Category Archives: Gay Travel Tips
Gay Travel Warning – Jamaica is ANTI GAY Still
NOTHING HAS CHANGED IN JAMAICA!
A “cross-dressing” teen was allegedly “chopped and stabbed” to death
by a mob in Jamaica earlier this week, according to local media reports.
Dwayne Jones, a gender-nonconforming 17-year-old,
was attending a river party in St. James on the night of July 21 when a
mob allegedly set upon him, according to radio station Irie FM. He was
dressed as a woman and was dancing with a male when another female
attendee told a group of partiers that Jones was actually a man, the
report notes. One of the men went up to Jones and groped him,
discovering he was a male.
Jones was chased and later “chopped and stabbed” to death, Irie FM reported.
Explosions were also heard, and police were called. Authorities eventually found Jones’ dead body on a nearby road “with multiple stab wounds and a gunshot wound,” according to the Jamaica Gleaner. More at Huffington Post
CHICAGO is VERY GAY and GAY FRIENDLY!
Stay at one of these hotels in the heart of BOYSTOWN!
Exclusive Interview about LGBT Travel Safety and the U.S. Department of State
By Sophie Needelman
The LGBT travel niche has become a thriving economist force in tourism
both domestically and abroad. Given the diversity in backgrounds and
experiences around the world, LGBT travel safety is being promoted more
and more on a political level to promote awareness and education across
all realms of society. For better or for worse, a destination’s attitude
toward the LGBT community is an important factor to keep in mind when
planning travel and tourism details. The U.S. State Department is
spearheading the efforts of promoting and circulating LGBT travel
information online by developing resources and support regarding travel
for the LGBT community. Consequences for engaging in homosexual activity
vary around the world, so it is important to have an understanding of
the context of where you are traveling.
GayTravel.com’s
CEO Steve Rohrlick was recently invited to a roundtable with the State
Department in D.C. to discuss the importance of promoting LGBT travel
safety for Americans traveling abroad. This roundtable consisted of a
variety of government officials and leaders from the gay travel
community to start a dialogue on how the government can facilitate
travel safety awareness. Specifically, the State Department has put
together an online forum of resources:http://travel.state.
Since
the roundtable, GayTravel.com got the inside scoop through this
exclusive interview with GayTravel.com CEO Steve Rohrlick, as well as
Jack Markey, the Division Chief for Africa in the U.S. Department of
State’s Office of American Citizens Services and Crisis Management about
LGBT travel safety. Check it out!
GT: How did you get involved in the State Department’s roundtable on LGBT Travel Safety abroad?
JM:
I am a division chief in the Office of American Citizens Services and
Crisis Management. This office – publishes information about safety and
security concerns for U.S. citizens traveling and residing abroad. Our
State Department Travel Warnings and Country Specific Information
documents are two good examples. We recently started a systematic
expansion of the information we provide to LGBT travelers through our
Country Specific Information sheets. A roundtable discussion on how U.S.
citizens obtain important travel information overseas was a great way
to highlight this, in addition to highlighting the debut of our LGBT
travel information page.
GT: What sort of perspective were you able to offer the group on the needs of the LGBT travel community?
JM:
An informed traveler is a smart traveler. LGBT travelers needed access
to official, accurate and timely information that is also relevant to
the specific concerns facing LGBT travelers overseas. It’s important to
know whether certain over-the-counter medications are banned in some
countries, or that certain styles of dress are frowned upon by the local
community. But it’s even more critical for travelers to know whether
there are cases of harassment, threats, or violence directed towards
LGBT persons in a particular country, or that a country criminalizes
consensual same-sex sexual relations, with legal implications. Finally,
it’s important for LGBT travelers to have the assurance that they can
turn to consular officers at U.S. embassies and consulates for help if
they run into trouble abroad.
SR: The team at gaytravel.com
fully supports what it is the state dept is doing. One of the things
that became apparent from the meeting is that it takes about 6 months
for the State Department to update any changes in a specific location.
That is understandable with all the destinations they are covering.
However things can change significantly in a six month period. I
suggested that With the power of the internet gaytravel and other LGBT
travel related websites could help facilitate feedback from LGBT
residents and travelers in a real time fashion, thus enhancing the great
work the State department is already doing.
GT: What are the goals of the State Department regarding LGBT travel safety and how are you able to contribute to their efforts?
SR:
The state dept. is responsible for all U.S. citizens once they leave
the United States. The travel safe program is good for all travelers,
and with the recent developments also address specific issues relevant
to LGBT travelers. We plan to utilize the power of internet and our
network of millions of travelers at GayTravel.com-to track on the ground
changes in a more timely manner. As part of our site redesign this
Fall, we plan to add an RSS feed from the State Department, along with
our own updates with regard to attitudes and treatment of LGBT
individuals around the globe.
JM:
One of the top priorities of the State Department and the Bureau of
Consular Affairs is protecting the lives and interests of U.S. citizens
abroad. Keeping travelers informed and updated with the latest and most
accurate information helps U.S. citizens travel safely. One of the
best ways for U.S. citizens to stay connected to this information is
through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, which also allows loved
ones in the U.S. to locate you in times of distress or emergency.
Additionally, travelers should also visit travel.state.gov
to get the latest country-specific information, and make sure they have
adequate health and travel insurance for emergencies. LGBT travelers
should read our LGBT Travel Information page, and review the linked
resources. Our Country Specific Information for LGBT travelers is
undergoing a systematic expansion. All of this information is reviewed
and updated at least every six months.
