The biggest event in the world for soccer fans is only days away.  About 600,000 international travelers will head to the 12 host cities across Brazil for the World Cup from June 12 to July 13, 2014. That's in addition to more than 3 million Brazilians who will be attending the games.  If you are one of the lucky travelers headed to Brazil, here are a few suggestions for making sure your trip is great.  U.S. citizens are required to have a visa to enter Brazil. World Cup attendees receive a free visa, but anyone else must pay $160.  Your passport should have at least six months left before it expires. Make a copy of your passport and health information to carry with you and leave the original in a secure location like the hotel safe.  While traveling keep your documents and any other important papers with you — use a zippered plastic bag to keep them together and dry.  Write down your itinerary, including flights, hotel information, contact numbers and dates of travel, and give it to a friend or family member who will be able to help if anything happens. Make copies of your passport and any credit cards you'll be carrying, also.  The Sugar Loaf and Guanabara bay are seen behind the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on June 8, 2014. Maracana stadium will host the World Cup Final match on July 13.  The average foreign tourist will spend $2,500 to attend the World Cup. A large part of the cost is the flight to Brazil. Once you're there, you can save money by avoiding very touristy restaurants and visiting a grocery store once or twice to pick up basic items.  While saving money is always attractive, also know when it is better to spend a little more. For example, travelers should be wary of unmarked taxis — better to pay a standard and transparent rate than try to save a little and potentially end up in a jam.  If you don't speak the language already, you aren't going to learn Portuguese in the next three days. But learning a few words and phrases can make getting around much easier.  Duolingo is a great app for practicing basic vocabulary, and the Portuguese course makes learning the language like a game. Rosetta Stone also released an app for iOS and Google Play for World Cup vocabulary.  The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends travelers headed to the World Cup games in Brazil visit their doctor's office first. Travelers should be current on routine vaccines, including measles, tetanus, chicken pox, polio, and flu. Also, depending on where you are traveling, you should also consider getting vaccinated against hepatitis A, typhoid, hepatitis B, yellow fever, rabies and malaria.  If your medical insurance does not cover you for international travel, purchase a policy for your trip. There are many options available online.  In addition to learning how to ask where the stadium is, also practice — or carry with you — how to ask for medical assistance in Portuguese.  Havaianas sandals decorated with the national colors of the 2014 World Cup participating countries hang on brackets at a store in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on May 31, 2014.  The World Cup's host cities are all across Brazil. Wherever you're headed, you will probably have a long trek to get there, so packing light is key. Pack items that are good for multiple situations and that can easily be washed in your hotel bathroom.  Any medications should be packed in your carry-on baggage, and not checked. Don't forget a first-aid kit, and be sure to leave room for souvenirs.  The U.S. Department of State has detailed information for the 160,000 Americans who purchased tickets to World Cup games. U.S. citizens can enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program before they go to receive updates and any alerts or warnings for their destination.  Be wary of pickpockets in crowded tourist areas, avoid taking unmarked taxis, and do not wear expensive jewelry or clothing that makes you stand out as a tourist.  In other words, use common sense and take the usual precautions to stay safe while traveling abroad. Tourists are common in Brazil's many cities, and many areas are safe. Being aware of what to watch out for is your best bet for avoiding any accidents.  An Indian boy gets his head painted as part of a promotional event ahead of the soccer World Cup at a saloon in Mumbai, India, Monday, June 9, 2014.  What would you do if your wallet were lost or stolen? Who can you call who will be able to help? What does your insurance cover if you are injured? Be sure to have an answer to these questions before you leave.  Also, know what help is available to you while in Brazil: The emergency numbers in Brazil are 190 for the police, 192 for calling an ambulance, and 193 for calling the fire department.  And we don't just mean the games. Chances are that reaching your World Cup destinations will take many hours and cover thousands of miles. Don't wait until you reach a stadium to have fun.  Brazil is an amazing country and the World Cup games are sure to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for fans.  Have any tips for traveling to the World Cup? Share them in the comments.
Traveling to Brazil for the games? Here are some World Cup travel tips to make your trip safe and enjoyable.