Destinations
Where To Stay In Rio de Janeiro
We asked our worldly staff to give us suggestions on their favorite Rio de Janeiro neighborhoods to help you figure out where to stay based on what you’re looking for in your Rio vacation.
Rio de Janeiro is truly a magical place. This city is undoubtedly giant. So if you don’t really know much about the city, finding a cool neighborhood to stay can almost seem impossible. Each neighborhood in this sprawling metropolis is distinct and has its own charm which lends itself to feeling more like a big collection of small towns than one giant city.
We asked our worldly staff to give us suggestions on their favorite Rio de Janeiro neighborhoods to help you figure out where to stay based on what you’re looking for in your Rio vacation.
Copacabana
I’m sure you’ve heard of this neighborhood. Maybe from Barry Manilow’s song, or just from the rich history that this neighborhood possesses. While all the shine and luster from Copacabana has begun to fade slightly, it is still a hugely popular neighborhood to stay and for good reason. This neighborhood is plentiful with its incredible beaches and amazing food and drink. The seafood around here is absolutely to die for and there is fantastic shopping. Copacabana is full of people selling hand crafted tchotchkes so you will be sure to pick up some fantastic mementos along the way.
Santa Teresa
If you’re looking for a more relaxing stay than Santa Teresa is the neighborhood for you. This area has a distinctly bohemian vibe. You will find plenty of fantastic food here, as well as incredible live samba to dance the night away. The streets are filled with inspiring street art and there are some more tchotchkes thanks to the many artists and sculptors that make Santa Teresa their home.
Ipanema
Ipanema is the trendiest neighborhood in all of Rio which you will easily be able to tell by the collection of restaurants and bars that line the streets. Not only are there tons of hip options to wine and dine in this neighborhood, there is also incredible surfing at the beaches around here. If you haven’t guessed, surfing is a pretty big deal in Rio. Not as big as soccer, of course, but still extremely popular. If you really want to look like a local, learn how to play soccer while surfing a wave and you will undoubtedly look like the coolest kid in town.
Lapa
Lapa is synonymous with nightlife. This neighborhood is definitely where the party is at. Whether you’re looking to just hang out in a dive bar or rock out in a giant, upscale nightclub you will find it in Lapa. We’re talking about nightclubs that are three stories high! If you’re headed to Rio to imbibe and let loose then Lapa is most definitely where you will want to hang out.
But even if partying isn’t what you’re looking for, there are plenty of incredible activities for you in this district, like the Escadaria Selaron, which are world-famous mosaic stairs that are a must on your trip to Rio.
Destinations
Appreciating America’s Natural Wonders
There might be places in the US that you haven’t visited yet. Don’t miss out on the fun and check out these awesome places!
With the current technological advancements in the world, lots and lots of new attractions are now being developed. Whether it be a new amusement park or a mall, we sure are always looking for a place to be in awe.
However, are you aware that apart from man-made attractions, we also have a lot of natural wonders here in the US that are a must-visit for everyone? Sit back and relax while we take a quick road-trip across some of America’s must-visit attractions, thanks to Mother Nature.
Death Valley
Just because Death is part of its name, doesn’t mean that you need to run away. Though considered as an extreme place due to its weather condition, it is a beautiful place to visit and favorite places to conduct activities to test yourself.
Grand Canyon
One of the most famous attractions, not only in the US but also in the world, is the Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon is a breathtaking place, not only by its beauty but also by its scale and its terrain and landscape.
Hawaii Volcanoes National park
When you say Hawaii, the first things that come to mind are the beach, coconut, hulas, and volcanoes. Hawaii is known to be the home to many volcanoes, including Mauna Loa, the largest volcano in the world.
Great Lakes
Great lakes are inter-connected lakes, know for its beautiful surroundings and uninterrupted habitat. The best way to explore them is thru guided boat trips.
Monument Valley
Come and wear your cowboy boots when you visit Monument Valley. Seeing the beautiful and picturesque landscape of red-sand dessert makes you wanna feel like you are staring in one of your favorite wild, wild west movies.
Niagara Falls
Want to be in two different countries in the same exact time? It’s easy to do that when you are having a boat ride in Niagara Falls. Situated right between the border of Ontario, Canada and the US, the place offers you a breathtaking view of three waterfalls.
Old Faithful Geyser, Yellowstone National Park
The old faithful geyser had been a favorite attraction since 1870. It is a cone geyser that spews out vapor as high as 180 feet every 35-120 minutes.
Mississippi River
Let’s all be Tom Sawyer just for once and explore the beauty of the longest river in the world. Spanning across 10 states, it is best to enjoy while having a smooth cruise on steamboats.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
If you are someone who loves to get the chills when seeing surreal landscapes, it is best to visit the Great Smokey Mountain, National Park. Perfect for biking,hiking and simply taking in the view. The best place to explore and experience the great outdoors.
