Best Gay Travel

Gay Travel from Around the World

November 5, 2006 Holidays

MIAMI WHITE PARTY

WHITE PARTY – the granddaddy of all circuit
parites. Gay flock in from all over the world. As well as MTV, VH1, and E! enetertainment, mind you.

It was in 1984 that Frank Wager and Jorge Suarez planned the first event which they hoped would
increase understanding and awareness about the HIV virus. Having already lost many of their friends
against the struggle with AIDS, their plan was simple: to raise some money as well as people’s perceptions
about the fight against the virus.

The first White Party was advertised by dropping flyers outside the gay bars and clubs of South Florida
and local businesses were urged to donate alcohol and food in support of the cause. The venue was the
glamorous Vizcaya Villa, set on the banks of Miami’s Biscayne Bay amidst the spectacular 30 acres of
beautiful gardens. 1,600 people attended that first event. This year, 25,000 are expected. Many celebrities
that have attended over the years include such A-list stars as Calvin Klein, Madonna, Cindy Crawford, Gloria
and Emilio Estefan, Eartha Kitt, Patti Labelle, Rosie O’Donnell and Yoko Ono.

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November 4, 2006 Places outside US

GAY FRIENDLY ITALY

Milan, Rome, Venice…..ITALY!

Even if Italy isn’t the most tolerant country regarding same-sex couples, due to the hard
influence of the Vatican, it has grown to accept homosexuality, especially over the past
few decades. Homosexuality is legal since 1889, and the age of consent is 16. It is of
course forbidden to have sex in public, and even hard petting can be badly considered
by officials in some cases.

Notwithstanding, Italy remains a favorite romantic destination for gay women and men.
It is rather common to see openly gay couples walking down the streets in big cities like
Rome, Milan, Florence, though university cities like Pisa also take gayness in stride. But be
careful, in smaller towns it can be more dangerous to be too jaunty in public venues.
Places like Bologna, Milano, Parma, Pisa, Roma, are much more firendly and tolerant than
Palermo, Napoli, Lucca, Salerno and Messina.

Few countries match its wealth of pleasures and treasures like Italy:
history, art, music, fashions, and food. Yet the greatest pleasures
here are the Italians themselves. They not only possess the world’s
greatest outlook on life (La Dolce Vita), but are the essence of
Mediterranean dark and sexy. While Italy’s primary appeal is its
history and culture, gay travelers will find a limited but interesting
choice of nightlife spots, particularly in the big cities. They provide fun
nighttime diversion, and a glimpse into the challenges faced by Italian
gay women and men, as they begin to express their sexual identity
within the confines of a family and church dominated society.

Out Travel travel agency and tour operator is nowadays the leading
Italian company commited to growing gay and lesbian tourism.

MILAN
Better known for being new and fashionable, Milan is the
capital of Lombardy and Italy’s richest and second largest city.
The limelight is dominated by the fashion houses. Fashion
victims and supermodels ( and supermodels’ victims!!) descend
upon the city twice a year for its two fairs (spring and autumn collections).
No other place would do for gay people it seems! And yes, Milan is not
only the fashion capital but also a gay capital, if we may say so. Lots of
bars from cruising to relaxing atmosphere ones, discos, saunas, etc.

Nightclubs, of course, are here and there. With lots in Milan & Rome.

Versila is the “place in Italy where you are not judged for your sins, but for your suntan!”
or say the ads claim!

Tuscany is a land of freedom, that’s a fact. Tuscany
gave birth to two of the most important geniuses of
mankind, Michelangelo and Leonardo Da Vinci. Florence
has been the capital of sodomy between the fourth and
fifth century. Gianluca Leopoldo I in 1853 was the first
who in Italy decriminalized homosexuality. Pisa and
Empoli the first two towns which have agreed to keep a
Register for the Civil Unions of both gay and lesbian
couples, a big first step indeed for the GLBT community.
Pick any place of Tuscany and discover the beauty of this
region, from the majesty of the Apuanians Mountains to
the sweet Sienese hills, from the wild sand beaches nearby Livorno and Grosseto to the
relaxing hot springs all over Tuscany.

This region has always been very welcoming towards gays and lesbians.
“Friendly Versilia” is a project started in 1998 with the aim of giving visibility
to the large and still hidden GLBT community in Torre del Lago, a nice town between
waters, those of the sea and those of Massaciuccoli Lake, between Viareggio and Pisa.
The project was created by the GLBT local switchboard, supported by the local Municipality
and sponsored by gay and gay-friendly business. No matter the difficulties and the hard
times, Friendly Versilia is today able to attract over 100.000 homosexuals both men and
women from all Europe, from the last week of April until the first week of September.

