Travel Destinations

Posts Tagged ‘self improvement’

Gay couples pay more money. That is more than just a simple statement. Over the average lifetime of a gay couple, they will spend more money than any heterosexual couple. There are all kinds of arguments that can be made by anti-gay groups and individuals, but the truth of the matter is that gay couples pay into all of the systems nearly twice as much as heterosexual couples do.

One of the most obvious additional costs includes the payment of taxes. Without the same marriage benefits, child benefits, and filing benefits of the heterosexual community, the gay couple will pay out a higher amount of the household money as each individual files separately without benefits. Even something as simple as true deductions have to come under scrutiny to ensure that the wrong deduction doesn’t end up on the wrong tax return. The average additional taxation for couples of the GLBT community is generally three quarters to even twice the amount paid for a hetero household with the same income requirements.

Of course, while there are many companies that are stepping up and offering health insurance to employees with same sex partners, the health insurance crisis within the gay community can be significantly higher than that of the straight community. The considered income of the additional partner’s health insurance is taxed, whereas heterosexual health insurance coverage is not. A single family’s income can be significantly impacted by the ill health of one partner, yet reimbursement and deductions are often not permitted when the healthy partner becomes financially involved. It creates quite a tax mess.

Most couples in the family that either own property together or they have children together are likely to need legal counsel and representation. Everything from their intentions to their monetary assets must be documented and legally regulated in order to make sure that family heirlooms to children stay within the immediate family. Some gay couples find that even with their legal documentation, they have nothing backing them up.

Having children is automatically a higher expense for gay couples. The actual cost will depend on the method in which the couple may decide to go about getting pregnant. Most couples can spend anywhere from $30,000 to in excess of $75,000 just to get pregnant. The cost of additional medical care and actually raising the child is not included in that figure.

Later in life, domestic partners cannot collect any death benefits from Social Security. When it comes to pensions, it is up to the deceased partner’s company to decide if they will pay anything to the surviving partner.

Children who are not biologically related to one parent will find that they can not expect their abilities to make medical decisions for their parent without appropriate paperwork. Likewise, the same can be said for minor children under the care of their non-biological parent. Second parent adoptions help to clear up these issues, but few states permit them. A non-biological parent can still be held accountable for the medical bills.

We have all heard all of the arguments that state that if we aren’t satisfied then we can change, or something like that. It’s quite interesting that while we are typically required to pay twice as much for life’s needs and wants, our money is perfectly acceptable. When it comes to enforcing those needs and wants, acceptable is not the word that comes to mind.

Commentary created by Howie Holben. Spirit Journeys presents gay Grand Canyon tours and other gay tours.

Technorati Tags: fitness, gay, health, inspiration, metaphysical, motivation, self improvement, society, spirituality, travel, vacations

Hawaii is a Pacific paradise that has long held a distinct allure for travelers from around the world. With a warm, welcoming native population and a well-balanced, culturally-rich blend of Asian, Polynesian and white European cultures, Hawaii is a popular destination for straight and gay vacations alike. While the LGBT community may seem a bit quiet and low-key on the islands, those taking part in gay vacations to Hawaii will find a high level of acceptance, due in part to generations of different cultures growing accustomed to living together with no one overriding cultural or religious influence.

Seventy percent of Hawaii’s population resides on Oahu, the third largest island in the chain, which is also home to the state capitol of Honolulu and the popular tourist destination, Waikiki. When traveling to Oahu on gay holidays, the Mexican caf La Cucaracha is a must-see and offers authentic cuisine, music and margaritas. Oahus LGBT community can also be found at the community book, novelty and clothing store, 80% Straight Inc., located in the Waikiki Grand, or one of the LGBT bars and clubs, including Fusion Waikiki, Angles Waikiki, Hulas Bar & Lei Stand and In-Between. For those who want to head to the beach, a warm welcome will be waiting at Queens Surf and below the lighthouse at the world-famous Diamond Head beach.

A gay vacation to Maui might not include an exciting scene, other than one smaller area of Little Beach in Makena, but Maui has much to offer to any traveler, including old-world villages, sunrises atop Mount Haleakala and wiling away an afternoon wandering amid waterfalls, making this island a wonderful location for gay tours. If you prefer exploring the most tropical, scenic island in Hawaii, Kauai is a must-see stop and is home to two LGBT-friendly lodgings that offer clothing optional areas, as well as amazing canyons, cliffs and waterfalls.

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.

Post about Hawaii authored by Howie Holben. Spirit Journeys presents gay tantra workshops and romantic gay travel.

