Is Brazil Safe to Visit? Here's Everything You Need to Know in 2019

Posted: 7/13/2019 | July 13th, 2019

Offering pristine nature and access to the Amazon rainforest, historic cities and colonial architecture, and lots of affordable food and activities, Brazil will have some something for every traveler.

A popular destination for revelers looking to party hard at Carnival as well as a hot spot for adventure junkies and beachgoers, Brazil is a country known for its amazing weather and pristine landscapes.

But is it safe?

Brazil has a reputation for being a rough and tumble destination, one where travelers need to be extra cautious and on their guard at all times.

Due to rising inequality, unfortunately, this is the case. Petty theft and street crime are a common occurrence in Brazil. The crime rate in Brazil has been on the rise for many years now (it was up almost 50% between 2015 and 2016) so travelers here will need to be on vigilant

But that doesn’t mean you should avoid the country. You just need to be a smart traveler. Millions of people visit the country every year and don’t have a problem. As long as you follow the suggested safety tips, you’ll minimize the likelihood anything bad will happen to you!

Here is everything you need to know to stay safe and make the most out of your next trip to Brazil.

 

13 Safety Tips for Brazil

To help you stay safe in Brazil, here are 13 tips that will keep both you and your possessions out of harm’s way:

1. Walk with purpose – When out exploring, always walk with purpose. Look like you’re heading somewhere in specific, even if you’re not. Pickpockets and muggers look for travelers who are unsure of themselves. Don’t look like a target.

2. Don’t carry cash – Carry only the minimum cash needed for the day. Keep the rest locked up back in your accommodation.

3. Separate your cards – If you have more than one credit or debit card, keep them separate. Bring one with you for the day (if you think you’ll need it) and leave the other one locked up in your room. That way, should something happen, you always have at least one card.

4. Don’t bring valuables to the beach – When you go to the beach, don’t take anything unnecessary. Towel, bathing suit, and a small amount of cash. That’s it! Anything else you bring is likely to disappear!

5. Dress to fit in – When out and about, dress down and try to fit in. Leave any valuables or jewelry at home. Don’t walk around flashing your camera or phone. If you need to use them, be discreet.

6. Carry a spare wallet – Bring a spare wallet with a small amount of cash in it. That way, if you get robbed or pickpocketed they won’t get your real wallet (where you’ll keep the rest of your cash and cards).

7. Avoid outdoor ATMs – If you need to withdraw cash, only use ATMs inside buildings. Always be aware of your surroundings before you take out your wallet.

8. Double check your accommodation – No matter where you are staying, be sure to check the doors and windows before leaving for the day and before settling in at night. Don’t leave anything valuable lying around your room; lock everything up.

9. Don’t accept free food/drinks – Never accept drinks or food from strangers. Drugging victims before they are robbed is common, so decline free food or drinks from strangers.

10. Watch out for distractions – Thieves will often try to distract you before they rob you. Be mindful of this common scam to help you stay vigilant.

Don’t walk around at night alone – If you have to, avoid city beaches, parks, and empty streets.

11. Take precautions when driving – If traveling by car, always keep your doors locked. By on guard at stop signs or red lights, especially at night. Many Brazilians won’t even stop for them to avoid the risk of a carjacking. Buy travel insurance before you go just in case you run into trouble. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!

Is Street Food in Brazil Safe?

Yep! You’ll find all sorts of amazing street food stands in cities like Rio as well as near the beaches and you’d be missing out if you didn’t try them! Just make sure to stick to places where there are a lot of locals gathered. That’s how you know the food is not only safe but delicious too!

I’d suggest avoiding anything with shrimp of seafood as it spoils quickly. But definitely try the mate as it can be quite refreshing (it’s served as an ice tea and is really good).

For the most part, you’ll encounter places that sell various kinds of meat. As long as it is fully cooked and hasn’t been in the sun all day, dive in and give it a try!

Don’t hesitate to ask your hotel or hostel staff for street food or restaurant suggestions too. They’ll no doubt have some delicious — and safe — options for you to try.
 

Is the Tap Water in Brazil Safe?

The water in Brazil is generally safe to drink, though most Brazilians still use filters or drink bottled water. The tap water generally has something of an odd taste, due to the purification process, so while it’s fine for brushing your teeth, it can taste odd if you’re just drinking it when you’re thirsty.