November 2, 2006 Usefull Links

GAY NAKED TRAVEL

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They even have useful information like how to hike naked! “Hiking naked can be a great
experience. Feeling the breeze on your body and the sun on your shoulders makes your
nature experience all the more natural. ” – Check them out!

November 1, 2006 Places of Interest

ASPEN GAY SKI WEEKEND

For those that plan ahead,
the 2007 Annual Gay and Lesbian Ski Weekend will take place in Aspen,
January 14th-21st, 2007.

Called The Seven Deadly Sins – It’s the 30 th anniversary and I am told they are going
to be pulling out all the stops. If you’ve never been to Aspen for Ski Week before, this
will be the one not to miss !

For over 30 years now, as the first official gay ski week, Aspen Gay Ski Week has gained
the reputation of hosting the most exclusive and explosive winter entertainment. World
renowned DJ’s, indoor & outdoor pool parties, debauchery that will take you into the morning
hours just in time to hit the slopes.

Every January, this ski resort, synonymous with fur-wearing celebrities and jet-setters,
turns into a roving gay pride parade on snow. In what is known simply as Gay Ski Week,
more than a thousand well-groomed men (and a smattering of women) converge on Aspen
for seven days of cocktail mixers, shopping sprees, sushi dinners, pool parties, dancing and,
if time allows, some skiing and snowboarding, too.

The town has an angle, too. Gay revelers help fill the gap between the holidays and the peak
ski season, not only in terms of lift tickets, but for bigger-ticket items like Prada parkas
(about $1,300) and St. Regis suites (starting at about $1,125 a night). “January has historically
been our quietest month,” said Paul Menter, Aspen’s finance director. “After the holidays, Gay Ski
Week is the most lucrative time for retail stores.”

The Aspen resort is deemed to be one of the best in the world.
It is renowned as the winter playground for the rich and famous,
and so could be considered an ideal location for the event!

There are 4 mountains to ski, providing endless runs. Some seem to be appropriately named for us, the best include: Bottom’s up, Hal’s Hollow, Naked Lady, Fanny Hill, Bear Bottom, Adam’s Avenue and even Sam’s Knob! The snow is always fantastic with lots of fresh powder. The snow, the breath-taking scenery and the fantastic runs lined with beautiful snow drenched pine trees all make the resort live up to it’s hype.
(Thanks to Chris Geary for some of the photos & text!)

October 31, 2006 Holidays

KEY WEST FANTASY FEST

FANTASY FEST started in 1979 – when Key West was REALLY GAY! It’s become a HUGE event,
but just not as gay as it used to be. Key West isn’t as gay as it used to be actually. But it’s still
a great tropical getaway.

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Because Fantasy Fest draws so many tourists, hotels and bed and breakfasts are notorious
for hiking up the prices and requiring minimum stays of 3 to 4 nights during the 10-day period.

Many hotels are booked months in advance; visitors can expect to pay
$300 or $400 a night or more.

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October 28, 2006 Places outside US

GAY TRAVEL IN CROATIA

Croatia has a double ‘personality’ with its thousand Adriatic islands adjacent to picturesque mountains
and lakes. But it’s also a survivor of the bloody Balkan wars where massacres and ethnic cleansing ravaged
the land in the 1990’s. Narrow-minded socialist thinking still expresses some sharp intolerance toward gays
and lesbians. But time, peace and prosperity have helped in the healing of war scars while new national
legislation has given first-time recognition of LGBT partnerships.

Occasionally in my research on LGBT life in distant countries I come across a web site
that’s neatly organized, easy to use and very informative. They nearly render my own
storytelling unnecessary. Such as web site exists for gay Croatia; it’s called simply
Gay Croatia Tourist Info .

There are not many official LGBT venues in Croatia. Global Club in Zagreb is the only
danceclub for homosexuals in the country. Except for Global Club and some saunas
in Zagreb most places in Croatia are unofficial meeting-places. LGBT people in Croatia
generally meet each other outdoors in public places, which are known to be gay friendly
but don’t specifically count as being gay.

If you’re visiting Croatia during summer you’ll have the best chance to meet LGBT people by
visiting some of the beaches mentioned in our guide or by contacting some of the LGBT
organisations. In public places homosexuals tend to act “straight” and therefore hard
to “detect” while they’re much more relaxed on the gay-friendly beaches. It’s usually
very easy to make contact with people in Croatia and when you get a Croatian friend you’ll
have a friend for life.

