Experience the family-friendly side of Brazil
With warm temperatures, a vibrant culture and a vast array of wildlife it's easy to see why people might be attracted to a break in a property in Brazil.
But, what many still fail to realise is that Brazil is a destination for the whole family – not just the parents.
Long sandy beaches, rural areas which allow kids to get up close with nature, and year-round warm temperatures mean Brazil has as much, if not more, to offer than traditional Mediterranean destinations.
Glauco Chris Fuzinatto, UK and Ireland director at the Brazilian Tourist Office, explained that Brazilians are "welcoming, very family orientated and very keen on children".
"Almost every single place in Brazil caters for young children all the way to teenagers," he explained.
"Depending on how old the children are, obviously if you want to go into the jungle or things like that, it might not be appropriate, but it doesn't mean that families couldn't go there it's just not the place you would take a very young child," he added.
And the north-west, with its vast array of urban beaches, is one of the regions which is best suited to families, according to Mr Fuzinatto.
"If you're going to a beach resort in Brazil, there [are] always local children who play sports. Brazilians are fanatical about sport. You can play football, volleyball; they can do quite a lot of activities on the beaches as well," he added.
Natal, the capital of the state of Rio Grande do Norte, is well known as the home of some of these great urban beaches.
Maracajau, a short drive away from Natal, is a great option for those interested in diving. Reefs a short distance off the coast trap some of the tide as it is going out forming pools known as parrachos.
These parrachos provide still water and a host of marine wildlife and can be as little as 2 metres deep, making them ideal for families. Parents who prefer to let the kids swim while they relax will be able to supervise them from a number of bar boats near the shallower pools.
For a more action packed adventure, head to Jenipabu which is famed for its buggy rides through the dunes.
Laura Rendell-Dunn, marketing manager at Journey Latin America, recommends Praia da Pipa as a top beach for families thanks to the quiet natural pools. "At certain times of the year you can see pink dolphins," she added.
If families fancy visiting some of the larger cities while staying in their property in Brazil, many also have a number of attractions for kids.
Sao Paulo is home to one of the largest zoos in the world, which has more than 3,000 animals including big cats. The zoo contains areas of forest where animals live in their natural habitat and can be explored on a mini safari.
Also located a short way from Sao Paulo is Playcenter – a large theme park where a 75 mph rollercoaster called the Boomerang is the top attraction.
Older children will also be able to enjoy many of the world famous attractions in Brazil, such as the Statue of Christ the Redeemer atop Mount Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro.
Those concerned about flight times shouldn't worry too much, as resorts in the north-east region are accessible in a similar amount of time as the popular family holiday destination of Florida.
Ms Rendell-Dunn explained: "There are so many airlines flying to Brazil it's so easily accessible now and, because so many airlines are flying there, that brings down the cost of the ticket."
All of these attractions combine to make property in Brazil an all-year-round great option for families.
