Via Mashable:
The biggest event in the world for soccer fans is only days away.
About 600,000 international travelers will head to the 12 host cities
across Brazil for the World Cup from June 12 to July 13, 2014. That's in
addition to more than 3 million Brazilians who will be attending the
games.
If you are one of the lucky travelers headed to Brazil, here are a few suggestions for making sure your trip is great.
1. Have your documents in order
U.S. citizens are required to have a visa to enter Brazil. World Cup
attendees receive a free visa, but anyone else must pay $160.
Your passport should have at least six months left before it expires.
Make a copy of your passport and health information to carry with you
and leave the original in a secure location like the hotel safe.
While traveling keep your documents and any other important papers with
you — use a zippered plastic bag to keep them together and dry.
2. Share your itinerary with family or a friend
Write down your itinerary, including flights, hotel information, contact
numbers and dates of travel, and give it to a friend or family member
who will be able to help if anything happens. Make copies of your
passport and any credit cards you'll be carrying, also.
3. Learn the key phrases in Portuguese
If you don't speak the language already, you aren't going to learn
Portuguese in the next three days. But learning a few words and phrases
can make getting around much easier.
Duolingo is a great app for practicing basic vocabulary, and the
Portuguese course makes learning the language like a game. Rosetta Stone
also released an app for iOS and Google Play for World Cup vocabulary.
4. Take care of your health
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends
travelers headed to the World Cup games in Brazil visit their doctor's
office first. Travelers should be current on routine vaccines, including
measles, tetanus, chicken pox, polio, and flu. Also, depending on where
you are traveling, you should also consider getting vaccinated against
hepatitis A, typhoid, hepatitis B, yellow fever, rabies and malaria.
If your medical insurance does not cover you for international travel,
purchase a policy for your trip. There are many options available
online.
In addition to learning how to ask where the stadium is, also practice —
or carry with you — how to ask for medical assistance in Portuguese.
5. Pack strategically
The World Cup's host cities are all across Brazil. Wherever you're
headed, you will probably have a long trek to get there, so packing
light is key. Pack items that are good for multiple situations and that
can easily be washed in your hotel bathroom.
Any medications should be packed in your carry-on baggage, and not
checked. Don't forget a first-aid kit, and be sure to leave room for
souvenirs.
6. Stay safe
The U.S. Department of State has detailed information for the 160,000
Americans who purchased tickets to World Cup games. U.S. citizens can
enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program before they go to
receive updates and any alerts or warnings for their destination.
Be wary of pickpockets in crowded tourist areas, avoid taking unmarked
taxis, and do not wear expensive jewelry or clothing that makes you
stand out as a tourist.
In other words, use common sense and take the usual precautions to stay
safe while traveling abroad. Tourists are common in Brazil's many
cities, and many areas are safe. Being aware of what to watch out for is
your best bet for avoiding any accidents.
7. Have an emergency plan
What would you do if your wallet were lost or stolen? Who can you call
who will be able to help? What does your insurance cover if you are
injured? Be sure to have an answer to these questions before you leave.
Also, know what help is available to you while in Brazil: The emergency
numbers in Brazil are 190 for the police, 192 for calling an ambulance,
and 193 for calling the fire department.
8. Enjoy the journey
And we don't just mean the games. Chances are that reaching your World
Cup destinations will take many hours and cover thousands of miles.
Don't wait until you reach a stadium to have fun.
Brazil is an amazing country and the World Cup games are sure to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for fans.
