Category Archives: Travel Tips
Gay Travel Brazil – A Murder every 24 Hours
The International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association is holding its 2012 Convention in Brazil this week, while violence against gays in that country is making headlines – again.
“Murders of gays and lesbians [in Brazil] are on the rise,” according to the online news site The Daily Beast.
“Attacks against gays have climbed steadily for most of the last
decade, with 272 murdered in 2011—one every 36 hours, according to GrupoGay da Bahía, a leading gay-rights group that tracks anti-gay violence.
This year, GGB reports, it’s even worse, with 75 murders in just the
first 10 weeks. That’s one every 24 hours.”
These statistics are shocking for a country often cited as one of
the gay-friendliest in South America. However, reports of gay-murders in
Brazil are not new. According to a January 2011 article by Gay City News, there were 121 gays murdered in 2007, 187 in 2008, 198 in 2009 and 250 in 2010.
– I am wondering what is the count of locals being murdered vs tourists?
Sérgio Carrara, a professor at the Institute of Social Medicine at
UERJ, the State University of Rio de Janeiro, believes that the number
of gay-murders is likely under reported. In the same Gay City News
article, Carrara is quoted as saying, “The absence of a law against hate
crimes means most of these crimes are treated with silence.”
While Brazil allows same-sex marriage and is home to one of the
largest gay pride celebrations in the city of São Paulo, its efforts to
pass measures designed to curb anti-gay violence have failed.
As word of Brazil’s gay-murders spread, it is possible that U.S. LGBT
travelers will decrease their travel to the country. As part of the 16th Annual Gay & Lesbian Tourism Report
by the gay travel research and marketing firm Community Marketing,
Inc. 81% of gay men and 84% of lesbians in the U.S. report they would
“avoid destinations that have a reputation for anti-gay violence.” Um, yeah!
Gay Travel To Russia – Feds Say NO
The federal government has advised gay and lesbian travellers
visiting St. Petersburg, Russia – to
take extra precaution in the wake of a new law in the city banning
“homosexual propaganda.”
Canada’s ambassador has written to the Russian government to
express deep concern, Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird said.
“We are all deeply concerned by this legislation that runs
contrary to core Canadian values of freedom of speech, of human rights
and the rule of law,” Baird said on Friday during question period.
read more at CNEWS
(photo above –
Russian gay activist
Nikolai Alexeev and Alexey Kiselev were arrested in January in the far
north city of Arkhangelsk, Russia after a series of actions in sub-zero
temperatures in defiance of a “gay propaganda” law that was passed there
last year similar to the ones under consideration in St. Petersburg,
Moscow, and nationwide, according to Alexeev’s Facebook page.
Pictured, they unfurled a 20 meters rainbow flag in front of the entrance to Arkhangelsk Parliament.)
Foreign Transaction Fees and Exchanging Currency
On my very first trip to Europe (from the US) I was told to just take my credit card and use it as my currency – and use local ATM’s if I wanted cash out. I was told I would get the best rate. True. But no one told me I was also going to get slapped with a 3% charge on very transaction! (once called a currency conversion fee).
If you’re planning a foreign trip, double-check with your credit card
issuers to find out how much using your credit and debit cards will cost
you: Many have increased their foreign transaction fees, though some,
in a move to attract rewards-hungry consumers, have recently decided to
buck the trend and drop the fees.- as of 2012.
Depending on what city you plan to visit, sometimes, a currency exchange booth is the best bet. On my last trip to Prague in 2011, I was able to exchange American currency for an excellent rate with almost no fee at all. But, you have to ask around. If you can ask your hotel or another trusted source, you are better off. Some of these places will rip you off.
BUT BE WARNED, your American currency MUST BE PRISTINE. If it has the tiniest flaw or tear, they will refuse it.
Also, the AIRPORT is probably the worst place to exchange money. Avoiding exchanging money here at all costs!
Know, before you go!
Airplane Do’s and Dont’s Etiquette
Airplane Etiquette
2 words. Common Courtesy.
Use common sense people.
I can’t believe I am even writing about this. And I hate to stereotype, but honestly, I don’t think I have seen a gay person on any of my flights, do any of these.
But on a flight this past week, I was offended by at least 4 of these situations, and maybe, for what it’s worth, this advice may help someone out there.
My biggest pet peeve; the plane lands and stops and EVERYONE jumps up and crowds the aisles. Really People? Where do you thin you are going? For God’s sake, please wait until your row has arrived to leave the plane. There is no need to jump on and clog the aisles. Waiting patiently, in your seat, will make the deplaning process much easier.They can only empty a plan so fast. And I find it SO RUDE, when someone from behind me, jumps up into the aisle ahead of me. UNLESS your are connecting and running late, stay seated and wait like civilized humans.
Cell phones really should not even be used on a plane. Is your call THAT important?
Bathe. I don’t care if your flight is at 6am and you had to be up at 3am – take a bath or shower. We’re going to be in close quarters for the next few hours!
Seats seem to get smaller and smaller! If you are on an aisle or window, try to be conscientious of that person in the middle. Maybe lean a little that direction and give the person in the middle more breathing room. And if you are in the middle – remember that. If you doze off, you don’t want to end up laying to the far right or left!