This past July and August, Hvar Island became a gay-Mecca. Guests from the large European
gay week event filled hotel Croatia and all other accommodations. “As long as they are paying
customers, it’s all good” say island inhabitants. Hvar Island will saw an invasion of gay tourists from
the entire Europe. Dalmatian Coast is included among this years 10 best new locations for gay
summer holidays.

Croatia – often called the Queen of the Mediterranean, the land of a thousand of islands,
beaches and opportunities. Or plainly, as we should say in Croatian – welcome to “Lijepa Nasa”
[”Our Beautiful”]. Croatia is an inexpensive, peaceful and guest-friendly country with easy
customs and some of the most untouched and unique landscapes in Europe. You are always
welcome, whatever the purpose of your visit may be. As a tourist in this country, you will always
be treated as a dear friend.

The number of visitors is increasing for each year and Croatia has the highest rate of new tourist
arrivals of all Mediterranean countries. The number of tourists raised by 5% in 2005. Croatia is a
popular destination for the international Jet Set and you shouldn’t be surprised if you see familiar
faces such as those of the members of European royal families or prominent personalities from the
world of business, sport and film. Croatia has been visited by Princess Caroline of Monaco and her
husband Prince Ernst August of Hannover, King Albert II and Queen Paola of Belgium, Steven
Spielberg and his wife Kate Capshaw, Madonna and her husband Guy Ritchie, the actress Vanessa
Redgrave and one of the richest persons in the world – the Sultan of Oman just to mention a few.

October 27, 2006 Places outside US

HOT TIMES IN IBIZA / EIVISSA

Ibiza

Whether you pronounce it “ee–be–sa” or “ee–bee-tha” – it’s HOT!

A Spanish island of the Balearic Islands in the western Mediterranean Sea
southwest of Majorca. The island attracts tourists and artists and has Roman,
Phoenician, and Carthaginian ruins.

Ibiza / Eivissa is a very popular tourist destination, especially due to its legendary and
at times riotous nightlife centered around two areas Ibiza Town, the island’s capital on
the eastern shore and San Antonio to the West. Ibiza Town has become a popular
destination for tourists.

The Island is famously known for its summer parties, with thousands
of people flooding in for the big summer club nights. Famous clubs include Space, Pacha,
Privilege (ex Ku), Amnesia, Eden and Es Paradis. They are hosts to parties of international
fame such as Cream, Manumission, Fuck Me I’m Famous, etc.

The climate of Ibiza is mediterranean and has milder winters and slightly cooler summers
than Mallorca. The winters are mild with temperatures around 15 degrees (59 degrees
Fahrenheit) and some rain. The hot summer season lasts from June to September inclusive
wth temperatures regulary reaching 30 degrees (86 Degrees Fahrenheit), lots of sunshine
and very little rain. Frost and snow are very rare. Easyjet – start direct flights in mid-July www.cheapflights.co.uk

Gay bars in Ibiza change hands, appear and disappear and occasionally reappear in a
different location with the kind of flourish that is generally reserved by a closet in a dark
room. These pages are updated as changes take place (give or take a week or three
dependent on the number of changes..) and a list of changes are sent out to all of those
who request them in the updates newsletter @ GayIbiza.net

Most gay and gay friendly bars in Ibiza offer something very similar: A combination of
terraces, barmen and a Mediterranean atmosphere, generously augmented by the
stunning backdrop provided by the Dalt Vila.

Ibiza is known for it’s music. There exists a genre of trance music named for Ibiza
dubbed Balearic Beat, similarly to the way Goa trance is named for Goa, India. The
style tries to reflect the atmosphere of Ibiza, and listeners often say they can see a
Mediterranean sunset when they hear its euphoric, uplifting melodies. The atmosphere
is brought on with the use of synthesized string instruments, the sound of waves,
mandolins and guitars, and wispy vocals.

Musician Michael Cretu, famous for his project ENIGMA and his wife Sandra, have their
home and A.R.T. Studios on Ibiza. It is where albums ( including MCMXC a.D. and
Le Roi Est Mort, Vive le Roi!), selling 120 million copies, were recorded. They also own
a small 16th century villa and a restaurant Goya in Ibiza city.

One of the joys of being on this island is that, no matter where you are,
especially when driving, you are never far from one of the many wonderful
beaches or secluded little coves… Over 80 beaches to choose from –
depending on your mood!

Shopping, Dining, Relaxing, Clubbing – it’s all here! Magnificent views or under
trees in peaceful meadows; Restaurants perched on beautiful beaches overlooking
the azure sea and others in the resorts that have made Ibiza world famous.
PACK MY BAGS!

October 24, 2006 Places outside US

GAY TRAVEL IN COSTA RICA

There’s nothing like sitting on a quiet beach sipping pina colada’s and watching beautiful men!

