Category Archives: Gay Cities
Buenos Aires Argentina Still Leader in LGBT Gay Travel…but More of Latin America is Expected to Follow
Latin American cities
jockey for gay tourists
For the last few years, Buenos Aires has been growing in popularity with gay travelers. Plus, will the fall of the Peso, it is super affordable!
It is estimated that this year, 20% of the travel revenue flowing into Argentina, is from LGBT travelers.
Global Post writes, “Rio de Janeiro is trying to lure tourists with pictures of muscular men.
But the brochure, with the slogan “live the Rio sensation,” isn’t aimed at women.
It’s for gay men.
And it’s part of an effort by Rio to position itself as the global capital of gay tourism.
Brazil is the largest nation to recognize same-sex civil unions and this week marks Rio’s inaugural diversity week. It follows months of gay-friendly initiatives, including vocational training for transvestites, anti-bullying projects aimed at gay and lesbian students and legislation outlawing discrimination in nightclubs.
The country is hoping that its openness will also prove a moneymaker, drawing gay men — and their money — from around the world. Last year 25 percent of Rio’s tourists, or about 880,000 people, were gay, reports the Guardian.
But Rio isn’t the first Latin American city to try to lay claim to the gay tourist market.
After Argentina legalized same-sex marriages, Mexico City offered a free honeymoon to the first couple of wed under the new law.
Last year, the city opened an office that caters to gay tourists with the goal of turning Mexico City into the No. 1 gay-friendly destination in Latin America, reported CNN.
And Buenos Aires isn’t about to give up its reputation as a gay mecca. Last year Argentina became the first Latin American country to legalize gay marriage.
Gay tourism makes up about 20 percent of overall tourism to the country, according to the tourism ministry.
“Whichever angle you look at — be it travel, be it where you stay, be it dancing tango — there’s everything for gays now,” said Welsh tourist Kalervo Barker. “We we gays tourists feel really comfortable here.”
There is an informative video at Global Post, worth watching.
Gay Travel to Amsterdam Pride Discount Packages
Amsterdam Pride is one of the biggest and most special gay prides around the globe! With street parties all weekend long, the best club circuit parties and of course the famous Canal Parade on Saturday.
Last year Amsterdam Gay Pride drew in a record amount of visitors. Some 500,000 people watched the Canal Parade, where a record 80 boats took part.
Our friends at Travel Leaders have negotiated amazing rates for an 8-day/6 night package running from August 1-8th.
Roundtrip airfare from Boston (other departure gateways available, pricing upon request)
6 nights hotel – a deluxe hotel in the city center near all attractions
Roundtrip airport/hotel transfers
All taxes and surcharges
Local escort from Travel Leaders to show you around
The price is $1998.00 per person based on double occupancy.
This is an awesome way to experience Amsterdam and Pride!
Call David for all of the details 1-800-942-1280 or email him.
Join DAVE for an unforgettable 8-day/6-night getaway to exciting and beautiful AMSTERDAM, a city that is easy to get around by bike, canal boat or on your own two feet! You will be impressed with its eclectic architecture, excellent museums, mazes of canals, great shopping and its SERIOUS PARTY SCENE! The mix of people and cultures is like no other in Europe.
Come with me and be introduced to the unique history, PARTY SCENE and spirit of Amsterdam – from the historical city center to the heart of the famous RED LIGHT DISTRICT to the many “COFFEE SHOPS” to the AMSTERDAM PRIDE festivities – you will be amazed at its unique, laissez faire attitude. You won’t be disappointed.
$1998!
AUGUST 1 – BOSTON – AMSTERDAM: Depart Boston’s Logan International Airport aboard your overnight, transatlantic
flight to Amsterdam with full meal and beverage service available. (other departure cities available).
AUGUST 2 – AMSTERDAM: Morning arrival at Schipol airport in Amsterdam where we board our private motor coach for
the drive into Amsterdam. We will check into deluxe hotel in the heart of Amsterdam.