Armrests are so tiny! But try to share. If there are three seats to a row, the middle person should have first
rights to armrest space because the person on the aisle and window gain a
little extra space. However, those in middle seats should also understand that people to the
left and right of them will also want a small bit of space to lean
their arms or place their elbows; the middle seat person should adjust
slightly for their travel companions so that everyone is as comfortable
as possible
With the pressure in the cabin, sometimes peoples ears get “clogged” or “stuffed up” and they have a tendency to talk louder. Use your indoor voice. Try to talk softly.
Attire. Remember when people would “dress up” to fly? Probably not – you’re too young. Dress comfortably, but appropriately. Remember you will be sitting next to strangers and they do not need to look at your cleavage the whole plane ride. And avoid strong perfumes and colognes.
Speaking of attire….
Flip Flops? Really? Flip flops were made for the beach – and the gym shower. That’s about it.
If you have a really long flight, you might want to take off your shoes. Are your feet clean and smell-free?? But DO NOT take them off if you have sweaty smelly feet. And DO NOT take your socks off.
Speaking of smells… Do not bring food on the plane that will have a strong or lingering smell. Like Thai Curry Shrimp! EWWWWWWW!
Some travelers do not want to talk to others.
It’s reasonable and courteous to briefly acknowledge the traveler next to you so that they may increase their comfort level with sitting by you for the duration of the flight.Offer polite chitchat or a hello with your seatmate, but know when the conversation should end. Do not go on and on.
Consider using the bathroom when other folks in your row are using it as well. Avoid making people get in and out of their seats several times.
Unless you are challenged in some way, do not grab onto the seat in front of you when you are getting up from your seat. You will yank the seat back and bother the person in front of you.
Look at the seat in front of you; there is not much room right? If you recline your seat, do it slowly and gently as to not smash the person’s knees behind you. Or maybe they have a drink on their tray top – and you wouldn’t want to spill it everywhere. They have the same amount of room as you do. Be considerate of space.
Many travelers feel entitled to recline their seat as much as possible
to gain a few more inches of room, but never consider that the business traveler behind them may be using the tray table for reading or working on their computer.
When there is not enough legroom, as is the case when flying economy
class, it is polite to limit your movements according to the space
available. For example, instead of stretching out the pages of a
newspaper, read a pocketbook instead.
Passengers should always store only one item in the space above their
seats; however, some who board the plane first may inappropriately
choose to store both of their items in the overhead bin so that they
have more leg room during the flight. Be considerate.
Use headphone for electronic devices. People around you do not need to listen to your music or movie.
Be aware of how much you drink as to not get tipsy or drunk. A drunk on then plane is not pretty.
Carry your bag in front of you as you walk down the aisle. If you have a back pack, take it off, and hold it down in front of you. This will help you avoid hitting other passengers as you walk by them.
Those are most of violations I see on a regular basis! It’s not rocket science to be courteous to fellow travelers!
Top 5 Cheap Restaurants in Washington DC
Top 5 Cheap Restaurants
in Washington DC
There are many luxury hotels in Washington DC where you will certainly find yourself a fine meal; in fact you will undoubtedly dine well in any of the hotels in Washington DC. If however, you are looking to venture from the hotel here are some of the places you can lick your lips to.
Looking for something ritzy and expensive? 1789, located at 1226 36th Street, is open every day for dinner. It has been around for five decades now, and is known for delicious, modern American cuisine. Dress formally, this place is so classy that they even offer valet service.
Not lucky enough to have $40.00 to spend on an entree for one? That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 places to eat in Washington DC for prices that the average person can afford. You won’t find a valet at these restaurants, but you will find good food for reasonable prices.
Amsterdam Falafelshop: Located in Adams Morgan, the Falafelshop boasts of tasty Middle Eastern fast food. It’s known for late-night dining, and it’s outdoor seating. Every meal is priced under $14.00, offering a nice atmosphere and great food for a decent price. If Amsterdam Falafelshop is your style, you may also enjoy El Khartoum.
Ben’s Chili Bowl: Enjoy a good chili dog and shake? Look no further. It can be found in Shaw neighborhood, next to the Lincoln Theatre. The Bowl is a huge part of Washington DC’s history. It was a main spot for the 1968 riots, and the founders of the restaurant have been inducted into the city’s Hall of Fame. Celebrities such as Bill Cosby, Chris Tucker, and Barack Obama have all eaten here. The American meals sold here are all normally under $10.00 each.
CF Folks: Home of the Well Dressed Burrito, this is a little diner with a little lunch counter, located in Dupont Circle. Outdoor seating is also available for patrons that enjoy CF’s American cuisine. Everything is under $14.00, and everything is delicious. The only downside is that it’s closed on weekends. If you enjoy this type of American food, the Shake Shack may also hit the spot for you.
Etete: Vegetarian? Etete is an Ethiopian food restaurant that will have plenty for you, as well as your meat eating friends. You won’t find much for over $14.00 here. Little Ethiopia Restaurant is another great Ethiopian eatery in Washington DC.
Levi’s Port Cafe: Interested in some southern soul food? This place is perfect to bring a large group, because of their all-you-can-eat buffet. You’ll pay less than $14.00 per person for some down-to-earth barbeque.
