Global Warming and Lack of Snow Could Cost BILLIONS to Travel Industry
A new analysis conducted for the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and Protect Our Winters (POW) will detail the devastating economic impact that climate change could have on the winter tourism industry in New York and the rest of the nation.
The analysis finds that the $12.2 billion ski and snowmobile industry
is dependent on heavy and predictable snowfall, and changes in the winter
season snowfall have already been felt across the nation and are likely to
become even more pronounced with climate change. A lot of winter sport enthusiasts
are planning their next wintervacation to Toronto or Montreal where the snow sticks the
entire winter.
The study aims to help policy makers understand both the ski and snowmobile industry’s current economic scale and the potential economic impacts that climate change may cause, as well as the effects the industry is already feeling in New York and the rest of the nation from reduced snowpack and rising winter temperatures over the last decade.
Just this past ski season, 50 percent of ski resorts opened late and 48 percent closed early with every region experiencing a decrease in the days of operation. Winter sports resorts are not the only ones affected by this shift; a reduced and shortened winter season will also hurt the secondary related industries of lodging, restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores and entertainment.
Maui Sunseeker LGBT Resort Featured in Travel Channel’s HOTEL IMPOSSIBLE
Second season of ‘Hotel Impossible’ features a Maui, Hawaii resort that caters to the LGBT clientele.
“It was eye opening for all involved in this show” laughs Spence, “for us from a business perspective and for the cast when they discovered the clothing optional hot tub”.
Carnival Cruise Ru Paul Charter says Guests CAN NOT Come in Drag
DRAGS QUEENS AND TRANSGENDERS are SREAMING MAD about the upcoming Carnival Cruise featuring Ru Pauls Drag Racers.
but Carnival Cruises has managed to spark a bit of controversy a week
before the ship even sails by banning drag costumes. Yes, they’ve banned
drag costumes from a drag queen-themed cruise.
An email was sent to ticket holders on Carnivial’s “Drag Stars at Sea”
cruise, telling them that they wouldn’t be able to put on a wig and
heels and kiki aboard the U.S.S. Glory. Only the professionals from RuPaul’s Drag Race could. Y’see, there were other people on the boat—including children—so everyone would have to keep their pants on.
When asked, Carnival management acknowledged that gender illusion was verboten among passengers on the December 2 cruise, but said it wasn’t discrimination. It was part of their standard policy as a result of the war on terrorism.
Gay Travel for Christmas and Holidays in Europe
The European Christmas traditions are known to revolve around European countries like Italy, France, Switzerland, Germany, Portugal, Austria, Greece, Spain, Scandinavia, United Kingdom amongst others.
walk around in the shopping streets will help you in discovering the
latest in fashion at Brussels. You can find the Czars of the fashion
world like Chanel, Vinton Hermes, Giorgio Armani, Gianni Versace and
Christian Dior.
St. Catherine. There are festive lights, decorations and numerous stalls
offering goodies like Christmas gifts and decorations, local crafts for your
family and friends. There is an ice rink nearby for you to skate zig zag and
soak in the festive spirit. A high speed Euro star service of less than two
hours from London offers the perfect justification to sample Christmas
festivities globally in the attractive city of Brussels. A laid back relaxed
pace and its compact size makes it a perfect place to have a family break, stay in a Brussels hotel for a few nights and soak up
the unique seasonal atmosphere.
Christmas abounds all over Europe. I love it all. But I really enjoy Budapest and Prague. It is definitely worth visiting any European capitals at this time of
the year even if the weather is quite cold. You can enjoy walking round
the main squares, looking at the stalls selling different kinds of
Christmas products, having a warm drink and some food and listening to
music.
In mid-November Budapest starts to prepare for Christmas.
Streets are decorated with colourful lights, shop-windows are adorned to lure in customers hunting for gifts.
More and more people set out to look for the ideal Christmas presents in shops or in the markets.
If you’re looking for a unique Hungarian gift and want to get away from the all alike shops visit the Budapest Christmas Fair at Vörösmarty Square.
Christmasin Prague is a magical time and December is undoubtedly
one of the nicest months of the year in this beautiful
city. Christmas markets are up, shop windows are
bright and beautiful, Christmas trees adorn the town
squares and the early dusk is filled with warm light.
