Category Archives: Gay News
NO MORE CUBA says Donald Trump
Donald Trump never liked President Obama’s decision to ease the US embargo on Cuba. MANY US travelers FLOCKED TO CUBA!~
Now his administration has decreed new restrictions on how its citizens can interact with Cuba’s socialist government, including a lengthy list of entities they are forbidden to do business with.
The push for normalization under president Barack Obama encouraged many more Americans to visit the island for ostensibly educational and people-to-people to purposes, though tourist trips remain technically illegal. Trump, while not closing off all new travel, has tried to make it more of a hassle. The new restrictions both limit what Americans can do and increase the responsibility of trip organizers to make sure the rules are followed.
These new rules don’t appear likely to kill travel to Cuba, but stays could get more expensive as demand shifts to hotels not on the list or the already popular privately-owned bed-and-breakfasts. That’s assuming Americans aren’t scared off by the Trump administration’s travel warnings, issued after a bizarre saga of alleged sonic attacks on American and Canadian diplomats. (see more at QZ.com)
Under the new rules, most individual visits to Cuba will no longer be allowed, and U.S. citizens will again have to travel as part of groups licensed by the Treasury Department for specific purposes, accompanied by a group representative. Americans also will be barred from staying at a long list of hotels and from patronizing restaurants, stores and other enterprises that the State Department has determined are owned by or benefit members of the Cuban government, specifically its security services.
For more advice on Cuba, call our Specialist Dave at Donavan Travel 1-800-252-2660
Halloween in Key West 2017
Fantasy Fest will take place as scheduled, despite Hurricane Irma’s Sept. 10 , 2017 passage through the Florida Keys.
Attendees at Key West’s renowned annual Fantasy Fest can anticipate creative costuming, offbeat artistry and a blend of colorful new events and longtime favorites for masked and costumed revelers.
Themed “Time Travel Unravels” and scheduled Friday, Oct. 20, through Sunday, Oct. 29, the 2017 festival features several dozen masquerade balls, costume contests, exotic parties and showcases for quirky creativity, all climaxing in the lavish Bud Light Fantasy Fest Parade.
Event organizers encourage participants to “time-travel” to any past or future era to find inspiration for their costume finery and float designs. The most imaginative are to be rewarded with prizes and enthusiastic acclaim from Fantasy Fest crowds.
The extravaganza begins with the family-friendly Goombay street party in historic Bahama Village, a celebration of Key West’s Caribbean roots set for Friday and Saturday, Oct. 20 and 21. Friday night brings the Royal Coronation Ball, where a king and queen are crowned to preside over the festivities.
New to the festival schedule is Sunday evening’s Zombie Bike Ride, a family-friendly procession of oddly lively “undead” in tattered zombie garb, pedaling past Key West’s Atlantic Ocean beaches to prowl historic Duval Street.
Subsequent events include Tuesday’s tutu party, a culture crawl, themed soirees for costumed characters and Wednesday’s wacky Pet Masquerade. The “animal antics” feature dressed-up dogs, cats and other domestic species competing for costume prizes alongside their human companions.
Thursday brings another festival newcomer, the Smallest Parade in the Universe, providing a “tiny” foretaste of the glittering Duval Street parade that highlights Fantasy Fest. A miniature procession of artist-made 18-inch floats is to traverse a make-believe Duval, while audiences view the creative constructions both live and via large-screen video.
Thursday’s enticing events also include two traditional favorites: the “over the top” Headdress Ball, to be held at the new Key West Amphitheater at Truman Waterfront Park, and the tantalizing Toga Party at Sloppy Joe’s Bar on Duval Street.
The following day, Duval becomes a carnival of creativity as vendors offer colorful costumes, arts and crafts, food and libations in the mile-long Fantasy Fest Street Fair.
Friday’s festivities also include the Masquerade March, a zany walking parade that begins at the local cemetery. It typically features thousands of revelers dressed in masks and costumes that range from brilliant to bizarre.
The madcap merriment is to culminate Saturday night, Oct. 28, during the Bud Light Fantasy Fest Parade through Key West’s historic downtown. Tens of thousands of spectators converge to cheer the parade’s elaborately costumed marching groups, dancers in bright feathered costumes and dazzling motorized floats.