There’s something for everyone in Washington DC, no matter how much money you have.
You’ve just got to be willing to look.
Annual Gay Travel Data from Community Marketing
NEW YORK CITY is #1, again, for the 16th year in a row, as the #1 Gay Destination.
San Francisco-based Community Marketing, Inc. just released their yearly data. And while some of the results will be less-than-shocking (gay New York City gets high scores, as does gay Miami and gay New Orleans), there are still a few surprises in the 40-page report.
The 16th annual survey of its kind analyzes online responses from more than 6,700 U.S. residents and 540 Canadians, completed between September 20 and October 31, 2011.
Based on the survey and Department of Commerce tourism statistics, CMI estimates that gay and lesbian tourism generates more than $65 billion a year in the U.S. alone.
Here are some of the more interesting findings of this year’s survey:
1. Economy be damned! Overall, the gay and lesbian community reported more trips in the past 12 months, while travel had been down in the past two years’ surveys. Both men and women took an average of more than three leisure trips in the past year.
2. Still, gay travelers like saving money, too. More LGBT travelers call themselves “economy/budget travelers” than “luxury travelers” (though the mid-range market is still the largest). And high percentages of gay men said that discount-laced LGBT hotel packages were motivating factors when choosing accommodations (not so much for lesbians).
3. Kids rule. Once gay globetrotters become parents, the importance of “family-friendly” trumps “gay-friendly” when planning getaways.
4. Anti-gay, stay away? Not always. – I found this one shocking actually. Only about one third of gay men and lesbians avoid destinations with anti-gay laws, indicating that destination boycotts are not so effective (though corporate boycotts are, according to CMI focus groups). More of a deterrent to those surveyed are recent reports of gay bashings—though the two considerations are often intertwined.
5. Location matters. The most important hotel amenities for LGBT travelers are great location and free WiFi. When it comes to choosing one hotel over another, price and gay-friendly reputation are top priorities.
6. Warm weather is a motivator. The majority of respondents surveyed indicated that they are a “warm-weather traveler” rather than an “outdoor/active adventure traveler,” “luxury traveler” or “winter/ski traveler.”
7. Honeymoons are a factor. Of respondents who were legally married or partnered within the past 5 years (577 couples), 43% went on a honeymoon, with 50% traveling to warm-weather destinations.
NYC still rules. And Miami’s back! Gay New York City has retained its position as the #1 leisure (as well as business/leisure combined) destination for all 16 years of CMI’s survey, and in fact this year saw a slight increase over the traditional #2 and #3 spots of gay San Francisco and gay Las Vegas, respectively.
Miami saw significant gains, and is back in the top 10 of USA destinations after being out of the combined leisure/business category since 2006. – I find that one interesting. Most of my friends agree that Miami is so over. The gay vibe has faded and straight people rule the city.
Also in the top 20: Ft. Lauderdale, Seattle, New Orleans, Napa and Provincetown. In Europe, the top destination is England; in Canada, it’s Montreal; in Mexico, Puerto Vallarta.
Gay Travel with GoGoBot and the iPhone
CHECK THIS OUT!
“We believe planning your trip should be almost as fun as the trip itself
Whether it is a week’s vacation, a business trip or a weekend getaway, we believe planning your trip should be almost as fun as the trip itself. We believe the best advice comes from people you trust – people like you – and not from anonymous strangers on the internet. We believe sharing your experiences should be as simple as touching the screen on your phone. We are passionate about technology and design and their power to reshape our world for the better.”
Gogobot Brings Popular Social Travel Service to iPhone with New App
Gogobot, the world’s leading social travel site, announced its new Gogobot App for iPhone is now available on the App Store. Gogobot transforms how we explore new places and capture and share our travel experiences by allowing users to harness the power of their social networks to exchange trusted travel advice and share trip plans and rich visual travel memories.
The app extends Gogobot’s unique social travel experience to iPhone users, allowing them to create and share real-time digital postcards, find nearby restaurants, hotels and attractions, and access personalized trip plans.
“Travel is all about discovering new experiences and sharing them with your friends and family,” said Travis Katz, Gogobot co-founder and CEO. “With the Gogobot App you can capture, personalize, and instantaneously share your favorite moments with richly-styled digital postcards, as well as explore what’s nearby and what your friends have recommended.”
Users of the app can select their current location, snap a photo and choose from more than ten different styles and filters to transform their photos (or photos from Gogobot’s extensive catalogue) into beautiful, geo-tagged digital postcards. Users can rate the places they have been to on the fly, write reviews and share the postcards immediately with friends via Facebook or Twitter. Each postcard is added automatically to a user’s Gogobot Guide on Gogobot.com, creating a lasting, magazine-style spread to help users remember and share all of the places they’ve visited.
The Gogobot App also allows users to access the trip plans that they’ve created on their Gogobot.com profiles, including maps, reviews and more. Additionally, the ‘Nearby’ function lists the best restaurants, hotels and attractions automatically based on a user’s location. Similar to Gogobot.com, the app sorts destinations based on your friends’ ratings, providing an efficient and curated tool to help you make the most of your travels.
The Gogobot App is available for free from the App Store.
