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Gay Tours: The Freedom To Be Who You Are
April 3, 2010
Gay people have seemingly always existed as their is historic evidence of homosexual activity and indeed one of the most often cited bastions of gay acceptance, the Greeks and Romans, existed over 2,000 years ago. Today, the world is as varied as it has always been and the struggle to accept homosexuality continues to be debated, embraced, and rejected. There are some countries (such as Canada), however, that are extremely accepting of gays and allow them to marry. If a country is not totally welcoming, there are still arenas that cater to gays like travel agencies that put together gay tours.
In the United States, gay rights are debated across a variety of regions whose ideals shift radically based on culture and religion. Some cities are more gay friendly than others and some states, like Vermont, allow gay marriages that would not be recognized otherwise. Because America is a melting pot, the reaction to homosexuality runs the gamut, but it is still better than countries like Iran which punish gay lifestyles with death sentences.
Is it a choice? Are you born gay? These are the questions that the rest of the world struggles with and that a gay child does not concern themselves with. To be gay is to realize your difference very early one and carry that into puberty. Adolescence is already a time of struggle and reflection that for gay teens, includes having to choose between being in the closet and acting the part of a straight teen or coming out and dealing with reactions that can be either accepting or rejecting.
Coming to terms with sexuality and a place in the world means finding like minded individuals. Technology, thankfully, has stepped forward and given gays a voice and a community. Lesbian Gay and Transgendered (LGBT) groups have come forward to make gayness a safe and normal state of being that is supported and full of love.
Many straight adults never have to think twice about feeling accepted sexually and so it can be underestimated that for a gay person to be around other gay persons, it can be one of the most accepting and transformative experiences. Finding time to be around other gays and having a sense of community does not have to be the exclusive purview of gay clubs. Travel feeds the soul and traveling with other gay people on gay tours can open up the world.
Gay tours also work as a great travel template to know where there are areas in which acceptance is high, bringing the overall anxiety level down. These tours can be centered on cruise ships with varying destinations and a very party boat atmosphere or they can be more focused and smaller, like wildlife tours that let you explore the natural wonders of places like Alaska.
On top of having a wealth of experiences open to you, the travel manifest is also something you can have a say in. You can go on a gay tour with a combination of gays, lesbians, and their friends, or just with gay families, or just with other lesbians, or just with other gay men. Depending on your identity and preference, there is a tour waiting for you.
Experience the world and let your true personality shine through without fear of being rejected. Gay tours are a great way to relax and take a moment to be around so many other gay people, a luxury that straight people have every single day. The psychological benefits cannot be discounted.
Howie Holben wrote this gay trips pointers essay. He is the caretaker of Spirit Journeys, a gay egypt tour organization. Spirit Journeys presents spiritual gay workshops all over the planet.
Gay Nude Yoga: Is It For You?
March 19, 2010
Gay naked yoga yoga has some positive benefits for anyone willing to give it a shot. You may be wondering what it is, but the name explains it perfectly. It’s yoga without your clothes on. It breaks with the norm and brings in a new liberating element to the art of yoga. It’s a way to cut loose of inhibitions and find a deeper meaning to self and to life.
This type of yoga is designed to push you past the normal limits of your comfort range, and on to a more liberating and a more free experience. It may sound unappealing to you at first, but once you get past those feelings and into the experience, it has many benefits for those who dare to practice it. It’s intention is not to exploit sexuality by any means, it’s to go beyond that into a harmony and peace you haven’t experience yet.
The goal is to attain a freedom that you’ve never experienced before. By feeling free with your body, overcoming any inhibitions you may have about imperfections, you can free your mind and experience things in a whole new light. If you begin this practice with any self-consciousness, then it will help you to eliminate that, and to come to a different level of body consciousness.
Even though this form of yoga is done in the buff, it’s still a practice of bringing together an appreciation of the self, in the physical, mental, and spiritual elements of being. While nudity is not commonly accepted, this type of yoga is catching on quickly in a positive way.
People have been practicing yoga for centuries. There has always been a passion for people to connect with themselves and find harmony and peace. The art of yoga is very easy to learn, and can produce a lot of good benefits if practiced consistently. It can be done alone or with a group, adding yet another freedom to enjoy.
