Travel To Brazil

Brazil is the biggest country in South America. It borders every other country of the continent except Chile and Ecuador.

Brazil is very much a country of contrasts. When someone hears the word Brazil, one thinks of the great Amazon forest, fantastic beaches, great soccer players, Carnival time - and that's all. Well, Brazil, the most important country in South America, certainly has MUCH more to offer - warm people, great cities with everything from slums to high technology, a wide range of weather patterns, an awesome mixture of cultures and races - and much more!

The most visited places in Brazil includes Fernando de Noronha Island, Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo (the two bustling megacities of the south-east), the more relaxed city of Salvador in the northeast, or the old colonial towns of Ouro Preto and Olinda. For natural beauty, try a visit to Iguacu Falls. If you have the chance the best time to visit is Carnival.

There is nothing in the whole wide world like Carnival in Rio. Brasilia, the capital city of the country, is known by its great architecture. It is a planned city.

The most up-and-coming resort in Brazil is now the small friendly Praia de Pipa, in the NE of the country; serviced by international airports at Natal and Recife, this small town is popular with both Brazilians and foreign tourists. The laid back attitude of the open and friendly locals make this a welcome change to some of the more recognised but less safe and inviting destinations.

In Southern Brazil you can visit the state of Santa Catarina, which is visited every year by people who prefer not too crowded spots like major cities or places where all tourists go. Small beaches like Mariscal, Garopaba, Taquaras or Estaleiro beach are not too far away from medium size cities, so they provide all necessary structure, but at the same time still conserve their natural enchantments. Praia do Pinho (close to Balneario Camboriu - the most important touristic spot in southern Brazil) is the paradise for naturists as it is the first official nude beach in Brazil (http://www.praiadopinho.com.br). Many options of adventure activities such as rafting, diving, fishing, trekking are aso available in this beautiful region. 

Brazil's cuisine is as varied as its geography and culture. On the other hand, some may find it an unrefined melange, and everyday fare can be bland and monotonous. While there are some quite unique dishes of regional origin, many foods were brought by overseas immigrants and have been hybridized through the generations. In Brazil, Italian and Chinese food can often be as baffling as Amazonian fare.

Brazil's national dish is feijoada, a hearty stew made of black beans and pork (ears, knuckles, sausage and pieces of beef (usually dried)). It's served with a side of white rice, garnished with collard greens and sliced orange. It's usually not served in restaurants, and ones that do, typically have it only twice a week (usually Wednesday and Saturday). A typical mistake made by tourists is to eat too much feijoada shortly after arriving. This is a heavy dish, you need to get used to it before you eat it. Even Brazilians usually eat it parcimoniously. While you are at it, try the caipirinha, Brazil´s signature drink made of wedged limes, sugar and cachaça.

Excellent seafood can be found in coastal towns. Especially in the Northeastern part of the country.

In even the smallest most towns it is easy to find self-service restaurants with good food. Brazilian restaurants tend to be quite clean, considering that this is a developing country and in many of them you can actually see the kitchen. At least you should be able to, since it´s required by law.

Most of the self-service restaurants offer two kinds of deals: they have an all-you-can-eat fixed price (called "Rodízio"), or you go "por quilo", which means that you weigh your plate after you serve yourself. This is very common during lunch time throughout Brazil.

Snacks and street food
Brazilian snacks, called lanches, include a wide variety of pastries. Look for coxinha, empadinha, and pastel. Another common snack is a misto quente, a ham-and-cheese sandwich. Also pão-de-queijo is very common...

Regional Cuisines
Southern - Churrasco is Brazilian barbeque, and is usually served "Rodizio" ou "espeto corrido" (all-you-can-eat). Waiters carry huge cuts of meat on steel spits from table to table, and carve off slices onto...

Restaurants
Eating out is a great bargain and a pleasure in Brazil. Service varies in quality but is usually inexpensive. Even in "expensive" Rio, and in the tourist...

Vegetarian food in Brazil
Although many traditional dishes are prepared with meat or fish, it is not difficult to live on vegetarian food as well. The country has a rich supply of all kinds of fruits and vegetables...

Hot drinks and soft drinks
Brazil is recognized world-wide for its high-quality strong coffee. Cafezinho (little coffee) is a small cup of sweetened coffee which is usually served for free after meals in restaurants (just ask politely). Essentially it's just a shot of espresso..

