Barb Snelgrove on Gay Travel to Vancouver
Barb Snelgrove is a true Vancouverite
(second generation, to be specific) and she loves her hometown! Barb is a
reporter with OutlookTV/OUTtv, writes for various on-line publications
and hosts QueerFM RELOADED Radio on 101.9FM. She has won numerous awards
for her work as a LGBTQ community advocate and will be inducted into
the Canadian Q Hall of Fame later this year.
Q: What are the best tips for travellers to get up-to-the-minute info about LGBT events and happenings during their trip here?
A: The Trifecta of local LGBTQ Vancouver info can easily be found online. In addition to Tourism Vancouver’s site [www.tourismvancouver.com], there are two great sites called GayVancouver.net and GayVan.com. Also be sure to plan a trip to gay Vancouver institution Little Sister’s Bookstore [in Davie Village] – they will be happy to offer ideas!
Q:
Vancouver has many gay men’s bars and Davie Village seems to have
plenty of men, but is there a favourite club or neighbourhood haunt
where it’s relatively easy to meet women?
A: Vancouver’s
LGBTQ landscape is always evolving, and many of our bars are happily
mixed (Fountainhead Pub, Junction, Oasis). But for hot girl-on-girl
action, check out FlygirlProductions.com or monthly events such as Lipstick Jungle (at Ginger62) or LaLa Salon. There is a thriving scene on Commercial Drive and many “pop up” events are centered there.
Q: What are a couple of Vancouver’s “hidden gems”?
A: La Bodega Restaurant
(operating at the same location for over 30 years – they must be doing
something right). Main Street, for great window shopping. Granville Island
always offers lots to see; and while you’re there, rent a small boat by
the hour and view the city from a water perspective. A picnic dinner on
one of the West Side beaches (our fave is Spanish Banks) is a great
idea for watching one of our amazing Vancouver sunsets.
Gay Travel News: AXEL Closes their Buenos Aires Hotel
Axel Hotels announces that Axel Hotel Buenos Aires won’t be part of their portfolio any longer from October 1st on.
that we will never forget, and we want to thank all of you. This
decision represents a growth opportunity for Axel, as it will help to carry out the expansion plan in short term. Axel Hotel Buenos Aires has meant a very important step for the LGBT community in South America, especially in Argentina.
country, but there’s still a long way to go. We are happy to welcome you
at any of our Axel Hotels in Barcelona, Berlin and
Gran Canaria. We also hope to give you
soon good news about new destinations.”
For those who don’t want to miss the opportunity to visit Buenos Aires, from tomorrow, you can book and enjoy the same facilities through www.behotel.com.ar
Palm Springs Leather Pride November 7-11, 2013
2nd weekend
in November following the Greater
Palm Springs Pride Festival so that
guests who
wish to may bookend their vacation to
Palm Springs and enjoy BOTH
celebrations.
GET A ROOM NOW at INNdulge
DesertLeatherPride info
Greater Palm Springs Pride Festival
Taiwan Pushes for Same Sex Marriage Recognition
Taiwan is one of Asia’s most progressive countries as far as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) rights are concerned, not only since the government attempted to legalize same-sex marriage
in 2003 (which stalled without passage), the first country in Asia to
attempt to do so. Taiwan is also described as the most liberal after
approximately 65,000 attended the Taiwan Pride parade in 2012, making it the largest LGBT event in Asia.
This weekend, Same-sex couples in Taipei, Taiwan symbolically tied the knot down
the road from the presidential palace Saturday in a symbolic mass
“wedding banquet” intended to push the government to recognize same-sex
marriages.
From Focus Taiwan:
A mass wedding that attracted over 1,000
people was held in downtown Taipei on Saturday, amid a push by local
civic groups to legalize all forms of civil partnerships, including
same-sex marriage, in Taiwan…
The alliance also hoped that the
banquet would drive up support for an amendment that would legalize gay
marriage, civil partnerships, and the adoption of children by diverse
families in Taiwan.
The proposed legislation is set to be submitted to the Legislative Yuan later this month.
AFP adds:
Participants sat around tables decorated
with red cloths printed with the Chinese character for “wedding”, as
they had dinner and watched a video recording of local celebrities
showing support as well as live performances in a makeshift banquet
venue in a square outside the presidential office in Taipei.
