Florianopolis

Ilha do Campeche photo by R i c a ® d O

Florianopolis (or Floripa for short) is the Capital city of the state of Santa Catarina. It is famed for its amazing beaches and beautiful landscapes. The City itself lies partly on the Mainland (12 km²), but mainly on the Island of Santa Catarina (425km²). With over 40 beaches to choose from, it has become one of the leading tourist destinations in Brazil. Those Brazilians wanting a quieter and less hectic pace of life than in Rio or Sao Paulo often head here as its location is not too far away from either, but far enough away to be much more relaxed. It is one of the wealthiest per capita states of Brazil, so offers modern, contemporary shopping malls as well as rustic charm.

There are many chic restaurants and bars here and a vibrant nightlife as well as pristine, untouched nature reserves and sleepy little fishing villages. Its high end and chic shopping areas along the beached is reminiscent of Miami South beach. It is hardly surprising it has become a haven for Brazilian and international tourists alike – something for everyone?

Situated just off the South coast of Brazil, the island has 2 bridges connecting it to the mainland, only one of which is still operating. The closed bridge has now become a postcard picture for tourists and the suspension bridge is likened to Golden Gate Bridge.

Maps

Florianopolis Beaches & Restaurants by Pearl Travel Guide Larger Map

See also the Inerative Map of hotels, posadas and villas

Short History

Archaeological sites have traced the existence of Carijós Indians of the nation Tupi-Guarani up to 4000 years ago and these are believed to be the first inhabitants of Florianopolis area. The Indians called the place Meiembipe or "mountain along the channel".

Around 1514 the Portuguese landed and gave the area the name Ilha dos Patos, but in 1526 it was renamed Ilha de Santa Catarina. In 1673 the arrival of bandeirante (slave hunter) Francisco Dias Velho led to the first settlement and construction of the first chapel consecrated to Nosso Senhora do Desterro around 1678. However to maintain the domain, the Portuguese Crown elevated Santa Catarina Island to the Status of ‘village’ in 1714 and further elevated in to a ‘town’ in 1726.

Being about half way between the two largest coastal cities in South America, it grew in significance as a defensive Port and formed part of the defensive ring of South America. Therefore in 1739 the Capitania da Ilha de Santa Catarina was created and Desterro became its capital. This lead to an increase in population between 1747 and 1756 with up to 6000 settlers arriving from the Azores and Madeira off Portugal.

1893 saw the change of the state capital´s name from Desterro to Florianopolis, that is to say, city of Floriano. The name change was in respect of the Iron Marshal Floriano Peixoto who contained the rebellion of the Federal Revolt, which spread to Santa Catarina from Rio Grande do Sul. At the time he was the President of Brazil and ordered the shooting of the Federalists who were considered enemies of the state and had declared Desterro as the Federal Capital of the Republic.

Up until 1894 Florianopolis was called Nossa Senhora do Desterro (our Lady of Banishment). The name was changed as a tribute to the second President of the Republic of Brazil (1891-1894) – Floriano Peixoto.  Originally founded on March 23^rd1726 by settlers from the Azores off Portugal, it has a rich history and you can still hear some of the locals speaking in an Azorean dialect in the more remote parts. March 23^rd is a date that is still celebrated annually by the locals.

Fortaleza de São José da Ponta Grossa. Photo by  Andre Egreja.

The coastline is scattered with fortresses built to repel the invasions by the Spanish and the Dutch in the 16^thand 17^th Centuries. There is much colonial architecture to enjoy including the Heritage site of the Fortress of São José da Ponta Grossa. In the centre of the City lie ancient examples of its historic architecture. The Governors Palace now houses the Cruz e Souza Museum (a famous poet from Florianopolis and founder of the symbolist movement) and the public market built in 1898 are here. The later being a great place to buy local handicrafts under the shade of a 100+ year old fig tree. Also close to the centre is the house where Victor Meirelles was born. The house is now a museum to the man credited with writing the first mass spoken in Brazil. 

Do Not Miss

Photo by Gislaine Fotos.

Swimming with dolphins is high on a lot of people’s wish list nowadays and here on Florianopolis you can do just this in the warm tropical waters. Most activities on offer here centre on the water, whether it is jet skiing, surfing, snorkelling or scuba diving. An idyllic way to spend a few hours is to hire your own boat and head out to sea, drop anchor and just let the waves lap away at the boat – utter tranquillity.

