This is a Calendar of events in Bolivia,Guyana, Suriname, Ecuador, Brazil, Peru, Columbia, Venezuela throughout the coming year 2009 including cultural & gastronomic festivals, conferences and roundtables, spectacular tourism land and water exhibitions, pageants and exhibitions tourism fairs and sporting events …. as well as much much more

JANUARY 2009

01 January 2009 -New Years Party Surifesta

Where: Suriname – Paramaribo

• The Famous end of year Surifesta of Suriname is held every year on New Years eve. The Surifesta Foundation is the organization that is the lobby group for the festivities concerning “Owruyari” (the end of the year parties and New Year’s Eve). Festivities and end of year Calendar are well known to all in Suriname and people wait in eager anticipation for this exciting event
  The Surifesta Foundation organizes some of these big activities regarding the end of the year celebrations as well. Some of these activities that are held yearly are: The Surifesta Kick Off Party; a “Kawina Festival”

16 – 18 January 2009- 9th Annual Napo River Festival

Where: Ecuador – Tena

• Organised by the Ecuadorian River Institute this Event is used to raise awareness of the Napo River watershed and the importance it has in the daily life of Ecuador. “This unique gathering seeks to educate the public about watershed issues, preserve cultural traditions, and promote sustainable forms of development and resource management”
• The Napo river is of vast importance as last major tributary of the the Amazon River in Ecuador that remains free-flowing and has minimal contamination and development in its headwaters
• This is a free event which hosts a variety of contests includint: Flip -rafting, Inner Tube Racing, Kayak Rodeo, A massive downriver Float and much more … of course!
• http://www.kayakecuador.com/default.htm

20 January 2009 – Saint Sebastian Festivity

Where: Brazil – Canutama AM

January , a month when all over Brazil events and festivals are held to pay homage to Saint Sebastian (San Sebastian)  who was the patron saint of Pipa. Festivities take place over 3 days and planning begins 4 months before. On the day of celebration, street stalls, bingo and of course crazy Brazilian bands come out to perform at their best.

• The Story:It all started when the patron saint of athletes, soldiers and the guardian of love, showed compassion on Pipa at the beginning of the last century .

  Mr Antonio Pequeno, one of the respecters of local tradition, tells a story his grandfather, (of the same name) and who had been the church warder since its construction, told him. In 1919 a Spanish ship came by, headed for Para, leaving in its wake the dreaded influenza – the plague! Wherever it went it left a trail of death. Dona Chica, of the velho Castelo family had a small statue of Saint Sebastian and decided to pray for Pipa – to keep the plague away.

  If her prayers were met she promised to inaugurate a church in the saint’s name and make him patron of the village. Once this promise was made not a single inhabitant more caught the dreaded disease. In the 40’s building of the church was started and later, the artist Agnaldo Simoneti, who often visited, made two statues of the saint. One is on the altar of the church and the other was placed on a rock in the sea to show the saint that many people, both on land and sea have faith in his protection

27 January – 1 February 2009 – 8th World Social Forum

- Highlighting the Amazon’s Diversity

Where: Brazil, Belem – PA

An open platform for discussing alternative paths to sustainable development. This is an annual meeting held by members apposed to globalisation. The meeting tends to be in January when its “great capitalist rival” the World Economic Forum is meeting in Switzerland.

FEBRUARY 2009

01- 05  February  2009 -Carnival of Manaus Samba Schools and Carnaboi Parade

Where: Brazil – Manaus AM

03 – 05 February 2009 – Carnailha

Where: Brazil – Parintins AM

04 February 2009 – Aniiversary of the Fort of Sao Jose de Macapa

Where: Brazil – Macapa RR

9 – 15 February 2009 – Scucmbios Challenge 3rd Edition

Where: Ecuador

12 February 2009 -  The Route of the Amazon

Where: Ecuador – Fco. de Orellana

20- 22 February 2009 – Carnival

Where: Suriname

20- 24 February 2009 – Carnival in the Middle of the World

Where: Brazil – Macapa RR

21 February 2009 – Election of the World Ecotourism Queen

Where:Ecuador – Tena

21 – 23 February 2009 – 2nd World Ecotourism Fair

Where: Ecuador – Tena

23 February 2009 – Mashramani

Where: Guyana – Georgetown

Carnival in Rio is not just about the parade, there is SO much more…

Carnival street bands play music in the streets, revelers joining in, drinking and dancing away. All you have to do is to turn up and join in. It is all free.

