Thursday, February 4, 2016

The Ultimate Guide to Rio in a Weekend

Guide to Rio in a Weekend

Rio is truly a magical city; known for its Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, the Christ the Redeemer statue atop Mt. Corcovado and Sugarloaf, and its raucous Carnival festival, the seaside city is lively, to say the least!

I didn’t get to spend too much time in Rio after ending my Brazilian Holiday with Crystal Cruises, and the time that I did get to spend there was met with gloomy weather. While I’m counting down the days until I can return, I’ve compiled a guide based off the things I loved, and suggestions I got from readers all over the world.

Don’t miss the ultimate guide to Rio in a weekend!

Hotel Fasano Rio

– Stay at Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro –

Hotel Fasano is located in the heart of it all, smack-dab on Avenida Vieira Souto on Ipanema Beach. A sophisticated hotel in the city’s most charming neighborhood, Hotel Fasano is both classy and modern, with a touch of nostalgia from the Bossa Nova era of the 1950s.

You can enjoy evening meals at the Fasano al Mare or take a dip in the infinity pool while sipping a cocktail. The hotel is just steps away from both the beach and Leblon where there’s an endless supply of cafes, restaurants, bars, and shops.

Foggy day at Christ the Redeemer

– Visit Christ the Redeemer –

Christ the Redeemer is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Built in 1931 on Mt. Corcovado’s peak, it’s become the cultural icon for both Rio and Brazil.

The best time to check out the statue is before 10:00 a.m. so hop in a taxi and avoid the lines and crowds. Have the driver drop you at the bottom, if you want to save some money, because rides to the top are more expensive.

You have the option to take the tram up the mountain to Cristo. If the line is too long, take one of the vans that offers group rides to the last stop before taking an official van to the top!

Either way, you will need to take one of the official vans for the final leg to Cristo Redentor. There’s a nice and inexpensive cafe at the top, which offers snacks and drinks!

Helpful Tip: The tram does accept credit card, but the vans do require cash—so make sure to have some handy!

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– Enjoy a Cafezinho –

The cafezinho (little espresso) is a popular welcome drink in Brazil that is often imbibed at work, at home, and at sophisticated boutiques.

The minute you walk through any door, don’t be surprised if someone asks you “você quer um cafezinho?”

…when in Rome!

Do as the Brazilians do and pair a cafezinho with a pão de queijo (cheese bread). A highly recommend café in Leblon is called Cafeína, so be sure to check that out!

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– Caipirinha! –

The Caipirinha is Brazil’s national cocktail. Cachaça, hard liquor distilled from sugarcane, is blended with sugar and lime to create the masterful and succulent Caipirinha.

By some accounts it was first created to combat the Spanish flu, and the name originates from the word caipira, or “hillbilly.”

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– Explore Sugar Loaf –

The Sugar Loaf Cable Car will take you from Praia Vermelha to Sugarloaf Mountain. It reaches the summit of 1,300 feet with a stop at Morro da Urca along the way.

Opened in 1912, the Sugar Loaf Cable Car has been in continual use and was even the site for the 1979 James Bond film, Moonraker. The cars run every 30 minutes and have a total of 2,500 visitors each day—so come early to avoid the lines!

At the Urca station, you’ll find a credit card-friendly cafe, snack bar, and restaurant as well as some souvenir stands and a children’s area.

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– Explore the Neighborhoods –

Rio is home to various colorful and distinct neighborhoods. It’s nearly impossible to explore them all. The city is divided into three zones—the Zona Norte, the older Centro, and the beach-lined Zona Sul. Take a few days to check out funky, picturesque Lapa, the bohemian Santa Teresa, music– and movie-laden Botafogo, or the trendy Leblon.

In the North, you’ll find a few monuments of note, like the Rio Zoo, the National Museum of Brazil, and the National Observatory. In the Center, you’ll find historic churches, monuments, and squares at the city’s old waterfront.

The south tells the story of Rio’s transition into a new, high-rise metropolis. Always end the day in the Zona Sul, home to many of Rio’s upscale neighborhoods and the bulk of its famous beaches, including Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon.

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– Hit the Waves –

Rio’s beaches are world-renowned for their clean, soft sand and their convenient accessibility from most hotels and hostels. Along the beach you’ll also find a plethora of rental tents and chairs, wet trails, free showers, and bars and cafes.