Pack your bags and check out the new Costa Rica! In recent years, they have become more gay
friendly and a top travel destination for gay tourists. And gays are moving there and/or buying
homes there.
Costa Rica has hotels and resorts near the beach, and rain forest: many of the top
Costa Rica hotels and resorts, sportfishing boats, canopy tours & dining, are very affordable.
Beaches, surfing, scuba diving, villa rentals, rico resorts & all-inclusive hotels – the choices are
plenty!. Find a luxury resort, beach hotels, or all-inclusive hotels, exotic villas and rental houses –
there are many choices here. Combine a Costa Rican vacation with a look at local real estate.
Many gays and lesbians are buying property here! Go deep sea fishing for marlin and sailfish
on a fishing charter from Quepos or Jaco.

Costa Rican lesbians and gay men have made significant gains in the last ten years.
Although a gay traveler who was here in 1990 would hardly recognize gay life today,
paradoxes still abound. Gay and lesbian life may now be legally protected and thriving,
but the lives of lesbians and gay men remain divided between a supportive peer culture
and a national culture which still condemns and vilifies them. – But with gay tourism
pouring in, things have changed. The gay scene in Costa Rica is really beginning to blossom.
In San José, you can choose between any one of a dozen downtown bars and clubs, and
even a couple saunas!

San José has everything that a North American city has for gay people. Gay bars, discos,
gyms, boutiques, organizations, hotels, and restaurants. It also has museums of history,
science, and art that are like none other on the planet. For example, the Gold Museum is
four stories underground below the Plaza de la Cultura. This “museum in a vault” contains
over 2000 priceless, pre-Columbian gold artifacts. The Jade Museum, located on the 11th
floor of the National Insurance Building, (INS), has the world’s largest collection of
pre-Columbian jade.

The variety of food and restaurants has been another surprising improvement over the years.
Costa Rica has always been blessed with more wonderful and exotic fresh fruits and vegetables
than you can imagine. New combinations and the cooking styles from numerous cultures have
created an endless variety. The seafood is good and fresh. Chicken is, well, chicken. The beef
is lean and a bit chewy, since Tico cows do a lot of walking and do not have the tasty fat
marbled through the meat, like Gringo cows! There are lots of gay and gay friendly
restaurants here.

No matter what you are in the mood for, a volcano tour, deep sea-diving, a rainforest aerial
tram, laying on the gay beach Manuel Antonio, visit the turtle sanctuary, sip cocktails at
the hour-long sunsets, go white water rafting, or visit the hot springs – Costa Rica has
something for everyone.
Once you vacation here, you will want to buy something here! It’s spectacular!

October 20, 2006 Places outside US

LONDON CALLING

GAY LONDON CALLING!

Going to LONDON? London is widely recognized as one of the gay capitals of the world. The city offers fabulous shopping, clubs and bars to suit all tastes, and cosmopolitan cuisine to make your mouth water. And don’t miss the fabulous EuroPride London parade and festival, which takes place every summer.

London boasts four World Heritage Sites and over 200 attractions are free to enter. There’s nowhere else like it! And if you want to get out of the hustle bustle of the city ….

Wild London
Get close to wildlife at one of London’s nature reserves, aquariums or Butterfly Houses. Despite being in a city, you are not so far away from nature as you may think.

Restaurants – Sky high views, intimate dining rooms, original Picassos on the walls, Madonna at the next table or a traditional Caribbean snack when you’re on the go – whatever your palate, you’ll be catered for in London.

Clubs & Late Night

If you want nightlife, it’s here in London. There are plenty of venues guaranteed to keep you pumping on the dancefloor until dawn. Discotec, The End, 18 West Central Street, WC1, Tel: +44 (0)20 7419 9199 – Nearest Tube station: Tottenham Court Road
Roll up, roll up – come and see the sideshow! Yes, this funky night is a gallery of the weird and the wonderful (not to mention the completely wasted!). So drag your most flamboyant outfit out of the wardrobe and get down!

Heaven, Under The Arches, Villiers Street, WC2, Tel: +44 (0)20 7930 2020
Nearest Tube station: Charing Cross – Young hearts run free at one of the world’s most famous gay clubs.

Whether your thing is tiaras or suits, you’ll find something to keep you amused. Not least the drag queens and go-go dancers.