The newest adrenalin rush to be had here sounds weird, but it is well worth trying it out for yourself, and costs relatively little. Sandboarding! Hire a board (approx R$1.50) and hit the massive dunes at Joaquina Beach. Try keeping your balance and controlling the board across these 10 foot high sand barriers. If you fall off, no harm done, just pick yourself up, dust yourself down, and start all over again!

Photo by juxyz | Julia Rodrigues.

 

The beaches by day and the clubs and bars by night are the real stars of this island, and there are plenty of both for every visitor.

Other Top Attractions 

Garopaba Beach. Photo by max the dog.

 

Huge Atlantic swells of warm water mixed with great temperatures attracting surfers from all over are not the only draw for Balneario Camboriu. This area of natural beauty boasts a forest that is home to indigenous plants and flowers as well as wild birds. There is a beautifully maintained beach area where the local fishermen head for their prized catches. So if you are into fishing you can take the opportunity to land some catches you probably won’t see anywhere else. This is also true of Garopaba where you can participate in some hard-hitting sport fishing or other water sports such as windsurfing or body boarding. Or for the more adventurous why not hang-glide from the cliff tops and fly out over the ocean. Then relax with the locals and party on one of the eight beaches!

Those of you who would prefer to delve into the history of the Island should visit Fort Santana, one of the best monuments, situated at the foot of the Hercilio Luz Bridge. It also houses the Museum of Weapons of the Military Police. On top of the Morro das Pedras (Hill of Stones) lies the Jesuit Monastery. This is a spectacular sight, and the sights from here across the nature reserve of Logoa do Peri are also spectacular!

Lagoa do Peri. Photo by corrupiola | leilalampe.

 

Two other popular tourist attractions are the Museum of Anthropology and the Museum of the Sambaqui people (inside the Colegio Catarinense). The former housing skeletons and cooking utensils etc of the native Indians of the Atlantic Coast, the latter holding similar artefacts of indigenous folk. 

The Cathedral in Florianopolis is believed to have been constructed in the year 1761 to commemorate the good works of Joao and Maria. The Cathedral of Florianopolis houses some impressive statues of Joao and Maria – this is situated near Praca XV de Novembro.

Accommodation

Florianopolis Accommodation by Pearl Travel Guides Larger Map

Accommodation on the island covers a wide range of prices. Choose your preference from our listings for Budget accommodations (from under R$150 per night), Moderate accommodations (from R$150-400) per night)  and Luxury accommodations (over R$400 per night). These are guide prices based on the cost of a double room. For those of you wishing to have more privacy or a ‘home from home’ feeling there are also some Villas and Vacation Homes listed.

You may want to choose your accommodation by it´s location. We have mapped all the accommodtion and colour coded the markers so that you can select by price and location. Check out the interactive accommodation map  

Tours

Photo by WHL - Florianopolis.

 

Tours in Florianopolis can be exhilerating (surfing, kitesurfing, rafting, sandboarding and biking), or relaxing (yoga or a boat trip). Yoga and Surf combines the two. Many others are nature and wildlife focused (whale and dophin watching, birdwatching and hiking). For sure there is plenty to do. Get tour details & book online

Bars and Cafes

You will find bars and cafes dotted all along the beaches and many more in the downtown area. There really are lots of places to eat and drink and people watch or see the sun setting – You’ll find your own favourites no doubt. Wherever you go you will find great Brazilian friendliness and charm, with warm smiles and cold drinks.

Restaurants

Florianopolis cuisine as you would probably expect, being an island, is very seafood orientated. You can find shrimp cooked many ways here (fried, steamed, etc). You can even have the ‘sequencia de camarao’ – a sequence of shrimp dishes in various forms. You will also find references to ‘cultura acoriani’ which is cooking influenced by the culture of the Portuguese Azore islands.

Tainha which is similar to mullet is a delicacy here in the winter months. It is usually stuffed and baked and served with rice.

Other cuisines are slowly finding their way into the area, so you can now enjoy Italian, Japanese and Mexican dishes as well as fast food outlets in the city centre.

Full details of our restaurant recommendations will be published soon. 

Nightlife

Florianopolis is blessed not only with incredible natural beauty, but also with some of the best nightlife in South America  - possibly the world . According to founder of Nexus Surf  “Florianopolis night life blows away night life in L.A. or New York or anywhere else”. From stylish beach bars, to chic cocktail lounges and cavernous mega clubs, Floripa offers nightlife for all budgets and staying powers. Essentially it is a mix of the partying of Ibiza mixed with the sophistication of St Tropez, but without attitude and overinflated prices.

