Gay Palm Springs in the Spring
THE SPRING!
All the cool things going on….
Palm Canyon Theater:
Elton Johns AIDA
HURRY! thru 3/13/2011
Alexander Weekend 10th Anniversary
3/25/2011 – 3/27/2011
Palm Springs WestFest & Rodeo
3/24/2011 – 3/27/2011
White Party
4/8/2011 – 4/11/2011
Coachella Valley Music Festival
4/15/2011 – 4/17/2011
Meet the Museum party for the LGBT Community
4/22/2011
Spring and Autumn are actually the best seasons to be in Palm Springs.
Located 120 miles east Los Angeles. The Colonial Spanish heritage, the powerful influence of Hollywood stars and Los Angeles wealthy people in the architecture and lifestyle of this town, and the omnipresence of the desert around, turn Palm Spring an exotic oasis and a top travel reference in south California.
But do you know WHERE you are going to stay??
The choice is simple, if you’re a man….INNdulge.
INNdulge corners the market on comfortable and casual. One section of the structure has the requisite pool and hot tub, and features rooms that are spacious and pampered without being stuffy, with nicely preserved ’50’s style kitchenettes (PS loves its retro history! But new updates are always being done – recently new headboards, desks, tables, dresser’s, flat screen TV’s, and original artwork were added to rooms.)
There is a poolside social hour and INNdulge probably boasts the most spectacular mountain-range view. Practically every Palm Springs Locale is outfitted with misters to combat the desert heat, but INNdulge has the only pool chiller which, when the heat soars to skin-melting temperatures, is quite a draw.
And check this out, last week they installed the desert’s first ever 24 hour security guard. His name is Pablo.
Isn’t that great?!
But seriously, this is the place to stay in Palm Springs. INNdulge Palm Springs is a wonderful example of Palm Springs 50’s architecture….and hospitality. The resort is centered around a kidney-shaped pool. The beautifully landscaped grounds frame the surrounding hotel rooms. The only thing better than the architecture and grounds of the property are the resort’s employees and its owners, who maintain a friendly atmosphere resulting in a loyal repeat crowd.
When in Palm Springs….INNdulge!
601 Grenfall Road Palm Springs CA 92264
ph. 800.833.5675 760.327.1408
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
Brutal Attack in Saint Lucia on Gay Travelers
But many parts of the Caribbean are still filled filled with hate and homophobia. Jamaica may be the worst offender , but much of the rest of the Caribbean also has a long history of intense homophobia. Islands like Barbados still criminalize homosexuality, and some seem to be following Jamaica’s more violent example. Bahamas and St. Martin has had bad press and now Saint Lucia
Gay couple Michael Baker and Nick Smith were attacked , while visiting Saint Lucia, from Atlanta.
The couple had been staying with a friend, Todd Wiggins, at a cottage on the island, where sex between gay men is illegal, when they were attacked by five men who had broken into the house. Baker says the ordeal “was more than a simple robbery” and recounts how the assailants “said if (Baker and Smith) were faggots they would kill (them).” He describes the awful assault in his own words on his Facebook wall:
Then I heard a scream I’ll never forget. “Oh my god, oh my god, no, no no!!! Stay in the bathroom!! OH MY GOD!”
It didn’t make sense… there had been bugs and creatures in and out of the house all week, how could Todd be freaked out by a bug? I went to the door and glanced out. Immediately, I saw a man all in black, his face covered in a tee shirt so I could only see his eyes, and the gun in his hand. We were going to die. I didn’t see, but knew there was more than one because someone was attacking Todd….
What followed is a brutal attack. Beating, bashing, blood everywhere –
Gay Tallinn Estonia Still a Great Value for European Travel
on Tallinn Estonia about
4 years ago on
New Gay Travel Guide .
Estonia, officially the Republic of Estonia, is a country in Northern Europe.
Estonia has land borders to the south with Latvia and Russia to the east.
The tourism bureau says, “Like Alice in her Wonderland, you will find there is even more to see in Estonia than you have dreamed about. The dream world becomes real and the reality is unbelievable.”
Though attitudes in Tallinn have become more in line with those of Western Europe over the last few years, overt public displays of affection are still rare here. That said, the city is home to its own thriving gay scene, with two of the most popular gay venues located next door to one another on Sauna street in Old Town.
Gay and Lesbian Information is online at Tallin Life and also www.gay.ee
Some places listed on the main tourism page are the most accessible for tourists, but are by no means the end of the story. G-Punkt and Ring Club are somewhat divey local favourites outside the centre. There’s also an exclusive, men-only sauna called Sauna Club 69 a short walk from Old Town. They actually list sauna and club information right on their main tourism page !
VALUE!