London is the ultimate shopping destination and thousands of shops line the city’s streets. The stores are filled with everything from expertly sourced vintage fashion to the latest in contemporary furniture design. Keep one step ahead of the style trends and find out what shops have just hit the scene and which shopping events are just too good to miss. Every November, America’s premiere sample sale Billion Dollar Babes returns to London with designer discounts galore! The designers include Diane Von Furstenberg, Cacherel, Philip Treacy and True Religion Jeans. Also take advantage of Wella Professionals and Bloww’s Paul Merritt who will be offering top tips on the hottest hairstyles this winter.
When: 4 November Where: Lindley Hall, Vincent Square, SW1

Even without a guidebook at their disposal, most gay visitors to London would soon find their way to the nearest gay bar. Call it gaydar if you must, but would those same visitors be as quick to locate the best venues for experimental gay theatre, or the nearest place for a night of camp comedy? Would they stumble across the gay-friendliest hotels and restaurants, and would they really make the most of all that gay London has to offer – or simply go on a gay pub crawl? Everyone I know that has ever went to London, loved it! Meet me at the red phone booth on the corner???

October 17, 2006 California, Gay Hotels, Places of Interest, Places US, Restaurants and Dining

HEARST CASTLE & THE MADONNA INN

CALIFORNIA is such an amazing state. It’s really my favorite state. It has everything! San Francisco & Napa, Palm Springs, San Diego, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Pebble Beach and the amazing 17 mile drive, and we’ll talk about all the areas in coming months.

But in this installment, we’re talking about San Luis Obispo area, home of the HEARST CASTLE / SAN SIMEON HISTORICAL MONUMENT and the MADONNA INN.

Halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles along the central California coastline is a meeting of land and sea that is an integral part of the California State Parks system. Beaches, waterfalls, natural and cultural preserves are all part of the Central Coast State Parks. In this breathtaking region, redwoods march down to the sea, wildlife thrives along the rugged coastline, and sand dunes protect endangered plants and animals as part of this natural treasure. This is where William Randolph Hearst decided to build his magical castle!





The entire compound is 90,000 square feet, with the main house being 60,000 square feet, 38 bedrooms and 41 bathrooms. 3 guest houses and a spectacular outdoor pool as well as a magical indoor pool. Did I mention 41 fireplaces?! Hearsts’ father bought 40,000 acres initially and over the years, Randolph acquired another 210,000 acres around it!

The estate is a pastiche of historic architectural styles that Hearst admired in his travels around Europe. For example, the main house is modeled after a 16th century Spanish cathedral, while the outdoor pool features an ancient Roman temple front transported wholesale from Europe and reconstructed at the site. Hearst furnished the estate with truckloads of art, antiques, and even whole ceilings that he acquired en masse from Europe and Egypt.



Originally known as “Camp Hill,” its wilderness offered a place for family members and friends to “rough it” on camping trips. Despite elaborate arrangements with separate sleeping and dining tents, Hearst envisioned more comfortable accommodations. His simple instructions to famed San Francisco architect Julia Morgan in 1919: “Miss Morgan, we are tired of camping out in the open at the ranch in San Simeon and I would like to build a little something.”

Did he say “little something”? Hearst and Morgan’s collaboration has become one of the world’s greatest showplaces. The state of Californina owns it now and tours are given daily. It’s truly a MUST SEE. And when you are there, you might as well run over to the MADONNA INN, at least for dinner, if not a sleep over!

A landmark on California’s Central Coast for over forty-five years! The world-renowned Madonna Inn offers 109 rooms, each uniquely decorated with a special theme and color scheme, no two alike! It’s very dated 60’s-70’s, but very cool! Very over the top!

Enjoy a great meal in the Copper Café & Pastry Shop or Alex Madonna’s Gold Rush Steak House. Dance the night away in the Silver Bar Cocktail Lounge. Shop in one of three specialty stores: Classic Gourmet and Wine Shop, “My Favorite Things” Boutique, and The Brass Tower Men’s Clothing Store. Indulge in a bit of pampering in the Whispering Hills Massage Center.

Rooms run about $150-$250. And themes like the Bedrock Room with Waterfall shower are very popular! There is also the Austrian Suite, China Flower, Dot & Daisy, Love Birds, Manhattan Room, and Safari.

The restaurant is eye-popping and jaw-dropping! Treat yourself to unforgettable fine casual dining, indulge in a delicious oak-pit-barbecued steak or seafood dinner in the warm and inviting Gold Rush Steak House. It’s a spot to remember with outstanding service, superb wine list, mouthwatering entrees, and rich desserts. And they have elaborate fantasy holiday decorations— just spectacular! And don’t forget to pee before you leave!