Gay Travel for the Single Man
Toronto’s gay and lesbian village is most famous for having provided the location for much of the Showcase series Queer as Folk. Canada’s laws regarding legal same-sex marriage make this city a perfect destination for a wedding and honeymoon vacation. Church Street’s lively bars, warm cafés and friendly people provide a fun and a very welcoming atmosphere for gay and lesbian travelers. Prague is VERY AFFORDABLE and the city of spires has more than just gorgeous architecture and a fascinating history to offer gay and lesbian travelers. The city boasts numerous gay and gay-friendly clubs, bars, restaurants, cafés, saunas and accommodations. Lots of shopping. Lots of culture. Lots of GAY! Very easy to meet people. Prague is like one large outdoor museum with myriad wonders to explore. – On the other hand, Paris is like a huge large outdoor museum, but for the most part, not over-friendly. Hard to connect with people. and triple the price of Prague. Costa Rica has been dubbed “Central America’s Gay Paradise.” From cloud forests, rainforests and rushing rivers to active volcanoes and tropical beaches, Costa Rica boasts innumerable natural wonders that will arouse your senses. With its progressive laws protecting gay rights, Costa Rica is a friendly place to visit without hassles.
People often ask us, where is the best place to go on a vacation, if you are gay and single. Gosh, there are so many choices!
Travel is one of the most enriching experiences a person can undertake. But deciding where to go can sometimes be a challenge. With almost any option possible and (in the case of a solo traveler) nobody else to have to pander to, in some respects choosing your destination can be more of a challenge than the actual journey itself. What is it you want from the trip?
In the US – I would suggest Palm Springs. They have a lot of small intimate resorts and guesthouses that make it very conducive to mingling and make new friends. Palm Springs California is well-known as one of the most reliable and consistent sunny destinations in the USA. Abundant sunshine, clear blue skies, low humidity, warm temperatures and only a hint of rain characterize the consistently beautiful weather in Palm Springs, Ca. In fact, the sun shines in the Palm Springs California area more than 350 days a year!
Big city – obvious gay meccas like West Hollywood and San Francisco are not my first choice for the single guy. Though you can have fun in both cities. It just depends on how outgoing you are – and what you are looking for. New York City is amazing, for all kinds of reasons.
Chicago (below) is very laid back – it’s very easy to walk into a bar and start chatting with strangers. Huge gay population concentrated in some very cool neighborhoods (Lakeview-Boystown, Andersonville, Uptown, Edgewater, Rogers Park), friendly people, the only major US city that’s actually affordable to live in. You have Lake Michigan, beaches, shopping and world class dining.
Fort Lauderdale is certainly very nice – but very spread out – whereas Key West is small enough to feel at home. Key West is very easy to navigate and meet new people. Key West is a Lush tropical island with fascinating architecture, friendly people, a rich history, and plenty of activities to keep you engaged or help relax
Columbus Ohio is a new and upcoming gay travel destination. The Short North/Victorian Village/Italian Village/Grandview area of town is a huge and vibrant gayborhood that mixes trendy shops, art galleries, fun dining, nightlife, high end dining, lots of homes, apartments and new condos, and culture. The city can skew a little young at times due to Ohio State, but there are lots of young urban professional gay men all over Columbus. It’s sort of a smaller version of Chicago.
There is a great tour group called Spirit Journeys. Spirit Journeys offers extraordinary gay travel, retreats and workshops at magical destinations all over the world. Whether it be on adventure tours or attending a retreat, our aim is to offer you a chance to “get away from it all”, to connect with others and to explore the mysteries and cultures that are in the world around us. You can see a lot of the world, with a gay group.
David Hodkinson, of Travel Leaders agrees. ” For gay, single individuals, small group gay travel is the easiest and best way to meet other singles. There is a lot of variety in the type of travel one can choose, often very specific, i.e. adventure, cultural, active, ecotourism, spa and health, etc. Small groups vary in size….perhaps ranging from 8 to 18 and some even larger. Since participants often share the same interests, there are many opportunities for discussions and dialogue.
The companies that offer this type of travel are numerous…travel to exotic destinations, ski (Gay Ski Weeks), small ship cruising, river cruising, gay safaris (outstanding!), Gay Games, active (hiking, dude ranches, climbing, rafting, skiing), and the list goes on.
Gay travelers should check out agencies that are members of IGLTA (International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association) since these agencies can direct them to appropriate suppliers and provide guidance in making decisions.”
He also says, “Amsterdam is my #1 choice…..the bars and clubs are like nothing else and there is something for everyone and every preference. The biggest festivals are Amsterdam Pride and Queensday with many celebrations, concerts, parties, etc. held not only in the streets but in the numerous clubs and bars. Europe’s biggest gay dance party is Rapido and one of the best and most famous is held in Amsterdam during Pride, at Rapido Paradiso (a phenomenal venue). Tickets sell out fast and must be purchased months in advance. Gay and single….Amsterdam is an easy to meet and mingle and English is spoken everywhere. Winter is a bit dreary but there’s always something going on.”
Puerto Vallarta Mexico is great for couples, friends or single travelers. Beautiful ocean bay beaches
World class dining, mountains and jungles, and a huge gay & lesbian community. Very friendly. Lots to see and do. Still affordable.
In Europe. Prague is one of my favorites. Paris is one of my least favorites.