People are nicer to each other, the mood is festive.
And if all is covered in fresh, white snow, what
more can you ask for?
Prague at Christmas is a special place,
so bundle up and take a stroll. If you get cold,
have some hot chocolate at a café, stop by a tea
room or buy a cup of mulled wine or grog from a
street vendor.
(Stay at the Jewel in Old Town for a nice treat – or The Temple, if you want something old world, quaint and very gay!)
You haven’t experienced Christmas lights until you’ve seen nearly four
miles of them artfully hung in patterns dictated by Tiffany’s head
designer in Copenhagen’s famed historic amusement park, Tivoli Gardens—and that’s not counting the 1,800 strands dramatically draped on the lakeside willows. Copenhagen celebrates Jul
(as in “yuletide”) in high style, with its famed Christmas market the
centerpiece.
Stalls stocked with fine handmade crafts, including
traditional figurines of clog-clad elves in pointy red caps, compete for
space with vendors selling iced doughnuts slathered with black currant
jam and hefty cups of gløgg, a steaming hot mulled red wine laden with
raisins, almonds, cinnamon sticks, and cloves—all of which, for good
measure, are steeped in aquavit or schnapps.
read more at Travel and Leisure!
Anaheim, Orange County…Disneyland and Beyond
towns, family fun, gay-friendly vibrant boardwalks and cool breezes in the warm
California sun. The Orange County coastline is comprised of six BEACH CITIES, each offering its own unique brand of the Southern California
experience. A day on the coast can include surf lessons, a romantic walk
on the beach or a nighttime bonfire cookout. What else could you ask for?!
We were in Anaehim for Gay Days Anaheim 4 years ago. (What a fantastic party weekend that was!) So we went back just a few weeks ago, and I wondered what could really changed in 4 years, with the recession most parts of the US have dealt with. In Anaheim, they ask, WHAT RECESSION? Nothing paused here for a moment and building bigger and better moved full speed ahead!
$1 billion+ in renovations have been added to the California Adventures Park with the new addition of CARS LAND and 10 rides are being closed and refurbished, as we speak in the 2 parks.
But what is most exciting, is the new developments happening all around Anaheim. There is so much to see and do off Disney property now as well. Anaheim is turning back the hands of time, getting into deep values, enriching the community through the arts, providing a space for the production for local culinary artisans, embracing farm-to-table foods, the slow-food movement, vintage Americana, a focus on native food and health and allowing the public to watch firsthand the processes of baking, beer brewing cooking and more. Small business ownerships and no big box stores allowed here! Embracing the history and heritage of Anaheim.
The Downtown Center Street Anaheim is located at the heart of Downtown Anaheim and is surrounded by City Hall, newly built lofts, and the historic Carnegie Library and
Muzeo Museum, the Gehry-designed Anaheim ice rink, and the historic neighborhoods of the Colony District. You will find an awesome collection of like-minded individuals and businesses focused on a common goal. Old values, personal service, shop local with handmade goods or have a haircut, shave (Imperial Barber Products) and a beer (Barbeer) . Homemade culinary treats with a distinctive cultural legacy. (Healthy Junk and Gypsy Den ). Everything old, is new again!
With new and ongoing development projects (including the restoration of of the Packing House &
Packard Showroom by Lab Holding LLC*), Downtown Anaheim is enjoying a revitalization that will reestablish it as the center of Historic Anaheim and an important Orange County destination.
Coming soon (completion of project projected for March 2013) Anaheim residents and visitors alike will be treated to an amazing, new communal gathering place in the heart of downtown Anaheim, complete with refurbished historic structures and new exciting uses.
The Packing District, located at the intersection of Anaheim Blvd and Santa Ana Street, includes the restored Packard Car Showroom, an outdoor marketplace and the restored citrus Packing House. The Packing District designs and architecture will pay homage to the master illustrators and printers of early Californian fruit crates and union organizations.
