Travel Destinations

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.