I Was Born and Raised in Brazil-Here Are 10 Unspoken Rules to Follow When You Visit

"Look at a map and it all makes sense: Brazil is a country that lives in an almost permanent state of summer. Flip-flops are not just beachwear here; they're a cultural staple. Bikini tops are acceptable as shirts inside most establishments, and clothes are light and airy. Brazilian style is undeniably sexy-skin is celebrated not just because we love it, but because it's practical."

"Brazilian culture is community-centered. Families live near each other and it's normal for kids to live at home well into adulthood. That sense of togetherness extends to social life: It's rare to see a Brazilian eating or drinking alone. Beers, for example, are typically served in one-liter bottles known as litrão, accompanied by small glass cups. You'll share the bottle with friends, refilling each other's glasses and tallying the empties only when it's time to pay."

Brazil experiences an almost permanent state of summer, so clothing is light, airy, and practical. Flip-flops are a cultural staple and bikini tops are often acceptable as shirts inside establishments. Brazilian style emphasizes skin and sensuality, with a common local maxim to remove at least one layer before leaving the house. Families and communities are tightly knit, and it is normal for adult children to live at home. Social life centers on sharing; beers often come in one-liter bottles (litrão) to be shared and kept ice-cold. Long-distance bus travel is comfortable, economical, and often preferable to flying.

Read at Travel + Leisure