Some of the benefits known to occur from yoga, are the peace and tranquility of the mind. It also is said to aid the body in ridding itself of toxins. It stimulates the mind and improves lung capacity and blood circulation. Digestion is assisted by this process as well. So you can see there are benefits to be had by this technique.
Another popular term for naked yoga is ‘naturism’. This is a movement, that is political, and cultural. It pleads the cause of nudity in society. It’s what took place over the issues of nudity on public beaches. It’s an appreciation of the body, an ability to see it in a different and deeper light. Finding a freedom that isn’t found on the surface.
Naked yoga has its benefits and is catching on fast. Some of these classes can be found with mixed male and female. But for the most part, they have been taken up by men. This old and widely used practice has taken on a new life as more and more people are discovering its benefits. Naked yoga is a very liberating and fulfilling experience. You can find more information online. If you’re new, there are instructions for learning. If you want to join a group or class, you can do that too.
You can also take your learning further by finding out about gay tantra.
Article about gay naked yoga by Howie Holben. Spirit Journeys has gay tantra workshops as well.
Hawaii For Gay Trip Destinations
February 24, 2010
Hawaii provides a pristine paradise that attracts travelers from across the globe to its many-colored picturesque beaches. Because of a welcoming, warm population and a blend of Polynesian, Asian and white European cultures, this island paradise has long been a popular travel destination for both straight and gay vacations. The LGBT community in Hawaii is relatively low-key and not entirely outwardly visible, but those that are on gay vacations will find a welcoming level of acceptance that has come about, in part, from many generations of varied cultures living together with no specific dominant religious or cultural influence as an overriding factor.
Oahu is the third largest island in size, but is home to 70% of the states population, as well as the state capitol, Honolulu, and the popular tourist area, Waikiki. When visiting Oahu on gay holidays, travelers will not want to miss the LGBT-friendly La Cucaracha where authentic Mexican food, great music and delicious margaritas are always on the menu. Those who want to check out Oahus scene should check out 80% Straight Inc., a community clothing, book and novelty store located in the Waikiki Grand, and the handful of bars and clubs on the island, including Angles Waikiki, Fusion Waikiki, In-Between and Hulas Bar & Lei Stand. Beach goers will find a warm welcome at Queens Surf beach and near the lighthouse at Diamond Head.
Those who make their way to Maui will not find much of a scene other than an area of Little Beach in Makena, but watching the sunrise from the top of Mount Haleakala, exploring waterfalls and shopping in quaint villages make Maui one of the great gay tours destinations. If you wish to explore what most consider the most scenic and tropical island in the chain, Kauai is a must-see stop. With a few LGBT-friendly places, including a clothing optional bed and breakfast and an LGBT-owned Japanese-style villa with a clothing optional lagoon pool, Kauai is the island for exploring waterfalls, canyons and imposing cliffs.
The Big Island is also a welcoming vacation option and offers several LGBT-friendly accommodations, restaurants and business, as well as one bar. Gay vacations to the Big Island provide opportunities to visit an active volcano, black sand beaches, a rain forest or the snow-capped Mauna Kea.
As the most remote island chain anywhere in the world, Hawaii is a tropical destination that everyone should have the chance to see at least once. In a single vacation to this island paradise you can ride horses down black sand beaches, attend a real luau, learn the hula, tour a pineapple plantation, explore a volcano and snorkel or scuba dive in crystal clear waters. To enjoy your Hawaii vacation to the fullest, consider partaking in a gay travel tour or enlisting the help of a travel agency that regularly plans Hawaii gay travel.
Howie Holben gay vacations to Hawaii advice. He is the caretaker of Spirit Journeys, a gay couples retreats enterprise. Spirit Journeys proposes spiritual gay yoga retreat all over the world.
categories: metaphysical,education,spirituality,travel,vacations,self improvement,gay,society,inspiration,motivation,health,fitness
A Gay Tours And Gay Vacations Guide For Turkey
February 10, 2010
Turkey is a unique country with a distinctive culture resulting from being situated on both the European and Asian continents. Turkey’s history and daily life is heavily influenced by both, with most considering Turkey to be economically and politically closer to other European countries, while it is geographically located mostly on the Asian continent and is solidly positioned as an Islamic country, along with its Middle Eastern neighbors, in terms of religion.