If staying in a hostel or Airbnb you’ll likely have access to a filter but it’s always a good idea to bring your own as well. Lifestraw and Steripen are two great products to help keep your water safe and potable.
 

Are Taxis in Brazil Safe?

Taxis in Brazil are safe and plentiful. They use meters as well, though it’s always a good idea to ask your hotel or hostel staff for an approximate fare before you head out. There are always a few bad apples who will try to rip you off, so just be sure to pay attention to the meter and make sure it isn’t rising abnormally quick.

Also, it’s always best to call your taxi in advance. Never flag a taxi on the street (this is especially true at night).
 

Is Brazil Safe for Solo Travelers?

Brazil is safe for solo travelers, though I would only suggest solo travelers visit here if they have some experience traveling solo already. By following the tips above, solo travelers will be able to have an amazing time in Brazil while staying safe.

If you are concerned as a solo traveler, try to meet-up with other travelers at hostels. Traveling together, you can keep each other company and deter any potential petty theft or robberies.
 

Is Brazil Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Brazil faces real issues of poverty and crime so solo female travelers will need to be on guard. This is not a destination for new travelers and I would only suggest solo female travelers visit here if they are experienced solo travelers. Even then, you’ll want to make sure you take every precaution that you can.

Check with your hostel or hotel staff to find out if you should avoid any specific areas. Also, learn as much as the local language as you can so you don’t stand out.

***
So, is Brazil Safe?

So, is Brazil Safe?

Brazil is an amazing, vibrant country. But it’s not without its risks. Travelers here will need to be on guard and keep their wits about them. Petty theft and muggings are common, but if you follow the tips above you should be able to have an incredible visit while still staying safe.

Trust your gut, use common sense, and make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance. Do that, and you’ll be able to stay safe in Brazil have a memorable visit to this energetic country.

Heading to Brazil? Use the widget below to get a free travel insurance quote from World Nomads! That’s the company I’ve been using since I started traveling back in 2003!

Book Your Trip to Brazil: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them all the time. My favorite hostels in Brazil are:

• Discovery Hostel (Rio) – This award-winning hostel has everything the budget backpacker needs: a full-equipped kitchen, patio, lounge, and tons of social activities. It’s a great place to meet other travelers!
• Geckos Hostel (Florianopolis) – This ec-friendly hostel is powered by solar panels and has a rustic charm to it. They have a pool and lots of room to lounge and relax. It’s a great hostel for chilling out and soaking up the sun.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• World Nomads (for everyone below 70)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)

Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and I think will help you too!

Looking for more information on visiting Brazil?
Check out my in-depth destination guide to Brazil with more tips on what to see, do, costs, ways to save, and much, much more!

The State Department Issued a New Travel Advisory for Peru — Here's What You Need to Know (Video)

The U.S. State Department is once again warning Americans about traveling to certain parts of Peru.

According to TravelPulse, the department re-issued its warning ahead of two major sporting events involving American athletes — the Pan American Games taking place fom July 26 to Aug. 11, as well as the Parapan American Games from Aug. 23 to Sept. 1.

In the level two warning the State Department said in part, “Crime, including petty theft, carjackings, muggings, assaults, and violent crime, is a concern in Peru, and can occur during daylight hours, despite the presence of many witnesses. The risk of crime increases after hours and outside the capital city of Lima where more organized criminal groups have been known to use roadblocks to rob victims.”

While the country itself comes with the level two warning some regions come with a level four alert, meaning travel is outright banned for official American personnel.

Along the Colombian and Peruvian border in the Loreto Region the State Department said, “Drug trafficking and other criminal activity, combined with poor infrastructure, limits the capability and effectiveness of Peruvian law enforcement in this area.” It added, “The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens as U.S. government personnel are restricted from traveling within 20 kilometers of the border with Colombia in the Loreto region, except on the Amazon River itself, without permission. This includes travel on the Putumayo River, which forms most of the Peru-Colombia border.”

The other region that is now off-limits to official American representatives is the Valley of the Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro Rivers, or VRAEM.

“Remnants of the Shining Path terrorist group are active in the VRAEM,” the State Department said. “The group may attack with little or no warning, targeting Peruvian government installations and personnel. Drug trafficking and other criminal activity, combined with poor infrastructure, limit the capability and effectiveness of Peruvian law enforcement in this area.”

While the warning certainly sounds dire it does not include popular tourist destinations in Peru including Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.

