Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This is part 1 of 2.

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Welcome back to the Dr. Mary Travelbest Guide podcast. I returned from a 90-day journey around the world, and I'm excited to connect with fellow travelers and share experiences.

The FAQ is: What are three phrases to learn for Brazil?

Answer: Language Insights: Your Spanish will help tremendously.

While English is less commonly spoken outside tourist hotspots, learning a few key Portuguese phrases can enhance your experience:

Bom dia (Good morning)

Obrigada (Thank you – from women)

Quanto custa? (How much?)

These should help you on your first day. Translation apps are a great aid, but personal effort in learning the language shows respect for the rich Brazilian culture and will be warmly appreciated.

60-second confidence challenge

Your challenge today, the Confidence Challenge in Rio, will be to shop at the market, and you will find that the fresh fruits and vegetables are the best bargains. You may also find that your washing and drying machines are located by the market and are easy to operate. I found a laundromat that took less than 40 minutes for small loads, washing and drying my clothes. It was a bargain, too.

If you like today's Confidence Challenge, my book series delves deeper into shopping and getting life tasks like laundry completed, while moving through the 5 steps to solo travel, from easy to more challenging, with foreign language communication tips.

You can find the series at the link in the description.

See Book A for addressing this concern.

Find it on the website​​ at https://www.5stepstosolotravel.com/ or on Amazon. It's a several-part series.

Today's destination is Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Part 1 of 2

If Rio has been sitting in the back of your mind for years, let's talk honestly about what you really need to know before you go — especially as a solo female traveler.

Rio is bold. It's beautiful. It's emotional. But it is not passive travel. You need a plan. This is Step 5: Solo Travel.

While the views from hillside Airbnbs can be captivating, prioritizing safety and convenience for your first visit is paramount. My favorite days in Rio were going to Copacabana and Ipanema, plus visiting Christ the Redeemer and praying in the small chapel at the top, where no one else was there.

Embrace the Safety Reality with Confidence

Rio does showcase visible poverty and inequality, but don't let that intimidate you. Staying alert and taking smart precautions can ensure a safe experience. Here are some helpful tips:

- Keep jewelry minimal to avoid drawing attention.

- Opt for a crossbody bag with a secure zipper.

- Use your phone discreetly; keep it tucked away unless in use.

- Take Uber for nighttime travels instead of random taxis.

- While daytime at the beach is lively and fun, stick to populated areas after dark.

I had no problems with theft or any scary times in the city. It is Step 5 travel, for sure.

Remember, a blend of confidence and awareness will enable you to enjoy your time in this dynamic city!

Strategically Visit the Icons

You've seen the breathtaking photos. Be sure to visit these 4 places:

- **Christ the Redeemer**: Arrive early or later in the day to dodge the heat and throngs of tourists.

- **Sugarloaf Mountain**: Enjoy the smooth ride and savor the extraordinary sunset views. I didn't visit, but I did see it every day from Niteroi. Listen to that episode later.

- **Selarón Steps**: Experience the vibrant colors and energy; be sure to visit during the day. This was an unexpected delight, and a bit of a tourist trap. The nearby Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian (Catedral Metropolitana de São Sebastião) is the main church located near the Selarón Steps (Escadaria Selarón) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It is a distinctive, conical-shaped, modern cathedral situated just a short distance away in the Lapa neighborhood. You can walk there from the steps as I did, even though it was midday and very hot. Break up the travel into two-hour segments and stay refreshed.

- **Rio Botanical Garden**: This peaceful, underrated gem boasts flat walking paths perfect for a reflective afternoon.

Water: Respect the Ocean- I swam every day here.

If you have a love for the ocean, Rio will not disappoint! Just remember that Atlantic currents can be strong, so stay safe by:

- Swimming near lifeguard stations. I loved being at Ipanema and Copacabana beaches, and nearby hotels for some r and r.

- Steering clear of isolated areas.

- Keeping an eye on your belongings; don't leave them unattended.

- Renting a beach chair from credible vendors for comfort.

Morning walks on the beach are magical and provide a quieter atmosphere to enjoy.

Translation apps are a great aid, but personal effort to learn the language shows respect for Brazil's rich culture and will be warmly appreciated.

**Cultural Awareness**

Brazilians are warm, expressive, and affectionate. You might hear comments or whistles that are cultural rather than threatening. Always trust your instincts—if something feels off, don't hesitate to remove yourself from the situation. Dress stylishly but simply to blend in and enjoy your surroundings.

**Final Thought for Solo Women in their prime**

Rio is not about conquering fear, but about being well-prepared. When you stroll along Copacabana at sunrise, feeling the refreshing Atlantic breeze, you'll discover something important: you are capable of so much more than you realize.

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My missteps: Travel Mistakes to Avoid in Rio: Beat the midday heat.

Travel early in the morning and don't try to beat the midday heat. Sometimes, it was so hot, I just wanted to melt. Save yourself with a midday nap if possible.

Thanks for listening, and I'll see you on the next journey.

AI was used to select some of the suggestions for this episode.

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