Below, please find a list with a selection of the best Rio Carnival Street Bands, their 2009 Carnival route and schedule.

There are many more bands and processions besides the ones that we have listed – approximately 300 bands are expected to take to the streets at the up-coming Carnival.
The biggest band processions take place in Av. Rio Branco, Downtown (Centro). From Saturday to Tuesday you can see the greatest variety of street bands there, with traditional groups such as Cordão do Bola Preta, Cacique de Ramos, Bafo da Onça, to mention just a few. A visit at the end of the afternoon is always entertaining. This is where the “real” carnival takes place.

ZONA SUL

Banda de Ipanema
City District: IPANEMA
Parade: both Saturdays before Carnival and Shrove Carnival 17:00
Route: Praça General Osório, Ipanema Beach, Leblon

Simpatia é Quase Amor
City District: IPANEMA
Parade: One Saturday before Carnival and Carnival Sunday 17:00
Route: Teixeira de Mello and Vieira Souto – Posto 10 (Country Club)

Imprensa Que Eu Gamo
City District: LARANJEIRAS
Parade: two Saturdays before Carnival 16:00
Route: Mercadinho São José das Artes, Rua Gago Coutinho

Monobloco
City District: COPACABANA
Parade: Sunday after Carnival 9:00 am
Route: along Av. Atlantica

Rancho Flor do Sereno
City District: COPACABANA
Parade: Carnival Monday 18:00
Meeting: Bar Bip-Bip, Rua Almirante Gonçalves 50
Route: Av. Atlântica, along the beach

Suvaco do Cristo
City District: JARDIM BOTÂNICO
Parade: Sunday before Carnival 13:00
Meeting: from noon onwards at Bar Jóia (on the corner of Rua Jardim Botânico and Rua Faro)
Route: Rua Jardim Botânico, Praça Santos Dummont, in front of the Jockey Club

Bloco Que Merda é Essa?!
City District: IPANEMA
Parade: Carnival Sunday 14:00
Meeting: corner of Rua Garcia d’Ávila and Nascimento Silva
Route: Garcia d’Ávila, Vieira Souto to Arpoador

Bip-Bip
City District: COPACABANA
Parade: Carnival Saturday at 00:01am and Shrove Carnival at 11:59pm
Meeting: Bar Bip-Bip, Rua Almirante Gonçalves 50

Esse é o Bom, mas ninguém sabe
City District: COSME VELHO
Parade: Wednesday before Carnival 18:30
Meeting: Quadra dos Guararapes, Ladeira dos Guararapes

SANTA TERESA / DOWNTOWN

Céu na Terra
City District: SANTA TERESA
Parade: Carnival Monday 16:00
Meeting: Rua Dias de Barros, in front of the Bar do Serginho

Bloco das Carmelitas
City District: SANTA TERESA
Parade: Friday before Carnival 18:00 and Tuesday after Carnival 17:00
Meeting place: on the corner of Dias de Barros and Ladeira de Santa Teresa
Route: Dias de Barros, Alte. Alexandrino and Largo do Guimarães

Escravos da Mauá
City District: DOWNTOWN – Praça Mauá
Parade: Thursday before Carnival 19:00
Meeting place: Largo de S. Francisco da Prainha, close to Rua Sacadura Cabral
Route: Rua Sacadura Cabral, Praça Mauá, Av. Rio Branco, Rua Mayrink Veiga to Largo de Santa Rita, Rua do Acre, and back to Praça Mauá

Cordão do Bola Preta
City District: DOWNTOWN – (Cinelândia)
Parade: Carnival Saturday 16:00
Meeting place: Rua Sacadura Crabral, 373
Route: Rua Araújo Porto Alegre, Rua México, Praça Melvin Jones, Av. Nilo Peçanha and Largo da Carioca

DAY BY DAY EVENTS

RIO CARNIVAL 2009

Every Carnival Day

In the evenings – Popular Dances Cinelândia
20.00 Concerts start at Samba Land and in Lapa
23.00 Rio Scala Ball

Friday, February 20th
13.00 Opening Ceremony – the Carnival King (Momo) is crowned by the city mayor and receives the city´s keys
19.00 Children´s Samba Schools Parade

Saturday, February 21st
09.30 Street Band Cordão do Bola Preta (Downtown)
16.00 Banda de Ipanema meets at Praça General Osório, Ipanema
19.00 Official Costume Competition in Hotel Gloria
20.00 Street Band Competition in Av. Rio Branco, Centro (Downtown)
21.00 Parade of the Samba Schools in the Access Group
23.00 The Magic Ball at Copacabana Palace Hotel

