture.
yet still, If you new to traveling or have never been out of the us, A trip to Mexico may be somewhat frightening.
If you interested in learning some tips for traveling to Mexico, Take a look at our 7 easy to remember tips for your journey. We outlined some of the basics that you’d like to learn for your own aventura!
1. Choose the Right Transportation If you traveling to Mexico, You need to decide you might arrive by car, aeroplane, Or liner. It important to know how you want to arrive because it will searching,an extravagance,good to have city you arrive in, How much luggage you results, and so forth.
an individual can find international flights if you prefer to travel by air. instead, There are plenty of cruises to Mexico that you can enjoy if you like the amenities and beautiful views that are included in ship travel!
If you live nearby the border, Or just need to take a bit of a road trip, going down the road by car is always an option as well.
2. Use Pesos When You Can It best if you use the local currency pesos when you can. while touristy areas accept USD, They choose the rate at that they accept it, So it is possible to get a better deal if you just use pesos.
Consider exchanging USD for pesos somewhere in the usa before your trip and dividing up your cash between USD and pesos during your trip.
3. Know bathing room Etiquette In Mexico, The sewage pipes just aren built to handle a lot. this means that people rarely flush their toilet paper. rather than, There will often be a trash bin near the toilet for you to put your used toilet paper in.
further, Men may make of entering a bathroom labeled with an M, let’s assume that it stands for However, The M actually can stand for mujeres, Which is the word for in Spanish. Men needs to look for doors labeled H, Which stands for the Spanish word for men, Hombres.
4. Practice Some Spanish One of the most basic tips for traveling to Mexico is to learn a few Spanish phrases before your trip.
once you know basic things, Like how to ask where the bathroom is or how to order food, Will make your trip to Mexico a lot smoother. sometimes, The locals will appreciate the effort, Even if they undoubtedly speak English as well!
5. Adjust to the Time Whether you are changing time zones while having trip or staying in the same one, You find that Mexico runs on a lot more fluid schedule. Punctuality is less of a concern, So you take pleasure in it a lot more if you can relax and don push a strict schedule.
furthermore, Meals are spaced out a bit distinct in Mexico. You will usually have a large breakfast, associated with the main meal of the day between 2:00 together with 4:00 pm hours. then finally, You will enjoy a smaller meal at dusk.
6. Drink Bottled Water Bottled water can be found on just about any street corner for purchase. Why exactly do you wish to buy bottled water?
let me tell you, Most of Mexico plain faucet water is unpurified. Some hotels may have filtered water, But be sure to go shopping for a sign above your sinks before you test it out!
If you be residing in Mexico for a lengthier trip, Consider buying or bring a water filter with you to purify the tap water and avoid buying so much bottled water. You be decreasing costs and plastic consumption!
7. Stray off the Beaten Path While sightseeing attractions and famous beaches are always fun to see, Traveling to lesser known places will offer you a more authentic taste of Mexico.
of which this isn an excuse to be reckless or oblivious to your surroundings. Be mindful of the areas you visiting and research where you will make sure it a safe area.
Now You Armed with all very reputable Tips for Traveling to Mexico Mexico is a diverse country with so much to see and offer.
What a timely bit now! Thank you so much for this good
post. I saw your publications previously, however this one I believe
the very best. How did you find numerous facts?
I enjoy the way that you organize everything, as it is actually simple to read.
In general, I can recommend this guide to everybody who’s
interested in that topic.
As North America’s fastest multi-launch coaster, it’s expected to draw in adrenaline enthusiasts, including those from the group Busch Gardens Williamsburg Fans, which has been updating their Twitter and website with information on the ride.
Good day! I simply want to give you a huge thumbs
up for the great info you have right here on this post.
I’ll be coming back to your blog for more
soon.
Pretty! This was an extremely wonderful article. Thank you for providing these details.
Can you tell us more about this? I’d care to find out more
details.
Great post. I was checking constantly this blog and I’m inspired!
Very helpful info particularly the last phase
🙂 I deal with such info much. I used to be looking for this certain information for a long time.
Thank you and best of luck.
The blog shared is interesting to read. Got some useful information of Chicago which will be really helpful before planning a trip to this place. Thanks for sharing this!
