u/Oneisoneisone

I’m considering spending a few months in Brazil from around November–February and would love advice from people who know the country well.

The rough idea is starting in Rio and slowly making my way up the coast toward the northeast, staying around 1–2 weeks per place rather than moving constantly.

I’m looking for places that fit more of a relaxed healthy lifestyle rather than partying/nightlife.

Things important to me:
tropical/coastal places
relaxed and authentic atmosphere
not overly touristy or influencer-heavy
decent gyms and cafés
affordable private accommodation (~£25/night ideally if possible)
beaches, nature, wildlife, walking trails
somewhere reasonably safe to film with a camera
manageable for someone who only speaks English
more calm/personable towns over hectic cities

Current list is:
Rio
Ilha Grande
Paraty
Arraial d’Ajuda
Caraíva
Itacaré
Morro de São Paulo
Praia da Pipa
São Miguel do Gostoso
Jericoacoara
Lençóis Maranhenses National Park

A few questions:
Is this a good route overall?
Are any of these overrated or too touristy?
Are there better alternatives for the kind of lifestyle I described?
Which places would you personally spend longer in?
Which are best for slower travel and daily routine rather than partying?
How realistic is my accommodation budget in these places nowadays?
Any places where safety/stress levels become noticeably harder?

Brazil has fascinated me for years but I’m trying to figure out whether it realistically fits the kind of lifestyle I enjoy.

I’m considering spending a few months in the Philippines from around November–February and would love advice from people who know the country well.
I’m looking for a slower, healthier, more relaxed style of travel rather than partying or rushing around constantly.

Things important to me:
tropical climate
coastal/island areas
relaxed and personable atmosphere
not overly touristy or influencer-heavy
gyms and decent cafés nearby
vegan-friendly food options (or at least manageable)
affordable private accommodation (~£25/night ideally)
nature, beaches, wildlife, walking trails
somewhere safe enough to comfortably film with a camera
good for staying 1–2 weeks per place rather than moving constantly
reasonably manageable with only English

I’m not looking for huge chaotic cities long term. I prefer places with a calmer local feel while still having enough infrastructure to live comfortably.

At the moment, places I’ve noted down include:
Siquijor
Siargao
Camiguin
Bohol
Cebu
Negros
Iloilo
Antique
San Vicente (Palawan)
Coron
Catanduanes
Baler
Zambales
Ilocos
Pangasinan
South Cotabato
Davao Oriental
Batanes

Out of these, which do you think best fit the lifestyle I described?

Also:
Which places are most realistic on my budget?
Which have the best balance of nature + comfort + gym/café access?
Which places feel relaxed/authentic rather than overtouristed?
Any hidden gems or places I should remove from the list?

Thank you

I’m considering spending a few months in the Philippines from around November–February and would love advice from people who know the country well.
I’m looking for a slower, healthier, more relaxed style of travel rather than partying or rushing around constantly.

Things important to me:
tropical climate
coastal/island areas
relaxed and personable atmosphere
not overly touristy or influencer-heavy
gyms and decent cafés nearby
vegan-friendly food options (or at least manageable)
affordable private accommodation (~£25/night ideally)
nature, beaches, wildlife, walking trails
somewhere safe enough to comfortably film with a camera
good for staying 1–2 weeks per place rather than moving constantly
reasonably manageable with only English

I’m not looking for huge chaotic cities long term. I prefer places with a calmer local feel while still having enough infrastructure to live comfortably.

At the moment, places I’ve noted down include:
Siquijor
Siargao
Camiguin
Bohol
Cebu
Negros
Iloilo
Antique
San Vicente (Palawan)
Coron
Catanduanes
Baler
Zambales
Ilocos
Pangasinan
South Cotabato
Davao Oriental
Batanes

Out of these, which do you think best fit the lifestyle I described?

Also:
Which places are most realistic on my budget?
Which have the best balance of nature + comfort + gym/café access?
Which places feel relaxed/authentic rather than overtouristed?
Any hidden gems or places I should remove from the list?

Thank you

Trying to decide where to spend the next few months and would love advice from people who’ve spent proper time in these places.

I’m mainly deciding between Thailand and Brazil, but also considering the Philippines.

What I’m looking for:

* tropical climate
* coastal towns over huge cities
* relaxed/authentic feel rather than heavy party or influencer scenes
* gyms, cafés, nature, beaches, wildlife, walking trails
* decent vegan food options
* safe enough to comfortably film with a camera
* affordable private accommodation (around £25/night ideally)
* somewhere good for a healthy routine and slower pace of travel

I usually stay around 1–2 weeks per place rather than moving constantly.

