Brazil 'offers lots of holiday opportunities'

Britons looking to explore somewhere new on their next holiday might want to consider Brazil.

The South American country has a variety of facilities, attractions and activities that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds, according to Tom Falcao of the Brazilian Embassy's tourist office.

He said that the nation is an ideal destination for families with young children, giving the example of a tradition where native families have their lunch outdoors with their kids.

Young people can enjoy beach sports such as basketball and football, while older travellers can relax in a spa or mud bath, Mr Falcao added.

He went on to note that Rio de Janeiro is the "visitor postcard" for Brazil - perhaps offering travellers a tip on where they might like to visit in Brazil first.

"It's famous for its location [and] it's tremendously beautiful. Rio has been a famous city since the beginning of the last century," Mr Falcao explained.

Some interesting facts about Brazil include the fact that the traditional greeting in the country is a kiss on each cheek for women and a handshake for men, and that the nation's equivalent to the Loch Ness monster and the yeti is the Mapinguari, a red-haired animal capable of growing up to six feet long that supposedly lives in the Amazon jungle, according to Lonely Planet.

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