Soak in the sun at Copacabana and Ipanema, the more popular of the beaches.

You can practice your surfing skills or down a sanduíche natural, a cold sandwich with vegetables and mayo. Prefer to avoid the crowd? Opt for Leblon, the quieter, but equally beautiful sister beach.

Acai Bowl on the Beach

– Snack on an Açai Bowl on the Beach –

A favorite lunch on the beach is the Açaí bowl. Açaí, a purple, iron- and antioxidant-rich berry is usually blended with honey, granola, bananas, and guaraná (a natural Amazonian relative of caffeine) to make a refreshing, über-Brazilian treat.

And there’s no better bowl than what you’ll find at Polis Sucos. This little eatery’s Ipanema location makes it popular with locals and tourists alike. Arrive early to grab your fresh fruit juice, smoothie, or açaí blend.

Rio Botanical Gardens

– Photo Opp in the Botanical Gardens –

The Jardim Botanico is a great place to take your camera. The garden is huge and has hundreds of plants from all over the world.

Founded in 1808, the gardens now house around 6,500 species, including orchids, cacti, and carnivorous plants. You’ll spot a lot of animals too—squirrels, monkeys, hummingbirds, toucans, and marmosets, just to name a few.

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– Live it Up in Lapa –

Lapa is an excellent nightlife district. It was once a seedy area of crime and dive bars but after an influx of nightclubs and hip hangouts, Lapa has revamped into Rio’s most fun option for nightlife.

Located in Rio’s historic center, it’s become a favorite locale for many clubbers dancing the night away. Head over to Lapa and pretty soon you’ll find that you danced the night away!

SHOP my favorite Rio-inspired styles!

The Ultimate Guide to Rio in a Weekend is a post from: The Blonde Abroad

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Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Why You Need to Travel to Chile Now

travel to chile

Chile is a country that has seen some great advances in its tourism industry, and this South American gem has really opened up to visitors over recent years, with a wonderful range of terrain from the Andes to the Pacific Coast, and great transport connections.

Much of the Spanish colonial heritage has also been retained in the country, so whether your passion is for historic sights and great architecture, or you prefer stunning natural beauty, Chile has something for you.

To top it off, Chile has an unique and mouth-watering cuisine that you just have to taste to understand! If you haven’t had the chance to travel Chile, or experience traditional Chilean meals, then you’re in luck. LAN Airlines is giving away a 9-day journey to experience the wonders of Chilean cuisine and culture!

Here’s how and why you need to travel to Chile now!

– The Amazing Sights of Chile –

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Chiloe Island

Separated from the Chilean mainland by the Chacao Channel, Chiloe is a wonderful destination that has some great activities to enjoy and some lovely natural scenery to explore.

Kayaking around the coast of the island reveals some wonderful sights, while you can also enjoy a relaxing horseback trek into the wilder areas of the island. For some rustic shopping, the market in the town of Dalcahue is another little gem worth enjoying.

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City Of Valparaiso

This coastal Chilean city developed around one of the most important harbors in South America, a lovely curving bay with steep hills around the shore, and it is on these hills that you will see the network of funicular railways that take people up and down the slopes from the suburban areas on top of the hills.

The UNESCO recognized city is also home to some wonderful colonial architecture, while the annual carnival and the regular craft and food markets are all worth exploring if you are looking for something special.

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The Cosmopolitan Capital – Santiago

Less than an hour from the coast in one direction, and the ski resorts of the Andes in the other, Santiago is a modern city that is often used as a stepping stone to reach other parts of the country, but has plenty to offer in its own right too.

Barrio Lastarria has some lovely parks and a stunning fountain at the Santa Lucia Park, while the bohemian district of Bellavista has a great range of bars and award winning restaurants along with some excellent night life, and the charming and quirky La Chascona property that was home to national icon Pablo Neruda.

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The Maipo Valley

This stunning valley is just a short drive from Santiago, and is home to some of the best wineries in the world, with hundreds of vineyards that produce great wine, with the Cabernet Sauvignon being the trademark tipple produced in this area.

Wine tours are very popular, and some fantastic restaurants have developed in these wineries that allow you to match great food with some of the wonderful local produce.

