Private jet flight attendant, food enthusiast, and self-proclaimed solo travel junkie Nia Moore had no idea that a five-day getaway to Rio de Janeiro would turn into a 25-day adventure.
But after experiencing the energy, culture, and affordability of Brazil’s most iconic city, she simply couldn’t bring herself to leave.
Moore, known for documenting her luxury travel experiences on Instagram, shared a captivating recap of her extended stay, offering followers a firsthand look at why Rio is a must-visit destination.
From Five Days to 25: A Love Affair with Rio
Moore arrived in Rio during Carnival, the world’s biggest cultural celebration, and was instantly captivated.
“Y’all know Auntie Nia loves to party, but nobody, and I mean nobody, parties like the Brazilians,” she shared in her Instagram video.
The city’s non-stop festivities, passionate locals, and vibrant nightlife kept her out until the early morning hours—only to do it all over again by noon.
Beyond the party scene, Moore was drawn in by Rio’s affordability. Compared to prices in the U.S., she found luxury experiences at a fraction of the cost.
“Cocktails that would be $15 to $20 back home? Just $2 in Rio. A fabulous steak dinner? Less than $20. My Airbnb stays were between $30 and $50 a night,” she revealed, making the decision to extend her trip an easy one.
A Playground for Solo Travelers
For single travelers, Moore described Rio as “an adult playground” filled with “beautiful, half-naked people.”
She even FaceTimed her friends back in the States just to make them jealous. For those looking to connect with locals, she recommended downloading dating apps like Tinder, which is widely used in Brazil.
Her top nightlife pick? Casa Black Rio, a club known for playing Afrobeats and hip-hop on weekends.
“It’s crawling with chocolate cutie pies,” she teased.
Experiences Worth Every Penny
Moore made the most of her time by embracing everything Rio had to offer. From visiting the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue to taking in a football match at Maracanã Stadium, she soaked in the local culture.
Her most recommended activity? A $50 catamaran boat ride booked through Airbnb Experiences.
“For three hours, I cruised the coastline, sipped caipirinhas, and practiced diving—though somehow, I got worse at it each day,” she joked.
However, one activity she didn’t endorse was the favela tour, calling it invasive and exploitative.
“I did go to a dope party in the favela one night, but I went at my own risk and out of respect, I didn’t film,” she noted.
Safety Tips for Solo Female Travelers
One of the biggest questions Moore received was about safety.
“Yes, there are elements of danger in Rio like anywhere else, but if you’re socially aware, vigilant, and watch your belongings, you shouldn’t have any issues,” she assured.
She also recommended booking accommodations in neighborhoods with 24-hour security.
Final Thoughts: Rio Has Her Heart
After pushing her flight back four times, Moore eventually returned home but left her heart in Rio.
“The people, the food, the culture—I felt embraced by it all,” she reflected. “One thing’s for sure, I belong here, and I’ll be back.”
For those considering a trip to Brazil, Moore’s advice is simple: “Five days just isn’t enough.”
