Dec 06
Howie HolbenTravel Tips fitness, gay, health, inspirational, metaphysical, motivation, recreation, self-improvement, spirituality, tourism, tours, travel, Travel Tips, Vacations
The Pacific paradise of Hawaii has long held an exotic allure that draws travelers from all corners of the globe to its picturesque shores. With a population that is warm and welcoming and comprised of a remarkable blend of white European, Polynesian and Asian cultures, Hawaii is popular for both straight and gay vacations. Hawaii’s LGBT community is low-key and not necessarily highly visible, but those who take part in a Hawaii gay travel experience will find a higher level of acceptance than many places in the U.S., due in large part to an overall welcoming and accepting atmosphere created from generations of several cultures living together without one dominant culture or religion imposing its will.
Oahu is the third largest island in size, but is home to 70% of the states population, as well as the state capitol, Honolulu, and the popular tourist area, Waikiki. When visiting Oahu on gay holidays, travelers will not want to miss the LGBT-friendly La Cucaracha where authentic Mexican food, great music and delicious margaritas are always on the menu. Those who want to check out Oahus scene should check out 80% Straight Inc., a community clothing, book and novelty store located in the Waikiki Grand, and the handful of bars and clubs on the island, including Angles Waikiki, Fusion Waikiki, In-Between and Hulas Bar & Lei Stand. Beach goers will find a warm welcome at Queens Surf beach and near the lighthouse at Diamond Head.
Those who choose a gay tour to Maui might not find a vibrant scene, other than a small area of Little Beach in Makena, but exploring quaint villages, watching the sunset atop Mount Haleakala and sunbathing near waterfalls all make Maui an enticing locale for gay tours. If exploring what is considered the most tropical and scenic island of them all is part of your plans, Kauai is sure to deliver no matter what time of year you visit. Kauai is home to a clothing optional LGBT-friendly bed and breakfast, as well as an LGBT-owned villa with a Japanese flair and a clothing optional lagoon pool, and is an ideal setting for exploring waterfalls, amazing cliffs and vast canyons.
The Big Island is also a welcoming vacation option and offers several LGBT-friendly accommodations, restaurants and business, as well as one bar. Gay vacations to the Big Island provide opportunities to visit an active volcano, black sand beaches, a rain forest or the snow-capped Mauna Kea.
There are many reasons to travel to Hawaii, which is the most remote island chain in the world and a must-see paradise. In a single trip to the islands you can scuba dive or snorkel among coral reefs, explore a volcano, visit a pineapple farm, ride horses on black sand beaches, learn the hula and attend an authentic luau. To make sure you do not miss anything that Hawaii has to offer, use a gay holidays tour, or enlist the assistance of a travel agency well-versed in planning gay vacation tours.
Discussion on Hawaii by Howie Holben with info on gay spiritual groups and gay weekend breaks.
categories: metaphysical,spirituality,self improvement,motivation,inspirational,gay,travel,vacations,tours,tourism,health,fitness,recreation
Nov 22
Howie HolbenTravel Tips fitness, gay, health, inspirational, metaphysical, motivation, recreation, self-improvement, spirituality, tourism, tours, travel, Travel Tips, Vacations
Picture an entire continent filled with unique and exciting adventures. Now think of urbane and tolerant cities, perfect for gay tours. Imagine vacationing in a land of wonders so diverse, with settings (both natural and manmade) so magnificent, it truly boggles the mind.
Australia offers gay travelers a welcoming destination, brimming with activities to suit the whims of any traveler. And that’s probably the reason that so many gay couples and singles are saying, “G’day, mate,” and making a beeline for this beautiful continent.
In Australia, if you can dream it, you can do it! Consider visiting the native aboriginal culture. Journey into the Outback, where you can rough it; visit Kings Canyon, Kakadu National Park and the Devil’s Marbles. Or how about taking a nature tour for up-close study of koalas, kangaroos and whales? Gay travelers can visit the beautiful sandy beaches and enjoy scuba diving, sunbathing, boating, and glorious relaxation.
Visitors can swim with giant whale sharks at Ningaloo. In the Northern Territory at Darwin Harbor, you can dive World War II shipwrecks. In Tasmania you can hike national parks and ancient rainforests, home to interesting plants and animals.
No gay traveler can miss Melbourne, the second-largest city in Australia. This is a multi-cultural metropolis where Victorian and contemporary architecture blend seemlessly. In this very gay friendly city, you can spend time with the sculptures in Werrebee Park, shop to you drop at high-end shops or less expensive boutiques, go to first class theater productions, and then end your day with a visit to one of Melbourne’s hot clubs! Perfect for a gay romantic getaway too.
For gay travelers who enjoy driving, consider embarking on the Pacific Coast Touring Route and take in the lush and quaint scenery. But remember, Australians drive on the left side of the road! If that sounds too sedate, you can get your heart pumping during various water sports, such as river rafting or kayaking.
