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.
Feb 07
Howie HolbenTravel Tips destinations, gay, Gay Tours, gay travel, Gay Vacations, Holidays, leisure, recreation, travel advice, Travel Tips, trips
Denmark, like the other Scandinavian countries has a lot to offer to anyone that is planning to enjoy a gay trips to Denmark and in particular this is one country that offers its gay population many rights and the Danish people too show a lot of tolerance toward homosexuals who are not treated too differently from straight people. As early as in 1933 the country went ahead and legalized homosexuality and then it went a step further and lowered the age for sex to just fifteen years and this age limit applied in the case of straight sex as well as gay sex. So, as long as a person is fifteen years of age there is nothing to stop them from having sex.
Danish gays can even join the military and according to Danish law, hate crimes are banned and this means that you cannot commit crimes against gays. In the year 1989, Denmark legalized same sex marriages and the Danish Parliament or Folketinget has even discussed subjects such as same sex unions and artificially inseminating lesbian and it also discussed giving gay couples the right to adopt children. So, there are many good reasons to plan gay tours to Denmark.
Copenhagen is of course the capital of not only Denmark but it is also the capital city for gay activities in Denmark. So, it will not be difficult for you to find the gay locales in this very vibrant capital city of Denmark and if you want some help you should buy the guidebook called Lonely Planet that will describe the gay scene in Copenhagen as being one of the liveliest in the whole of Europe.
Copenhagen or the fairy city is known for the vibrancy of its gay life that happens to be pretty widespread and in particular you need to check out Body Bio sex club and then you can check out LBL-Ungdom gay youth club as well. Other than that, there is the Pride festival that is held in Copenhagen on an annual basis and in addition there is a Queer Festival, and the Gay and Lesbian Film Festival too sees many gays coming here to Copenhagen to take in this kind of fare.
Copenhagen is known as a fairy city and in addition it is also known as being a vibrant city that offers a wonderful nightlife and being gay in this part of the world is almost the same as being straight as there are many things to see and do for gays in Copenhagen.
Some examples of what you can get here if you are a gay include the Body Bio sex club and then there is also the LBL-Ungdom gay youth group as well as the Queer Festival and there is even a Gay and Lesbian Film Festival that is very popular among gays.
The Copenhagen Pride Festival is held in Copenhagen annually in the month of August and this is an event that attracts numerous gays from other Scandinavian countries as well as from different parts of the world.
To sum up, if you wish to enjoy gay tours to Denmark it is necessary to come to Copenhagen that has the most to offer to gays. Copenhagen offers maximum opportunities for gays to meet each other and to otherwise find something interesting to do and see.
Discussion on Denmark by Howie Holben with info on gay spiritual groups and gay weekend breaks.
Jan 28
Howie HolbenTravel Tips advice, Gay Holidays, Gay Tours, gay travel, Gay Trips, Gay Vacations, Holidays, leisure, recreation, Tips, tours, travel, Travel Tips, trips, Vacations
Although small, Ecuador offers a vast array of diversity when it comes to geography and various indigenous people with unique languages and cultures. From tropical coastlines to volcanoes that spend much of the year covered in snow, Ecuador is home to varying landscapes that make any time of year a great time for exciting gay tours.
While the Galapagos Islands are perhaps the most frequently visited attraction in Ecuador, the mainland is also filled with numerous activities and sightseeing opportunities that ensure gay tours to Ecuador will be exciting, fulfilling and memorable. Whether you seek an outdoor adventure, a spiritual journey or gay travel that consists of exploring the LGBT community in Quito, trekking through the rainforest and spending lazy afternoons on the beach, you will surely see why so many travelers return to this popular tourist destination year after year.
Quito is unquestionably the center of LGBT life in Ecuador and has a growing community. La Mariscal is the neighborhood where you will find the most friendly establishments, including cafs, bars, clubs and a new community store called Rainbow Connection. There is a Pride celebration in June each year in the bohemian neighborhood of La Mariscal, and this is the place to see and be seen on Friday and Saturday nights throughout the year.