One of the few remaining packing houses from the agricultural era for which Orange County is named, the Anaheim Citrus Packing House is a landmark in both County and City history. Built in 1919 at the edge of downtown Anaheim and along the Southern Pacific rail line, the Packing House was a hub of commerce for the area. Local farmers arrived to unload trucks of freshly picked citrus to begin the process of washing, grading and eventual packing into wooden crates. Once completed, the crated and labeled citrus would be loaded onto rail cars parked on the side of the building to be shipped nationwide.
The restored Packing House will serve as a culinary center, planned as a food hall reminiscent of the great public markets of South America and Europe, that brings together artisan food producers and purveyors in a public market type setting serving as a resource for the neighborhood (daily food production) and a community gathering space (restaurants and entertainment).
The bright 42,000-square-foot historic warehouse will feature communal dining, railroad car patios, an indoor music venue and unique culinary offerings. The two level Packing House will have a large central atrium with communal dining surrounded by cafes and kiosks of varying sizes as well as outdoor picnic gardens and a building-length dining porch looking out to the outdoor marketplace, Farmers’ Park.
Farmer’s Park is an outdoor marketplace slated to host weekend farmer’s markets, outdoor concerts and movies, and festivals. Farmers Park will serve as picnic grounds for the entire project. Two small cafes sit in the park for quick takeout to enjoy in the gardens.
Farmers Park is a front porch for the community; a space that the existing neighbors will utilize as an amenity, and a welcome to those who will be visiting the adjacent Packing House and Packard Showroom.
The Packard Building is one of a handful of historic commercial buildings remaining in a district that has seen tremendous new urban development in the past decade. Contrasted with this new higher density development, buildings such as the Packard Building, the newly restored Carnegie Library and the citrus Packing House are quickly becoming the jewels of downtown Anaheim.
This mission revival building was built in 1925 and was designed with an open and light filled interior typical of car showrooms. After decades of various automobile uses and miscellaneous modifications, the Packard Building is now being restored to its original 1920’s glory. The Packard Showroom is home to the Anaheim Brewery (where past has a presence) and Umami Burger (named Burger of the Year!) and the two merchants share a large landscaped beer garden. All of this is OPEN NOW and packing people in. The final phase should be unveiled in March 2013!
In the coming months we will take you to more of Anaheim and the OC including the breath taking Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Crystal Cove State Park and more!
Anaheim and Orange County info
Anabella Hotel Just steps from Disneyland!
Great property and pricing!
Segestrom Center for the Arts
South Coast Plaza –
The most AMAZING luxury shopping complex in the US
Laguna Beach Visitors info
*LAB Holding – In 1993, LAB holding invented the “anti-mall”, to meet the demands of urban shoppers dissatisfied with the homogenization of conventional malls. In his his quest to hipsterize OC retail, Shaheen Sadeghi has built
quirkily beautiful properties and gained more than a few critics.
His latest extreme building makeover: the overhaul of Center Street in downtown Anaheim.
In the coming months, the palm-tree-lined, marble-and-teal shopping
plaza recently vacated by a jewelry-repair shop, discount-clothing
boutique and travel agency promoting cruise vacations will be
transformed into a 1940s-themed destination hub, packed with
meticulously conceptualized shops that nod to the city’s past.
Gay Travel to Vancouver Canada
The largest gay population in Western Canada lives in this ocean-wrapped and snow-capped city.
a year-round promoter of Whistler to the gay and lesbian community and
produces and promotes GayWhistler ski week, WinterPRIDE every year.
Alpenglow Productions Corporation (APC) is a gay and lesbian travel and
event company creating gay-welcoming destinations and events at partner
resorts. The GayWhistler/Alpenglow Team, in partnership, is dedicated to
bringing alternative vacation options to the gay and lesbian community
worldwide.
We have visited most of the gay resort destinations in the world and
nothing can compare to all Whistler has to offer. Though Whistler is
not a gay resort, it is gay friendly and your sexual orientation is not
an issue so we invite you to come and enjoy Whistler for one or multiple
seasons. GayWhistler officially invites you to come to Whistler, B.C
365 days a year.
Find out More about Whistler 2013
Christmas at the Biltmore Thru Jan 1, 2013
Christmas at America’s largest home, where a 35-foot Christmas tree and miles of festive décor fill you with holiday cheer.
