Category Archives: Europe

CHRISTINA AGUILERA EUROPRIDE VALLETTA 2023

Malta, the hidden gem of the Mediterranean, will host EuroPride Valletta 2023, September 7 to 17, 2023.

The archipelago will hold 10 days worth of exciting festivities including the EuroPride March on Saturday, September 16 in the capital city, Valletta and the Pride Concert with headliner, Christina Aguilera!

At the intersection of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, Malta has always attracted people from all over the world. Diversity is ingrained in Maltese culture, and over the past few decades, Malta has made significant progress toward becoming an LGBTIQ+ friendly destination reinforced by anti-discrimination laws introduced in the Maltese Constitution in 2014.  For this reason, it should be no surprise that since October 2015, ILGA-Europe has ranked Malta #1 on the Rainbow Europe Map & Index for eight consecutive years!

Read More at PASSPORT! 

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Gay Ski Trip in French Alps 2020

Val d’Isère is a ski resort in the French Alps, near the Italian border. With nearby Tignes, it’s part of the Espace Killy ski area. Here, ski lifts give access to sites like the steep Face de Bellevarde, a black-rated piste, and the Grande Motte glacier, known for summer ski runs. 300km of prepared pistes as well as some magnificent and easily accessible off-piste opportunities. You can tackle the iconic Face de Bellevarde  with its great views across the Alps and the village down below. In town, bars and restaurants cluster around Avenue Olympique.

Come ski with Dave, an expert travel guide, on this one-of-a-kind  LGBTQ excursion in the French Alps!

SPACE IS LIMITED!

 

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Registration Fee will be Paid to travel to Europe 2021

A few news outlets, including CNN, Esquire, and Travel & Leisure, mistakenly reported earlier this week that U.S. travelers will need a visa to travel to Europe. That is incorrect, reports the Chicago Tribune.

To be more specific, travelers to 26 European countries that comprise the Schengen Area of Europe will only need a passport and a credit or debit card to apply online for a European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) permit. (The fee is expected to be about $7-$8).

Americans will need to register online and pay a fee before traveling to Europe starting in 2021.

The travel authorizations are valid for three years and an unlimited number of entries.

Officials with the European Commission and the U.S. State Department confirmed that ETIAS is simply a travel authorization for visa-free travelers, similar to the U.S. Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) to screen people in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
The EU delegation to the United States tried to clear it up, tweeting Friday, “Neither the #ESTA nor the future #ETIAS (EU equivalent) are visas. They carry out pre-travel screening for travelers benefiting from visa-free access.”

ETIAS and ESTA don’t require consular interviews nor the same degree of background checks as regular visas, but do require a payment and registration prior to travel.

U.S. nationals are currently able to travel for up to 90 days within the Schengen Area, the 26 EU countries that allow border-free travel among themselves.

U.S. nationals will not need a prior permit to visit the United Kingdom.

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Gay Pride Amsterdam 2019 Travel Deal

What better time to be in Amsterdam than Gay Pride!

Amsterdam Pride is one of the biggest gay events in the world. You will find street parties all weekend long, the best massive circuit parties and of course the famous Canal Parade through the historic Amsterdam Unesco canals on Saturday.

Gay Pride is one of the most busy weekends of the year in Amsterdam. Book NOW – you don’t want to disappointed!

Amsterdam Gay Pride is from 27 July till 4 August 2019, with the Canal Parade and street parties taking place between 2 & 4 August.

Every year Dave from Donovan Travel puts together an awesome package! Dave will hook you up! No matter where you are traveling from, Dave will take good care of you!

Office: (401) 885-3500

Email: dave@donovantravel.com

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European Holiday Travel Warning 2016

The  US  State Department doesn’t really want to ruin your holiday cheer. But the agency has an important message for U.S. holiday makers bound for Europe this winter.

On Nov. 21, the department issued a Europe Travel Alert urging U.S. citizens to “exercise caution at holiday festivals, events, and outdoor markets.” The threat is terrorist attacks.