Sunday, February 22nd
21.00 Parade of the Samba Schools in the Special Group

Monday, February 23rd
21.00 Parade of the Samba Schools in the Special Group

Tuesday, February 24th
16.00 Banda de Ipanema marches for the last time
21.00 Parade of the Samba Schools in Group “B”
23.00 Gay Costume Ball in Rio Scala

The Magic Ball at Copacabana Palace Hotel
Saturday, February 21st, from 23:00
This legendary ball is not just the high point of the night but also the most famous Carnival ball; the natural choice for glamour and sophistication. Luxury costume or black tie/evening dress is required, and a number of international and local VIPs are always among the guests. All tickets include buffet dinner and free bar.
There are different tickets for the individual dining rooms. All tickets provide access to all ballrooms.
Tickets for the Golden Room include a seat at a table of 6, 10 or 12 people.
Tickets for the Noble Room include a seat at a table of 10 or 12.
Standing tickets do not offer a table seat; however, good weather allowing, there will be tables on the balcony.
Golden Room: from R$1,950.00 (approx. R8800.00)
Noble Room from: R$1,300.00 (approx. R5800.00)
Standing: R$1,000.00 (approx. R4500.00)
Box: R$2,750 per person (approx. R12 400.00)
Venue: Copacabana Palace Hotel, Avenida Atlantica 1702 – Copacabana
Tel: (+55 21) 2545 8790

Official Costume Competition in Hotel Gloria
Saturday, February 21st
This is a very traditional Carnival event in Rio with the best, biggest and most original costumes of the year (mainly the so called destaques). It offers you the chance to see the best costumes of the principal samba schools before the Samba Parade, at close hand. There are also entrants with costumes only made especially for this event.
It is a big night with app. 900 people attending and it takes place in the halls of Hotel Gloria, one of the best and smartest hotels in Rio. The presentation is very theatrical. The huge and dazzling costumes represent historical characters or any chosen theme, according to the imagination of the gentlemen, ladies and drag queens who participate in the event. They compete in 4 categories: the sumptuous, the original, drag queen and soul.
You do not have to wear a costume; you can just go and see the competition.
Venue: Hotel Gloria, Rua do Russel 632 – Gloria
Doors open at 18.30 and the competition starts at 19.00. It finishes at about 22:30.
Admission: R$50.00 – free ticket delivery within the city of Rio
Tickets are on sale at the hotel or at Rua Senador Dantas 117 / Room 2009 – Centro (Downtown) or call and reserve on 2267-1692 / 8804-9484 (Senhora Nilce-only Portuguese spoken).

Ball Masque 2009
Friday, February 27th, 22:00-05:00
Live music taking turns with a DJ and the drummers of Imperatriz, one of the best Rio samba schools. This will be its third year and this time the theme is ‘Moulin Rouge’ .
Dress formal or wear a fancy-dress.
Venue: Hotel Sofitel, Av. Atlântica 4240 / Level E – Copacabana
Admission: R$370.00
Table seat per person: R$500.00
Prices include free buffet and drinks
Tel: (+55 21) 2525-1206 (Alexandra-English spoken 9:00-18:00)

SCALA BALLS

In its 20th year, the Scala nightclub offers thematic dances every night during Carnival, having the grandest indoor carnival parties of the city. The venue is big and very well-known.
Venue: Rio Scala, Avenida Afrânio de Melo Franco 296 – Leblon
Tel: (+55 21)2239-4448 / 2511-4140 (only Portuguese spoken)

You will find standard tickets for most events on the door even on the night, just do not arrive too late.
You are advised to buy tickets for the Gala and the Gay Costume balls 3-5 days in advance. Reserve tables and boxes 3-5 days in advance on the above number.
Table prices per table seating 4 people.
VIP box prices are per person and include unlimited alcoholic drinks (except whiskey) and free buffet with sushi, fruit and snack bar.