250-room family home in Asheville, NC. Discover more about the lives of
people who visited, lived, and worked at Biltmore House during George
Vanderbilt’s day.
to kick off the holidays. A horse-drawn wagon makes its way to the
front of Biltmore House, bringing Santa and the towering 35′ tree that
will grace the Banquet Hall.
Banquet Hall. Employees hoisted the tree into place using ropes and
pulleys to secure it into position. Then a separate team added 500
lights and over 1,000 ornaments. Hours of heavy lifting and holiday
trimming are put it into this one minute of video fun.
Enjoy Oahu Without The Car Rental Expense
With
gas prices what they are, renting a car on your vacation can prove to be one of
the larger expenses that you’ll face. Fortunately, you have options when
visiting Oahu, and you’ll quickly find that getting around without a rental car
is simple. The island features public transportation methods that can deliver
visitors to every corner, while renting bikes and cruising along one of the
many palm tree-lined boulevards to one of the many attractions around Waikiki
is also a great way to scratch things off of your itinerary. If you’re hoping
to keep travel costs down, consider the following options when visiting the
Gathering Place to make sure you’re able to see all that this dynamic island
has to offer on the cheap!
Staying Around The Capital
Picking a central location, such as the Ewa Hotel in the thick of
Waikiki, will ensure that you’re never far from a good time. With beach
activities, historical sites, and fantastic hiking just minutes away, hoofing
it won’t be a problem, helping you cut down on those gas expenditures and
giving you the opportunity to walk off that dinner while being bathed in the
light of a Hawaii sunset. Don’t miss Kapiolani Park, Waikiki Beach, or the
Honolulu Zoo while you’re making your way around one of the preeminent vacation
spots in the world.
Heading East To Kailua
Headlining the marquee for things to do on the Windward (Eastern) side of the
island is the charming city of Kailua. Home to some of the most pristine and
sought-after beaches, getting to this slice of paradise by bus from your hotel
in Honolulu or Waikiki is a breeze. The Bus system can carry you and your group
out to Kailua from Ala Moana on the Route 56 bus for $2.50 each way! Pack
yourself a picnic, hop on some eco-friendly public transportation, and go have
yourself a time at Kailua Beach.
Making It To North Shore
You won’t want to head back home without first heading to Oahu’s North Shore.
The promised land for surfers due to its absolutely awe-inspiring waves of
incredible force, watching people zip back and forth across these faces of
water will definitely give you a thrill. Once again, relying on the bus system
is no problem; it may take a bit longer, given the distance, but the ease of
the trip and the views that will accompany you along the way make this ride a
breeze. Bus 52 will get you there in no time so you can see what all of the
fuss is about!
Birds Nest Gets A Free Flight to Australia
HOW CRAZY IS THIS??
“The
engineers did the right thing. The materials had potential to carry
plant and avian diseases that could have threatened our wildlife and
primary industries.”
The plane was transported to
Auckland from Arizona to be dismantled, after having been stored in the
Mojave Desert for some time.
New Gay Travel Survey Examines LGBT Tourists Motivations
The University of Tennessee and the University of South Carolina are
conducting research concerning the travel motives and expenditures of
members of the LGBT community.
is estimated that tourism is a $1.3 trillion industry, of which $65
billion is generated by LGBT tourists (CMI, 2011).
continues to be a vast amount of research conducted on the various
motivators that lead people to travel, there are very few studies that
explore LGBT tourists’ motivations.
Gay Travel to Amsterdam Pride and Boats on the Canal
Gay Pride festivals exist all over the world, but the Amsterdam Gay
Pride festival is among the best on the planet.
Since early days,
Amsterdam has been at the forefront in striving for
equality for the gay & lesbian communities. Amsterdam is famous for
it’s liberal mindset and by organising a yearly Gay Pride the city
welcomes a safe environment for gays, lesbians
and transgenders to both visit and live in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam
and it’s gay and straight citizens really know how to party and turn the
Amsterdam’s historic centre into one big Gay Pride celebration for a
weekend in August. The entire city joins in the fun, with the the famous
Canal Parade being highlight of Amsterdam’s Gay Pride event.