Party capital of the island has to be Jurere in the north. Party gurus arrive in flash sports cars or even private helicopters, dressed in the latest fashion clothes and accessories. It is home to Praia Café (Avenida dos Merlins; 48-3282-1325 www.praiacafedelamusique.com.br), where the parties go until 4 a.m. You’ll also find the champagne served to bronzed beauties draped on white canopy beds here at Parador 12(Servidão J. Cardoso Oliveira; 48-3284-8156; www.eldivinobrasil.com.br). Or for a mega club with the funkiest sounds from famous DJ’s try Pacha (Rodovia Maurício Sirotsky Sobrinho; 48-3282-2054;www.pachafloripa.com.br)

Over at Praia Mole the surfers who enjoy the long strip of beautiful beach and world class waves set their boards down and head to one of the many beach bars. Most notably Barraco da Mole with its live music and DJ sets.

The ultra chic town of Lagoa da Conceicao centres its evening social scene around the stylish Information

Confraria das Artes nightclub (Rua João Pacheco da Costa 31; 48-3232-2298; www.confrariadasartes.com.br). This beautiful club is set in an amazing colonial pad with vintage furniture galore. Attracted here are Brazil’s intellectuals, artists and media types.

The Gay scene here is thriving and is said to be Brazil’s 3rd best location for gay nightlife. The first gay cruise in Brazil operates from Praia Mole. For the week of Carnival many Sao Paulo and Rio clubs open temporary clubs here – check out Praia Mole Eco Village Hotel. (Rodovia Jornalista Manoel de Menezes 2001; 48-3239-7500; www.praiamole.com.br).

Information 

We provide two types of information; Basic Information and Advice. (Coming Soon)

How to Get There

By Plane

Hercilio Luz International Airport is the name of the airport in Florianopolis. It is served by several domestic and international airlines. For details of airlines currently serving Florianopolis airport see SkyScanner. Here you can also get live information about arrivals.

The airport phone number is +55(0)48 331400

By Bus

The major bus terminal in Florianopolis is Terminal Rita Maria: Tel: 3212-3100, email: getrm@deter.sc.gov.br. It is served by many bus companies with routes to many other Brazilian and international destinations.

By Car

If you are travelling by car we suggest using GoogleMaps. Click the "Get Directions" button, enter your origin and destination, then click the click the second "Get Directions" button. You will have detailed instructions, distances for each part of the journey and an estimated travelling time by car.

Fernando de Noronha

Photo: Bruno de Lucena Coutinho

Recife Guide (A Pearl Travel Guides Destination Site), posted a mini-guide introduction to this group of paradise islands off the North East coast of Brazil. Fernando de Notonha is one of the most amazing tourist destinations in Brazil. Consisting of 20 small islands and one larger island, the archipelago lies 340km from the mainland coast and covers an area of only 17 km². It is inhabited by only 2100 residents, but many species of flora and fauna and of course its crystal clear waters are home to some 230 varieties of fish, 5 types of shark, 2 species of sea turtles,15 coral reefs and, unique to here and the South Pacific, the Spinner Dolphin.

Photo Bruno de Lucena Coutinho

Sustainable tourism is the islands biggest source of revenue, but the number of people allowed on the islands at any one time is strictly limited (only 420 tourists on the islands) to ensure its eco-tourism status – the longer you stay on the islands the higher the permit fee (but it is worth staying at least 5 days). Currently a five day stay on the island would cost approx. R$180 per adult in environmental taxes. There is only one paved highway on the main island which is Brazil’s shortest highway, so walking, cycling or hiring a buggy are the best way to get around and to reach the amazing beaches with breathtaking vistas.

Photo: Fabricio Marcel

                                                                                                                                                             There are 16 idyllic beaches to choose from and natural tidal pools to safely bathe in. Of course the islands are a natural location to visit for snorkeling, diving, surfing, underwater photography, fishing, sailing, horse riding and walking.

 

The beaches (especially those facing Brazil’s Atlantic Coast) are the main focus for surfers with waves between 2m and 5m high. These include Bode, Boldro, Cacimba do Padre, Meio and Conceicao beaches. There are other more remote beaches accessible by bike, on foot, or horseback. Here you will see some of the best views Brazil has to offer. Baia dos Porcos has huge rock sculptures, Praia dos Sancho a beautiful waterfall and Praia do Atalaia a stunning natural swimming pool amongst the rocks.

