Rio de Janeiro

http://www.destination360.com/south-america/brazil/rio-de-janiero

My trip would not be complete with out a visit to one of Brazil's most bustling cities. Despite its reputation, Rio de Janeiro is actually not Brazil's capital. Nevertheless, it is famous for its white sandy beaches, gorgeous people, and scenic settings. This city seems like the place to be for young, trendy, and fun seeking tourists. It can be expensive to stay in Rio, so I did some research on how how to budget...

• Travel in off season. Prices rise by 30% during the summer (December - February)
• Stay in a "luxurious" hostel - Ipanema Beach House is recommended by many travel guides as one of the best hostels in Rio 
• Fill up on lunch and eat less at dinner. Brazil has a variety of inexpensive lunch buffets that charge by weight
• Take advantage of Rio's beaches - they are fun and free!
• The place to splurge is on nightlife - Samba clubs are said to be pricey but worth it