A trip to San Luis Obispo wouldn’t be complete without visiting the men’s room at the Madonna Inn. As crazy as it sounds, this room is a popular stop for both men and women. Unfortunately, if you’re a man and need to use this for it’s original purpose, be prepared to be interrupted by giggling women with cameras. Once you enter the main building, go down the staircase at the right. This will take you to the wine cellar, and pay phone in the Flintstones-like rock cave. The men’s restroom is to the left. Here you’ll find the attraction… a urinal that looks like a waterfall which is activated when you break a beam of light.

This place is another MUST SEE!

October 14, 2006 Places outside US

GO GREEK Gay Greece

ATHENS MYKONOS LESBOS SANTORNINI

Modern Greece has not followed the reputation of Ancient Greece for liberalism on matters of homosexuality. Whilst there have been some progress for example in 1987 the age of consent was equalised at 15 Greece retains much discriminatory law on homosexuality and is probably the least progressive country in the European Union. There is nonetheless a reasonable gay scene in the country focused in Athens as well as the islands of Mykanos and Lesbos which contine to draw gay and lesbian holiday makers seeking sun, sex and sand.

Whether its Athens or Mykonos you’re headed to, these 2 links contain all the info a gay traveler needs.
Both are very popular. Here’s one big tip! EVERYTHING on Mykonos island is either gay or gay friendly. Heavy cruising on the beaches (especially “Super Paradise”) and around “Panagia Paraportiani” church in the town, at night. Lots of bars and clubs, mostly gay. Mykonos town is so small that even if you hit a bar by chance, you can’t miss. Just follow the studs in GAY GREECE!

For those in search of a sexually muffled pilgrimage, try a boat ferry to the monastic peninsula of all-male Mount Athos. Between these two different worlds is a Greek culture slowly changing to accommodate new concepts of Human Rights with Orthodox traditions.

Athens must be the first port of call, if for no other reason than the Acropolis. You can read about it all your life, but when the Parthenon appears high on the Acropolis hill, both history and myth erupt into a sun-bright present tense of stunning marble architecture. The grace and massive grandeur of the temple is distinctly awe-inspiring and so deeply swathed in history and legend that it’s difficult not to be sentiently stirred at first encounter. The nobility of the edifice beautifully dominates the hill, the city, the country and indeed western civilization.

Santorini is simply unique. Created thousands of years ago by a volcano, the spectacular rim of the caldera will provide endless hours of contemplation and romance as you gaze at the view while either relaxing on your hotel veranda or strolling down alleyways between the brilliant white houses of the villages that teeter on the edge of the cliff. – While the island of Santorini may not offer the exciting night life or gay life of some of its neighboring islands, Santorini provides great beauty and romantic escape for anyone in search of sun, sand and relaxation.

These lots to do all over Greece – Instead of listing everything here I included many links, that I found very useful. If you go, take some photos for me!

October 10, 2006 Places outside US

GAY TRAVEL IN BULGARIA

take me anywhere in Eastern Europe! LOVE THE MEN THERE!
Poland, Hungary, Czech Rep., Romania, yum, yum, and yum!
I just found this new site GLOABL GAYZ which gives you great info about gay places all over the world!

Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, is an old modern city of cobblestone streets and ubiquitous cafes serving coffee frappes and cappuccino–and pizza for breakfast. There are electric trolley cars, cute T-shirted guys, gypsy beggars, orthodox prelates, cell phone addicts and newspaper kiosks displaying dozens of girlie magazines—but not a single gay rag. It’s a city of grand baronial architecture and recent communist facades, stylish boutiques and ancient orthodox churches.

Homosexuals in Sofia, Bulgaria are not part of the accepted social order yet there are countless legions of them/us participating in the pulse of everyday life in the post communist order of things. Behind the nice clothes, calm talk and tasty food that evening, each of those gay and lesbian citizens had stories to tell that belie the calm of modern Sofia–stories of rejection, confusion, alienation, discrimination, hiding and fear.

“Bulgaria’s capital city, Sofia, continues to attract people from the gay community, not only because it is the biggest city, offering anonymity and distance from relatives, but also because of the strong commercial gay scene (bars, clubs, discos, cruising areas). People are more ‘out of the closet’ and it is easier to find a partner.”

This description of gay Sofia is from the Bulgarian LGBT Gemini web site (http://www.bgogemini.org/bg/index.php). Not unlike any major metropolitan capital city LGBT citizens pervade the entire spectrum of the culture. From the velvet closets of wealthy elite families to the impoverished unemployed migrant worker family, queer men and women seek out contacts and mates using the sophistication of the Internet or the furtive shadows of a cruise park or the colorful late night discos.