AUGUST 3-7 – AMSTERDAM: Buffet breakfast is included at our hotel each day and all other meals are on your own. All days
are at leisure to explore Amsterdam. Dave can assist you in choice of activities. Enjoy the many Amsterdam PRIDE festivities
– throughout the city and the famous Canal Parade on Saturday, August 6. Thousands from around the world flock to
Amsterdam for the many parties, street festivals and other special events.
AUGUST 8 – AMSTERDAM-BOSTON: Buffet breakfast and hotel check-out. Transfer to the Amsterdam airport to board our
return flight to Boston with full meal and beverage service.
This is an awesome way to experience Amsterdam and Pride!
Call David for all of the details 1-800-942-1280 or email him.
GAY DAYS Will Come To Las Vegas in 2012
The organizers of Orlando’s Gay Days said this week they’re expanding and will host a Gay Days Las Vegas starting in September 2012. The event is designed to complement the annual expo and party in Orlando.
“When we decided to start researching Vegas, … the feedback was just tremendous,” said Chris Alexander-Manley, president of Gay Days Inc., who noted the expansion will coincide with Gay Days 21st anniversary. “We say, ‘We’re 21, we’re legal, we’re going to Las Vegas.'”
Gay Days, based in Gotha, started in 1991 when about 3,000 members of the gay community wearing red gathered at the Magic Kingdom on a Saturday in June.
This year, the group is expecting 160,000 people to attend what has grown into a weeklong series of events that includes theme-parks visits, pool parties and a travel-retail exposition.
Starting next year, Gay Days Inc. is hoping to replicate that experience at the Rio Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, where it has signed a three-year contract.
September 4-10, 2012. As in Gay Days Orlando, the Las Vegas event will include a Travel-Retail Expo, pool parties, and events all around town with a portion of proceeds benefiting local non-profit organizations.
Budapest PRIDE 2011 will Go On June 11-19
Earlier this year, Police gave Budapest Pride and it’s organizers a little bit of drama! But everything has been ironed out and all events are moving full speed ahead!
WE are very excited, we’ll be attending and covering the main events this year!
Our friends at Budapest – gay.com can help you with your stay!
Hungary offers easily affordable restaurants and bars, making this the perfect place to go for a bachelor party or wild weekend away. Expect to pay around $13 for a meal out with drinks and $3.50 or so for a pint of beer. Do look out for restaurants without prices on the menu, however — this is a known tourist trap and should be avoided at all costs. Budapest isn’t only great for night owls; as it also offers a great cultural scene — most of it cheap or free, such as the Danube River, Buda Castle and Fishermen’s Bastion. Before you leave, make sure you pay a visit to the Szechenyi Turkish Baths, which you can get for $4 if you take less than two hours.
We’ll be giving you some more reports, as it gets closer!
More details and information at BUDAPEST PRIDE!
Gay Palm Springs in the Spring
THE SPRING!
All the cool things going on….
Palm Canyon Theater:
Elton Johns AIDA
HURRY! thru 3/13/2011
Alexander Weekend 10th Anniversary
3/25/2011 – 3/27/2011
Palm Springs WestFest & Rodeo
3/24/2011 – 3/27/2011
White Party
4/8/2011 – 4/11/2011
Coachella Valley Music Festival
4/15/2011 – 4/17/2011
Meet the Museum party for the LGBT Community
4/22/2011
Spring and Autumn are actually the best seasons to be in Palm Springs.
Located 120 miles east Los Angeles. The Colonial Spanish heritage, the powerful influence of Hollywood stars and Los Angeles wealthy people in the architecture and lifestyle of this town, and the omnipresence of the desert around, turn Palm Spring an exotic oasis and a top travel reference in south California.
But do you know WHERE you are going to stay??
The choice is simple, if you’re a man….INNdulge.