“Credible information indicates the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL or Da’esh), al-Qaeda, and their affiliates continue to plan terrorist attacks in Europe, focusing on the upcoming holiday season and associated events,” the post states. “U.S. citizens should also be alert to the possibility that extremist sympathizers or self-radicalized extremists may conduct attacks during this period with little or no warning.”
Will Cocks, a spokesman with the department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, said the alert is not based on one specific threat but stems from a general heightened concern about terrorist activity. Nor is the department telling Americans to pull the pushpin on Europe.
“We aren’t telling people to stop travelling,” he said, “but asking them to take this extra time to avoid the risks.”

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BEST Travel Deals in Prague and Budapest

For years, I have raved about  Prague and Budapest as GREAT TRAVEL VALUES! Both BEAUTIFUL with amazing architecture, nice sampling of gay life, and fantastic food and lodging values.

In a survey that measured the cost of a dozen alcoholic drinks – from beer to wine to champagne and various cocktails – throughout 16 major European cities, Prague was named the cheapest according to a new article in The Telegraph.

Leading the pack with a £1.26 (45 CZK) beer, a £1.57 (55 CZK) wine, a £2.03 (70 CZK) brandy and a £2.83 (99 CZK) vodka and orange, the total cost of a dozen varied alcoholic beverages came to £28.74 (roughly 1000 CZK) in Prague.

In second place was Budapest, with a total cost of £30.20 (1060 CZK) for the 12 drinks. In a similar survey conducted a year ago, Budapest topped Prague as cheapest destination for alcohol.

 

  • Prague, Czech Republic – £28.74 (1008 CZK)
  • Budapest, Hungary – £30.20 (1060 CZK)
  • Krakow, Poland – £33.82 (1187 CZK)
  • Riga, Latvia – £49.95 (1753 CZK)
  • Tallinn, Estonia – £53.11 (1864 CZK)
  • Palma, Majorca – £56.72 (1990 CZK)
  • Berlin, Germany – £57.54 (2019 CZK)
  • Amsterdam, Netherlands – £58.14 (2040 CZK)
  • Barcelona, Spain – £60.56 (2125 CZK)
  • London, England – £60.70 (2130 CZK)

This  is  from writer David Park, who  was born and raised in Baltimore and has been living in the Czech Republic since 2009 after studying journalism in Prague.

 

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Euro Pride Amsterdam Pride Deals

 

EuroPride 2016

 

Europride is a pan-European international event dedicated to LGBT pride, hosted by a different European city each year. The host city is usually one with an established gay pride event or a significant LGBT community.

For up to a fortnight, numerous sporting and artistic events are staged throughout the host city. Europride usually culminates during a weekend with a traditional Mardi Gras-style pride parade, live music, special club nights, and an AIDS memorial vigil.

 

I will once again be hosting a group for one of the largest Pride celebrations in Europe when Amsterdam welcomes       EuroPride       August 3-8

Don’t miss this year’s incredible “Canal Parade”, the only Pride celebrated on water, and the parties, concerts, and celebrations.

 

Our package includes 5 nights hotel stay, buffet breakfast, Red Light District Tour, Canal cruise and my assistance services on location.

*Prices subject to change and depend on availability at time of booking. Central hotels sell out fast so make your reservations now!

**Price is land only

***Airfare is not included. Air quotes upon request.

Call Dave  1-800-942-1280

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Fallen Icarus in Sicily

While Sicily is not a gay mecca –  slowly,  more  gay clubs and businesses  have opened  in the last few years.   There is a great article  HERE.

I just love this statue  and archaeological site!

