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Brian Harder

Chicago, Illinois Travel Agent

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Brian Harder

Chicago, Illinois Travel Agent

A Full-Service Travel Leaders Associate Agency

11 Reviews | 100% Recommended

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Brazil Travel Agent Specialist

Christ The Redeemer in Rio.

Samba to the Rhythm: Your Ultimate Rio de Janeiro Vacation Guide

Rio de Janeiro, a city that pulsates with vibrant energy and celebrates life in every corner, is a dream destination for travelers seeking a mix of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and captivating festivities. This comprehensive vacation guide unveils the secrets of Rio de Janeiro, ensuring an unforgettable and rhythm-filled getaway.

Breathtaking Beaches

Rio de Janeiro is renowned for its stunning beaches that capture the essence of Brazilian beach culture. Copacabana and Ipanema, with their golden sands and turquoise waters, invite you to relax, sunbathe, and partake in lively beach games. Experience the iconic sunset over the horizon, a sight that truly embodies the spirit of Rio.

Christ the Redeemer and Beyond

Gaze up at the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue atop Corcovado Mountain, an emblem of Rio's skyline and an awe-inspiring vantage point. Explore the lush Tijuca Forest, the world's largest urban forest, and hike to majestic viewpoints offering panoramic vistas of the city and coastline.

Carnival Magic

Rio de Janeiro is synonymous with the spectacular Carnival, a world-famous celebration of music, dance, and color. If you're fortunate to visit during Carnival season, immerse yourself in the exuberant parades, samba rhythms, and elaborate costumes that create an electrifying atmosphere throughout the city.

Cultural Melting Pot

Embrace Rio's diverse culture through its arts, music, and cuisine. Visit the bohemian neighborhood of Santa Teresa to explore art studios, galleries, and charming streets. Delve into the vibrant local markets for unique crafts and souvenirs. Don't miss the chance to savor Brazilian delights, from feijoada to brigadeiros.

Sugarloaf Mountain Adventure

Ascend to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain via a cable car ride for a panoramic view of Rio's breathtaking landscapes. Experience the cityscape as it transforms from the bustling urban center to tranquil beaches and lush mountains, all within a matter of minutes.

Soccer Passion

Experience the heart and soul of Brazil's love for soccer by attending a match at Maracanã Stadium. The passion of the fans and the electrifying atmosphere create an unforgettable sporting experience that's deeply ingrained in the Brazilian way of life.

Planning Your Rio Adventure

To ensure a memorable vacation in Rio de Janeiro, consider traveling during its summer months (December to March) for sunny weather and vibrant festivities. I can offer attractions, tours, and events to create an itinerary that suits your interests and I'll help you familiarize yourself with safety tips and local customs to fully enjoy your stay.

Rio de Janeiro invites you to dance to its rhythm, explore its natural wonders, and embrace its rich cultural tapestry. From its iconic landmarks to its lively celebrations, the city promises an unforgettable vacation experience that captures the essence of Brazil's spirit. Let me begin planning your Rio de Janeiro adventure today and get ready to be swept away by the magic of this captivating destination.

My Areas of Expertise

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CERTIFICATES & AWARDS

My Reviews

Rating: 5 11 Reviews | 100% Recommended

A travel agent who rocks!

Reviewed By R. and C. - Madison, WI | Traveled to Hilton Head Island ~ South Carolina ~ USA

Brian has been a wealth of resources and we have been thrilled to work with a professional travel agent who cares so much for client satisfaction. We've never been to Hilton Head before and Brian provided us with options, direct links, available discount codes, suggested tours and much more. He was sensitive to our budget and helped us find a great place to stay with all the amenities we wanted for a price that fell within that budget. Pretty sure we could not have done this without him. Thank you, Brian!

I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

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Great Trip

Reviewed By Jeff - Green Bay, WI | Traveled to San Diego ~ California ~ USA

Brian was very helpful. He had great suggestions. His assistance was very much appreciated!

I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Brian Harder responded:
Thank you, Jeff. I am glad your trip was enjoyable. Brian---

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Our Dream Honeymoon -- Come True!

Reviewed By Geoff and Andrew - Chicago, IL | Traveled to France ~ Europe

Brian was incredibly resourceful, creative, communicative and responsive! He took time to understand what we wanted out of our honeymoon trip, found the ideal transit/lodging solutions for our multi-destination honeymoon, and provided tons of information about local attractions and events. Working with him was a joy!

I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Brian Harder responded:
Thank you, Geoff. I am glad your trip was a success. I look forward to working with you again! Brian---

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Long Weekend in Boston

Reviewed By Jana - Syracuse, NY | Traveled to Boston ~ Massachusetts ~ USA

I called on Brian who is an old friend because I heard he was working as a travel agent. My husband and I took an impromptu road trip to Boston for a long weekend, but didn't have a lot of time to plan what to do once we got there. Brian was able to get us a hotel room. And he sent us some recommendations for tours we could take. We were able to book those online in a matter of minutes. We took a tour of Fenway Park and a walking tour of the historic downtown. Great recommendations.

I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Brian Harder responded:
It was so nice to catch up and work with you, Jana, on your Boston adventure. I look forward to working with you again. Brian---

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Brazil or Bust

Reviewed By Janice - Naperville, IL | Traveled to Brazil ~ South America

We went to Brazil this year and had a wonderful time. We took our time booking our trip and even changed our destination a few times but Brian was very patient with us while we tried to figure out where we wanted to go. We settled on Brazil and everything was great! Brian made luxurious hotel reservations for us and gave us some amazing ideas for things to do while we were there.

I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Brian Harder responded:
I'm glad it all worked out for you, Janice. It was a pleasure and I'm thrilled you had a good time. Hope to work with you again in the future. Brian---

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Great Customer Service

Reviewed By Bill - McArthur, CA | Traveled to Puerto Vallarta ~ Jalisco ~ Mexico

I've traveled the world using multiple travel agents.
This year we tried a new agent. Brian exceeded our expectations. Not only did he book our trip and travel insurance, but he communicated with us throughout the trip. As elderly travelers, we appreciated knowing we had Brian as a resource while we were vacationing in a foreign country. A naturally friendly individual, Brian practices excellent customer service and we look forward to using him again.

I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Brian Harder responded:
Thank you kindly, Bill, for this nice review. It was a pleasure helping you feel secure on this trip to Puerto Vallarta. Let me know when I can help you in the future. My best to Katharine Ann, Brian---

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So easy to work with!

Reviewed By Maggie Bee - Chicago, IL | Traveled to Hawaii ~ USA

Brian was very responsive and provided a long list of options for our review. He had some great ideas and tailored them for the time we had on each island.

I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Brian Harder responded:
It was my pleasure assisting you, Maggie, and I'm glad you had a good time. I'd love to help you plan your whole vacation adventure next time! :-) Brian---

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A weekend we won't forget!

Reviewed By Betty - Ames, IA | Traveled to Chicago ~ Illinois ~ USA

Our weekend getaway to Chicago was flawlessly planned by Brian! Every detail, from the centrally located hotel to the personalized itinerary that included iconic sights and hidden gems, everything was perfect. We don’t get out of Iowa much, so having a local like Brian plan the trip for us was ideal! We are a meat and potatoes couple, but he gave us great dining recommendations that have kindled a desire for more culinary exploration. The highlight was the architectural boat tour on the Chicago River. The views were stunning, and our guide knew everything about the buildings and Chicago's rich history. Thanks to Brian, our weekend was unforgettable. His professionalism, attention to detail, and personalized approach made all the difference.

I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Brian Harder responded:
Betty, I am so glad your trip was as nice as you had hoped for. Chicago is lovely and it was a pleasure working with you. I'd be happy to work with you in the future! Brian---

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Our trip to Peru

Reviewed By Mark - Springfield, IL | Traveled to Peru ~ South America

Brian was great. He responded to us almost immediately and from that first conversation, we knew we were in good hands. He helped us with our travel plans to Peru and Machu Picchu. He had been there before, so we felt like he was able to provide us with insider knowledge. The trip was fabulous with stops in Lima, Cusco, and of course, Machu Picchu, which was a highlight. I don’t know if we would have hiked up to Huayna Picchu if Brian hadn’t highly recommended/encouraged it, but we’re glad we did. Overall, it was a great trip and Brian planned it very well. We will use him again in the future.

I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Brian Harder responded:
I'm so glad your trip was enjoyable, Mark. After discussing your expectations for the trip, I knew you'd enjoy some of the recommendations I offered you. My best to you and Steven and I look forward to helping you both plan your next adventure. Brian---

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Fantastic San Diego Getaway

Reviewed By Bill and Jonathan - Aurora, IL | Traveled to San Diego ~ California ~ USA

Brian was incredibly attentive to our needs and preferences, making our getaway to San Diego memorable and special. We stayed at Inn on The Park , a nice, LGBTQ-friendly hotel near Hillcrest. It was the perfect landing place for our getaway. We explored the neighborhoods and visited Mount Soledad in La Jolla for the best view of the entire area. We loved Old Town. The restaurant recommendations were spot on, even ensuring that our anniversary was communicated to one restaurant in advance. Highlights include the romantic sunset cruise around San Diego Bay and the San Diego Zoo.
The attention to detail and personal touches that Brian added were the best. Everything felt personalized and considerate. Brian was responsive to us and we always felt we had support when we needed it. We could not have asked for a better experience and are already looking forward to planning our next adventure with Brian. We highly recommended him for anyone looking for a personalized, stress-free, experience

I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Brian Harder responded:
Bill and Jonathan...thank you for letting me plan your anniversary trip. I'm glad it was special for you both. I hope I can be of assistance for all your future travel needs as well. Brian---

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Brian Made It Happen!

Reviewed By Fanny - Chicago, IL | Traveled to Costa Rica ~ Central America

I work for a large telecommunications advertising business. Brian was instrumental in helping me to plan our annual client trip. This one was to Costa Rica. I was pregnant and about to have my child and go on maternity leave. Brian took over and handled all the details so very well. He took care of booking all of our guests’ travel arrangements, including extended stays for some. They stayed at the Four Seasons Peninsula, Papagayo. He arranged transportation from the airport and for the excursions. He booked dinner destinations, a beach party, golf days, spa days, a zipline adventure, hired a photographer, and so much more. He booked meeting rooms for our employees. He arranged for nightly gifts to be left in our client’s suites. He then attended the trip so that no detail would be forgotten. The clients and employees raved about the trip. He was an invaluable resource for me while I was out, and I would recommend him to anyone worried about details. Brian knows how to cover it all.

I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Brian Harder responded:
Hi Fanny. I had such a nice time planning this trip for your clients and I'm glad it went off without a hitch (except for that storm which we couldn't predict...LOL.) Being there really made all the difference and I must say, your clients know how to have a good time! My best to you and little Lizbeth. If you need help again, please feel free to reach out. Brian---

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My Travel Experience

Places I’ve personally traveled to or destinations I’ve booked for my clients.