“This
looks likes a traditional wedding scene and even if it’s not real, I
think a picture is worth a thousand words and I hope we will get more
public attention and support for same-sex marriages,” said Richard Chen,
a 22-year-old student from Taipei.
According to The China Post, a poll from the United Daily News shows
that 55 percent of the population are in favour of same-sex marriage,
with 37 percent opposed. Though that same poll also pointed out that 61
percent of respondents would not accept their children if they were
gay.
“Taiwan is considered one of the more liberal countries in Asia in
terms of homosexual issues and hosts one of the largest gay pride
parades in Asia each year,” according to The China Post.
CURACAO LGBT Honeymoon Paradise
The island of Curaçao embraces the Gay and Lesbian community
With exceptional gay friendly hotels and attractions, the Curaçao
Tourist Board encourages gay and lesbian travelers to visit the island
and experience its ‘Live and let live’ atmosphere for themselves.
“It is important to us that it’s known to the gay & lesbian community that everyone
is welcome in Curaçao. Our island offers diverse culture, art
galleries, beaches, museums, fine accommodations and exquisite cuisine
that are enjoyed by all visitors to the island.” commented the Executive Director of the Curaçao Tourist Board.
Joining the millions who support LGBT marriage and the recent U.S.
Supreme Court decision to overturn the “Defense of Marriage Act,” the
southern Caribbean island of Curaçao
has always embraced the LGBT community with a “‘Live and Let Live”
philosophy and attitude.
UNESCO World
Heritage city of Willemstad, world-class diving sites, beautiful
beaches and luxury hotels and restaurants make the island the ideal
destination for Caribbean commitment ceremonies and honeymoons for all
the LGBT couples who have, or plan to, tie the knot.
What makes Curacao special among Caribbean islands? Authenticity. “For centuries, we have forged a vibrant and rich culture rooted in history and hospitality. Our heritage is both European and African – representing more than 50 nationalities. We speak Dutch, Spanish, and English – as well as a local language, Papiamentu, a colorful Creole dialect.
Curaçao’s current promotion –
Every 4th Night Free
– includes many LGBT-welcoming properties, ideal for honeymooning
couples celebrating in Curaçao. The offer gives guests one
complimentary night for every three nights booked. INFO HERE
Many properties are also offering special upgrades for newlyweds, including:
-In-room mimosas at the Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort.
-Sparkling wine and chocolates upon arrival at the Hilton Curaçao.
-A 15% spa treatment discount, along with complimentary champagne at JanThiel Villas.
-Daily complimentary breakfast buffet, plus a
$75 food and beverage credit at the Sandton Kura Hulanda Hotel &
Spa and sister property Kura Hulanda Lodge & Beach Club.
-A complimentary upgrade (subject to availability) and a bottle of sparkling wine at the Renaissance Curaçao Resort.
-A VIP picnic basket with snacks compliments of the Floris Suite Hotel.
-A 20% discount on spa treatments at the
Papagayo Beach & Lounge Resort on-property spa as well as a $50 food
and beverage credit.
-Complimentary champagne at both the Sunscape Beach Resort & Casino and the Lions Dive & Beach Resort.
Why Should You Use a Travel Agent?
When the internet exploded, many travelers went out on their own, searching, looking for deals and bargains, booking things themselves – I never understood that. Why would I want to spend HOURS doing all the work – when a travel professional probably knows most of the answers!
They know what deals are happening – they know how you can save money – there are over 100 REASONS to use a travel agent –
here are just a few…..
Convenient One-Stop Shopping
Travel agents can
handle every aspect of your trip from airline tickets to lodging,
ground transportation, activities, tours and more.
Consumer Advocate
If you should have a problem during your trip, travel agents can act on your behalf to see that proper restitution’s are made.
Expert Guidance
Travel
agents are experts in helping travelers get where they need to go and
in helping to create possibilities most people never would have dreamed
were possible.
Save Time
Avoid the headaches and let the travel agents call around and do all the time consuming work of planning a complex itinerary.
Choice
Travel
agents offer you an array of options and price quotes from a variety of
travel suppliers, giving you the upper hand when making your final
travel decisions.
Less Stress
Planning a trip
can be stressful. There are so many options and details to worry about.