The Valley of Temples in Agrigento (Sicily) is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world and a perfect example of Greek architecture used in the colonies of the Magna Graecia.
The Valley includes the rests of different temples, all in Doric style and built during the most powerful period of Akragasthe ancient city that was praised by the Ancient Greek poet Pindar, as “the most beautiful city the mortals have ever built”
From 2011 onwards in front of the temple is the bronze statue of Icarus, made by the Polish artist Igor Mitoraj.
Lots  of  photos  HERE!
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Gay Travel to Brighton


Brighton: totes British and gay!
By Sebastian Saenz @sebastiaenz


San Francisco, Mykonos, Puerto Vallarta, Sydney, Cape Town… a lot of countries have their own quintessentially gay city, and England is not an exception. Bohemian Brighton is Britain’s gay capital par excellence
, welcoming tons of sexually diverse tourists, not only from the UK, but from continental Europe and the rest of the globe too!

This seaside white city of East Sussex is protected by the UNESCO because of its natural beauty, but it is also culturally and historically rich. There has been found human remains from the Bronze Age, the Roman Empire, the Anglo-Saxon period and the Middle Ages. Currently, it’s a great stop from London to Paris or vice versa due to its healing sea bathing. Additionally, tourists can visit sublime Georgian and Victorian buildings, and enjoy cultural, artistic and, of course, LGBTXYZ activities.

Among the musts we can find the Indian inspired Royal Pavilion, the shop-a-holic Lanes, the relaxing spas, the precious beach and pier (even if it’s cold, the views from the Ferris wheel are magnificent), and the free Museum and Art Gallery (which portrays fine and modern art, fashion pieces, Brighton’s historic pieces, photographies, an LGBTQ Trail and more). Besides, its a great way to enjoy the beauty of English tradition without visiting the crowded London or the chilly Manchester. Every British thing to do can be done here: have tea and a substantial breakfast, or fish and chips and a pint of beer while watching rugby at a packed pub, and talk about rock, Harry Potter and the Queen with the cute and friendly locals over the Sunday Roast.

 

 

Awesome places to eat are English’s of Brighton and Foodilic.
Even though the whole city is pink (local service providers are more than used to us), most attractions for our community can be found on St. James’s Street in Kemptown. For a fun way to start the night with a few drinks, Revenge and Legends are among the most popular, and for dancing and a little flirting, tourists can either stay at Revenge, or make a stop at Envy.
Roughly, 11–15% of its population over 15 is thought to be sexually diverse, and Brighton also has the highest percentage of same-sex households in the UK, as well as the most popular Pride celebration of the island. Consequently, this gay mecca has to be on everybody’s bucket list.

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Gay Travel Warning – No Grindr London

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Gay Travel to Beautiful Barcelona

Magical Barcelona
By Sebastián Sáenz @sebastiaenz

There are very few paradises such as Barcelona. This city has everything you can ask for perfect holidays: beaches, warmth, friendliness, dancing, food, art, shopping, architecture, history and one of the broadest minded societies in Europe. An LGBTXYZ tourist is free to dress however s/he wants, and hold the hand of whomever s/he wants anywhere in the city. So, here’s the itinerary I have designed for the perfect rainbow brake:

One day should be dedicated to the splendor of Barcelona. First thing in the morning, a visit to the Basílica of the Sagrada Familia is in order, one of the most beautiful Catholic temples in the world, created by the famous designer Antoni Gaudí, and an established UNESCO World Heritage site. Right outside, at the Ciudadela Park, tourists can find the Monument for all the persecuted gays, lesbians and trans people. And in the afternoon, the Park Güell (location of America’s Next Top model Cycle 7 finale) is also mandatory, with an original design that harmonically combines color, nature and religion.

At night you should be hungry, so visit any traditional tapas restaurant at the city center, try and share as many as you can (savory, sweet, spicy, veggie, seafood, etc.), keep the toothpicks, and pay the total when you’re done! Can Paixano (also known as la Champañería) is cheap, crowded, delicious, small and hype; and guarantees that you won’t get out sober, hungry or bored.

The following day can be a road trip. A little outside of the city, to the Northwest, you will find the Montserrat Monastery, on top of the Montserrat Mountain, which includes legends and breathtaking natural views. On your way back to the city, stop at Cavas Codorniu for a tour at the sparkling wine house. If you prefer the Northeast (and if you’re ok with a longer trip), I strongly suggest the Salvador Dalí Museum-Theatre for those who adore the pieces of this crazy artist.