Also, it’s an interesting cultural footnote that Sofia (population 900,000) has so many gay venues while Bucharest, the capital of Romania that we also visited on this trip, with a much larger population (2.2 million), only has one gay venue. One observer thought the Bulgarians were more daring and defiant of authority than the Romanians and willing to take more risks. There may be some truth to this as Romania was cowed by an evil and brutal dictator from 1965-1989. As well, the homophobic Romanian Orthodox church seems to have more influence over the people than the Bulgarian Greek Orthodox church.

Also noted, “there are around 10 gay bars in Sofia at the moment, a place with gay porno and dark rooms, and hopefully, within the next year or so Sofia can have its own gay sauna. The actual problems of opening such places in Bulgaria come from, first, the fact that you may have to deal with the mafia structures which control most of the entertainment business (and more) in Bulgaria.”

So – it might be a nice place to visit, but wouldn’t want to spend a whole lot of time there! But if any of you Bulgarian or Romania boys are coming to Chicago….look me up!

October 6, 2006 Places outside US

GAY TRAVEL IN DUBAI – BEAUTIFUL BUT….

Situated on a natural harbor, prosperous, cosmopolitan Dubai is a former fishing
and pearling port founded in 1833. While it has always drawn expatriates, the
discovery of oil in 1966 brought frenetic development and influxes of foreign workers
and tourists. English is now Dubai’s third most frequently spoken language, after
Arabic and Farsi. The shopping capital of the Middle East has profusions of vast hotels,
even vaster malls and, for the foreseeable future, vast construction sites.

In the last couple years, it resembles Las Vegas on crack! There is so much
building going on there and so many celebrities making a getting away there,
it has become the place to see and been seen at. It has an amazing skyline
and some breathtaking architecture and opulence. Currently the tallest building
in the world is being constructed, to be finished in 2008.

Lured by the shopping, beaches and desert safaris, more and more gay and lesbian
travelers are discovering Dubai — despite the United Arab Emirates’ harsh official
anti-gay stance — including GIs on leave from Iraq, wealthy sheiks, Europeans and
world travelers on stopovers. Homosexuality is illegal in the UAE. Recently, police
arrested 22 UAE men, one Indian, and three Arabs from neighbouring countries at a
hotel in Ghantut in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. It’s very hit and miss but discretion is advised.
Just remember that this is an Islamic country – and a pretty liberal one as far as Islam goes.
Much of the Gay community uses Internet to stay in touch in the emirates. See Article.

The Desert City is said to have two climates — hot and very hot — but January
days average an enjoyable 75 degrees. Stunning bodies line Dubai’s beaches, the most
popular of which are Jumeira and Jabal Ali. Most parks and beaches have days strictly
reserved for women and children, so men should check with their hotel before heading
down to Jumeira on Saturdays or al-Mamzar on Wednesdays. Women will be relieved
to know that swimwear, including bikinis, is perfectly acceptable pool or beachside.

You can ski indoors here or sandboard! Take your pick. But shopping is the favorite
pastime! With a flurry of Chanel & Gucci stores, mega-malls, streets of gold and old
spice markets, Dubai is a shopoholic’s mecca. So when the entire city ups its efforts
and marks down its prices for the fabulous annual Dubai Shopping Festival
(Jan. 4-Feb. 4, www.mydsf.com ), it’s time to grab several empty suitcases and
head for the Venice of the Gulf.

Dubai dos and don’ts

Although Dubai is in many ways strikingly modern, please note some important
caveats: There are venues where gays can meet, but as homosexuality is punishable
by up to 14 years’ imprisonment, overt cruising and public displays of affection are not
recommended. Again, the internet is best – unless you know someone there. But caution
is always advised.

Don’t consume alcohol in public, and don’t eat, drink or smoke in public during the holy
month of Ramadan (www.holidays.net/ramadan), which in 2006 runs Sept. 23-Oct. 22.
Don’t photograph Muslim women, and don’t sit in such a way that the soles of your feet
point at anyone.

Resembling a billowing sail, the outstanding all-suite Burj-al-Arab
www.burj-al-arab.com ; ($1,100-$3,700 a night) is considered the world’s best hotel
(7 stars! with prices to match). Dubai InterContinental (www.dubai.intercontinental.com
is a little more affordable ($122-$477) by Dubai Harbor has a gay-popular bar next to its
coffee shop and a 24-hour InterFitness center, complete with pool, floodlit tennis court,
two championship squash courts and state-of-the-art gym.

Dubai offers more than 450 restaurants, with flavors ranging from Thai to Cajun. Shabestan
(at the InterContinental, see above) offers fabulous Persian flavors and sounds. The stunning
al-Mahara (Burj-al-Arab’ +9714/301-7648) excels at tantalizing seafood dishes. Nightlife is
limited to hotels and private clubs, where the consumption of alcohol is permitted.