However, while Turkey is definitely an Islamic nation, visitors will find that a much more progressive mindset and Westernized culture is more evidence of the European influence that abounds. These characteristics that distinguish Turkey from other Islamic countries allow for safe, enjoyable gay tours.
Millions of visitors travel to Turkey every year, many enjoying gay vacations that include exploring old-world architecture and ancient ruins, relaxing on beautiful beaches on the Mediterranean and Aegean coastlines, and partaking in gay tours that visit sites of historical, cultural and spiritual importance.
As the historical capital of both the Ottoman and Byzantine Empires, there is virtually no end to the historic sites located throughout Istanbul and Turkey. Whether travelers opt for an urban gay travel experience in Istanbul, or a more rural vacation exploring old-world villages, visitors will feel like they have stepped into a different world where culturally-rich experiences are waiting around every corner.
From indulging in sweet black tea or hardy Turkish coffee at a sidewalk caf to experiencing an afternoon at a hammam (a traditional Turkish public bath), gay vacations to Turkey will allow you to fully immerse yourself in this distinctive culture and to partake in many memorable experiences.
Those who opt for gay tours to Turkey will find that their vacation experience can be even more memorable and fulfilling when they enjoy the additional benefit of having travel professionals organize their trip.
While visitors will not see a vibrant, vocal LGBT presence during gay vacations in Turkey, you will find that the LGBT community is alive and well. There are a number of community bars, discos and other establishments, particularly around the Taksim Square area in Istanbul, and – unlike most Islamic countries – there are no specific laws targeting same sex behaviors in Turkey.
With many fun nightspots from which to choose, those partaking in gay travel in Turkey certainly have the opportunity to indulge in a bit of Turkish LGBT life, while those who select gay vacations for their travel are sure to find that this option provides a unique experience filled with awe-inspiring sites and memorable experiences.
Information on gay tours in Turkey. Spirit Journeys is stands out from other gay tour agenies for you. Essay created by Howie Holben.
categories: metaphysical,education,spirituality,travel,vacations,self improvement,gay,society,inspiration,motivation,health,fitness
Gay Spiritual Travel And Spiritual Growth
February 7, 2010
Gay tourists go on vacation for an array of purposes, including the chance to see new things, meet interesting people, learn about different cultures, get away from everyday stressors for a short time, or make new memories with special people in their lives. Every trip has a purpose, even if the reason is just to get away and lounge on the beach without worrying about the everyday cares and worries back home.
Gay spiritual vacations are one example of purposeful travel that goes beyond the common quest to relax and rejuvenate and is undertaken with a specific awareness and intention. Whereas most travelers go on vacation with the goal to get away from it all, voyagers on a gay spirituality vacation embark on their journey with the intention to arrive in their special, chosen destination and to connect with the land, the people and the energy of that region.
Spiritual travel opportunities include solo conscious travel, couple’s retreats that allow you to reconnect and grow individually and together, and spiritual journeys taken with a group of like-minded seekers arranged by professional groups that organize travel to many spiritual destinations around the globe, such as Egypt, Thailand, New Zealand, India, Peru, the American Southwest and Mexico.
While traveling alone on gay spiritual vacations is certainly an option, choosing to partake in organized conscious travel opportunities with a group can significantly enhance your experience and the spiritual awakening or growth that can occur. Professional tour organizers that specifically arrange spiritual journeys have the experience and know-how to provide a truly meaningful, remarkable trip that will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you will never forget.
Conscious travel tours visit sacred sites, provide organized group activities and manage logistical aspects of the trip to allow you to focus on your personal journey and growth. Professional tour groups also have ongoing relationships with locals in each destination, which provides participants with opportunities to see and experience things that are unavailable to solo travelers on conventional vacations.
Participants in gay spiritual travel have the distinct opportunity to connect with like-minded travelers that are also seeking a spiritual awakening, renewal or reconnection. This allows you to participate in shared group activities, learn from each other’s experiences, share your story with people who have a deeper understanding and ability to relate, discuss experiences that you are having while on this specific journey and forge new friendships that will last a lifetime.
