If Your Compass Could Talk…

The Carnival at Rio de Janiero is one of the largest displays of a world famous party you’re likely to encounter. Its so famous infact that some of Rio’s inhabitants jet out of the city to make way for the influx of partiers that are likely to come. Although the exchange is favorable, its hard to find a cheap place to stay. Which is why you should consider booking your trip as much in advance as possible and staying in a hostel while you’re in Rio.

I had a ton of luck with this last year and would suggest it to anyone going. Plus you have the advantage of enjoying your time with other travelers and meeting like minded people.

Manuel Archain is a Buenos Aires photographer and artist that is making a big name for himself in commercial photography, art and film. We thought it would be cool to point out someone in the Buenos Aires underground, making their way to the surface.

Right now you can practically steal airfares into South America. Travel auction sites like travelocity, expedia, kayak, sta travel and more are offering incredible deals on flights that will seriously blow your mind. If you’re considering doing some travel in the future, book your flights now before oil prices go back up or airlines become less desparate for customers. Its a great time to take advantage of an otherwise sticky situation.

I recommend checking out yahoo travel for deals, travel auction sites such as those listed before and hostel booking websites like hostelworld or MiniHostels when booking your stay. Saving dollars before you go will be pesos in your pocket while you’re traveling. Enjoy!

Gualeyguachu, is a small town located about three hours from Buenos Aires. Its known mostly for its summer gathering of Carnival (the argentine take on the brazilian festival) which runs all summer: jan-march. The carnival takes place on friday and saturday with nearby river beaches and grills littering the background of the party. Its a must see if you love those smaller town-excursions.

If Your Compass Could Talk – it would tell you to go check out Gualeyguachu (oh yeah, its pronounced wally-whaa-choo) ha ha.

Argentina has had a hard time keeping in line with hollywood blockbusters, historically. The cinema community cannot keep up with the large budgets and media blitzs that Hollywood puts out day after day. But, some recent films are garning huge acclaim and are seriously worth checking out if you’re at all interested in learning something about Argentine film. This picture is from the film XXY – and is one of Argentina’s most recent international superstars. Check it out!

Perhaps you don’t know, but in Buenos Aires there it is common to offer large discounts if you pay in cash, rather than with your card. If you’re out shopping in San Telmo, joining a gym, negotiating contracting work or even just doing some regular shopping don’t forget to ask if there are cash discounts. You may be surprised how much you will receive as a discount if you’re willing to fork over the dough and forego on the plastic.

And don’t be worried about offending anyone either. The ‘discount’ question is commonplace.

Its just a helpful hint you might hear if your compass could talk…

Cristina Kirchner just announced that Argentina will be taking a step into the world the rest of us live in (sorry, can you tell that I’m bitter about how long this has taken?) by announcing that electronic cards will now be available to help pay for trains, subways and buses. This is in hopes that it will alleviate some of the crisis surrounding the lack of change in the city.

90 days! Portenos and expatriates are excited about the change!

If you’re spending anytime in Argentina you’ll be sure to catch some soccer. For some fun of your own check out the many (and by many I mean like almost a million) indoor courts, called canchas. They’re usually around 90-100 pesos to rent for an hour and you’ll need to do so a few days in advance as they are almost always booked with players. The courts easily play five to a side and its great fun.

Dale!

We’re in for some big travel changes come, 2009. Check out this cool article on the subject.

There are two sides to Carnival: those who love it and those whose bag it basically just isn’t. Many locals in fact, head out of town to avoid the hoards of tourists flocking into the city during the week of Carnival, which this year, takes place at the end of February…

So you can handle this two ways: one flock into Brasil to see one of the largest displays of parades and cultural celebration in the world or two, head into Brasil after Carnival to enjoy cheaper travel prices and a calmer, more day-to-day Rio. I opt for the latter… but thats just me.