Travel agents do the work, resulting in less stress for you.
Updated Information
Travel
agents are constantly communicating with the travel community, thus
giving you the most up to date info on airlines, hotels, car rental
agencies, travel visas, and other travel services to consider as you
plan your trip.
Customer Service
Travel
agents offer that “personal touch” to your travel planning experience-
Offering help and advice that a website cannot provide.
Travel Expertise
Many travel agents are
considered experts in the area you are traveling to and have probably
already been to your chosen destination.
Best Value for Your Money Spent
Travel
agents can help you to make your dollars go farther while you are
away. They have access to finding all sorts of deals ranging from
flights to hotels to dinner recommendations.
Location, Location, Location!!!!
Travel
Specialists can help you to find a place to stay pretty much anywhere
you desire. If it’s a hotel with a view of the ocean in Hawaii or a
jungle hut in the Nilgiri foothills, a travel agent can help you make it
happen.
Knowledge of All the Ins and Outs
Travel specialists can help bring you up to speed on the local laws and regulations of wherever your travels take you.
Avoid International Flight Confusion
Travel specialists can help organize those confusing international flights that internet search engines don’t cover.
Personalized Trips
A travel agent can prepare you a personalized trip based on where you want to go and what you want to do.
Where to Go to Avoid Kids
Want
to go somewhere without children running all over the place? A travel
agent can help you to find excellent retreats that are open to adults
only.
Local Traditions
Travel
specialists can update you on all local traditions and customs of
places you are visiting, so you make a good impression. For example, in
Japan many people expect their visitors to take their shoes off before
entering their homes.
Complicated Itineraries Made Simple
Travel
experts can take care of all the details for those complicated around
the world itineraries and all the extra headaches that go with them,
such as hotel and transportation along the way.
Special Deals Worked Out in Advance – Travel
agents may have a relationship with certain tour operators and could be
able to get you a special price that might not otherwise be available.
Difference in Days to Save Money
Instead
of playing around with dates on the internet for hours, your travel
agent can advise you on any changes to your travel dates that might save
you hundreds of dollars.
Staying In-the-Know of Daily Promotions
Travel agents get emails and faxes of daily money saving promotions.
They Are Considered Travel Experts and Specialists – Wouldn’t you rather have a travel expert plan your trip rather than a pre-programmed website?
It just Makes Sense to Use a Travel Agent.
They’re Out There… Use Them
Why do the work if someone else like a travel specialist can.
Travel Agents Must Be Doing Something Right. They Sure Have a lot of Business
Travel
agents still sell 51 percent of all airline tickets, 87 percent of all
cruises, 81 percent of all tours and packages, 45 percent of all car
rentals and about 47 percent of all hotels.
It Makes Traveling Easy
Once you find a good travel agent, your dream vacation is just a phone call away.
We highly recommend Dave at Donovan Travel!
Donovan Travel
Let Dave help YOU with YOUR next Trip!
1-800-942-1280 E-MAIL THEM
This is Why Gay Travelers Should NOT go to Jamaica
Jamaican LGBT News posts this news clip to its YouTube page about a
group of five gay men trapped and barricaded by a mob at their home late
last week. The gay men had to be rescued by police.
From the news report’s transcript:
One of the angry residents stated, “we have young youth
growing up, and what they (gays) want to do is take them and put them in
a different direction. When we can bear the hunger and don’t stoop to
certain level, the youth really cannot do that. That is what really
started all of this.”One shall question the rationale behind
the residents fear; and possibly conclude if their fears are plausible.
In what way did the alleged homosexuals earn the mob’s fury? What were
the alleged action and statements made by the accused homosexual man?
These critical questions remain unanswered. Yet still, the actions taken
by the mob were justified in their own regards.The fear,
ignorance and misconceptions of homosexuality are the primary causes of
rampant anti-gay violence and pervasive intolerance towards gays living
in Jamaica. The church sows and nourishes this seed of hatred within our
society. Clearly, to impede the cycle of hate and misconception of
homosexuals in Jamaica, education and sensitization outreaches are
necessary and imperative. Hence the role of the church and family are
critical in the fight for tolerance and equality.
Australia Looks to cash in on Same Sex Marriage and Honeymoons
There were about 33,700 same-sex couples in Australia, according to the 2011 census.