Since Australia is located in the Southern Hemisphere, its seasons are opposite those of the Northern Hemisphere. For example, summer in Australia takes place December through February. Because Australia is such a large continent, be sure to check with your travel professional for precise weather information about your particular destination.
Finding suitable accommodations in Australia is a breeze, with many gay-and-lesbian-owned hotels open for business. The discerning traveler can choose from the most luxurious four-star experience to less expensive digs. There are hotels and apartments to fit all budgets, in addition to hostels and camping, which makes gay vacations affordable.
Info by Howie Holben for Australia gay vacation packages and a gay travel vacation.
categories: metaphysical,spirituality,self improvement,motivation,inspirational,gay,travel,vacations,tours,tourism,health,fitness,recreation
Nov 18
Howie HolbenTravel Tips fitness, gay, health, inspirational, metaphysical, motivation, recreation, self-improvement, spirituality, tourism, tours, travel, Travel Tips, Vacations
Gay and straight travelers alike flock to Brazil in droves to enjoy the pristine beaches, beautiful people, exciting nightlife, diverse culture and lavish annual celebrations, such as Carnival. As one of the most welcoming and accepting gay vacations spots in South America, Brazil is a popular choice for both gay men and lesbians looking for fun in the sun or a relaxing respite in a tropical paradise. From luxury gay vacations in exclusive beachfront resorts, to exotic excursions into remote Brazilian jungles, Brazil has much to offer to every type of traveler and is an ideal setting for international gay travel.
Rio de Janeiro is among the most popular gay vacation destinations in Brazil and offers gay beaches, gay and lesbian bars and clubs, drag shows, circuit parties, bathhouses and a vast array of dining, shopping, recreation and cultural activities that attract travelers from around the world. While the establishments and gay culture in Rio de Janeiro are geared more towards gay men, lesbians will find a welcoming atmosphere at most gay establishments and events and can enjoy women’s nights at several locations throughout the city, as well as a lesbian club that is open nightly. Of course, Rio is also home to Carnival and world-famous New Years festivities, both of which provide plentiful parties, parades and festivals for gay and lesbian revelers.
Although Rio de Janeiro may be the most popular gay tours destination in Brazil, there are many other options throughout the country. Many cities in Brazil, such as Sao Paolo and Belo Horizonte, host annual gay pride festivals and parades and the majority of urban areas have a thriving gay community. For those who may be looking for gay vacations outside of the pride and party scene, gay travel opportunities in Brazil also include organized tours of cultural and historical landmarks and luxury all-inclusive Amazon cruises provided by tour companies dedicated to providing exceptional gay vacations to gay and lesbian travelers.
Planning a gay trip to Brazil is an exciting endeavor that is sure to lead to many memorable once in a lifetime experiences. Partaking in gay travel in Brazil is much like traveling throughout the United States when it comes to safety and necessary precautions. Just as in the U.S., some areas of Brazil will be more welcoming and accepting than others and using your best judgment in determining the safety of a given area is always a good idea. Also, for travelers interested in visiting Brazil’s bathhouses, keep in mind that Brazil, like the U.S., is combating the spread of HIV and appropriate precautions should be taken to ensure that you play safely.
Planning your gay vacation to Brazil is most easily accomplished when working with a travel agency that is well-versed in local attractions, vacation package options, the best times to travel throughout the year and information of particular interest to the gay travel community. Whether you are looking for a jungle adventure, a wild week in Rio or a restful vacation on the beach, enlisting the assistance of a travel agency serving the gay community will ensure that your gay adventure travel is everything you hoped for.
Article about Brazil generated by Howie Holben. Spirit Journeys offers information on gay destinations and gay tantra.
categories: metaphysical,spirituality,self improvement,motivation,inspirational,gay,travel,vacations,tours,tourism,health,fitness,recreation
Nov 13
Howie HolbenTravel Tips fitness, gay, health, inspirational, metaphysical, motivation, recreation, self-improvement, spirituality, tourism, tours, travel, Travel Tips, Vacations
The unique geography of Chile allows visitors to explore volcanoes, ski or snowboard in the Andes, lounge on picturesque beaches and enjoy a night out in the gay district of Santiago all in one day. In short, Chile offers is a great place for gay vacations. Rich in varied landscapes and important landmarks, visitors to Chile can experience the statues of Easter Island, arid deserts, exceptional architecture and churches, the Mirador de Chepu Penguin Colony, the world-famous Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia and the Elqui Valley in La Serena, which teems with legends of extraterrestrial activities, all in one trip.
With many cultural, historic and natural attractions to choose from, Chile offers a variety of options for gay trips, which include snowboarding or ski strips to world-renowned Andes resorts, touring Chile’s wine country, pilgrimages intent on experiencing the country’s deep tradition of Catholicism and exploring churches, family vacations on the beaches of Vina del Mar, sightseeing adventures to take in the breathtaking landscapes of Patagonia and learn of ancient island civilizations, or urban excursions centered on experiencing the cosmopolitan culture and nightlife in Santiago.
