Posts Tagged ‘lgbt’
Gay Vacations Tours To Ecuador
December 23, 2010
Although a small country, Ecuador boasts a wide array of geographic and cultural diversity, including a variety of indigenous groups with distinctive cultures and languages. From snow-capped volcanoes and rainforests to tropical shorelines, Ecuador has varying landscapes and climates, making it wonderful for gay travel or exciting adventures a great idea any time of the year.
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.
Travelers will find that Quito is largely the center of LGBT life and has the most visible community. This is particularly true in the La Mariscal neighborhood, which is the location of the Quito Pride celebration each year in June, as well as the district where LGBT-friendly clubs, bars, cafs and other establishments can be found. This bohemian neighborhood is a popular afternoon hangout and is the place to go for a night on the town on Fridays and Saturdays.
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 tours, 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 allows you to more fully enjoy your excursion with minimal worries and to explore this diverse country with like-minded travelers.
Article about Ecuador written by Howie Holben. Howie runs Spirit Journeys, a gay vacations outfit. Spirit Journeys presents spiritual gay travel throughout the world.
Gay Vacations To Peru For Insight
December 19, 2010
The best gay travel usually are used to take time away from the worries at home. They also give us chance to be adventuresome and active, or to just lay on the beach and sleep the day away. However, some people expect more from their vacation or travel experience.
Some people want to move toward more balance in their life. They want more than just a quick, temporary release from life’s stresses. They want to be more in touch with their spirit and their heart. If this is what you seek, try a gay spirituality tour to magical Peru’s Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu for your next vacation.
Peru’s Sacred Valley is in the heart of the Andes Mountains. The surrounding villages are known for their Inca ruins and the mystical powers these places are reported to contain. In the Sacred Valley you can truly find peace, serenity and a chance to reflect. An experience you will remember.
If you’re traveling to the area, a great place to stay and one that caters specifically to gay travel is the Kamaquen Retreat Center. Complete with essential elements of the Andean culture and spiritual lifestyle, this is the ultimate place to reconnect with yourself and begin a path of self discovery and enlightenment.
Of course, no visit to Peru would be complete without visiting Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu is a short train ride from the Sacred Valley and well worth the trip. Once you enter the grounds of Machu Picchu you immediately feel the energy of this very special place. The views are magnificent and the sacredness of this place is self evident.
Just wandering around Machu Picchu, you become filled with a sense of wonder and awe. The energy of the place just fills you. You will never be the same after a visit to this magical place. Gay tours can lead to changes in your life back home.
Travel to Peru tips by Howie Holben. His company, Spirit Journeys, is a gay tours association. Spirit Journeys presents gay vacations world wide.
There Are Many Reasons To Enjoy Gay Vacations
May 21, 2010
Gay women and men will often find that they have to deal with a lot of negativity when they are on holiday. This can make them feel as though they want to be in a more friendly and accepting company. Today, with the emergence of gay vacations this is totally possible and many gay people are realising what a great time they can have. If you are wondering whether or not to book onto gay vacations yourself here are some of the reasons you should.
You will not have to put up with people with bad attitudes towards your sexuality. Everyone is free to be themselves on this type of vacation, which is a huge relief for many people. There is no need to worry about anything on these vacations, you can just sit back and enjoy yourself.
There is a huge choice of destinations to visit on these vacations. In fact they are so well loved that the list of places to go to is growing and growing. With more and more countries having travel agencies that arrange gay and gay friendly vacations they are certainly on the increase.
As well as being able to choose from many different destinations there are plenty of types of gay vacation to go on. Some years ago this choice was very limited. Today however there are package holidays to beach side destinations, adventure vacations and even cruises. So if you were thinking that your vacation would have to be quite dull, think again, you can go on the type of vacation you love.
Maybe you like to attend a certain event in the gay calendar, such as a Pride event. If this is the case you can go on a vacation that will tie in with this. So take a look at the events being held and their country. Then book yourself onto a vacation that will allow you to include this.
If you are single and want to go on a vacation aimed at gay people you will have lots to choose from. You can go alone or in a group of friends, the choice is yours. The one thing that you can be sure of is that you will have a fantastic time.
Perhaps you want to be spoilt on your vacation. If this is the case you might want to think about going on an all inclusive hotel or resort. Here all of your drinks and meals are included in the price which is great if you want to feel as though you are in the lap of luxury.
With such a wide variety of gay vacations it is clear to see why they are becoming more and more popular. Such vacations provide a welcome break for anyone who is gay and wants to take a break without dealing with prejudice. So if you want a great trip without any hassles, this could be what you are looking for.