Casa Real is one of the most interesting estates in the valley and is located on the Santa Rita winery, one of the best and most frequently awarded wine producers in the valley.

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– Getting to Chile with LATAM Airlines –

This new airline group was created in 2012 with the merger of Chile’s LAN Airlines and the Brazilian TAM company to make one of the largest airline companies in South America.

LATAM Airline Group operates a modern and comfortable fleet of Boeing and Airbus airplanes, and has flights into airports across Chile, from destinations as far afield as Los Angeles, Miami, Madrid and Sydney.

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– Win a Mouth Watering Trip to Chile –

Thanks to LAN Airlines and other amazing trip sponsors, the spectacular surroundings and attractions of Chile could be yours to explore, as well as culinary experiences in Chiloe, Valparaiso, Santiago and at the Casa Real over a nine day journey.

Horseback riding, cooking classes, wine tasting, and a private yacht are all on the over-the-top itinerary, so you don’t want to miss this opportunity!

Win a 9-day culinary-focused trip for TWO to Chile!

Talk about the ultimate travel sweepstakes- here is the full list of prizes and experiences you can win:

Roundtrip flights for (2) from the United States, via LAN Airlines
Two days at an eco-lodge on Chiloé Island- kayaking, visiting the Dalcahue market and horseback riding!
A private cooking class and dinner with Carolina Bazán, master chef at Ambrosia in Santiago
Two nights at Casa Real, the former landowner’s estate at the Santa Rita winery, located in the Maipo Valley. Wine tasting tour included!
Two days at UNESCO port town of Valparaíso
Three travel outfits per person from Toad&Co
A mixed case of Santa Rita wine- YUM!
A $250 gift certificate from Wine.com
Travel gear for two from Eagle Creek

Enter To Win

Deadline to Enter: March 4, 2o16 at 11:59 EST

More details and the terms and conditions can also be found on the sweepstakes website!

What’s your dream Chile itinerary?!

This sweepstakes was put together in partnership with LATAM Airlines. As always, the content & opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

Why You Need to Travel to Chile Now is a post from: The Blonde Abroad

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Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Where to Travel While the US Dollar is Strong

Where to Travel on the US Dollar

The US Dollar is peaking at the moment, which is great news for Americans travelers trying to decide where to travel! For years we’ve had to watch our wallets in the expensive cities like Stockholm, Paris and Sydney—but 2015 saw the dollar’s value steadily increase. Now a trip to Europe is teetering on affordable!

Here’s my list of where to travel while the U.S. dollar is still strong!

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– South Africa –

The Rand has dropped 20% against the Dollar, meaning that it’s even cheaper for the average joe to hop on a wilderness safari. Even the flights are better, with prices from North America to Johannesburg devaluing by nearly 25%.

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It’s hard not to fall in love with South Africa, a country full of complicated history, dramatic landscapes, year-round sunny weather, and diverse cultures. Don’t miss a chance to spot lions, rhinos, elephants at one of the many natural game reserves!

Rio Botanical Gardens

– Brazil –

Currently enjoying an worldwide popularity due to the upcoming Summer Olympics 2016, Brazil is still offering spectacular vacations at a bargain. Hotels are nearly 12% cheaper, so be sure to grab your rental in time for the games.

Rates will rise again for the summer, so book your tickets now for Copacabana or the Amazon!

Brugges Bridge

– Belgium –

The Euro is at its lowest in over a decade, so jump on the eurotrain before it’s too late! Belgium is an unpretentious, laid-back country with inspiring architecture, friendly locals and unbeatable beer.

Beers of Belgium

Beer lovers take note: there are about 125 breweries producing 800 different types of beer—that’s more beer per capita than any other country in the world! Throw in succulent chocolates and tasty mayonnaise-y frites, what’s not to love?

– Greece –

Though still in default, Greece is still technically on the euro and ripe for dollar spenders. A night at the luxurious Hilton Athens will cost you only about $150 a night, depending on when you go. Due to the decline of travel to Greece, many hotels and tour operators have slashing prices to fill spaces.

– Croatia –

Croatia is fast becoming the new European playground, but the averages are still low compared to the rest of Europe. That said, now’s the time to head there to splurge on five-star experiences with your strong dollar!

Sunset over Rovinj

– Australia –

Oil prices have forced the Australian dollar to drop its lowest in the past six years—these days, one AUD equals about 0.71 USD.

