For some of you, you might teach me a few things, but for those who are new, I'm going to try and help to ease the pain of preparing for this trip.
First, Check you passports! Are they Valid until February 2015? Why am I asking this? Brazil requires passports to be valid 6 months from the return date of the Trip, Which puts you at January of 2015,however February is a safer bet.
Don't have a passport? I'd start the application process this week. Start the Passport application here
You have to apply in person at a facility that handles applications. They mail it off with your fee and you hopefully will get it back in a month or so. Then you need a Brazil Visa. You may have a MasterCard credit card, and that's fine, but you still need a Visa. This again is a separate application and can be done in person in Washington DC, or by mail. Typically you mail your passport, money-order, and application to the consulate and they insert the visa and return it to you.
Once this is complete, make copies. You will take copies with you to Brazil, both your carry-on and checked bags, and email to yourself as a PDF. Also leave copies with a family member who has a phone and easy access to fax or email just in-case we need it sent. I will have copies of everyone as a backup, but we WILL be prepared in more ways than one.
If all else fails, and you show-up with your passport, we can go to Brazil.
OK, so we know who you are, and where you are going by your passport that you have.
The Doctor will see you now...
See your family doctor or a clinic and explain your travel plans. You should have prior vaccinations for Hepatitis A, typhoid, and Hepatitis B. Routine immunizations including MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), and varicella should be up to date. Neither cholera nor polio vaccines are recommended except under specific circumstances, but I'm just the leader, so see your doc!
Refer to the CDC for more info, but your doctor will research what you will need. The flu shot is also handy if you are able to get it. USA CDC Travel to Brazil
Lets Pack!
This list will be handed out in our May meeting, ( May because April is Easter and Plane Ticket purchasing time, and the church is swamped with meetings)
July is rather chilly in southern Brazil. This would be like our December/January season wise, but not that cold. In 2011, it was comfortable during the day with a fleece jacket but at times was cool. Temps went from 50 - 60F. So we have to be prepared. Think fall weather around here. breezy, damp and chilly. Heads up!
Carry-on List:
-PASSPORT
-Driver’s License
-Credit Card / ATM Card
-Cash (we will exchange it in Brazil) Rate as of 2/22/2014 = .42 ($1USD = R$2.35)
-Passport belt
-swimsuit in case of flight delays
-layers for plane temperature spikes
-spare clothes in-case luggage is lost
-water bottle (EMPTY)
-plane snacks
Checked luggage list:
-flashlight
-tissues
-sunscreen
-prescription medicine in original bottle
-small first aid items (Tylenol, pepto, band aids, etc.)
-work gloves
-bathing suit
-wash cloth
-Bible
-journal
-flip flops
-extra batteries
-converter/adapter
-host family gift/s (a few small gifts from your town/state)
-bug spray
-hat
-bandanna
-deck of cards
-laundry detergent
-toiletries
-watch
-battery alarm clock
-hand sanitizer
-extra pair of glasses
-church clothes
-casual clothes
-rain jacket/umbrella
--photos of your family (or keep them on your phone)
This will grow...........................................................................................................................................
OK, that is a small starter for traveling if I may say so myself.
~Carl
