The Busy Person's Guide to 

Rio De Janeiro

Getting ready for another trip! After all this time, I'm starting to find harmony between creating content, working, traveling, and maintaining my sanity. It's not exactly a balance, but it feels like a good fit.

You know what's fun about it? It's time to take on more work.🤓

If Zuckerberg can learn Mandarin, MMA, and still successfully run Facebook, then I should be able to pursue my own (several) interests too.

Rio is an amazing place. It truly resembles my version of heaven.

Whenever I describe Brazil to people, I often say that God has blessed that land. However, I’m grateful that I don't live there because I would never want to leave.

I don't mean to excessively praise Brazil, but it is one of the few places 

I've been to where I've thought, "I don't need to travel anywhere else."

That being said, if you find yourself in Brazil, you must visit Rio de Janeiro. While I've heard that there are even more beautiful places in Brazil, Rio is definitely a must-see for your first time.

Here are some things to do when you're there:

Go to the beach - You can't visit Rio without going to the beach. It's like going to New York City without checking out Times Square. There are many beaches to choose from, such as Copacabana and Flamengo beach. Personally, I prefer Ipanema beach because it's a little nicer and not as crowded. As for how long you should spend at the beach, don't worry about it. Just go and enjoy yourself! Rio isn't a place where you need to rush. It's a destination for relaxation and enjoying the sun and weather.

Sugarloaf Mountain - This site offers some of the best picturesque views in Rio De Janeiro. If you want to top that, visit during sunset. The mountain got its name because it resembles loaves of sugar, surprising right? For James Bond fans, this site was featured in "Moonraker." I was hoping to find Jaws, but I couldn't spot him. I actually just made a video about Sugarloaf Mountain. Check it out to discover the best selfie spot!

Go to Pedra do Sal - This area is a local hangout spot where you can immerse yourself in the culture. It's LGBTQ+ friendly and everyone is really nice here. Visit on Mondays for live Samba music. However, be cautious of pickpockets.

Christ the Redeemer - You've seen this a billion times, so it's definitely a must-see in Rio de Janeiro. Did you know that it’s considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World? Honestly, it was a little anticlimactic after fighting the crowds and waiting in long lines. If you're willing to splurge on Christ the Redeemer, take a helicopter ride where you can skip all the lines and have the best view of the statue without any of the crowds.

Museu do Amanhã - I also made a video about this museum. As you can tell, I really liked Rio. But let's get back on topic. Even if you're not a museum person, this is a really cool spot to check out. Honestly, it looks like it was taken straight out of a science fiction film. However, everything starts to make sense at the end, and then you realize the message it's trying to convey. I won't spoil it here. Just wait until you're in Brazil or watch my video on social media. See what I did there? Be aware that this place can get crowded, so try to visit on a weekday or make a reservation to avoid the lines.

Picture Spots

Escadaria Selarón - Take pictures on these stairs, but be patient with the swarm of people. The wait is worth it though because you’ll capture nice Instagram pictures. I promise.

Sugarloaf Mountain - See above

Christ the Redeemer - Gotta have a shot here.

Quick stop

Royal Portuguese Reading Room - This place resembles a scene from Harry Potter. It’s widely regarded as one of the most beautiful libraries in the world and I wholeheartedly agree. The library showcases classical Portuguese Manueline architecture, with elements like ropes, palm trees, and pineapples. It’s also one of the largest Portuguese libraries located outside of Portugal. If you plan to visit, make sure to go on a weekday since it’s closed on weekends.

Splurge option:

Christ the Redeemer - Helicopter Ride: Experience a thrilling helicopter ride to see Christ the Redeemer up close and personal. With this option, you can bypass the long lines and enjoy stunning panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro.

Sugarloaf Mountain - Fast Pass - Take the fast pass to go up Sugarloaf Mountain. Otherwise, you could end up waiting in line for hours. The fast pass costs only $20, and if you time it right, you can capture a beautiful sunset picture.

What is the first thing you would do in Rio de Janeiro?

Cocktail of the Week

The Mimosa cocktail is believed to have originated in the early 20th century at the Ritz Hotel in Paris. It was named after the yellow flowers of the mimosa tree, which bloom during the same season as the drink is typically enjoyed.

Recipe for Mimosa:

• 2 oz chilled champagne or sparkling wine
• 2 oz chilled orange juice

To prepare the Mimosa:

1. Chill the champagne and orange juice in the refrigerator.
2. Pour 2 ounces of chilled champagne into a champagne flute or wine glass.
3. Add 2 ounces of chilled orange juice to the glass.
4. Gently stir the mixture to combine the flavors.

Enjoy the vibrant and refreshing Mimosa cocktail, a delightful combination of sparkling wine and orange juice, reminiscent of the blossoming mimosa trees in France.

Random Travel Thought

People's conscience tells them to slow down, but mine is telling me to speed up and do more.

Follow me on Instagram.  

The Plug

Cheap flights:

• Going.com: This might be the only discounted flights website you need. It’s a paid service that sends you notifications when deals become available, but they expire in a couple of days so Act Fast!! 
• Secret Flying 🤫: This website emails you about free flight opportunities and even better… it doesn’t cost a thing!!
• Skyscanner: An older, but still reliable website that’s also *FREE* so there’s no reason not to use it. Use the "Explore the World" feature and set your departure date to "Whole Month" to find the cheapest deals.

Insurance:

• Safety Wing: I use Safety Wing as my travel insurance because the plans are flexible. You can easily insure a 1-week trip for like $11 dollars which is less than the cost of a cocktail at the bar.

Travel Gear

• Compression socks: Sitting for extended periods of time is not good for the body, so keep yourself healthy enough to go on more trips. Link
• Apple AirTags: Consider getting Apple AirTags for the peace of mind of always knowing where your luggage is. Link
• Smart Phone holder: It's a foldable sheet that can be used as a stand for your iPhone or iPad.Link
• Packing cubes: Having a separate container works wonders for keeping clothes wrinkle-free. It also makes packing/unpacking much easier.Link
• Donut Power Strip: Power outlets are always in demand, but sometimes they're in weird spots. I use this bagel because it's lightweight, and I don't have to think about it. Link
• Travel Case Organizer: Cable organizers can be a pain, but this is what I use to keep my cables organized. Link
• Backup batteries: I like these backup batteries because they have three important components for me: 1. They have enough power to recharge my phone multiple times at once, 2. Are small enough to put in my pocket, and 3. Are sturdy enough to survive a fall. Link
• Yoga Mat: I use this thin mat to get my stretching in even when I'm traveling. Link
• Jump Rope: It's so easy to bring a jump rope with you for exercise because it weighs almost nothing and takes up no space. Link
• Liquid IV: Great for hydration to keep you from dying. When you're traveling, it's time to live it up!  Link
  
  *Above are Affiliate links at no additional cost to you.

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