I’ve already been to Thailand 4 times, so I know it works well for me:
easy food, affordable, easy transport, gyms/muay thai, comfortable with English, etc.

But part of me wonders whether I should try somewhere more unfamiliar instead.

Brazil has always fascinated me, especially Rio + the northeast coast, but I’m unsure about:

* safety
* costs long term
* language barrier
* vegan food outside major cities
* overall stress/ease of travel

The Philippines also looks amazing but I know much less about day-to-day life there long term.

For people who’ve spent serious time in these places:
which do you think offers the best balance of affordability, safety, nature, lifestyle, and overall quality of life for a slower trip from Nov–Feb?

Trying to decide where to spend the next few months and would love advice from people who’ve spent proper time in these places.

I’m mainly deciding between Thailand and Brazil, but also considering the Philippines.

What I’m looking for:

* tropical climate
* coastal towns over huge cities
* relaxed/authentic feel rather than heavy party or influencer scenes
* gyms, cafés, nature, beaches, wildlife, walking trails
* decent vegan food options
* safe enough to comfortably film with a camera
* affordable private accommodation (around £25/night ideally)
* somewhere good for a healthy routine and slower pace of travel

I usually stay around 1–2 weeks per place rather than moving constantly.

I’ve already been to Thailand 4 times, so I know it works well for me:
easy food, affordable, easy transport, gyms/muay thai, comfortable with English, etc.

But part of me wonders whether I should try somewhere more unfamiliar instead.

Brazil has always fascinated me, especially Rio + the northeast coast, but I’m unsure about:

* safety
* costs long term
* language barrier
* vegan food outside major cities
* overall stress/ease of travel

The Philippines also looks amazing but I know much less about day-to-day life there long term.

For people who’ve spent serious time in these places:
which do you think offers the best balance of affordability, safety, nature, lifestyle, and overall quality of life for a slower trip from Nov–Feb?

Trying to decide where to spend the next few months and would love advice from people who’ve spent proper time in these places.

I’m mainly deciding between Thailand and Brazil, but also considering the Philippines.

What I’m looking for:

* tropical climate
* coastal towns over huge cities
* relaxed/authentic feel rather than heavy party or influencer scenes
* gyms, cafés, nature, beaches, wildlife, walking trails
* decent vegan food options
* safe enough to comfortably film with a camera
* affordable private accommodation (around £25/night ideally)
* somewhere good for a healthy routine and slower pace of travel

I usually stay around 1–2 weeks per place rather than moving constantly.

I’ve already been to Thailand 4 times, so I know it works well for me:
easy food, affordable, easy transport, gyms/muay thai, comfortable with English, etc.

But part of me wonders whether I should try somewhere more unfamiliar instead.

Brazil has always fascinated me, especially Rio + the northeast coast, but I’m unsure about:

* safety
* costs long term
* language barrier
* vegan food outside major cities
* overall stress/ease of travel

The Philippines also looks amazing but I know much less about day-to-day life there long term.

For people who’ve spent serious time in these places:
which do you think offers the best balance of affordability, safety, nature, lifestyle, and overall quality of life for a slower trip from Nov–Feb?

Trying to decide where to spend the next few months and would love advice from people who’ve spent proper time in these places.

I’m mainly deciding between Thailand and Brazil, but also considering the Philippines.

What I’m looking for:

* tropical climate
* coastal towns over huge cities
* relaxed/authentic feel rather than heavy party or influencer scenes
* gyms, cafés, nature, beaches, wildlife, walking trails
* decent vegan food options
* safe enough to comfortably film with a camera
* affordable private accommodation (around £25/night ideally)
* somewhere good for a healthy routine and slower pace of travel

I usually stay around 1–2 weeks per place rather than moving constantly.

I’ve already been to Thailand 4 times, so I know it works well for me:
easy food, affordable, easy transport, gyms/muay thai, comfortable with English, etc.

But part of me wonders whether I should try somewhere more unfamiliar instead.

Brazil has always fascinated me, especially Rio + the northeast coast, but I’m unsure about:

* safety
* costs long term
* language barrier
* vegan food outside major cities
* overall stress/ease of travel

The Philippines also looks amazing but I know much less about day-to-day life there long term.

For people who’ve spent serious time in these places:
which do you think offers the best balance of affordability, safety, nature, lifestyle, and overall quality of life for a slower trip from Nov–Feb?