Two decades ago, this tiny republic was in the clutches of the Soviet Union; now it’s a full-fledged member of the EU and it’s fast becoming one of Europe’s vacation hotspots. Long eclipsed by nearby (and much pricier) destinations like Helsinki and St. Petersburg, Estonia’s capital offers everything from stunning architecture (in particular, the cathedrals in the medieval Old Town) to funky restaurants (one to try: Cafe VS, an Indian restaurant set in a dance club) to raging nightlife (liquor is dirt-cheap; a shot of Estonian vodka averages $1.75, and a bottle of domestic beer generally costs $2.50).
On Jan. 1 Tallinn kicked off a yearlong schedule of 7,000+ events—concerts, dance festivals, museum exhibits and more—to celebrate being crowned a 2011 European Capital of Culture. Plus, increasing flight capacity means airfares are likely to decrease—Estonian Air will double its flights to London in March and discount carriers EasyJet and RyanAir are boosting their number of trips to Tallinn.
Best time to visit Tallinn: Winters are cold and dark, and summers are packed with tourists, so your best bet is to visit in May or June, when temperatures typically hover in the 50s and 60s and it doesn’t get dark until after dinner.
Price check: A recent flight search found May fares starting at $800 for one-stops out of New York (Finn Air) and $900 from Atlanta (American Airlines); a two-stop flight from San Francisco rings up at $1,000 (American).
Where to stay: Built in 1874 for a German nobleman, the von Stackelberg Hotel is still fit for royalty with its original limestone walls, heated bathroom floors and free Internet. Ask for the Zen Room, which features soothing bamboo decor and a private Jacuzzi. Vonstackelberghotel.com, doubles from $100!
HOWEVER, Tallin Life has about 2 dozen places to stay on their site that are very gay friendly.
Gay Pride 2011 Kicks off With Celebration in New Zealand
Out in the Square, Wellington’s gay and lesbian fair, will paint the city’s Civic Square all the colours of the rainbow on Saturday 12 March.
The fair has been running in Wellington for 26 years, since before being gay was even legal in New Zealand. Its aim then was to raise awareness, which is still one of Out in the Square’s main goals today.
Out in the Square will feature fabulous entertainment of the widest variety including some of the country’s top drag queens and popular local bands and singers. Top that off with some fabulous food, colourful carnival attractions, loads of arts, crafts, clothing and other stalls, plus gay anthems pumping out all day — Out in the Square promises to be a glorious day in the Capital.
The festivities kick off at 11am with an official opening by Wellington’s new Mayor Celia Wade-Brown, plus local MP Grant Robertson. Performances, stalls, and food will keep everyone busy until things wrap up at 5pm. (I wonder if they light the Fern Ball sculpture pink??)
OUT IN THE SQUARE
(In the US, Gay Pride kicks off in April in Phoenix Arizona !)
Gay Travel to VietNam
Vietnam has become a favorite destination for travelers to Southeast Asia. Picturesque, vibrant and youthful, it offers magnificent natural wonders, gorgeous beaches, ancient city lanes, addictive cuisine and a paradise of shopping bargains.
The archaeological excavations carried out recently have proved the presence of human beings in the territory of Vietnam since the Paleolithic Age or the Old Stone Age (300,000 – 500,000 years).
In the Neolithic Age (New Stone Age), Hoa Binh – Bac Son cultures (about 10,000 BC) had witnessed the development of agriculture and animal husbandry, including even the technique of paddy rice cultivation!
It wasn’t until 1977, that Vietnam became a member of the United Nations. After many years of prolonged war, the country was heavily devastated.
The GLBT Community is growing in Viet Nam. Gays in Viet Nam are sometimes oppressed by the government but there are no laws against homosexuality. There are very strict laws about underage sex, don’t get caught! The younger generation seems to be very open about their sexuality, and the expat community is somewhat out and supportive of the gay community.
There are several bars, pubs, disco’s, nightclubs, restaurants, spas, saunas, tour guides, travel companies, guesthouses and resorts that are gay owned or managed. Most of the discos and nightclubs are mixed but the gays know where to gather. Prostitution is illegal in Viet Nam as is the payment for sex, so be careful.
There are young men cruising around the city who may not be what they appear. Just be careful of picking up someone, you may get ripped off or threatened. Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is much more open with gay life than in the north.
There is Viet Nam venue guide online you will find very helpful.
Amazing Iceberg Photos from Lake Michigan
IS THAT FREAKING WILD? OR WHAT!
A reader emailed these – but didn’t say where they shot at!
The captions said, Icebergs in Lake Michigan sometimes have stripes, formed by layers of snow that react to different conditions.
Blue stripes are often created when a crevice in the ice sheet fills up with melt water and freezes so quickly that no bubbles form.
When an iceberg falls into the lake, a layer of water can freeze to the underside. If this is rich in algae, it can form a green stripe.
Brown, black and yellow lines are caused by sediment, picked up when the ice sheet grinds downhill towards the lake.
Frozen Wave Pixs – Nature is amazing!
The water froze the instant the wave broke through the ice. That’s what it is like in Lake Michigan where it is the coldest weather in decades. Water freezes the instant it comes in contact with the air. The temperature of the water is already some degrees below freezing.
