ACCOMMODATIONS FOR THE WORLD CUP IN BRAZIL – RENT A HOME!

Having a hard time finding accommodations for the World Cup in Brazil this year or just think hotels are too expensive, having little to nothing to offer?

It seems many Brazilians in host cities have recently discovered sites like Airbnb and VRBO, and the past couple of months have seen a huge growth in people announcing their homes or apartments on these sites and through agencies alike! People with spare bedrooms have also been fixing them up to receive guests from all around the world. 

Photographers from Airbnb are going crazy with all of the demands they’re getting, and everyone and their mother is planning a vacation during the World Cup out to their country homes or beach apartments so they can leave their own homes to visitors. 

What does this mean for travelers? There are tons of apartments up for grabs for the World Cup! If you’re still looking, here’s a sneak at rooms and homes for rent in Rio and São Paulo, ranging from US$100 for a room to -US$850/night for a home that fits up to six! 

Get in touch with Brazil Vibes and ask about your #maninbrazil discount plus find out how to rent one of these gems and see many more options in Rio, São Paulo, and all other host cities.  

#maninbrazil is a project by www.travelconceptsolution.com 

World Cup Brazil Versus South Africa

In June 2006 I boarded the last flight from London to Frankfurt the day before England’s first World Cup match.

As you can imagine 99% of the passengers were English football fans heading to Germany to support England.

I happened to hear a conversation between two fans who said they had both been to the previous two World Cups, but there was no way they would be going to the next one as it was in South Africa in 2010 because the country was far too dangerous, but they would of course be going to Brazil in 2014.

Having spent many years living in South Africa, this of course saddened me to think that South Africa had such a bad reputation that obvious fanatic England fans would miss a World Cup just because it was going to be in South Africa.

Over the next few years on my travels I heard similar comments made about South Africa, and the fact people wouldn’t travel there for the World Cup for various reasons, but mainly safety concerns.

The best comment I heard was that South Africa was so dangerous that all the teams would be based on cruise ships off the coast and transported to the stadiums in helicopters!

South Africa clearly had work to do to improve its global image.

Four years later in January 2010 South Africa was a country full of optimism and excitement because of the fact that in a few months they would be welcoming the world to their country to experience the first World Cup in Africa. It wasn’t seen as just a football tournament, but also an opportunity to show the world what a great country South Africa is.

All the stadiums were ready on time, the airports were improved and all the world class hotels and attractions were ready for what was South Africa’s big chance to show the world.

More importantly, the people of the country were united and ready, as this was an opportunity to welcome the world with friendly open arms and perhaps shake off the negativity of the past.

In contrast, when it was announced that Brazil would host the World Cup in 2014, football fans around the world celebrated saying “that this could be the best World Cup ever”, regardless if they have ever been to Brazil or even met a Brazilian.

When people think of Brazil they simply can’t think of a negative thing about the country, although it has its own controversial history. You only have to mention Brazil and it conjures up images of beaches, cocktails, samba music, carnival and of course its beautiful people. Quite simply you mention Brazil and 9 out of 10 people will smile and say “I want to go”.

Nobody ever thinks of danger and crime. When you say you are traveling to Rio nobody would ever think of asking is it safe, as they do for Cape Town for example.

Brazil simply doesn’t have that image internationally, and it doesn’t need to show the world what a great country it is.

In the years running up to The World Cup in South Africa, there was always negative story’s and rumours about FIFA wanting to move the event to the USA, Germany or even Australia. But South Africa rose above this and had all their stadiums completed before the FIFA deadline, which lead to an official announcement from Sepp Blatter himself that the World Cup would not be moved.

Having spent three months in Brazil in 1999, I decided to travel back to the country and spend two months visiting some of the host cities. It is  January 2014 and is Brazil and its people ready to welcome the world?

The answer is NO! Both the country and its people don’t seem to care!

This is not to say that Brazilians are not nice friendly people like South Africans, but rather they have bigger problems to care about than just a football tournament, as that’s all it is to them because they don’t need to improve there image internationally.

Only half the stadiums are completed two months past the FIFA deadline, while several people have died in the construction of the stadiums, and one city might even lose its host city status as its stadium is so far behind schedule.

Add to this that the main international airport Sao Paulo’s (regularly voted the worst International airport in the world) new terminal is also unlikely to be finished in time.

These facts alone would have had the world crying out in 2010 for the World Cup to be taken away from South Africa.

When you talk to local Brazilians or even mention the World Cup to them they always have the same negative response which is “we don’t care” as they have massive problems with corruption, education, health care and infrastructure.

Corruption is at such a level that they see no way that the country or the man in the street can benefit from the World Cup, as any money made will go straight into somebody’s pocket.

Twelve months before the World Cup, millions of normal people took to the
streets as they saw through a price rise in local bus fares as the way the government was going to help pay for the event and actually got the decision reversed.

This has left an air of optimism about their protests and more are planned running up to, and perhaps during, the World Cup, as the people don’t want 12 shiny new stadiums, they want a better country and future.