 

We all know a decent portion of the trip has to be dedicated to shopping. After all, Spain is the birth place of Balenciaga, Blahnik, Adolfo Dominguez, and Paco Rabanne; and Barcelona has been the home of designers Custo Dalmau and Estrella Archs. You will find boutiques and shops such as Zara, Pull & Bear, Bershka, Massimo Dutti, Stradivarius, Zara Home, Uterqüe and Mango on every corner. The department store to go is El Corte Inglés. For the real touristic souvenir experience (and a little nice walk), Las Ramblas is splendid. The Mercado de la Boquería offers the best fresh food of the city. And Las Arenas Mall is fantastic, since it used to be a bullring plaza (how more Spanish can it get?).

At this point I believe we can agree some rest is obligatory. Barcelona has some of the best beaches of the continent, and even though non-heterosexual bathers are welcome anywhere, we tend to concentrate at Sitges Beach, 45 minutes to the West outside of the city. Don’t forget your sunblock and speedos!

 

At the end of the day, and fully recovered, of course a lot of you are thinking to go flirt with some hot locals (the perfect Mediterranean mix of European and Arabic) and see if those tongues can do the same to you as they do to the accent.

 

The gay district is located in the Eixample neighborhood (hence the nickname Gayxample). The place to warm up with a few cocktails is La Chapelle, and around 1 am it might be time to go to Arena Madre, with three floors of vibrant music, intoxicating hormones, and all the fun you expect from Cataluña.

Of course, a good rest is needed, and the bed of your dreams will be found at the posh Axel Suites, a must for our community. And finally, if you may, try to visit the city in time for the Arenal Sound Music Festival in August, even if you don’t like festivals, it’s the best time of the city.

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Historic Bath England UK

Tiny but charming Bath
By Sebastian Saenz @sebastiaenz

Forget about big, chaotic, noisy and polluted cities. Tokyo is expensive, Paris is overwhelming, and don’t even get me started with public urination in New York. Yes, most tourists avoid all these by visiting Greek or Costa Rican beaches, but for those who don’t like sand, or who don’t want to risk losing their savings due to a hurricane, picturesque little towns are a true paradise, and Bath has to be on this bucket list.

Imagine yourself walking down the hills and streets of a tiny and traditional English town. Imperial buildings, one right after another, form a scenery that looks like it has its own sepia filter, and a soprano soothes the afternoon in a niche that seems to be just for yourself.

 

The history of Bath is as rich as the one of Athens or Prague. It was colonized by the Roman Empire because of its natural (and still in use) steaming springs. Visitors from the whole world have visited Bath for centuries in order to cure their illnesses, or simply to relax in the warm waters. The Thermae Bath Spa not only offers dream-like spa services, but it does it with magnificent views of the town.

Jane Austen’s avid fans visit Bath as well in order to check out one of the houses she lived in. In there, the ancient woods and fabrics make anyone feel like Mr. Darcy or Elizabeth Bennet, which makes Bath perfect for lovers to get away for a romantic weekend. However, for those looking for history with more adrenaline, the ghost tour is a true must. Rumor has it that sworn enemies, tragic lovers, and scandalous families still wander the lanes and buildings of Bath after centuries of their deaths.

The city might not be popular for its monstrous gay scene, but it is extremely friendly. All visitors are welcome everywhere (as in the whole UK). Nonetheless, gay locals and tourists usually gather at the Mandalyns bar: cozy, fun and, as everything in Bath, tiny but worth checking out.
Friendly spots are also the lovely Paradise House B&B (with a charming garden, and a sublime view), The Pig Near Bath (for great local food), and The Canary Bar (awesome decor for gin aficionados).

Don’t forget to visit the abbey, the popular Pulteney Bridge and Royal Crescent. Bath is great for students of nearby towns during the weekends, and it is so itsy-bitsy-teenie-weenie, that everything is a few steps away.