GT: Will you/how will you continue to stay involved with the State Department and its efforts to promote travel safety?
JM:
As I mentioned earlier, my office – the Office of American Citizens
Services and Crisis Management – publishes information about safety and
security concerns for U.S. citizens traveling and residing abroad. In
addition to our Country Specific Information and Travel Warnings, we
also publish information for niche market travelers, available on our
Bureau of Consular Affairs website. We have information for older
Americans, Americans retiring abroad, medical tourism, voluntourism all
on our website, and a related website for students planning overseas
studies or travel.
SR:
GayTravel.com will definitely stay in touch with the State Department-
they are providing a valuable service to all U.S citizens. We plan to
harness the power of the global LGBT community to provide additional and
more current safety related information on the gaytravel.com
website in a more real time version as an enhancement to what the State
Department is doing. The work both organizations do are complimentary
to one another so it is absolutely a priority a priority for us to
remain involved.
GT: How should safety and homophobia influence travel for the LGBT community?
JM: Safety should be a top priority for every overseas traveler. We
never tell U.S. citizens that they can’t travel to a particular
location, but we do make every effort to provide them with an accurate
assessment of safety and security concerns abroad for them to use in
determining their own acceptable level of risk. LGBT travelers should
carefully consider the laws, customs, and culture of the countries they
are planning to visit, and decide what measures they want to take in
order to protect themselves. Good judgment and knowledge of local laws
and customs before traveling abroad will help ensure personal safety.
LGBT persons traveling abroad for leisure have the option to decide
where they will travel. Business travelers and younger persons
accompanying their parents may not have the same flexibility in choosing
where to travel, and may find themselves in a country where the culture
or custom where there are criminal penalties simply for being LGBT.
SR:
At the end of the day that is really a question that each traveler
needs to answer for themselves. A smart traveler is a safe traveler, so
you have to do your homework in advance.
GT: What resources are available for the LGBT community regarding travel safety abroad?
JM: The State Department publishes Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts,
Country Specific Information, and a wide range of facts sheets on our Travel.State.Gov
website. We also have an LGBT Travel Information page that identifies a
number of resources, both general and LGBT-specific, for LGBT
travelers. You can download our free Smart Traveler App, available
through iTunes and Google play, to have this travel information at your
fingertips. If you sign up for our Smart Traveler Enrollment Program
(STEP), you will also have up-to-date safety and security messages sent
directly to your email inbox when you’re abroad by the nearest U.S.
embassy or consulate.
Finally,
but very importantly, you can contact the American Citizens Services
(ACS) Section of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Consular
officers there may be able to help you if you run into problems
overseas, especially if you feel that you can’t approach the local
police or encounter difficulties with local authorities. Consular
officers will protect your privacy, and won’t make generalizations,
assumptions, or pass judgement. They also monitor and record incidents
U.S. citizens report to them about the treatment they receive from host
authorities. Our embassies regularly raise issues of concern,
especially inappropriate treatment or harassment of our citizens, with
relevant officials.
GT:
What can members of the LGBT community do to promote travel safety both
at home and abroad? How can LGBT travelers get involved in these
efforts of the State Department?
JM:
Perhaps the best thing that individual travelers can do is to research
their travel destinations before leaving home, and make wise decisions.
And by all means, let your friends and family know about the
information on our website and the resources, like STEP and our Smart
Traveler App, that we offer. LGBT media, travel, and business
organizations can place our icon on their websites to direct visitors to
the LGBT information on our website.
SR: We plan to proudly display the LGBT State Department icon on the gaytravel.com
site and to provide access via an RSS feed. We will also have a
methodology on the next version of our site for LGBT travelers and
citizens to inform the LGBT community at large as to their observations
on the ground wherever they may be.
Being Gay and Gay Travel in Costa Rica
GAY TRAVEL to Costa Rica has dramatically increased over the last 10 years. However, it’s NOT in the top 10 gay friendly places to visit!
expressed some support for LGBT-rights, Costa Ricans tend to be socially
conservative when it comes to sexual orientation and gender identity
issues, in large part due to the strong influences of the Roman Catholic
Church and cultural traditions about machismo.
State Department Meets with Gay Travel Representatives
TRAVELING ABROAD can be a little scary – walking into a strange country, not quite sure knowing what to expect. And gay travelers need to be informed. Some countries do not take a liking to us!
efforts to provide LGBT-specific information to Americans who plan to
travel overseas.
“We want all of our citizens to be informed about their destinations
abroad and any particular challenges that they may face,” Janice Jacobs,
assistant secretary of state for the Bureau of Consular Affairs, said.
“We want them to know about the services that are available to them at
our embassies and consulates if problems should happen, despite their
precautions.”
Jacobs’ comments come five days after the Bureau of Consular Affairs added LGBT-specific information to its website
that includes travel warnings, alerts and other country-specific
advisories. These include references to “widespread” anti-gay
discrimination in Ukraine, efforts to curb “the promotion of
homosexuality” in Russian cities and an advisory that urges LGBT
travelers to “consider exercising caution when visiting Estonia” because
of harassment and violence those who have publicly shown affection have
experienced.
The country-specific profiles also include information about HIV/AIDS travel restrictions.