Australia already caters to the budget traveler, meaning that with the low currency you’ll be able to affordable even more bang for your buck. Come for the low costs and stay for the beaches, national parks, and a wildlife you’ll never see anywhere else (kangaroos, koalas, and wallabies, oh my!).

– Canada –

Take advantage of Canada’s weak loonie with a trip to Vancouver or Toronto. The Canadian dollar has fallen nearly 20% in the past year, and 1 USD will buy you 1.41 CAD.

Flights from the USA aren’t that expensive either, so you can fly out for a long weekend in lovely Montreal and Quebec City before you know it!

Dogsledding in Whistler

– Mexico –

You’ll find better prices available in Mexico and the rest of Central America. Cheap rooms and increase of safety and tourism infrastructure has led to an all-time rise in travel. Splurge at a five-star, all-inclusive hotel on the Mayan Riviera, or follow the footsteps of artisans in San Miguel de Allende.

SHOP my favorite travel essentials!

Where to Travel While the US Dollar is Strong is a post from: The Blonde Abroad

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Monday, February 1, 2016

What to Pack for a Week in The Bahamas

The Bahamas are one of the most popular travel destinations in the Caribbean. On a recent trip to The Bahamas, I visited the islands of Bimini and traveled to Nassau to stay at the famous Atlantis Resort.

Depending on the type of trip you’re planning, you’re likely to spend most of your time out in the sun or in the water. You don’t need much, so pack items you can mix and match with swimwear.

Use my packing ideas below, but revise as needed based on weather and season for when you plan your own trip to The Bahamas!

Sailing in Bimini

My Trip Details

Travel Dates: Early January (Busy season between December to February)

Season: Winter

Weather: There is no bad time to visit The Bahamas as the weather is great year-round! Temperatures rarely fall below 60°F – even in winter.

Conch shell phone

What to Pack for a Week in The Bahamas

Essentials

1. Sun Hat // It gets hot in The Bahamas and you WILL need a hat. I love big brimmed hats for days by the pool and beach.

2. COOLA Sunscreen // COOLA is my favorite sunscreen for sunny vacations! Their products smell amazing, provide great protection and are made from natural and organic ingredients.

3. Aloha Splashproof Bag // Aloha bags are a lifesaver on any vacation involving bikinis. Use them as a sand proof bag for storing your phone on the beach, or pack your wet bikini inside to avoid soaking your other clothes. They’re water resistant so they keep water out or in depending on what you need!

4. Cute Sunglasses // No explanation needed! But, pack a few pairs!

5. Tote Bag // Travel bags that double as handbags and backpacks are my go to. You can easily go from a day around town to a day of exploring without worrying about your bag.

Outfits

6/7. Striped Romper Top & Bottom // Sets are super cute and comfortable outfits for hanging around the resort or while out exploring.

8/9. Culotte Set Top & Bottom // A pair of culottes are perfect for paring with a matching top or bikini top, whether you’re sailing or lounging by the pool.

10. Black Crop Top // I always bring a black crop top for mixing and matching with different items to create versatile outfits

11. Loose Pants // Instead of casual pants, get yourself a pair of stylish, loose-fitting pants for a tropical destination. They’re just as comfortable as yoga pants but can be styled up for a night out, or down for a day of travel.

12. Romper // I’m a huge fan of shorts rompers. They’re chic, comfortable and take up less space in your suitcase.

Palm tree shadows

Dresses

13. Midi Dress // Pack a midi dress for a classy style during the day or night.

14. Maxi Dress // Don’t forget something a little dressier in case you decide to go out for a nice dinner or a night out.

15. Kaftan // I love kaftans for beach and pool days. They’re stylish enough to wear as an outfit but are perfectly practical as bikini coverups.

Bikinis

16. High Waisted Bikinis // I am obsessed with high waisted bikinis right now. They’re perfect for active days when you want a bit more coverage or more “loungey” days when you want to feel and look your best by the pool.

17. Colorful Bikini // The Bahamas are all about color so don’t shy away from bold bikinis!

Sandals

18. Sandals // I found that I stuck to a fairly casual pair of tan sandals and a tan heel nearly my entire trip. You could also pack along a wedge or another color sandal if you want to ensure you have a pair for every outfit.