Plan your trip to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Protected by the widespread arms of the huge Christ the Redeemer statue perched over the city, Rio de Janeiro is known for its beautiful people, beautiful beaches, good dance moves, even better soccer team and thumping carnival.

Copacabana and Ipanema are, by far, the most famous beaches. Those attracted by the much-celebrated  love of Brazilian beauties for minuscule bikinis should note that while itsy-bitsy doesn’t begin to cover it, actually going topless is illegal in Brazil.

Unfortunately, Rio is also known for its gang-riddled slums, or favellas. Obviously, travelers should avoid risky areas and use common sense to stay safe. If you do so, your trip to Rio is likely to be eventful only in the best sense of the term. So book a ticket for the two weeks of carnival, pack your sun block and smallest swimwear, and get ready to get your samba on.