Many parents of individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder dread traveling or often avoid it altogether. Most people with ASD do better with routine and structure and a break from that (vacation) can often lead to stress and even meltdowns. Additionally, traveling by air can include having to navigate a multitude of unpleasant experiences from airport security procedures, moving sidewalks, and boarding tunnels to cramped seats, unfamiliar noises, and lots of strangers. Experts indicate that preparation and practice is the key to a successful flight and travel. Before your trip, talk with your child about what to expect. Go over the details of the travel: how you’ll get to the airport, wait in line, go through security, find your departure gate, get on the plane, buckle seatbelts, and spend time onboard. Flying to See Janet: A Fun Guide to the Airport Experience is a book you can use to prepare children for the unfamiliar sights and sounds of the airport experience. You can also write your own social story.
Amazing post! We are currently linking to this article on our site.
Keep up the terrific writing.
Best regards,
Boswell Dencker
Emily, my coming of age years were the late 1970s, early 1980s at the YMCA. I agree with you about the open showers versus the individual shower stalls. From a guys perspective, I spent many nights and weekends swimming or playing basketball at my local YMCA. Showering with not only my friends, but over the years, dads, neighbors and guys from church. It really makes one comfortable, not in a sexual way, with one self and others. Never had the nude swimming, I think that ended in the 1960s as women/girls joined the YMCA, forcing may YWCAs to close their doors.
Amelie, here in the US a number of Korean Spas have opened. As with Japanese, Korean families bath together (grandmother, daughter, grand-daughter), (dad, son) separated by gender. They are starting to attract a diverse clientele (age, race, etc). So who knows, maybe the nude swimming will return to the Y someday.
The Ski and Snow Vacations for Families article is one of the best I have ever read!
You are doing a great job with https://myfamilytravels.com site.
🙂 Congrat!
Awesome post!
Thanks for sharing..
I really like your post!
this is a really good stuff
Note that Global Affairs Canada cannot provide you with advice about the Consent Letter for Children Travelling Abroad beyond what is offered on this website.
Thanks for such a beautiful post, very informative and useful article
Thank you for publishing this awesome article. I’m a long time reader but I’ve
never been compelled to leave a comment. I subscribed
to your blog and shared this on my Twitter. Thanks again for a great
article!
Chicago is a famous place that has many impressive landscapes.
Most visitors like traveling there.
I am always looking online for tips that can facilitate me. Thx!
helo, do you happent allow drive passengers to another state?
Thank you so much for your beautiful article!
I’m so happy that you enjoyed your experience at the Onsen!
I’ve never been to an Onsen, but I would love to get to visit one some day.
Back in the 1980s and 1990s my mom was the head supervisor at a YWCA in Ohio. I practically lived in the YWCA (not literally, of course) for the 19 years that my mom worked there. I had a part time job at the YWCA for a few years in the 1990s.
One of the great things about spending so much time at the YWCA was that I grew up using the locker room all of the way from a young child to a young woman and being 100% comfortable with both my own nudity and the nudity of all other females.
I feel that it was so much better back then when the Y had one big room full of shower heads on the walls than it is with stalls these days. The group shower setting was great from a bonding experience. I feel that it’s much healthier psychologically speaking that females are exposed to other women’s and girl’s bodies, as opposed to feeling that we need to hide from each other and change clothes in toilet stalls or under towels.
One of the benefits of having a mom who was a supervisor of the Y was that after hours my mom and my sisters and myself could just skinny dip in the pool, and my sisters and I were allowed to have our female friends with us for a skinny dipping session on Friday and Saturday nights.
Also, my aunt and a few of my female cousins would skinny dip with my mom, my sisters and I every once in a while.
My mom said that she had heard that the YWCA used to have one night a week that was for nude swimming back in the 1960s and most of the 1970s. Obviously it was a female only facility at the time.
Dubbed the Great Northern in memory of the pioneer railroad that parallels the western half of the route, US-2 is truly the most stunning and unforgettable, not to mention longest, of all the great transcontinental road trips.
Awesome Post!
Thanks for sharing..
Thanks for sharing a great post!
Oh man. I’m so sorry this happened to you. I certainly appreciate your take on this though, a little humor goes a long way. I’m headed to Barcelona in a few days, so I’ll be sure to keep my valuables close. Thanks for sharing.