In those regions — and really any tourist destination — the State Department encourages travelers to exercise normal precautions. That includes staying alert, not carrying large amounts of cash, securing personal items like purses and backpacks, and only using app-based taxi services or ordering a taxi by phone. So, don’t put off your dream trip to Machu Picchu, just make sure to stay aware of your surroundings when you go.

A Hurricane Might Hit Louisiana This Weekend — Here's What to Know If You’re Traveling

Storm system Barry began impacting the deep south on Thursday morning, with heavy rains in Louisiana. The state is predicted to receive up to 20 inches of rain in the coming days.

For now, the National Weather Service [NWS] is calling it “Potential Tropical Cyclone Two.” It is expected to officially become a tropical storm by Thursday evening, and potentially develop into Hurricane Barry by Saturday, when it makes landfall.

A hurricane watch is in effect for the Louisiana Coast. More than 4 million people are under flash flood watch from south-central Louisiana to the western Florida panhandle.

“This is going to be a Louisiana event with coastal flooding and heavy rainfall potentially impacting every part of the state,” Gov. John Bel Edwards said, declaring a state of emergency. “No one should take this storm lightly. As we know all too well in Louisiana, low intensity does not necessarily mean low impact.”

NEW: NOAA's GOES16 shows a "sandwich loop" -- a combination of visible and infrared imagery -- of Potential Tropical Cyclone this morning. predicts it will become a Tropical Depression later today.

Courtesy of NOAA

The storm is relatively slow-moving, which means it could linger with relentless rain in Louisiana.

Already, New Orleans received 10 inches of rain on Wednesday, with widespread street flooding.

Telemachus Street in New Orleans is flooded after flash floods struck the area early on July 10, 2019

SETH HERALD/Getty Images

Travelers heading to the southeast this weekend should check with their airlines regarding flight status.

JetBlue will waive change fees for flights to and from Louisiana booked through Saturday, July 13. Travel must be rebooked by July 20.

Alaska Airlines is waiving change fees for flights booked for July 11 and 12 to or from Houston and New Orleans. New travel must be rebooked before July 16.

United passengers with travel booked to the southeast from July 11 through 14 can rebook for flights through July 21. The waiver affects flights to and from Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Monroe, New Orleans and Shreveport, Louisiana; Mobile, Alabama; Jackson and Gulfport, Mississippi; and Ft. Walton Beach, Panama City and Pensacola Florida.

The First Potential Hurricane of 2019 Is Developing — Here’s What You Need to Know (Video)

Hurricane season is here, and the second named storm system of the year is on a path to Louisiana's coast. Widespread flooding has already been reported in New Orleans.

NOAA

The National Hurricane Center predicts that Tropical Storm Barry will develop into a hurricane on Saturday, The Washington Post reports. Ahead of that, a tropical storm watch and a storm surge watch have been issued for the coast.

11 AM EDT July 10: Here are the Key Messages for Potential Tropical Cyclone #Two. A tropical storm and storm surge watch has been issued for a portion of the Louisiana coast. For more see https://t.co/tW4KeFW0gB and https://t.co/SiZo8ohZMN pic.twitter.com/RgljWGk3Zy

— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) July 10, 2019

While it’s too early to know how intense the system could get or exactly where it will strike, residents of Louisiana and northeast Texas should be prepared for up to 18 inches of rain, and the potential storm surges that accompany a tropical system.

Even those areas not directly impacted, including areas of Alabama and Florida, as well as more inland areas of Louisiana and Texas, should be prepared for several inches of rain.

Rain and flooding in the affected areas can be expected through the weekend.

You Can Still Legally Travel to Cuba — Here's How

Colorful buildings in Old Havana.

Patrik Bergström/Getty Images

Cuba has something for everyone. The island is known for cigars, beaches, and classic cars — but it's also home to a burgeoning culinary scene, excellent mountain climbing and scuba diving, and world-class music and dancing.

Americans began to get a taste of this diversity under President Obama, whose administration relaxed restrictions on travel to Cuba. The island swelled with yankees, and the tourism uptick earned Cuba the title of Travel + Leisure Destination of the Year in 2015. But recent Trump administration policies — like a ban on cruise ships and the elimination of the group people-to-people visa category — have created some confusion about whether it’s okay for Americans to visit. 

Lines at José Martí International Airport in Havana.

Matthew Micah Wright/Lonely Planet Images/Getty Images

Still, the largest island in the Caribbean remains open for business. You just have to plan your travel strategically. 