Anyone who is in search of a meaningful journey focused on personal growth, spiritual centering and a truly unique travel experience should consider partaking in conscious travel when they begin to plan their next vacation. A spiritual journey is an excellent self-care measure and will allow you to refocus your life, reorganize your priorities, remind yourself of the things and people that are truly important to you and return home refreshed.
Take the opportunity to care for your soul and reflect on the experiences in your life by participating in a personal journey that provides the purposeful occasion to enhance and center your spiritual self. Intentional travel with a focus on spiritual awareness and growth can significantly change your life and will surely provide benefits that last far beyond your spiritual vacation.
Advice initiated by Howie Holben. Spirit Journeys puts forth gay retreats and has resources for gay spirituality.
categories: gay spirituality,spirituality,metaphysical,spiritual,spiritual travel,travel,vacations,tours,gay,self help,inspiration,motivation,health,wellness
Gay Holiday Tours To India
January 11, 2010
India is a diverse country with a lot to offer to all types of travelers. With both sun-drenched, sandy beaches and the snowcapped Himalayas, and plenty of incredible, beautiful terrain in between, gay trips to India are filled with opportunities for relaxation or various outdoor adventures. Long-held as a center of spirituality and nature-based healing methods, an India gay vacation is an excellent choice for travelers in search of opportunities to reprioritize, refocus on the important things in life and reawaken their spiritual self.
The multidimensional character of India also allows for gay vacations that focus on exploring sacred, historical and cultural sites, trekking through untouched wilderness, shopping in traditional bazaars and high-end boutiques, indulging in delicious cuisine or learning about life in a rural village.
Folks on a gay vacation in India will likely find that it can be a challenge to locate visible LGBT communities, even in large metropolitan areas. Of course, there are some identifiable gathering and cruising spots, mostly in urban cities. An important step towards equality was taken in 2009 when the Delhi High Court voted to overturn a–8-year-old law that defined same-sex sexual activity as a punishable act under “carnal intercourse against the order of nature.” This law has been on the books since the time of British colonial rule and is still enforced throughout India. While Delhi no longer includes same-sex relations under this law, it is still used in the majority of the country to occasionally prosecute both gay and straight people and can result in punishments that include high fines and imprisonment, up to a life sentence.
Activists are trying to rectify this situation, but in the meantime, those who are on gay tours to India should be aware of this. With that said, there are many LGBT people living in India and there are some gathering spots, as well as the cruising areas you can expect in nearly any country, no matter how conservative. While there are mixed feelings at both a community and government level about LGBT folks, ideas about sexuality are changing, making India an ever-improving option for gay travel.
Same-sex relationships may still hold a taboo status in much of India, but this has not stopped this beautiful, diverse country from being a highly popular destination for gay holidays, and LGBT travelers typically report no issues during their gay travel. One way to ensure that your India gay vacation is a fulfilling, safe, remarkable trip is to arrange to take part in a tour organized by a trustworthy, well-established company that is experienced in providing exceptional trips and tours catering to LGBT folks. When you choose to take part in an organized tour group, you are taking an important step in ensuring that your trip to India will be full of opportunities to take in the country’s most amazing attractions, awaken your spirituality at important sacred sites, experience life-changing moments and create lifelong memories.
Commentary about India created by Howie Holben. Spirit Journeys presents gay singles a great way to find gay travel sites.
categories: spirituality,metaphysical,health,fitness,self help,motivation,society,gay,travel,vacations,sexuality,destinations,recreation
A Gay Vacation To Thailand
January 4, 2010
Thailand–the land of smiles–is, at once, a rich cultural experience as well as a gay travel Mecca. With 90% of its population following the Buddhist philosophy, homosexuality is widely accepted without protest or judgment. Though an anything-goes policy is in order once the bedroom doors have been closed, visitors should inform themselves on the otherwise modest customs and traditions of this countrys fascinating people. Since some of these can be quite unique and unusual to the westerner, it is advised that one do a bit of research on the topic before embarking on gay travel to the country, or on any gay travel offered there.
Visit Thailand to open your eyes to a truly unique and beautiful culture, without giving up any of the fun and excitement you may associate with more traditional vacation destinations. From the northern mountains, to the glorious southern beaches, Thailand is a natural gem, a real life diamond in the rough, just waiting to be discovered. Whether your pleasure is history, culture, ecotourism, or simply relaxation and indulgence, you will find what you are seeking in the country of the Thai.