As a country that has been deeply influenced by both the Catholic Church and the military, Chile would certainly not be described as a bastion of gay rights; however, as a whole, the country is slowly becoming more progressive and is beginning to become more accepting of the LGBT community. Gay life in Chile centers largely around Santiago, which is where singles, couples and families on a gay vacation will find the most welcoming atmosphere and the highest concentration of gay-friendly and gay-owned establishments. Santiago’s gay community is primarily found in the Barrio Bellavista, which is a trendy neighborhood with charming shops, cafes and eateries and is also home to most of Santiago’s bathhouses, gay bars and gay clubs. Although it is not likely that you will see rainbow flags hanging for rooftops or same-sex couples walking through the streets hand in hand, it is quite common to find gay magazines openly displayed in newsstands and couples sipping coffee at cosmopolitan sidewalk cafes.
A night on the town in Bellavista often begins around 9 or 10pm with dinner at a gay-owned restaurant, such as Capricho, followed by drinks or dancing at one of several gay bars or gay clubs, which can easily go into the early morning hours. Gay travelers have a selection of gay clubs to choose from that range from the typical fare you would find in most urban areas to more risqu options complete with live sex shows. Santiago also has several bathhouses for those who are so inclined, including one slightly upscale option with a clientele made up primarily of professionals. Do keep in mind that playing safe is as important in Chile as it is in the United States.
The fact that Santiago is the most accepting city in Chile for a gay vacation, coupled with its central location for ease of exploring all that Chile offers, this capital city is one of the most popular Chilean locales for gay vacations. Whether you are planning Chilean gay tours for you and your partner, your family, or a group of single friends, working with a travel agency that is accustomed to organizing gay holidays in Chile is your best bet for ensuring a safe, fun trip that you will always remember.
Info post about Chile originated by Howie Holben. Spirit Journeys suggests gay vacation spots and is a place for gay spiritual singles.
categories: metaphysical,spirituality,self improvement,motivation,inspirational,gay,travel,vacations,tours,tourism,health,fitness,recreation
Nov 11
Howie HolbenTravel Tips advice, gay, health, leisure, metaphysical, recreation, self-improvement, sexuality, social issues, society, spirituality, travel, Travel Tips
Morocco is a popular tourist destination in northwestern Africa and provides wonderful gay vacations. This is a land of rich history, deeply entrenched culture, legend and myth. Well-known as a setting for books, play and movies, this desert nation offers visitors the opportunity to explore ancient ruins, traipse across the desert on a camel, stay in a hotel made of sand and bargain with insistent rug and spice traders in old-world open air marketplaces. In many cities and towns traditional homes have been converted into guest lodgings, called riads, which often provide for a more welcoming environment for folks on a gay vacation and allow visitors to experience Moroccan life and culture up close. Morocco is a conservative Muslim country and has no scene to speak of; however other reasons to include this exotic land in your gay travel ideas are abundant, including beautiful beaches, exceptional architecture, expansive desert landscapes and the chance to meander through souks (markets) that twist and turn through narrow village streets.
Any travel experience in Morocco must include exploring the distinct quarters of the Fes medina, taking in the art deco architecture of Casablanca, breathing in the ocean air while watching a spectacular sunrise or sunset in Tangier, and visiting the Dar Si Said Museum in Marrakech. With breathtaking Muslim mosques, snake charmers, street performers, ancient Roman ruins and so much more, a vacation to Morocco gives travelers the opportunity to immerse themselves in the colors, sounds, sights and smells of this unique country.
American and European socialites, writers and composers involved in the jet set scene once flocked to Morocco as a preferred gay vacation destination; however, while Morocco was once known as a liberal playground welcoming gay men and lesbians from around the world for vacations, a push by recent Muslim leadership to move the country back towards the strict moral code of Islam has caused this welcoming atmosphere to change. Although the law is not commonly enforced, homosexuality was deemed a criminal offence in 1962 and remains so today. Same-sex conduct is punishable by fines and between six months to three years in prison.
The government released a statement in early 2009 stating that homosexuality would not be tolerated and that increased efforts to repress same-sex conduct would be established. This may mean increased enforcement of this 1962 law. This is not uncommon in primarily Muslim countries and does not mean that Morocco should be avoided when planning travel.
It does; however, indicate that awareness and discretion are advised wile on a Morocco vacation. To avoid possible issues, travelers may want to consider participating in a travel group vacation or planning their trip with the assistance of a gay tours company well-versed in planning vacations in Morocco.
Post about Morocco authored by Howie Holben. Spirit Journeys presents gay tantra workshops and romantic gay travel.
categories: metaphysical,spirituality,self-improvement,gay,travel,health,society,social issues,sexuality,advice,recreation,leisure
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