Phuket, Thailand. Patong beach has become a gay hotspot because of its unbelievably inexpensive nightlife, exhilarating water sports and friendly atmosphere. The dazzling beach has been host to pride festivals and remains a perfect place for gay and lesbian travelers to meet and enjoy the excitement of Southeast Asia.
These are just some of our top picks. There are many more great places, depending on what you are looking for. Don’t be afraid to travel alone. You will find so many places around the world that are friendly and very open to talking to you! Even despite language barriers, many people are so nice and will try to communicate with you! – Even you need help making a decison, call an expert for advice.
Use Droam for International Data Roaming and SAVE!
Droam is the new data roaming service providing data roaming for smartphones and laptops all over Europe and most anywhere, internationally, for a low daily flat rate. Droam works in nearly 50 countries. Not all countries have the same Droam solution. Cheap data roaming in Europe is available in the following countries: Droam works seamless in Europe, with exception of Croatia, you will need 1 Droam to stay onine in all these countries.
WOW – I just read about new service thats sounds awesome!
Has anyone tried it??
Albania, Andorra, Belgium, Bulgary, Cyprus, Denemark, Germany, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Croatië, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain, Czech Republic, Turkey, United Kingdom, Sweden and Switzerland.
Unlike the popular Xcom Global service which requires multiple devices to be rented in each country visited, the Droam global roaming service uses only one portable device which works in numerous countries.
Droam works with all mobile phones that can connect to the internet with a Wi-Fi connection. Laptops, tablets, iPads and BlackBerry also work with Droam. Because these devices can connect to a Wi-Fi signal, there are no complicated settings that need to be configured. Droam works almost immediately after you turn on the device. If you do encounter any difficulties, please contact our service desk.
Droam is for all travellers who would like to connect to the internet whilst abroad. Droam is user friendly and after reading the instructions everybody can use Droam. Safe and affordable internet abroad, now possible with Droam.
Droam.net
Air Repair SkinCare Kit
Air Repair is the only travel skin care system created specifically to combat the effects of flying and the environmental changes of travel that take a toll on your skin.
Ceated by Denise Spanek, a renowned skin care expert and acclaimed beauty industry entrepreneur.
Denise owns VIAGE Studio in San Francisco and over the past 2 decades, has built a successful skin care practice by providing clients with customized skin care methodologies.
The Air Repair products were designed to meet the specific issues of skin care for the traveler. – But it also works if you’re skin is feeling fatigued like from a night of sleeplessness or over indulging.
Spanek has researched highly effective skin care brands and successful performance regiments – with the goal of creating her own products that are effective, luxurious, and…effortless.
She says, “ I was doing a lot of international traveling and felt like I was landing looking like a Shar Pei! I realized that out of all the beauty brands to choose from, none of them addressed the issue of flight fatigue and environmental stresses that take a toll on the skin. So, I went on to create a line of comprehensive and streamlined skincare products with targeted ingredients to address these issues.”
Flying takes a toll on your body and your skin. Dry and dehydrated skin, fine lines, redness, dull appearance and irritation are quickly and effectively treated with the kit. The Air Repair Kit contains ground-breaking formulations which are petroleum, mineral oil and paraben free. Targeted ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid (moisture retention), Cloudberry Seed Oil (a powerful anti-oxidant) and Heat Shock Proteins (climate-adjusting) deliver superior results that are ideal for any and all skin types.
Whether in the air or on the ground, Air Repair is the premiere “take care anywhere” skincare kit choice available. Plus, the kit is packaged in a see-through travel bag for carry-on convenience, so it conforms with the 3-1-1 policies. The best part; the PRICE!
Grab & Glow Skin Care Essentials for Travel and Beyond $34.95 for the 5 pack kit –
Air Repair Beauty Boost of mini’s $9.95
Hidden Arrival and Departure Travel Fees
Argentina: Passport required. Visa not required for business/tourist stay of up to 90 days. U.S citizens are required to pay an entry fee / reciprocity in the amount of $140. The entry fee will be collected at Buenos Aires Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) and is payable in pesos, US dollars, credit card and travelers checks. For complete details with regard to the entry fee, visit migraciones.gov.ar/ Belize: $20 Bolivia: Departure tax to be paid in USD or local currency upon checking in for flight Brazil: None (Included in ticket price). Chile: Fee to be paid in USD, Visa, Master Card or American Express upon arrival at customs. For US passport holders, this fee is currently $131 per person and is good for the validity of the passport. Costa Rica: $26 to be paid in USD, major credit card, or local currency prior to checking in with the ticketing booth. Ecuador: Mexico: The Mexican airport departure tax of approximately $20-30 will be collected at the airport as you leave for home if it is not already included in your ticket. Check with your Travel Representative to see if the Mexican Departure Tax is included in your ticket price. Panama: Passport required. U.S citizens are required purchase a tourist card in the amount of $30 at the airport in Panama City before clearing customs. Peru: Departure tax to be paid in USD or local currency after check-in before entering gate area Uruguay: $31 (if it is not already included in your ticket) to be paid in USD after check-in, before entering gate area. Check with your Travel Representative to see if the Uruguayan Departure Tax is included in your ticket price. Jordan: JD 5 ($7 approximately) for land crossing from Jordan to Israel (Arava South Border, Sheikh Hussein North Border and King Hussein Bridge/Allenby Bridge). There are no departure taxes when departing via an international airport. Cambodia International Flights: $25 per Adult, $13 per child under 12, and Infants under 2 are exempt, to be paid before check-in at a separate booth. Cambodia Domestic Flights: $6 per person to be paid before check-in at a separate booth. Indonesia International Flights: 150,000 Indonesian Rupiah per person to be paid at separate booth before Immigration Clearance. Indonesia Domestic Flights: 30,000 Indonesian Rupiah per person to be paid at separate booth before Immigration Clearance. Nepal: Current airport tax is Nepalese Rupees 1356 per person (approx. 19 USD). The departure tax in Katmandu is to be paid at a special bank counter located inside the airport terminal and Prior to checking in to the flight. New Zealand: $17 to be paid upon checking in for international flight from New Zealand.