Technorati Tags: fitness, gay, health, inspirational, metaphysical, motivation, recreation, self improvement, spirituality, tourism, tours, travel, vacations

If you want to see some serious money floating in the water then Formentera’s marina in the summer is the place to be. Alongside the standard ferries calling in at the port are some yachts that take your breath away. It is a far cry from the days when this natural harbor was used to export sabina pine.

The ferries that call at La Savina are from mainland Spain and other Balearic islands. Ferries come many ports, including: Altea, Alicante, Denia, Sant Antoni, Santa Eularia, Palma, and Barcelona. There are also boats that go from La Savina to the neighboring island of Espalmador.

La Savina is an excellent place to get everything you need for your vacation on Formentera. You can pop into the tourist office to get a map, and then head to the shops to rent a bike or car. Once you have done with all your shopping there are some nice tapas places overlooking the marina. La Savina is not somewhere that you will want to stay for a long time, but it’s a good place to start your holiday.

Just behind La Savina is the saltwater lagoon known as Estany des Peix. Its shallow warm waters are excellent for water sports. You don’t need to worry about big ferries getting in your way as only the narrowest boats fit into the channel that connects Estany des Peix to the sea. Estant Pudent and Es Trucadors are also close by La Savina.

The first destination for many people who arrive at La Savina is Es Pujols. This resort village has a great beach and warm shallow waters which are ideal for water sports. There is disabled access to the ocean and it is a very family friendly area. Whilst there are a lot of you tourists here it is not like the wild party atmosphere that you get in Ibiza.

The the promenade behind the beach is called Avenida Miramar, and the Es Pujols high street is Passeig des Plameres. In the evenings both of these streets are lined with market stalls, and there is plenty of jewelry and trinkets that can be bought as gifts.

When is comes to hotels formentera they can be hard to find. This site has some excellent details. visit: http://www.squidoo.com/hotels-formentera

Technorati Tags: Arts, entertainment, Holiday, holidays, home and family, leisure, reference, self improvement, social issues, society, travel, Vacation, vacations, writing

With LGBT communities in every large city, Germany is a well-known LGBT haven in Europe. This, of course, is why that gay travel deals to Germany’s LGBT hotspots, such as Hamburg, Berlin, Cologne, Munich and Frankfurt, are so incredibly popular with visitors from all around the world. Germany is also home to several large Pride festivals, with the best-known being the world-famous festivals in Cologne and Berlin, and is great for gay destinations anytime of the year. Travelers will likely find that city dwellers are more welcoming than rural residents; however, all across the country travelers will find a welcoming environment in this popular gay vacation destination.

Cologne is often referred to as Germany’s LGBT capital and is a wonderful choice as a gay trips destination. Perfectly poised on the shores of the Rhine River, Germany’s oldest large city draws eager visitors from every corner of the globe to experience this beautiful city’s rich history and culture, commune with its friendly, jovial inhabitants and take part in its thriving arts and culture scene. Cologne is home to the world-renowned Cologne Cathedral, Kolsch beer and more LGBT restaurants, clubs, cafes, bars and establishments than anyone could visit in just one gay vacation.

Cologne is also the proud host of the 2010 Gay Games, has a very visible, well-established LGBT community and is quite comfortable with all types of couples holding hands or showing affection in public. As another way to show just how welcoming Cologne truly is, visitors can purchase a Pink WelcomeCard from the KolnTourismus Service Centre, which is good for free public transportation, discounts on museums, theater, opera and river cruises, and great discounts for local LBGT establishments, including saunas, bars, clubs and shops.

Berlin also has a well-established LGBT community and a wide variety of bars, clubs and establishments. Prospective visitors considering gay tours in Berlin might want to consider traveling during Pride season to enjoy Europes largest Gay and Lesbian City Festival, Lesbisch-Schwules Stadtfest, which is hosted in Berlin the weekend before the huge Berlin Gay Pride Parade and Christopher Street Day Festival, attended by hundreds of thousands of LGBT folks, and friends and supporters of the community, making this a perfect time for gay vacations to Germany.

No matter how you travel to Germany, alone or in a group, Germany gay tours will undoubtedly be full of many wonderful experiences. In order to make the most of your Germany vacation, consider exploring this intriguing country as part of a professionally arranged gay travel tour or planning your trip through a travel agency well-versed in gay vacations to Germany.