Just look at how the wave froze in mid-air!!!
WOW! Think Spring!
Gay Friendly Curacao Voted TOP SPOT for 2011
IT WAS
one of the Caribbean’s best-kept secrets.
Not anymore! Curacao is a treasure trove of surprises and selected as one of the ‘Top 21 Places We’re Going in 2011’ by Fodor’s, one of the ‘Hottest Destinations for 2011’ by AOL Travel and one of the ‘Destinations to Watch in 2011’ by SmarterTravel.
Curaçao also took home two awards from Scuba Diving magazine’s “Top 100 Gold List”, for the “Best Dive Operation” (Ocean Encounters) and for the “Best Dive Site” (Superior Producer). “Tiny in size, yet bustling with vibrancy and allure, this captivating island offers a unique escape. We like to think of ourselves as the Caribbean’s hidden gem.”
TALK ABOUT AFFORDABLE! CHECK THIS OUT!
SAY NO TO SNOW: CURAÇAO NOW!
FROM ONLY $1!*
Swap Slush for Sun in Curaçao with Free Night, $200 Instant Credit, $200 F&B Credit.
Visitors can book starting February 15 through March 15 for travel until the end of 2011.
By booking NOW! travelers will receive a host of freebies:
$200 instant credit per person with participating booking partners
$200 food and beverage credit per room with participating hotels
One night FREE on a four-night minimum stay with participating hotels
One dive FREE on a four-dive minimum with participating dive operators
Four-night packages start from only $1 per person at Lodge Kurá Hulanda and Beach Club, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, just $25 at Floris Suite Hotel Curaçao, $28 at Hilton Curaçao, and more!*
*Terms & conditions apply, per person, based on double occupancy and include the Curaçao NOW ! benefits.
Escape to the Caribbean’s hidden treasure.
Fall in love with Curacao’s world-class diving and beaches, invigorating outdoor adventure, and welcoming culture.
Make your Curacao Caribbean travel arrangements today !
Cambodia and Gay Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is the country’s capital, commercial, economic and political hub. It is situated at the confluence of three great rivers, Mekong, Tonle Sap, Bassac rivers. Getting to Phnom Penh is relatively easy, as they have a nice International Airport that services most major international carriers. Plan on at least 3 nights there to get around and explore. There are several gay owned hotels and guest houses to choose from. There is a lot to see and do there. Many of the restaurants serve some great gourmet experiences, for a very good value.
The gay scene is very open and many of the pubs and clubs have cabaret shows . A night stroll along the Sisowath Quay, can possibly lead to a meeting of some of the local Khmer community. For a romantic evening try a Dinner River Cruise at sunset.
Just recently, a gay nightclub has opened in Phnom Penh. Called GQ NIGHTCLUB , the gay community here has been waiting for a nightclub for ages and it is now up and running. Located on street 172 in Phnom Penh. Comfortable and stylish, they offer monthly parties, drag shows, ladies night, international DJS and more in a lounge setting.
Once the heart of a magnificent kingdom that stretched from Vietnam through Thailand, Cambodia is home to a true world wonder — the jungle-tangled ruins of Angkor and its complex of Hindu and Buddhist temples, palaces, and sanctuaries that, in its day, dwarfed any city in western civilization.
Today, having survived centuries of war and strife, the land and its people are once again at peace and no tourist to the region should miss a chance to explore its historic relics and lush green countryside, home to unspoiled nature and unforgettable encounters.
There’s a vibrant emerging gay scene in the capital city, Phnom Penh, that should not be missed by travelers who are tired of the slick and predatory scenes that can be found elsewhere in the region. Cambodian gays are not opressed by colonial law or anti-gay religious traditions, although many are pressured to get married and they enjoy their gay nature after work and before going home to their families.
CAMBODIA OUT is a great resource!
(Insider tip – Find out about the Bonus Discount and Specials Card !)
As well as Utopia Asia .
(Insider tip – going to Asia? Get your Utopia Discount card !)
The Best Gay Travel Guides
Worlds Biggest Gay Cruise…Leads to Drug Bust
A California man was arrested in the U.S. Virgin Islands after federal agents searched his cabin onboard what was billed as the “world’s largest gay cruise” and found a plethora of party drugs that he was allegedly selling to fellow passengers.
Steven Barry Krumholtz, 51, of West Hollywood was busted aboard Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas as the cruise ship was docked in St. Thomas, a Customs and Border Protection spokesperson says in a statement to AOL Travel News.
Along with the drug stash, agents recovered $51,000 in cash from Krumholtz’s room.
There were 5,4000 passengers aboard the cruise ship which was charted by Atlantis.
The Allure of the Seas is currently the largest cruise ship in the world.
Atlantis has also chartered the ship for another cruise in 2012.
Uber Sexy Fitness Blogger Davey Wavey Travels to Sundance
Before there was
Scott Herman ,
there was Davey.