Photo Bruno de Lucena Coutinho

The highest point on the island and the one offering the best sunset views is the rocky structure of Morro do Pico standing 321 meters tall.

Temperatures remain pleasant all year round +/- 26^oC, with the higher chance of rain between February and July.

Maps

Click the link to see a Tourist Map of the island

Short History

The islands are formed as a result of volcanic activity beneath the Atlantic. They were discovered by famous Portuguese navigator Americo Vespucio in 1503 and early settlers built a fortress and Vila dos Remedios which is now just ruins. However this is still the largest village on the island and where most accommodation is offered.

Initially the islands were used as a Prison. Later it was used as a stopover point for transatlantic flights (being the nearest point to Europe). This also lead to it being used as a base for the Brazilian Air Force during the Second World War and is still used by them to this day.

In 1970 most of Noronha was designated a National Maritime Sanctuary aimed at protecting the marine and land environments of the archipelago. This has been extremely successful in protecting the sea turtle populations.

There is a museum on the island (Memorial Noronhense – Espaco Cultural Americo Vespucio) where you will find out more about the history, stories and legends of the islands. Also worth a visit are the many fortresses and chapels (Capela de Nossa Senhora da Conceicao – being well worth a visit).

Do Not Miss

Rent a buggy or mountain bike and go explore! You should be lucky enough to see dolphins and turtles if you time it right. Go to Dolphin Bay (baia do Golfinhos) for the Dolphins (year round) and Turtle Bay (baía do Sueste) or Leão Beach for the Turtles (egg laying and hatching Dec-May). Don’t expect to see pigs in Pig Bay though! Whales can sometimes be spotted as well (Sept-Oct).

Sunset – spectacular wherever you are, but the best vantage point is Mirante Dois Irmãos.

Sancho Bay and Pig Bay vie for the title of best beach on Noronha, but as they are side by side why not do them both in one day and make up your own mind ?

Photo: Bruno de Lucena Coutinho

Snorkeling. Head down to praia da Atalaia early as the number of people permitted to participate in this amazing experience is strictly limited to 100 per day. A tidal pool no deeper than 24 inches contains a remarkably diversity of animals – Lobsters, Octopuses, numerous fish species and the possibility of a baby shark or two. To enjoy this spectacle you have to be able to float confidently without putting your feet down (practice elsewhere if possible). You will not be allowed in the pool if you are wearing sunblock to prevent its pollution, and you are only allowed in the pool for 25 minutes. It is well worth adhering to the rules for the experience of looking into an amazing tropical water pool teeming with colour; “like snorkelling in a giant tropical fish aquarium, but it´s the real thing”, as one tourist put it.

Photo: Bruno de Lucena Coutinho

Other Top Attractions

Diving courses, Kayaking, Surfing, Swimming, Trekking, Mountain biking, Sailing, Ocean fishing – take your pick – they are all worth doing.

Whether you fancy horse riding along the beach or going out to sea on a kayak or boating excursion, there is something for everyone. Out at sea you are likely to have up close encounters with dolphins playing in the crystal clear warm waters.

Scuba Diving – Nearly 20 spots together offer the best scuba diving in Brazil. Visibility can reach 50 meters (165 feet), and the average water temperature is 26 degrees centigrade (79 Fahrenheit). Coral reefs, sea turtles, sharks, spinner dolphins, barracudas, and shipwrecks count among the attractions.

As a novice you can still dive. After a short instruction session, a professional will take you on an escorted dive called Baptism (Baptismo). They control your pressure gauges etc. This still requires some courage if you have never dived before, and you would be well advised not to dive if you have not fully understood the instruction, if you have any heart or other medical condition that may pose a risk. People who have had any kind of problems with their ears should also seek medical advice before considering a dive. Despite these warnings, if you are able to dive in Fernando de Noronha it is going to be an incredible experience, and one you will probably treasure forever.

Photo: Bruno de Lucena Coutinho

Plana Sub – The tow diving uses the same equipment used in free diving, just a mask, snorkel and fins. Holding a small board and towed by a small motorboat you are able to experience the sensation of flying and also manoeuvre the board to turn, go up and down. Hold your breath as long as you can. A small theoretical class is given on board to present the procedures and signs used to communicate with the motorboat. It is different from the snorkelling because you can cover a much larger area than if you were only swimming with fins.