DID YOU KNOW…..
Some foreign airports may charge you an ARRIVAL FEE or DEPARTURE FEE?
The biggest are Argentina, U.S citizens are required to pay an entry fee / reciprocity in the amount of $140. And also Chile, this fee is currently $131!
Other fees…..
Central and South America
Mediterranean
Asia
Pacific
GOGOBOT Makes Travel Fun and Different
CHECK THIS OUT!
“We believe planning your trip should be almost as fun as the trip itself
Whether it is a week’s vacation, a business trip or a weekend getaway, we believe planning your trip should be almost as fun as the trip itself. We believe the best advice comes from people you trust – people like you – and not from anonymous strangers on the internet. We believe sharing your experiences should be as simple as touching the screen on your phone. We are passionate about technology and design and their power to reshape our world for the better.”
Gogobot Makes Foursquare and Facebook Check-ins Travel-Worthy
Gogobot is a travel website that makes it easy for people to find and get recommendations from friends about what to do and where to stay while traveling in specific destinations. People can ask a question to their friends on Gogobot or ask all their Facebook friends and Gogobot pulls the answers back and organizes the information into a travel plan, with the addresses, phone numbers and other information about specific attractions, restaurants, hotels, and the like.
Gogobot basically does what services like TripAdvisor should have already been doing–giving you reviews of travel destinations from your trusted friends, rather than having you rely on the advice of strangers. It’s something that Yelp has done for local businesses, though Yelp is not as much a travel service.
Gay Travel Tips from David Bromstad and Passport Magazine
HGTV’s David Bromstad has been adding color to our lives since 2006, when he won
the first season of the network’s Design Star competition show.
His popular
interior makeover program, Color Splash, begins its seventh season in July,
2011. David resides in Miami, where he currently lives
with a boyfriend of almost seven years and their French bulldog, Dozer. – We met David last year in Chicago – he is just as charming as you imagine he would be!
He tells PASSPORT MAGAZINE this month…
You can own any hotel room in the world, which
would it be and why?
Of course I love Miami. I’ll have to say The
Setai’s presidential suite. It’s 10,000 square feet, $30,000 a night, and the
pool up there overlooking the ocean is unbelievable. The design is really classy
and classic and a little bit of Asian overtone— very contemporary.
If you were hired to make over an airline, which fashion designer would
you bring along to create the outfits?
Oh, Dolce & Gabbana for
sure.
What is your number one travel tip?
I would say, be prepared. Always bring
something to read and liquids to drink onto the flight because you don’t know
what you’re going to get served, when, or how often. If you’re in coach, they’re
going to come by once with a tiny little cup of water and that’s not going to
last you a four, five, or six-hour trip. If I’m flying coach I always bring
food, water, drinks, and lots of stuff to do.
Read More at PASSPORT.
Rail Europe LGBT Discount to FAB FOUR
The “Fab Four” deal gives travelers a 10% discount on rail passes to European countries well known for gay and lesbian travel. The “Fab Four” countries are Switzerland, Denmark, The Netherlands, and Germany.
These “fab four” countries are well-known as top destinations for charming gay and lesbian travelers. Switzerland has a lively gay scene and offers travelers an exciting mix of bars and restaurants, shopping, and beautiful sites. Denmark also extends a warm welcome to gay and lesbian travelers, as it was the first country to fully recognize same sex marriages. The Netherlands and Germany aim to celebrate gay pride at its finest as well, with Amsterdam and Hamburg’s biggest gay pride festivals taking place in August.
Offering travelers easy and seamless travel throughout these destinations, Rail Europe’s ‘Fab Four’ promo is valid for more than 25 of Rail Europe’s rail passes. Whether you’re savoring Germany’s best brews, gliding along the Swiss Alps, biking around beautiful Amsterdam, or enjoying bustling Copenhagen, Rail Europe offers the best way to travel around Europe’s most iconic gay destinations this summer.
Not only are there wonderful events happening all the time in these fab countries, but the gay and lesbian nightlife and overall acceptance of gay people makes them wonderful travel destinations. Check out Passport Magazines World Beat section for events you can check out while hopping from country to country.
The rail system runs throughout Europe, making travel between these countries quick and easy. Flaunt your spontaneity, hop on a train, and make your own unforgettable gay tour of Europe.
CHARO Talks Travel Tips and Hits the Road with SEXY SEXY
aka CHARO!