Unless you have been
under rock the last 5 years,
you should know
who DAVEY WAVEY is.
The gay fitness hottie is more delicious than Mom’s Apple Pie! And his blog Break The Illusion is uber popular.
The 27 year old says, “I assumed this physical form to embark on a journey of peace and love.
Though I’m a bit of a nomad, traveling the world from city to city and town to town, my current location is Rhode Island, USA. For a career, I’m a certified personal trainer and have a fitness blog, Davey Wavey Fitness .
My life’s mission is to 1.) share my love with the world 2.) teach others about the pervasive oneness of this perfect universe and 3.) learn, grow and develop from all my experiences and all my teachers.”
It is his Videos which are getting international attention now. And I predict, this attention could bring him much deserved fame. You have to love the whole Web 2.0 movement. When I grew up, and I am dating myself (gasp!) we didn’t have YouTube, Twitter or even the Internet! The world is an oyster now. Anyone can be their own PR agent and get seen by millions. Bloggers and Vloggers are becoming the stars of today.
YouTube invited Davey to Park City Utah for the week, for the Sundance Film Festival, because one of his video clips is being used in Kevin MacDonald and Ridley Scott’s documentary, Life in a Day .
Life in a Day is the result of director Kevin MacDonald’s plea to the YouTube community to record one day of their lives – July 24th, 2010 – with the ultimate aim of patching them all together. The call was heard, and 80,000 videos were submitted for selection, totalling 4,500 hours of raw footage.
Produced by Ridley Scott, the footage was eventually cut down to the 90 minute feature that is garnering raves from reviewers and audiences for it’s moving and poignant scenes harnessed from everyday life, by everyday people. Encompassing the most mundane daily activities to the most exhilarating and saddest experiences, the film operates with a kind of rhythm that can change mood on a dime, and can elicit a broad smile as quickly as it can have the viewer choking back the tears .
The movie premiered at Sundance this past week and streamed live on YouTube. And you can watch his MEET THE FILM MAKER interview . The actual film will be released sometime in 2011.
Congratulations Davey!!
When traveling, Davey says, “Staying healthy and fit while traveling is always a challenge. But here are my top 6 tips for making it happen: Calorie counting never takes a vacation; skipping the gym is not an option; use your feet; bring your own snacks; and be flexable.” Read all the tips in detail on Daveys Fitness Blog . He also gives some pointers for hotel stays .
He says, “Being a frequent traveler doesn’t need to be a death sentence for your fitness program or a prescription for obesity. Keep your game face on—and I think you’ll be pleased with the results: more energy, better sleep and increased immune system performance, just to name a few.”
Davey on YouTube Davey on Facebook
Best Gay News and New Gay Travel Guide
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!
Gay Prague and Bratislava in the Czech Republic
We loved Prague when we were there a couple years ago. And in June, we are heading back and also stopping by Bratislava (home of Bel Ami ) and Budapest for Gay Pride . (they are announcing their 2011 dates next month).
In 2008, we found it very inexpensive, compared to many cities. Talking with Joseph Brewster, owner of Club Temple , he said, “The dollar is definitely up now. Clothes and electronics are expensive .. Cigarettes now about $4.50. Redbull, Pepsi and gas are all up! But for the most part, food and drinks are still cheap to reasonable here.”
Prague City Hall has compiled a map which it hopes will attract gay tourists to the capital.
The leaflet can be picked up at information centres, gay clubs and hotels, according the Prague Information Service.
The PIS already has a dedicated section for gays on its website for visitors to the ‘Mother of Cities’.
There are directions to clubs and saunas, the map includes information on sites of Czech heritage, and important phone numbers for police and hospitals in the city.
“We do not want to shock anyone,” she said. The map does not locate any “clubs with dubious reputation.” (Hmmmm…what does that mean?!)
The map creators had consulted a Prague travel agency catering to gay tourists in the area.
However, the map is designed only with homosexual men in mind, with few attractions tailored to lesbians.
“There are many more gays coming here. They do not hesitate to come out and are more organized,” Novakova said. “Besides, there are perhaps only two clubs in Prague with a lesbian profile.”
Prague is a modern thriving metropolis with a wide variety of entertainment on offer, truly something for everyone. Everything from International DJs playing at award winning House/Techno clubs, through to a vast repertoire of classical music, world-class festivals and tourist concerts in numerous churches, opera
and ballet, avant-garde drama, jazz and rock, dozens of art galleries and excellent museums.
Enjoy world famous Czech beer (pivo) and Gulas served in the friendly atmosphere of local restaurants and pubs or treat yourself to a lavish candle-lit meal in one of Prague ‘s numerous romantic restaurants or river boats.
Since low cost airlines started flying into and from Prague there is no “low season” anymore. Low cost airlines operating in Prague are Smartwings , (Flights from/to Barcelona, Budapest, Heraklion, Larnaca, Madrid, Milan, Paris, Rome); and also Easyjet (Flights from/to Basel, Bristol, Dortmund, Geneva, London, Milan, Newcastle, Nottingham).
