Feb 20
Howie HolbenTravel Tips destinations, gay, Gay Holidays, gay retreats, Gay Tours, gay travel, Gay Trips, Gay Vacations, leisure, recreation, Tips, tours, travel, Travel Tips, Vacations
The majority of travelers that journey to Iceland each year do so to experience its unique, diverse natural beauty that is unlike anything you will find on gay vacations in other countries. From volcanoes and Europe’s largest glacier, to the Northern Lights and the sparsely populated island of Grimsey on the Arctic Circle, Iceland offers unmatched opportunities to experience the outdoors in a whole new way. Kayaking, hiking, rafting, ice climbing, bird watching, whale watching and ocean fishing are all popular activities throughout the country and are ideal for inclusion in adventurous gay tours.
Folks who might prefer a more urban journey will also find what they are looking for in Iceland, particularly in Reykjavik, the nation’s capital, where solo travelers and participants in gay tours will enjoy numerous historical and cultural attractions, a vibrant nightlife, plenty of shopping and dining options, an expansive waterfront and museums.
Nature lovers and birdwatchers will certainly want to take the short journey to Grimsey, an island 25 miles off the northern coast. Its only town, Sandvik, is Iceland’s northernmost settlement and has a population of just 150. Best known for the many bird colonies and steep cliffs that line its shores, folks who include Grimsey in their gay vacations to Iceland might also get to see polar bears, which occasionally arrive on ice drifts from Greenland.
While on Grimsey, participants on gay tours, as well as solo voyagers, will not want to miss the opportunity to get their certificate showing they crossed the Arctic Circle. Iceland’s other outdoor attractions include the glaciers that cover more than 10% of the land, particularly Vatnajokull, Europe’s largest glacier and a popular location for ice climbing.
There are also a number of hiking and sightseeing opportunities throughout the country, including breathtaking cliffs, waterfalls, picturesque coastlines and Videy Island, which is just minutes offshore and is home to the oldest stone building in Iceland, as well as many sculptural art pieces.
The time of year chosen for gay vacations to Iceland is an important factor in determining which of the country’s natural phenomena you will experience during your trip: the Polar Nights, Midnight Sun or Northern Lights.
Regardless of the time of year, there is one must-do activity that no gay vacations to Iceland can be complete without: taking a dip in the Blue Lagoon. This mineral-rich, geothermal seawater pool is located just 45 minutes from Reykjavik and treats visitors to a unique experience with fluorescent blue waters surrounded by black lava rocks.
Pointers about Iceland conceived by Howie Holben. Spirit Journeys recommends gay guides and gay romance vacations.
Feb 14
Howie HolbenTravel Tips advice, destinations, gay retreats, Gay Tours, gay travel, Gay Vacations, Holidays, leisure, Tips, tours, travel, Travel Tips, Vacations
Turkey is a unique nation with a distinctive history and culture, resulting largely from its particular location on two continents: Europe and Asia. This positioning has influenced Turkey throughout its long history and is evident in daily life, with most placing it more in line with Europe when it comes to the economy and politics, while it is geographically mostly Asian and distinctly Islamic, like most of its Middle Eastern neighbors.
However, while Turkey is definitely an Islamic nation, visitors will find that a much more progressive mindset and Westernized culture is more evidence of the European influence that abounds. These characteristics that distinguish Turkey from other Islamic countries allow for safe, enjoyable gay tours.
Millions of visitors travel to Turkey every year, many enjoying gay vacations that include exploring old-world architecture and ancient ruins, relaxing on beautiful beaches on the Mediterranean and Aegean coastlines, and partaking in gay tours that visit sites of historical, cultural and spiritual importance.
As the historical capital of both the Ottoman and Byzantine Empires, there is virtually no end to the historic sites located throughout Istanbul and Turkey. Whether travelers opt for an urban gay travel experience in Istanbul, or a more rural vacation exploring old-world villages, visitors will feel like they have stepped into a different world where culturally-rich experiences are waiting around every corner.
From visiting hammams (traditional public Turkish baths) to sitting at sidewalk cafs drinking sweet black tea or strong Turkish coffee, gay vacations in Turkey allow travelers to immerse themselves in this distinctive culture, with plenty of opportunities to partake in once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
When opting for Turkey gay tours, you will find that your time in Turkey can be even more fulfilling and memorable with the added advantage of professional travel planners organizing the logistics of your trip.
