Information: Tourist Info

Getting here: TAP Air Portugal are the main operator to Brazil from Heathrow and Gatwick. Flights go via Lisbon direct to Fortaleza. Other operators fly from Amsterdam; or you can use British Airways to Rio or Sao Paulo and get an internal flight with one of the many national operators.

Prices: Alcohol is very cheap. A pint of cold beer is about £1.20. Cocktails vary from £1 to £2. A large meal for two with drinks will cost about £7. With prices from the 1970s you can afford to have an exotic holiday!

Currency : is the Real, although the US Dollar and Euro is widely accepted. All credit cards are accepted, the most common being Visa. (Top tip: at night all the banking cash points (ATMs) distribute R$100 max (£25). So either bring cash or be prepared to travel into Fortaleza to find a bank during the day) .

Water Safety: The water is in general very safe for all the family. A shore break does exist at different states of tide, so care is advised for small children at high tide. The currents are not a worry, and the waves are small. Lifeguard facilities exist in some areas.

Climate: Sunshine all year round. The rain season starts in February and ends in May/June. Even in the rainy season you are likely to get 4-5 days of sunshine and rain on the other two. Temperatures vary between 22C to 32C. The sea temperature is unusually warm, no wetsuits are required.

What to expect: Portuguese is spoken and next to nobody speaks English. It may be beneficial to learn some Portuguese or Spanish before arriving. Poverty does exist, but affluency is of abundance here too. You can find the best boutiques, fine shopping, cinemas and second to none restaurants here. Airports, tourist areas and business districts are very safe areas often with a dedicated, tourist Police force.

Communications : Fast internet access is available in Cumbuco and Fortaleza. Pay phones can be found in the street. You can use credit cards to phone home or buy pre-paid cards.

Medical Services: Brazil has excellent medical facilities, but you have to pay for the service. Advisable to carry travel insurance; although the fees are very cheap not like the USA.

Brasil: is a very exciting place to travel to. You cannot fail to have an amusing, yet very relaxing time. For more info check out the other links on Brasil.

John also will have accommodation in Jericoacoara. Famous for it's strong winds and windsurfing meca. Jericoacoara.co.uk