Being a football loving country, this probably will not affect football fans visiting the country, and I am sure the stadiums in the main cities will be full, but this lack of enthusiasm for the event and lack of preparation by the country in improving its facilities and infrastructure (as they feel they don’t need to) might leave the average football fan shocked at what they find when the arrive in a country that is held in such high regard.

Thanks to @Johngoliath82 for editing this for me :)

#maninbrazil is a www.travelconceptsolution.com project.

Contact Us for all your World Cup Bookings 

World Cup In Belo Horizonte

What do know about Belo?

Although Belo Horizonte is not one of Brazil's most famous city's it is one of its biggest with a population of around 5 million making it actually Brazil's third biggest city.

 World Cup Fixtures

14 June		Colombia	-	Greece
17 June		Belgium	-	Algeria
21 June		Argentina	-	Iran
24 June		Costa Rica	-	England
28 June		1A	-	2B
08 July		W57	-	W58

If you are planning on visiting for the World Cup you might not be to inspired to stay long as there really isn't much to see.

Belo doesn't have the usual attractions and must see tourist spots but what it does have makes it well worth staying for a night out.

The city is believed to have over 12,000 bars and its famous for its night life and friendly people. Plus the city is the home to 2 of Brazil's biggest football teams (Cruzeiro and Athletico Minero) making the city and its people football crazy.

Belo Horizonte is a relatively short distance from Rio (6 hours drive) and São Paulo (8 hours drive) so its easy to get to and well worth the effort.

The stadium is about a 20 mins bus journey from the city center and they are creating a new bus system with bus lanes that should bring this journey time down.

If you arrive in the city on the day of a World Cup match head straight to the stadium as its next to a large lake with bars and restaurants close by so there is sure to be a lot happening on match days. 

Ouro Preto  

Less than 100km away (in the direction of Rio) is Ouro Preto one of the oldest towns in Brazil.

This old rich mining town is defiantly worth a visit to experience some of the history of colonial Brazil.

For more info and hotel booking for Belo Horizonte contact us.

Check Out #maninbrazil on Instagram and Twitter.  

#maninbrazil is a project by Travel Concept Solution

Contact Us for all your World Cup Bookings 

PACKAGES WORLD CUP RECIFE, PORTO DE GALINHAS:

Recife is the capital of the state of Pernambuco, in the north-east of Brazil, and the centre of the country's fourth-largest metropolitan area - a conurbation of another 13 cities, including Olinda, with a population of 3.7 million.

World Cup Matches 

14 June		Côte d'Ivoire	-	Japan
20 June		Italy	-	Costa Rica
23 June		Croatia	-	Mexico
26 June		USA	-	Germany
29 June		1D	-	2C

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS :

RECIFE HOTEL 4 STARS (****) INCLUDES 

- 3 nights accommodation

- Transfers

- Optional Services : Transfer to and from stadiums 

Category :                        Single                           Double                      Triple

Top                                 R$ 2,508 . -                  R$ 2,749 . -               R$ 3,612 . -

Luxury                             R$ 2,835 . -                  R$ 3,111 . -               R$ 4,095 . -

Premium Luxury               R$ 3,336 . -                  R$ 3,681 . -               R$ 4,854 . -

Junior Suite                     R$ 4,095 . -                  R$ 4,526 . -               R$ 5,992 . -

HOSTEL  ACCOMMODATION / HOSTEL INCLUDES :

 3 nights : With breakfast R $ 1,455

- 3 nights accommodation

- Transfer  from Recife - Porto De Galinhas

- Optional service : Transfer to and from stadiums 

CONTACT US FOR OTHER  ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

 #maninbrazil is a project by Travel Concept Solution

 Contact Us for all your World Cup Bookings 

Sampa City - Sao Paulo

Often underrated in contrast to Brazilian cities along the coast, São Paulo’s megalopolis is by no means your average Latin American city.

There is never a dull moment in Sampa city, where businesses bustle and bars even more so! São Paulo City has: 90,000 events per year, 10 football stadiums (once the Arena São Paulo is finished!), 110 museums, 15,000 bars, 160 theaters, 410 hotels and 12,500 restaurants, some of which have been named the best in the world.  

Beyond that, the city has a number of green spaces, trails for hiking, and sprawling parks throughout. The city is filled with diverse people hailing from all over the country and the world, so in any given moment, you can walk down Avenida Paulista and hear a number of languages spoken or find all sorts of cuisine from different parts of the country. Ready to visit yet?


Who is playing in Sao Paulo:

Opening Match!
Brazil x Croatia

Uruguay x England
Netherlands x Chile
South Korea x Belgium

The international airport is in the city of Guarulhos (GRU) and is about 20 km away from the stadium.

What we can offer:

Local Knowledge

Native Brazilians who have an understanding of different foreign cultures through international travel and residence - allowing then to understand tourists' needs better than most!

Local guides

We have a network of locals who know the city like the back of their hands and have a variety of interests and professions!

Tours

We like to take visitors exploring the local life style. Take the metro and walk the streets of the city to feel the real vibe and energy São Paulo has to offer. Go to local eateries that are off the beaten track and have some fun with our clubber guides.