Australian Marriage Equality has said hundreds of same-sex Australian
couples were planning to head to New Zealand to marry. New Zealand
will be the 16th country to allow same-sex marriage when it comes into
force on August 19, while gay marriage in Britain is expected to be
fully in force next year.
But Australia is clearing the way for states to begin passing gay marriage, one by one, as we’re doing in the US.
Tourism New Zealand and Visit Britain are both using the passing of same-sex marriage laws in
England and Wales as a promotional tool to entice gay and lesbian
tourists.
The chief executive of the Tourism and Transport Forum, Ken Morrison,
said there was a significant market in this area that countries which
permitted same-sex marriage were exploiting.
Although it was difficult to calculate how much this market was worth,
Mr Morrison said a recent US survey found gay and lesbian travellers
spent as much as 60 per cent more than heterosexual tourists.
Gay Travel News – Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, and Mexico City CONTINUE TO BE SAFE
As of this past month, our government here in the US is still saying, there is no recommendation against travel to Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, and also Mexico City. THEY ARE SAFE!!!
Gay Travel Warning – Jamaica is ANTI GAY Still
NOTHING HAS CHANGED IN JAMAICA!
A “cross-dressing” teen was allegedly “chopped and stabbed” to death
by a mob in Jamaica earlier this week, according to local media reports.
Dwayne Jones, a gender-nonconforming 17-year-old,
was attending a river party in St. James on the night of July 21 when a
mob allegedly set upon him, according to radio station Irie FM. He was
dressed as a woman and was dancing with a male when another female
attendee told a group of partiers that Jones was actually a man, the
report notes. One of the men went up to Jones and groped him,
discovering he was a male.
Jones was chased and later “chopped and stabbed” to death, Irie FM reported.
Explosions were also heard, and police were called. Authorities eventually found Jones’ dead body on a nearby road “with multiple stab wounds and a gunshot wound,” according to the Jamaica Gleaner. More at Huffington Post
CHICAGO is VERY GAY and GAY FRIENDLY!
Stay at one of these hotels in the heart of BOYSTOWN!
Best Gay Travel Guide Awarded Blog of the Day!
selected by the Blogging Fusion Blog Directory Editor’s as top blogs.
We choose our Blogs of the day based on the following criteria:
– Quality of content.
– Blog design and layout.
– Blog Activity & user interaction (comments).
– Number of referrals each month.
– Site Ratings.
– Blog Directory Editor’s Review of blogs.
– Number of Hits or (level of Popularity).
– Number of Indexed or backlinks.
A Wine Country Wedding Contest in Northern California
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards Announces
“Sonoma Valley Dream Wedding” Video Contest
Couples share their romantic stories for a chance to win the prize of a lifetime:
A Sonoma Valley Wine Country wedding package worth nearly $40,000
SANTA ROSA, CALIF. –
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards, with the support of local wedding
partners, has launched the “Sonoma Valley Dream Wedding” contest. The
luxury wedding package, designed for one lucky couple and up to 50
guests, is valued at close to $40,000. “We’re thrilled to showcase the
best in Sonoma wedding planning in this fun contest, from our idyllic
venue at the winery, to lodging, catering and the amazing services of
Robbin Montero, California wine country’s top-rated wedding planner,”
exclaims St. Francis Winery & Vineyards President and CEO
Christopher Silva.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
Starting May 1,
couples are invited to submit a 1-2 minute video that captures their
romantic story and conveys why the public should vote for them to win
the Sonoma Valley Dream Wedding. Entries can cover any of the following
topics:
· The story of how the couple met and fell in love
· When a fiancé knew their partner was “the one”
· How a partner proposed the marriage or civil union to their fiancé
To enter the contest, log on to www.facebook.com/
the public will vote for their favorite videos. The winner will be
announced by St. Francis Winery & Vineyards in mid-December. The
grand prize-winning couple will be awarded the “Sonoma Valley Dream
Wedding” package, hosted by St. Francis Winery in Santa Rosa for up to
50 guests on Sunday, July 27, 2014.
#1 WINE DESTINATION
Recently
named the number one wine destination in the United States and second
in the world by TripAdvisor, Sonoma County wine country (which the
Sonoma Valley AVA lies at the heart of) – just one and a half hours
north of San Francisco – draws wedding couples to the stunning vineyard
views and mountain vistas, the Pacific coast, and the wonderful food,
wine and down-to-earth wine country hospitality.
