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
Dec 06
Howie HolbenTravel Tips advice, education, fitness, gay, politics, sexuality, social issues, society, tourism, travel, Travel Tips
Whether as a stop on a tour through Europe, or a standalone gay vacations destination, France offers travelers world-renowned beaches, snow-covered alps, bucolic countryside dotted with castles and remnants of Frances long history, some of the most amazing art collections in the world, the fabulous French Riviera and, of course, the truly exceptional, unique city of Paris.
While visitors on gay vacations tend to stay around Paris to enjoy the accepting atmosphere that Paris is known for, while experiencing the heart of Frances LGBT culture and visiting the citys famous cultural and historical landmarks, travelers will find that Paris accepting atmosphere extends across the country and there are plenty of LGBT establishments and things to see and do no matter where you travel in France. For over 200 years, Frances community has enjoyed life without anti-sodomy laws, and civil unions have been commonplace for the last decade. With both the law and the laissez-faire attitude common among the French on their side, LGBT travelers will find France an enjoyable place and offers many wonderful gay tours.
Numerous community events take place across the country throughout the year, including several pride festivals and a very well-attended pride parade and festival and gay and lesbian film festival in Paris. Some unique establishments to check out while in Paris on a gay vacation include the Marais district LGBT-owned bakery, Legay Choc; the ArtMenParis exhibit of all-male images; and Madame Arthur, LArtishow and Chez Michou, three cabarets with female impersonators and drag shows. Paris nightlife is lively, with bars open from afternoon until 2am and clubs opening at midnight, and often staying open until noon.
For men in search of the bawdier side of gay vacations in Paris, sex clubs, bars with backrooms and popular cruising spots are readily available. There are also plenty of saunas (bathhouses) to choose from; however, French saunas operate differently than what some travelers might be accustomed to in Canada or America. In France, saunas have relaxation cubicles rather than private rooms for rent and visiting saunas is largely an afternoon activity, with Sunday afternoons being the most popular time.
Lesbian travelers often find that gay vacation trip destinations are filled with bars, clubs and saunas for the men, with barely a hint of lesbian presence to be found; however, this is definitely not the case in Paris, where women will find a delightful blend of groups and venues dedicated to lesbians. From walking groups to sex shops that cater solely to women, Paris has much to offer to the womens community. Paris is home to several clubs and bars located in varied neighborhoods, including the Palais Royal, Saint Germain des Pres, Grands Boulevards and Halles-Beaubourg districts, as well as many options in the Marais neighborhood, known as the center of LGBT life in Paris. One of Paris first lesbian bars can be found in the Palais Royal district and the Bastille-Republique neighborhood is home to a community bookshop.
Paris is sure to remain the most popular spot for a gay trip in France; however there are several other places to choose from, including Nice and Montpellier on the Mediterranean, Annecy in the Alps, Nantes in Brittany and Avignon in Provence, as well as the well-known LGBT beaches in Camargue, where nudism is the norm. Folks who would like to play among the rich and famous should definitely head to Saint Tropez on the French Riviera, while those in search of a more romantic respite might prefer an LGBT-owned bed and breakfast on the outskirts of Bourdeaux. With so many gay vacation spots available throughout France, it is clear that this diverse, unique country is the perfect choice for gay romantic travel.
Article about France generated by Howie Holben. Spirit Journeys offers information on gay destinations and gay tantra.
categories: education,society,social issues,politics,travel,tourism,gay,sexuality,advice,fitness
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
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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