READ MORE at Washington Blade
Gay Barcelona Tours and Guides
Not only is Barcelona beautiful, charming, sunny, delicious and fun, it
also has the unquestionable distinction of being one of the premier Gay
capitals in Europe.
The gay scene is here vibrant and integrated. Barcelona is
a modern city, with a modern outlook. It is open-minded and welcoming to all –
so head on down for a good time! From the beaches to the clubs, from the shops
to the beautiful architecture, you’ll have plenty to do, by day and by night.
Most of the gay scene is centred around an area called Eixample
pronounced Ay-Sham-Play and, for reasons that will become apparent, nicknamed
gayxample. Just north of the centre, Eixample is a modern and trendy district.
It is the heart of the gay scene, even though it’s not exclusively gay. It is
here that you’ll find all the bars, clubs and accommodation that you need for a
great night out.
When daylight comes again, and you’re looking for something a little
more peaceful, head out of the city into the beautiful surroundings which are
replete with nothing less than vineyards. Why not try a wine tour in Barcelona? The local
wine is delicious, and will put you in the right mood to head back to the city
to do exploring.
There are lots of great sightseeing tours in Barcelona if you want to catch all the best bits. Don’t
miss the Sagrada Familia, the Park Guell or the endlessly eccentric La Ramblas
pedestrian shopping street – it’s a must-see.
Barcelona is open and welcoming like almost no other city in the world,
which simply adds to its many charms. And if you still need an excuse to go,
the fabulous annual Gay and
Lesbian Film Festival is on from
the 18th of October to the 28th.
Now that you’re out of excuses, go and enjoy yourself!
Police Refuse to Allow Budapest Pride to Happen This Year
The gays in Budapest have struggled for years, for their freedom and acceptance. It’s a gorgeous city and a great value for travelers.
We were there last year for their gay pride, which had been on again, off again during the planning months. Police were unsure they wanted to provide the protection needed. In the end, the pride parade and march did happen – but over 1400 police were on hand to make sure no skinheads or fascists bothered or harmed the marchers.
The Budapest Pride is Hungary’s largest annual LGBT event. It has historically been known under several names, including Budapest Gay Dignity Procession (Hungarian Meleg Méltóság Menet) or simply “happy parade” (Hungarian Meleg Méltóság Menet). The parade has taken place each year since 1997, usually on the first Saturday of July, proceeding along Budapest’s most expansive thoroughfare, Andrássy Avenue, between the City Park (Városliget) and Elizabeth Square (Erzsébet tér). Though much smaller in scale than similar gay pride parades in Western Europe and the Americas, between a thousand and two thousand marchers typically participate in the Budapest procession. Radical right-wing demonstrators and hooligans have severely disrupted the Budapest gay parades held in 2007 and 2008, casting concerns with the Police in Budapest.
In
the past, sometimes anti-gay groups threw eggs, smoke bombs and bottles
into the crowds. Several years ago, Gábor Demszky, Budapest’s mayor
from the Alliance of Free Democrats party, condemned the violence
against the event for which he had expressed unambiguous support.
However, three non-governmental organizations accused the
government-supported police of doing little to stop the fascists.
Last year’s parade went off just fine, other than some anti-gay people yelling at us. But I am guessing the city feels the cost to have 1400 police on high alert was too much?
We received this press release today –
The Budapest Police Department has refused to grant permission for this year’s Budapest Pride march. The march had been announced for July 7, 2012, with a route from City Park to Alkotmány Street along Andrássy Avenue, by the festival’s organizers, the Rainbow Mission Foundation. This is not the first time the police have tried to prevent the march, and this year they again justified their decision to restrict our freedom of assembly with the claim that it is impossible to redirect traffic to another route. With the help of the Hungarian Civil Liberties Union (TASZ), we are filing a petition for review of the ban. We look forward to the Budapest Metropolitan Court repealing the police’s decision, which is expected to be announced in the next few weeks.
Banning the march is one of the means used to silence the LGBTQ community. The last two years have seen democracy, human rights, and the rule of law threatened in Hungary, and through its actions, the government has infringed upon the rights of many groups. The Basic Law, passed in April 2011 and in effect since the beginning of this year, the “family protection” law voted on last December, and the Hungarian Society for the Science of the Family founded in February all severely violate the rights of LGBTQ people. Banning the Pride march would only exacerbate the social marginalization of this community.
One of the themes we are highlighting in this year’s festival is the diversity of the LGBTQ community in Hungary. Given that the community is often invisible, our diversity of identities and experiences often goes unrecognized even within the community. For example, bisexual, queer, and trans people frequently find themselves marginalized and their voices unheard. LGBTQ people who are members of other marginalized groups as well (disabled people, national, ethnic, and religious minorities, etc.) are hardly ever allowed the opportunity to express their full identities. Mainstream society’s view of the LGBTQ community is restricted to a very narrow segment of the group, primarily gay men and lesbian women, and this picture is often based on explicitly homophobic and transphobic stereotypes.
Kudos to the gay community! They are not backing down and plan to march with or without a permit!
The campaign video against the ban
2012 Budapest Pride for news and updates
If you love architecture, Hungary is STUNNING! It is a gorgeous city. And there a dozen or so gay bars and clubs. They have a couple saunas. There is lots to see and do and it is so inexpensive to eat and drink and sleep there. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
Use Droam for International Data Roaming and SAVE!
