More and more, women are becoming the protagonists of their own itineraries and embarking on adventures across Brazil. Whether alone, accompanied, in search of fun, peace, or self-discovery, all women have reasons to explore new experiences. On this International Women’s Day, the Tourism News Agency presents even more reasons for them to dive into tourism, because a woman’s place is wherever she wants to go.
The tourism expert and journalist Gilsimara Caresia, creator of the GirlsGo Travel for Women project, one of the largest communities of its kind in Brazil, points out that the female audience in the travel sector is growing, and the diversity of destinations is taking over their planning. According to Gilsimara, when choosing an itinerary, they look for safe places and base their decisions on tourism trends.
“As I am part of a very large group of women travelers, I end up noticing the growth of some destinations that were not very well-known before, usually villages and safer places. In general, women tend to follow the trend of tourism, going to cities that are highly desired,” she explains.
Last month, the Ministry of Tourism released the Trends in Tourism Magazine, which indicated the trending destinations for 2022 in Brazil. Many of them are already on the radar of women’s desires, as Gilsimara shares. “Many dream of visiting Rio de Janeiro (RJ), for example. Alter do Chão (PA), Jericoacoara (CE), Jalapão (TO), Caraíva (BA), and Chapada dos Veadeiros (GO) are also highly sought after by them,” she highlights.
The Trends in Tourism Magazine revealed that destinations within Brazil that provide unique experiences, preferably in nature, are the current trend. Different ways of traveling, such as caravaning, are also gaining visibility, and women are increasingly embracing these trends.
This is the case of lawyer Luana Solomon, who, after 16 years working in the financial market, resigned to rethink her goals and expand her horizons. Aboard a motorhome and accompanied by her two pets, Chai and Gregor, Luana decided to travel “alone” from São Paulo to Ushuaia, Argentina. The journey passes through incredible cities and landscapes in Southeast and South Brazil before entering Argentine territory.
“I don’t understand mechanics, electricity, hydraulics, or motorhomes, but I felt that this was the experience I wanted to live. I have always traveled by plane, bus, or even on foot. The motorhome is a huge challenge for me,” she says.
According to Luana, among the benefits of this mode of transport is the ability to travel within her own home and also bring her pets along. “In addition, there is the overcoming, feeling capable, being more open to meeting people, and the dogs help me a lot with that because everyone wants to approach them,” she jokes.
Besides caravaning, the MTur Trends Magazine points out that cycling has also gained strength with the Covid-19 pandemic and is a big bet for tourism in 2022. After retiring at 58, Vera Marques became an advocate for traveling on two wheels. She discovered that cycling is an economical and sustainable means of transport. So far, she has made 28 trips by bike, covering five continents and 19 countries.
“I have always loved to travel, I am curious about the things in the world, and cycling makes the experience even more enjoyable. It allows for a more detailed observation of the destinations because you go at a slower pace. Traveling by bike provides freedom. You are not dependent on bus schedules or other people. If you want, you can stop to take a photo of the landscape or stay longer in a city,” she explains.
Vera’s first bike trip was on the tourist route Estrada Real, between Ouro Preto and Diamantina, in Minas Gerais. “I look for routes that add to my knowledge, and the Estrada Real route is very beautiful, rich in history. That’s when I realized that it was possible to travel from one place to another by bike with great tranquility and safety. But everything depends on good planning, especially when traveling alone. Choosing the route is also fundamental,” she warns.
Women Travelers
Luana and Vera will join other inspiring women to share these and other stories and challenges during the 3rd Brazilian Meeting of Women Travelers, which will be held in São Paulo on March 19 and 20. During the event, 20 speakers will share their experiences about a new way of traveling and trends such as outdoor travel (bicycle, motorcycle, sailing), nomadism, sabbaticals, long-term stays, volunteering, and much more.
Source: www.gov.br, by Vanessa Castro