What’s important to consider when marketing travel itineraries with children in Brazil? This text aims to provide the main characteristics and information about our country so that you can convey them to travelers in the best possible way. Are you ready to embark on this journey with us?
Content Summary
To begin with, we believe it’s essential to consider that children of different ages have different profiles, so we cannot generalize. But one thing almost all of them have in common is that they always welcome activities. It’s rare to find a child who doesn’t enjoy having things to do, especially when it comes to nature and adventure tourism, with authentic experiences full of knowledge, adapted language for the little ones, and more playful interactions.
Our director Daniela during her last family vacation in July 2023.
Parents also appreciate having some free time to enjoy a few hours of vacation and/or interact as a family, something that can be challenging with the hustle and bustle of daily life.
According to the Ministry of Tourism, in 2019, Nature Tourism motivated 18.6% of international tourists’ trips. It was the highest rate in the last five years! The Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) also pointed out that around 1.5 million Brazilian tourists traveled within the country for adventure and nature-related experiences in that year, representing 26% of leisure trips. Among the most sought-after destinations are Foz do Iguaçu (PR), Rio de Janeiro (RJ), São Paulo (SP), Angra dos Reis (RJ), and Florianópolis (SC).
The expectations for this and the coming years are even higher. From January to May 2023, foreigners spent US$2.721 billion in Brazil (almost R$13 billion) – nearly 36% more than the previous year. This is the highest amount since 1998, when the historical series began, indicating significant growth in international tourism.
It’s worth noting that during a trip with children in Brazil, indoor activities are also possible, such as visits to museums, exhibitions, movie screenings, and theater performances, especially in locations closer to urban centers. Everything can be adapted to suit the preferences of the travelers.
Where to go
Recommended destinations include the Lençóis Maranhenses and the Costa Verde, between Ubatuba and Paraty (Saco do Mamanguá)!
Brazil is a destination for expansion, for staying outside the window, and for enjoying experiences that create and preserve memories that become part of our inner selves. Undoubtedly, it’s a country for trying new experiences, both because of its continental dimensions and the diversity of biomes and cultures. Travelers can experience a closer relationship with nature, be enchanted by the landscapes and outdoor life, and learn from the communities and cultures present here.
Some of our experiences include: walking barefoot, taking river baths, enjoying the warmth of the sun along with the sea breeze, letting the wind touch your face, sipping fresh coconut water under the shade of a palm tree, listening to the sound of ocean waves, floating in crystal-clear spring waters in “fervedouros,” exploring incredible landscapes such as the Lençóis Maranhenses, Southern Canyons, Pantanal, and the Serra do Mar (Atlantic Rainforest), listening to the stories of the elders from these preserved places, observing wildlife, and of course, trying new flavors of juices, fruits, and local cuisine.
How children’s nutrition works
From North to South of the country, Brazil has an enormous diversity of fruits and vegetables. Therefore, depending on the itinerary, children will have the opportunity to try a multitude of flavors, ranging from the sweetest to the most sour. The same applies to types of meat, especially fish, which can be freshwater or saltwater and come in various species.
The most important thing is to ask travelers about their dietary preferences to prepare them for what to expect or even to adjust the menu slightly. Even more crucial, we would say essential, is to understand if any family member has dietary restrictions, whether due to ideological choices such as vegetarianism or due to intolerances and allergies. A food poisoning episode can potentially ruin an entire trip, not to mention the emergency concerns.
For the little ones, some places offer kids’ meals, which come with smaller portions of food and/or menu adaptations.
How much time is ideal for a family trip?
Since Brazil is a vast country, for a family trip, we suggest a minimum of two weeks (14 days) to allow time to explore various regions and also have free time to rest.
We take every care to suggest the best tours for families. However, free time can be used for resting and even revisiting something the family enjoyed experiencing.
Fail-safe Tips (According to a Traveling Mother)
In addition to being a tourism professional and co-founder of Gondwana Brasil, Daniela Meres is also a traveler and a mother. Whenever she can, she travels with her children.
“Taking the kids to explore Brazil has been one of the main goals in their upbringing, as future stewards responsible for taking care of and appreciating this land, its people, cultures, and ways of life,” she shares.
Based on her experience, here are some special tips:
- The fewer airplane journeys, the better. This avoids the fatigue of spending hours in crowded airports.
- Avoid the high season months in Brazil, such as January, February and July.
- Choose destinations with good flight connections or even land transfers.
- Combine two destinations in a single trip: one that is more active and another that is more relaxing and contemplative. For example: Chapada Diamantina with Boipeba (Bahia); Pantanal with Bonito (Mato Grosso do Sul); Lençóis Maranhenses with Jericoacoara (Maranhão and Ceará).
- Rio de Janeiro with Paraty and beaches in Ubatuba.
- Diversify activities: spend one day on a boat trip, another day hiking, the next day exploring in a jeep, and the following day relaxing. Children love to experience the same place from different perspectives.
- Hire local guides to introduce them to the destinations, enriching the exchange of information and the children’s experiences in each place.
Is it necessary to bring many products and equipment?
Considering an international trip, when it comes to equipment, many items can be purchased or rented locally, such as snorkeling gear, thermal clothing, water shoes for walking on rocks, and camping equipment, depending on the chosen itinerary.
Most destinations have these products available for rent. Our consultants will assist you on a case-by-case basis when it comes to planning and customizing a family trip in Brazil for your clients.
The most important thing is to bring medicines, beloved toys, and other special items to ensure the children’s comfort and happiness during the trip.
With all that being said, we hope to welcome your travelers in the best possible way. Our country is for adventurers of all ages, with open hearts to meet new people and places, be enchanted by nature, and allow themselves to be surprised. If you connect with Brazil, you will fall in love with this place and its people, taking with you the joy of living!
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