INNdulge corners the market on comfortable and casual. One section of the structure has the requisite pool and hot tub, and features rooms that are spacious and pampered without being stuffy, with nicely preserved ’50’s style kitchenettes (PS loves its retro history! But new updates are always being done – recently new headboards, desks, tables, dresser’s, flat screen TV’s, and original artwork were added to rooms.)
There is a poolside social hour and INNdulge probably boasts the most spectacular mountain-range view. Practically every Palm Springs Locale is outfitted with misters to combat the desert heat, but INNdulge has the only pool chiller which, when the heat soars to skin-melting temperatures, is quite a draw.
And check this out, last week they installed the desert’s first ever 24 hour security guard. His name is Pablo.
Isn’t that great?!
But seriously, this is the place to stay in Palm Springs. INNdulge Palm Springs is a wonderful example of Palm Springs 50’s architecture….and hospitality. The resort is centered around a kidney-shaped pool. The beautifully landscaped grounds frame the surrounding hotel rooms. The only thing better than the architecture and grounds of the property are the resort’s employees and its owners, who maintain a friendly atmosphere resulting in a loyal repeat crowd.
When in Palm Springs….INNdulge!
601 Grenfall Road Palm Springs CA 92264
ph. 800.833.5675 760.327.1408
Gay Travel to Cancun Mexico
For years Puerto Vallarta has been a haven for gays, but now many other areas like Cancun are becoming hotspots.
In 2009, federal law legalized same-sex marriage, though it was up to the individual states whether they wished to allow this under state law. So far, México City and the state of Coahuila have signed up, but Quintana Roo can’t be far behind. It is also legal in México for transgender people to officially change their name and gender; and for homosexuals to adopt children.
The Riviera Maya isn’t awash with exclusively gay resorts and clubs, though they do exist. This is mainly because it’s not seen as that big a deal. Gay men and women just merge with their heterosexual counterparts, simply eyeing up a different gender in the clubs.
Nightlife in Cancun doesn’t really get started until 10pm or later, and lasts until 5 in the morning. Looking for addresses in Cancun can be tricky, but the cab drivers know most of clubs by name. Buses run frequently between El Centro and Zona Hotelera and El Centro is walkable.
Cancún traditionally hosts an International Gay Festival in May and a smaller festival in the fall. There is a Pride Parade in the city during June.
But there is another reason to go to Cancun. On a recent visit there, I ran into some gay guys on the beach who said they were visiting from Palm Springs. For vacation, but also for dental work!
Besides the white sandy beaches and gorgeous water (the Caribbean has 7-different colors of turquoise!), cosmetic surgeries and dental procedures can be had with huge savings. Sometimes as much as 70% off what you pay in the United States.
This couple were having Porcelain Veneers done while vacationing 9 days in Cancun! How great is that! And what they saved in Mexico on the work, more than paid for their entire trip!
Of course you want to choose a doctor or dentist that has all of the proper accreditations. And check references and testimonials. This particular couple was using Cancun Dentistry . And they couldn’t say enough good things about the doctor and his staff.
While in Cancun you won’t want to miss a trip to the Mayan ruins at Ruinas del Rey and Yamil Lu’um, both in the Zona Hotelera. Whatever you do while in Cancun, you are sure to have an amazing tropical vacation. And you can even walk away with a new smile!
Read More at ENDLESS CANCUN .
New Gay Travel Guide
Gay Travel and Gay Pride Around The World 2010
As summer winds down so do the gay pride parties.
Here is a sampling of Gay Pride 2010 from around the world!