There you have it. I hope you got your camera loaded with amazing shots of these natural wonders. If not, I wouldn’t mind coming back for another tour.
Destinations
Timeshares – Worth The Opportunity?
Timeshares – pleasure and investment opportunity or waste of cash?
Timeshares are a controversial topic. Many are convinced that they only exist to scam and that all parties should avoid them at all costs. Then, there are plenty of others that enjoy them and insist on their value. Who are you to believe?
The Pros
THEY FEEL LIKE A HOME
Unlike, a hotel or similar accommodation, timeshares are much more likely to have that homey, lived-in vibe. Specifically, the benefit of having your own kitchen and laundry in the unit are huge, starting pros.
THEY’RE AFFORDABLE
Despite the common belief that they are scams, timeshares can actually be had fairly cheap. If you have family and looking to hang on to one for a long period of time, you’re in luck. With each vacation spent at the timeshare, you’re getting a portion of your money back from your original investment.
YOU CAN MAKE MONEY OFF OF IT
If you plan properly and know you won’t be able to use your week at the unit, you can rent it out to family and friends! You may incur a small fee from the company that manages the timeshare, but it’s still a great way to make a little extra money and make back some of your investment.
Now, let’s talk about the cons:
NEW AND UNPREDICTABLE COSTS
Maintenance. If you’re looking to invest in a timeshare, ensure maintenance fees are capped and will never change. Additionally, check to see if major upgrades like replacing carpets are included in your investment or if you’ll have to pay for that should it come up.
USE IT OR LOSE IT
In many timeshare situations, you have to pick your week in advance and that’s the only week you can use it each year. So if you aren’t able to make your week or rent it to someone else it will just sit there, not being enjoyed. And you’re still paying for it. That lack of flexibility and risk of potentially not even being able to use it turns many people away from timeshares.
THEY’RE DIFFICULT TO SELL
If you buy into a timeshare and then sometime later decide you want to sell, it can be difficult. There are many people out there trying to sell off timeshares so you will face great competition. Many management companies will include in your contract that they receive a commission if you sell. Often people trying to sell are so troubled in the process that they end up getting much less back than they originally paid for their share.
THEY’RE A BIG AND LONG-TERM COMMITMENT
If you’re considering investing in a timeshare you better be ready to commit long-term, because it’s the only way they’re financially worth it. Not to mention most timeshare contracts require you to pay taxes and maintenance fees indefinitely. If you miss or refuse payments it could drastically affect any other debt you may have and your credit score overall.
Destinations
Become The New York Tourist You Were Meant To Be
If you’re brave enough, throw caution to the wind – when you’re in New York, go “full tourist.”
There’s been a negative stigma revolving around tourists for decades now. The binoculars, the guidebooks, the constant pictures, and the overflowing questions. As obnoxious as these traits can be, don’t avoid being a tourist yourself!
And what better place to act like a stereotypical tourist than the greatest city in the world: New York City? It’s consistently packed with tourists anyway, so why not join everyone else? When you do, take a look at the best tourist attractions around.
WALK THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE
Aside from the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, this might be the most famous bridge in America. And with the long wooden path, it truly is a beautiful experience. Going from Manhattan to Brooklyn is probably the best way to do it, too, as there’s nothing quite like entering the energy and experience that is Brooklyn.
HIT SOME ICONIC FOOD SPOTS
There are literally hundreds of famous food spots in New York. So hit as many as possible! From pizza to pastrami to Chinese food to doughnuts. New York has it all.
GO TO THE TOP OF THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING
This one can definitely be a little tough. Sometimes the lines are unbearably long. But once you get up there… it’s the next level. You can see the entire city in every direction. And the fact that you’re looking at it from the top of the most iconic building in the city… nothing compares.
SPEND AN AFTERNOON AT CONEY ISLAND
If you really want to know what it felt like to grow up in New York, visit Coney Island during the summer. You can practically taste the nostalgia. Catch a ride on the Ferris wheel and grab a classic Nathan’s Famous hot dog while you’re there.
EXPLORE CENTRAL PARK
What would a trip to New York be without exploring Central Park? Many tourists forget that the park is a whopping 1.3 square miles. That’s a lot of valuable real estate in a city like New York! Thankfully, it’s put to good use. It’s a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and in addition to bike rentals, carriage rides, and a carousel, there’s also a zoo!
CATCH A BROADWAY SHOW
For many people, the magic that is Broadway is the first thing they think of when they think “New York City.” It’s simply the best musical theater available in the country. So if you can afford it, it is definitely worth catching a show. Trust me, you’ll remember it for the rest of your life.
VISIT THE STATUE OF LIBERTY
And of course! If you really want to be a tourist in New York City, you simply must visit the Statue of Liberty!
It’s one of the most historically important structures in the country (if not the most important) and represents America as apple pie. It truly is an artistic marvel. If you haven’t seen it up close, you should really take the detour.
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