Column about Germany created by Howie Holben. Spirit Journeys has great gay romantic travel and gay travel packages.

categories: metaphysical,spirituality,travel,vacations,self improvement,gay,society,inspiration,motivation,health,fitness

Technorati Tags: fitness, gay, health, inspiration, metaphysical, motivation, self improvement, society, spirituality, travel, vacations

In this article we are going to take a look at Formentera Island’s port of La Savina. There is plenty of hustle and bustle here during the summer months with people arriving from all over Europe. Since there is no airport on the island this is where everyone arrives and leaves from. There is the Hotel Savina Formentera if you want to stay near by the marina, and this is especially handy if you will be doing a lot of sailing.

If you are set on proximity to the marina then Hostal La Savina is an option. Fridge, hair dryer and satellite TV come as standard in the room, and it serves food. The menu is mainly made up of Spanish, Italian and German dishes. Don’t let the word ‘Hostal’ put you off, as it is more like a hotel than a hostel. The best thing is that you can walk from the ferry to the Hostal – you can’t beat that for a convenient location. On the negative side La Savina isn’t the most exciting place to be based.

Estany Pudent and Estany des Peix are the two salt lagoons that sit just behind La Savina. Estany Pudent has sulphur reserves that can cause quite a stink when they bubble up during the summer – it deserves its name of stinky pond. The irrigation in Estany des Peix is more effective and it does not have the odor problems of Estany Pudent. The wetlands that surround both these lagoons make them rich wildlife reserves, and you will see many species of birds, including flamingos.

When you arrive at La Savina you will see that there is a tourist information office right there at the ferry terminal. The staff inside are very friendly and will be able to answer all your questions. Most tourists just want to know how to hire a bike and get to Es Trucadors, and the Tourist Office will be able to set you up. In fact it only takes 20 minutes of cycling along the coastline of Es Cavall d’en Borras in order to reach the best beaches on the island.

The port of La Savina also has some cultural points of interest, including the old prisoner of was camp Es Campament. Hundreds were held here during the Spanish Civil War, and the area has an eerie feeling about it.

La Savina Formentera is the island’s port and you can see more about it if you go to this site. It’s pretty useful http://hubpages.com/hub/Savina-Formentera

Technorati Tags: Arts, entertainment, Holiday, holidays, home and family, leisure, reference, self improvement, social issues, society, travel, Vacation, vacations, writing

There are many different ways to get to Formentera during the peak summer season. Between May and September there are crossings from many different ports, including those of Denia, Barcleona, Alicante, and Palma. All of the ferries arrive at the port of La Savina, which is a bustling modern marina. The one thing that Formentera does not have is an airport so you will certainly be arriving by sea.

Formentera has some of the most stunning beaches in the Mediterranean – the white sand beaches and azure waters would not be out of place in a brochure for the Caribbean, and rumor has it that they may have been used for just that! As you come out of the ferry you will see a tourist information office just across from you. This is the best place to start off and get maps and so on.

The Es Trucadors peninsula’s white beaches reach right up to the neighboring island of Espalmador. Although Espalmador is a private island you are free to go there and experience its sulphur mud baths. If you are offended by naked bodies then the northern peninsula is not for you as it has a long tradition of naturism. As well as naked bodies you get some pretty good views of Es Vedra.

When you are planning your trip it is important to remember that the prices on this island are very expensive, and that goes for the accommodation too. Also, the places to stay are limited so it pays to book your vacation as early as possible. Although it is a small island there are plenty of different types of accommodation to choose from. I recommend that you use a local travel agent who can advise you on the characteristics of the different areas and the pros and cons of farmhouses versus hotels.

The island’s capital of Sant Francesc Xavier has what you would expect of the capital of Formentera. It is a quiet place though and the shops observe siestas without fail. There are a smattering of restaurants that stay open all day, but these are few and far between. Es Pujols is the superior choice if you are looking for somewhere with more activity.

For more details on Formentera tourism this site is pretty useful, so see http://hubpages.com/hub/formentera-tourism

Technorati Tags: Arts, entertainment, Holiday, holidays, home and family, leisure, reference, self improvement, social issues, society, travel, Vacation, vacations, writing

Morocco is a popular tourist destination in northwestern Africa and provides wonderful gay vacations. This is a land of rich history, deeply entrenched culture, legend and myth. Well-known as a setting for books, play and movies, this desert nation offers visitors the opportunity to explore ancient ruins, traipse across the desert on a camel, stay in a hotel made of sand and bargain with insistent rug and spice traders in old-world open air marketplaces. In many cities and towns traditional homes have been converted into guest lodgings, called riads, which often provide for a more welcoming environment for folks on a gay vacation and allow visitors to experience Moroccan life and culture up close. Morocco is a conservative Muslim country and has no scene to speak of; however other reasons to include this exotic land in your gay travel ideas are abundant, including beautiful beaches, exceptional architecture, expansive desert landscapes and the chance to meander through souks (markets) that twist and turn through narrow village streets.