The hugely
popular Canal Parade is a floating event involving up to 100
spectacularly decorated barges, floating through Amsterdam’s
Prinsengracht (the canal of the Prinses) . The Gay Pride Canal Pride is a
celebration of devotion towards equality of the gay and lesbian
communities and as such many large Dutch institutions such as the City
Council including the mayor of Amsterdam, the Fire Brigade, the
Amsterdam police force and large Dutch corporates and employers such as
the ING insurances, ABN AMRO and Rabobank have their own boats in the
Canal Parade.
The festivities starts on a Friday night with two large outdoor
parties. On at the Gay & Lesbian Reguliersdwarsstraat street and the
other party at the Gay & Lesbian monument on the Westermarket in
the centre of town.
Gay Pride and the Canal Parade is the
biggest recurring event held in the city and takes place over the first
weekend of August
every year. On Saturday afternoon, the highlight of the Gay Pride
festivities is the Canal Parade which begins at 14.00 and goes on
until around 18.00.
The Canal Parade begins outside the Central Station,
sails along the entire Prinsengracht, the Amstel River
and finishes at the Eastern Dock. The participating boats are
spectacularly decorated and put on a show with their onboard DJs and lavish parties, guaranteeing unbeatable entertainment.
The
Canal Parade is open to all possible organisations, companies and even
private individuals. One needs to apply for a license from the city
council and one needs to rent a boat from one of the Amsterdam based
boat rental companies such as the Amsterdam Boot Huren boat rental agency. A quick look at this website shows the Ivan Frank open boat as pretty much ideal or one could consider the Avanti barge for it’s beautiful feminine curves. Another boat rental agency worthwhile looking at is Canal Cruise Amsterdam.
Both websites are in Dutch, but if you call the contact numbers, they
will answer in English, as nearly everybody in Amsterdam speaks fluent
English.
The event still grows in size and in 2012 a total of
188 organisations and companies applied for a licence in the official
Canal Parade. 2012 also had a Turkish boat participated
in the Canal Parade for the first time. The Turkish boat represents the
20,000 odd gay and lesbian people living in the
Netherlands who are of Turkish descent.
The Gay Pride Canal Parade draws more than 500,000 gay and straight participants and
visitors to Amsterdam. The city gets very busy and most of
the Amsterdam hotels are fully occupied and may ask ridiculous prices
for their accommodation. as an alternative, one might also consider
renting an apartment in the city centre from Apartment Amsterdam.
Most of the apartments very high quality and are located on one of the
famous canals or in the Jordaan area of Amsterdam. If you do decide to
stay in an apartment in the Jordaan, don’t forget to visit the Anne Frank house or to have dinner in one of the many little restaurants close to the Noordermarket.
Gay Barcelona Tours and Guides
Not only is Barcelona beautiful, charming, sunny, delicious and fun, it
also has the unquestionable distinction of being one of the premier Gay
capitals in Europe.
The gay scene is here vibrant and integrated. Barcelona is
a modern city, with a modern outlook. It is open-minded and welcoming to all –
so head on down for a good time! From the beaches to the clubs, from the shops
to the beautiful architecture, you’ll have plenty to do, by day and by night.
Most of the gay scene is centred around an area called Eixample
pronounced Ay-Sham-Play and, for reasons that will become apparent, nicknamed
gayxample. Just north of the centre, Eixample is a modern and trendy district.
It is the heart of the gay scene, even though it’s not exclusively gay. It is
here that you’ll find all the bars, clubs and accommodation that you need for a
great night out.
When daylight comes again, and you’re looking for something a little
more peaceful, head out of the city into the beautiful surroundings which are
replete with nothing less than vineyards. Why not try a wine tour in Barcelona? The local
wine is delicious, and will put you in the right mood to head back to the city
to do exploring.
There are lots of great sightseeing tours in Barcelona if you want to catch all the best bits. Don’t
miss the Sagrada Familia, the Park Guell or the endlessly eccentric La Ramblas
pedestrian shopping street – it’s a must-see.
Barcelona is open and welcoming like almost no other city in the world,
which simply adds to its many charms. And if you still need an excuse to go,
the fabulous annual Gay and
Lesbian Film Festival is on from
the 18th of October to the 28th.