Recently I was told, Gay-frequented bars and clubs change often and are subject to
occasional homophobic police raids. Jules (Le Meridien, Airport Road; +9714/331-3555; www.dubai.lemeridien.com ), in the chic Meridien, is a current venue of choice, where
visiting hotties mingle over Mexican snacks.

October 5, 2006 Holidays

GAY HALLOWEEN – Who Do You Want To Be?

According to ABOUT , “Halloween is a festive time for all, especially gay and bi men. It’s an opportunity for us to let loose and fulfill the fantasies we’ve had all year long. A growing number of people positively believe that one should act out their fantasies any time of year, but for those not quite comfortable, Halloween gives them permission to be anything they want to be free of criticism or ridicule. So dust off that super hero costume you’ve been hiding or that kinky mask you bought on sale at the sex shop and enjoy the festivities!” – Every big city has gay Halloween parties. Some of the biggest include New Orleans, New York City and West Hollywood.

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7. Cowboy
Another “will see” on this fun-filled day. You never outgrow the dream of being free and wild on a cattle ranch. Some kids dream of getting the pony for the holidays, others dream of getting the cowboy!

8. Madonna
Well, I guess if the real Madonna can’t sing sweet nothings in my ear then an impersonator will do. The ultimate diva has inspired many to be free and express themselves. Be this sexy superstar and get a free pass to an endless night of fun.

9. UPS (United Parcel Service) Delivery Man
Oh the joy when you have to send or receive a package and this hunk of man shows up at your door (no need to be specific, they’re all hot). Only these boys can make a brown outfit look fantastic any time of year. Be your local delivery boy and get the shipping addresses of all the cuties at the party.

10. Vampire
“I want to suck your…” Blood! Blood! This is a family site, remember! The vampire with it’s many variations is always a great choice for a festive and gay Halloween. You can be anything from Brad Pitt in “Interview with the Vampire” to Aaliyah in “Queen of the Damned.”

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October 4, 2006 Canada, Places US

WYOMING BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN IN CANADA

Looking to climb Brokeback Mountain? Head to Canada

According to USA TODAY, the hottest spot on Wyoming’s tourist map these days doesn’t truly exist. But that isn’t stopping fans of Brokeback Mountain from ringing up the state’s tourism office with queries about how to get there.

Hundreds of calls asking about the location of Brokeback Mountain have come in since the movie’s release last year.

If the responders were in full disclosure, they’d explain that the peaks featured in the film are 700 miles or so north of Wyoming in Alberta’s Canadian Rockies. But not being the sorts to let a marketing opportunity slip by, employees tell callers that while the movie wasn’t actually filmed in Wyoming and there is no mountain by that name, director Ang Lee captured the spirit of Wyoming’s Big Horn Mountains. Lower production costs spurred the move to Canada.

But that isn’t stopping fans of Brokeback Mountain from ringing up the state’s tourism office with queries about how to get there. Hundreds of calls asking about the location of Brokeback Mountain have come in since the movie’s release in December.

The state’s tourism website (wyomingtourism.org) features a Brokeback Mountain link and the office will provide a list of “gay friendly” tourism suggestions ranging from guest ranches to wagon train adventures.

September 9, 2006 Mexico, Places outside US

Gay Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is getting so gay friendly, it is one of my favorite travel spots. It’s a beautiful little old town filled with galleries and 5-star restaurants, at great prices! They also have over 15 gay bars and nightclubs. On their gorgeous sandy beaches, each hotel has different colored lounge chairs. The gay area is the blue chairs. While you lounge and sip tropical drinks, young men wait on you all day and treat you like a king. (or a queen!).

Puerto Vallarta was a small town based on agriculture and fishing until 1963, when Hollywood director John Huston chose his site for the filming of Tennessee Williams’ brilliant play

“The Night of the Iguana” in the small fishing village of Mismaloya, ten miles south of Vallarta. The movie starred Richard Burton, Ava Gardner, Deborah Kerr and Elizabeth Taylor. I highly recommend taking a self-guided tour of the location. There are miles of streams and waterfalls and hardly any tourists go up to see it – so it’s very peaceful and quiet and beautiful!

I would also recommend staying at a gay hotel or villa. There are plenty to choose from right in town. You don’t want to stay out of the city at a chain hotel. Take advantage of the hospitality and charm of the locals right downtown.

Discovery Vallarta is Puerto Vallarta’s only gay reservation service that also specializes in villa and condo vacation rentals. I happened to stay at amazing villa tucked away in the hills of downtown. It was not gay owned, but very welcoming.