Festival information and schedule: fantasyfest.com
Key West visitor information: fla-keys.com/keywest or 1-800-LAST-KEY
Social: Facebook • Twitter • Instagram • Youtube • Keys Voices blog
Halloween in Palm Springs
It’s time to get on your broom and make your way to Palm Springs!
Halloween is an evening for fashion or at least careful consideration into planning a well-crafted costume that screams “creative,” “fierce,” “original,” or “over the top.”
And please stay at our favorite pick – INNdulge Palm Springs.
Bring your best costume with you or borrow from their well-stocked costume closet!
They will have their costume contest on the same night as the Arenas Road street festival.
Tuesday October 31, 2016.
Book now so you don’t miss out on all the fun!
Puerto Vallarta Gay Hotel Turns 15
Casa Cupula Prepares
to Celebrate its Quinceañera!
Puerto Vallarta’s Luxury LGBT Boutique Hotel Celebrates 15th Anniversary
Casa Cupula, Puerto Vallarta’s legendary boutique resort hotel, is set to celebrate its 15th birthday with a three-month celebration of the property’s history, present, and future, culminating in a grand Mexican-style quinceañera celebration.
Casa Cupula gained notoriety in 2002 when it became Mexico’s first high-end LGBTQ property. In the years since the then-five-bedroom guesthouse and oasis for gay travelers has grown into an 18-room full resort complex and an integral part of elevating the reputation of Puerto Vallarta as Mexico’s gay vacation mecca.
“I don’t think anyone would have imagined how the LGBT community has gained so much acceptance over the last 15 years,” said Casa Cupula founder Don Pickens, who still owns and manages the property. “Back then, Puerto Vallarta’s reputation as a leading LGBT destination was not as well-known. Today it is celebrated by the city and is a major driver of Puerto Vallarta’s tourism-based economy.”
“We have been part of a great movement to modernize the image of Puerto Vallarta by showcasing the contemporary and luxurious offerings found in our Romantic Zone, Puerto Vallarta’s ‘gayborhood,’” Pickens added. “Today, Vallarta is proud to be one of the most important international gay destinations, and Casa Cupula is still rated among the top hotels of any kind in Vallarta.
During the property’s 15-year run, it has continuously updated its offering, adding rooms and suites of various sizes, as well as three pools; a Jacuzzi and sauna; full concierge services that refer guests to hand-selected LGBTQ-friendly activities; Pump Gym & Spa; and Taste Restaurant, one of the top dining venues in Puerto Vallarta.
Any 15-year-old deserves a great present and Casa Cupula is no exception. This year the new “Frida Suite,” will honor iconic early 20th century Mexican LGBT artist Frida Kahlo. Designed to reflect Kahlo’s love for Mexican traditions and culture, the suite’s debut will be part of the extended quinceañera celebration of Casa Cupula’s birthday.
A quinceañera is one of the most important Mexican celebrations, presenting a birthday girl or boy to society at the age of 15. Casa Cupula’s grand celebration of its own 15 years will include multiple events throughout the season, starting with a quinceañera party on Nov. 24. A drag queen contest at the event will see a brand ambassador crowned to represent Casa Cupula for the season. This will be followed by a banquet on Dec. 2 to celebrate the boutique property’s leading role in Puerto Vallarta’s thriving LGBT community, inviting both local leaders and Casa Cupula alumni to celebrate together. The festivities will culminate with a major event in January, to be headlined by an as-yet-to-be-named world-famous “hostess”.
Casa Cupula invites past and new guests to join in on the celebration, enjoying a fourth night free on stays from Nov. 27 to Dec.19. For more information and to book, please visit www.casacupula.com.
Comic Con in Palm Springs
ALSO -Don’t miss out on their SUMMER SPECIAL happening now until September 15, 2017. Superior non pool view rooms are only $99 per night plus city tax, during the week (Sunday – Thursday) and discounted on weekends ( Friday & Saturday).
All other rooms discounted accordingly
(not available during holidays or special events)
Gay Bear Travel Gay Palm Springs
International Bear Convergence (IBC)
is the premier winter event for bears & admirers, in Palm Springs, CA from February 9-13, 2017.
Time to get some color after a long hibernation!
Travel with Adam
TRAVELS OF ADAM! Who is Adam?
Travels of Adam is a cool, hip and fun blog you should be checking out! “In 2010 I quit my job as a graphic designer in Boston and went on a trip around the world. Since 2011 I’ve been living in Berlin—Europe’s most hipster city, and probably the best place in the world.