Top visitor destinations for gay tours in Thailand include Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiangmai. Bangkok is the capital of Thailand and a mix of modern and tradition. In the city, there are world class accommodations, fine food, and unparalleled nightlife. Silom is 1 of 3 gay neighborhoods, where a visitors will find gay-friendly clubs, massage parlors, go-go bars, cabaret clubs, and saunas. Three major tourist destinations, Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket, hold annual gay pride events. If nightlife isn’t for you, Bangkok also houses historic temples and palaces immersed in tradition.
Some other ideas for a gay trips destination. in this fascinating country would include; catching one of the drag performances offered in the larger cities (Calypso in the Bangkok Asia Hotel is considered one of the best), a visit to one of the many Buddhist temples (remember to dress appropriately), joining one of the gay tours which take you to camp out in the hills with tribal villagers or to the rainforest where youll sleep in a floating bamboo hut.
The best time for travel to Thailand is between November and February, as March and April can be quite hot and May through October, the monsoon season, even hotter and more humid. Gay vacations should be booked keeping in mind that the country offers three separate gay pride festivals in the major cities of Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket.
Thailand, and its people are full of surprises. The phrase Mai pen rai, or its nothing/no worries/its cool tells all about the country and its inhabitants. Gay people are more than accepted by the general Thai population, making Thailand the ultimate choice for a gay vacation.
A gay guides in Thailand suggestions post by Howie Holben. Spirit Journeys can suggest incredible gay vacations
Gay Romantic Vacations
December 31, 2009
If you are looking to plan gay romantic getaways you have a decision to make. You can go straight to a destination and find out what the tolerance climate is once you get there or you can book a vacation that has already plowed the tolerance climate for you. Sometimes choosing between the two can be harder than you think, as each has its benefits.
Planning a gay romance getaway for two can either be inspired by the desire to fulfill a wish like surprising your partner with that special trip they’ve always wanted, or it can be about spending time together. When it’s about spending time away from home and responsibilities, going through a structured getaway for gay travel can be a great idea. It simply gives you more freedom and it gives you options.
If you’re inspired by the desire to fulfill a wish, you have to put a lot more research into your destination. There are still countries that mandate the arrest of anyone expressing gay behavior. Unless you’re sure of your destination’s laws you would do yourself a good deed by checking everything thoroughly before booking an independent trip.
What do want to get out of your romantic getaway? Are you looking for fun and adventure or would you rather lock the door and not come out again until it was time to leave? When you realize how many options you have through a structured getaway you may be surprised to find that you can create the vacation that you dream of. Perhaps you’re the type of couple that wants to blend romance with adventure.
More than just a great destination you get to explore freedoms that you may not have at home. The simple act of holding hands at home can be grounds for unpleasant reactions. Yet, when you realize that you are able to express yourself freely you end up with much more than just a chance to hold hands discreetly. You have the chance to be yourself. No questions asked.
Of course, most of us have heard of gay cruises and we know that those who go come back with some really great adventures under their belt. It is in fact a one of a kind vacation and there is something about doing it that is becoming a rite of passage. It’s definitely a top pick for those who just want some time together and some fun choices.
You can take a safari or you can end up on a romantic island. You can go off exploring other countries and you can find themed vacation for your and your partner. Sometimes making a gay romantic getaway turns into nothing more than the ability to be romantic. Yet you have to admit the scenery can add quite a bit to the romantic ambiance.
When you’re trying to plan out very nice gay romantic vacations you can have some trouble finding the same type of freedom and privacy that you are looking for. While we all can pin up in a hotel room, there really shouldn’t be a reason why we can’t be romantic when we’re outside of the hotel room.
Info post formulated by Howie Holben. Spirit Journeys proposes romantic gay getaways and romantic gay travel.
categories: metaphysical,spirituality,travel,vacations,self improvement,gay,society,inspiration,motivation,health,fitness,wellness
Gay Trip Sites In England
December 26, 2009
England offers a vast array of gay tours for singles and couples, which is one of the reasons that it continually remains among the most popular gay travel destinations in the world. With a highly visible lesbian and gay community, numerous gay events throughout the year and a much greater equality than that given to the LGBT community in the U.S., England is the perfect setting for gay vacations. Between the enticing London club scene, the restful shores of Brighton, the beautiful English countryside and the diverse urban landscapes, gay travel tourists of all kinds will delight in the gay vacation options that England provides.
