Category Archives: news

Marriott’s Renaissance Hotels

The Renaissance Hotel in Chicago was the site for a new short film, “Business Unusual”.

The 12-minute film, shot throughout Chicago and on location at the newly transformed Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel, boasts an impressive cast including Yoshua Sudarso (“Power Rangers Dino Charge”), Jason Gerhardt (“General Hospital,” ABC’s “Mistresses”), Grant Bowler (“Defiance,” “True Blood,” and “Ugly Betty”), Tia Carrere (“Wayne’s World”) and Brian Poli-Dixon (artist, actor, and former NFL receiver).

“Business Unusual” centers around two ad executives and former colleagues, having just arrived in Chicago to compete against each other in a pitch. A pompous character, Chip, delivers the first pitch and receives extremely positive feedback from the clients. Following Chip’s seemingly successful presentation, David, (a less seasoned entrepreneur) nervously begins to present his pitch– when the client is suddenly called away to an emergency and is asked if he can finish the next day. David agrees and returns to his hotel. As he is anxiously preparing to revamp his pitch, the Navigator (Renaissance Hotels’ local concierge) persuades him to join other guests for an evening of discovery through beverage, food and local music in the hotel’s bar. Here he has a chance platonic encounter with a kind, wise, and successful woman named Ella. David finds his groove and is inspired to create an exceptionally fun and clever campaign, focused on the use of a Rube Goldberg machine that ultimately lands him the account. The Rube Goldberg machine in the film was designed by “America’s Got Talent” quarterfinalist Steve Price.

 

“Renaissance Hotels is designed for the today’s business travelers, who see travel as an opportunity to experience something new and unexpected, so they come away with a new perspective — whether that’s from experiencing the local neighborhood around our hotel or simply stumbling into a live performance, a mixology demonstration or an art exhibit in the programmed public spaces,” said Dan Vinh, Vice President Marketing, Renaissance Hotels. “‘Business Unusual’ incorporates cameos with strong Chicago ties to demonstrate the importance of Renaissance Hotel’s passion for incorporating unexpected, indigenous and local elements into the guest experience.”

Like them on Facebook www.facebook.com/RenHotels.

Follow them on Twitter www.twitter.com/RenHotels.

Like them on Instagram www.instagram/RenHotels.

Follow them on YouTube www.youtube.com/RenHotels AND see the movie!

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Puerto Vallarta Romance and Hollywood

Puerto Vallarta

has received tons of press ever since Richard Burton  and  Elizabeth Taylor put this town on the map  in the  1960s. Since then, several movies have been filmed  here. It has become  a  gay mecca but yet,  has  retained  it’s  small town charm.

I hope that never changes.  More and more celebrities  come to Vallarta  to escape the constant flashing cameras of the paparazzi. They seek privacy and refuge  in the small boutique properties here in PV.

Tucked away on an unassuming, cobblestone street, Casa Kimberly, Elizabeth Taylor’s former home, is now an intimate, nine-suite boutique owned by Janice Chatterton, hotelier of nearby celebrity-magnet Hacienda San Angel just two blocks away. Modeled similar to Hacienda, Casa Kimberly is as glamorous as it is palatial and designed to feel timeless with blue-and-white tiled staircases, stone columns, arched doorways, wrap-around terraces and al fresco courtyards with bubbling fountains. All suites and public spaces are adorned with 19th-century antiques, from Italian paintings and horse carriages to a marble statue carved by French sculptor Gustave Deloye. Suites start at $435; Elizabeth Taylor suite from $825.

Beyond Burton and Taylor, however, the balmy beach town of Puerto Vallarta has cast a spell on A-listers. It’s now chock-full of luxury resorts and private villas to pander to their whim. Eva Longoria and Mario Lopez vacation at Garza Blanca Preserve Resort (suites from $385,), a secluded all-inclusive resort that straddles jungle and beach. The rising number of new boutiques (like Casa Kimberly) have also been drawing attention.