Beaches get busy here, but there are plenty of them around the island, so it is just a question of choosing the ones you want to visit. There is a bus that trundles from one end of the island to the other along its only road, so you can hop on this ($R2.85). You could be cheeky and hitch a ride – many locals, taxi drivers and dive truck will happily give you a lift. It is a good idea to speak some Portuguese to them to let them know where you require and to say thank you!

Air France Cultural Center - In 1927 the French airline Compagnie Genérale Aeropostale set up a base for refueling and repair of its transcontinental hydroplanes. In 1934, the company joined with three others to found Air France. The restored building now houses the Noronha Association of Artists and Artisans.

Accommodation

Accommodation on the island covers a wide range of prices. Choose your preference from our listings for Budget accommodations (under R$300 per night), Moderate accommodations (R$300-500 per night) and Luxury accommodations (over R$500 per night). These are guide prices based on the cost of a double room. Fernando de Noronha, that has a limit on tourist numbers of 420 at any time, and makes most of it´s income from sustainable tourism, is not a cheap option, and "budget" is therefore not the same as in other parts of mainland Northeast Brazil where budget would be less. But, for many a trip here is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and for all it is a privilage.

Tours

A wide variety of tours our available on the island. Our listing, searchable via a variety of criteria, will be available soon

Bars and Cafes

Kiosks and bars can be found near the port for a chilled beer or of course a Caipirinha. Some places have space to have a dance as well. Local hero, singer and composer Ju Medeiros can often be seen and heard in bars and restaurants around the island.

Restaurants

As you would expect from an island with so much fishing, the most popular dish on a menu is seafood. There are a variety of fish based dishes from Sushi and Sashimi, grilled, baked etc, but the most famous here is the banana leaf wrapped fish dish. It goes without saying the fish is caught daily here. Other types of cuisine are also available on the island to suit all tastes and budgets.

Follow the link for our Restaurant Recommendations

Nightlife

Nobody really goes to Noronha for the nightlife, so the relatively sparse offerings don’t matter much to most people. However sundry venues offer a place to have a beer or even dance.

Events

The Tamar Project Visitors Center, which houses the Open Sea Turtle Museum, located on the Alameda do Boldró, hosts nightly talks by scientists and environmentalists. Additionally the island offers special events which can be seen in the event calendar (coming soon)

Information

The information we offer can be found by the following links: Basic Information and Advice (coming Soon)

Shopping

Due to its tiny size and tightly controlled population measures, shopping is not abundant on Noronha. There are however a few small shops selling locally produced handicrafts made from recycled materials. Of course there are souvenir items such as hats and shirts for sale as well as essential diving equipment.

If you seek souvenirs please select items that support the TAMAR/IBAMA PROJECT from the Open Sea Turtle Museum located on the Alameda do Boldró. This is a very worthwhile cause committed to the conservation of turtles. The Project started in 1980 and its primary task was to protect the nesting areas of the turtles – protecting female turtles and their eggs from the encroachment of developments. Having had great success in this area they are now concentrating on two feeding areas where local fishing techniques lead to accidental capture of turtles and are causing the population to diminish.

The shopping area in Noronha overflows with tropical fruits such as papaya, passion fruit, pineapple, mangoes and a variety of bananas. There are also handcrafted items available at the markets. If you want to take home an authentic souvenir then you can buy these items and you also help the local economy!

How to Get There

There are connecting flights from Recife or Natal international airports:

From Recife daily flights are offered by GOL or TRIP airlines. The 545km flight by TRIP is flight 5518, departing Recife at 2.30pm daily, and the return flight from Fernando de Noronha, TRIP flight 5519, is at 1.35pm. GOL flight 1708 departs Recife at 2pm daily, and the return, flight 1709, is at 4.35pm daily.

From Natal daily flights are offered by TRIP airlines. The 360km flight 5514, departs Natal at 11.10am, and the return flight from Fernando de Noronha, TRIP flight 5515, is at 5.20pm. This flight can be booked via TAM airlines with whom TRIP has a code sharing agreement.



Step 10: Arrival

• If you didn´t book a transfer in advance, ignore the touts, and head for the licensed operator desk, or tourist information desk.
• Ask the locals about the safety of the area you are staying, and areas to avoid if necessary.
• Try to understand and observe local etiquette, culture and customs, and respect them. Remember you are the guest.
• Being relaxed and polite is the best way to avoid any difficulties.
• Try to fit in, and “go with the flow”, to avoid the stress you came on holiday to escape.