Twelve visa categories remain for legal travel to Cuba, ranging from family visits and religious activities to journalistic activity and humanitarian projects. For most travelers, the best fit is the “Support for the Cuban People” category, which requires that travelers engage in a “full-time schedule” of activities that “enhance contact with the Cuban people, support civil society in Cuba, or promote the Cuban people's independence from Cuban authorities.”  

While “full-time schedule” is not defined, and specific permitted activities are not indicated, the U.S. Treasury has explicitly stated that “travel to Cuba for tourist activities” is not permitted — and that a “traveler’s schedule of activities must not include free time or recreation in excess.” While this means that an all-inclusive beach resort vacation isn’t in the cards any time soon, it’s probably not going to get in the way of your next trip.

Current U.S. policy prohibits Americans from spending money at establishments — hotels, tour agencies, marinas, stores — owned by the Cuban military. (Find a complete list of prohibited entities here.) Note that, though all hotels in Cuba are at least partially owned by the Cuban government, not all of them are owned by the Cuban military. Unfortunately, some of the nicest properties, such as the Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski and the Iberostar Grand Packard, are on the no-go list. Airbnb can make it easier to find privately-run homes, but be aware that using the platform for Cuba travel can involve some hiccups.

The best way to adhere to the new restrictions, which are admittedly vague, is staying at privately run guest houses (casas particulares), eating in privately-owned restaurants (paladares), and ensuring that your money goes directly into the hands of local Cubans through activities like walking tours, bike rides, and cooking or dance classes. In recent years, the travel industry has shifted in this direction anyway — so many tour operators, including my own, EscapingNY, are able to continue bringing Americans to Cuba with minimal to no itinerary changes.

A beach in Varadero, in western Cuba.

Ingolf Pompe/LOOK-foto/Getty Images

Planning your own legal trip to Cuba is possible, but solo travelers should read all U.S. State Department and Treasury documents carefully or hire a professional travel agency to plan their itinerary. Travelers are required to keep a record of their itinerary for five years, during which time the U.S. government reserves the right to audit (and fine) them. Many tour operators keep copies of travel records on behalf of their clients and could provide them in the event of an audit.

I’ve explored every province in Cuba, both before and after these recent restrictions, while leading group tours and doing research for my forthcoming guidebook, Cuba by Bike. Cuba is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and the Cuban people are kind, generous, and welcoming. This erosion to traveler freedom will surely discourage some Americans from visiting the island — which is not only their loss, but a blow to many in Cuba, where wages in state jobs hover around $25 per month but travel guides and inkeepers can earn several hundred dollars in a single day. Luckily, the "Support for the Cuban People" visa can help you put your money into the hands of those who need it.

Here’s What Michael Kors and Gigi Hadid Always Keep in Their Carry-on Luggage

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

It should surprise exactly no one that Michael Kors and Gigi Hadid have a lot of things in common. Aside from the obvious which is their fashion royalty status — he is at the helm of a billion-dollar fashion company with flagships all around the globe and she is one of the world’s most recognizable faces thanks to her supermodel career — the two also share a long-term friendship and a passion for travel.

Needless to say, when it came to selecting the face for his new perfume, Wonderlust — an oriental fragrance that blends exotic notes sourced from far-off destinations, Kors had only one person in mind. “Gigi fully embodies the Michael Kors Wonderlust spirit,” he says. “She’s curious, spontaneous, lighthearted...everything you want in a travel partner […]”

We recently caught up with both of them to talk all things travel, and we were surprised to find out that despite their celebrity jet-set status, when it comes to pet peeves, we are all alike. Hadid, for example, finds it especially annoying waiting in baggage claim, while for Kors, the most irritating thing is when people try to go through security with “a million zippers, buckles and layered jewelry.” (honestly, #same)

We also couldn’t help but ask about the perpetual traveler’s dilemma — window or aisle seat, and it turns out that both Kors and Hadid prefer the window (Hadid makes an excellent point that the seat next to the wall makes for a good headrest).

Of course, they had a slew of other travel tips. Here’s Gigi’s clever trick to beating jet lag, what is still on their bucket lists, and, of course, the go-to travel outfits both swear by.

Travel+Leisure: Which one of the four fashion week cities is your favorite for shopping and dining?