Travels of Adam is my blog, a personal way to share my travel tips. You’ll find gay travel stories, nightlife tips, photos and all-too-personal stories from my travel adventures around the world. To learn more about how this life as a full-time traveler began, read how Iceland changed my life.”
He has lots of city guide and traveling tips! Subscribe to him!
(He also has a site My Gay Travel Guide. )
Gay Palm Springs Super Deal
COLD WHERE YOU LIVE????
GETAWAY TO SUNNY PALM SPRINGS!!!
Time is running out.
Book now and take advantage of the savings.
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INNdulge Palm Springs
For reservations: (760)327-1408
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The Best Gay Cruises with Dave
Dave at Donovan Travel is our #1 go to guy for ALL TRAVEL NEEDS! Air, hotels, cruises, you name it!
He can help you find exactly what you are looking for. Atlantis, RSVP, Olivia and more!
Whether you’re a lesbian couple looking for a romantic getaway or gay singles ready to party and make friends, there’s a cruise for you. He can help you choose between fully chartered gay and lesbian cruises and gay groups on regular cruises, and find the cruise line that’s right for you. 1-800-252-2660
WHERE TO STAY in Chicago
It’s funny, we have lived here about 10 years and have always known about these three hidden gems.
Yet, I talk to people who have lived here their whole life! And they are not familiar with City Suites, The Majestic and The Willows.
Willows and Majestic are tucked away in quiet neighborhoods, where you can blend right in with the locals. While City Suites is right on Belmont amidst the buzzing energy!
Summer and Fall are fantastic times in Chicago! Whether you are a local and have friends traveling that will need rooms or you are a traveler reading this – it’s NEVER TO EARLY TO RESERVE YOUR ROOM. The small inventory of rooms in Boystown and Lakeview always sell out.
IMPORTANT DATES TO KNOW:
Market Days August 13-14, 2016
Out in the Park at Six Flags Sept. 10, 2016
Halloween in Chicago – October 29-31, 2016
(not to mention, every weekend is a great weekend, in Chicago!)
In Boystown/Lakeview you get small, intimate restaurants and a treasure trove of shopping neighborhoods with unique shops and art galleries! Golf courses, the Lincoln Park Zoo, Wrigleyville and the Cubs Stadium, Old Towne, marinas and harbors, Hollywood gay beach, Andersonville, plus endless waterfront walking and bike paths, are all very accessible!
For years, visitors and locals alike have branded The Majestic Hotel the pre-eminent boutique hotel in Chicago. Offering the atmosphere of a well-appointed, upscale English country estate, this 100 percent, non-smoking Hotel offers the perfect haven of relaxation amidst the energetic city life found in the popular Lakeview neighborhood.
Broughton Hotels has 3 properties in the area. The Majestic Hotel, The Willows Hotel & The City Suites – each welcome you with an abundance of personality, style and charm that epitomizes the essence of their environments.
Exuding the charm of historic buildings – circa 1920s – They are a collection of boutique hotels that combine a stylish, unique and alluring atmosphere with a location that is ideal and accessible – just 10 minutes north of downtown Chicago’s business, financial and shopping districts – and brimming with the quintessential qualities of an upscale, city hotel. You can be just steps away from all of the gay events, in a cool neighborhood!
All three properties in Boystown pride themselves on their personalized care, premier service and exceeding the needs of their discriminating leisure and business travelers. The staff is passionate here and ensure an enjoyable and memorable stay – something you don’t often see in the big hotels downtown. These properties boast a welcoming “neighborhood” charm yet with all the luxury boutique services and amenities of a full-service hotel.
Many packages are available depending on your interests. Everything from theatre and dining to comedy and baseball!
Use CODE BGC When Booking!
MAJESTIC HOTEL
The Majestic 773.404.3499
The City Suites 773.404.3400
The Willows 773.528.8400
Can You Travel with Your Dog?