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CHARO Talks Travel Tips and Hits the Road with SEXY SEXY
aka CHARO!
She was at SPLASH Bar in NYC last month performing SEXY SEXY her new hit song! (The song was written by her son Shel Rasten – for Britney Spears. Charo said FUCK Britney Spears! That song is Momma’s! ).
In the new issue of Passport Magazine, Charo gives travel tips!
DRINK LOTS OF WATER. Good water! This morning they were putting on my makeup and they asked, “What is your secret? What do you do?” – I drink lots of water and ALWAYS wear a moisturizer. If you take medication, always bring it on the plane with you. And vitamins. But water and moisturizer is a must. When you are flying you are having a lot of radiation. Twice the radiation of an x-ray.
And my advice to everybody who travels is when you pack, put your things inside a plastic cover. One time, coming from Europe to the USA, when we landed it was raining and they left the luggage outside for a while and when we opened it, it was soaked. It ruined 50k worth of costumes. So my advice is whatever is precious and you cannot wash, wrap it or pack it in a plastic container.
She also added, I am against discrimination and against oppression. The people in the White House should treat the country like it’s their own children. Same sexes should be respected and allowed to marry. You have to fight, fight, fight!
And she fights for animal rights. With the help of PETA, Charo’s working to end bullfighting in Spain. Blood cannot be exchanged for entertainment. In Spain, there is food, art, music, architecture, why do they need to keep holding onto an old tradition, and the cruelest way for an animal to die?” She’s convinced bullfighting will be outlawed in parts of Spain within the next six months.
Charo will perform her new hit SEXY SEXY April 10th at the White Party in Palm Springs! After that, watch for her in a city near you! You don’t want to miss this show!
QueerTrip.com Gives Away Gay Las Vegas Package
Queertrip.com consists of dedicated LGBT travel specialists teamed up to bring you the best gay and lesbian travel worldwide. Queertrip.com is gay owned and operated.
“Our goal is to make travel better and easier for the gay and lesbian traveler. At Queertrip.com, we believe in giving back to the LGBT community, so that’s why we are giving back a portion of the proceeds to LGBT charities.”
What sets Queertrip.com apart from other gay and lesbian travel sites? Technology, service, and user friendly web site allows users to search every airfare, hotel, car, and cruise company available.
Best of all, you’ll find all the gay and lesbian travel information on destinations including gay owned and operated hotels, bars and clubs, attractions, shopping, restaurants, and more all in one conveniently located site.
Queertrip.com searches for fares listed in the GDS’s (Global Distribution Systems), negotiated contracted rates, sale fares, as well as web fares on the internet. Our search engine finds them all in one easy to use system delivering you all the fares.
QUEERTRIP.comItaly All Gay Travel Event June 11-25th
Wanted…………16 Men Who Love To Travel, Savour Food, Experience Wine Just half an hour from noisy, bustling Milan, Lake Como is a jewel-like oasis of tranquillity, a magical combination of lush Mediterranean foliage and snowy alpine peaks. One of the best vantage points for this breathtaking view is in Piazza Cavour, on the banks of the lake in the town of Como. Most people speed through the Veneto on their way to our favorite Italian city, Venice. From the train, the landscape sometimes looks flat and unappealing, yet its small cities are fascinating treasure troves of art and beacons of fine living, and only a few miles to the north the Alps begin, their foothills dotted with charming towns and lined with picturesque world-class vineyards. If Tuscany is a legend, Umbria is a little-known medieval fable, its green heart beating in the shadow of its more famous neighbor. Beautiful Tuscan hills, vineyards and Renaissance cities with a journey through the bucolic landscapes and enchanting lakes of Umbria. Savor private tastings of Chianti and Sagrantino wine, olive oil and honey, explore the glories of Siena, Assisi and Orvieto, discover awe-inspiring frescoes and visit the hill-top treasures of Cortona and Montefalco.
& Want to do it all in Italy!
The Italian Lakes & Umbria/Tuscany June 11-25th, 2011
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– Specialties of the region Umbrian Dinner
– Veneto Dinner Villa Perez-Pompei-Sagramoso
– Private Boat Tour Lago di Como
– Dinner and tour Isola Comacina, Lago di Como
– 7 Breakfasts Lago di Como & Veneto
– Private BBQ Lago di Como
– 2 Hands On Cooking – Dining Experiences
– Wine Tasting in Montefelco (Brunello Wines), Chianti, Soave
and Valpolicella (Amarone Wines)
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Benefits of Using a Travel Agent or Agency
Many people think booking their trips can save them money. Possibly. But probably not.
Many agencies have strong working relationships with travel suppliers and they have the latest in computer reservations technology enabling travel agents to access the most up-to-date information on how to get you the best value.
Planning a trip today can be confusing and time consuming – especially to a foreign land. A travel agent not only arranges the various modes of transportation, but a travel agent also may be able to save you money with early booking discounts, special fares, hotel deals and travel advisories. People who book their own trips online, may not have access too all of the current travel promotions and deals.
From advising you of all the options and sharing insider tips on destinations to understanding travels little complexities, we can provide you with the personal attention, expertise and exclusive advantages for all of your travel needs.
David Hodgkinson at Travel Leaders says “The more your agent knows about you, the better they will be able to pull together the best options and provide you with a perfect trip. Talk to an agent and be sure to share your:…
Interests – Share your interests, such as scuba diving, art or unique foods with your travel agent, and ask your agent to combine those interests into your trip.