With splendid Muslim mosques, Roman ruins, street performers and snake charmers, a vacation to Morocco is a once in a lifetime experience full of sights, smells, colors and sounds. Travel to Morocco would simply not be complete without standing in awe of the distinct art deco architecture in Casablanca, climbing atop an ancient white wall in Tangier to take in the expansive ocean views and breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, visiting the Dar Si Said Museum in Marrakech and exploring the diverse corridors of the Fes medina.

Jet set European and American composers, writers and socialites once flocked to Morocco in droves, making it a well-known, popular gay vacation destination; however, while Morocco was once a welcoming playground for gay vacations, a push by Muslim leaders to return to the stricter moral code of Islam has negatively influenced this once liberal vacation spot. While rarely enforced, same-sex conduct was criminalized in 1962 and travelers on a vacation to Morocco should keep in mind that it is a criminal offence punishable by up to three years in prison and fines.

In a 2009 statement, the Moroccan government asserted that homosexuality will not be tolerated and will be repressed, which means there may be an increase in enforcement and travelers should be particularly aware of their surroundings when in public. Laws and attitudes such as this are common in countries that are primarily Muslim and do not necessarily indicate that Morocco should be avoided when partaking in gay travel.

It does; however, indicate that awareness and discretion are advised wile on a Morocco vacation. To avoid possible issues, travelers may want to consider participating in a travel group vacation or planning their trip with the assistance of a gay tours company well-versed in planning vacations in Morocco.

Post about Morocco authored by Howie Holben. Spirit Journeys presents gay tantra workshops and romantic gay travel.

categories: metaphysical,spirituality,self-improvement,gay,travel,health,society,social issues,sexuality,advice,recreation,leisure

Technorati Tags: advice, gay, health, leisure, metaphysical, recreation, self improvement, sexuality, social issues, society, spirituality, travel

You won’t be short of places to visit on Formentera. It has sights of natural beauty such as Platja des Canyers, and man-made features such as Ses Salines. Let’s look at some of the options…

One beach that is often overlooked is Ses Salines. It is just down the road from Llevant, and only a couple of kilometers from Es Pujols. It is not as good as either of those beaches, but at least you get to avoid the crowds.

One of Formentera’s smaller beaches is Platja des Canyers, but it is eighty five meters of white sands and blue seas. It is notable because of the surrounding cliffs which are stunning. To get there just head to Es Pujols and turn off en route to Es Trucadors.

One of the best things about destinations in Formentera is the beautiful countryside that you have to travel through to get to them. That is certainly the case with Cala Saona where you cycle through fields of figs and forests of pine to get to one of the finest natural coves on the Balearic islands. It’s almost as beautiful as the journey.

Back in the sixteenth century the port of would have had 400 boats anchored at any one time. These were a mixture of trading and fishing vehicles. Today you can lie on the beach and try to imagine the scene all those years ago. But however noisy those young German tourists may be, it is hard to picture the place as a bustling port.

One of the perks of the area is the the nearby clifftop walks which you can enjoy. The most famous of these is Punta Rasa, which takes 30 minutes to get to, and delivers dramatic views as far as mainland Spain. Beneath the waters are a network of caves, so the area is popular with divers.

There is one hotel here. It is large and unattractive.

Espalmador is the island just north of Es Trucadors and is known for its sulphur mud baths. These do not have proven scientific benefit, but that doesn’t stop thousands of holidaymakers from rolling around in them naked. It is quite an amazing site to behold, and you may even see some mud wrestling.

If you are considering traveling to Ibiza then this article is fairly useful. Try: http://www.squidoo.com/Traveling-to-Ibiza

Technorati Tags: Arts, entertainment, Holiday, holidays, home and family, leisure, reference, self improvement, social issues, society, travel, Vacation, vacations, writing

Platja de Migjorn stretches across Formentera’s south coast and is a whopping five kilometers in length. It is made up of areas of rocky coastline with sandy patches in between. It is popular with nudist bathers, but there are plenty of people who decide to keep their swimsuits on too. The beach extends from Es Pal Mas all the way to Es Copinar. At the Maryland end of the beach is where you will find the larger resort-style hotels.