The selection of Prague hotels is endless! There are numerous hotels in Vinohrady area where most of the gay clubs are located. If you want to stay in a more bustling area where all the shops are, there are many hotel choices in Old Town . Some of the more well known hotels in Old Town include Residence Bene Prague, Savic Hotel Prague and U Prince Hotel Prague. The gay sauna Babylonia is right in Old Town!
We are excited to get back there and we have read there are new places in the gay district to check out!
More details soon!
American Airlines Leads the Way to Give Customers Better Choices
The whole thing sounded odd and New Information comes out today!
It iseems American Airlines is moving to use new technology for selling flights, and is running into resistance from companies using outdated systems. The conflict is about American wanting to move to a new technology that will evolve the way airlines sell flights so that customers have the best, and most, travel choices. Makes sense, right?!
So Why would two travel websites walk away
from one of the biggest airlines in the world?
Both Expedia and Orbitz no longer offer American airlines flight information. And now two companies lurking in the background say they want to raise the fees they charge the airline, and change how American flights are displayed to travel agents.
Although Orbitz and Expedia have been the names in the forefront of this debate, two other companies — Travelport and Sabre, which act as middlemen between airlines, travel agencies and consumers — are behind the issues American Airlines is really fighting. In the airline industry, this is big drama.The conflict is about American wanting to move to a new technology that will eevolve the way airlines sell flights so that customers have the best and most travel choices.
American Airlines wants to eliminate unnecessary costs from middlemen that are no longer needed because of American’s “direct connection” technology. It is a technology that allows travelers to compare schedules, fares, products and services … all of which allows consumers to make better and more informed purchase decisions for their travel … and which is not available with outdated, inefficient systems used by some companies including Sabre and Travelport.
More details soon, from the number one airlines !
Whistler Blackcomb…Skiing in a Snowglobe!
Last week I found this video on YouTube.
A day in the life of a miniature Whistler , the biggest little ski area in the world. This video documents a bird’s eye view of teeny, tiny Whistler Village and surrounding Whistler Blackcomb mountains, making it a real life snow globe.
It is by Switchback Entertainment .
SnowTrax !
Hotspots for Gay LGBT Travelers to Consider
A recent survey by Community Marketing, Inc. — the gay travel research experts for nearly 20 years –shows that lesbian and gay travelers are planning on doing a lot more traveling this year than they did during the last two. With all this pent-up demand, U.S. LGBT travelers will be heading near and far to spend those restless pink dollars. This year, put these five hot spots on your gay travel radar, and venture beyond the tried and true.
South America Rising
Rio de Janeiro has long been an important stop for in-the-know gay travelers who flock here during their summer (our winter). This South American New Year’s is one of the most exciting celebrations for LGBT locals and visitors alike. But this year, plan on going farther a field. Florianopolis, on the coast Brazil south of Rio, attracts droves of sun-seeking gay and lesbian Brazilians. It was a stop on a recent Atlantis cruise and it’ll be host to the IGLTA’s 2012 convention. This holiday hotspot is renowned for its long spans of beautiful beaches, quaint fishing villages and fresh, delicious seafood. The atmosphere is one that’s relaxed and languid with no rush for anything. Comprising a city scape and an island, both are often referred to as Ilha de Santa Catarina or Floripa for short.
Buenos Aires — long and justifiably a gay-popular stop — should be coupled with a visit to Mendoza (wine country) or a quick jaunt across the Rio de la Plata to Uruguay for a visit to the romantic colonial town of Colonia or a jaunt to the much-improved beach resort Punta del Este, the South American jetsetter’s version of St. Tropez..
The Venice of the North
The Scandinavian countries have long been light years ahead of the rest of the world in their treatment of gays and lesbians, offering civil unions and other rights before many Western nations. They’ve typically done so in a decidedly low-key manner, until now.
Sweden is (finally and justifiably) tooting its horn. The country offers same-sex marriage and recently ran a contest culminating in several same-sex couples tying the knot in the air during a flight by SAS, the national airline. This is one reason to reward Sweden with your pink travel dollars, but it’s certainly not the only reason. Once you visit Stockholm, you’ll instantly understand the appeal. It’s a gorgeous city, which like its Italian twin sister, is built on islands. Sailboats, ferries, and other vessels punctuate the vibrant harbor, which is ringed by gorgeous historical buildings, dotted by lush green islands, and bathed in endless light in the summer. In the winter, it’s dark and cold, so pair your visit with a trip to the Ice Hotel , located in Lapland (120 miles north of the Arctic Circle) where you may actually get to see the Northern Lights.
