Is going to Brazil one of your bucket lists this 2019? Brazil is a very big country, which is around the same size as the United States. It is also the fifth most populous country in the world, with over 206 million people living in there. On top of it, Brazil is home to some of the best destinations in the world, including the Baia do Sancho which is drubbed as the best beach in the world, according to TripAdvisor.
If you’re thinking of visiting Brazil but you’re not sure if it’s a safe place to go, keep reading.
Maybe you’ve heard about the best Rio de Janeiro photography locations, as well as the stunning beaches, natural wonders, and so many amazing spots. But you’ve also heard about the high crime rate in Brazil. And yes, it’s true. Alongside the wonderful things you know about Brazil, this country is also known for some of its dark side – injustice, poverty, and slums. Crimes like assault, carjacking incidents, pickpocketing, and armed robberies are not rare in Brazil. Add the high risk of natural disasters in remote locations.
As to the weather, Brazil isn’t a safe pick as well. Last year, the heavy rains brought major floods to various parts of the country, including the famous city, Rio de Janeiro. In addition to flooding, there’s also a huge threat to landslides.
So, it is safe to travel to Brazil this 2019?
Of course, it is! While it isn’t the safest place in the world for sure, Brazil is still a choice of destination by about 6.6 million international travelers each year.
The thing is anywhere you go, your safety can still be compromised. What can you do to make your trip to Brazil enjoyable and safe? Check out these tips:
Be aware of your surroundings, at all times.
Even if you are surrounded by many people and you feel that it’s really safe there, you should stay alert and cautious. Avoid walking alone in places all by yourself. Use caution when driving especially at night, as well as when going to major transportation centers or public transportation. Check out this source for the high-risk travel areas, according to the US Department of State.
Get insurance.
It doesn’t matter if it’s a three-day trip or a month-long vacation, getting travel insurance is a must. Travel insurance can offer protection against a lot of unforeseen events, from lost luggage to flight cancellations, vehicular accidents, and medical emergencies.
Travel light… and simple.
Traveling light has so many benefits. For one, it increases your mobility, especially during emergencies. Also, do not wear jewelry, designer bags, and expensive clothing. Don’t use your mobile phone while walking especially in crowded places. Be very careful when using an ATM. Check if the machine isn’t tampered or anything.
Prioritize your safety at all times.
Do not physically attempt to resist a robbery attempt. Remember, your life is much more precious than anything else. Once you’re safe, seek help and file a report at the nearest police station.
Familiarize yourself with the places you will visit.
Weeks before your flight, research about the safest routes, destinations, and hotels in Brazil. Don’t rely too much on Waze or Google Maps as some of the shortcuts can go through favelas (slums) where the rate of criminality is high. It’s best to hire a tour guide so you don’t have to risk asking locals about where to ride or how to reach a certain destination. You can’t be too trusting with people when you are in a strange place.
While Brazil is certainly not an ideal travel destination, you can have a fun and safe vacation following these tips. Tenha Uma Viagem Segura (Have a safe trip)!
Author Bio
Richard Cole is a Marketing and Content Manager at MustGo.com and working in Digital Marketing industry since 2002. He writes about marketing, lifestyle, travel and everything else in between. As a conversion driven marketer, he is passionate about helping businesses expand their online visibility and reach their goals.