Are you planning a trip to Brazil, one of the largest and most amazing countries in the world? Here are ten Brazil travel tips to follow during your visit 😉

Every year, millions of tourists choose to visit this extraordinary country, but you have to be well prepared if you want to enjoy your Brazilian holiday without mishap.

First of all, you have to be aware of the required travel documents. Travel Visa Pro can help you with that, especially if you are in a need of a visa.

Of course, for a spectacular travel experience, it is not enough just to possess the right papers but also to have knowledge of which situations to avoid during your stay.

This article will guide you through the basic travel tips you need to follow when visiting Brazil.

1 – Protect yourself

It’s good to start with the basics: protecting your body with the right creams and products and take the necessary vaccines.

You do not want to have sunburn or a million mosquito bites when visiting Brazil.

2 – Be careful with street food and drinks

For the sake of your health, it’s also good to be careful with street food and drinks, especially mixed seafood which can be hard to identify. And it might be a good idea to avoid cheap wine or unknown alcoholic drinks.

Do not accept unidentified drinks because they might not just make you ill but also get you into serious trouble if used by unscrupulous people.

3 – Watch your belongings

One of the most important Brazil travel tips is to avoid wearing valuables where others can see them.

This is applicable to items such as cameras, jewellery, credit cards and cash.

It’s particularly valid when you are at the beach, where you should never leave your belongings unattended.

4 – Withdraw money before 10:00 PM

Be aware that you can’t withdraw money from ATM’s after 10:00 PM, as they’re closed because of local regulations.

Also, if it is possible, use ATM’s in safe spaces like your hotel, banks and in brightly lit areas.

5 – Take official taxis and use service from reliable guides

On the streets, do not accept services from unmarked street taxis and city guides. And you may want to avoid the favelas because it can be very dangerous unless you’re taking a favela tour with a guide.

It’s important that you know which routes you want to use when travelling, as getting help in English is not always easy and can lead you in the wrong direction.

6 – Be careful when making new friends

Brazilians are very friendly, but be careful when making new friends whilst enjoying the Brazilian nightlife or accepting a private invitation from a stranger.

Also, as a tourist, it is always a good idea to not wander the streets alone after dark.

7 – Be patient

Brazil is a crowded country where patience is an asset. It’s better not to be impatient or try to hurry things, as locals like to take their time.

8 – Portuguese is the official language

It’s also important to remember that Portuguese is spoken in Brazil and not Spanish (and it’s not called Brazilian).

Additionally, do not use the OK hand gesture because it means something pretty rude in Brazil.

9 – Be cultural sensitive

Brazil is highly multicultural with several ethnic groups, so you have to be very sensitive when speaking about racial, religious or cultural issues.

Do not attempt to guess people’s cultural backgrounds based on their looks.

10 – Pack adequately

Brazil is a huge country with several different climate areas.

Therefore, you must also consider which parts of the country you are planning to visit, and when, in order to pack the right clothing and shoes.

You want to avoid freezing in the mountains or getting sunstroke on a beach.

Every traveller knows that part of the fun and joy of a foreign holiday is the fact that there could be challenges and even danger.

The most important thing is to take care of your health and safety and it’s essential to be culturally aware.

Brazil is wonderful but can be dangerous if you don’t pay attention to these tips.

If you are alert and take the necessary precautions before and during your trip, you can have a great time in Brazil.

Safe travels and have fun in Brazil!

GOA – The mere mention of the name conjures up images of beaches, crowds, and parties that last all night. These elements and more is what adds to your experience in one of the world’s most popular beach city, GOA. But if you are thinking of making Goa your home, you will need to wander away from the touristy spots and discover a land rich in culture and traditions. A land where history and the modern co-exist in perfect harmony. And that takes us to the less crowded South Goa, for a truly Goan experience.

What to experience in Goa?