Support Animals, Service Animals and Therapy Animals?
and therapy animals have to do with training. With emotional support animals
(ESA), the dogs are there to bring comfort as well as companionship. The
animals do not have to get any specialized training and skills for this, except
perhaps basic obedience and social skills, in the case of dogs or cats. It’s
enough that the animal is there and its owner draws comfort from its presence.
their emotional support animals. To some degree, emotional support animals are
still considered pets. But unlike pets, they serve another purpose as they are
relied upon by those with mental health issues (ie. Depression, PTSD, Anxiety, etc.).
housing or airline rules. The “no pets policy” does not apply in this
case, but the person with an ESA has to have a letter
signed and written by a licensed mental health professional.
been highly trained to master specific skills. These dogs have to perform tasks
for their handlers who are unable to do a variety of things because of a
physical or mental disability.
need the help of a service dog in walking in public, so the dog should be
trained to guide and keep his handler safe. Someone who experiences seizures
will need a service dog who is trained to notice the triggers, as well as alert
people concerned in order to save the life of his handler. Because of their
vital role, service dogs can accompany their handlers wherever they need to be,
even in public facilities (ie. Restaurants, stores, work places, etc.).
are similar to service animals in that they are required to be trained to
perform certain tasks. The difference is that therapy dogs are also socially
trained and well-adjusted around people. Hence, you see therapy dogs in various
hospital facilities, rehab centers, schools and establishments or sites where
the primary concern is psychological or emotional healing. Therapy animals are
not entitled access to public places, airlines, or no pets housing situations.
Gay Married Couple Travel Tragedy
WOW – What a tragedy and horrific story.
The husband of a British man who died while honeymooning in Australia says the moment he was told his partner’s death certificate would read “never married” was the “most humiliating” of his life.
David Bulmer-Rizzi, 32, died after falling down the stairs at a friend’s house in Adelaide — the last stop on his holiday with husband Marco.
Because South Australia does not recognise same-sex marriages from overseas, their marriage was not initially recorded on David’s death certificate and Mr Bulmer-Rizzi was not recognized as next of kin.
South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill has since said the certificate will be changed to remove the “offensive description of ‘never married'”, and has made a commitment to put measures before State Parliament to stop a similar incident from happening again in the future.
“A man’s just lost his husband, someone he loves, someone he’s legally married to and treated with disrespect in my state,” he said. (see more at ABC)
It gets worse….
Trying to make his way home, he was forced to hand over the ashes of his husband by officials at Hong Kong airport during his flight home from Australia.
He said an official spotted the ashes when they passed through the X-ray scanner and began to question him before confiscating them.
“I was taken to one side and she said, ‘What’s in this box?’” he told BuzzFeed.
“She wanted to open the box. And I said, ‘These are human remains. It’s my husband. My husband died while we were in Australia.’ She just looked at me and said, ‘I need to take this away.’”
Mr Bulmer-Rizzi said the guard did not immediately take the container and asked again about the identity of the deceased.
“She said, ‘Who did you say died?’” he said. “I said, ‘My husband. And this is his passport.’ And she said, ‘No. I’m gonna take this [the ashes] away.’”
Mr Bulmer-Rizzi said he went into a “meltdown” and put his hand on the container to prevent them being taken. He asked to see a supervisor, who asked to see documentation and eventually let him retrieve the ashes and fly to Britain.
“I felt like I was losing him again,” he said. “All I wanted was to be able to travel with David’s ashes on me so he wouldn’t have to travel back by himself.”
Mr Bulmer-Rizzi had his late husband’s passport and a note from the funeral home but did not have official documentation from the British consulate.
He said he had asked British diplomats for documentation because he was worried about travelling through countries where same sex-marriage is illegal.
“The government could have simply issued me a letter saying I was David’s next of kin,” he said.
(source – The Telegraph)
Gay Bashing on the Rise
If you are over 50, you realize HATERS ARE EVERYWHERE – and just because we have gay marriage, does NOT mean the whole world loves us! Far from it!
These young kids, under 25, think the whole world is accepting and everyone loves gays and gays are welcome everywhere – they know nothing about Stonewall or the struggles of gays!
Most cities, I don’t care how “gay friendly” are less than 10% gay. That means, that more than likely, the other 60% may support us, 20% may be indifferent, and 10% HATE US.
Data proves in big cities, just how small we are…A total of 4.8 percent of residents in greater Seattle identify as LGBT, putting the Emerald City in a tie for fifth place. San Francisco is in first place with 6.2 percent, followed by Portland-Hillsboro, Oregon-Vancouver, Washington (5.4 percent), greater Austin, Texas (5.3 percent) and New Orleans (5.1 percent).