Las Vegas
Las Vegas has grown to be a very popular gay hot spot in recent years. Continuously reinventing itself, Vegas seems incapable of keeping itself from adding rooms, casinos, theaters, shopping, and attractions. This travel hot spot is up to nearly 150,000 rooms. That’s almost 55 million heads-in-beds annually. Their overcapacity is a bust for developers (the much ballyhooed Fountainbleau Hotel didn’t even get off the ground), but a total boon for travelers. Rooms can often be had for a steal. Even truly fabulous properties, like the brand spanking new Cosmopolitan, built for the Champagne crowd, is eagerly welcoming the beer-can set. It is not just because Vegas offers very affordable luxury that it’s sizzling again. It’s also because it’s one of the most authentically gay welcoming destinations in the U.S., much to the surprise of many people.
The Wynn and Encore (which holds more five star awards than any other casino resort, thank you!) has not one, but five gay packages on their website: EncoreLasVegas.com/Pride .- and they have a full time gay concierge . PLUS, they host the homoerotic LE REVE , which is a MUST SEE show! Similarly welcoming hotels include the Mandalay Bay, the Paris, and MGM Grand.
Gay Middle East
Three words you probably never thought you’d read together. While it’s true that the vast majority of the Middle East probably won’t be actively marketing to the LGBT travel segment any time soon, there are a couple of very notable exceptions. Israel, which is the strongest democracy in the region, has a pretty decent track record with respect to rights for their same-sex citizens. Just one example: Legal same-sex marriages performed outside the country are recognized here, thanks to a case brought about, in fact, by the man included below who runs a terrific in-bound travel agency that can help you put together an amazing visit to the region. Tel Aviv, which celebrated its 60th anniversary this summer — it hardly looks a day over 25! — is actively courting the queer dollar. There’s much to love in this destination aside from the hot local women and men, including fine hotels, dining options, and warm stretches of beach lapped gently by the turquoise Mediterranean waves. Beirut — yes, in Lebanon — has also started to reach out to lesbian and gay travelers, with a recent symposium, and at least one out, proud, and highly competent tour operator (listed below).
Singapore
Singapore , nestled in the island-country of Malaysia, has a reputation for religiously strict adherence to rules that would put the Pope to shame. Problem is: That’s no longer true. It’s been slowly changing. Deputy PM Wong Kan Seng emphasized in 2009 that Singapore is a “stable society with traditional, heterosexual family values, but with space for homosexuals to live their private lives and contribute to the society.”
Singapore has a lingering PR problem from its years of threatening gay citizens with the rotten rattan of its buggery-obsessed former colonial masters. Let’s lay that nonsense to rest: these days you won’t be arrested for sharing a bed with your lover. You don’t need to withhold your pink dollars in a vote against the dinosaur technocrats because pink dollars are fueling a renaissance of gay-owned and managed businesses across the island. The tourist area of Chinatown already has several dozen rainbow venues filling up heritage buildings and attracting a steady flow of local clientele and in-the-know regional visitors. Have a look, sir.
Singapore is a sophisticated, educated, modern city with all the amenities you’d expect as a Westerner. There are charming old neighborhoods, friendly, helpful locals, and a shockingly big and developed (well for a socially conservative society) gay scene. Singapore actually has Asia’s hottest gay scene going these days. Homo sex is technically illegal (a legacy of British colonialism), but there are plenty of gay nightlife venues in the historic Chinatown section. Throughout the city, you’ll find the best of the best cuisines from this part of the world, be it Thai, Chinese, or Indian.
This destination also offers great shopping, inexpensive world-class hotels, and some of the friendliest service anywhere in the world. This great experience starts in the air on Singapore Airlines, which boasts one of the world’s safest and highest-rated service records of any airline. Spend four days here and a restful long weekend in nearby Bali, Indonesia, another gay-popular Asian/Muslim destination. Stay in the mystical, natural, yet luxurious highlands of Ubud and visit the nearby beaches.
So step outside the box this year and try something new!
American Airlines and Orbitz in Dispute
As of December 21, 2010, schedules and fares for flights on the super gay-friendly American Airlines and American Eagle are no longer available on Orbitz.com or websites powered by Orbitz.com. (Expedia’s travel website is now hiding airfares for American Airlines after the third-largest US carrier pulled data from Orbitz Worldwide Inc as part of a legal dispute).
Tickets for travel already purchased through Orbitz remain valid, but changes must be made through American Airlines Reservations by calling 1-800-433-7300.
According to information posted on American Airlines’ website, the company was “unable to reach a mutually beneficial agreement with Orbitz. As a result, Orbitz is no longer authorized to display our schedules or sell tickets for travel on American Airlines or American Eagle.”
In an MONEYCNN.com article posted today, Brian Hoyt, a spokesman for Orbitz, is quoted as saying, “It is unfortunate that as of Dec. 21, American Airline flights will no longer be available on our Orbitz.com and Orbitz for Business sites.” The article also reports that American Airlines accounted for about 5% of Orbitz’ worldwide revenue for the first nine months of the year, according to Hoyt.
American Airlines customers can still choose from a wide range of online and traditional travel agencies to search for and purchase tickets, including AA.com .