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 Travel and Gay Cruise to Mainland China…Busan, Korean, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong
Atlantis will set sail on the five-star Azamara Quest from Shanghai, home to Expo 2010, on March 20, 2010. The 10-day cruise will make stops in Busan, South Korea; Hiroshima, Osaka, and Kagoshima, Japan; Taipei, Taiwan; and Hong Kong. With an overnight in Osaka, guests can visit Kyoto, home to thousands of temples, gardens, palaces and even cherry blossoms. There’s also a long stay in Taipei, Taiwan’s largest city with even more ancient temples as well as the country’s tallest skyscrapers and surprisingly incredible gay-friendly nightlife. – There are still a few rooms left – although I am not sure you could secure traveling documents in time…
Expo 2010 is happening May – October and is expected to bring 70 million people to Shanghai! World Expo 2010 Shanghai China is the occasion for China to bring the world at home, and for the world to feel at home in China. By dedicating a 5.28-square-kilometer area at the core of the city to exhibitions, events and forums on the Expo theme, “Better City, Better Life,” Shanghai hopes to build a powerful and lasting pilot example of sustainable and harmonious urban living.
There is so much to see and do in Asia. Utopia Asia is a great resource for gay and lesbian travelers in Asia.
Utopia was founded in 1994, by Singaporean, American, and Thai partners, with the goal of creating positive social alternatives for gays and lesbians in the Asian region.
Utopia opened Southeast Asia’s first gay and lesbian center, located in Bangkok, featuring a gay gift and book shop, café, mixed gay/lesbian pub, and guesthouse. The center went on to host author readings, women’s workshops, AIDS/HIV education and fundraising, and Bangkok’s first International Lesbian and Gay Film/Video Festival: Hearts of Light.
Gay Great Britain – England, Scotland and Wales
Visit Britain, the national tourist office for England, Scotland and Wales has unveiled the new strapline for its LGBT campaign, which was suggested by Californian Jay Masunaga in a competition run at the end of 2009. Jay’s winning strapline reminds Americans that ‘Britain is alive with Pride’ with many places that lesbian, gay, bi and trans men, women and families enjoy visiting. Illustrating the diversity of the LGBT community, VisitBritain’s campaign personalizes holiday experiences by six different interests, Nightowl, Foodie, Event-goer, Culturati, Chiller and Fashionista.
The website, visitbritain.com/rainbow, features ten destinations in Britain and for each, provides a range of experiences that will appeal to different kinds of LGBT traveler. A different destination will be profiled every month beginning with Brighton on the south coast of Britain, just an hour by train from London.
Officially the gayest city in the UK and voted winner of the Best UK Destination of 2008 by the country’s gay Pink Paper, it’s also our happiest place to live. Brighton (SoHo by the Sea!) has come a long way since George IV brought a touch of royal glamour to the region in the eighteenth century. It’s arguably the gayest, friendliest, most fabulously fun place in Britain right now.
- For the Foodie in Britain, sometimes it’s not just about the food. Good company, great vibes, the places to be and be seen. In Brighton, you’ll indulge in the wonderfully camp – and local institution – Tea Cosy Tea Room to discover there is a right way to drink tea. Raise your pinkies as you sip and pay royal homage with “Charles & Camilla Elevenses”.
- For NightOwls looking for the right crowd – bearish, fetish or lesbian – Britain has somewhere to rock your unique world. For lesbians, one of Brighton’s hotspots is the Princess Victoria (the PV to locals), attracting crowds of up-for-it girls looking to kick start a rip-roaring night in style.
- Event-Goers have their Pride of course, but they’re just as proud of must-see film festival, events plus comedy, dance and performance for gay and lesbian-minded audiences. You’re spoilt for choice in Brighton, where a week-long festival heralds Pride’s parade and parties on 7 August 2010, with a four-legged version – the Pride Companion Dog Show – on 4 July.
- British art pushes envelopes, while edgy new music pours from pubs and the world’s greatest take the stage at stadiums and concert halls. Couple it with musicals, opera, classical music and renowned theatre to make the Culturati giddy with delight. The Culturati visiting Brighton takes a tour of the Royal Pavilion, King George IV’s gloriously over-the-top former home-from-home with its dressed-to-the-nines interiors and lavish architecture.
The Chiller likes to be pampered on a holiday that’s a happy, healthy break from the norm. It’s house parties at country homes or ‘blissing out’ at spas and saunas. Chillers say their “OM”s at Aloka, Brighton’s ‘Quality of Life Center’ with its ‘Aura-Soma’ color system, spa and yoga studio.