I’m trying to decide where to spend 3-4 months (Nov-Feb) and would love advice from people who’ve actually spent proper time in these places — especially people into slower travel and more relaxed lifestyles rather than partying.

Right now I’m mainly deciding between Thailand and Brazil, but I’m also considering the Philippines.

About me / what I’m looking for:

* Solo male traveller
* Vegan
* Prefer private rooms over hostel dorms
* Accommodation budget ideally around £25/night max
* Usually stay around 2 weeks per place rather than constantly moving
* Prefer coastal/beach areas over huge cities
* Like relaxed, personable places more than hectic tourist traps
* Don’t really enjoy influencer-heavy scenes
* Don’t drink or party much
* Like cafés, gyms, sports, beaches, wildlife, nature walks/trails, snorkelling trips etc.
* Mostly looking for a healthy/simple routine:
gym + healthy food + nature + occasional dating/socialising + filming videos + staying mostly sober
* I only speak English
* Safety matters because I like filming and using a camera while travelling
* I only really enjoy tropical weather

I’ve already been to Thailand 4 times, so the advantages there are obvious:
easy vegan food, affordable accommodation and gyms, muay thai everywhere, easy with English, and generally comfortable/safe for the lifestyle I like. (Ticks most boxes)

But the downside is that it may not feel as new or exciting anymore.

Brazil has always fascinated me, especially the idea of starting in Rio and heading up the coast toward the northeast. But I’m unsure about:

* safety with cameras/phones
* costs over several months
* language barrier
* vegan food outside major cities
* whether it’s stressful or manageable for a slower relaxed lifestyle, transport etc

The Philippines also interests me because it seems beautiful and is also new, but I have heard mixed reviews and I don’t know if it beats Thailand.

One important thing:
I don’t need somewhere completely remote, but I do enjoy places slightly outside the main tourist centres where things feel a bit more authentic, calm, and personable. One or two short visits to a major city for history, culture etc

For people who’ve spent serious time in these countries:

* Which do you think best suits this kind of lifestyle?
* Which feels easiest vs most rewarding?
* Which gives the best mix of affordability, safety, routine, nature, and adventure?
* Any specific towns/regions you’d recommend for Nov–Feb?

Thank you

I’m trying to decide where to spend 3-4 months (Nov-Feb) and would love advice from people who’ve actually spent proper time in these places — especially people into slower travel and more relaxed lifestyles rather than partying.

Right now I’m mainly deciding between Thailand and Brazil, but I’m also considering the Philippines.

About me / what I’m looking for:

* Solo male traveller
* Vegan
* Prefer private rooms over hostel dorms
* Accommodation budget ideally around £25/night max
* Usually stay around 2 weeks per place rather than constantly moving
* Prefer coastal/beach areas over huge cities
* Like relaxed, personable places more than hectic tourist traps
* Don’t really enjoy influencer-heavy scenes
* Don’t drink or party much
* Like cafés, gyms, sports, beaches, wildlife, nature walks/trails, snorkelling trips etc.
* Mostly looking for a healthy/simple routine:
gym + healthy food + nature + occasional dating/socialising + filming videos + staying mostly sober
* I only speak English
* Safety matters because I like filming and using a camera while travelling
* I only really enjoy tropical weather

I’ve already been to Thailand 4 times, so the advantages there are obvious:
easy vegan food, affordable accommodation and gyms, muay thai everywhere, easy with English, and generally comfortable/safe for the lifestyle I like. (Ticks most boxes)

But the downside is that it may not feel as new or exciting anymore.

Brazil has always fascinated me, especially the idea of starting in Rio and heading up the coast toward the northeast. But I’m unsure about:

* safety with cameras/phones
* costs over several months
* language barrier
* vegan food outside major cities
* whether it’s stressful or manageable for a slower relaxed lifestyle, transport etc

The Philippines also interests me because it seems beautiful and is also new, but I have heard mixed reviews and I don’t know if it beats Thailand.

One important thing:
I don’t need somewhere completely remote, but I do enjoy places slightly outside the main tourist centres where things feel a bit more authentic, calm, and personable. One or two short visits to a major city for history, culture etc

For people who’ve spent serious time in these countries:

* Which do you think best suits this kind of lifestyle?
* Which feels easiest vs most rewarding?
* Which gives the best mix of affordability, safety, routine, nature, and adventure?
* Any specific towns/regions you’d recommend for Nov–Feb?

