The Meaning of “Belonging” on a Journey Through Brazil

Traveling is much more than visiting places: it’s about feeling part of them, living the local daily life, and creating memories that go far beyond photos. The concept of “belonging” is at the heart of Via Saudade. Our purpose is to dissolve the boundaries between people and places, making every traveler feel welcomed, enriched, and at home—no matter where they are.

In Brazil, this feeling reveals itself in many ways. It might come with the warm smile of a host, an unexpected invitation for a freshly brewed coffee, or a spontaneous conversation under a centuries-old tree in a small town square. For us, belonging means allowing yourself to live the country not as a spectator, but as part of the local story.

When a traveler arrives in Rio de Janeiro, for example, it’s easy to be enchanted by the famous landmarks. But it’s by walking lesser-known streets, listening to residents’ stories, joining a spontaneous samba circle, or tasting a traditional dish lovingly prepared by a local family that you truly come to understand Brazil. It’s in these exchanges that the most lasting memories and truest friendships are born.

On Ilha Grande, the sense of belonging deepens even more. Far from the fast pace of big cities, every sunset on the beach or hike through the Atlantic Forest is an invitation to contemplate, to connect with nature and with yourself. Talking with fishermen, learning about local traditions, and uncovering the island’s secrets are experiences that turn the visitor into a living part of the community.

Via Saudade believes that tourism can and should be a bridge for genuine understanding between cultures. That’s why our itineraries are designed to foster connection, value authenticity, and encourage mutual respect. More than destinations, we offer spaces of belonging—where everyone can feel safe to be themselves, to learn, to share, and to grow.

Traveling with Via Saudade means embarking on a journey of emotional and human discovery. Above all, it means feeling at home in every corner of Brazil. Because, in the end, the true meaning of traveling is to return changed—carrying a piece of each place in your heart and leaving a bit of yourself behind along the way.