- With a tradition of elegance with twists of lunacy, shopping here is never dull for Fashionistas whether its clothes or gifts to remember the trip. Here in Brighton, Fashionistas add inches (no, not there) shopping at Lacies for gorgeous shoes, wigs and Victorian corsets for the transgendered community. Or explore Prowler and CloneZone, Britain’s out-and-proud gay chain stores.
Each month, a different destination – Brighton, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, the Highlands, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Newcastle and North Wales – takes its turn in the spotlight on the website visitbritain.com/rainbow. For each, VisitBritain recommends itineraries and top experiences that every visitor must see. While in Brighton, tips for enjoying Britain’s best gay and lesbian seaside destination include the kitsch Brighton Pier, the beachfront (including nude bathing), shopping in The Lanes, partying in Kemp Town (the city’s beating gay heart), and lesbian and gay culture at the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery.
The Best Gay Travel Guide
Netherlands Tourism Announces JUST BE. IN HOLLAND! Campaign and Contest
Holland is a name in common usage given to a region in the western part of the Netherlands. The name ‘Holland’ is also often informally used to refer to the whole of the country of the Netherlands.
Today, the former County of Holland consists of the two Dutch provinces of North Holland and South Holland, which together include the Netherlands’ three largest cities: country capital Amsterdam, seat of government The Hague, and Rotterdam, home of Europe’s largest port.
The Netherlands Board of Tourism and Conventions launched its new marketing campaign, “Just be. In Holland.” with a spectacular series of events.
Each week in February, visitors to Holland.com can enter to win a different prize from a selection that reflects Holland’s unique style and culture!
The contest is simple. All you need to do is correctly answer a Holland-themed question to be eligible to win amazing prizes.
A new contest will be posted every Thursday in February. Each correct online entry will be entered into a weekly drawing for a chance to win an incredible prize that highlights a different aspect of Holland’s unique style. Each week’s prize (one winner per prize) is listed below.
· February 4 contest: Have a fresh bouquet of tulips delivered to your home each month for a year
· February 11 contest: Dazzle your darling (or yourself!) with an exclusive Gassan 121 diamond
· February 18 contest: Cycle through your hometown on a traditional Batavus Dutch bicycle
· February 25 contest: Lounge in style on the $1,000 Carbon chair designed by Marcel Wanders and Bertjan Pot
In addition to the weekly prizes, one grand prize winner will be awarded the ultimate experience: a chance to just be in Holland!
In order to qualify for the grand prize—two round-trip, business class tickets on KLM Royal Dutch Airlines to Amsterdam and a four-night stay at the Sofitel Amsterdam The Grand—
potential travelers simply need to upload a photo showing how they would “Just be. In Holland.” between February 4 and March 4, 2010.
The most creative entry will be selected!
“The new ‘Just be. In Holland.’ campaign epitomizes what repeat visitors to Holland already know—that Holland is a place where you can truly be yourself and discover a world of authentic and modern experiences, whether you are interested in art, culture, design, fashion or architecture.”
Gayest Gay Cities in the United States
According to a study by the Advocate this month,
1. Atlanta, Georgia
2. Burlington, Vermont
3. Iowa City, Iowa
4. Bloomington, Indiana
5. Madison, Wisconsin
6. New Orleans, Louisiana
7. Fort Lauderdale, Florida
8. Portland, Maine
9. Austin, Texas
10. Seattle, Washington
11. Gainsville, Florida
12. Ashville, North Carolina
13. Springfield, Massachusetts
14. San Diego, California
15. Albuquerque, New Mexico
The cities were ranked by:
-Same-sex couple households per capita
-Statewide marriage equality
-Gay elected officials
-Gay dating and hookup profiles per single male population
-Gay bars per capita
-Cruising spots per capita
-and Gay films in Netflix favorites.
Kind of shocking, right?!