Budget – It’s a travel agent’s job to keep within your budget. Provide them with a figure and they will work to stretch your travel dollars.
Travel preferences – If you favor a certain airline or hotel, or prefer nonstop flights, be sure to tell your agent so they can arrange your trip to meet your preferences.
Schedule – Let your agent know your preferred dates of travel. Also let them know how to contact you while traveling in the event they need to relay important information.
Travel companions’ needs – Inform your agent if your travel companion requires special accommodation, such as in-flight meal preferences or making arrangements for someone with a disability.
A good agent will go the extra mile! Agents work for YOU and will do everything they can to meet your travel needs.”
Travel Leaders
Uber Sexy Fitness Blogger Davey Wavey Travels to Sundance
Before there was
Scott Herman ,
there was Davey.
Unless you have been
under rock the last 5 years,
you should know
who DAVEY WAVEY is.
The gay fitness hottie is more delicious than Mom’s Apple Pie! And his blog Break The Illusion is uber popular.
The 27 year old says, “I assumed this physical form to embark on a journey of peace and love.
Though I’m a bit of a nomad, traveling the world from city to city and town to town, my current location is Rhode Island, USA. For a career, I’m a certified personal trainer and have a fitness blog, Davey Wavey Fitness .
My life’s mission is to 1.) share my love with the world 2.) teach others about the pervasive oneness of this perfect universe and 3.) learn, grow and develop from all my experiences and all my teachers.”
It is his Videos which are getting international attention now. And I predict, this attention could bring him much deserved fame. You have to love the whole Web 2.0 movement. When I grew up, and I am dating myself (gasp!) we didn’t have YouTube, Twitter or even the Internet! The world is an oyster now. Anyone can be their own PR agent and get seen by millions. Bloggers and Vloggers are becoming the stars of today.
YouTube invited Davey to Park City Utah for the week, for the Sundance Film Festival, because one of his video clips is being used in Kevin MacDonald and Ridley Scott’s documentary, Life in a Day .
Life in a Day is the result of director Kevin MacDonald’s plea to the YouTube community to record one day of their lives – July 24th, 2010 – with the ultimate aim of patching them all together. The call was heard, and 80,000 videos were submitted for selection, totalling 4,500 hours of raw footage.
Produced by Ridley Scott, the footage was eventually cut down to the 90 minute feature that is garnering raves from reviewers and audiences for it’s moving and poignant scenes harnessed from everyday life, by everyday people. Encompassing the most mundane daily activities to the most exhilarating and saddest experiences, the film operates with a kind of rhythm that can change mood on a dime, and can elicit a broad smile as quickly as it can have the viewer choking back the tears .
The movie premiered at Sundance this past week and streamed live on YouTube. And you can watch his MEET THE FILM MAKER interview . The actual film will be released sometime in 2011.
Congratulations Davey!!
When traveling, Davey says, “Staying healthy and fit while traveling is always a challenge. But here are my top 6 tips for making it happen: Calorie counting never takes a vacation; skipping the gym is not an option; use your feet; bring your own snacks; and be flexable.” Read all the tips in detail on Daveys Fitness Blog . He also gives some pointers for hotel stays .
He says, “Being a frequent traveler doesn’t need to be a death sentence for your fitness program or a prescription for obesity. Keep your game face on—and I think you’ll be pleased with the results: more energy, better sleep and increased immune system performance, just to name a few.”
Davey on YouTube Davey on Facebook
Best Gay News and New Gay Travel Guide
Hotspots for Gay LGBT Travelers to Consider
A recent survey by Community Marketing, Inc. — the gay travel research experts for nearly 20 years –shows that lesbian and gay travelers are planning on doing a lot more traveling this year than they did during the last two. With all this pent-up demand, U.S. LGBT travelers will be heading near and far to spend those restless pink dollars. This year, put these five hot spots on your gay travel radar, and venture beyond the tried and true.
South America Rising
Rio de Janeiro has long been an important stop for in-the-know gay travelers who flock here during their summer (our winter). This South American New Year’s is one of the most exciting celebrations for LGBT locals and visitors alike. But this year, plan on going farther a field. Florianopolis, on the coast Brazil south of Rio, attracts droves of sun-seeking gay and lesbian Brazilians. It was a stop on a recent Atlantis cruise and it’ll be host to the IGLTA’s 2012 convention. This holiday hotspot is renowned for its long spans of beautiful beaches, quaint fishing villages and fresh, delicious seafood. The atmosphere is one that’s relaxed and languid with no rush for anything. Comprising a city scape and an island, both are often referred to as Ilha de Santa Catarina or Floripa for short.
Buenos Aires — long and justifiably a gay-popular stop — should be coupled with a visit to Mendoza (wine country) or a quick jaunt across the Rio de la Plata to Uruguay for a visit to the romantic colonial town of Colonia or a jaunt to the much-improved beach resort Punta del Este, the South American jetsetter’s version of St. Tropez..
The Venice of the North
The Scandinavian countries have long been light years ahead of the rest of the world in their treatment of gays and lesbians, offering civil unions and other rights before many Western nations. They’ve typically done so in a decidedly low-key manner, until now.