While visitors will not see a vibrant, vocal LGBT presence during gay vacations in Turkey, you will find that the LGBT community is alive and well. There are a number of community bars, discos and other establishments, particularly around the Taksim Square area in Istanbul, and – unlike most Islamic countries – there are no specific laws targeting same sex behaviors in Turkey.
With numerous establishments from which to choose, visitors enjoying gay travel to Turkey have the opportunity to experience the Turkish LGBT community during their stay, and those who opt for participating in gay vacations will find that this is an excellent way to see some of the most awe-inspiring sites of historical, cultural or spiritual significance that Turkey offers.
Dirt for a gay tour in Turkey. Spirit Journeys stands out among a typical gay tour guide. Created by Howie Holben.
Jan 11
Howie HolbenTravel Tips destinations, gay, Gay Holidays, gay retreats, Gay Tours, gay travel, Gay Vacations, leisure, recreation, sexuality, Tips, tourism, travel, Travel Tips, Vacations
The diverse geography and culture of New Zealand has always made it a hotspot as a destination for gay tours, due in part to the accepting, open mindset of the locals and important laws that forbid discrimination against LGBT community members, as well as the country’s natural allure and numerous adventures and activities available in every region of this awe-inspiring nation.
LGBT folks looking for gay holidays to New Zealand will find a wide variety of choices, including opting for a relaxing beachside respite, hiking through breathtaking wilderness, snowboarding and snow skiing at popular resorts or indulging in the exciting nightlife of New Zealand’s cosmopolitan towns and cities. Whether you are looking for a family-friendly vacation at the beach, or a raucous week of Pride events, New Zealand has much to offer for gay vacations of all sorts.
Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch and Hamilton are just a few of the cities of New Zealand where you will find visible, large LGBT communities, Pride celebrations and a wide variety of clubs, businesses, pubs and restaurants all catering to the community. Those interested in a city gay vacation will find that these metro areas provide numerous options that are sure to please travelers interested in a lively nightlife and a plethora of entertainment, dining and shopping options from which to choose. If you want to include skiing or snowboarding into your gay travel plans, you will be pleased to know that there are various ski resorts on South Island and North Island, which makes it easy to take a day trip to the mountains between sightseeing tours, cultural events or visiting New Zealand’s smaller islands.
New Zealand gay vacations can be centered around spiritual awakening or renewal, spending long days at beautiful beaches, snowboarding and skiing, or partaking in enticing adventures that appeal to families, groups of friends or couples. While there is simply too much to see and do to manage to fit it all into just one trip, planning to partake in a gay vacation with an organized tour group is one of the best ways to make sure you do not miss some of the best sights and experiences that New Zealand offers.
For folks who would rather travel solo, planning your trip through a gay vacations agency is the best way to stay up to date on the latest LGBT goings-on, as well as current information that is helpful to the members of the LGBT community when traveling in New Zealand.
Score by Howie Holben about New Zealand gay couples travel. Spirit Journeys also offers gay rafting adventures.
categories: gay travel,gay vacations,gay tours,gay holidays,gay retreats,travel,tourism,tips,gay,sexuality,destinations,vacations,recreation,leisure
Nov 22
Howie HolbenTravel Tips destinations, gay, Gay Holidays, gay retreats, Gay Tours, gay travel, Gay Vacations, leisure, recreation, sexuality, Tips, tourism, travel, Travel Tips, Vacations
India is a country with many distinguishing characteristics and has plenty to offer all kinds of travelers. From pristine coastlines to snow-covered Himalayas, and all of the diverse terrain between the two, India offers abundant gay trips to relax or partake in amazing adventures. India has long been a center for spirituality and important advancements in natural medicine, making a gay vacation to India the perfect option for those in search of the opportunity to center themselves, rejuvenate their spiritual side and refocus on the things that really matter in life.
The multidimensional character of India also allows for gay vacations that focus on exploring sacred, historical and cultural sites, trekking through untouched wilderness, shopping in traditional bazaars and high-end boutiques, indulging in delicious cuisine or learning about life in a rural village.
When on a gay vacation to India, it can be difficult, or sometimes impossible, to find a visible LGBT community, even in larger cities. Delhi took a very important step in decriminalizing same-sex sexual behavior in that city in 2009, when the Delhi High Court overturned a British colonial law that had been on the books for–8 years. This law included same-sex sexual behavior in the behaviors that are outlawed as “carnal intercourse against the order of nature” and is no longer on the books in Delhi; however, elsewhere in the country, the acts defined under “carnal intercourse against the order of nature” are still a criminal offense for both straight and gay people, and are punishable by fines and imprisonment, including imprisonment for life.
