Rio de Janiero

It's a city of contrasts. Rio is one of the rare megacities where the skyline is completely overshadowed by the spectacular surrounding natural landscapes that carve through it. A place of wealthy leafy neighborhoods by the beach clashing against lawless, poverty stricken slums (or favelas) that stretch into the sky itself up impossibly steep hills. The glamour of Brazil's iconic samba dance and old school Bossa Nova music facing the realities of high crime that's only getting worse with the realities of a boom and bust cycle, in an economy still highly dependent on commodity prices—as was the case for most of Brazil's history. 

Rio, and Brazil in general, is not for the faint of heart. Start with an extensive (and $$$) visa process even for a tourist visa and a surprisingly long flight for a city in roughly the same time zone. (It's pretty far south, even for Brazil). Then add on its notorious crime and relative lack of English. 

But if you can handle a few minor travel difficulties, the reward is a city that can be absolutely amazing at times...in its energy, resilience, and just the things you will see. Also, read on for a few key tips that should take the edge off some of the Rio's rough spots. 

United MileagePlus: [Direct: United] or connect via Air Canada.

American AAdvantage: [Direct: American or LATAM] or connect via Avianca, Copa.

Delta SkyMiles (good luck…): [Direct: Delta] or connect via Aerolineas Argentinas.

[Pictured: Just a low key, Monday evening neighborhood samba party in the streets of Saúde amidst a mix of historic and abandoned buildings not far from downtown Rio.] 

The Good: 

• The beach, caipirinha in hand, among Rio's fit and tanned locals. While Copacabana—the beach and surround neighborhood—feels a bit past its prime, Ipanema still attracts the same crowd as when the Girl from Ipanema was written to reflect it.

• Thanks to Brazil's long boom-and-bust economic history, the physical traces of past boom times have largely managed to escape the snares of eager real estate developers. Think crumbling turn of the century architecture in half-abandoned neighborhoods to well-preserved mid-century hotels right on Rio's most iconic beaches, and even a well guided tour of a pacified and developed favela.

• The current "bust" phase that Brazil's economy has found itself in during recent years means it's bargains all around for visitors to a city that—depending where you go—is every bit as sophisticated and familiar to Westerners as Miami or Nice.

The Bad:

• Brazil, along with China, India, and Russia (I guess it's a big country thing...) is one of the few well traveled destinations that requires a full travel visa from Americans. Also, at $160, it's one of the most expensive. Good for 10 years and multiple entries though, at least. Expect to pay even more if you don't feel like schlepping to the nearest Brazilian embassy or consulate to submit it.

• Crime in Rio is a real concern. That being said, taking some common sense steps should minimize the chances of this being a real issue on your trip. For example, don't walk on the beach in the middle of a night (this seriously happened to a friend.) Also, Uber! Especially after dark. More on that later..

• There not really a well preserved historic center to wander about in this city, but instead of you'll find pockets of really interesting neighborhoods scattered about the metropolis.