Tourism  info @ Visit Bath

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Gay Brussels

Tiny but exciting Brussels
By Sebastian Saenz @sebastiaenz

Most people in the world immediately relate Brussels with the sprouts. It may have a low profile in history, geography or (I’ve been told) sports. But one thing is certain: it’s friendliness and diversity are undeniably at the top.

This city is one of the most majestic in Europe: visiting the city center (UNESCO World Heritage Site) provokes the sensation of being in an ancient oil painting. The Town Hall (Hotel de Ville) is hard to miss, with one of the tallest towers in the city, and the Grand Palace and the Cathedral are genuine time traveling machines. Other excellent spots are the Musical Instruments Museum (where the pieces from any time and any place are authentic art pieces), Les Galeires Royales Saint-Hubert (to get the best Belgian chocolates and admire imperial architecture under a massive skylight) and Mini Europe (to get all the pictures worth of a month backpacking). Considering that here you can find the offices of the European Union and NATO, this city may be small, but also culturally and socially rich, and economically and politically stable.

 

And the gayness? To begin with, the symbol of Brussels is the itsy-bitsy-teenie-weenie fountain of a young boy who enjoys golden showers. Even before arriving to the capital, the train may be packed with cute tourists from all over the world (and already cruising). If you are lucky enough, a hot uniformed officer might not only check your passport. Hostels may not be the first choice for everyone, but if someone is ever going to opt for one, it should be in Brussels, since sharing a bedroom or a bathroom with the all-male young roommates may have its advantages *winks*. My choice: Van Gogh Youth Hostel: conveniently located, cheap (but not trashy at all), friendly, clean, cozy and where the painter actually had a workshop!

LGBTXYZ people from the whole kingdom and the continent visit this progressive capital for some fun. Even though there is no such thing as a gay district, walking around the city center is enough proof that the whole capital is as gay as the day is long, since there are visible and welcoming flags here and there. Most venues are located on the Rue du Marché au Charbon/Kolenmarkt (which smells like Abercrombie & Fitch aftershave). Must visit: Macho Sauna (the most popular in its category), La Belgica (busy and fun bar), Le Baroque (for bears and hunters) and ABrussel (trendy atmosphere for delicious food). Get ready for the sensual accent, and practice your “Voulez-vous coucher avec moi ce soir”.

Need more LGBT reasons? The former Belgian Prime Minister, the social-democrat Elio di Rupo, plays on our team (one of the few national leaders out of the closet). The sexy bear and fashion designer Walter Van Beirendonck is another pride character of the country: his aesthetic is loud, incorporating vivid colors, burkas and unconventional jackets. He even displays his designs on XXL models from London and Paris, and among his clientele was the late Robbin Williams.

Don’t forget to get a street Belgian waffle, a raspberry beer, but most importantly: garlic mussels from the pot (at any traditional food restaurant at the city center, ask your waiter how to eat them like a true local). They might be the best gastronomic experience of my life.

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Gay Amsterdam

 

24 gay hours in Amsterdam.
By Sebastián Sáenz @sebastiaenz

Welcome to one of the major gay capitals of the world. The Netherlands have shown for decades that this country is not only broadminded, but a true trendsetter when it comes to cultural, social and political progress. Historic, beautiful and a tad rainy, Amsterdam has much more to offer than wooden shoes, tulips and windmills.

Any tourist with a little self respect must cover a few basics. The Palace at the city center is an imperial masterpiece. The Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh’s museum are musts for art connoisseurs and lovers. Not visiting Anne Frank’s mouse hole is unforgivable. Misbehaving in one of those famous coffee shops and satisfying your thirst of curiosity at the Red Light district is expected. A nice boat tour in the canals should not be missed. Buying a good (and necessary) trench coat and exquisite cheese is mandatory. And yes, a tour at the Heineken headquarters will set almost anyone in an excellent mood. But what can an LGBTQ tourist do in one day in Amsterdam?