She was at SPLASH Bar in NYC last month performing SEXY SEXY her new hit song! (The song was written by her son Shel Rasten – for Britney Spears. Charo said FUCK Britney Spears! That song is Momma’s! ).
In the new issue of Passport Magazine, Charo gives travel tips!
DRINK LOTS OF WATER. Good water! This morning they were putting on my makeup and they asked, “What is your secret? What do you do?” – I drink lots of water and ALWAYS wear a moisturizer. If you take medication, always bring it on the plane with you. And vitamins. But water and moisturizer is a must. When you are flying you are having a lot of radiation. Twice the radiation of an x-ray.
And my advice to everybody who travels is when you pack, put your things inside a plastic cover. One time, coming from Europe to the USA, when we landed it was raining and they left the luggage outside for a while and when we opened it, it was soaked. It ruined 50k worth of costumes. So my advice is whatever is precious and you cannot wash, wrap it or pack it in a plastic container.
She also added, I am against discrimination and against oppression. The people in the White House should treat the country like it’s their own children. Same sexes should be respected and allowed to marry. You have to fight, fight, fight!
And she fights for animal rights. With the help of PETA, Charo’s working to end bullfighting in Spain. Blood cannot be exchanged for entertainment. In Spain, there is food, art, music, architecture, why do they need to keep holding onto an old tradition, and the cruelest way for an animal to die?” She’s convinced bullfighting will be outlawed in parts of Spain within the next six months.
Charo will perform her new hit SEXY SEXY April 10th at the White Party in Palm Springs! After that, watch for her in a city near you! You don’t want to miss this show!
Italy All Gay Travel Event June 11-25th
Wanted…………16 Men Who Love To Travel, Savour Food, Experience Wine Just half an hour from noisy, bustling Milan, Lake Como is a jewel-like oasis of tranquillity, a magical combination of lush Mediterranean foliage and snowy alpine peaks. One of the best vantage points for this breathtaking view is in Piazza Cavour, on the banks of the lake in the town of Como. Most people speed through the Veneto on their way to our favorite Italian city, Venice. From the train, the landscape sometimes looks flat and unappealing, yet its small cities are fascinating treasure troves of art and beacons of fine living, and only a few miles to the north the Alps begin, their foothills dotted with charming towns and lined with picturesque world-class vineyards. If Tuscany is a legend, Umbria is a little-known medieval fable, its green heart beating in the shadow of its more famous neighbor. Beautiful Tuscan hills, vineyards and Renaissance cities with a journey through the bucolic landscapes and enchanting lakes of Umbria. Savor private tastings of Chianti and Sagrantino wine, olive oil and honey, explore the glories of Siena, Assisi and Orvieto, discover awe-inspiring frescoes and visit the hill-top treasures of Cortona and Montefalco.
& Want to do it all in Italy!
The Italian Lakes & Umbria/Tuscany June 11-25th, 2011
This 15 day holiday combines The lakes and vineyards of Northern Italy
With the hill towns of Umbria & Tuscany!
Holiday Includes….
– Private Airconditioned Vehicle and Driver
– Transfers
– 7 Nights Umbria – Double Room
Apartment Accommodation Torale
– 4 Nights Lago di Como –
Double Hotel Room Villa Stupenda
– 3 Nights Veneto –
Double Room Corte dei Soave
– Specialties of the region Umbrian Dinner
– Veneto Dinner Villa Perez-Pompei-Sagramoso
– Private Boat Tour Lago di Como
– Dinner and tour Isola Comacina, Lago di Como
– 7 Breakfasts Lago di Como & Veneto
– Private BBQ Lago di Como
– 2 Hands On Cooking – Dining Experiences
– Wine Tasting in Montefelco (Brunello Wines), Chianti, Soave
and Valpolicella (Amarone Wines)
– Complimentary Italian Mobile Phone for your personal use
– Tour hosted and escorted by Jack Clement, Love To Travel With Pride
EARLY BOOOKING BONUS RIGHT NOW!
Save $200.00 per person
Pay Your Deposit By 31 March 2011
Join us on this small intimate tour of Italy!Call today for
your perfect holiday
1 800 565 2238 or email jclement (at) lovetotravel.ca
Benefits of Using a Travel Agent or Agency
Many people think booking their trips can save them money. Possibly. But probably not.
Many agencies have strong working relationships with travel suppliers and they have the latest in computer reservations technology enabling travel agents to access the most up-to-date information on how to get you the best value.
Planning a trip today can be confusing and time consuming – especially to a foreign land. A travel agent not only arranges the various modes of transportation, but a travel agent also may be able to save you money with early booking discounts, special fares, hotel deals and travel advisories. People who book their own trips online, may not have access too all of the current travel promotions and deals.
From advising you of all the options and sharing insider tips on destinations to understanding travels little complexities, we can provide you with the personal attention, expertise and exclusive advantages for all of your travel needs.
David Hodgkinson at Travel Leaders says “The more your agent knows about you, the better they will be able to pull together the best options and provide you with a perfect trip. Talk to an agent and be sure to share your:…
Interests – Share your interests, such as scuba diving, art or unique foods with your travel agent, and ask your agent to combine those interests into your trip.