In a very gay resort town like Provincetown is a place where we are majority and rule. If you are in the minority – there can always be haters around. In places like Provincetown, the gays outnumber the straights I think – no one is going to start shit there. But I am sure it could happen. Key West is fairly gay – but not as gay it used to be. In Early 2000s, gay tourists started steering away from Key West, seeking out other places to relax and travel to. Puerto Vallarta is really gay – and gays are very accepted there. But most cities, be very mindful. We are on “their turf” and they do not have to accept us.
ALWAYS BE AWARE OF WHERE YOU ARE AND WHO IS AROUND.
PUBLIC DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION ARE NOT ALWAYS WELCOME.
Gay man attacked in South beach
Moroccan Mob Beat Trans person
Gay Attacks increase in London and Wales
The list goes on and on. BE CAREFUL, no matter where you are.
Palm Springs Summer Events and DEALS
Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to experience some of the best restaurants the Valley has to offer.
Restaurant Week is the perfect time to visit your favorite restaurant or try something new, as chefs prepare delicious 3 courses meals for your dining pleasure, priced at $26 or $38. JUNE 3-12th!
Desert area hotels and attractions are offering great rates too!
4th Annual Splash House Pool Party
Splash House heads back to the desert for this summer for its fourth year in Palm Springs, June 10-12 and August 12-14. The festival returns to the colorful crowd favorite of the Saguaro Hotel and checks in for the first time at the iconic multi-pool Riviera Resort & Spa. After Hours found its home at last year’s memorable Air Museum parties, and Splash House will host its biggest late-night program yet this summer on the tarmac.
Idyllwild Jazz in the Pines AUGUST 20-21
The Idyllwild Arts Foundation proudly presents the 23rd annual Jazz in the Pines Festival featuring over two dozen bands. Performers and fans of jazz, blues, and R&B have a breathtaking mountain campus to themselves after the departure of the Idyllwild Arts Summer Program’s thousands of arts-lovers and before the first semester of the Foundation’s residential high school, Idyllwild Arts Academy.
And as always – shop local!
Palm Springs VillageFest THURSDAY NIGHTS
Every Thursday evening in downtown Palm Springs, enjoy a diverse array of artists, artisans, entertainers, assorted fruits, vegetables, fresh flowers, jewelry, international cuisine, and don’t forget the sweets.
COD Alumni Street Fair SATURDAY AND SUNDAY MORNINGS
Open-air shopping at its best. Open from 7 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays all year. Bargains galore. A great way to start your day.
BEST PLACE TO STAY WITH THE BEST LOCATION ?? InnDulge!
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
Puerto Vallarta Fantastic Deals
16 REASONS WHY NOW IS THE BEST TIME
TO VISIT PUERTO VALLARTA
As the Peso lowers, bargain hunters
will find great deals in Paradise
Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico’s top tourism destination. Known for its 100-year-old historic center, the heart of the destination, it is alive with authentic culture, art, nightlife and a range of award-winning traditional and international restaurants.
Beyond the downtown area, Puerto Vallarta makes for a vacation full of activities that all can enjoy. From strolling along Puerto Vallarta’s lively Malecón (beach boardwalk) while relishing in free outdoor live entertainment like the nightly Papantla flying dancers, to riding zip lines across tree tops or swimming with dolphins and sea lions, taking a cooking class at one of the traditional restaurants or enjoying a guided tour of the local art galleries, visitors of all ages can share memorable moments during their fun-filled visit.
FOLLOWING ARE 16 BARGAINS TO ENJOY NOW
- Dinner at Top Restaurants – Puerto Vallarta is home to over 300 restaurants ranging from internationally renowned establishments to mom-and-pap eateries offering dishes that go back generations. Dinner for two, including a three-course meal and a bottle of fine wine, at top iconic restaurants like La Palapa, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton favorite beach-front eatery, where they brought all their celebrity friends to party, El Arrayan, famous for its exquisite traditional Mexican cuisine, or Barcelona Tapas, with its grand view of the Bay of Banderas and the city’s Downtown area, will cost less than $120 USD.
