Benny Lewis shares his incredible journey visiting all 26 states of Brazil. He emphasizes the importance of using buses and boats for authentic local experiences. Highlights include the stunning Lençóis Maranhenses and unforgettable interactions with locals. Speaking Portuguese opened doors, making him a unique presence in many communities. He stresses the value of going off the beaten path to truly understand a culture. Ultimately, this adventure enriched his appreciation for Brazil, solidifying it as his favorite destination.
Benny Lewis highlights the importance of immersing oneself in local culture by engaging with communities beyond typical tourist destinations in Brazil.
The affordability and convenience of bus travel allowed Benny to navigate Brazil's vast regions, enhancing both logistics and authentic experiences.
Deep dives
Completion of a Travel Goal
The host recently completed a significant personal travel goal by visiting all 26 states of Brazil, plus the federal district. This project required extensive planning and the commitment of most of the year to achieve. By visiting regions beyond just the capital cities, the host was able to immerse himself in local cultures and experiences, enhancing the overall adventure. Traveling deeper allows for more meaningful interactions, as many Brazilians he encountered had never spoken to a foreigner before.
Logistics of Traveling in Brazil
Traveling within Brazil is relatively affordable and manageable, especially through buses. Buses can be booked online, providing convenience and comfort for long journeys, though certain routes such as those along the Amazon River require more spontaneity in planning. Flying remains an expensive alternative compared to bus travel, and if visiting every state, one might need to fly occasionally. The host managed to keep costs down by utilizing public transportation throughout his travels, making the experience both practical and sustainable.
Cultural Immersion Through Local Connections
A core focus of the travels was to foster genuine connections with locals, ensuring that the host met new friends in each state. By attending social events and engaging directly with the communities, he gained rich insights into Brazilian culture and formed lasting friendships. The host's proficiency in Portuguese facilitated deeper interactions, especially outside the major cities, providing an authentic travel experience. This emphasis on personal connections greatly enriched his journey and contributed to profound memories that he hopes to share for years to come.
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Exploring Every Corner of Brazil: A Journey of Discovery
In this episode, Benny Lewis shares his journey of completing a long-time travel goal: visiting all 26 states of Brazil plus the federal district. Over the course of nine months, Benny explored the country deeply, opting for buses and boats whenever possible to immerse himself in authentic local experiences. He recounts highlights such as the breathtaking Lençóis Maranhenses, socializing with locals in every state, and navigating logistical challenges, especially in remote regions like Acre and Amazonas. Speaking Portuguese proved invaluable, enabling meaningful interactions and making him often the first foreigner many Brazilians had met.
Benny emphasizes the importance of going beyond typical tourist destinations to truly understand a country's culture. He reflects on how this experience enriched his appreciation for Brazil, solidifying it as his favorite country. By prioritizing connections with locals over sightseeing, Benny created lasting memories and stories for every state. This project also strengthened his ties to Brazilian culture, which he cherishes deeply. Benny closes by encouraging listeners to embrace similar deep travel experiences and to explore the richness of less-visited parts of the world.