Stars like Angelica Huston have shacked up at Rivera del Rio (suites from $359, www.riveradelrio.com), a fantastic whimsical, eight-room property in Old Town and decades deep with Hollywood ties. Since the 1970s, the former private home hosted Hollywood actors and crew for films (including Predator, Revenge, Gunmen) before established as a hotel in 2012. Owner Alexander James Andriadis Killen says: “I remember when they were filming Gunmen in our house and watching Mario Van Peebles blow up our kitchen. I also remember when Arnold Schwarzenegger first walked into our home during the filming of Predator. I was scared that the Terminator was in our house that I ran away crying.” Having lived “on set” for 32 years and grandfathered into Hollywood, Alex has become a valuable source in town for the A-list who continue to flock over. “Hollywood still lives on in Puerto Vallarta.”  (Photo  right – courtyard pool  @  Garlands  Del Rio).

 

Alexander James Andriadis Killen has just renovated and opened  a new property just down the street, Garlands Del Rio. www.Garlandsdelrio.com. This Majestic Bed and Breakfast located directly on the Rio Cuale is another masterpiece. Garlands Del Rio represents a rustic yet magical time in Puerto Vallarta. Each room has a character and personality inspired by long time residents of Puerto Vallarta.

These beautiful rooms make up a Garland of beauty and relaxation. Garlands has 8 true vallartan style rooms with antiquated bathrooms that span around a luscious sapphire blue pool and a Vaulted ceiling kitchen fit for kings and queens. Located directly under the Rio Cuale bridge you will experience a true Vallartan experience that cannot be found at a typical hotel. BOTH of Killen’s properties consistently get rated  5  stars!

 

 

THE RICH AND FAMOUS

– Most Puerto Vallarta-bound celebrities also vacation in Punta Mita, a tony resort community just 40 minutes from Puerto Vallarta International Airport. Famous faces like Kate Hudson shack up at Four Seasons Punta Mita (which recently debuted a new beach club with beach shack bar). The five-star property is home to private villa residences equipped with infinity pools (with adjustable temperatures), personal chefs and tantalizing views of the sea , three-bedroom, ocean-view residence from $5,100 per night). The five-bedroom, beachfront presidential Coral Suite starts at $23,000 per night. Honeymooners like Kim Kardashian and Kanye West and Lance Bass and Michael Turchin continue to swoon over Casa Aramara , the famed private residence owned by Joe Francis, and Gwyneth Paltrow has checked into Casa China Blanca ($1,700 per night) a 10,000-square-foot, five-bedroom and fully staffed sanctuary that has been featured in blockbuster films Limitless and Elysium. Casa De Mita ($750 per night), an intimate, hacienda-style, eight-room boutique right on a virtually deserted unspoiled beach, is Punta Mita’s best-kept secret.

 

Hollywood Reporter

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Gay Travel Warning – No Grindr London

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Puerto Vallarta Contest

The start of ­­­­winter in Puerto Vallarta is cause for celebration as December marks the beginning of the whale watching season, traditional pilgrimages in honor of the Virgin of Guadalupe, free daily guided Artwalks in historic downtown, culinary treats all around town, the International Pro Am golf tournament, the release of baby sea turtles, perfect weather with temperatures in the low 80’s and a calendar full of holiday festivities and free activities.

The Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board is inviting everyone to join in the celebration with the launch of a mega “12 DAYS OF WINTER” (#12DaysOfWinter) promotion and participate for a chance to win daily prizes during the first 12 days of December, including artworks, bottles of tequila and raicilla and trip getaways, with the top prize being a 12-day all-expense paid vacation for two in Puerto Vallarta.

To participate register at visitpuertovallarta.com/12daysofwinter and tell the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board what you would do on a 12-day all-expense paid holiday for two in the destination. All registrants will have a chance to win one of 12 prizes. Drawings will take place every day from December 1st to 12th. Following are the details of the prizes that will be awarded:

 

 

Winners of the getaway prizes to be awarded between December 5th through 12th will also receive a choice of 2 activities in Puerto Vallarta courtesy of Vallarta Adventures and Dolphin Discovery.