Now that you’re out of excuses, go and enjoy yourself!
Gay Travel to Australia for the Holiday Season
Thinking about what to do this holiday season?
The biggest event down under will be the 2012 solar eclipse, Turtle Cove has the
best vantage point in Australia with the path of the eclipse passing
right over our resort.from 5.45am to 7.40am on Wednesday 14 November 2012.
( Bloody early in the morning he…he..)
It
is rare for a total eclipse to be visible from land, so the excitement
is building for those who want to share in this once in a lifetime
extraordinary phenomenon.
Zinc
FM 102.7 / 4CA will be doing a live broadcast from our lawns on the
beach where the eclipse passes right above us causing a total
blackout.They will also broadcast live through all their channels in QLD
and other stations throughout Australia.
As this is such a unique once in a lifetime phenomenon
it would be unfair to cut out the rest of the world and keep this very
special day just for us.So for this one event only,Turtle Cove will have
all mixes of people of all beliefs and persuasions,if you get my drift.
BOOK NOW not many spaces left.
Xmas Day Dec 25th 2012
This
is the day that most people from down south and overseas want to get
away from your traditional Xmas day stuff.Rightly so just the thought of
sitting down for lunch all dressed up and stuffing yourself with food
in 30+ temperatures and 90+ humidity makes you feel faint.
That
doesen’t happen @ Turtle Cove,after all we are different and thus we do
our famous “Grazing Menu”Our amazing chef will deliver delicious
tasting platters every 45mins from 8am right through to to 4pm or so.
Every time a new platter arrives i will ring the xmas bell to let everyone know.
No
one should get dressed up and look pretty for the food,no,no,no…
everybody can stay in their swimmers,laze around the pool and
jacuzzi,take a plate and go for it.
Last
year was a blast and both our house and day guests loved every minute
of it. So bookings are essential,as it is already filling up.
New Years Eve Dec 31st 2012
Featuring a New Year’s Eve Dinner and Show
“DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER” with Vicki Vegas
Celebrates Vicki’s 25 years in the Biz with all the BEST known numbers/impersonations & stories ONE NIGHT ONLY! End
2012 in style with all the glitz & glamour,Sydney’s famous VICKI
VEGAS returns to Turtle Cove and transforms herself. This will be a
sensational 3 part floor show that will be like no other!!
The night kicks off with a scrumptious dinner big tropical seafood buffet.
This night is one not to be missed – FNQ’s biggest and best GAY NYE PARTY!
Dinner & show available to outside guests – bookings essential!
Accommodation is selling fast – 2 night minimum over this period
Turtle Cove is an Adults Only, Gay, Holiday Resort. Join us in Tropical Far North Queensland and experience the most fantastic piece of unspoilt Paradise in Australia.
Be assured Turtle Cove Beach Resort is not your ordinary Gay Hotel!
Come and explore our totally private, Absolute Beachfront,
slice of Gay Heaven and have the vacation of your lifetime!
TSA Could Be Stealing Your iPads…and More
It is now being uncovered, hundreds of thefts by TSA
officers are taking place, apparently stealing passenger belongings. Last year over 350 TSA were fired for stealing.
Recently, an iPad left behind at a security
checkpoint in the Orlando airport was tracked as it moved 30 miles to
the home of the TSA officer last seen handling it.
Confronted two weeks later by ABC News, the TSA officer, Andy Ramirez,
at first denied having the missing iPad, but ultimately turned it over
after blaming his wife for taking it from the airport.
The iPad was one of ten purposely left behind at TSA checkpoints at
major airports with a history of theft by government screeners, as part
of an ABC News investigation into the TSA’s ongoing problem with theft
from passengers.
The full video report was on “ABC World News with Diane Sawyer” and “Nightline.”
MAKE SURE YOUR DEVICES HAVE INSTALLED THE FREE APP – FIND MY iPHONE – which will also track your iPad.
BBC What A Wonderful World – Of Travel Images
London in October: The creepiest places to visit
Heading to London this autumn?