Quito sits at 9,200 feet above sea level against the backdrop of the 13,000-foot Pichincha volcano. The historic district is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, and the streets throughout several neighborhoods are lined with art galleries, shops and quaint cafs. There are several major cultural attractions that may be of interest to those on gay vacations to Ecuador, including the Museo de la Ciudad, the Centro de Arte Contemporaneo, the Capilla del Hombre Guayasamin and the Parque el Ejido, where visitors will find an open-air market filled with local handicrafts.
Since the late 1990s, legal rights have expanded in Ecuador with protections that make gay vacations to this beautiful country safer and more enjoyable. However, discretion in public is still a good idea in many places, particularly due to the high level of machismo the still permeates the culture. Those who are considering gay vacations to Ecuador may want to take advantage of pre-arranged gay tours, which allow for a higher level of security and a focus on fun, while travel professionals manage logistical aspects of the voyage and ensure that you will not miss out on some of the most appealing cultural, historic and natural attractions that Ecuador has to offer.
This will allow you to relax and get the most out of your journey, while professional travel organizers take care of the logistics and ensure that you will have the chance to experience the many historic, cultural and natural attractions that Ecuador offers.
Discussion on Ecuador by Howie Holben with info on gay travel destinations and gay travel deals.
categories: gay travel,gay tours,gay vacations,gay holidays,gay trips,travel,vacations,holidays,tours,trips,advice,tips,recreation,leisure
Jan 25
Howie HolbenTravel Tips advice, Gay Holidays, Gay Tours, gay travel, Gay Trips, Gay Vacations, Holidays, leisure, recreation, Tips, tours, travel, Travel Tips, trips, Vacations
Gay tour operators are popping up all over the world and now offer dedicated tours for gays to travel together the world over in small groups. Lesbian and gay tourists can now enjoy Turkey for gay tours.
The gay population of Turkey has grown rapidly over the last 10 years. Subsequently, Turkish gay men have started interacting with other gay people from all around the world, and there have been considerable developments in gay travel.
The gay bars and clubs have also started publishing their own business websites which would have English pages for gay visitors from other countries.
Turkey has a Muslim religion, yet it has a very relaxed attitude compared to other Islamic nations towards gay and lesbian people. Turkey is highly western and progressive allowing gays and lesbians to have a freedom of expression as well as access to fulfilling careers and pursuing romantic intimacy.
Groups are no bigger than 12-15 and are ideal for travelers that are easy going and fun loving people that enjoy getting to know other people and approach the new culture they will visit with a sense of curiosity. At the same time, the small tour group offers a camaraderie and intimacy amongst members where you will bond and make lifelong travel friends. A spirit of adventure, people and new places will ensure that gay adventure travel to Turkey will be a memorable experience for you.
These memorable gay vacations to Turkey are upscale and offer decadent meals and upscale accommodation along with professionally guided tours. Themes include party vibe or easy adventure, cultural and historical trips, safaris or cruises, or nature walks.
Gay tour companies provide travel experiences that are fashioned from carefully selected programs of insightful cultural sightseeing and/or outdoor activities. Not only will they take you off the beaten path, but they will also take you to some exciting well-trodden spots where they’ll show you a uniqueness and subtlety that most tourists never dream of.
Tour operators allow you to create your own tour if you cannot find a suitable package on the website suitable to your schedule where you can create your very own itinerary. Choose from the normal tour guides and books to create your own itinerary. Pick from any or all of the sights mentioned or request a place that was not mentioned, anywhere in Turkey. Greek Islands tours and Blue voyage cruises within Turkey are offered for private groups, big or small to fit in with your vacation period.
Rest assured that in planning your own gay vacation to Turkey, all major tourist attractions are connected with public bus transport, be it long distance or short distance.
The Turkish railway system is not very reliable and comfortable at all. Domestic flights are available from Istanbul to all other local as well as all international airports. Charter flights are only available during peak tourism season and are rare even then.
When you plan a gay trip to Turkey, book in advance, especially if you plan on going during peak season in order to avoid delays on any requirements for flights and accommodation.
Info post about Turkey originated by Howie Holben. Spirit Journeys suggests gay vacation spots and is a place for gay spiritual singles.
categories: gay travel,gay tours,gay vacations,gay holidays,gay trips,travel,vacations,holidays,tours,trips,advice,tips,recreation,leisure
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