- Artisan Tequilas – Many ranches and haciendas around Puerto Vallarta offer half day and full day activities including horseback riding, hiking, quad bike excursions and a tour of the tequila plantation and distillery; including tasting of top artisan tequilas and the local raicilla, a spirit of pre-Hispanic origin made from the agave root. Top quality tequila and raicilla will set one back around $20 USD www.haciendadonaengracia.com / www.haciendaeldivisadero.com
- VIP Beach Clubs – Enjoy the beach with plenty of pampering and luxury offered by one of Puerto Vallarta’s beach clubs. Mantamar Beach club has day passes for as low as $350 pesos ($20 USD), with $250 pesos (nearly $15 USD) counted as credit towards food and drinks.
- Learn Spanish – Puerto Vallarta is a college town, home to international universities and private schools. A two-week Spanish immersion class at one of the many language centers located in Puerto Vallarta, which also offers the opportunity to learn about Mexican culture and traditions, costs as little as $150 USD a week. www.spanishexperiencecenter.
com - Artworks for Collectors – From the many sculptures that line its Malecon (beach boardwalk) to the fine art galleries that house national and international works Puerto Vallarta is known for embracing the arts. Visitors can explore the town’s numerous arts offerings on the guided ArtWalk tour which operates daily from October to May, making stops at 15 local galleries in the historic downtown area. The ArtWalk is free and most galleries; like Galeria Colectika have not adjusted the prices on art pieces; providing visitors a great opportunity to acquire amazing works of art for a steal.
- San Sebastian del Oeste – A 90-minute drive east of Puerto Vallarta sends visitors back in time to a 17th century silver mining village nestled in the Sierra Madre Mountains. This sleeping town of 600 inhabitants is a colonial gem, filled with historic sites and great places to eat. Stoll around town at leisure or take guided tour. A round-trip taxi ride from Puerto Vallarta and back costs around USD $90.
- Your Own Private Beach – For travelers wishing to explore the natural oasis and warm Pacific Ocean waters in a secluded setting, Puerto Vallarta offers a variety of ways to enjoy their pristine secluded beaches. Take a round-trip water taxi ride out of Los Muertos Beach to secluded coves or isolated beaches like Colomitos, Las Animas, Boca de Tomatlan, Majahuitas, Quimixto, Playa El Caballo and many others. $20 USD per person.
- Charter a Private Boat. Spend the day at sea, snorkeling, fishing, swimming, island hopping or just sun bathing on your own private boat. Prices start at $866 for 8 hours www.pvmikesfishing.com/
fishing-boat-rental-rates - Viva Tequila Tour – Enjoy a Tequila tour and a live performance of traditional colorful Mexican folklore for about $60 USD a person. www.viviatequila.mx
- Boutique Hotels – Puerto Vallarta’s Downtown and Zona Romantica area is one of the most charming and authentic locations along Mexico’s Pacific Coast, teaming with enchanting boutique hotels, each with its own charm, unique personality and history; offering the warm and friendly personalized service Puerto Vallarta is reputed for. Rates are as low as $40 USD per night. www.visitpuertovallarta.com
- Mex-Ology: Tequila, Tacos and Mexican Cocktails Tour – Enjoy authentic Puerto Vallarta culture and dining on a unique taco tour with Vallarta Food Tours. Also a fun way to see the Downtown area and a great start to a night of festivities. www.puertovallartafoodtours.
com - Become a Taco Expert – There are a couple of signs visitors must look out for before buying a taco. 1. Is the location popular? If you see a line of locals waiting to eat at the establishment that’s generally a good sign. 2. When buying tacos from a local street vendor make sure the food is served in plates covered with a plastic for hygiene. 3. There should always be at least two people working the stand, one to serve food and the other to handle payments. Try Ceviches el Güero or Tacos el Cunado where a taco costs less than $1 USD.
- Brunch at Canopy River – Take a ride to the middle of the Sierra Madre and enjoy a hearty Sunday Brunch amidst the varied and lush tropical flora and fauna of the rainforest surrounding Puerto Vallarta for less than $20 USD per person. www.canopytourspuertovallarta.
com - Walk the Malecon – The Malecon is Puerto Vallarta’s heart and where everyone, both locals and tourists, gather for morning jogs, open air yoga classes and daytime or sunset strolls. It also has features some of the most delicious traditional street food, from tacos to corn on the cob with mayonnaise and chili, each for less than $1 USD.