 

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Puerto Vallarta was UNTOUCHED By Hurricane

Puerto Vallarta is fully operational with 100% of its hotel and restaurant facilities open, as well as its International Airport (PVR), marina, cruise port and Convention Center. All domestic and international airlines as well as buses, taxis and other ground transport companies resumed their normal service schedule within 2 days of the hurricane scare.

I just got back from Puerto Vallarta to celebrate HALLOWEEN and take part in their DAY OF THE DEAD festivities! EVERYTHING IS TOTALLY FINE THERE. The experienced no damage or problems from the hurricane – because it missed them. Everything is open and is  business as usual!

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World’s first dedicated LGBT cruise line

Anteros Cruises Introduces the World’s

      First Dedicated LGBT Cruise Line

 

 

Anteros Cruises LLC is pleased to introduce the world’s first dedicated LGBT cruise line, scheduled to commence sailings in April 2017.  Anteros Cruises celebrates recent victories in LGBT rights with first-of-its-kind, year-round, yacht-like cruise line catering to the LGBT community. Delivering on the brand’s promise of being “as inclusive as it is exclusive” Anteros Cruises is reinventing the cruise experience and inviting not only the LGBT community, but also their friends, family, and allies…All Aboard

Recognizing and celebrating diversity within the LGBT community has designed every aspect of the cruising experience so that LGBT travelers can be themselves, without judgment.  From celebrity-designer interiors and stylishly-sophisticated soft goods, to unparalleled personalized service delivered by a meticulously trained crew, Anteros Cruises will feature a higher than usual staff-to-guest ratio.  On board, guests will enjoy world-class cuisine, signature amenities, and as much or little internet connectivity as they desire.     Everything about the Anteros cruising experience has been customized, including exciting shore excursions at every destination. In addition, itineraries are being coordinated with LGBT-oriented events such as PRIDE celebrations to make the most of each port-of-call.

“Every aspect of the Anteros Cruises experience is designed with LGBT community members in mind. Our number one priority is making our guests feel comfortable, relaxed, and open, so they can be themselves while enjoying our luxury yacht-like cruise experience,” said David Huang, Director of Anteros Cruises. “We are thrilled to present this novel, overdue concept in travel dedicated to the LGBT traveler, featuring itineraries to popular as well as off-the-beaten-path ports that are designed to make the LGBT traveler feel completely welcome and catered to every step of the way.”

“We believe that being yourself and enjoying yourself should flow together, so we have created a world-class cruise experience that celebrates the finer things without forgoing the most important thing, the openness for LGBT travelers to be who they are without judgment,” continued Huang.

With an intimate, yacht-like ship which can access small ports in exotic destinations, Anteros will offer premium itineraries and service across a wide range of price points to deliver on its promise of inclusivity.  Sailings will be presented on a year-round basis with itineraries ranging from 5-14 days.  Cruising the Mediterranean during summer and fall months, the 400-passenger ship will make Barcelona and Piraeus (Athens) its homeport.  Caribbean homeports during winter months will include St. Maarten and Colon, offering an amazing range of destinations for guests to continue exploring the open seas with Anteros Cruises.

“In the coming weeks, we look forward to presenting the world with even more exciting details about Anteros Cruises – the first dedicated LGBT cruise line,” said Huang.  “Stay tuned for much more to come!”

For additional information about Anteros Cruises, visit www.AnterosCruises.com.

 

 

About Anteros Cruises

Anteros Cruises is the world’s first dedicated LGBT cruise line featuring sophisticated itineraries to exotic ports in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. With an intimate, 400-passenger luxury yacht-like ship, every aspect of the Anteros Cruises experience is designed with the LGBT community in mind. Anterors’ mission is to deliver relaxing vacations to explore culture-rich destinations set in a judgment-free environment to be enjoyed with family and friends.  For additional information about Anteros Cruises, visit AnterosCruises.com.

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BEWARE – Hotel Credit Card Scam

A new wave of scammers are targeting hotel guests by pretending to be calling from the front desk, requesting personal information and credit card details.

