Trip Idea: Visit Brazil Before the Olympics

Why wait for 2016? Head to Brazil now to see the country gear up to host the 2016 Olympics (hey, no hard feelings Chicago!). While Brazil is another country that gets a bad rap and is thought of as dangerous, you'll find that the vast majority of Brazilians are friendly, warm and welcoming people who just want to show you their beautiful country.

In fact, in a study done by the Brazilian Tourism Board, it was discovered that 45% of the country's visitors said that people of Brazil were the very best part of their visit and 90% said they liked Brazil and would recommend the destination to friends and family.

Flights to Brazil aren't cheap. You'll be lucky to find fares much under $800 per person. But thanks to a favorable exchange rate, you can enjoy all that the country has to offer without going broke. With 13 beaches in Rio alone, Brazil starts sounding mighty nice during Chicago's winter (summer in the southern hemisphere). Plus, going now means you beat the Olympic rush and the high prices that go along with it. So why wait six years...go to Brazil now!