And It should be next on yours, too.

Brazil Is Next On My List...

Well, because it has so many things to enjoy while traveling. I even used Duo Lingo and downloaded Rosetta Stone to learn (some) Portuguese! Our next group trip to Brazil is in November 2019 (check the promo video). These are all of the reasons we chose to go:

1. No Visa Necessary

That's right! As of June 17th, 2019 U.S. citizens no longer need a visa to visit Brazil! This cuts the cost+hassle equation down quite a bit. It saves you $160 and a stressful trip to your nearest Brazilian consulate. Brazil is next on my list because it just got easier for my flaky friends to go.

2. Over Half Of Brazil Is Black

Did you know that Brazil has more Black people than any other country in the world not named Nigeria? Yup, it's #2 on the world list with an estimated 50.7% now denoting African ancestry. They were the last country in the western hemisphere to abolish slavery, 1888. Brazil is next on my list because many Brazilians are beginning to embrace their Africanity, and that's a sizable portion of the Black world.

3. Exchange Rate

As of now, 1 US dollar = 4.05 Brazilian Reais. This is about the best the rate has ever been for Muricans. So even though things are more expensive there than when I first went in 2009 you can still buy a bottle of cachaça for $4 USD. Brazil is next on my list because the exchange rate may not be this good forever.

4. Salvador

No, not El Salvador, but Salvador da Bahia. Salvador was the first capital city of Brazil. Because so many enslaved Africans were forced to go there the city now boasts over 80% Black folk. Samba originates from there, too. There is so much history to learn about Salvador, you can feel it as you walk through the cobblestone streets of Pelourinho. If Salvador isn't my favorite city in the world it's definitely top 3.

5. Black Consciousness Month

Did you know that Brazil doesn't celebrate Black History Month, but instead Black Consciousness Month?! This is amazing because they not only celebrate their history during this time, but also what is going on currently in the community and what they would like to see for the future. They also have a huge parade (50k - 100k people) in honor of Zumbi dos Palmares, Brazil's most famous Black freedom fighter. We will be taking part in this parade during our trip in November.

6. Food Paradise

You haven't lived until you've eaten moqueca. A fish stew simmered in a clay pot, commonly eaten in... yup, Salvador. Other foods of note are: acarajé (street food, deep fried black eyed peas fritter with shrimp), feijoada (stew of beans with meat), churrascarias (barbecue-style steakhouses), açai bowls (berry puree w/ granola and other fruit on top), queijo coalho (friend cheese w/ molasses), and of course the caipirinhas (like a Brazilian mojito). We'll be doing a caipirinha tasting with various fruits on our tour. Brazil is next on my list because moqueca is my favorite food in the world (besides mom's lasagne).

7. Rainforest Depletion

Brazil's current far-right wing president Jair Bolsonaro isn't shy about his deforestation agenda. Many fear that the Amazon (not the website, but the once giant Brazilian tropical forest) will be gone soon, so you may want to go see it now. Brazil is next on my list and hopefully I'll be visiting Manaus soon.

8. Dope Music

Whether you like samba, baile funke, hip hop, forro or any of the other genres, rest assured they are designed to make you MOVE. And during Black Consciousness Month there are always great live music concerts to see. Don't be afraid to sweat a lil.

9. Beaches

The Southern Atlantic Ocean's warm waters make Brazil an ideal place to hit the beach. Whether you are at a popular beach like Copacabana or Ipanema in Rio, at Porto da Barra beach in Salvador or a beach on Itaparica island you will enjoy yourself. Kids jumping off of seawalls, sunkissed unabashed bodies all around you, street vendors selling their wares; visiting the beach is a must-do when in Brazil. Brazil is next on my list because I like to go there when it hits winter in the US so I can piss off my cold friends.

We hope that you make it to Brazil and enjoy these things and all of the other things we did not mention in the article. If you'd like to come with us on our tour in November click here!