Howie Holben is the force behind Spirit Journeys, a gay vacations outift that focuses on conscious tours. Howie has travelled the world learning from indigenous peoples. Find more about Howie, his work and gay travel with a spiritual focus at Spirit Journeys website.
The Familiarity Of Gay Tours
April 28, 2010
Gay people have seemingly always existed as their is historic evidence of homosexual activity and indeed one of the most often cited bastions of gay acceptance, the Greeks and Romans, existed over 2,000 years ago. Today, the world is as varied as it has always been and the struggle to accept homosexuality continues to be debated, embraced, and rejected. There are some countries (such as Canada), however, that are extremely accepting of gays and allow them to marry. If a country is not totally welcoming, there are still arenas that cater to gays like travel agencies that put together gay tours.
In the United States, gay rights are debated across a variety of regions whose ideals shift radically based on culture and religion. Some cities are more gay friendly than others and some states, like Vermont, allow gay marriages that would not be recognized otherwise. Because America is a melting pot, the reaction to homosexuality runs the gamut, but it is still better than countries like Iran which punish gay lifestyles with death sentences.
Is it a choice? Are you born gay? These are the questions that the rest of the world struggles with and that a gay child does not concern themselves with. To be gay is to realize your difference very early one and carry that into puberty. Adolescence is already a time of struggle and reflection that for gay teens, includes having to choose between being in the closet and acting the part of a straight teen or coming out and dealing with reactions that can be either accepting or rejecting.
Being accepted is, in a sense, easier than ever because of technology. Groups that identify towards one another can find solace and company online and this can be invaluable for gays living isolated existences in areas in which coming out is not a possibility. The Lesbian Gay and Transgendered (LGBT) groups that exist online bleed into the real world and allow for gays to think of a future in which they can be surrounded by others that are like them.
Many straight adults never have to think twice about feeling accepted sexually and so it can be underestimated that for a gay person to be around other gay persons, it can be one of the most accepting and transformative experiences. Finding time to be around other gays and having a sense of community does not have to be the exclusive purview of gay clubs. Travel feeds the soul and traveling with other gay people on gay tours can open up the world.
Gay tours aren’t just limited to going on cruise ships; they can be elaborate multi-day and multi-destination affairs that bring you face to face with a number of cultures and experiences. Where you want to go and what type of vacation you want is up to you, whether it is an African safari trek or party boat excursion.
There are a variety and number of vacations that will have you surrounded by other gay people and couples. No matter your interests there are tours specific to your desires. Also, the extent in which tours are gay can vary according to your interests be it gays, lesbians, and their friends, gay families, just gay men, and only lesbian women.
It is time to experience the world in a loving and accepting environment so that you can concentrate on the act of travel. The world is a huge, diverse, and impressive place so experiencing it on gay vacations with other gay individuals takes a huge psychological burden off of your shoulders.
Gay trips help written by Howie Holben. He is the dreamer behind Spirit Journeys, a gay romantic enterprise. Spirit Journeys suggests spiritual gay travel companies all over the planet.
Gay Travel To New Zealand
January 12, 2010
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.
Folks in search of gay travel experiences in New Zealand will find that there is no end to the possibilities, including relaxing on gorgeous beaches, skiing and snowboarding at several resorts, trekking through expanses of wilderness or partaking in the lively nightlife of many of New Zealand’s cosmopolitan cities. Whether you are in search of a laidback family vacation on the shore, or a wild week of LGBT Pride celebrations, New Zealand is an exceptional option for gay vacations of all types.
Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington and Hamilton are just a few examples of the cities in New Zealand that have large, visible LGBT communities, Pride events, and a variety of businesses, bars, clubs and pubs that cater to the community. For those looking for a city gay vacation, these are ideal choices that will not disappoint when it comes to lively nightlife and plenty of shopping, dining and entertainment to fill an entire trip. For those looking for skiing and snowboarding during their gay travel to New Zealand, there are resorts on both North Island and South Island, offering easy access for day excursions to the mountains in between visiting historical sites, attending cultural events or visiting the unspoiled nature of some of 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.
Howie Holben wrote this commentary about gay tours to New Zealand help. He is the the force behind Spirit Journeys, a gay tours firm. Spirit Journeys presents spiritual gay vacations all over the world.
categories: travel,vacations,holidays,tours,destinations,travel tips,self improvement,motivation,spirituality,gay,lgbt,sexuality,society
Gay Holiday Destinations In Italy
January 10, 2010
Italy is a nation famous for its romance, architecture, history and art and is a popular location for gay tours. The rich history, picturesque landscapes and unique culture have made Italy a popular setting for plays, books and movies and draws couples, families and friends to this beautiful country throughout the year to indulge in the food, admire the fashion and experience a wide variety of world-famous art and architecture. With many diverse destinations, including the winding pathways of Venice, the countryside dotted with sightseeing opportunities, ancient ruins and wineries, the vast museums of Florence and the thrilling nightlife of Milan, Italy is an ideal setting for gay vacations.
