Monday, January 25, 2010

Gay Travel Tips For Brazil

By Howie Holben

Pristine beaches, diverse culture, beautiful people, an invigorating nightlife and exciting, over-the-top annual celebrations, such as Carnival, bring both gay and straight vacationers to Brazil by the thousands. Brazil, being one of South Americas most popular destinations for gay travel deals due to its welcoming and accepting atmosphere and large LGBT population, offers a variety of gay travel options that are appealing to both gay men and lesbians and include opportunities for exhilarating nights on the town, as well as relaxing getaways in paradise. Whether your idea of the perfect gay vacation is a week-long trek through Brazilian jungles in search of ancient ruins or lounging in the lap of luxury at an exclusive resort overlooking the beach, Brazil is sure to deliver the international gay travel experience you seek.

Rio de Janeiro is among the most popular gay vacation destinations in Brazil and offers gay beaches, gay and lesbian bars and clubs, drag shows, circuit parties, bathhouses and a vast array of dining, shopping, recreation and cultural activities that attract travelers from around the world. While the establishments and gay culture in Rio de Janeiro are geared more towards gay men, lesbians will find a welcoming atmosphere at most gay establishments and events and can enjoy women's nights at several locations throughout the city, as well as a lesbian club that is open nightly. Of course, Rio is also home to Carnival and world-famous New Years festivities, both of which provide plentiful parties, parades and festivals for gay and lesbian revelers.

While perhaps the most popular, Rio de Janeiro is not the only gay tours destination in Brazil. A number of Brazilian cities host annual gay pride parades and festivals, including Sao Paolo and Belo Horizonte, and most urban areas enjoy a thriving gay culture. For gay vacations that are not centered around gay pride festivals or annual events, gay travel options include all-inclusive luxury eco-gay cruises and tours of historical and cultural landmarks offered by organized tour companies catering specifically to the gay and lesbian community.

A Brazilian gay trip provides ample opportunities to partake in once in a lifetime adventures and experience this cosmopolitan culture to the fullest. To ensure a safe, enjoyable vacation, keep in mind that gay travel in Brazil is not unlike gay travel within the United States when it comes to being aware and using your best judgment. Just as gay travelers in the U.S. know that some areas are more accepting and welcoming than others, gay travelers in Brazil should also keep this in mind as they explore Brazil. And, for travelers who may wish to enjoy some of Brazil's well-known bathhouses, taking the necessary precautions to play safely is just as necessary as it is back home.

Planning your gay vacation to Brazil is most easily accomplished when working with a travel agency that is well-versed in local attractions, vacation package options, the best times to travel throughout the year and information of particular interest to the gay travel community. Whether you are looking for a jungle adventure, a wild week in Rio or a restful vacation on the beach, enlisting the assistance of a travel agency serving the gay community will ensure that your out travel adventures are everything you hoped for.

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