Beaches: Away from the party zone, yet not so quiet, the beaches in South Goa are fringed with coconut trees. Palolem Beach and Agonda are definitely the more popular beaches, but a trip to Arossim, Mobor, and Bogmalo will give you the perfect laid-back vibe that is typical of the local people. While at Palolem, do check out ‘Silent Noise’, to experience a different party vibe. Plug in the wireless headsets that you will be handed on entry and groove to the music late into the nights.

Treks, wildlife, and waterfalls: The proximity to the Western Ghats and the forests open up a wide range of adventure tourism option. The Netravali Wildlife sanctuary, the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary allows you take in the charms of the forests. A trek to Tambdi Surla is something you should not miss. Located inside the Bhagwan Mahavir National Park, Tambdi Surla is home to one of the oldest Siva temples in Goa. And just beyond is one of the most mesmeric waterfalls. Dudhsagar, the fifth tallest waterfall in India, is also one of the most popular waterfalls in the region.

Monument: Are you a history buff? Don’t miss out Cabo De Rama, one of the oldest forts near Canacona, the view from the fort is mesmerising. For taking in the ancient Portuguese architecture a visit to the old mansions at Chandor and Quepem is a must. Loutolim is like a picture postcard that jumps out of a history book. The Se Cathedral, one of the most popular destinations in South Goa, also takes you back to Goa’s Portuguese past.

Food: You normally associate Pork Vindaloo, Chicken Cafreal, and Feni when you think about food in Goa. Goa is home to some unique food, thanks to its long tryst with the Colonial rulers in the past. Do not leave Goa without trying out poi, pao, kakon, and katro at a traditional Goan bakery. While poi is wheat bread, pao is the simple white bread with a traditional twist. Kakon and Katro are made in a designer mould.

Goa is not just a destination. It is a feeling that grows on you.

When it’s time to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, there’s nothing better than a vacation. And while most people think of a vacation as a long trip, sometimes a long weekend away is just what you need to escape and to explore a new Margaritaville Vacation Club destination. Plus, the shortened time makes it easier to plan — especially for those spur-of-the-moment occasions. Whether flying or driving, here are five travel tips to keep in mind for the perfect weekend getaway.

1. Do Your Research

Since you’ll have just a couple of days to explore your destination, making sure to do some homework ahead of time is key. Check out the neighborhood around where you’re staying as well as what some of the “must-do” activities are. Get a sense of travel times between your home base and some of the things you want to do so you don’t end up crisscrossing all over town.

This is also a great time to see if you need to buy any tickets or make reservations in advance for anything. Check to see if there are any events happening that you may want to attend — from a farmers market to a festival. Or, search for your destination on your social media channel of choice to scope out local eateries and tips from locals.

2. Pack Light

A lot of us are guilty of over packing. But when going on a long weekend trip, the last thing you want to do is haul a ton of luggage with you. Pack separates that are easy to mix and match so you can create a few outfits out of some key pieces. An easy method is to stick with neutral colors with a few pieces to add pops of color. Keep an eye out on the weather forecast too and plan accordingly to avoid having to buy a sweatshirt for an unexpected cold snap or a raincoat for a rainy day.

3. Stay Flexible

With so little time, it may be easy to quickly book up your entire day with meals, shopping, entertainment, and more, leaving you exhausted at the end of the day. Have a rough idea of what you’d like to do and see each day, with time to explore without being tied to a schedule. This also allows for some flexibility should you have to contend with any unexpected weather or a change in operating hours for an attraction.

4. Talk With Locals

Whether it’s your Margaritaville Vacation Club resort staff or the barista at the corner coffee shop, ask locals for their recommendations. Oftentimes you’ll learn about some great off-the-beaten path restaurants and hangouts that the typical visitor may overlook. Locals love showing visitors what makes their city unique, and you can get a really unique feel for the local culture by frequenting their recommendations.