Thursday, January 19th
Mangueira Carnival Ball
It is a good opportunity to experience the music and atmosphere of one of the most traditional and well-known samba schools (Mangueira) without having to visit its rehearsal space. The School will have it all – its drummer group, its principal samba dancers and the flag bearer and her escort. It is a true and real samba night; you can dance all night or just watch and enjoy the crowd. This is a traditional event which happens every year.
Admission: R$40.00
VIP box seat: R$160.00
Table: R$300.00

Friday, February 20th
Red and Black Ball
This night celebrates and is dedicated to the world-famous Rio football team, Flamengo, with the red-and-black striped flag. It is one of the most popular nights.
Admission: R$80.00
VIP box seat: R$190.00
Table: R$600.00

Saturday, February 21st
Ball of the Marvelous City
The night celebrates and is dedicated to the city of Rio de Janeiro.
Admission: R$80.00
VIP box seat: R$190.00
Table: R$600.00

Sunday, February 22nd
Gala Ball
This is the biggest ball in the series with some special guests.
Admission: R$40.00
VIP box seat: R$160.00
Table: R$300.00

Monday, February 23rd
Ball of the ´Beer´
A new event in the series. Unlimited and free beer all night. Live music by a Carnival band taking turns with a Rio DJ (Mc Marcinho).
Admission: R$50.00
VIP box seat: R$160.00
Table: R$300.00

Tuesday, February 24th until 7:00 am
Gay Costume Ball
It is probably the most famous night in the series. A truly exotic collection of characters take to the two floors and a grand entrance is de rigueur – the ball is broadcast to the whole of Brazil. A flamboyant crowd with lots of drag queens and their admirers.
It is very popular with all folks not only gay boys and girls.
Admission: R$80.00
VIP box seat: R$200.00
Table: R$700.00

One of the primary instigators in the creation of the bossa nova style was Antônio Carlos Jobim (also known as Tom Jobim). He’s a Grammy Award-winning songwriter, composer, arranger, singer, and pianist/guitarist whose songs have been performed by many singers and instrumentalists, Brazil and international alike. João Gilberto (born in my favorite part of Brazil, Bahia) is also a Grammy Award-winner – a singer and guitarist often called the “Father of Bossa Nova” for his role in defining the music genre. His recordings in the 1950s (including many songs by Tom Jobim and Vinicius de Moraes) established bossa nova as a steadfast element of Brazil’s musical landscape. Vinicius de Moraes (nicknamed O Poetinha – the little poet) from Rio de Janeiro was equally seminal in the contemporary Brazilian music scene. He wrote poetic lyrics for a great number of songs that were to become all-time classics. In addition to being a composer, he was also a playwright, and a diplomat. Gilberto Gil is a singer, guitarist and songwriter, and was until very recently, Brazil’s Minister of Culture. He is best known for his late 1960s Tropicalismo (also known as Troplicália, the art movement that arose in the 1960s in Brazil, and encompassed theater, poetry, music and art) recordings such as “Roda”, “Lunik 9”, and “Domingo No Parque”. Gil began his career as a bossa nova musician, but soon began (along with the likes of Caetano Veloso) writing songs centered on political awareness and social activism. Caetano Veloso is one of Brazil’s most popular and influential composers and singers. Born in Bahia, his younger sister (Maria Bethânia) preceded him into fame as a singer in the mid-1960s. His music spans many genres including bossa nova, Tropicália, Brazilian pop, and MPB (Música Popular Brasileira, or literally “Brazilian Popular Music”.) Celso Machado is a world music guitarist, percussionist and multi-instrumentalist. He lives in Vancouver, Canada but for over thirty years he has performed on concert stages throughout Brazil, Western Europe and Canada, as well as in the United States. He a teacher, composer and recording artist known for his ability to imitate bird calls using wind and percussion instruments. Juju Duarte is a gutsy singer from the back streets of Rio. Duarte sang for two decades in samba clubs, at religious gatherings, and street parties. His music is straightforward, folksy, and irresistible, infused with bossa nova and samba beats, played on an acoustic guitar. Check out his album Da Rua Dos Ossos (2007).