Step 9: The Journey

The journey is the start of your holiday and you should enjoy it if you can. You are much more likely to do so if you have followed the plan so far. You are going to be less anxious if you have planned properly, to reduced the chances of having problems.

The top tips to avoid holiday stress, and enjoy your journey, according to The Stress Management Society, are:

• Get enough sleep
• Manage your time and allow for unforeseen events or delays
• Use technologies wisely
• Keep active
• Keep hydrated & limit your intake of stimulants
• Remain calm
• Spot the early signs of tension and reduce it

These techniques may help reduce your levels of tension and stress:

• Sit with your feet on the ground, back supported against your chair, hands and arms open and relaxed. Take a deep breath, raise your shoulders towards your ears and hold them for a few seconds. Then slowly breathe out and drop the shoulders. Repeat several times.
• Place your left hand on your right shoulder and squeeze gently. Repeat down the right arm to the elbow. Repeat several times. Place your right hand on your left shoulder and repeat the exercise.
• Place the fingers of both hands at the base of your skull. Apply slow circular pressures down from there to the base of the neck.
• Listen to relaxing music
• Control your breathing and use meditation practices if you know some.
• Sit with your feet on the ground, back supported against your chair and hands and arms open and relaxed. Take a deep breath, raise your shoulders towards your ears and hold them for a few seconds. Then slowly breathe out and drop the shoulders. Repeat several times.

Continue to Step 10

Step 8: Preparation & Packing

In preparation it is a good idea to make a list of things you “must take” with you, and those you “may take” with you. But, first a few basic packing tips:

• Have you checked your luggage allowances? Do not pack more than you can carry unless you are prepared for the surcharges
• Label you bags, inside and out, with your name, destination address, home address, email address and phone numbers. 
• Ensure all tags from previous travels are removed from your checked in baggage
• Do not take sharp objects in your hand luggage, they may get confiscated. 
• Do not pack valuables in your checked in baggage

Must Take:

Clothing - Enough appropriate clothing (unless you plan to do some clothes shopping whilst on holiday).

Luggage - Have you got the bags and cases you need for the trip?

Medication - A large enough supply of any prescribed medication you may need to take. It is also a good idea to print out details of any medical conditions and medications you are taking, to carry them with you in case of an accident or emergency.   

Money - Some cash in each currency you may need, plus credit cards and / or a Pre-Pay Currency Card. The most widely accepted cards are VISA or MASTERCARD, but not all shops and restaurants take them, or may only accept one or the other. Other cards have much more limited acceptance.

If you do plan to use your credit cards, have you advised your card issuer that you plan to use them abroad? Some cards are automatically blocked if used abroad, unless you have informed the card issuer. This is a common security measure designed to protect you from fraud.

Traveler´s Cheques are hard to cash, and you are likely to incur charges and / or get a poor exchange rate. A better alternative are Pre-Pay Currency Cards designed for the traveler. Although quite a new concept they offer such benefits that they are quickly gaining in popularity.  

Documents:

• Tickets
• Country entry visa (if required)
• Reservations and itinerary details. Two copies to be kept in seperate bags in case one gets lost. Posting the information to the internet in a way you can read it from any internet connection during your travels would also be wise.  
• Insurance Policy Documents
• International Driving License (if required)
• List of useful telephone numbers & contact details
• Credit card company numbers to report lost or stolen cards

Adaptors - For electricity supply, a universal adaptor is highly recommended.   

May Take

• Footwear for different activities and weather
• A hat
• Sun-block
• Sunglasses
• Phone, iPod, laptop, chargers, batteries, memory cards      
• Guide books, maps, other info
• Phrase book
• Earplugs
• Books to read
• A small torch
• Insect repellant
• Medication: diarrhea pills, headache tablets etc, just in case
• Pens and a small notebook        

Before You Leave

There are a few things you should consider doing before you leave, to avoid problems at home whilst you are away, and in case you have problems abroad. A little extra planning may give you peace of mind:

• Leave a list of your itinerary, and contact details whilst abroad, with family and friends
• Ask family or friends to check your home occasionally whilst you are away
• Switch of gas, electricity and water supplies to avoid the risk of fires or flooding, especially if you are away for a long time
• Make sure any build-up of postal deliveries is out of sight, so you don´t invite break-in´s
• Make sure you have informed credit card issuers you are travelling
• Check your phone will work abroad if you are taking it with you. You may need to call your service provider to confirm this.

Continue to Step 9