Celebrating 22 Years of Blame It On Rio Travel!

On September 1, 2023, I marked 22 memorable years since the inception of "Blame it on Rio Travel" in the vibrant heart of Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Our doors first opened on September 1, 2001, a date closely followed by an event that brought the world to a standstill - the tragic fall of the World Trade Centers. But after a brief pause, the spirit of travel reignited, and we've been on an incredible journey since.

Before our storefront, we began as a budding online travel agency at a time when the internet was just emerging. Fast forward 22 years, and it's astounding to see how we've integrated it into our daily lives.

Over the years, I've been fortunate enough to cross paths with an array of wonderful individuals from across the globe - from every nationality and every walk of life. It's been a blessing to see what started as a vision on a simple Dell laptop grow into a beloved establishment on Rua Xavier da Silveria. In fact, we proudly hold the title as the longest-standing business on that street, even as others came and went.

In 2007, we innovated and expanded our travel agency, introducing a Laundromat right next door. It wasn't just a business decision; it was a successful endeavor that strikes a chord with our community till today.

However, like many, we faced trials in 2020 with the advent of the Corona Virus. We had to make the difficult decision to merge our travel agency into the Laundromat. It's been an uphill battle since, marked with its highs and lows. With the help of our Corona Virus GoFundMe page, we were able to survive with all of your help. While many businesses received support through the SBA's PPP and EIDL loans, unfortunately, the assistance promised to us fell through.

But resilience defines us. Today, I'm reaching out with a dream to rejuvenate and expand our offerings – from introducing new pedal bicycles, electric bikes, scooters, to upgrading our laundry machines. Moreover, I'm envisioning opening another vibrant location for bike rentals and repairs.

To keep this dream alive, I humbly ask for your support once again. Any contribution, big or small, will help pave the way for a brighter future for our business, our clients, and our community.

With heartfelt thanks,

Bobby