SONOMA VALLEY DREAM WEDDING PACKAGE
The
“Sonoma Valley Dream Wedding” contest winner’s package features the
finest from local vendors in the Sonoma area, capturing the unique
sights, sounds, and flavors of the region, including:
· A complimentary two-night stay at the Hyatt Vineyard Creek for the bride & groom
· Rehearsal dinner or brunch hosted by the Hyatt Vineyard Creek for up to 50 guests
· Dance floor, tables, chairs, and linens provided by Classic Party Rentals
· Floral Arrangements by Fleurs de France
· Wedding photography by Deborah Laver Photography
· Wedding Ceremony string trio and reception DJ provided by Wine Country Entertainment
· Transportation services from Pure Luxury Transportation
· Commemorative video from Weddings on Film Video
· Lighting design provided by ALT Events
· Wedding cake from Krumbs Cake
· Hors d’oeuvres from Wine Valley Catering for up to 50 guests
· Venue provided by St. Francis Winery and Vineyards
· Wedding planning by Robbin Montero’s A Dream Wedding
St. Francis Winery
in the heart of Sonoma County is one location where the very best of
the region can be experienced – from lush lavender-filled organic
gardens, acres of vineyards and expansive lawn under the shadows of
sweeping mountains, to award-winning wines and a romantic mission-style
winery reminiscent of a Tuscan estate. Called “the quintessential wine
country wedding destination” by acclaimed wine country wedding planner Robbin Montero (named by Travel & Leisure Magazine as “the
expert wedding planner for California Wine Country”), St. Francis
Winery offers couples and their guests a wine country wedding experience
filled with beauty, relaxation and activity.
For more information about weddings at St. Francis Winery & Vineyards, visit www.stfranciswinery.com .
To view the complete official rules, click here: http://www.stfranciswinery.
Chicago Boystown Hotels – Boutique Flair and Classic Charm
3 hidden gems in the heart of Boystown, in Chicago!
The Majestic, The Willows, City Suites. Walking distance to the whole gay business district and a short distance to the gay beach, Osterman Hollywood Beach!
Immerse yourself in the eclectic energy of Boystown Chicago. Steps from all three locations –
the Boystown area is the United States’ first officially recognized gay
village and a cultural center of our nation’s LGBT community. From
boutique shopping to unstoppable after-hours entertainment, Boystown
should definitely be at the top of your ‘Where to go in Chicago’ travel
plans.
Gay and Lesbian visitors will enjoy the trend-setting dining,
tantalizing spas, boutique shopping and bustling nightlife hotspots that
continue to re-invent the neighborhood.
Book now for your fun stay in Chicago!
The Majestic, The Willows, City Suites. Mention code BGC!
Tourists Arrested in Russia for “Gay Propaganda”
FROM GayStarNews, Four
tourists were arrested in Russia for ‘gay propaganda’ 21 July,
making them the first foreigners to be officially charged under the
anti-gay law.
Murmansk in North Russia, four Dutch citizens were detained by police.
the four Dutch tourists were being held in the police station,
authorities said they had violated the ‘rules of stay in the territory
of Russia’.
They were told they had broken the law of ‘non-traditional sexual
relations’ propaganda among children, which was signed into law by
President Vladimir Putin last month.
Read it all at GayStarNews
HARVEY FIERSTEIN spoke out in the New York Times, saying this was like declaring war on gay peope… “Mr. Putin’s campaign against lesbian, gay and bisexual people is one of
distraction, a strategy of demonizing a minority for political gain
taken straight from the Nazi playbook. Can we allow this war against
human rights to go unanswered? Although Mr. Putin may think he can
control his creation, history proves he cannot: his condemnations are
permission to commit violence against gays and lesbians. Last week a
young gay man was murdered in the city of Volgograd. He was beaten, his
body violated with beer bottles, his clothing set on fire, his head
crushed with a rock. This is most likely just the beginning.
Nevertheless,
the rest of the world remains almost completely ignorant of Mr. Putin’s
agenda. His adoption restrictions have received some attention, but it
has been largely limited to people involved in international adoptions.
