Brazil And Gay Holidays

Gay and straight travelers alike flock to Brazil in droves to enjoy the pristine beaches, beautiful people, exciting nightlife, diverse culture and lavish annual celebrations, such as Carnival. As one of the most welcoming and accepting gay travel destinations in South America, Brazil is a popular choice for both gay men and lesbians looking for fun in the sun or a relaxing respite in a tropical paradise. From luxury gay vacations in exclusive beachfront resorts, to exotic excursions into remote Brazilian jungles, Brazil has much to offer to every type of traveler and is an ideal setting for international gay travel.

Rio de Janeiro is among the most popular gay travel 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 Year's 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 vacation 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.

Planning a gay vacation to Brazil is an exciting endeavor that is sure to lead to many memorable once in a lifetime experiences. Partaking in gay travel in Brazil is much like traveling throughout the United States when it comes to safety and necessary precautions. Just as in the U.S., some areas of Brazil will be more welcoming and accepting than others and using your best judgment in determining the safety of a given area is always a good idea. Also, for travelers interested in visiting Brazil's bathhouses, keep in mind that Brazil, like the U.S., is combating the spread of HIV and appropriate precautions should be taken to ensure that you play safely.

Planning gay vacations 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 gay vacation to Brazil is everything you hoped for.

Howie Holben has traveled throughout the world for more than 30 years. He owns and runs Spirit Journeys, a spiritual gay vacation travel organization. Spirit Journeys has offered gay holidays with a difference since 1992. You can learn more at www.spiritjourneys.com.