Sweden is (finally and justifiably) tooting its horn. The country offers same-sex marriage and recently ran a contest culminating in several same-sex couples tying the knot in the air during a flight by SAS, the national airline. This is one reason to reward Sweden with your pink travel dollars, but it’s certainly not the only reason. Once you visit Stockholm, you’ll instantly understand the appeal. It’s a gorgeous city, which like its Italian twin sister, is built on islands. Sailboats, ferries, and other vessels punctuate the vibrant harbor, which is ringed by gorgeous historical buildings, dotted by lush green islands, and bathed in endless light in the summer. In the winter, it’s dark and cold, so pair your visit with a trip to the Ice Hotel , located in Lapland (120 miles north of the Arctic Circle) where you may actually get to see the Northern Lights.
Las Vegas
Las Vegas has grown to be a very popular gay hot spot in recent years. Continuously reinventing itself, Vegas seems incapable of keeping itself from adding rooms, casinos, theaters, shopping, and attractions. This travel hot spot is up to nearly 150,000 rooms. That’s almost 55 million heads-in-beds annually. Their overcapacity is a bust for developers (the much ballyhooed Fountainbleau Hotel didn’t even get off the ground), but a total boon for travelers. Rooms can often be had for a steal. Even truly fabulous properties, like the brand spanking new Cosmopolitan, built for the Champagne crowd, is eagerly welcoming the beer-can set. It is not just because Vegas offers very affordable luxury that it’s sizzling again. It’s also because it’s one of the most authentically gay welcoming destinations in the U.S., much to the surprise of many people.
The Wynn and Encore (which holds more five star awards than any other casino resort, thank you!) has not one, but five gay packages on their website: EncoreLasVegas.com/Pride .- and they have a full time gay concierge . PLUS, they host the homoerotic LE REVE , which is a MUST SEE show! Similarly welcoming hotels include the Mandalay Bay, the Paris, and MGM Grand.
Gay Middle East
Three words you probably never thought you’d read together. While it’s true that the vast majority of the Middle East probably won’t be actively marketing to the LGBT travel segment any time soon, there are a couple of very notable exceptions. Israel, which is the strongest democracy in the region, has a pretty decent track record with respect to rights for their same-sex citizens. Just one example: Legal same-sex marriages performed outside the country are recognized here, thanks to a case brought about, in fact, by the man included below who runs a terrific in-bound travel agency that can help you put together an amazing visit to the region. Tel Aviv, which celebrated its 60th anniversary this summer — it hardly looks a day over 25! — is actively courting the queer dollar. There’s much to love in this destination aside from the hot local women and men, including fine hotels, dining options, and warm stretches of beach lapped gently by the turquoise Mediterranean waves. Beirut — yes, in Lebanon — has also started to reach out to lesbian and gay travelers, with a recent symposium, and at least one out, proud, and highly competent tour operator (listed below).
Singapore
Singapore , nestled in the island-country of Malaysia, has a reputation for religiously strict adherence to rules that would put the Pope to shame. Problem is: That’s no longer true. It’s been slowly changing. Deputy PM Wong Kan Seng emphasized in 2009 that Singapore is a “stable society with traditional, heterosexual family values, but with space for homosexuals to live their private lives and contribute to the society.”
Singapore has a lingering PR problem from its years of threatening gay citizens with the rotten rattan of its buggery-obsessed former colonial masters. Let’s lay that nonsense to rest: these days you won’t be arrested for sharing a bed with your lover. You don’t need to withhold your pink dollars in a vote against the dinosaur technocrats because pink dollars are fueling a renaissance of gay-owned and managed businesses across the island. The tourist area of Chinatown already has several dozen rainbow venues filling up heritage buildings and attracting a steady flow of local clientele and in-the-know regional visitors. Have a look, sir.
Singapore is a sophisticated, educated, modern city with all the amenities you’d expect as a Westerner. There are charming old neighborhoods, friendly, helpful locals, and a shockingly big and developed (well for a socially conservative society) gay scene. Singapore actually has Asia’s hottest gay scene going these days. Homo sex is technically illegal (a legacy of British colonialism), but there are plenty of gay nightlife venues in the historic Chinatown section. Throughout the city, you’ll find the best of the best cuisines from this part of the world, be it Thai, Chinese, or Indian.
This destination also offers great shopping, inexpensive world-class hotels, and some of the friendliest service anywhere in the world. This great experience starts in the air on Singapore Airlines, which boasts one of the world’s safest and highest-rated service records of any airline. Spend four days here and a restful long weekend in nearby Bali, Indonesia, another gay-popular Asian/Muslim destination. Stay in the mystical, natural, yet luxurious highlands of Ubud and visit the nearby beaches.
So step outside the box this year and try something new!
PLAN AHEAD for Travel and Save
PLAN AHEAD!
BOOK EARLY!
How many times have you heard that?
Why do people wait to the last minute?
The holidays are here and hopefully you have your reservations!
Just last week, there was a chance I was leaving town on a business trip without much notice. I called 3 weeks out, and the airfare was $260. The company I was making plans to visit, did not confirm until 13 days out. When I checked the airfare again it had went up $340. Almost $100 increase, to be in that same plane, same flight, I had previously checked.
This is a screen shot from CNBC that showed the Airlines business and gave an example of what is called REVENUE MANAGEMENT and BUCKETS (same system applies for many hotels). Depending on the time, season and how in advance you book or purchase your ticket, the price can vary greatly.
