Planning a vacation to Brazil I need help.?

Question

I'm planning to go to Brazil for 11 days in May. I was wondering if any one can help me with the following.

-any hotel recommendations for Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, and Iguassu falls. Something nice, yet affordable.

-Is it worth booking the siteseeing tours on line, as they charge $35-$100 per tour, or would it be less expensive booking them down there.

-Last, any particular places or things I should do While in these cities?

Answer 1

There are Youth Hostels probably in all three of these places, which would be worth looking into, but it depends on the level of comfort you are looking for. Some of them might have single rooms, so you don't have to share them with other people. They are generally clean and as cheap as it is going to get. Go to their website to find out the locations and how to join (there is usually a yearly membership fee, but it isn't much and it's worth it). If you decide that's what you will go for, make sure you book your room as soon as possible as they fill up quickly.

http://www.hihostels.com

If you want something more upscale, I would try to go through a travel agency.

A few tips about Rio:
Avoid staying in Copacabana. Although there is a beautiful view, it is where most of the international tourists go, so you have a higher concentration of prostitutes and it is also more mugger-friendly. You should still see it during the day and go to the beach. Try to stay in Ipanema or Leblon instead.
As far as the siteseeing tours go, it depends on your travelling skills. If you are a sesoned traveller, you may want to risk catching one of the ciscular buslines that take you around town. Or create your own route. If you are new at this, however, stick to the tours, as they will be safer.
In general, avoid walking around by yourself at night, don't wear anything flashy, wear very discrete jewelry (if any), don't wear your brand-new Nike sneakers, and don't carry your camera around your neck. Behave like you would in any large city. It is nothing to be scared about if you use some common sense and be aware of your surroundings. The bottom-line is that you want to try to blend in as much as possible (though you will still stand out n matter what), not look like you are completely lost, and not look like you have a lot of money.
If you are going to stroll around on your own during the day, a good rule-of-thumb is to avoid going uphill (unless you are with someone who knows the area well). I know this sounds strange, but most of the slums (favelas) are located on the hills, not far from the center of town.
While you are there, have someone recomend you a good local place to listen to live music (samba, pagode, chorinho, etc.). There are usually good "choperias" (beer-bars) that have some great local music. If you like meat, make sure you get to a "churrascaria", which is an all-you-can-eat deal with a buffet of salad, rice, beans, and other Brazilian specialties, and an endless stream of all kinds of grilled meats brought to your plate. Ask around where people like to go (Brazilians are very friendly and love to talk) but don't go anywhere without double-checking with a reliable source (like someone at your hotel) first.
Rio is a beautiful city. Keep your head over your shoulders and enjoy the view, the people, the food, and the atmosphere.
Have a great trip!

Answer 2

This isn't a trip to book online. You need to go through a professional that knows this area, not off of online photos and trip adviser.

You also need to book this in advance. I have several suggestions, but that is just one of the many values an agent can offer if you then find yourself a good one in your area. Please please also don't contact an agent, have them do ALL the hard work/planning for you and you turn around and book it online. That is just wrong.

Our time and information is Valuable.

Answer 3

Go to www.love.allabouthoneymoons.com they can plan any type of trip not just honeymoons. If you tell them what you like and your budget they will plan the perfect trip for you.Best of all the service is free b/c the fee is paid by the hotel.