Help Blame It On Rio Travel Survive COVID-19

Our Life; Warm Smiles and even Warmer Sunshine

 

Blame It On Rio Travel has been operating in the beautiful and marvelous city of Rio De Janeiro since September 1st, 2001. From the beginning, we've been making lifelong memories for our clients who come to us from all over the world and trust us to organize unforgettable adventures in our lovely city; from planning heart-racing hang-gliding off the famous Pedra Bonita mountain with a breathtaking flight over the luxurious neighborhood of São Conrado, to a spectacular train ride up to the world known Christ the Redeemer statue that stands tall with welcoming arms over Rio de Janeiro, to an explosive culture packed trek through the favela of Rocinha, and to exquisite oceanside lounging on the white sandy beaches of Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon, we've made dreams come true for so many of our friends around the world and who trusted us to leave them desiring to return time and time again. We've always been there for you, with whatever answers and help you needed while you've been in Rio. With us, you've always had a home away from home in our city.

 

 

Our Challenges; Walking Through Heart-ache

 

During our twenty years of operation, we've endured many challenges that have always left us stronger and more prepared for what comes next than ever before. Our first challenge we faced was unimaginable, as 9/11 took our entire world by surprise, shutting down the entire aviation and international travel industry, leaving us shocked and surprised, just ten days after our grand opening. Despite the darkness of the time, we survived, we continued to offer our services to our clients and friends worldwide and when travel resumed again; we were there for you once more.

 

During the football World Cup of 2014, here in Rio de Janeiro, our store and travel agency was robbed at gunpoint twice. The robbers attacked us and made off with all of our money-exchange funds and held one of us hostage as they were making their getaway. They then robbed a motorist of his motorcycle and got away. This experience was crazy and scary, leaving us with a shortage of funds to run our business, but we endured and we survived.

 

A couple years later, during the early hour of two in the morning, our store was broken into and robbed of cash and equipment that was essential to the good operation of our money-exchange and tourism business, but again we endured and survived. Through every challenge we've faced along the way, we've grown closer together as a family and are now stronger and more resilient as ever.

 

Where We Are Today; COVID-19

 

September 1st of 2021 would have been the 20th anniversary of our store, but before September 1st, we were required to return the keys of our store to the owner of our rented space as we were unable to pay our rent and bills as we've had virtually no income for many months due to the disaster of COVID-19. This day has left us saddened. Fortunately, we've been able to maintain a much smaller store space next door where we've continued to operate our laundry service. We removed four laundry machines and in their place we put one small desk where we've been operating the travel agency which consists of organizing airfare, tours, and our money-exchange business. In the travel business, for the last twenty months, there's been no airfares, no tours, and no money-exchange. The COVID-19 virus has destroyed many business. We were fortunate for a while, as our landlord of the laundry space understood the difficulties that the world is having and he hasn't evicted us. When times improve, we'll be allowed to pay our overdue rent.

 

Moving Forward; The Time Has Come

 

In September 2001, we had the disaster of the World Trade Centers and for five days; the world stood still. On March 15th 2020, the world stopped for twenty-one months. Rio de Janeiro has been closed for most of the last twenty-one months. With no air travel, no tourists, and multiple lockdowns we've been left with no income and sales down 100%. The virus has destroyed us financially, mentally, and physically, but we are survivors and hope to continue with your help.

 

We Need Your Help

 

Please help us with donations, whatever you can afford, as every dollar will go towards helping us survive this pandemic. Your donations are helping us to pay our overdue rent and to pay our other outstanding bills which will allow us to stay in business and to continue to serve you; our clients and friends.

 

Help Blame It On Rio Travel Survive COVID-19