The fraudsters, according to Lifehacker, call hotel rooms, claiming to be hotel managers or front desk clerks reporting an error with their booking, asking them to clarify credit card numbers over the phone.

One Reddit contributor experienced this on a recent hotel stay in Vegas: “Sunday morning at 10:30 my hotel phone rings and it’s the manager letting me know their computer system is down at the moment…He lets me know that because the system is down they’re a few hours behind on recovering data. He confirmed my room number and offered me an extended checkout (which sounded great from the hangover) and also offered to comp our least expensive night’s stay for the inconvenience. He mentioned there were 30+ people in the checkout line and offered to check me out via the phone and said I could leave my keys as I left. He asked me to confirm my credit card number and I got a little hesitant and said I would feel more comfortable providing that in person.”

Luckily the Redditor picked up on the scam and headed to the lobby where the front desk confirmed that the call had not come from inside the hotel.

Consumer Affairs have reported similar examples up and down the country. Their advice on avoiding these scams? Never provide personal info and credit card numbers to incoming callers.

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Curaçao embraces the Gays and Lesbians

With exceptional gay friendly hotels and attractions, the Curaçao Tourist Board encourages gay and lesbian travelers to visit the island and experience its ‘Live and let live’ atmosphere for themselves.

“It is important to us that it’s known to the gay & lesbian community that everyone is welcome in Curaçao. Our island offers diverse culture, art galleries, beaches, museums, fine accommodations and exquisite cuisine that are enjoyed by all visitors to the island.” commented the Executive Director of the Curaçao Tourist Board.

They have  worked  hard  the last few years to make the island a destination  for the LGBT community. They just  presented the third edition of the Curaçao Pride.  A  5- day long event filled with parties and activities.

The dedicated destination website www.gaycuracao.com  lists the gay-friendly weekend hot spots, citing Floris Suite Hotel’s Rainbow Lounge every Friday, with the “Spoil Me” Happy Hour, Otra Cosa Curaçao’s gay bar along with gay-friendly places to visit as Mambo Beach as the place to be every Saturday night while Cabana Beach on Friday night and Wet & Wild on Sunday night.

Curaçao, located just two and one half hours from Miami, is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and is perfectly situated just outside of the hurricane belt.
This tropical island boasts an eclectic mix of history and culture, which has served to create a Caribbean experience unlike any other.  Also known for its eco-tourism and pristine diving conditions, Curaçao attracts the adventure traveler as well as those looking to unwind and enjoy its perfect climate.  Visitors to Curaçao will enjoy the more than 30 white sand beaches, 18-hole championship golf course, amazing dolphin interaction program, casinos and much more.

more information on Curaçao or to receive a free destination DVD contact 1-800-3-CURACAO (1-800-328-7222) or visit www.curacao.com

 

 

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Gay Wedding Deal in Puerto Vallarta

PLOOKING FOR A DESTINATION WEDDING?

COSTA SUR RESORT & SPA WILL PAY FOR IT!
Puerto Vallarta’s Popular Wedding Resort Splurges on Guests with Free Wedding with Booking

Costa Sur Resort & Spa has launched its “All Inclusive Free Wedding Package” giving away most elements of a wedding with a 10 room booking. – This hotel and resort is GORGEOUS!  We have toured the property and the it is a spectacular setting right on the ocean.

Located in Mexico’s Pacific Coast destination of Puerto Vallarta, is one of the destination’s most popular wedding resorts, already hosting hundreds of weddings year-round, including over 200 LGBT ceremonies.

The property has a full in-house wedding staff and able to provide not only a secluded beach-front wedding but all the amenities needed for a world-class wedding.

The hotel’s wedding package promotion is based on a 10 room booking for a minimum of 2 nights; Costa Sur will give the happy couple a complimentary wedding banquet, Costa Sur Resort & Spa special table setting with round tables and Tiffany chairs and 4 hours of open bar, including a sparkling wine toast.

In addition, the couple will also receive 2 Nights All Inclusive complimentary accommodations, Upgrade to suite and a full wedding coordinator for any additional needs.

