Posts Tagged ‘gay vacations’
Hot Spots for Gay Travel
September 22, 2011
The world is full of things to see and experiences to be had. Those who hate the hassle of planning a trip, but fully enjoy taking them, can even simply take part in gay vacations, allowing them to leave the planning to others, while they enjoy life-changing experiences. And, one of the great things about LGBT tours is that you can take them almost any time of the year, depending on where you plan to travel.
Brazil is one excellent example of an ideal gay travel destination. Rio de Janeiro is home to world-famous beaches, such as Copacabana, as well as the amazing views from Corcovado, which holds the historic Christ the Redeemer at the summit. Exceptional shopping and a lively nightlife are also waiting for those who are looking for a truly memorable time in this beautiful paradise.
Sao Paulo is another popular choice for an urban vacation and is home to what is rumored to perhaps be the largest LGBT club scene in the world. In this lively city, you will also find upscale shopping, plenty of museums and some amazing Brazilian foods.
If a European vacation suits your style, gay vacations to Spain are an excellent choice. The city of Barcelona is widely considered the most LGBT-friendly city in Europe, and there is positively no end to things to see and do. There are the breathtaking buildings by Antoni Gaudi in Barcelona, Granada’s Alhambra and the world-famous Guggenheim Museum located in Bilbao. Ski trips to the Sierra Nevada range are also popular options for gay vacations, especially around the areas of Malaga and Torremolinos.
For those who enjoy experiencing local life, attending a village fiesta is a great experience. These parties are typically religious in nature; however, they are very fun and will often go well into the night. Thankfully, Spain is also full of lovely sidewalk cafs, which are the perfect place to relax and people watch, while recovering from a long day of sightseeing – or a long night.
Of course, there is much more to Europe than the vibrant country of Spain. France is another hot destination, where visitors can take D-Day tours through Normandy, visit the castles of Loire, go wine tasting in Burgundy or spend their entire vacation attempting to see and do all that Paris has to offer. And then, of course, there is London, which is a perfectly decadent destination for gay vacations.
Speaking of London, whilst soaking up the sights of merry England, you can see Big Ben, take a cruise on the Thames, visit Buckingham palace, ride the London Eye, catch a show or take a tour of St. Paul’s cathedral. If, after all the sight-seeing, you yearn to cut loose, London is home to some of the best LGBT nightclubs in the UK, including Fire, Heaven, Ruby Tuesdays, The Shadow Lounge and more.
Gay tours or individual gay travel to the Mediterranean are wonderful choices for those who enjoy partaking in local dishes and drinks, visiting ancient ruins and spending afternoons on sun-soaked beaches. While visitors will naturally want to visit the various historic sites, they should also take the time to soak in the beauty of the Island of Crete and perhaps even haggle for some souvenirs in the markets of Athens. Of course, if you prefer a more upscale shopping experience, there is also an array of boutiques and high-end shops in Athens.
There is also Egypt, which is a land of brilliant blue skies, rolling dunes and rich, vibrant history. Egypt is a truly unique gay travel destination, which promises unending adventures and life-changing experiences. Standing before the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx on the Giza Plateau, you are sure to catch your breath as you consider these icons that date from civilization’s earliest days.
The world is absolutely overflowing with wonderful destinations for gay vacations. Whether you prefer exploring exotic locations on gay tours or solo travel to popular spots, you will undoubtedly make lifelong memories and many new friends as you explore the world.
The author of this about destinations post is Howie Holben. Howie caretakes Spirit Journeys, a gay travel firm. Spirit Journeys offers spiritual gay tours world wide.
Challenging and Fulfilling Gay Adventure Vacations
April 11, 2010
Options for gay adventure travel can be found throughout the world any time of the year. From skiing in the Chilean Andes or snowboarding at one of New Zealand’s several ski resorts, to trekking to the mouth of volcanoes in Iceland, Hawaii or Ecuador, there is truly no end to the available options for gay adventure vacations.
Whether you prefer a physically challenging mountain climbing adventure, exploring ancient ruins in dense rainforests or a less strenuous excursion to see the great statues of Easter Island, the perfect gay weekend adventure or extended vacation is simply waiting to be planned.
