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I’m at the point in my trip where I’m taking care of the practical things that I feel need to be done before I leave. I more or less go through the same process for every trip, though this is my first long trip without Jess in awhile. When we travel together, we generally split up the roles, but since I’m traveling solo it’s all on me. Here’s what’s on my list of things to do:
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One thing that is always worth doing some pre-planning (in my opinion) is figuring out what credit cards to put in my wallet on an international trip. I generally go with one ATM card, one Visa, one AMEX, one MC, and one wildcard, usually a second Visa. When going international, I don’t want to take too many cards (actually five sounds like a lot now), but I also don’t want to be screwed if a certain card type isn’t accepted or if one of my cards runs into issues.
I’ve been stressed about my decisions a little more because Brazil’s advice to tourists is to just let yourself get robbed if it’s happening. Don’t scream, don’t fight back, etc. With that in mind, I’ve come up with this brilliant plan: I’m bringing two wallets. My first wallet, my real wallet, I’ll only really carry to and from Brazil. In there, I’ll have my ATM card (Fidelity cash card), my Chase Ink Plus, AMEX Platinum, and Barclaycard Arrival Plus World MasterCard®.
My second wallet will be my “throwaway” wallet, aka, the I might be getting mugged here have my wallet wallet. In there I’ll have one real card (Chase Sapphire Preferred), a couple of expired cards, and some cash. That’s the wallet I’ll probably carry around with me the majority of the time in Brazil. If I’m carrying a fake wallet, where will my real money go? In a handy dandy money belt of course. I feel like they are essential to have – not only in Brazil, but we use them in Europe, Asia, Newark – everywhere! (Just kidding, Newark. New Jersey 4 Lyfe.) So I’ll have some money, another card, and the copy of my passport (and game tickets) in there. Anyway, that’s my thinking right now – I still have a few days so I might change my mind – but that’s how I’m leaning for now! Three days to go. WOO! P.S. – USA!!!
Other Posts in this Series
Getting Pumped, Getting Prepared
Finally Here! First Impressions
I’ve decided to blog semi-regularly in the run-up to and during my trip to the World Cup. My free time has mostly been consumed by either watching games or getting ready for the trip, so I might as well write about it. I’ll try to get a few regular posts up as well. Why start days before I leave? Because I fear that if or when the USA loses to Ghana today I am going to be depressed so I might as well write while I’m still optimistic!
My friends and I will be watching two games at the famed Estadio de Maracana in Rio de Janeiro. It is a stadium that was built in 1950 – the last time Brazil hosted the World Cup (and lost it to Uruguay). It is a beautiful stadium and watching Argentina play there today got me really excited for the games we will be going to.
One thing I’ve been stressing about a little is getting to the stadium. Public transportation is what’s recommended, but how early should we leave? Rio has updated their Metro system, including new stations, just for this World Cup (and the Olympics). We’re staying in Ipanema so we technically should be able to get on at General Osorio and get to Maracana station with just one change. I’m leaning towards leaving about three hours before the game – hopefully that gives us enough time. I’d rather wait two hours at the stadium than miss part of the game. Plus, who doesn’t love the anthems?
Over the next few days I’ll talk about how I’m treating my preparations for this trip a little differently than my normal prep – unless the US wins tomorrow of course. Then I’ll just be like “WOOO USA USA!!!!!!!!!!!!” So yeah, I’ll probably be back tomorrow talking about my preparations for the trip…..sigh.
Other Posts in this Series
Getting Pumped, Getting Prepared
Finally Here! First Impressions
The last week I’ve had only one thing on my mind: The World Cup. A few friends and I will be leaving for Rio next week and are planning to catch a couple of games. Although you might not be interested in going to the World Cup, I think this is a great illustration of the benefits and limitations of using miles for trips – and how they can save you a lot of money if you use them correctly.