Budget – It’s a travel agent’s job to keep within your budget. Provide them with a figure and they will work to stretch your travel dollars.
Travel preferences – If you favor a certain airline or hotel, or prefer nonstop flights, be sure to tell your agent so they can arrange your trip to meet your preferences.
Schedule – Let your agent know your preferred dates of travel. Also let them know how to contact you while traveling in the event they need to relay important information.
Travel companions’ needs – Inform your agent if your travel companion requires special accommodation, such as in-flight meal preferences or making arrangements for someone with a disability.
A good agent will go the extra mile! Agents work for YOU and will do everything they can to meet your travel needs.”
Travel Leaders
Blind…Traveling With a Disability
what would life be like if I was blind or deaf?
So many of us take our sight and hearing for granted. When you travel, what do you do? You “sight-see”. You view different landscapes, views, cutlures.
So what does the blind do?
PETER WHITE says, “People have tried so hard to make it work. Specially recorded tapes for blind people, rails to follow so that you can go round unaided, a huge revolution in what you’re allowed to touch. In the desperate attempts of people to make me interested in ‘sightseeing’, I’ve clambered over Henry Moore sculptures, climbed the rigging in ships which felt as if they’d split asunder if I took another step, and listened to endless recordings of groaning doors and booming cannons in the attempt to make history come to life for me.The plain fact is, though, that however good the intentions, touch is not sight – and once you’ve run your hands over one piece of ancient stone, one stuccoed wall, one marble floor, well, you’ve touched them all.
The problem with touch really is that the hand is too small. You can only touch one little bit at a time. There’s too much missing; a sense of size, colour, perspective, visual contrast. With the best will in the world, you are playing at being able to see, and for me, that kind of self-deception has never cut any ice.
This, nevertheless, does not mean that travelling, visiting and poking about in other people’s cultures cannot be enormous fun for a blind person. It’s just that I think you have to be honest about what is fun, and what isn’t.
It was a wish to try to explain and share what it was that could make travelling come alive for a totally blind person, unable to see from birth, that gave rise to a series I’m doing for the BBC World Service.
The concept of Blind Man Roams The Globe is simple enough. The listener only gets to hear what I hear! But, you might reasonably argue, this is radio. That’s all they’d hear if the reporter was sighted. Not so!
What I’ve tried to do is let you hear exactly what I hear, as the city introduces itself by sound. When I land at an airport, or a harbour, or cross a border, my ears are instantly tuned to the individual sound of the place – its voices, of course, but also the rise and fall of its music, its street sounds, calls to trade, calls to prayer and just the sounds of a city at work, at play, joshing, arguing, fighting….”
His show airs this month, first stop is San Francisco!
I hope this comes to DVD!
Travel The World…On The Other Guys Dime
For the past three decades the author has been doing just that on what he calls working vacations — short-term overseas assignments that do not require you to sell the house or quit your job. In this book he provides the reader with invaluable ”how to” information such as locating the best working vacation opportunities, negotiating terms, renting your home, securing housing in the host country, traveling safely with young children, and much, much more.
Many people can not afford to take an unpaid, leave of absence, from their current jobs, to travel. The author talks about overseas employment that will pay you enough to cover most or all of your living and transportation expenses!
‘Michael Schneider has done what many of us want to do, but few ever manage to. Live all over the world without giving up his house, job, or nest egg. And in On the Other Guy’s Dime he shows you the practical steps needed to do it yourself. This is perfect for academics, working professionals and retirees. This is about “free vacations” where things get comped for you. This is about a working vacation, where you will go and stay for a 4 week minimum, and possibly teach, consult, or maybe help with research.
He tells stories that will ignite your passion! And he provides useful details and links, so that you too, can begin learning about opportunities that exist. He did all of this in the last 30 years. Think of how the world has changed in the last ten years! He looks around now and says, “in the past few years have opened up my eyes to possibilities I had never previously considered.”
If you have a desire to see the world and experiece other cultures, and quite possibly get paid for it; read this book!
On The Other Guy’s Dime – A Professional’s Guide to Traveling Without Paying
Best Gay Travel Guide
TSA Wants to See You Naked
WHOOPSIE!
Planning to fly this holiday season? You’ve probably already braced yourself for long lines, delays and extra fees just to check your luggage.
Unfortunately, you can also expect another hassle at the airport this year. 70 airports around the country are now using controversial body scanners—also known as “naked scanners.”
These machines use low-dose radiation to produce strikingly graphic images of passengers’ bodies, essentially taking a naked picture as passengers pass through security checkpoints.
Authorities at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) say you can opt out of the naked scan. But doing so will subject you to new and highly invasive manual searches of your body, including your breasts, buttocks and inner thighs.
The Denver Post, in a front-page story Thursday morning, captures the entire debate over intensive hand-pat searches with one shot: a TSA employee with his gloved hand firmly in the junk zone of a passenger who remains–for his sake–happily unidentifiable. The TSA worker even seems to be struggling–his face fixed in a disturbing grimace.
The debate over hand searches launched into the top slot of most cable newscasts Monday with the camera-phone-captured encounter between TSA workers and a flyer who compared the searches to “sexual assault,” and advised agents not to “touch my junk.”
Now if the agent is really hot…….
