And the Winner is…Rio de Janeiro!

As the US is reeling from its defeat in attempting to win the bid for the 2016 Olympics, it may have people wondering, “What does Rio de Janeiro have that sets it apart from any other city?” Below is a list of reasons that make Rio de Janeiro an ideal place to take the family…and an army of athletic Olympic hopefuls:

-The city, which is the second largest in Brazil, is known for its carnival festivities, samba music, and beaches like Copacabana and Ipanema. It will also be the site of the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

-Rio houses more than 50 museums, making it an ideal destination for history buffs and art enthusiasts alike. Included on the list are the Indian Museum, Native Art Museum, and Quinta da Boa Vista. A quick search on Rio de Janeiro brings up a host of other cultural opportunities in the city.

-Many sporting events take place in the city, including the MotoGP Brazilian Grand Prix, the world beach volleyball finals, and competitive rowing events. Mario Filho Stadium in Maracana is the world’s largest stadium, where soccer (or, as they say in Brazil, football) stars are born.

–Guanabara Bay, which is surrounded by lush tropical forests and beaches, is a popular tourist spot. Over 130 islands exist along the bay, providing numerous opportunities to take in the beauty and vitality of the area’s unique backdrop.

If this list doesn’t have you convinced, there are many other activities to take part in around Rio de Janeiro. Check out www.RiodeJaneiroTours.net for details and to book tickets today!

See Why Chicago is the President’s Pick for 2016 Olympics

In three days, President Obama makes his trip out to Copenhagen, Denmark to make a pitch for Chicago to be the home of the 2016 Olympic Games. Besides being the President’s adopted home town, Chicago has plenty to offer to travelers in general inside and outside the scope of the Olympics. See a list of some of the main activities and attractions in Chicago below:

–Shedd Aquarium

-Sears Tower

-Adler Planetarium & Museum

–Wrigley Field

These are, of course, only a few of the attractions that make Chicago an ideal destination for travelers. There are many tours that showcase the ins and outs of Chicago’s history, architecture, and key attractions.

See if the President is right and go check out all that Chicago has to offer. Visit www.ChicagoTours.us for more on how to make your trip to Chicago your most enjoyable getaway of the year!