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 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 womens 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.

Rio de Janeiro might be the most well-known gay tours destination in the country, but there are many other gay travel options throughout Brazil. Annual gay pride festivals and gay pride parades are held in several cities, such as Belo Horizonte and Sao Paolo, and travelers will find thriving gay communities in the vast majority of urban areas. And, if the party and pride scene is not your style, other Brazilian gay travel options include luxurious all-inclusive eco-gay cruises and historical and cultural tours organized by tour companies serving the gay and lesbian travel 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 Brazils 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.

To ensure a fun-filled, relaxing Brazilian gay vacation, your best bet is to work with a travel agency that is familiar with vacation packages, optimal travel dates for your vacation goals, local attractions and the particular information that is of interest to gay and lesbian travelers. Whether your ideal vacation is an adventure into the jungle, a relaxing week at the beach or a wild time in Rio, working with a travel agency dedicated to gay holidays will allow you to sit back and relax and have the Brazilian vacation you have always dreamed of.

This post is by Spirit Journeys’ owner Howie Holben. Spirit Journeys is a spiritual gay travel group. Spirit Journeys’ gay vacation packages are fantastic. Find more about a spiritual gay holiday at www.SpiritJourneys.com.

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