Gay Marriage Moves Forward in Vermont! Plus, BEN and JERRY Rename Ice Cream to Celebrate Gay Marriage!
VERMONT!
now becomes yet another progressive state which has risen above the political dogma and says to all Vermonters, welcome, you are all equal in our eyes when it comes to sharing your life with a loved one!
“I think we’re going to look back at this week as a moment when our entire country turned a corner,” said Jennifer C. Pizer, the national marriage project director for the advocacy group Lambda Legal. “Each time there’s an important step forward, it makes it easier for others to follow.”
The issue is also advancing in New Hampshire, where it has passed the state House and is awaiting action by the Senate, as well as in Maine and New Jersey, which are debating same-sex marriage legislation.
BEN AND JERRY, those right-on! US ice-cream makers, have renamed their Chubby Hubby ice cream Hubby Hubby . . . in celebration of the legalisation of gay marriage in the company’s home state of Vermont.
“At the core of Ben Jerry’s values, we believe that social justice can and should be something that every human being is entitled to,” said Walt Freese, CEO of Ben Jerry’s.
Watch Betty Degeneres talk about gay marriage with others…..
Top Lesbian Vacation Cities
What’s a girl to do once she’s crossed off San Francisco, New York, West Hollywood, and Portland, and done the Dinah to death?
It’s time to try these off-radar, lesbian hot spots!
Gay travel is often “different for girls.” Does a listing that states “gay-friendly” also mean “lesbian-friendly” or “lesbian-popular”? If accommodations are advertised as “gay/lesbian,” will visiting women find themselves lone ladies in a gay male–dominated, clothing-optional compound? Will female travelers make the unfortunate discovery that accommodations are “lesbian–overly friendly” and find themselves the objects of unwanted interest? Call ahead to potential accommodations and ask about their percentage of lesbian guests. But don’t allow such concerns to limit vacations to the same spots that have lured ladies for decades: a slew of off-radar sapphic spots await.
Asheville, N.C. – Fall colors are at their finest in Asheville, a remarkable artsy Appalachian town of 70,000 where women walk hand-in-hand and art deco, beaux-arts, and neoclassical architecture create an elegant backdrop. The best places to leaf peep in and around “Sheville” are along 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway between Shenandoah National Park and the Great Smoky Mountains or in downtown’s Asheville Botanical Gardens.
Key West, Fla. – If you’re in the mood for a wild week, schedule sojourns south for WomenFest (WomenFest.com, September 8-13, 2009), when 3,000 women stream over 126 miles and 42 bridges down the Florida Keys to the southernmost point in the continental United States. The raucous WomenFest schedule brims with hot events from clothing-optional pool parties to competitive bull riding.
Eugene, Ore. – Boasting a lesbian chorus, lesbian Realtors, a lesbian ballroom dance group, women’s coffee, writing, and hiking groups, and a famed liberal arts university, this college town of 150,000, 100 miles south of Portland, is your destination if you like your women capable of invigorating debate. 2009 saw the University of Oregon’s Women’s and Gender Studies department host the first Lecture in Lesbian Studies.
Madison, Wis. – Another academic hot spot, but also a city with serious political clout, Wisconsin’s capital is the seat of out lesbian representative Tammy Baldwin. The isthmus city (Madison is perched between lakes Mendota and Monona) is a dynamic, welcoming, and active college town of 230,000.
Northampton, Mass. – Home to the women’s liberal arts college Smith (founded 1871) — and to a population of academic dykes — Northampton is a charming college town of 30,000, perfect for those looking for a romantic getaway, wedding, or honeymoon destination. Downtown is a pleasant stroll from Smith’s elegant campus. Cute cafés and intimate restaurants abound. Lesbianville, USA, as the National Enquirer once proclaimed it, is one of the most lesbian-popular towns in the country and boasts a lesbian mayor (Clare Higgins), a lesbian-run LGBT paper, and an array of women-owned businesses.
READ MORE AT THE ADVOCATE!