Alcoholic drinks
Brazil's most famous alcoholic drink is cachaça, an extremely potent sugar-cane liquor known to knock the unwary out quite quickly. A great place to visit in Rio de Janeiro's neighbourhood of Leblon is Academia da Cachaça...


Source: http://www.justbrazil.org/ 

Travel To Canada

Canada's most southerly region, south Ontario , contains not only the manufacturing heart of the country and its largest city, Toronto , but also Niagara Falls , Canada's premier tourist sight. North of Toronto there's the far less packaged scenic attraction of Georgian Bay , a beautiful waterscape of pine-studded islets set against crystal-blue waters.

Québec , set apart from the rest of the continent by the profundity of its French tradition, focuses on its biggest city, Montréal , which is for many people the most vibrant place in the country, a fascinating mix of old-world style and commercial dynamism. The pace of life is more relaxed in the historic provincial capital, Québec City , and more easy-going still in the villages dotted along the St Lawrence lowlands, where glittering spires attest to the enduring influence of the Catholic Church.

Across the mouth of the St Lawrence, the pastoral Gaspé peninsula - the easternmost part of Québec - borders New Brunswick , a mild-mannered introduction to the three Maritime Provinces , whose people have long been dependent on timber and the sea for their livelihood. Here, the tapering Bay of Fundy boasts amazing tides - rising and falling by nine metres, sometimes more - whilst the tiny fishing villages characteristic of the region are at their most beguiling near Halifax , the bustling capital of Nova Scotia .

Back on the mainland, separating Ontario from Alberta and the Rockies, the so-called prairie provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan have a reputation for dullness that's somewhat unfair: even in the flat southern parts there's the diversion of Winnipeg , whose traces of its early days make it a good place to break a trans-Canadian journey.

Moving west, Alberta's wheatfields ripple into ranching country on the approach to the Canadian Rockies , whose international reputation is more than borne out by the reality. The provincial capital, Edmonton , is overshadowed by Calgary , a brash place grown fat on the region's oil and gas fields, and the most useful springboard for a venture into the mountains. 

Canada is one of the most exciting travel destinations in the world. It has many interesting cities, like Toronto, North Vancouver, Montreal or Halifax. But also some of the most impressive nature, which is great for outdoor activities, like hiking, skiing, rafting and fishing. 


Canada boasts a wide, diverse culture, which we celebrate with pride, and there is simply no way to see everything in one trip - or even in a lifetime. Full of surprises, Canada is simply the most astonishingly beautiful country in the world. 


For those wanting to take advantage of the outdoors, best time is to visit in the summer. For those wanting to experience everythingCanada has to offer, visit in the winter. Temperatures range from plus 40 C in summer to minus 40 C in the winter, so dress accordingly! 


The typical Canadian might be an elusive concept, but you'll find there's a distinctive feel to the country. Some towns might seem a touch too well-regulated and unspontaneous, but against this there's the overwhelming sense of Canadian pride in their history and pleasure in the beauty of their land. Canada embraces its own clichés with an energy that's irresistible, promoting everything from the Calgary Stampede to maple-syrup festivals and lumberjacking contests with an extraordinary zeal and openness. As John Buchan, writer and Governor-General of Canada, said, "You have to know a man awfully well in Canada to know his surname." 

With Canada as your chosen holiday destination - the challenge is now where to go and what to see and do. To make the most of your precious time in this vast Continent. 

Calgary Winterfest
All things show will be highlighted during the event. A children’s carnival will be set up indoors at Devonian Gardens. There will be skiing and snowboarding at Olympic Park. Canoe portage competitions and an array of winter sports will complete the list of activities.

Annual Festival du Voyageur
An annual celebration of “joie de viure” highlights French Canadian history. A street party, dog sled races, parade and winter sportsl competitions provide something for everyone. Log sawing, barrel balancing, and beard growing all make the list of sports to watch.

Kellogg's Quebec City Winter Carnival
A great all city festival with music and street fun. Ice sculptures and snow activities for the entire family. The carnival mascot BonHomie leads the festivities

Fete des Neiges
Ice sculptures, skating, tobogganing, singing in the streets of the old city, pure family fun and revelry in Parc des Iles, Montreal

Winterlude.
North America’s largest winter festival includes endless activities for families. The festival’s activities line the longest skating rink in the world. Outaouais/Ottawa.

Thunder on Ice
The big event in the north. Snowmobiles, cars, ATV’s and dirt bikes will be competing for over $150,000 in prize money. A concert with big name music stars is also planned. TV coverage will reach 25 million households in North America. 

Source: http://www.justcanada.org/