Michael Kors: New York, but I’m biased — it’s been my home for over 30 years and it’s the city where I founded my brand. My favorite restaurants are Peter Luger for an old-school, no-frills New York experience, 4 Charles Prime Rib, Sant Ambroeus, J.G. Melon for a burger, and The Little Owl, because it’s in my neighborhood. For shopping, I like Wyeth, HomeNature for décor and furniture, and Dover Street Market.

Gigi Hadid: I like shopping and eating out mostly in Paris, because I think being there romanticizes everything.

Which are your favorite places around the globe? What is still on your bucket list both in terms of destinations and experiences?

MK: A safari and stay at Singita Lebombo Lodge is an experience unlike any other. And Amanpuri in Phuket is the ultimate escape — white sand and turquoise water as far as the eye can see. Still on my bucket list is Ayers Rock in Australia.

GH: I love anywhere that feels remote and super tropical, like Tahiti and Turks & Caicos. My favorite ski destinations are Aspen, Colorado, and Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Besides that, because I spend so much time in the airport and traveling for work, I find a lot of peace and balance spending my off-time home at the farm. Anywhere in nature makes me happy.

I’d still love to visit other amazing natural sites like the Grand Canyon, and New Zealand, and see the Northern Lights.

What is your best tip for traveling light?

MK: Stick to a color scheme so you can mix and match throughout your trip and don’t forget the power of accessories. Or, of course, there are some world travelers who send everything in advance.

GH: I only travel with a carry on. My go-to pack is usually a favorite pair of blue jeans, sweats, a hoodie, a couple t-shirts (short and long sleeve) another pair of pants or shorts, depending on my destination, and then a few pieces that I’m loving at the moment that can be mixed and matched with any of the basics. I usually bring a pair of sneakers and a pair of boots. You can get more outfits out of that than it seems!

How do you stay healthy when you travel?

MK: Lots of fresh seafood, local produce, and swimming in the ocean.

GH: Sleep is most important for me, trying to get adjusted to the time difference as soon as possible helps. I try to have a good hardy breakfast every day and love a good hotel breakfast buffet! It’s important to always have balance between health and comfort food, but I think traveling isn’t complete if you’re not indulging in the local cuisines.

What is your best cure for jet lag?

MK: A massage.

GH: I always try to fly at night if possible. I can sleep really well on planes so landing in the morning well rested and going straight to work usually gets me on the time zone. That way, when I’m done with work, I’m normally exhausted and ready to sleep at the right time! I trick my brain into thinking there’s no time change.

What are the products you always keep in your carry-on regardless of your destination?

MK: Bose headphones, an iPad, La Mer lip balm, aviator sunglasses, and the latest biography.

GH: Phone charger, Chap Stick, perfume, lip balm, headphones, and something to write or draw with.

Describe your go-to travel outfit.

MK: It’s the same as my everyday uniform — dark jeans or cargos, a black t-shirt and a black cashmere sweater, and custom New Balance sneakers.

GH: Jeans or sweats, sweater or sweatshirt, boots or sneakers. I’m always cold on planes so I often travel with a soft scarf in my purse.

Prince William Is Going to Africa This Month — Here's His Itinerary

Eamonn M. McCormack/Getty Images

Earlier this week, Prince William attended an event for the Royal African Society (RAS), where he revealed he will be making a last-minute trip to the African continent later this month. 

During his remarks, the prince explained that he will be taking a working visit to Namibia, Tanzania, and Kenya to help bring attention to animal conservation efforts in those nations, the Daily Mail reported. 

The Royal African Society is the longest standing institution dedicated to promoting Africa in the UK – prior to The Duke of Cambridge, The Queen was Patron of the @RoyAfriSoc for 64 years. pic.twitter.com/cN9utk5X8E

— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) September 12, 2018

William, who has been a patron of RAS since taking over the role from his grandmother in 2016, told the crowd that “Africa's wildlife is suffering as well as its people.” He added, “Like so many others, I am deeply saddened by the numbers of elephant, rhino and pangolin who have been illegally slaughtered for their tusks, horns and scales. But the illegal wildlife trade also has a devastating human impact.”

Prince William additionally noted that too many rangers have been killed by poachers this year alone. “Communities see their tourist livelihoods threatened. And the proceeds of the illegal wildlife trade fund broader criminal networks and threaten security.”

This evening The Duke of Cambridge joined a @RoyAfriSoc reception and roundtable meeting to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing Africa in 2018. pic.twitter.com/3jL5XSsuKW

— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) September 12, 2018

This, he said, is why he remains so committed to doing anything and everything he can to end this “global crime.”