Ironically, facing the Westerkerk Church in the city center, people can find the Homomonument: three pink granite triangles that combined form a massive one (36 meters on each side), honoring the homosexual victims of WWII. One of these triangles is floor level, another one is as high as most people’s knees, and the last one forms stairs that go down the Keizersgracht canal (usually displaying flowers). This piece of the artist Karin Daan reads “Commemorates all women and men ever oppressed and persecuted because of their homosexuality. Supports the international lesbian and gay movement in their struggle against contempt, discrimination and oppression. Demonstrates that we are not alone. Calls for permanent vigilance. Past, present, and future are represented by the three triangles on this square.”

Tourists can also buy a few rainbow themed souvenirs in the little kiosk next to the monument. If, however, a little kiosk is not enough, shopaholics can walk along Warmoesstraat, where LGBTQ boutiques and leather shops such as Condomerie, Mr. B and RoB are almost one next to the other (don’t forget a porcelain couple of boys kissing). Regarding scandalous museums, Amsterdam has one dedicated exclusively to sex, and even though it mostly talks about straight sex, there are a few same-sex displays.

 

To grab a bite, the popular Bistro Bij Ons is owned by two lesbians who offer great traditional food, La Margatirta on Reguliersdwarsstraat is in the heart of the gay scene for those craving for Caribbean food, and on that same street, Saturnino, for Italian. Let’s talk about drinks, dancing and flirting. Fun choices for barhopping are Getto, The Queen’s Head and Taboo (don’t forget to ask the cute bartender for a tasty Limoncello Prosecco). But for those who enjoy NC-17 Rated experiences (gloryholes and leather for instance), Eagle is the best choice.

 

This is the marvelous capital of the first country to extend marriage laws to include same-sex couples, so expectations are quite high. Amsterdam has one of the biggest Pride parties in the world, where instead of cars and streets, attendees see people “march” on boats in the canals. So enjoy the Netherlands, and careful with the bikes!

 

AMSTERDAM CITY TOURS can help you with all of your sight seeing needs! The most exciting guided tours in Amsterdam! Guided tours through some of the most fascinating parts and places of Amsterdam and Holland. Amsterdam City Tours prides itself on the fact that all its tours benefit from the experience and knowledge of real Amsterdam experts. Any tour can be tailored to your personal needs.

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Dismaland Art Project in UK

Inside the walls of a derelict seaside swimming resort in Weston-super-Mare, UK, mysterious construction over the last month—including a dingy looking Disney-like castle and a gargantuan rainbow-colored pinwheel tangled in plastic—suggested something big was afoot. Suspicion and anticipation surrounding the unusual activity attributed to fabled artist and provocateur Banksy has reached a Willy Wonka-esque fervor. Well, if Banksy’s your bag, continue fervoring. If not, there’s more than a few reasons to continue reading.

The spectacle has since been revealed to be a pop-up art exhibition in the form of an apocalyptic theme park titled Dismaland (“The UK’s most disappointing new visitor attraction”) that will be open to the public for five weeks.

Here’s some text from the event’s official brochure:

Are you looking for an alternative to the soulless sugar-coated banality of the average family day out? Or just somewhere cheaper. Then this is the place for you—a chaotic new world where you can escape from mindless escapism. Instead of a burger stall, we have a museum. In place of a gift shop we have a library, well, we have a gift shop as well.

Bring the whole family to come and enjoy the latest addition to our chronic leisure surplus—a bemusement park. A theme park who’s big theme is: theme parks should have bigger themes…

This event contains adult themes, distressing imagery, extended use of strobe lighting, smoke effects and swearing. The following items are strictly prohibited: knives, spraycans, illegal drugs, and lawyers from the Walt Disney corporation.

 

A demented assortment of bizarre and beautiful artworks from no less than 58 global artists including Damien Hirst, Jenny Holzer, Jimmy Cauty, Bill Barminski, Caitlin Cherry, Polly Morgan, Josh Keyes, Mike Ross, David Shrigley, Bäst, and Espo. Banksy is also showing 10 artworks of his own.