While activists are fervently working to change this law throughout the country, folks who take a gay trip to India should be aware that both gay and straight people can still be prosecuted under this law, which can result in fines and imprisonment, including life sentences. Nonetheless, there are still some hangouts that can be identified, as well as cruising areas, which can be found in most countries, regardless of conservative laws or beliefs. Both the government and Indian society have mixed feelings about LGBT people, but a continued movement towards acceptance continues to make India an even better destination for gay tours.
Same-sex relationships may still hold a taboo status in much of India, but this has not stopped this beautiful, diverse country from being a highly popular destination for gay holidays, and LGBT travelers typically report no issues during their gay travel. One way to ensure that your India gay vacation is a fulfilling, safe, remarkable trip is to arrange to take part in a tour organized by a trustworthy, well-established company that is experienced in providing exceptional trips and tours catering to LGBT folks. When you choose to take part in an organized tour group, you are taking an important step in ensuring that your trip to India will be full of opportunities to take in the country’s most amazing attractions, awaken your spirituality at important sacred sites, experience life-changing moments and create lifelong memories.
Column about India created by Howie Holben. Spirit Journeys has a great gay holidays list and also presents gay yoga.
categories: gay travel,gay vacations,gay tours,gay holidays,gay retreats,travel,tourism,tips,gay,sexuality,destinations,vacations,recreation,leisure
Nov 17
Howie HolbenTravel Tips destinations, gay, Gay Holidays, gay retreats, Gay Tours, gay travel, Gay Vacations, leisure, recreation, sexuality, Tips, tourism, travel, Travel Tips, Vacations
Egypt hosts a wide variety of historical, cultural and religious sites, which makes the entire country fascinating. Gay travel to Egypt can include anything from taking a cruise on the Nile, crossing the desert on a camel, shopping in open-air souks, and taking in the awe-inspiring Great Pyramids of Giza, to shopping and dining in modern cities and relaxing on the pristine white sands of world-famous beaches. From the Temple of Edfu and the burial tombs in the Valley of Kings, to browsing through the Khan al Khalili Bazaar or visiting King Tutankhamun’s treasures in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, Egypt truly has endless offerings. Folks planning a gay vacation to Africa will not want to pass up the mystique and allure of Egypt, which is an excellent choice for gay travel.
While Egypt is a great destination for gay vacations, there are some points of interest to members of the LGBT community. The Egyptian government has become more aggressive in its efforts to arrest and imprison gay men in recent years, including a very public trial of over 50 men arrested on a boat hosting a night club in 2001 and several undercover sting operations in gathering spots, online chat rooms and other venues, which have led to arrests and imprisonment.
Most of these efforts have been aimed at arresting Egyptian men; however, in some instances women and tourists have also been included. One of the most publicized cases of a sting operation that led to numerous arrests and imprisonment was the 2001 raid of the Queen Boat, which resulted in the arrest of over 50 men.
That being said, this does not at all mean that Egypt should be avoided when it comes to gay vacation travel, or that visitors will be confronted with constant homophobia from locals. In contrast, most travelers who have taken Egyptian gay vacations have found the locals to be welcoming and warm, and have reported no issues with the police or government during their stay. While there is no real, visible LGBT community in most parts of the country, there are well-known gathering places in Luxor, Alexandria, Dahab, Aswan, Cairo and other larger cities. Of course, discretion is important when visiting local hotspots, since the police force is also aware of these hangouts.
Egypt is an intriguing country that is home to many must-see cultural and historical attractions. To help ensure a safe excursion and make sure that you do not miss out on some of Egypt’s best offerings, anyone planning gay vacations to Egypt may want to look into partaking in a tour specifically focused on planning gay travel adventures. Alternatively, folks planning gay vacations to Egypt should definitely go through a travel agent well-versed in the specific needs and concerns of the LGBT community.
Post about Egypt authored by Howie Holben. Spirit Journeys presents gay retreats for gay spiritual singles and couples.
categories: gay travel,gay vacations,gay tours,gay holidays,gay retreats,travel,tourism,tips,gay,sexuality,destinations,vacations,recreation,leisure
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