“This will be a particular focus of my upcoming visit to Africa, and of course the conference on the illegal wildlife trade taking place here in London in October,” he said.

“I’m really impressed by the energy and dedication to Africa by everyone in this room... My patronage to the Royal African Society is an honour.” — HRH The Duke of Cambridge at our Autumn Networking Reception @BritishAcademy_ pic.twitter.com/aJgrdGMUdA

— RAS News & Events (@royafrisoc) September 12, 2018

William has been traveling back and forth to Africa since his childhood, first falling in love with the continent alongside his mother, Princess Diana.

“Africa is both the oldest and the youngest continent in the world, being both the birthplace of humankind and the continent with the youngest population," he said. "My patronage of the Royal African Society is an honour and I will certainly continue to be a passionate advocate for Africa here in the UK.”

You can have a prince-worthy trip to Africa, too. The next time you look into taking a safari, just make sure to check out these 12 safari outfitters that are saving the world to ensure your vacation dollars are well-spent.

Here's a Breakdown of the Top 10 British Royals in Line for the Throne Now That Baby Sussex Has Arrived

James Devaney/FilmMagic

On May 6, 2019, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle welcomed their first child into the world, a boy.

On that day not only did the world meet the newest royal, but it also saw the line of royal succession change forever. As royal historian Alex David explained, “The birth of Baby Sussex… means that for the first time the first 20 people in the line of succession to the British throne are all descendants of Queen Elizabeth II. The Earl of Snowdon, son of Princess Margaret, is now pushed to 21st place.”

Related: Harry and Meghan's New Baby Will Have Two Passports

As of now, Baby Sussex sits as the seventh in line for the throne. But who else is still in the mix to lead the kingdom? Keep scrolling to find out the top people who are in the real-life game of thrones.

Prince Charles

Prince Charles is the Queen’s first-born son and is next in line to take over the throne. As The Telegraph noted, Charles already holds the record for the longest-serving heir apparent in British history. At the ripe old age of 68, Charles will also be the oldest person to be crowned in British history when the time comes.

Prince William

Prince William currently sits as third in line to the throne and will one day take over as king, following his father, the Prince of Wales. He will then be followed in line by his own son, Prince George.

Prince George

Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge's first-born son will one day be King George VII. As The Telegraph rather morbidly noted, the birth of Prince George means that anyone “alive today is unlikely to see another queen on the throne in their lifetime once Elizabeth II's reign is over.”

Princess Charlotte

Princess Charlotte is the youngest person in line for the throne, but she could perhaps be the most impactful royal of all. While, like her Uncle Harry, she is the “spare to the heir,” Charlotte could make history one day thanks to a change under the Succession to the Crown Act. As The Telegraph explained, in 2013, the rule changed so that princes no longer take precedence over their sisters, bringing an end to the system of male preference, which had been in place since the Act of Settlement of 1701. So, if George were to abdicate, Charlotte would take the throne (regardless of whether or not Will and Kate ever have a second son). 

Prince Harry

Prince Harry, whose real name is actually Prince Henry (who knew?), now sits as the fifth person in line to the throne, following the birth of both his niece and nephew. But, instead of pining away for his place in the kingdom, Harry focuses much of his attention now on volunteering and serving non-profits around the globe, just like his mother, Princess Diana.

Baby Sussex

Seventh in line for the throne, the son of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry will also likely have to put his dreams of being the reigning monarch to the side. But, the little prince will still live a rather lavish life as a royal thanks to his parents being the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

Prince Andrew

Prince Andrew, who was once second in line for the throne, is now so far removed from it that he no longer is required to attend official royal engagements, according to The Telegraph. The brother of Prince Charles even has to self-fund his family’s bodyguards because he is no longer considered “core” to the royal family. Ouch.

Princess Beatrice

Princess Beatrice, the eldest daughter of Prince Andrew, sits in the number seven spot on our list. Although she will likely never rule over England, she still is frequently spotted at royal engagements. Like Harry, she too has taken up a life of service and often spends her time volunteering for various organizations.

Princess Eugenie

Princess Eugenie, Princess Beatrice’s younger sister, sits eighth in line for the throne. Like her sister, she too frequents royal engagements, however she has also made a life for herself outside of her royal duties. According to British Royals, Eugenie moved to New York in 2013 to work for an online auction firm as a benefit auctions manager.

