1. The best ho(s)tels (on cost-benefit and safety basis) are those away from the centro/centrum/main attractions. Once you've parked your heavy pack at the ho(s)tel, it makes it easier to find your way to the sights with local public transportation on a lighter load (if any at all).
2. Safety first - always take a cab at night, even if it may break your daily budget. You can make it up elsewhere.
3. Book bus times with morning arrivals (to avoid the creeps, pervs, and robbers at nights) and evening departures (to save a night's stay at a ho(s)tel) - and a reference to point #2.
4. Travel 101 - eat where the locals eat for a cheaper and more authentic experience. Just follow the crowds and be adventurous.
5. If there is a metro (subway), use it. It's usually safe, easy to understand, well-linked to major bus stations and airports, and easy on the pocket - like the one in Sao Paulo.
6. Take care of your health - drink lots of water, take vitamins, wear sunscreen, and use insect repellent (where necessary). My limbs have been bruised and bitten by insects that it's no longer a trivial affair. Self-care takes priority!
7. Language permitting, talk to locals and fellow travelers and listen to their stories, insights, and ideas. They have been my teachers in a lot of ways.
I must say the bulk of my travel expenses in Brazil has gone to transportation first and lodging second. Brazil's backbone of long-distance travel is her interstate buses which although reliable are also costly (especially versus Ecuador's!). Here's a feel of the costs: Rio De Janeiro-Ouro Preto (7hr, one-way) R$71.50 (~US$35), Ouro Preto-Sao Joao del Rei (4hr, one-way) R$44 (~US$22), and Sao Joao del Rei-Sao Paulo (7hr, one-way) R$65 (~US$32). The average daily night stay in Brazil ranges from R$30 to R$40 (~US$15-20). Ouch!
2. Safety first - always take a cab at night, even if it may break your daily budget. You can make it up elsewhere.
3. Book bus times with morning arrivals (to avoid the creeps, pervs, and robbers at nights) and evening departures (to save a night's stay at a ho(s)tel) - and a reference to point #2.
4. Travel 101 - eat where the locals eat for a cheaper and more authentic experience. Just follow the crowds and be adventurous.
5. If there is a metro (subway), use it. It's usually safe, easy to understand, well-linked to major bus stations and airports, and easy on the pocket - like the one in Sao Paulo.
6. Take care of your health - drink lots of water, take vitamins, wear sunscreen, and use insect repellent (where necessary). My limbs have been bruised and bitten by insects that it's no longer a trivial affair. Self-care takes priority!
7. Language permitting, talk to locals and fellow travelers and listen to their stories, insights, and ideas. They have been my teachers in a lot of ways.
I must say the bulk of my travel expenses in Brazil has gone to transportation first and lodging second. Brazil's backbone of long-distance travel is her interstate buses which although reliable are also costly (especially versus Ecuador's!). Here's a feel of the costs: Rio De Janeiro-Ouro Preto (7hr, one-way) R$71.50 (~US$35), Ouro Preto-Sao Joao del Rei (4hr, one-way) R$44 (~US$22), and Sao Joao del Rei-Sao Paulo (7hr, one-way) R$65 (~US$32). The average daily night stay in Brazil ranges from R$30 to R$40 (~US$15-20). Ouch!
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