Moving on to the bands that were equally popular during the 1960s and 1970s (in the height of the Tropicália movement), we have Os Mutantes. They were an influential psychedelic rock band originally comprised of two brothers and a vocalist, but since then, have gone through numerous personnel changes. After a hiatus from the late 1970s (during the height of the Tropicália scene) to the early 2000s, the band reunited for a tour in 2006. Gal Costa (born Maria da Graça Costa Penna Burgos) from Salvador, is one of Brazil’s foremost female Tropicália movement singers and guitar players who played and sang during the late 1960s and 70s. Along with her friend Maria Bethânia, she became a political activist during the era of censorship under Brazil’s dictatorial government. Tom Zé (born Antônio José Santana Martins) has an eccentric style that bears him the title of being one of Brazil’s most iconic representatives of the ‘alternative sound’. Not only does he use objects as instruments, but also maintains an eclectic personal style. Influential during the Tropicália movement, Zé contributed (along with other artists such as Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil, Gal Costa, Os Mutantes, and Nara Leão) to the infamous Tropicália album / manifesto Tropicália: Ou Panis Et Circenses.
Milton Nascimento is a self-taught Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and guitarist considered an icon of MPB. Djavan (from Alagoas) combines traditional Brazilian rhythms with popular music drawn from all over the American continent, Europe and Africa; try Bicho Solto (1999). Tim Maia (who died in 1998) was an icon, known for his ironic, outspoken, and polemical (but always humorous) musical style. Maia performed in a variety of musical genres, ranging from happy and energetic dance music to sentimental songs, performing soul music, funk, and bossa nova in the 1990s. Marisa Monte was classically trained in opera singing, but grew up surrounded by the sounds of the Portela samba school. She combines diverse influences into her music. After the 1980s Brazilian Pop rock scene, she went to semi-exile in Italy where she became a hybrid of MPB diva and Pop rock performer. She has recorded traditional samba and folk tunes, as well and songs by Marvin Gaye and Lou Reed as well as many foreign artists. Lenine, a singer-songwriter from Recife, won two Latin Grammy awards in 2005 for “Best Brazilian Contemporary Album” and “Best Brazilian Song”. Jorge Ben from Rio is a popular musician whose characteristic style fuses samba, funk, and rock into samba-rock; his lyrics blend humor and satire with often esoteric subject matter.

Emerging in the 1980s and onwards, Legião Urbana is one of the most successful rock bands in Brazilian history. Originally created in 1983, the post-punk band continued to exist until 1996, with the death of its vocalist, Renato Russo. Cidade Negra’s songs about love and social issues have influences of reggae, soul and rock. CéU (whose full name is Maria do Céu Whitaker Poças) is a new, young face in the musical scene, but she’s quickly gaining notoriety. She is a singer-songwriter from São Paulo (born in 1980) whose first American album was released on the Six Degrees label in April 2007. She was born into a musical family as her father is a composer, arranger and musicologist. It was from her father that she learned to appreciate Brazil’s classical music composers, particularly Heitor Villa-Lobos, Ernesto Nazaré and Orlando Silva. Her music blends samba, bossa nova, reggae, pop and electronic. Ana Carolina (born in 1974 in Minas Gerais) is a singer, song-writer and multi-instrumentalist, who also came from a musical family. She grew up listening to MPB icons such as Chico Buarque, João Bosco and Maria Bethânia and international singers Nina Simone, Björk and Alanis Morissette. Seu Jorge (born Jorge Mário da Silva in 1970) was raised in a favela in the Baixada Fluminense region of Rio de Janeiro state. His fans consider him a “renewer” of Brazilian pop samba. Jorge cites samba school Estação Primeira de Mangueira, composers Nelson Cavaquinho, Zeca Pagodinho, and American soul singer Stevie Wonder as major musical influences.

With so much in the media about Honeymoon Registries, we have decided to highlight a few of the reasons that so many engaged couples are turning to them to replace the more traditional wedding gift wish list

• Couples been living together for a long period of time have everything they need for their home.
• In 2009 many couples might feel that they cannot afford the honeymoon they always dreamed of, with thehoneymoonregistry.co.za family and friends can contribute towards this lifelong honeymoon dream and thus solve the problem.
• Couples get married later and later. They quite often have individually established homes and the thought of combining them together is already a problem. When it comes to wedding gifts a travel and honeymoon wish list is the only way to go. ( click here for a list of honeymoon destinations)
• Couples can put whatever items they want on their registry. Perhaps they have chosen a Beach holiday but would love to go on an elephant safari at some stage of their newly married life. This item can be added to the honeymoon registry and used at their discretion.
• Wedding Guests have a clear idea of what the couple would like to enjoy on their honeymoon and they can avoid purchasing gifts that are not wanted and will never be used.
• A honeymoon registry is considerably more personal than a request for cash. Many wedding guests take offence to requests for straight cash. A wedding is a celebration for all and wedding guests want to leave couples with something that will last forever
• With a honeymoon registry you have the possibility of upgrading your honeymoon. Wedding guests may decide to pay the extra tariff on a hotel room upgrade, or they might organize a hot air balloon ride in the early morning for you. With thehoneymoonregistry.co.za you have the opportunity of including items in your honeymoon that you might otherwise not have been able to afford
• Depending on what couples have chosen for their registry and where they have decided to go for their honeymoon. The honeymoon registry affords couples the prospect of extending their honeymoon into the years to come, for example, they could create a honeymoon registry that has one activity to be completed for every year they have been married.