For the same AA flight 2412 passengers seating in the same cabin with exactly the same service paid from $50 up to over $700. The same is true with hotels. The same room, on the same day can be from $50 – $500.
ALWAYS try to book at least 14 days out, to get the best price. It is rare, but it can happen, that airlines give deals in the those final 14 days. Some people say that in the final 7 days, you can find deals. Just don’t plan on it!
AIR TRAN has a sweet deal right now – special fares are available for purchase through November 9, 2010, and are good for travel from November 5, 2010, through February 9, 2011. Super off-peak sale fares are valid for travel on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Off-peak sale fares are valid for travel on Mondays and Thursdays and peak sale fares are valid for travel daily. Like all AirTran Airways fares, prices included in this sale are available for one-way travel and do not require a roundtrip purchase or an overnight stay. These sale fares require a 10-day advance purchase.
It’s usually cheaper to fly in and out on a Saturday. The most expensive days for travel are, of course, the busiest, which are Friday and Sunday. Days in the middle of the week (Monday though Thursday) are also cheaper, although Saturday remains the best day to travel. Juggle different days, if possible. For example, see if you can leave one day before or one day after you planned.
Hundreds of thousands of airfare-price changes flow into the system each and every day — just once on weekends, but up to three times a day on weekdays — at 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. After the new fares are loaded into the system, it takes about two to four hours to show up on the search engines.
More tips and tricks to saving at MSNBC
Gay Travel and Gay Christmas Tips with John Waters
You wouldn’t expect
the legendary creator
of such subversive films as
“Pink Flamingos” and “Female Trouble”
to be a fan of Christmas!
(John Waters Collection #3:
Pink Flamingos/ Female Trouble )
Halloween, yes!
Christmas? Really?!
But of course, John Waters defies expectations.
“I really do love Christmas, without irony,” the 63-year-old filmmaker says, “But I understand that a lot of people hate it, so I’m trying to give advice to every single person as to how to survive Christmas.”
Waters has performed his one man spoken-word lecture entitled “This Filthy World ” to sold-out audiences around the world; (DVD John Waters: This Filthy World is avavilable, if you missed it).
In 2004, his cynical and hilarious CD “A John Waters Christmas“ was released, featuring an outlandish compilation of musical obscurities chosen by Waters himself, including songs by Tiny Tim, Fat Daddy and the Chipmunks!
With all of the traveling John does, who better to give some Travel Tips and Advice?!
He tells PASSPORT Magazine , “The worst possible thing in the world is to be trapped on an airplane without a book, and mine will put you in a good mood even if you’re delayed, your luggage is lost, or flight is canceled,” he shares. “And if anyone’s nosy and reads it over your shoulder you can open the chapter about outsider pornographers and then they won’t talk to you, which is also nice on an airplane.”
He also says, “I always have toiletries with me, and a hanger bag with something to wear in case my suitcase is lost, because I’m usually going to be on stage so I carry one outfit with me. [Also] books, there’s nothing worse than being stuck on an airplane without a book. I always have way too many books with me.
AND ABOVE ALL – Be early! Get the first plane in the morning—the pilots are always there, the plane is there, and there aren’t many thunderstorms at 6 A.M. The later you wait in the day, the bigger the chance of you getting screwed up.”
READ MORE from John Waters and Traveling at Passport .
The Best Gay Travel Guide
LGBTQ2 Transgender Travel Information and Tips
It was brought to my attention the other day that we never address the transgender community here on this Gay Travel site. So we wanted to include some resources and tips –
Transgender people have as much right to travel as anyone else and we have a right to express any gender we want, any way we want while traveling (with the exception of some head and face coverings). However, recent heightened airport security has meant increased scrutiny, harassment, and discrimination against trans people who fly. NCTE hopes this document will help make your air travel experience smoother. This document for transgendered travel is little dated, but provides some useful guidelines.
In 2009, 2009-The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) rolled out a new phase of their Secure Flight program over the weekend. Passengers will now be required to provide their birth date and gender when they book an airline ticket as part of a move to help distinguish passengers from those on the government’s “watch list” (often called the “no-fly” list). NCTE issued a SECURE FLIGHT document with details and tips .
You should always submit the name, date of birth, and gender as it appears on the form of identification you intend to use at the airport. If you have different names on different documents, you should ensure that the document you intend to use at the airport reflects the name you listed when booking your flight.
International Travelers: The Immigration Equality blog has this excellent post about international travel for GLBT people, including information on HIV positive travelers. Of note: The government has LOTS of authority to go through your belongings when you travel. Be prepared.
TRANSEXUAL (TS) ROAD MAP is another good source for information.
Trans Travel is another source.
As we find more useful resources and interesting information, we will be happy to share them!
Gay Travel to Costa Rica
So, how do Costa Ricans view gay people?
Can I kiss in public?
Are there any nude gay beaches?
Gay friendly hotels?
Get your answers HERE!
Costa Rica decriminalized homosexuality between consenting adults in the 1970s. Since then, a series of legal rulings, on a judicial as well as administrative level, have turned things around for Costa Rican lesbians and gay men.
The Costa Rica constitution makes the Catholic Church the official state religion (church and state is not separated in Costa Rica), and about 80% or more of the country is Catholic. So, you can imagine where the gay lifestyle sits in their eyes. Gay Costa Rica citizens are still fighting their straight counterparts so they can have the same benefits that heterosexual couples receive such as inheritance rights, pensions, and tax rights to name a few.