Since Platja de Mitjorn is such a long beach there are multiple access point to the sea. As you drive along the main highway that runs through Formentera’s Isthmus, the PM-820, you will see small paths and roads that connect to the ocean. Only those on bicycle and car get to travel down the narrow paths to the most secluded parts of the beach. Es Alrenals and Maryland at the Eastern end are the most developed part of the beach, with Riu Hotel, Es Arenals Hotel, and more.

The Italian restaurant Lucky has built up quite a reputation over the years, and it provides one of few places you can get decent food on Platja de Mitjorn. It is known for good fish dishes and is well worth making the turning a kilometer eight of the highway to check it out. Next to Luck is a trendy hang-out called Blue Bar. The offer snacks and massages, which is just about all you need for a relaxing day by the sea.

As you head east you come to the beaches of Es Arenals and Maryland. These are resort-style hotels with tennis, table tennis, mini golf and swimming pools. They lack the authenticity of a farmhouse holiday, but have great facilities. To get to this part of Mitjorn you should turn off at the thirteen kilometer mark of the highway.

Remember this is just one of Formentera’s many beaches, and there are plenty more to explore. For example, Ses Plagetes, which is just across the road from Mitjorn.

Formentera is the smaller of the beautiful pine islands. To find our more about these amazing islands please check the web site: http://hubpages.com/hub/Pine-Islands

Technorati Tags: Arts, entertainment, Holiday, holidays, home and family, leisure, reference, self improvement, social issues, society, travel, Vacation, vacations, writing

The unique geography of Chile allows visitors to explore volcanoes, ski or snowboard in the Andes, lounge on picturesque beaches and enjoy a night out in the gay district of Santiago all in one day. In short, Chile offers is a great place for gay vacations. Rich in varied landscapes and important landmarks, visitors to Chile can experience the statues of Easter Island, arid deserts, exceptional architecture and churches, the Mirador de Chepu Penguin Colony, the world-famous Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia and the Elqui Valley in La Serena, which teems with legends of extraterrestrial activities, all in one trip.

The uniqueness of Chile’s natural, cultural and historic attractions provide the opportunity to plan a variety of gay trips including adventurous excursions trekking through breathtaking Patagonian landscapes and exploring ancient island cultures, ski or snowboard trips to world-famous Andes ski resorts like Valle Nevado, pilgrimages to visit churches and experience the deeply entrenched Catholic influences throughout the country, family beach vacations in Vina del Mar, wine-tasting tours, or trips centered around the bustling nightlife and rich culture and history of Chile’s capital, Santiago.

While Chile will certainly not soon be mistaken for a bastion of gay rights, the macho Chilean culture that is deeply influenced by the military and Catholicism is slowly becoming more welcoming to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. The center of gay culture in Chile lies in Santiago, where folks on a Chilean gay vacation will find the most acceptance and the highest concentration of gay-owned and gay-friendly establishments. The Barrio Bellavista, a trendy neighborhood with quaint cafes, shops, eateries and clubs is home to the majority of Santiago’s gay clubs, bathhouses and hangouts. While you will not see rainbow flags hanging from balconies or couples holding hands walking down the street, you will see gay magazines displayed in newsstands and couples enjoying espresso at cosmopolitan sidewalk cafes.

A night on the town in Bellavista often begins around 9 or 10pm with dinner at a gay-owned restaurant, such as Capricho, followed by drinks or dancing at one of several gay bars or gay clubs, which can easily go into the early morning hours. Gay travelers have a selection of gay clubs to choose from that range from the typical fare you would find in most urban areas to more risqu options complete with live sex shows. Santiago also has several bathhouses for those who are so inclined, including one slightly upscale option with a clientele made up primarily of professionals. Do keep in mind that playing safe is as important in Chile as it is in the United States.

Santiago’s central location in this long, narrow country makes it an ideal choice as a home base for exploring all that Chile has to offer. Because it is also the most welcoming location as a gay travel destination, Santiago is a popular choice for gay vacations. When planning a gay vacation to Chile, working with a travel agency well-versed in gay tours in this region will assist you in designing a memorable vacation that is safe, fun-filled and meets your travel needs whether you are traveling as a group of single friends, a couple or a family.

Post about Chile authored by Howie Holben. Spirit Journeys presents gay retreats for gay spiritual singles and couples.

categories: metaphysical,spirituality,self improvement,motivation,inspirational,gay,travel,vacations,tours,tourism,health,fitness,recreation

Technorati Tags: fitness, gay, health, inspirational, metaphysical, motivation, recreation, self improvement, spirituality, tourism, tours, travel, vacations