Prince Edward

Prince Edward is the third son and the youngest child of Queen Elizabeth. After a “cringe-worthy” career in television, Edward has now become a full-time royal. Since his wedding in 1999, Edward has been known as the Earl of Wessex, while his wife Sophie became Countess of Wessex. He is vice patron of the Commonwealth Games Federation, and it is believed he will inherit the title of Duke of Edinburgh when his father, Prince Philip, passes.

Budgeting for Vacation Never Works — Here's What You Should Do Instead

Pete Seaward/Getty Images

Originally published on May 12th, 2017.

America, you need a vacation. Seriously, you earned it, and according to Project Time Off, you’re not even using it. As the project found, more than half of American workers left vacation time unused in 2015, adding up to 658 million unused days. Clearly, you also need assistance in planning a vacation, and we have plenty of advice for you, but the most important thing to remember is this: Do not give yourself a budget for your vacation.

“I think the entire concept of budgeting is flawed,” Brad Klontz, a psychologist and certified financial planner, told New York Magazine. “Your emotional brain responds to the word budget the same way it responds to the word diet. The connotation is deprivation, suffering, agony, depression.”

According to Klontz, the idea of limiting ourselves for short-term gain (i.e. with a diet or travel budget), only leads to an inevitable sense of failure when you eat a piece of cake, or splurge on a massage during your Hawaiian getaway.

Charlotte Trotman/Getty Images

So how can you enjoy an epic vacation without totally blowing your entire life savings?

1. Plan.

For most of you, you know you have a set number of days off each year. At the beginning of the year, calculate just how much time you have off and divvy up how you’d like to spend it: A few days for three-day weekends, a chunk of time for the holidays, and a week off just for you.

Next, think about where you want to go. Live in New York and want to head to Paris for week? Great! Check out the flight options, hotels, and even a few discount sites like LivingSocial Escapes to see if there are any deals available. Tally up the total and make it a benchmark savings goals.

2. Squirrel away cash.

Each day, week, or month, put away a small amount of money into a separate savings account (better yet, try a money market account like Betterment to invest your vacation savings to potentially make a few dollars from the stock market along the way). Thinking in small increments will make paying off your vacation less stressful in the end.

3. Don’t forget to save for something special.

You know you’re going to Paris, but maybe there’s one restaurant you’re dying to try. Make sure to add in a little buffer to eat all the Coq au vin your stomach can handle.

4. Make peace with going over.

Hey, you saved all this money for your trip already, so when you see a beret in the window of a Parisian boutique you just have to have, go for it. It’s your vacation and your memories. Research even backs this one up: According to a study out of San Francisco State University, people who spend money on experiences rather things are happier and feel better about the money they spent. So go ahead, and have the time of your life.

Here's How to Book The Safest Room in a Hotel (Video)

Originally published March 29, 2016.

Safety is at the forefront of most travelers’ minds, not matter how short or rote the trip. How well can you protect yourself? What steps should you take to better ensure your safety? Travel + Leisure first tackled this topic with a post on the safest seat on the airplane—and now we've got intel on the safest room in a hotel.

Rob Walker, head of information and analysis for travel security at London-based International SOS, told the MailOnline Travel which rooms are the best to book for a better chance of survival in the event of a fire, attack, or disaster. If traveling in the United States, his suggestions include choosing a room above the first or second floors yet lower than the sixth or seventh floors. The reason? Those rooms are out of harm's way in terms of burglars, but low enough that you could survive a fall if you needed to jump. It’s also within reach of most fire department ladders.

“We also recommend travelers request rooms on the side of the building further away from the lobby, which is likely to be the main entry point for any attacker,” Walker said. “It is preferable to also choose the side away from other public areas, such as hotel restaurants, as those areas can be a target area, and rooms that are not easily accessed from the street, so as not to be an easy target for criminals. Yet, ideally it is good to be near the emergency exit stairs.”

Along with having things like an emergency evacuation plan ready to go, Walker recommends keeping a few other things in mind:

• Avoid rooms with interlocking doors if possible.
• Choose hotels that are not in high crime neighborhoods.
• Make sure your room has the following: deadbolts, an eyehole, and evacuation procedures.
• Pack a doorstop.
• When you enter, prop your hotel room door open with your luggage and do a quick sweep to make sure there are no intruders.
• Have a grab bag of essentials including your passport, water, and phone charger prepared in advance.