Guide To The 2016 Olympic Games

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The Olympic flame will be burning bright this summer in Brazil, as Rio will be hosting both the Olympic Games and the Paralympic Games. Though these games are exciting to watch from the comfort of your own home, close your eyes and imagine what it would feel like if you were really there. Just think about the vibe you will experience and the excitement as spectators cheer their favorite athletes on to victory.Make plans to experience the Olympic Games in person this year. Not only will you have an exciting time, you will also be in an amazing country that you can explore in between events. The Olympic Games will run from Aug. 5-21 and the Paralympic Games will be held Sept. 7-18.

Attending The Games The whole world will be watching the Olympic Games this August as they are broadcast from Rio. However, if you are one of the lucky ones, you can brag that you were there. But attending the Games might not be as easy as one may think. Especially since they games are a few months away, most of the tickets have already been sold and claimed.

Those from the U.S. wanting to visit Rio and attend the Olympic Games will want to start searching for tickets right away. Each country is using its own agency to sell tickets, and the one for the U.S. is CoSport. To use this site, you will need to create an account, then log in and start searching for available tickets.

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Where To StayRio is an exciting place to visit any time of the year. With the Olympic Games there this summer, you are going to want to immerse yourself in all of the excitement. Rio is home to many beautiful beachfront resorts and other hotels that are perfect for Olympic visitors no matter what travel budget they have. Some of the best hotels in Rio include Hotel Frasano Rio de Janeiro, Belmond Copacabana Palace, La Suite by Dussol, Casa Mosquito, Casa Amarelo and Hotel Santa Teresa.

If you have not already booked your accommodations and you plan to be in Rio for the games, you are going to want to start looking for a place to stay now. Many of the hotels, resorts and local apartments are already booked up and you may find it difficult to get the accommodations you want.

Of course, you can stay in some of the many hotels and resorts in Brazil, however, due overbooking, you might want to consider alternative accommodations. AirBnB is expected to have more than 20,000 different options in the area during the summer games. This option will give you all the comforts of home, including a kitchen, reducing how often you will need to dine out while in Rio. HomeAway also has a listing of homes, condominiums and apartments that are available for rent during the Olympic Games in Rio.

Related: How To Spend A Day In Brazil

What To EatOf course, there will be plenty of places to grab something to eat during the games. However, if you are looking for somewhere to eat in between events or late at night, you will want to venture into the heart of Rio. There are many restaurants in the area that are perfect for those seeking a bite to eat. You will find everything from local cuisine to international cuisine and sandwich shops to fine dining restaurants in Rio. Some of the more popular places to eat include Aprazivel, Zaza Bistro, Olympe, Pergula, Cipriani and Azumi.

Getting ThereThere are many international flights that will take you to Rio this summer for the Olympic Games. Those flying in will need to have a current passport. Normally, a tourist visa is required for those visiting from the U.S., however, during the games (June 1-Sept. 18) those with a passport visiting for the games will be exempt from this requirement. For more information about passports and visas, consult the US Department of State or the US Embassy.

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Getting AroundRio has an extensive transportation system, including numerous bus routes and other means of public transportation. The Metro is the underground subway that will take you through most of the city, or at least close to one of the many Metro bus stops. There is also a public bike-sharing system available to those wanting to ride through the city. Other methods of transportation throughout Rio include rental cars, minivans, taxis and getting around on foot. Rio is one of the easiest cities to navigate, so just about any means of transportation will get you where you need to be.

Staying SafeWhen traveling to Rio for the Olympic Games, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and ensure you stay safe the entire trip. Always know who is around you and pay close attention to where you are. Keep your money in a secure location on your body and not somewhere that it can be easily lifted off of you. Avoid being a target and leave all of your expensive jewelry at home and do not talk about how much money you have with you or how much money you are able to spend while in Rio.

When exploring the city, stay in heavily populated areas. Avoid walking down alleyways alone and never accept a ride from someone you do not know. When at your hotel, never allow anyone into your room or go into another guest's room.

Related: Get Away Guide To Rio De Janeiro

Things To SeeRio is such an exciting place to visit. Though most of your time will be consumed with watching the games, there are some attractions you want to see while you are there. Some of the must-see attractions in Brazil include the Copacabana, Sugar Loaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer. Other popular attractions in the area include Santa Teresa, Escadaria Selaron, National History Museum, Museum of Modern Art and Imperial Museum of Brazil.