If you would like to plan a gay adventure vacation that includes volcanoes, rainforests, exploring islands and time on the beach, Chile, Hawaii or Ecuador are all great options. Although Ecuador is small, it is home to a variety of landscapes that include tropical coastlines, dense rainforests, the Galapagos Islands and volcanoes, such as the snow-capped Cotopaxi.
If you opt for travel to Chile, you will be greeted with opportunities to see the Mirador de Chepu Penguin Colony, ski the Andes, explore Easter Island, trek up volcanoes, or visit the desert landscapes of the Torres del Paine National Park in the vast Patagonia region.
If you only have a few days to spare, a gay weekend adventure in Hawaii might better suit your needs and offers a wide variety of outdoor adventures, which can be combined with the many leisurely dining, shopping and entertainment options available on each of the major islands.
Like Ecuador and Chile, Hawaii is home to spectacular coastlines, verdant landscapes, lush rainforests and an active volcano. There are also breathtaking cliffs, waterfalls and canyons, a coral reef that is ideal for SCUBA diving or snorkeling, beaches of black sand and the snow-capped Mauna Kea.
Heading to Iceland is another popular option for those in search of exciting gay vacations. Iceland is home to numerous opportunities for outdoor adventure, including kayaking, bird watching, whale watching, rafting, ice climbing and hiking. If you visit the island of Grimsey, you can also pick up a certificate for crossing the Arctic Circle, while back on the mainland you can explore volcanoes, visit the largest glacier in all of Europe or take a swim in the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon that shines with a fluorescent blue hue. Additionally, there are always the verdant jungles of Brazil, the volcanoes of Bali or the vast array of adventures to be had in Australia’s Northern Territory, particularly in the North End.
Wherever you allow your adventurous side to take you, a wonderful time awaits you in any of the many destinations that are perfect for exciting outdoor activity options. You may find that you will enjoy your journey even more if you select a destination that also allows for downtime spending a night on the town or a day on the beach. To ensure that you have a safe, memorable, well-organized trip, you should consider taking part in a gay adventure travel tour organized by professionals that are well-versed in both LGBT travel and adventure travel.
Howie Holben gay vacations opinion. He is the caretaker of Spirit Journeys, a gay and lesbian travel business. Spirit Journeys offers spirit journey gay all over the world.
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 Adventure Travel To New Zealand
January 27, 2010
New Zealand offers an environmental and cultural diversity that has long been appealing for gay adventure travel. There is little doubt that the appeal of New Zealand comes, in part, from laws that protect the LGBT community from discrimination and the warm, accepting attitudes of the populace, as well as the various adventures that New Zealand offers and its pristine natural beauty.
LGBT folks looking for gay holidays to New Zealand will find a wide variety of choices, including opting for a relaxing beachside respite, hiking through breathtaking wilderness, snowboarding and snow skiing at popular resorts or indulging in the exciting nightlife of New Zealand’s cosmopolitan towns and cities. Whether you are looking for a family-friendly vacation at the beach, or a raucous week of Pride events, New Zealand has much to offer for gay vacations of all sorts.
Auckland, Wellington, Hamilton and Christchurch are a few of New Zealand’s larger cities that are home to thriving LGBT populations, a variety of Pride events and an array of pubs, clubs, restaurants and businesses that welcome the community. For travelers interested in a city-based gay vacation, these cities are great options that are sure to delight visitors looking for an exciting nightlife and numerous dining, entertainment and shopping opportunities. Travelers looking to fit a bit of snowboarding or skiing into their trip will be happy to know that both South Island and North Island have ski resorts, which allows for day trips to the snow in between touring historical sites, going to cultural events or traveling to some of the smaller islands of New Zealand.
A gay vacation to New Zealand can be focused on spiritual renewal, beach-going and fun in the sun, skiing and snowboarding, or amazing outdoor adventures for couples, friends or families. With so much to choose from, and so many things to see, it is impossible to fit it all in a single trip; however, partaking in a gay vacation that has been organized by a professional tour company is one way to ensure that you will not miss out on some of the greatest things that New Zealand has to offer.
For travelers who would rather go it alone, working with a gay vacations agency to plan your excursion is an ideal option, which allows you to get the latest information that might be of interest to LGBT travelers and to find out about current hotspots and destinations that are popular with the community.
Piece by Howie Holben for New Zealand gay tours and gay vacations for singles.
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