This
must change. With Russia about to hold the Winter Games in Sochi, the
country is open to pressure. American and world leaders must speak out
against Mr. Putin’s attacks and the violence they foster. The Olympic
Committee must demand the retraction of these laws under threat of
boycott.” – New York Times
Orbitz celebrates Marriage Equality with Photo Contest
Vacation Back photo contest. You could win one of five prizes including
first- or business-class flights to LGBT-friendly destinations in
Europe, South America or the US.
Send us a photo to enter. And refer a friend because if your friend wins, you do too!
Gay Travel to Zakynthos Island Greece
How Beautiful is that water?
west of Greece, promising unforgettable holidays in its magical
landscapes, beaches and villages!
Over the past few years, Zakynthos has become quite popular among gay
visitors, even though there are still no exclusively gay and lesbian
bars or clubs. However, you will feel more than welcome in this
beautiful Greek island, almost everywhere you go! The famous gay nudist
beach of “Vrontonero”, just a few steps away from Dafni bay, is probably
the place where you ‘ll meet many gay people, both locals and visitors.
The island is surrounded by beautiful beaches, with the most popular of
them, “Navagio”, being one of the most photographed places of the world!
In Zakynthos you will enjoy excellent food, intense night life, amazing
landscapes and relaxing moments by the beach.
Gay Beaches – What Is Sand
A Grain of Sand: Nature’s Secret Wonder
Gay Travel news : Iceland Wants to Break Ties with Russia
Moscow and Reykjavik, may be Iceland “sister cities”, but Reykjavik Mayor
Jon Gnarr wants to end that relationship over Moscow’s anti-gay laws.
Reykjavík’s partnership with Moscow, on account of the Russian capital’s
stance on gay rights.
The proposal was put forth during a City Council meeting yesterday, Vísir reports. Should the proposal pass it would effectively terminate all political and cultural relations between Reykjavík and Moscow.
matters of gay, bisexual, and transgender people in Russia, the Human
Rights Office and the Mayor’s Office have entrusted the deputy mayor to
propose amendments to the existing agreement between the two cities or
terminate it all together following consultation with the Foreign
Ministry,” read the minutes from the City Council meeting.
Gay Scuba Diving in Maui Hawaii February 2014
HOW COOL IS THAT PHOTO?
If you’re an experienced diver, have we got a special excursion planned for you!
Come have fun with other experienced divers for a privately chartered week long scuba excursion!
Maui Sunseeker has teamed up with Richard Lear, Founder of Gay SCUBA Week to bring you an amazing scuba experience.
We’ve
already sold out of two full weeks of this SCUBA Adventure to Richard’s
list and just opened a third week exclusively for our Sunseeker Ohana.
From February 15-22, 2014, you can be one of only 24 divers on a privately chartered boat with other LGBT divers (yes its open to all sexes).
Whether
you are a couple or traveling single, if you are interested, you should
book now as some of the 24 spaces have already sold.
Here are the basic details:
Diving with Maui Dive Shop – Ranked the Highest Rated Dive Boat in Maui
Maui Sunseeker LGBT Resort
February 15 – February 22, 2014
This is what is included!
- 7 Nights Accommodations
- Welcome Dinner
- Departure Luau
- Transfers to and from Maui Airport
- Free WiFi
- Pool and Boat Towels Provided
- 6 Days Diving = 12 Boat Dives
- Transfers to and from the boat
- Tanks, Weights, Belts, BCD, Reg, Computer, Mask, Fins, Wetsuit & Snorkel
- Daily Breakfast on board Boat
- Daily Lunch on board Boat
- Partial Valet Service for Gear
- BCs and Regs will be washed, cleaned and stored nightly. They will be returned fully prepped for travel on Friday afternoon
- Nitrox – must be Nitrox Certified – Dive shop will be offering courses at a discounted rate of $175
- Diving on Air if not Nitrox Certified
- Beach Chairs, Umbrellas, Towels and Ice Filled Coolers
- Rental Car Parking
For more information and pricing OR to make your reservation for this very unique opportunity, please visit the Gay SCUBA Week Website.
TO BOOK THIS PACKAGE EVENT, YOU MUST GO THROUGH THE GAY SCUBA WEEK WEBSITE AT:
