THE BOYS IN BRAZIL
Football fans David Owen and Patrick Stevens have travelled to Brazil for the World Cup, where both the football, and the expenses, have exceeded expectations.
Last year the pair imagined they could go to a few games and tour parts of South America for less than $10,000.
But Owen said World Cup markups had meant prices were ‘‘pretty ridiculous’’.
‘‘Everyone I got tips off or spoke to who had been to Brazil had the impression it was cheap and easy, which it usually is.
‘‘Expenses have been a write-off to be honest.’’
He said hostels which were usually $18 a night were up around $120 a night.
Food was cheaper once they began eating from street vendors but buses, though reliable, were more expensive than they had hoped.
‘‘Accommodation has to be the biggest killer with price.
‘‘I just wasn’t expecting it, even though the World Cup is on.’’
Though they had only been to the major cities, it appeared the whole country was ‘‘cashing in’’.
But whenever Brazil played the country stopped, he said, which could be a hassle but was mostly exciting.
He saw Spain play Chile and England against Costa Rica, however, which were all that mattered to him.
‘‘It’s an amazing place but the attractions are so packed up and prices are steep, I’d want to come back again when it’s not World Cup time.’’