American Airlines and Orbitz are both members of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association and have a long history of supporting and marketing to the gay community.
Gay Travel to Cancun Mexico
For years Puerto Vallarta has been a haven for gays, but now many other areas like Cancun are becoming hotspots.
In 2009, federal law legalized same-sex marriage, though it was up to the individual states whether they wished to allow this under state law. So far, México City and the state of Coahuila have signed up, but Quintana Roo can’t be far behind. It is also legal in México for transgender people to officially change their name and gender; and for homosexuals to adopt children.
The Riviera Maya isn’t awash with exclusively gay resorts and clubs, though they do exist. This is mainly because it’s not seen as that big a deal. Gay men and women just merge with their heterosexual counterparts, simply eyeing up a different gender in the clubs.
Nightlife in Cancun doesn’t really get started until 10pm or later, and lasts until 5 in the morning. Looking for addresses in Cancun can be tricky, but the cab drivers know most of clubs by name. Buses run frequently between El Centro and Zona Hotelera and El Centro is walkable.
Cancún traditionally hosts an International Gay Festival in May and a smaller festival in the fall. There is a Pride Parade in the city during June.
But there is another reason to go to Cancun. On a recent visit there, I ran into some gay guys on the beach who said they were visiting from Palm Springs. For vacation, but also for dental work!
Besides the white sandy beaches and gorgeous water (the Caribbean has 7-different colors of turquoise!), cosmetic surgeries and dental procedures can be had with huge savings. Sometimes as much as 70% off what you pay in the United States.
This couple were having Porcelain Veneers done while vacationing 9 days in Cancun! How great is that! And what they saved in Mexico on the work, more than paid for their entire trip!
Of course you want to choose a doctor or dentist that has all of the proper accreditations. And check references and testimonials. This particular couple was using Cancun Dentistry . And they couldn’t say enough good things about the doctor and his staff.
While in Cancun you won’t want to miss a trip to the Mayan ruins at Ruinas del Rey and Yamil Lu’um, both in the Zona Hotelera. Whatever you do while in Cancun, you are sure to have an amazing tropical vacation. And you can even walk away with a new smile!
Read More at ENDLESS CANCUN .
New Gay Travel Guide
Boutique and Luxury Gay Hotels for the LGBT Traveler
small B&Bs and Inns
and a handful of resorts
from Key West to Palm Springs
have labeled themselves
as “gay hotels” and/or
“gay resorts.”
In the 90’s we saw many big name hotels courting the gay travel dollar labeling themselves “gay-friendly” and providing gay perks to gay travelers. From W to Wynn, Marriott to Kimpton, major hotel chains have been targeting lesbian and gay travelers for some time now.
Some estimate that the LGBT travel market is worth an annual $63 billion in the U.S. alone. “There have always been gay inns and B&Bs,” says Lords founder Brian Gorman. “This is the time to take this concept to a far larger scale.”
When the Lords South Beach Hotel opened last month in Miami, its brightly hued decor, trio of plunge pools and Absolut Vodka–partnered bar looked much like any other higher-end Miami resort. But the 50+ room Art Deco confection, which is located a block from South Beach’s main gay beach, is billing itself as the country’s first large-scale, design-driven gay hotel. Not just gay-friendly, but gay through and through. The hotel worked with Out magazine to develop a Concierge App listing top local LGBT hot spots, asked Levi’s to custom-design its gray and white jean uniforms, and is preparing to launch its own social network.
Although the Lords may be the first, it’s not the only LGBT-focused hotel brand opening its doors in the U.S. In January, Fort Lauderdale’s Royal Palms will reopen after expanding from a 12-room gay-friendly guesthouse to a 62-room boutique hotel that caters to an all-male clientele who prefer a clothing-optional environment. With a spa, café, bar and gym, Florida’s Royal Palms Resort and Spa is marketing itself as North America’s biggest “full-service” gay retreat, but it won’t retain that title for long.
Later in 2011, Manhattan will finally usher in the Out NYC, a massive, 90,000-sq.-ft. (8,400 sq m) “urban resort” close to Times Square. This has been in the news for over a year now and quite an exciting project.
The industry trailblazer is Axel Hotels, a Spanish hospitality group with stylish, midrange LGBT-focused properties in Barcelona, Berlin and Buenos Aires. The chain is cheekily billed as “hetero-friendly,” says Axel president Juan Julia, who notes that in the off-season, upward of 30% of the guests at its properties are straight. The five-year-old company is considering additional sites in London and Paris, but first it must tackle New York City — where an estimated 7 million LGBT tourists pump $16.4 billion into the city each year. Axel will manage the 127-room hotel for the Out NYC, whose other components include an 11,000-sq.-ft. (1,000 sq m) disco, upscale restaurant and men’s spa.