Besides the Catholics in Costa Rica, the gay community here is battling against the Evangelicals in Costa Rica, who came out 20,000 strong from all over Costa Rica to protest the last Civil Union bill that was sent for approval. It looks like the gay community has a huge hurdle to climb before they are seen as equals.
I just have to say for a country that deems prostitution legal this seems like a fight that should have been overturned years ago.
That being said of all the Central American countries Costa Rica is said to be the most gay-tolerant/gay-friendly country, which makes it a highly desirable travel destination for the gay tourist. In the more recent years there has been a boom in the gay hotels being built in Costa Rica, as well as gay bars, gay travel agencies, gay tour operators, and restaurants. Places are popping up all over the country that caters to men only, as well as clothing optional places.
For more helpful travel information on Costa Rica make sure you check out our website and our blog .
Gay Travel Couple! 2 British Guys, 2 Years, Around the World!
Thom and Sean
started traveling together on 23 June 2010 and they don’t plan on settling in any one country for another two years. Originally from the UK but with no decision yet on whether they’ll return, Thom and Sean are having fun visiting countries that they’ve always wanted to visit.
As novice travelers they started off with the USA and have spent the last nine weeks traveling from New York on the East Coast to San Francisco on the West Coast with a good old dose of the Deep South in between!
After America Thom and Sean will be kicking back to enjoy a calmer pace of life by hiring a camper van and driving around the North and South Islands of New Zealand for a month before heading down under. Hiring one more camper they’ll be driving down the spectacular Great Ocean Road taking in Cairns, Brisbane and Sydney before taking a breather in Melbourne. This breather’s going to last about 10 months as they get jobs and make friends to really experience Aussie life.
Once they leave Australia, the couple will be taking the slow road back to Europe via Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos and China. In Beijing they’ll board the Trans-Siberian Express and spend a week on the train to Moscow, stopping off along the way and couchsurfing in a yurt! After Red Square they will be visiting Norway, Finland, Sweden and Denmark. The final destination of Berlin is being timed to match Sean’s 30th birthday in June 2012 where friends and family will join them for a massive party. And I suppose at that point they’ll have to grow up!
The guys have been together for four years and always talked about travelling the world; this went from a pipe dream to something that they both really wanted and after three years of saving, planning and hard work they’re finally able to embark on their world trip together.
Read about their travels at Thom and Sean.com
Join them on Facebook
Photo top – Pacific HWY, California
Photo bottom – Stars at Grand Canyon
New Gay Travel Guide
Gay Friendly – What Does That Mean? Let the LGBT Buyer Beware
WE were just talking about this the other day; how so many companies are coming forward, some very sincere, some not so sincere, in wanting to be “gay-friendly”.
Karen Ocamb from the Los Angeles Frontiers Magazine , tells of recent not so “gay friendly” incident that happened in Cancun. A California gay couple had relied on a gay-friendly travel agency (Expedia) to select a gay-friendly hotel — which turned out not to be gay-friendly at all.
While in Cancun at their hotel, “At lunch Eric and I were holding hands. A waiter came over to our table and told us that public displays of affection were not allowed at the Gran Melia since it was “family hotel.” When we pointed out the straight couple holding hands across the room he reminded us that it was over the fact we are gay. The waiter became very hostile towards us and I had to step in the way to cool down both Eric and the bigot waiter.
We then went to the front desk and told them the situation. We were promised an upgrade to a suite over our whole ordeal. The general manager of the hotel followed us to our room and told us that the Gran Melia is not a gay friendly hotel. It is a “family hotel” and if we wanted a gay friendly hotel to go down the road. He even gave us a list of other hotels. I asked him to refund our money and we would be glad to make a reservation at one of the other hotels. He said he was not willing to do it.”
“On our check out the last day the general manager tried so hard to get every dollar out of us that he could. He tried to charge us for food and drinks that had been included in our all inclusive stay. He made us wait to leave until the room was checked for any damages. And he threatened to call the police if we left before that. He and Eric got into a verbal altercation in the lobby, and he again threatened to call the police. I have heard the stories of people being thrown in Mexican jails for no reason with no way out and I was scared for my freedom. I paid whatever nonsense charges he threw at me so that I could ensure my safety and leave the hotel as soon as possible. This weekend was not a vacation for me.
We have since spoken to Expedia who has removed the hotel, Gran Melia Cancun off of their gay friendly hotel category. They spoke to the hotel who stood strong on their homophobic stance, claiming that it is a “family” hotel. “
I am curious to know if there was any discussion or problems upon arrival and check-in?
Read their whole story on Huffington Post .
The bottom line is how did this hotel get on their list?
Someone needs to be held accountable but also, do your homework.
Big players like “W” and Kimpton, we know are LGBT friendly places. Smaller properties, I would beware. I would have checked the hotel out better, before booking it. HUGE companies like Expedia and Orbitz are trying to be everything, to everyone, I think. You need to look for things like IGLTA and TAG APPROVED logos and also cross check with sites like Purple Roofs , and even Pink Choice. Heck, you can even email us and check out our Best Gay Cities site. We are more than happy to point you in the right direction to the right sources.
It is my understanding, Expedia just started working with IGLTA , so maybe Expedia has now realized they need some kind of criteria to follow so this doesn’t happen again.
New Gay Travel Guide