No problem, it is still possible to have a romantic and affordable honeymoon. Here are some options:

1. Ask for the gift of a honeymoon.
   The Honeymoon Registry is a fashionably “new” way of paying for your dream honeymoon by making use of a Honeymoon Gift Registry. Quite simply, create an account set up your registry and notify your guests. The honeymoon registry works in the same way as a normal gift registry but instead of receiving crystal and linen, you receive your dream honeymoon or portions thereof. In today’s current social circles, asking for donations or straight cash is still frowned upon. The reason: guests want to share in the romance of your big day and leave with the knowledge of having contributed something small towards your happy future as a couple, in this case by helping create a special memory. Of course one could always ask for a cash donation, but purchasing a portion of the honeymoon (be it a hot air balloon ride or a romantic meal on an island beach), is so much more meaningful. There are a number of honeymoon registries online most of them American, however www.theHoneymoonRegistry.co.za is an established South African option.

   More information on Honeymoon packages >>

2. Local is “Lekka”
   At the moment flights take up a large portion of the total honeymoon costs. With Fuel surcharges around the world on the increase this particular cost does not look like it is going to decrease very soon. Why not stay local rather? South Africa is a world renowned tourist destination, with resorts and lodges rated in the top ten for Honeymoon destinations. Most South Africans haven’t traveled very much within their country and feel obliged to go abroad on their honeymoon as it is “the done thing”. However, by saving on the airfare there is the possibility of staying in a truly exceptional local lodge as apposed to the mediocre alternative abroad. Some South African lodges and resorts even offer nationals special rates and discounts. In Europe, there are so many places tourist hot spots rarely indulged in by the locals. Perhaps do a cycling tour along the Danube stopping over in little Bnb’s or in London hiring a romantic cottage in the lake district.

   SA Local Honeymoon packages >>

3. Seasonal Travelling
   Low season is much more economical than the High season. Most places offer winter specials from May to September with some prices discounted to more than 30%, or perhaps there will be one or two extra nights added in. Apart from the financial savings, the “low season” is much quieter and more intimate than at other times of the year – perfect for a honeymoon. Don’t be tempted to think that low season means dreary weather – in Afria – May, August and September quite often have fantastic weather, where as in the Northern Hemisphere October and November are still good months to travel too.

   Current Seasonal Specials >>

4. Chat to a honeymoon Specialist
   Specialists in the field should be able to create a honeymoon package within your budget, incorporating many of your honeymoon ideals. Just like a wedding planner helps you find and create the perfect honeymoon, a good travel/honeymoon specialist will help you tie all the cords (or strings as may be the case) together. If you approach them with your idea and don’t have a specific destination in mind, they should be able to come up with a good number of alternatives. There are, after all, many places to honeymoon in.

   Contact Us >>

5. Go Camping
   Picture a crackling fire, an open sky filled with stars, awe-inspiring beauty and just the two of you snuggled together. Camping is much more romantic than it is given credit for. All you have to do is go prepared. Essentials include warm sleeping bags, comfortable sleeping mats, waterproof tent and a bottle of massage oil. The choices of destinations are endless and if you are planning on a prolonged (6 – 12 month) honeymoon driving through Africa, or backpacking around the world, this is definitely the way to go. There is also the added advantage of adding the “bare- camping-necessities” to your Gift Registry or you can simply hire everything you need. With cutting back on the cost of accommodation you may find that you are in a fantastic position to spend more on the camping destination. Perhaps you could even do something “exotic” like the Inca Trail in Peru. For a list of reputable camping rental outlets in Europe, London or South Africa, contact Pangea International Tours