Dismaland features a cavalcade of artists featured here on Colossal over the last few years including pieces by Escif, Maskull Lasserre, Kate McDowell, Paco Pomet, Dietrich Wegner, Michael Beitz, Brock Davis, Ronit Baranga, and others.

A program of 24 short films  will be shown on a massive outdoor cinema that will play on a loop day and night. Films include shorts by Santiago Grasso & Patricio Plaza, Kirsten Lepore, The Mercadantes, Ze Frank, Adrien M. & Claire B., Black Sheep Films, and Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared.

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Gay Travel Copenhagen

The Rainbow of Copenhagen

By Sebastián Sáenz @sebastiaenz

Denmark is truly an understated place.

When most people plan their holidays they obviously think of a relaxing and warm beach, or probably Paris, the most visited city by tourists every year in the world, and for very valid reasons of course. But that is exactly why Copenhagen is an ideal destination, where tourists can forget about the hours waiting in line and under the sun to ride the Space Mountain or the crowds of Times Square. Oh, and of course, it’s LGBT friendly.

This peninsula is absolutely breathtaking. Ancient traditions, sublime views and a rich history await all of us in this fantastic country. Don’t forget to get a Danish bread, other local beers besides Carlsberg and Tuborg, and an open sandwich with cold fish or seafood. Denmark is a magnificent opportunity to embrace the beauty that the snow can bring (however, visiting during the short summer might be better), along with the contrasting warmth of the locals, who always welcome visitors with a smile and, thankfully, in English and with a broad mind.

General touristic spots include activities for everything you can imagine. For those who enjoy cultural exhibitions, the National Museum, the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, the National Gallery, the Glyptoteket, the traditional Open Air Museum and the modern architecture of the National Aquarium will satisfy your thirst for knowledge. For a nice walk, the best options might be the hippie town of Christiania, Nyhavn for a nice meal at the colorful quayside, the Tivoli Gardens, or Strøget, the shopping street.

If you rather be enchanted by luxurious castles and palaces, Amalienborg, Frederiksborg, Rosenborg and Kronborg (which inspired Shakespeare’s Hamlet) will make you feel like all you are missing is a crown. And the must visit destination is the 100 year old statue of the Little Mermaid, at Langelinje Pier, inspired by the fairy tale of local and gay celebrity, Hans Christian Andersen.

Regarding more specific spots for our community, there are plenty of alternatives. For a nice stay, we can always opt for the already-known-for-being-friendly and internationally prestigious Marriott, but if you prefer a cozier house of guests, please consider Carsten’s. Almost all “our” bars and clubs are conveniently located at the beautiful City Center. I strongly recommend the friendly Oscar, the scandalous Men’s or the fun G*A*Y. Oh, and almost forgot, if you are into blondes, the gorgeous and fit locals will make your neck turn incessantly.

So, pack all your fabulous winter accessories. Copenhagen must be at the top of our list, no matter if we go backpacking by ourselves, with friends to have fun at clubs and bars, with our partner for romantic dinners and walks, or (why not), with our diverse family visiting fun museums.

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Tipping Tips Around the World

It’s hard enough trying to convert currency in your head while traveling – let alone, guess what kind of tip to leave someone.

Luckily we have apps for that!  Know when to tip and how to present the tip in over 30 countries. Tip the right amount in restaurants, hotels, taxis, salons and more. Global Tipping App for iphones.

For Android we have Tipping Bird.  This crafty accompaniment to your app collection handily helps you add a gratuity of an acceptable amount depending on what country you’re dining in. We know what you’re thinking – isn’t a 10% tip pretty customary? Nope!

In the USA the average tip is around 19% (since hospitality does not pay crap in the US) , in the Dominican Republic you’ll be disgraced if you don’t put down 10%, 6% will suffice in Norway where they make a decent hourly wage, and for the generous folk of Iceland, a tip is not necessary at all. In fact, in many locations worldwide, incorrect tipping is a topic that leads to great tension and offence.  Thankfully Tipping Bird is here to guide you on what percentage of the bill is the right amount to put down.