Folks looking for gay travel experiences in Italy will find the largest selection of gay clubs and bars in Milan and Rome; however, Florence, Venice, Bologna, Geneva and Padua, as well as other cities and towns frequented by tourists, also have gay-friendly and gay-owned bars and businesses that provide a welcoming environment for visitors on an Italian gay vacation. Travelers will find gay-friendly and gay-owned hotels throughout the country, including Tuscany’s gay-owned La Quircia Rosa and Villa le Masse, and gay-friendly Hotel Porta Rossa, which is only a short stroll from the Galleria dellAccademia, which houses Michelangelo’s David and is the one of the oldest hotels in Italy.
There is a large gay and lesbian presence in each of Italy’s larger urban areas providing many options for your gay vacation to Italy, particularly Rome, Florence, Bologna and Milan, with Milan being generally accepted as the most gay-friendly Italian City and among the most popular destinations for gay vacations. Gay pride events take place throughout the country and there are a few large gay and lesbian film festivals, including the Turin International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, the Festival del Cinema Gay Lesbico e della Cultura Queer in Milan and the Florence Queer Festival.
In order to get the most out of gay vacations to Italy and to more fully experience and learn about the culture, history and art, you may want to consider participating in an organized tour. If you partake in well-organized group vacations or work with a gay travel agency to arrange tours for you and your travel partners, you are sure to find that knowledgeable tour guides.
Whether you go to Italy for the food, the art, the wine, the history or the legends, there is bound to be a tour related to your interests and this really is the best way to take in all that Italy has to offer. Another tip for utilizing your time in Italy well is to book museum reservations ahead of time whenever possible. Italy is well-known for its remarkable museums and this will save you from standing in some very long lines.
Howie Holben wrote this commentary about gay tours to Italy help. He is the the force behind Spirit Journeys, a gay men holidays firm. Spirit Journeys presents spiritual gay travels all over the world.
categories: advice,travel,tours,vacations,holidays,gay,lgbt,tourism,destinations,travel tips,vacations,advice,relationships,self improvement
A Look At Why Gay Travel To Denmark Is A Good Idea
January 9, 2010
There are a few good reasons why it pays to plan for gay tours to Denmark and of course the main reason is that this Scandinavian nation offers its gays virtually the same rights as are available to straight Danes. In fact, gays in Denmark have some pretty extensive rights and Danes too themselves are permissive and will not look too unkindly at people with gay leanings.
In Denmark, gays are also allowed to serve in the Danish military while under the country’s laws, people are prohibited from indulging in crimes based on hate which means that even if you don’t tolerate gay lifestyles you are not allowed to take the law into your own hands and commit a crime against gays. In 1989 Danish laws allowed for marriages among gays and the parliament of that country also held discussions about various aspects of being gay.
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 that is also often referred to as the fairy city has a vibrant gay life that is quite widespread. There are in fact some very steamy dark rooms where gays gravitate to including the Body Bio sex club and also the LBL-Ungdom gay youth group and in addition there is also the annual Pride festival that draws many gays who come and stay in the hotels and restaurants owned almost entirely by gays. In addition, Copenhagen also holds the Queer Festival and then there is the Gay and Lesbian Film Festival that too attract many gays.
Most gays that live in Copenhagen tend to stay in the old part of the city where there is much to entertain the gays including fun and entertainment that is centered in just a single square kilometer of the city. About 80 years ago, Copenhagen saw its first gay bar that thrives today even though many other bars and cafes catering to gays have sprung up in the intervening years.
This original gay bar goes by the name of Centralhjornet that is still a major gay hangout.
Most gays when they are in Copenhagen will find accommodation in the old town and the night life here is of course very exciting and is mainly centered on a square kilometer in the city.
Each year in August there is the exciting Copenhagen Pride Festival that has gays from the other Scandinavian countries as well as from the rest of the world coming here. The festival provides numerous gay tours options and of course the open-air film event is a big attraction.
Howie Holben wrote this post about gay travel to Denmark clues. He is the dreamer behind Spirit Journeys, a gay travel firm. Spirit Journeys makes available spiritual and gay tours all over the planet.
categories: travel,vacations,holidays,tours,destinations,travel tips,self improvement,motivation,spirituality,gay,lgbt,sexuality,society