5. Unplug

It’s not a weekend away if you take work with you! Take your weekend getaway to disconnect from your day-to-day, and reconnect with your loved ones. Leave the work laptop at home or turn off the notifications for your email. If you’re traveling with the people who contact you most (like family), designate only one person to have a phone with them to keep everyone else free and notification-free. Need a tech-free way to remember your trip? Keep a written journal during your trip and fill it with all the fun things you did.

For some vacationers, air travel can be a major source of pre-trip anxiety. And while airplanes are widely touted as the safest way to travel, it can be hard to focus on the positives when you’re experiencing heightened levels of stress. According to estimates from ABC Health & Wellbeing, close to 40% of people around the world have at least some fear of flying, with only a minor segment of the population having an intense phobia.

No matter how you feel about air travel, it can be useful to learn some of the common techniques nervous flyers use to calm their nerves before and during a long flight. This insight can help you manage your own anxiety on a particularly turbulent journey or support family and friends who may not be as excited about flying as you are. Of course, every traveler has their own tolerance for flight anxiety, so if you’re in full-blown panic mode it may be a good idea to speak with a mental health professional before you leave.

What does flight anxiety feel like?

While every nervous flyer has their own physiological response to air travel, many report feeling sick or experiencing a panic attack shortly before departing or while they’re airborne, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Interestingly, some people with an acute fear of flying also have other phobias that compound their unease, such as claustrophobia or agoraphobia. In many cases, nervous flyers understand that airplanes are a relatively safe means of transportation, but find it difficult to silence their active imagination. One of the best ways to manage your pre-flight jitters is to preoccupy your mind and avoid ruminating on worst case scenarios, as this will only magnify your anxiety. But what other coping methods can help you ward off your fear of flying?

5 useful tips for keeping calm during long flights

First, it’s important to note that flight anxiety is usually triggered by specific stimuli, whether it be a catastrophic thought, bodily sensation or a bad memory. These sensations, in turn, can amplify their anxiety and increase their risk of panic attacks, leading to a rather unhealthy feedback loop. If you’re stressed about an upcoming flight, consider using one or more of the following calming techniques:

1. Fight fear with knowledge:

When it comes to a fear of flying, your anxiety is essentially tricking your body into thinking it’s in immediate danger. Learning more about how airplanes work can help calm your nerves during take-off or when turbulence hits. The more you know about air travel, the less mid-flight uncertainty you’ll have to contend with. It may also be useful to browse the National Transportation Safety Board’s website to get a better understanding of how uncommon aviation accidents actually are.

2. Practice breathing exercises:

Many people with flight anxiety experience breathing difficulties during their travels, which often results from unintentionally panting or holding their breath. These respiratory irregularities send signals to your brain that may trigger your fight-or-flight response, amplifying feelings of panic and fear. Luckily, the National Health Service published a comprehensive guide on deep breathing techniques that can help you manage your stress.

3. Refocus your attention:

Keeping your mind preoccupied during a long flight can be difficult, but focusing on a specific task can do wonders for your state of mind. Nervous flyers should take full advantage of in-flight entertainment, read a book or listen to music with noise-cancelling headphones to help drown out the ambient noise. Even a minor distraction can help you calm your nerves for at least a small portion of your flight.

4. Strike up a conversation:

Whether you’re traveling with friends, family or flying solo, a great way to reduce your stress levels is to talk with the people seated around you. If you’re particularly nervous about airplane safety, it may be helpful to introduce yourself to the flight attendants and share your concerns. Most airline professionals are happy to talk through your worries and have plenty of experience reassuring passengers that they are in safe hands.

5. Drink lots of water:

When managing your flight anxiety, you may be tempted to take the edge off with a cocktail or a cup of coffee. These beverage selections, however, can exacerbate your nerves and lead to dehydration if you’re not careful. Keep in mind, airplane cabins typically have very low humidity, which can quickly dry out your throat, nose and skin, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Nervous flyers should drink lots of water before and during their travels to help them stay hydrated and relaxed until their plane finally touches down.