Before going on any trip you should be in the best possible shape. By doing some biking, aerobics or long walks, you will be able to condition the muscles for those long tours. By doing some research about the place you're visiting and reading up on the destination, the culture and the places you want to visit, makes planning the itinerary less stressful.

Obtaining information on the weather or climate so as to pack the right clothes for the trip and the condition of the drinking water are just some examples you can also work on. By using water purification tablets with suspect water sources, you will be able to avoid most bad experiences from tainted water sources.

Now that all the preparations have been made, it is onward with the trip. Check-ins at airports is long and it will take some time before the airline serves meals to its passengers. On a long trip that could take hours, it is best from time to time to stretch or walk around to help your circulation.

If you suffer from motion sickness while traveling, it is also advisable to take the proper medication at least an hour before boarding the aircraft.

Brazil, in South America, has a diverse culture of inhabitants and a truly beautiful climate, with summer starting in December and ending in February.

So, before leaving on your Brazilian vacation, be sure to get as much information as possible on what to take along with you. These tips will help to guide you on making good decision choices.

Protecting your photos and sensitive camera equipment from humidity should be one of your top priorities. In Brazil, humidity is exceptionally high, so be sure to take along some Ziploc plastic bags and other self seal bags and containers.

Your medication and all prescription drugs should tag along with you, carry these on your person and always remember to declare same on forms that you fill out for customs and also report these in person.

Mosquito repellent, sun screens and other skin protection should be part of your travel contents, some of these you could also purchase when you get in the country. Just be sure to get good quality products that are made for the particular climatic conditions of Brazil.

Before leaving for Brazil, get your Hepatitis shots, don't ever leave home without doing

so. Hepatitis A, B and C cases are quite prevalent in Brazil. Always be aware of your surroundings and pay particular attention to washing of hands before eating It will not be convenient to wash every time, so carry special hand wash disinfectants on your person.Your luggage should be no more than 20 kilos.

Take along washable and mix and match clothing and just create a different look when you change, this is a better strategy than taking more clothes. Brazilians dress casually, so unless you're on special business trip or will be attending formal gatherings, take more casual clothes.

Make copies of all your travel and important documents and keep separately for easy access, if the originals get lost or stolen. Copies should most definitely be left at home or with a good friend.

For the beautiful beaches of Brazil, don't forget bathing suits, beach hats and sandals. Towels are normally supplied by your resort. Brazil is very hot and people do perspire a lot, so take lots of deodorant and essential make up etc.

Always seek to protect your possessions, never leave anything un-attended on the beach or otherwise, you may even want to try using disposable cameras instead of your prized expensive top of the line Fuji.

Finally learn some Portuguese before leaving home, this will help you to enjoy your stay even more by communicating with the locals. If you only stay at the resorts, then you will be able to communicate in English, Italian, French, Spanish and German.

Be sure to have a current passport valid for at least 6 months, since as a tourist, you most likely will be given a maximum of 180 days in any 1 year period with a possible 90 day extension.

Major credit cards- MasterCard, Visa, Amex and Diners - are accepted, as well as traveler's checks. But you will need to have some cash on your person if you are leaving the cities for rural jaunts.

By sticking to these guidelines, you can be assured of having an enjoyable Brazilian travel vacation.