Gay Day Disneyland in Anaheim is Oct 5-7, 2012
States, you’ll find yourself “Walking on Sunshine” in Anaheim and Orange
County. It is home to the 1.6 million square-foot Anaheim Convention
Center, world class dining for every appetite, championship sports, and a
variety of nightlife and entertainment.
used to have a private party one night of the year for gays and lesbians.
When the event was canceled in 1998, we created Gay Day Anaheim. We based the happening on our big sister event in Orlando, Gay
Day, which attracts
over 100,000 gays and lesbians from around the world each June.
Like the Orlando event, Gay Days Anaheim is a “mix in,” meaning gay people
and straight people mingle together; the park is open to the general public.
Also like Orlando’s Gay Day, we wear RED shirts to identify one another
and show our numbers.
The first Gay Days Anaheim in 1998 attracted about 2,500 people.
Today the event attracts over 30,000 guests to the Disneyland Resort
each year! Pretty amazing. What was once a small one-day gathering has
become a full weekend event with parties, gatherings, group photos,
scavenger hunts, private meals, and much more!
The Most Romantic Cities in Europe
The Most Romantic Cities in Europe
Gay and lesbian travelers looking for a romantic escape should look no further than the gorgeous cities of Europe. Traditional romance, mixed with a culture of laid-back acceptance, can be found in all of Europe’s major metropolitan areas. For a truly unforgettable holiday look no further than these five cities.
Amsterdam
Modern, cosmopolitan, and full of life, Amsterdam has long been recognized for its friendly and welcoming vibe towards gay and lesbian travelers. It boasts culture, canals, and cafes as well as the famous “coffee shops.” Travelers can spend the day visiting stately museums, paddle-boating on the canals, and biking through the historic center. At night, Amsterdam offers one of the best party scenes in Europe. Or, if you prefer something quieter, try the Candlelight Canal Cruise, with unlimited wine.
Paris
Known around the world as The City of Love, Paris is the ideal spot for a couples’ holiday. From strolling hand-in-hand along the Seine to climbing the steps of the Eiffel Tower, Paris offers unforgettable experiences for couples. You can also visit renowned museums and cultural hotspots, partake in the wine and culinary scene, or experience the exciting nightlife. Paris tickets can be easily obtained on the Eurostar train from London.
Barcelona
A bustling port city on the glittering Mediterranean, Barcelona is a modern, cosmopolitan place with sunshine, palm trees, art, culture, and plenty of romance. You can tour the architectural wonders of Parc Guel and la Sagrada Familia (above), visit the Museo Picasso, and stroll along the beach. At night, sample the delicious tapas and then hit the streets and join the nightlife. Though a bit further away than other cities, it’s possible to get there via the train through France.
Milan
Where else to experience la dolce vita, but in Italy? Another well-known romantic locale, Milan (above) offers some of the best style, culture, fashion, and cuisine in Europe. See the treasures of the Renaissance, or pick one of the many sidewalk cafes and watch the world go by. Milan is also known throughout Italy for its many gay-friendly clubs and events, such as PourHomme, Company Club, and GLounge.
Brussels
A convenient stop in between Paris and Amsterdam, Brussels is a lovely gem of a city in the centre of Belgium (above). Surrounded by history, couples can explore this smaller, less crowded city on foot and experience the pleasant, funky vibe. There are art galleries, museums, excellent shopping and restaurants, and amazing chocolatiers. Good LesBiGay neighborhoods include Saint Jacques quarter, Dansaerstraat, and Sint-Goriksplein.
A Final Note
Even in the most cosmopolitan of locales, you can sometimes encounter an unfriendly vibe. Even though most of Europe is accepting of gay and lesbian travelers, it’s possible to find small patches of closed-mindedness. If you catch a hint of any judgment or rudeness from individual waiters or hotel staff, it’s best to just pack up and leave. This is your holiday, and life is too short for that kind of unpleasantness.
Global Entry Fast Lane Speed Pass for Gay Travelers
Travel a lot to other countries? Now, you can skip the lines!
Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that
allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon
arrival in the United States. Though intended for frequent international
travelers, there is no minimum number of trips necessary to qualify for
the program. Participants may enter the
United States by using
automated kiosks located at select airports.
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