On the night of the wedding, the couple’s room will be decorated with the resort’s signature romantic setting rich with chocolate dipped strawberries and sparkling white wine.

Puerto Vallarta has the sun, the beach, and the beautiful blue ocean year round. It’s the perfect mix with plenty of romantic beachfront backdrops, as well as a very fun, charming local Mexican village, just 10 minutes from the resort.

For reservations please visit www.costasurpuertovallarta.com

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FALL in Love with Palm Springs

Just in time to book a warm winter getaway, JetBlue Airways has announced it will begin a seasonal flight schedule to include the return of a nonstop flight from JFK to PSP starting January 14, 2016.

The new flight will operate five times a week, Thursday through Monday until May 1, 2016. Seats are on sale today with introductory fares of $99 one way. This is the ninth destination in California for JetBlue.

 

“The City of Palm Springs continues to experience a tremendous renaissance and we are delighted to welcome JetBlue to Palm Springs International Airport,” said Mayor Steve Pougnet. “Their arrival is just more proof that Palm Springs is the premiere resort destination in Southern California and beyond.”

 

This sun drenched desert oasis vacation destination is returning to its glory days as a Hollywood playground, a central gathering spot for modern architectural design aficionados, musicians and artists drawn by nature’s inspiration, and an increasing crowd of cool-seekers.

It could be the surge of super hip (and becoming super large) events like the Palm Springs International Film Festival, Modernism Week, and Coachella and Stagecoach Music Festivals.  Or the openings of incredibly unique museums such as the Architecture and Design Center in downtown Palm Springs, or nearby Sunnylands,  with an public garden and walking paths inspired by Vincent Van Gogh’s paintings.

Perhaps it’s the parties… pool parties in the summer, cocktail parties by the pool in winter.  Mai Tais at tiki bars. S’mores by firepits in the evening under the stars.  Bachelorette parties abound. This is where people get away to.

Maybe it’s the Hollywood glitz and glamour. The Rat Pack lived, loved and played here…it doesn’t get any better than that. Stars such as Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope and Lucille Ball all built homes here (that you can now rent!), adding a touch of stardust. Wearing a favorite vintage outfit, shopping for midcentury modern treasures in Uptown Design District, dining alfresco in downtown bistros under the warm sun…now that’s a vacation.

But frantic and hurried it is not. The pace is relaxed, the colors are saturated by the warm desert light, and the living is easy. Nestled at the base of the majestic San Jacinto Mountains, the City of Palm Springs is the ancestral home of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. The streets, lined with palm trees, are perfect for exploring boutique shops, art galleries and museums while soaking up the warm sunshine.

 

WHERE  TO STAY?

INNdulge, of  course!

Our favorite  place  to stay in Palm Springs! Whether you want to socialize with friends or spend time with someone special – we love this place!

Book now  for the winter  and grab  a $99 a night  room special!

  • 24 Poolside Rooms & Garden Suites
  • Complimentary Continental Breakfast
  • Large Heated 24-hr Pool
  • Pool chiller during summer months
  • In room DVD Players
  • DVD Library
  • 12 Man 24-hr Jacuzzi
  • Wi-Fi Property Wide
  • Full Kitchens in all Suites
  • Microwaves
  • King Sized Beds
  • Refrigerators
  • Coffee Makers
  • Hair Dryers
  • On Site Gym

 

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Massacre Against LGBT People in Turkey

I myself,  have no desire to visit countries where I have to walk on eggshells  and  pretend to be straight. I do not want to worry  while traveling that my life could potentially be in danger.

A group calling itself the Young Islamic Defense has been canvasing the city of Ankara, Turkey with posters that call for anti-LGBT violence. The poster (pictured above) quotes a hadith, saying “If you see someone engaged in the dirty business of the tribe of Lot, kill the doer and the done both.” – Ankara is said to be “gay friendly”.

Via the internet, the Young Islamic Defense has defended its call to action, saying:

in order to show that Islam absolutely does not allow this situation, we have shared this hadith… Our wish is to learn the attitude Islam demands from us in light of the Qu’ran and the Sunnah, instead of the hodjas who cannot shout out what is rightful on television.

This news comes on the heels of recent violence against LGBT people in Turkey — when in late June Istanbul police attacked the city’s pride march with water cannons, tear gas and rubber bullets.

[Story and Image via LGBTI News in Turkey]

 

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Flying with your Emotional Support Animal

 

How to Fly with an Emotional Support Animal in the
Cabin of an Airplane
Do your nerves bundle up the minute you step into an airport, more so into an airplane? You’re not alone! Millions of people feel the same way you do, and some address their anxiety by bringing along an ESA, otherwise known as an emotional support animal. Your pup may just be the answer to your problems. Here’s what you can do before taking your ESA with you on your next trip. If you’re looking for certification of service dogs, you can find more information at Service Dog Certifications.

 

Prepare  Proper Documents
It is vital that your pet has the necessary
registration, emotional support animal
doctor letters, and identification to prove that it is a certified
emotional support animal, most especially to present to authorities who might
question you. Not all disabilities/mental illnesses merit having an ESA, so
your particular disability should appear on the Diagnostic and Statistical
Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM-IV implying that your pet’s immediate
presence is necessary due to health matters. You may learn more about how and
whether or not you may acquire certification for an emotional support animal by
speaking to a psychiatrist. The moment you have all the right documents
supporting your ESA, you’re set to go!

 

Bringing
Your ESA on Your Next Flight
The first thing you should do before taking
your ESA on a flight is to inform the airline you’re flying that you’ll be
bringing your emotional support animal at least 48 hours before departure. They
might need you to fax or email letters written by a licensed mental health
professional. Don’t forget to bring your pet’s papers to prove its shots, as
well as a health certificate issued by a veterinarian, just in case. 
To avoid being late for your flight, as you
may be questioned about your ESA, you might want to check-in online or leave
for the airport extra early. Ideally, you should be checked in at least 90
minutes before your flight. Have the proper equipment that will aid you in
holding and/or controlling your pet, such as a leash, harness, cage, or others.
Check to see that it’s comfortable enough for your pet to stay in/wear for the
duration of the flight as well!

 

While    in the Plane
Is your pet well-trained? A dog that yips
on the plane may be bothersome to other passengers, so a quiet, behaved pooch
who understands commands is usually mostly appreciated. As for dealing with
calls of nature, see to it that your pet urinates and defecates in a suitable
place before boarding the plane. You may want to fit a diaper on your pup to
lessen the chances of it making a mess while in-flight. Avoid giving your pet
food or water during the flight, but keep a bit with you in your carry-on to
give to your pet when you land. Remember to keep your animal with you at all
times, and position it (or its cage) in an area that doesn’t block emergency
exits. You may not be allowed to sit in certain rows of the airplane, but it’s
only to make sure of the accessibility, safety, and comfort of you and your
pet.

 

Still   Nervous?
In case you’re still nervous about or
during the flight, you may want to speak to a doctor/psychiatrist beforehand,
so you can get prescribed medication to alleviate your anxiety. Depending on
which airline you’re flying, it also helps to call the airline beforehand and
inform them that you’re an “anxious flyer”, as the airline’s flight attendants
become more aware about your situation and may check up on you every now and
then. 
Once you’re on the flight, take 10 deep breaths; each inhaling for the
count of 5 heartbeats, keeping it in for 7, and exhaling for 9 to relax
yourself. Once you’ve done that, try distracting yourself with your favorite
music, book, or video game. Before you know it, the flight will be over, you’ll
have reached your destination!
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No Travel Warnings for Puerto Vallarta

The May 5th 2015 update to the US Department’s Travel Warning and the June 1st Travel Advisory by the Canadian Government to Mexico do not include a warning to the city of Puerto Vallarta.

There is no travel warning to Puerto Vallarta. The U.S. Department’s Travel Warning as it pertains to the State of Jalisco highlights rural highways and areas that border states to the south, almost 250 miles from Puerto Vallarta or the distance between New York and Boston; or Los Angeles to Las Vegas.

Similarly, Canada’s Travel Advisory asks that visitors to the State of Jalisco “Stay in tourist areas and follow local media closely. If you do venture outside urban areas, exercise extreme caution, including on major highways. Avoid traveling at night. It is not safe to travel near the border with Michoacán.”

Read more here.

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Airlines Discount Gay Pride Travel

Airlines offering discount flights to gay people!

An airline has infuriated Republicans – by offering to fly gay people to Pride events across the US for a discount.

Alaska Airlines – which carries the name of the state known more for being the home of anti-gay politician Sarah Palin than for inclusiveness – made the offer as part of an ‘LGBT travel’ stunt.

Though it doesn’t exclusively apply to LGBT people, the airline has discounted flights to Pride events in a number of cities across the US.

It offers flights at a discount to Pride events including LA, New Orleans and Boston – in a move that has infuriated conservatives in the country.

Alaska Air said: “At Alaska, we have been longtime supporters of the LGBT community and remain committed to a more equitable society. We were elated when the State of Washington expressed the same commitment by legalizing marriage for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

“To show our continued support we are encouraging the LGBT community to travel, not only to Seattle, but to Pride events and gay friendly destinations all over the country.

“With that aim, we have put together this section of our site to highlight destinations that support marriage equality, Pride celebrations, and other things of interest to the LGBT community.”

Some have decried it as “discrimination” in favour of LGBT people, with one right-wing blogger claiming: “The establishment campaign to promote disease-spreading and culture-corroding perversity has reached the point that Alaska Airlines now implies discounts for homosexuals.

ALASKA AIR

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How Happy is Your Country?

115,000 gay men told us!

Because of the Internet, online gay communities like PlanetRomeo are able to offer support for gay men that they may not be able to get anywhere else. Being at the heart of 1.8 million men globally, we have access to both the audience and resources to do this research for the very first time.

Incredibly, more than 115,000 gay men from all over the world participated in the HAPPINESS survey.

We initiated the research and collaborated with the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz (JGUM), Germany who designed a qualified scientific questionnaire and executed the survey.

ICELAND GAYS were the HAPPIEST.

UGANDA GAYS were the unhappiest 🙁

 

See how your country stacks up. (United States came in 29th out of 127).

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Gay Travel With a Dildo Lawsuit

A gay couple is accused United Continental of “extreme and outrageous” conduct over an alleged incident involving a sex toy taped to their luggage, which the men say caused them severe emotional trauma. Back in 2011.

Christopher Bridgeman and Martin Borger of Norfolk, Va., are seeking damages for intentional infliction of emotional distress, invasion of privacy and negligence in a lawsuit filed in 2012.

The incident allegedly happened on May 21, 2011, as Bridgeman and Borger were returning from a vacation in Costa Rica. The men — who have been together for almost nine years — were flying back to Norfolk on Continental with a 90-minute layover at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston. (Continental merged with United in 2010.)

Once they landed in Houston, the men collected their checked bags, went through customs, rechecked their luggage and boarded their flight to Virginia without incident.

But when they arrived in Norfolk and went to the baggage claim area, the couple discovered a sex toy had been taken from one of their bags, covered in a “greasy foul-smelling substance” and “taped prominently” to the top of the bag, according to the lawsuit.

United countered that it has conducted a thorough investigation and determined that there is no support for the allegations, spokeswoman Christen David said in a statement.

A district judge initially dismissed the case, but it was reinstated by an appeals court. Continental’s new parent company — United Continental Holdings — has continued to unsuccessfully attempt to get it thrown out. So now it goes to trial!

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Packing Tips and Tricks

Make copies of your passport and leave one with friends and another tucked into your bag. Or, better yet, scan your passport and email a copy to yourself. (I make copies of my credit cards also).
Always put a second luggage label on. A suitcase is easily parted from its luggage label. I always use a second one complete with details of your flight and destination clearly listed.
The second you think of packing something, PACK IT. If you wait, you may forget. Packing for a trip is infinitely easier when you’ve just done laundry.
Try not to pack everything you own, EDIT. Pack for the best-case scenario. Think in terms of what you can do without. When in doubt, leave it out. Minimize by bringing less. Experienced travelers try to bring only things that will be worn repeatedly, complement other items, and have multiple. Pack with color coordination in mind. Neutral colors (black, navy, khaki) dress up easily and can be extremely versatile. The website www.butlerbureau.com has video instructions on how to fold a T-shirt and pack a suitcase. Go to YouTube to see Mr. Bean demonstrating how NOT to do it.
Pack more underwear than you could ever conceivably go through. They don’t take up much room, and after a few days on the road, you will feel super sexy when you put on a fresh pair in the morning and again in the afternoon and another in the evening.
Rolling items before shoving them into your suitcase really does save space. Backpackers swear by this method. Rolling works well with pants and sports shirts. Lay the item face down, fold back the sleeves and then roll from the bottom up.
Ironing. Try not to pack anything that requires ironing. Choose fabrics that resist wrinkling or look good wrinkled.
Shoes. Don’t take 5 pairs of shoes. I always try to wear a pair and take a pair. Think universal.
Never check any of the following: expensive jewelry, your toothbrush, your prescription medications, contact solutions, or your deodorant. Airlines mislaid 42.4 million suitcases last year, reason enough never to put anything you would hate to lose in your checked luggage.
Snacks. Wherever you are, wherever you are going, bring snacks.
You will inevitably forget something, either at home or while on your trip. Accept this reality, and pray it is not your passport. Or your partner!

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TSA Scheme to Pat Down Attractive Men

Two Transportation Security Administration employees have been fired and two others reassigned after they allegedly set up a system to allow a male screener to pat down attractive men going through security at Denver International Airport, authorities said.

The employees were not identified, and there will be no criminal charges because no victims have come forward, according to a police report.

The male screener would give a signal to a female employee when a male passenger arrived that he thought was attractive, and she would falsely enter the sex of the passenger as female, so the machine would report an anomaly that triggered a pat down of a passenger’s groin, police said in a report.

She told the TSA investigators she did this for the other officer at least 10 times in the past, according to the report.

A TSA investigator observed the scheme in action at 9:25 a.m. on Feb. 9, when he saw a screener give a signal to another and then pat down the passenger’s groin and buttocks using the palms of his hands, which is forbidden by TSA rules, according to the police report.

More @ MSNBC

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Bad Reviews for Tourist Attractions

I don’t read movie critics reviews.  And I try not to listen too much to public opinion. Half the time people  hype up a movie, then I see it, and am disappointed, expecting so much more.

That’s why user generated reviews can usually give  you a wide variety of samplings to pick from.

This week on Thrillist  they picked 10 top tourist attractions  and showed  the worst reviews  for them. Let’s face it – many tourist attractions are over rated!

If you want a good laugh – check this out!

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Will the Euro Stop Dropping?

For US Travelers,  Europe is  a great DEAL!  For the last 10 years, I avoided countries that are on the Euro. Instead, I would go to Prague, Budapest and Croatia – it was always a better deal.  But now with the Euro dropping…..

A few years  ago  1  Euro =  $1.50. This week, 1 Euro  = $1.08

Analysts  say, The euro is going down because several of the key economies of Europe are heading into deflation, which is always a greater fear than average inflation.  European leaders are planning to apply quantitative easing strategies in March that will probably work to reverse the deflation but will likely not strengthen the euro relative to the dollar as QE increases the supply of euros.  The fact is that a weak euro will hurt the USA more than it will hurt Europe as it  impacts tourism from Europe and lowers the cost of imported products and services from Europe.

It’s a “Catch 22”  I guess; Americans are expected to  pour millions of dollars into the Old World as the value of goods and services decreases overseas.  But there is only so much money to go around…U.S. could  see a shortfall of tourists, which could wreak havoc on cities that depend on income from their vacations. Among those metropolises is New York City, which could experience a drop off of up to $30 billion in tourism dollars in the next year, or 50 percent of the current total, according to the New York Post.

Who knows?!

 

 

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