One small piece of advice – check your bill to see if a gratuity is already included in the expected payment. Overpaying can be just as offensive in some cultures as underpaying.

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Gay Prague Pride 2015

The fifth edition of the Prague Pride festival will be held from Monday 10 August till Sunday 16 August 2015.

 

This years slogan will be “We all have a rainbow inside”, visualized by thermal camera pictures. With this theme Prague Pride invites everybody, straight and gay, to join the festival and support that we are all equal. The full festival program is just coming together and looks better than ever before.

The Pride Village will be the main meeting point of the festival, located on the beautiful Strelecky island in the middle of the Vltava river right next to the famous Charles Bridge. The Pride Village is not just a community place, where you can get general information about the festival and meet Czech LGBT organizations, but it is also a place where you can watch LGBT movies, play sports, relax and enjoy various performances.

Of course Prague Pride would not be complete without its famous parties. Dirty Dirty Dancing on Friday 14 August will welcome London’s top DJs Josh Caffe and Borja Peňa. The official After Party on Saturday 15 August in club Roxy will host Hoxton Whores from the UK, Marcelo de Lazari from Brazil, Jonty Skrufff & Fidelity Kastrow from Berlin, Michael Burian from Prague and many, many more.

On a more serious matter Prague Pride will offer space for debates and culture in the Pride House and Pride Theatre. It will bring some top artistic events to the city. Prague Pride visitors are given an extra week of the exhibition of the contemporary British artist Roger Hiorns at the Rudolfinum gallery . The Wenceslas Square will host the photo exhibition “Homophobia in Russia” by the World Press Photo 2015 winner Mads Nissen. On Friday 14 August the London Gay Men’s Chorus will perform at the National Theatre, while on that same day the Pride Village will see the world premiere of the dance Dogtown by Israeli choreographer Nadar Rosano.

One of the highlights of Prague Pride will be the Pride Voices event on Wednesday 12 August, when inspirational speakers will share their personal stories. This year Prague Pride is proud to announce that among the guests will be former Icelandic prime minister Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir, Dutch olympic medal winner Johan Kenkhuis, World Press Photo 2014 winner Jana Ašenbrennerová, Palestinian protagonist of the documentary ‘The invisible men’ Abdul Rawashda and Mr. Gay World Klaus Burkart from Germany. On Thursday 13 August the Business Forum welcomes BBC economics anchor, Evan Davis and Lord Browne, former BP CEO and author of “The Glass Closet”.

The main event of the Prague Pride festival will be the parade on Saturday 15 August. The march will start on the famous Wenceslas Square in the heart of Prague and then proceed through the historical city center all the way to Letna park where a big outdoor party with several DJ stages and an information market will be held.

The complete program will soon be released on our website www.praguepride.com. You can also find information about the Parade on our main Facebook Event Page here.

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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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Incredible Travel Experiences

According to my Trip Advisor  account,  I have been to 51 cities in 9 countries. I was feeling kind of proud – until I read this article on LIFE HACK, 50 Incredible Travel Experiences to Have in Your Lifetime!

Seems  I have done  NONE OF THEM!

Most are in countries I have not seen yet – and some countries I really don’t care to visit.  Just because any of our travel experiences are not on this list – does not lessen  their  value.  So what I have not been to India. or Peru.

I HAVE been to Paris and sat at a sidewalk cafe and people watched;

I HAVE been to Budapest and seen the ornate bath houses;

I HAVE been to Prague and looked over the city of spires from the TV Tower;

I HAVE been to New York City and admired the Twin Towers before they fell;

I HAVE been to Hocking Hills  Ohio and walked inside the majestic caves and forest;

I HAVE been to the Grand Canyon….

An incredible travel experience can be anywhere – and different  for everyone…

What have been YOUR BEST travel experiences?

 

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