- Colorful Local Celebrations – Visiting Puerto Vallarta during any of its local festivals or celebrations that take place monthly, presents a culturally rewarding experience and a chance to see the city through the cultural traditions of its people. From the Day of the Dead to the Gourmet Festival, most celebrations have activities that are free of charge. www.visitpuertovallarta.com
- Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board has been working with all its trade partners to offer exclusive discounts when booking is made on their site: www.visitpuertovallarta.com. Visitors can find discounts on activities and stays for as high as 50% off.
Travel with Your Emotional Support Dog
A therapy dog is trained to provide comfort and affection to people. Therapy dogs are widely used at hospitals, retirement and nursing homes, hospices, schools and even disaster areas. People who have learning disabilities also use therapy dogs as a means of building their self confidence for learning.
Research has found that therapy dogs help make people feel better. Interacting with therapy dogs is said to ‘temporarily affect the release of some of the brain’s neurotransmitters, including dopamine and oxytocin, while cortisol levels decrease.’
Therapy dogs are either therapeutic visitation dogs, animal-assisted therapy dogs and facility therapy dogs. However, they also work alongside people who need a companion beside them at all times.
Therapy dogs are typically well tempered dog breeds and don’t shed excessively, which allows most people to interact with the dog. They’re also well socialized with various environments and people. That lets the dog feel comfortable with traveling around and being exposed to different people and environments. In this article, we’re going to examine what people should know when flying with therapy dogs.
Flying with therapy dogs in the United States
People are allowed to go flying with therapy dogs in the United States. There are, however, rules and regulations they must follow before boarding a plane with their companion.
In order to fly with a therapy dog in the United States, the dog’s owner must have appropriate documentation.
This documentation needs to be reported at least 48 hours before the person’s scheduled flight departure time. Regulations concerning that matter require that requests to go flying with a therapy dog are reported during that time frame, allowing the airline to verify the documentation with the owner’s doctor. In other words, the airline won’t allow therapy dog owners who haven’t previously contacted the airline in advance to board their flight with their dog in tow.
The therapy dog documentation letter needs to be drafted from the dog owner’s mental health doctor and possess a professional letterhead. It also must not be more than a year old. The dog owner also needs to have a mental health disability, meaning their mental illness must physically and mentally impair them from regularly living their life. Other documentation to bring includes the dog’s certification records, health certificates and vaccine records.
People who want to go flying with therapy dogs must take care of getting their pet cleared for flight before even boarding the plane. This allows both owner and pet to be prepared for the flight well in advance.
Gay News from Morocco
This is why I have NO DESIRE to travel to countries where I have to walk on eggshells and hide….
The men tried to escape police after they were caught together.
Two Moroccan youths have been jailed for one and a half years and fined 2,000 dirhams (£375) each on charges of homosexuality. The sentence was handed down by a court in the southern town of Tiznit on February 1.
The two men – identified in local media reports only as Hamza M and Osman A – were arrested by officers last week.
Although one the defendants – Hamza M – denied the charges throughout the trial, Osman A confessed that the pair were in a relationship and had slept with each other.
During their arrest, the men tried to escape by threatening the policemen with knives, however they soon apprehended.
Last month, two Moroccan men were arrested after a video of them kissing caused outrage online.
Moroccan law penalises acts of “sexual deviancy” between members of the same sex – a term that police reports and court documents use to refer to homosexuality more generally.
Gay sex is punishable by up to three years imprisonment and a fine.
Last year, campaigners condemned the jailing of two men accused of consensual same-sex activity in Morocco.
In May, three men in Morocco accused of homosexuality were jailed for three years each.
Ray Cole, a gay British man, was briefly jailed in the country in 2014 under Morocco’s anti-gay laws.
Mr Cole and his Moroccan friend were subsequently released following a high-profile campaign.
Stefan and Sebastien of Nomadic Boys travel blog
GAY COUPLES SHOULD SEE ASIA
Stefan and Sebastien, a gay couple traveling the world and owners of the Nomadic Boys travel blog, spent 18 months traveling in Asia last year and absolutely loved it.
Although most Asian countries don’t have the best reputation when it comes to gay rights, here are their five reasons ( HuffPost Gay Voices) they think traveling to Asia is fun, romantic and above all, important for supporting and inspiring local LGBT communities.
Check out their site and their social media stuff! Nomadic Boys is owned by Stefan Arestis and Sebastien Chaneac.