   More information on the Inca Trail >>

6. Book Early
   Many people leave their honeymoon arrangements until the very last minute. Unfortunately this generally means that you get the “left-overs”. As a result you are likely to pay higher prices for the flight, experience difficulties in obtaining availability at accommodation with the possibility of having to take a more expensive room option than your budget allows for. Avoid the stress, book early, and leave it to your honeymoon specialist to do all the work for you. If you do find your self in a situation where you have left things to late, sign up to budget travel newsletter and see what last minute deals you can obtain and go on a surprise honeymoon without ruffling your tail feathers.
7. Enter Competitions
   Winning a competition may very well be remote and might not be what your honey-pie had in mind of a carefully considered honeymoon, but it will certainly help with keeping the costs down. If you do get lucky it means that by the time your first anniversary comes around you will have recovered from the cost of the wedding and can really indulge on a fantastic honeymoon.
8. Take a Self- Catering or a Self- Drive Option
   Quite often travellers will opt for an all inclusive packages on a full board basis (breakfast, lunch and dinner) so that they wont have the hassle of paying for food whilst on their honeymoons. This isnt always the best option. You might find yourselves on remote island beach honeymoon where a picnic lunch is far more appealing than going back to the hotel, or, there may be restaurants nearby that you would love to try. Perhaps the appeal of a romantic fireside dinner for just the two of you is the ultimate in honeymoon style. Whatever your reason, look at all the options and think twice before taking the full board honeymoon package with all transfers included, it can change the final price of your honeymoon dramatically. Rather look to see if there are any restaurants in the area that interest you and if hiring your own car might not be a more economical option

   Self Drive Honeymoon Packages >>

Like other Latin American countries, Brazil has its own set of rules set by a machismo culture that caters to an often-patriarchal system of power in many spheres of public life. However, this entry is not about ‘who wears the pants’ in Brazil, for this could be debated endlessly! This is more about what you can expect as a foreign woman traveling through the cities, towns, villages and beaches. Brazil is a wonderful country to visit, overall, and if the word machismo gave you a scare, don’t let it. Brazilians (men and women alike) are incredibly warm, friendly people who will for the most part; go out of their way to help you, and to share with you the richness of their culture. Machismo is less overt in Brazil than it is in many other Latin American countries; attitudes towards sex are quite liberal. As demonstrated on the beaches, Brazilians overall are comfortable wearing very little clothing, and they are not shy about admiring their own and other peoples’ bodies; this should not be mistaken for leering or jeering (though of course, trust your instinct and remove yourself from a situation that suddenly feels uncomfortable). Open your mind and heart to Brazil, but be smart about it, and you’ll be fine. Take a look at these tips, do some of your own research, and get ready for a wonderful experience.

Tip 1: Learn some Portuguese! If you speak some Spanish, you have a slight advantage because many words you will be able to figure out. However, the two languages can differ greatly, so take some time to learn some phrases, at least, and customary greetings. Also, learn some emergency phrases; write these down (including phonetic pronunciation so you don’t forget!) on a slip of paper that you carry with you. Very few people speak English in Brazil; it’s not only good for communication, but it will impress the locals if you can say some phrases in their language. Carry your hotel or hostel address (in Portuguese) on your emergency slip of paper, including the phone number.

Tip 2: Regardless of the situation, be confident. If you’re not feeling even slightly confident, fake it; this holds mostly true for walking around by yourself on city (or town, for that matter) streets. If you need to consult a map, pull yourself over, tuck into a shop, and then take a look. Walk like you know where you’re going, even if you suddenly realize you don’t know where you are. Ask directions in a shop or police station or to the nearest friendly person; this is one way to practice your language skills, make a new friend, and avoid the “big map pulled out on the street” situation, which marks you as an obvious tourist.

Tip 3: Dress like a local. Style and amount of required clothing for women will vary from city to town to countryside. What women wear in downtown, urban Rio will be very different than what women wear in steamy, laid-back Salvador. In general, the warmer the climate in Brazil, the fewer clothes the women (and men) wear. Try to blend in as much as you can.

Tip 4: If you are a blonde or a light-haired woman, and have light / pale skin, you will get some attention, especially in the northeastern parts of Brazil where there are significantly fewer pale-skinned people. You might receive some catcalls or whistles, but much less than in other Latin American countries. Women in Brazil flirt just as much as the men do; this is part of the culture, so don’t assume this kind of attention is an insult or some form of exploitation. Trust your instinct always, and get out of any situation that feels like it might be harmful or dangerous; but 99% of the attention you will receive will be good intentioned and complimentary.

Tip 5: Men and women kiss a lot in Brazil. Men will typically shake hands and pat each other on the shoulder; both men and women will kiss one (or both) of your cheeks upon meeting and departing, so be prepared to reciprocate. People also dance very close to each other; so if you find yourself on the dance floor, pressed up tight against a strange man, don’t be alarmed. But, of course, stay a bit on guard and respect your own comfort level.

Tip 6: Bear in mind that in any town of any size in Brazil, the area around the rodoviária (train station) is potentially a red-light district at night, so as a woman on your own, it’s not a good place to hang around. Transport terminals, however, are usually policed and fairly safe at all hours.

