Step 7: Language, Culture & Customs

If you have time it is wise to try and learn a little of the local language,and something about local customs. At the very least you should print out our basic introductions and take them with you; something to read on your way! Here are some links to articles that may help:

• Learning Portuguese (Available Soon)
• Basic Phrases (Available Soon)
• Brazilian Culture & Customs (Available Soon)

Continue to Step 8

Step 6: Bookings & Reservations

The best advice is to confirm your international flight first and, reserve accommodation in your first destination, especially if you are going to be a late arrival. In this case you may also want to book your transfer from the airport to your accommodation.

Now work out how many days you plan to spend in each place to design your itinerary. Remember to allow for travelling time, and some time to relax after each trip. Also, build in some extra time for possible travel delays.

If you are visiting three or more destinations consider booking your internal flights with an Airpass to save money. The rates are specially discounted for foreigners. You will need the details of your international flight booking to buy one. The internal flights can be changed if necessary, but a fee for making the change will be charged. Check the small print for details before booking.

If you are only going to fly internally between two destinations, you may want to book the internal flight before you travel. But, if you have, or want, flexibility in your plans you can buy the internal flight when you are in Brazil.

With your international and internal flights confirmed, now is the time to reserve your accommodation. Before making a reservation, check the cancellation policies in case you need to adjust your itinerary at any time.

It is advisable to keep a printed copy of the reservation details with you when travelling. Take two copies and keep them in separate bags. And, if possible, post them to the Internet in a way that you can access the details from any internet connection whilst traveling.

In case of any problems, or if you choose to change your schedule whilst travelling, and your first accommodation choice is no longer available, have the details of your second and third choices with you.

You might also want to check out and book some tours, especially if they are a key part of your holiday plans, or a likely to have limited availability. Pearl Travel Guides has a list of Routes & Tours which you can search by several different criteria, including “By Destination”. 

If you planned your trip and make your bookings and reservations just before travelling, you may not need to re-confirm them. But, if you planned well ahead, it may be worth sending a few emails to re-confirm bookings and reservations, especially reserved accommodations.

Continue to Step 7

Step 5: Pre-Booking Checks

Having selected your destinations, worked out an itinerary and identified accommodation options, now is a good time to check out some other basics, before making flight and accommodation reservations:

• Do you need a visa? If yes, do you have time to get one?
• Is your passport valid for at least 6months, from the time you plan to travel? Or, do you have time to get a new one?
• Do you have an International Drivers license if you plan to drive? Or, do you have time to get one?
• What vaccinations / medications might you need?
• Do you have travel insurance that covers the trip you want to make? If not, youmay want to check the cost and be ready to buy it, when you have booked your flight. 

Continue to Step 6

Step 4: Selecting Accommodation

Clearly budget will be a factor in choosing accommodation. That is why Pearl Travel Guides lists accommodations by Budget, Moderate or Luxury. However, regional differences in prices mean that the cost of budget accommodation in some places would buy you Moderate accommodation in another. Generally speaking, the North and Northeast of Brazil, excluding tourist ´hotspots´, tend to be cheaper than other parts of Brazil.

The preferences, and needs, of your group will also influence your accommodation choices. You may like a place with a very modern infrastructure and a wide choice of services. In this case, a larger hotel or a sophisticated resort would be the best option. They are often the better option for families requiring facilities such as babysitting and entertainment for children.

For people seeking smaller and more charming accomodation, with a greater chance of personal service, a smaller hotel or guesthouse may be the best option. In Brazil pousadas are equivalent to guest houses, although some are closer to Boutique hotels in style and price.  They can be found in most destinations; in cities, in historic town, in the countryside and at beaches.

Pousadas vary in price considerably according to location, design and sophistication. The most exclusive tend to be like luxury hideaways with good restaurants. These places can often cost more than a hotel.  Simple pousadas are usually comfortable and cozy, offering a range of basic services and breakfast. There are also basic pousadas that offer little more than a place to sleep and a simple breakfast.

Comparing the pousada to the average price of other pousadas in a region is a good indicator of what you might expect in terms of quality. But, do take account of the precise location, and try and get an impression from photographs.

Many pousadas, except those in the most remote areas, now offer free Internet access by WiFi. Many, especially at the beach, also have pools, and most have the option of rooms with or without air conditioning (with a price differential).

Do not be tempted by Motels in Brazil. They are not the same as Motels in America or many other parts of the world. They may seem like cheap options, but the price given is usually per hour, which gives you a good idea of the purpose of these places. Some ´Hotels´ also charge in the same way, and are used for the same purpose.

Continue to Step 5

Step 3: Final Selection of Destinations

To help you make a final selection of destination, or destinations, you may want to list them against your selection criteria, which should be clear to you by now. You can even weight the scoring system you use if some criteria are more important to you than others.

If you decide to include more than one destination in your trip, you should check the distances between them, to make sure you will have the time to make the journeys. Then check the flight prices to get an idea of the cost, or consider buying an Airpass.

Continue to Step 4