Calling itself a luxury lifestyle resort collection, G Worldwide intends to launch properties in New York, Florida, California, and Las Vegas, according to its website. The hotels are described as being “uber high-tech facilities” operated by “some of the most innovative, creative people in design, food & beverage, nightlife, events, and hospitality.
Is there enough money and travelers to go around?
It appears so. Look at all the gay cruises. While many LGBT travelers do not wish to “ghettoize” themselves by staying in gay-only establishments, gay cruises have proved that there is a certain kind of gay consumer who wants to travel among a like-minded crowd. I for one, would much rather stay in an all gay hotel, than a mixed hotel where straights may roll their eyes at me as I walk by in my pink kaftan!
“These places provide a concentrated feeling of community,” said Thomas Roth, president of Community Marketing, a company in San Francisco that specializes in gay and lesbian market research. “Especially for the many people who don’t otherwise have the opportunity to be the majority.”
At a time when acceptance of gay people seems to be increasing, such resorts might seem superfluous. But Mr. Roth said his company’s research indicated a strong interest in them.
“We can’t assume there is a ‘gay customer’ anymore,” he said. There is a lot of diversity among people who identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, he said, and “some want all gay all the time — especially if they’re from, say, Omaha. So something like the Out NYC could be extremely successful.”
Finding The Best Travel Deals For Your Gay Ski Week With SnowTrax.com
and the holiday season
is well underway.
What wintertime treat is my personal favorite, you ask? Eggnog? Fresh cut pine trees? The gifts? Not even close.
The answer is skiing. What could be greater than speeding down a mountain over smooth, fresh, powdery snow?
This time of year,many people start thinking
about a gay ski week getaway!
Telluride; Utah; Andorra; Switzerland! Where to go? So many choices!
How do you pick? Well for starters, if you are traveling in the US or Canada, there is a great new search engine. A search engine that works the same way users actually think. SnowTrax helps you choose a ski destination based on whatever qualities matter to you – whether you’re craving expert-level steeps or family-friendly cruisers. “We can point you towards the mountains you will enjoy, applying our insider wisdom to suggest resorts based on terrain style, snow quality, après ski scene, and more.”
Even better, they help you hunt down the absolute top value ski package by searching multiple mountains simultaneously. That’s right: uncover surprising travel deals by comparing to-the-minute fares at multiple ski destinations. Why pay more for a driving-distance hotel near Park City than a slopeside chalet at Vail? Choose your destination wisely by finding the cheapest mountains to fly to and the top value ski lodging option.
Diehard fan of Deer Valley? Addicted to Ajax? Even if you have sworn allegiance to one resort, Snow Trax will still rock your world. Compare hotels based on their proximity to ski lifts and bus stops – “we’ve painstakingly mapped the location of ski lifts and shuttle bus stops so you can judge hotels accordingly. View prices for the cheapest flights and the flights that will get you more time on the slopes – we’ll show you flights that can buy you an extra day of skiing in addition to the cheapest fare. Whether you prioritize convenience or savings, SnowTrax gives you all the tools so you can ski smart this season.”
SOON you will be able to search the world with Snow Trax . At the moment, it’s just the US and Canada.
Key features include:
Multi-destination searches: compare packages at 5+ ski resorts simultaneously.
- Vacation optimization: view cheapest flight vs. flight that gives you the most on-mountain time
- Precise location of lodging: organize hotel results by the exact distance from lifts and shuttle stops
- Insider insight: find your ski resort match using our extensive filter system, based on up-to-date statistics and expert opinion
- Real-time pricing: SnowTrax displays to-the-minute rates; no price quotes required
So where are you going to go? Let us give you some ideas:
Aspen Gay Ski Week will be in it’s 34th year in 2011!
January 16-23, 2011
New England’s Hottest Gay Ski Week
Stowe Vermont Gay Ski Week 2011 – Winter Rendezvous 2011
Jan. 19 through 23 in 2011
Winter Pride- Whistler Gay Lesbian Ski Week,
January 30th-February 6th, 2011
GayWhistler.com is a year-round promoter of Whistler to the gay and lesbian community and produces and promotes GayWhistler ski week, WinterPRIDE every year.
As the “Top Gay Ski Week” in the country, as ranked by Gay.com, T-11 is back and better than ever.
Telluride, Colorado. February 26th- March 5th, 2011
16th year, the wild and rockin’ winter sports celebration known as Lake Tahoe WinterFest takes place
March 6 through March 12 in 2011
Elevation 2011, is our ninth annual Mammoth Gay Ski Week!
March 16th-20th in Mammoth Lakes,California. 2000+ people and 7 parties.
Nestled in the heart of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, Crested Butte is committed to preserving the pristine landscape and mountain lifestyle. The Matthew Shepard Foundation Gay Ski Week will debut in the Spring with plenty of Sun and Snow for a full series of fun ski events and parties on March 19 – 26, 2011
Vail Gay Ski Week – March 30-April 3rd. 5 days of affordable fun in a friendly atmosphere.
SnowTrax !
Best Gay Travel Guide