Thank you

I’m trying to decide where to spend 3-4 months (Nov-Feb) and would love advice from people who’ve actually spent proper time in these places — especially people into slower travel and more relaxed lifestyles rather than partying.

Right now I’m mainly deciding between Thailand and Brazil, but I’m also considering the Philippines.

About me / what I’m looking for:

* Solo male traveller
* Vegan
* Prefer private rooms over hostel dorms
* Accommodation budget ideally around £25/night max
* Usually stay around 2 weeks per place rather than constantly moving
* Prefer coastal/beach areas over huge cities
* Like relaxed, personable places more than hectic tourist traps
* Don’t really enjoy influencer-heavy scenes
* Don’t drink or party much
* Like cafés, gyms, sports, beaches, wildlife, nature walks/trails, snorkelling trips etc.
* Mostly looking for a healthy/simple routine:
gym + healthy food + nature + occasional dating/socialising + filming videos + staying mostly sober
* I only speak English
* Safety matters because I like filming and using a camera while travelling
* I only really enjoy tropical weather

I’ve already been to Thailand 4 times, so the advantages there are obvious:
easy vegan food, affordable accommodation and gyms, muay thai everywhere, easy with English, and generally comfortable/safe for the lifestyle I like. (Ticks most boxes)

But the downside is that it may not feel as new or exciting anymore.

Brazil has always fascinated me, especially the idea of starting in Rio and heading up the coast toward the northeast. But I’m unsure about:

* safety with cameras/phones
* costs over several months
* language barrier
* vegan food outside major cities
* whether it’s stressful or manageable for a slower relaxed lifestyle, transport etc

The Philippines also interests me because it seems beautiful and is also new, but I have heard mixed reviews and I don’t know if it beats Thailand.

One important thing:
I don’t need somewhere completely remote, but I do enjoy places slightly outside the main tourist centres where things feel a bit more authentic, calm, and personable. One or two short visits to a major city for history, culture etc

For people who’ve spent serious time in these countries:

* Which do you think best suits this kind of lifestyle?
* Which feels easiest vs most rewarding?
* Which gives the best mix of affordability, safety, routine, nature, and adventure?
* Any specific towns/regions you’d recommend for Nov–Feb?

Thank you

I’m trying to decide where to spend 3-4 months (Nov-Feb) and would love advice from people who’ve actually spent proper time in these places — especially people into slower travel and more relaxed lifestyles rather than partying.

Right now I’m mainly deciding between Thailand and Brazil, but I’m also considering the Philippines.

About me / what I’m looking for:

* Solo male traveller
* Vegan
* Prefer private rooms over hostel dorms
* Accommodation budget ideally around £25/night max
* Usually stay around 2 weeks per place rather than constantly moving
* Prefer coastal/beach areas over huge cities
* Like relaxed, personable places more than hectic tourist traps
* Don’t really enjoy influencer-heavy scenes
* Don’t drink or party much
* Like cafés, gyms, sports, beaches, wildlife, nature walks/trails, snorkelling trips etc.
* Mostly looking for a healthy/simple routine:
gym + healthy food + nature + occasional dating/socialising + filming videos + staying mostly sober
* I only speak English
* Safety matters because I like filming and using a camera while travelling
* I only really enjoy tropical weather

I’ve already been to Thailand 4 times, so the advantages there are obvious:
easy vegan food, affordable accommodation and gyms, muay thai everywhere, easy with English, and generally comfortable/safe for the lifestyle I like. (Ticks most boxes)

But the downside is that it may not feel as new or exciting anymore.

Brazil has always fascinated me, especially the idea of starting in Rio and heading up the coast toward the northeast. But I’m unsure about:

* safety with cameras/phones
* costs over several months
* language barrier
* vegan food outside major cities
* whether it’s stressful or manageable for a slower relaxed lifestyle, transport etc

The Philippines also interests me because it seems beautiful and is also new, but I have heard mixed reviews and I don’t know if it beats Thailand.

One important thing:
I don’t need somewhere completely remote, but I do enjoy places slightly outside the main tourist centres where things feel a bit more authentic, calm, and personable. One or two short visits to a major city for history, culture etc

For people who’ve spent serious time in these countries:

* Which do you think best suits this kind of lifestyle?
* Which feels easiest vs most rewarding?
* Which gives the best mix of affordability, safety, routine, nature, and adventure?
* Any specific towns/regions you’d recommend for Nov–Feb?

Thank you