Transfers

Anything from executive transfers and all day tours with English speaking drivers at your disposal to advice on how to take less expensive transport in and out of the city to other destinations and airports.

Hotel Bookings

We have a close relationship with hotels hostels and guest houses in the city and can help you find accommodation that suits your needs and preferences. The service industry in São Paul is amongst the best in Brazil and we'll make sure you get the top quality service you deserve.

Pictures By Humberto Hirochi

#maninbrazil is a project by Travel Concept Solution

 Contact Us for all your World Cup Bookings 

Brazilian Banks Are A Mystery!

Don't be fooled by Visa and MasterCard signs as they mean nothing!!

This is my second trip to Brazil in 12 months and on my first trip I spent half a day in Rio trying to find an ATM that would except my bank card! 

Finally I found an HSBC (The Worlds Bank) and it worked, So When I arrived on my second visit I of course headed straight to the HSBC at São Paulo airport.

Imagine my confusion when it didn't work and the confused look on my face as after a long flight I stood there thinking "I am sure it was HSBC"

After a few minutes of confusion and thoughts of oh shit! I tried Bradesco Bank and the ATM happily gave me cash so thinking I must have got it wrong with HSBC next time I needed cash I headed to Bradesco Bank which is where the mystery begins......

Depending on the bank, The ATM, The way you put in your details or simply the mood the machine is in depends on whether or not it will give you cash at what ever bank you try! even if it displays the Visa/MasterCard sign.

This mystery is so confusing that if there are 4 ATMs at one bank try them all as one might just work. 

There are 3 main banks in Brazil that except international cards HSBC, Bradesco and Banco Do Brazil and I suggest when you find one that works and draw more money than you need as it might take a day or two to find another.

In one town I visited during this trip there was a Banco Do Brazil branch with 4 ATM's none of which worked, Neither did the HSBC or the Bradesco which led me to find out this is a common problem and I was tipped off about a small Banco Do Brazil ATM in a shopping mall that worked.

If you are reading this and thinking you will be fine because you bank at HSBC think again because you wont! as I met one guy who speaks Portuguese and has a UK HSBC account and he couldn't even get the bank in São Paulo to explain why his card wouldn't work in Brazil.

Be warned if you travel to small towns there may only be one bank that wont give you cash!

 #maninbrazil is a project by Travel Concept Solution

Contact Us for all your World Cup Bookings  

Copacabana Vs Ipanema

When thinking of Rio you will of course think of its famous beaches as the top place to stay during your World Cup trip.

The most famous beaches are of course Copacabana and Ipanema! 

Both are Long, Both have songs written about them (well one about its women) So whats the difference when trying to decide where to stay? 

Copacabana 

Probably the most famous beach in Brazil never mind Rio, Very busy with a great view of the equally famous Sugar Loaf Mountain. It has bars/restaurants (cabañas) every 100 meters which are busy until late in the evening, plus even a night market every evening until midnight.

The Suburb

The suburb itself is also very busy all day and all night with people and lots of traffic. This is where you will find a good mix of local and more upscale restaurants and bars, but like many suburbs in Rio there is a favela (slum/township) very close by which gives it its local flavor but also its edge at night.

Accommodation Options

Hotels, Guest Houses, Apartments, Hostels 

Transport

The transport links are good with many buses to the city centre and other attractions in Rio and of course the main bus station.

Copacabana also have metro stations that will link you with The Maracana stadium with only one change of trains. 

   

Ipanema

Is basically connected to Copacabana by a 200m stretch of main road ( so you can easily walk and enjoy them both ) The beach isn't as long or as busy as Copacabana but still has bars (cabañas) every 100m. They are less developed than the ones on Copacabana with a local feel (they don't offer food) and where you can buy a cheap beer or a caparihina and enjoy on of the most famous sunsets in the world.

The Suburb

This is where the rich and famous hang out! The streets are tree lined with good expensive hotels and restaurants on every block not to mention the designer clothes shops and boutiques.

Expect to pay more for everything in Ipanema as its definitely not as local as Copacobana as the local bars are replaced with designers shops.

You will feel safer in Ipanema at night but still be cautious.

Accommodation Options

Hotels, Guest Houses, Apartments, Hostels 

Transport  

The transport links are the same as Copacabana with lots of buses but as you need to fight your way through the Ipanema and Copacobana traffic any journey to other parts of the city will take longer.   

They are currently extending the Metro so by the time of the World Cup Ipanema should have metro stations.

The Verdict

Depending on your budget and considering everything is already expensive expect Ipanema to be stupid money and over priced but if you can afford it and want to live like the rich and famous Ipanema is my top choice over Copacobana. BUT! Thats'  if you can afford it.

Having stayed in both I can say there is nothing wrong with Copacabana if you want a more of a local experience and better value for money, although it is expected to be still over priced.

Regardless of which one you choose you can enjoy all that both can offer as they are so close to each other and both are expected to have big screen public viewing areas.

We strive to work with locals to get you the best prices and give you the best Brazil experience.

Please contact #maninbrazil for all your World Cup needs and follow @simlewis via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram

#maninbrazil is a project by Travel Concept Solution

Contact Us for all your World Cup Bookings