Tip 7: For both women and men, it’s not a good idea to carry your camera around your neck, or in any kind of flashy camera bag, for that matter. Try using a different bag that isn’t easily identified as a camera bag. Wear minimal flashy jewelry and don’t speak in a loud voice so that everyone around you knows instantly that you’re a foreigner. Carry just enough cash for the day (stash the majority of it somewhere safe on your body and carry only small bills or coins in your pockets); carry an ATM (VISA and MasterCard is accepted in almost all cities and towns) card but make sure you have the cancellation number handy in the event that your card is stolen. Don’t carry anything valuable with you on the beaches, and certainly, don’t leave anything valuable on the beach while you go swimming. If necessary, befriend someone and have them watch your things for you.

Tip 8: If you are traveling alone, it’s a good idea to stay at a hostel or another social overnight accommodation. Not only is it safer than staying all by yourself in a remote or secluded hotel room, but you’ll also meet people, and be able to find company for the late night dinners, parties or other festivities that might otherwise be a bit risky on your own. Neighborhoods can quickly merge into each other in cities and towns, so what was a very safe place to be on your own at night can easily become a dangerous place to be simply by walking down the wrong street. So avoid going out on your own late at night; if it’s unavoidable, be smart and strategize. Avoid taking the public buses all by yourself late at night, especially if you don’t know the lay of the land. Rather take a cab, show the driver the address, and negotiate the fare.

You will have a wonderful experience in Brazil if you can speak some of the language; if you stay smart, savvy and alert; and if you open your eyes, ears, and heart to the warm people around you. Empower yourself before your trip as much as you can (a little knowledge can go a long way), and once you’re in the country, learn some of the ground rules of the specific locations where you’ll stay. Most of all, enjoy your trip, and bring back good stories to keep in your heart and to share with people back home.

This little checklist is just to try to help you plan for your adventure and stay safe while you are there. We have more advice available for specific travellers, just send us an email on our contact form and we will forward you the relevant information.

Before you go:

• Check our travel advice pages for the country you are visiting.
• Sign up for email alerts and you’ll get the latest updates for that country.
• Find out where the nearest embassy will be – check their website to find out what services they offer and their opening times
• Don’t travel without insurance – make sure it covers you for any activities such as extreme or water sports
• Are you a UK citizen travelling within the EU? Then get a free European Health Insurance Card for free or reduced emergency care – you still need full travel insurance though!
• Check with your doctor whether you need any vaccinations at least six weeks before you travel
• Make sure you’ve got correct visas for the country you are visiting and that your passport is valid
• For certain countries your passport must be valid for 6 months after the date you travel – check before you go
• Take photocopies of your passport and other important documents and keep these separate from the originals when you travel, send a copy of these to your travel agent that way if anything goes wrong they can act immediately on it for you.
• Tell a friend or relative where you are going and for how long for – give them some idea of your itinerary if possible and an emergency contact number. Pangea International Tours will always provide you with a copy of the relavant contact numbers and your itinerary so that you can leave a copy with family members whilst you are away.
• Take enough money for your trip and some back-up funds in a mix of cash and travellers cheques –  make a note of the cheques’ numbers before you go.
• Invest in a good travel guide to help you plan your trip
• Driving abroad? Make sure your licence is current and valid. Make sure you are aware of the driving laws in the country you are visiting

Its holiday time, you have just arrived, time to hit the beach… but before you do -

• Think about what you are doing at all times and trust your instincts – don’t take risks that you wouldn’t at home!
• Don’t openly display valuables such as mobile phones or digital cameras and consider using a padlock on suitcases or backpacks
• Find out about local customs and dress, behave accordingly and obey local laws – there may be serious penalties for breaking a law that might seem trivial at home
• Be careful when taking photographs, videos or using binoculars. Such activities may be misunderstood, especially near military installations
• Consider taking your mobile with you or renting one whilst you’re away.  Store useful numbers such as the local police and the nearest embassy or consulate
• Check with your service provider to make sure your phone works abroad
• Check whether it’s safe to drink local tap water – if not, stick to bottled water and avoid salads, non-peeling fruit and ice in drinks
• Use your judgement when buying and eating food you’ve not prepared yourself
• Respect the environment – don’t buy wildlife souvenirs, conserve resources like water and don’t drop litter

Just before you depart to come home:

• Check your flights to see if the times have changed.
• Send a message to friends and family advising them what time you are expecting to arrive
• Have a safe flight