Visitors on a gay vacation to London will not want to miss Old Compton Street and the Soho district, which is a thriving gay and lesbian neighborhood filled with gay bars, clubs, restaurants and businesses. Soho is close to many of Londons most famous tourist hotspots, like Leicester Square, Covent Garden, Piccadilly Circus, Chelsea and Kensington. And, with Londons stellar public transportation system, everything is within easy reach of this gay mecca. Manchester also has much to offer to the gay and lesbian traveler, including a lively gay scene with a variety of bars, clubs and pubs to choose from, as well as a quaint gay village encompassing the blocks around Canal Street.
For seaside gay holidays, Brighton, aka Soho by the Sea, is home to the countrys second largest gay and lesbian community. Stroll along the pier, spend an afternoon on the famous pebble beach and explore the many unique boutiques and shops before heading to Kempton for dinner and a night on the town in this popular gay neighborhood in Brighton. Newcastle Gateshead is yet another gay-friendly option for a gay vacation in England and offers a bit of style and sophistication with a thriving gay scene complete with a gay village full of bars, clubs, cafs and pubs.
Gay men and lesbians will find gay-friendly lodgings in every region of England, including some options that are exclusively for the gay travel community or only gay men. If you are working with a travel agency that is accustomed to organizing gay vacations in England, your travel agent will be able to guide you to the gay-friendly hotel, bed and breakfast or other lodging option that best suits your needs. If you are interesting in roughing it during your gay vacation to England, there are also gay-owned and gay-friendly campsites available, such as the gay-owned Out in the Open campground in Cornwall and Brighthouse Farm in Suffolk, which has six acres of farmland for camping, as well as self-catering accommodations and a bed and breakfast.
Gay vacations planned with the assistance of a professional travel agency dedicated to arranging gay holidays is sure to be one of the greatest vacations of your life.
Advice about England initiated by Howie Holben. Spirit Journeys puts forth gay adventure travel and has resources for gay spirituality.
categories: metaphysical,spirituality,travel,vacations,self improvement,gay,society,inspiration,motivation,health,fitness
Peru Can Be A Wonderful Gay Destination
December 26, 2009
The best gay vacations usually are used to take time away from the worries at home. They also give us chance to be adventuresome and active, or to just lay on the beach and sleep the day away. However, some people expect more from their vacation or travel experience.
Instead of just erasing your surface stress and providing random memories, what if there were a way to bring balance and harmony to your entire being, from soul stirring activities to spiritual peace through meditation? If all this sounds great to you, then pack your bags for a spiritual travel experience you’re not likely to forget: a wondrous journey to the magical land of Peru, specifically, The Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
Peru’s Sacred Valley is in the heart of the Andes Mountains. The surrounding villages are known for their Inca ruins and the mystical powers these places are reported to contain. In the Sacred Valley you can truly find peace, serenity and a chance to reflect. An experience you will remember.
The Kamaquen Retreat Center is a great place to stay while visiting the Sacred Valley. It is known for bringing those that stay there closer to the Andean culture and spirit. The center’s goal is to help you on your journey to self discovery.
No spiritual journey to the area would be complete without ascending the mountain to submerse yourself in the wonders of Machu Picchu. The epitome of spiritual energy, Machu Picchu offers soul stirring views, the kind that leave you breathless just by witnessing them. It also boasts magnificent and awe inspiring architecture that lies in complete balance with the sacred geography of the region by encapsulating mountain views in the windows and doors of the village as well as using intricate stone work that mirrors the surrounding mountain landscape.
There many places on the grounds of Machu Picchu that are perfect just to sit and meditate. It is easy to become one with Machu Picchu and to absorb it’s spiritual energy. Many people have had life changing revelations just being at Machu Picchu. Gay tours can change your life.
Howie Holben gay journeys to Peru clues. He is the the force behind Spirit Journeys, a gay egypt travel business. Spirit Journeys advances spiritual gay workshop throughout the world.
categories: metaphysical,education,spirituality,travel,vacations,self improvement,gay,society,inspiration,motivation,health,fitness