Gay Vacations: Destinations In France

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Posted on 25th December 2009 by Howie Holben in Politics

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Traveling through France on a jaunt across Europe, or as your only destination for gay vacations for singles or couples, France is a trip that everyone should experience at least once. With snowcapped alps, the magnificent French Riviera, world famous art collections, pristine beaches, pastoral landscapes dotted with medieval castles, villages and ruins that tell the story of Frances diverse history, and the truly exquisite cosmopolitan city of Paris, travelers are sure to find exactly what they are looking for when visiting this unique country.

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.

Visitors will find a number of community festivals and events taking place throughout the year in different parts of the country, including pride celebrations in many cities, a gay and lesbian film festival in Paris and Paris world-famous pride festival and parade. A gay vacation in Paris should also include a stop at the Legay Choc bakery in the Marais district, as well as the collection of male images at ArtMenParis and the female impersonation cabaret shows at LArtishow, Madame Arthur and Chez Michou. Paris nightlife often starts early with bars opening in the afternoon, followed by clubs opening around midnight and thumping the night away, often until noon.

Men interested in exploring the bawdier side of Paris gay vacations will find that cruising spots, bars with backrooms and sex clubs are easy to find and quite popular with visitors, as well as locals. Saunas, aka bathhouses, are also plentiful; however, they work a bit differently in France than they do in America or Canada. French saunas do not have private rooms, but rather cubicles that are set aside for a bit of privacy, and they are not 24-hour operations. Most of the activity takes place in the afternoon, rather than the evening or night, and Sunday afternoons are particularly popular.

Most gay vacation spots cater largely to men, have little to no visible lesbian presence and offer few establishments dedicated to the lesbian community. Women will be delighted to discover that this is not the case in Paris. Parisian lesbians and visitors enjoy a multitude of venues and organizations that can be found throughout the city, but particularly in the neighborhoods of Marais, Grands Boulevards, Halles-Beaubourg, Saint Germain des Pres and Palais Royal. Palais Royal is home to one of the oldest lesbian bars in Paris, while the Bastille-Republique district has a delightful community bookstore with a distinct Sapphic flare. There is also a lesbian walking group and even a sex shop that caters solely to women.

While Paris may be the most popular gay tour spot in France, there are many others to choose from as well, including Nantes in Brittany, Avignon in Provence, Annecy in the Alps, Nice and Montpellier on the Mediterranean coast and, of course, the popular community beaches of Camargue, where naturism is the norm. Saint Tropez on the French Riviera is another spot to visit in hopes of catching a glimpse of the rich and famous, while an LGBT-owned bed and breakfast outside of Bourdeaux is the ideal setting for a romantic getaway. The many options available for gay vacation packages in France make this beautiful country the perfect destination for gay couples travel.

Discussion on France by Howie Holben with info on gay travel destinations and gay travel deals.

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An Overview Of Gay Vacations To Thailand

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Posted on 12th November 2009 by Howie Holben in Politics

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Thailand is a tropical country in southeast Asia, located southeast of Burma and bordering the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea. Thailand is known for its delicious food, culture, temples, and beaches, which makes it a desirable vacation spot. In addition, Thai people are incredibly friendly and accepting, which appeals to gay traveler, and it’s not uncommon it be bombarded with smiles everywhere you go. Because of the monsoon season, the most desirable time to visit Thailand is between November and February when the weather is drier. The national currency is the baht (as of 2009 exchange rates, approximately 34 baht = $1).

For instance, although the sight of two men walking the streets arm in arm may be completely acceptable and normal to the typical Thai person who views this as a simple friendship, a man and a woman holding hands as they walk is not so readily accepted. And though sexual acts are left to the discretion of the involved individuals behind closed doors, public displays of nudity are considered absolutely unacceptable–even wearing shorts and a tank top is questionable in some areas and establishments. Never should one touch anothers head, as the head is considered to be sacred. And one should make sure never to point ones feet in the direction of another human being, since this also is viewed as being taboo.

A visit to Thailand can be as relaxed or as active as the traveler chooses it to be. Most gay tours are geared toward the ever popular nightlife scene. Go-go clubs, boy bars and sexy discos have been popping up at an increasing rate over the past few years in larger cities such as Bangkok, Chiangmai and Phuket, making these the ultimate destinations for the sexually adventurous traveler. On the other hand, gay vacations to quieter and more traditional regions like Koh Samui offer visitors a peek into the true, laid-back Thai island experience. Here, the crystal clear waters and magnificent rock formations are the main day-time attractions. But dont be fooled; the nightlife, though less common than in the larger cities, is still widely available and not to be missed.

Phuket is an island province located in the Andaman Sea and is a famous tourist destination. This island is known for its beaches and natural beauty. Karon, Kamala, Kalim, and Patong beaches are top spots for leisure activities, including swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and parasailing. A few places on Phuket contain hidden lagoons that can only be reached by canoe during certain tides. Phuket is also known for its gardens and seafood.

Chiangmai is the second largest city in Thailand, has a rich history, and contains more than 300 temples. The Buddhist monastery of Doi Suthep can be found looking down on the city, reached by a long mountain road. Outside of Chiangmai, there are numerous gardens (there are over 1000 varieties of orchids here), waterfalls, and hidden caves. Like Bangkok, Chiangmai has a thriving gay population, and nightlife is diverse, with go-go bars, clubs, and cabaret.

Thailand, and its people are full of surprises. The phrase Mai pen rai, or its nothing/no worries/its cool tells all about the country and its inhabitants. Gay people are more than accepted by the general Thai population, making Thailand the ultimate choice for gay tours.

This gay travel vacation tips article was written by Spirit Journeys’ Howie Holben. Spirit Journeys is well known for hosting extraordinary gay holidays. You can learn more about Howie, his work and a unique gay tour or gay vacation at www.SpiritJourneys.com.

Italy Was Made For The Gay Traveler

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Posted on 11th November 2009 by Howie Holben in Politics

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Italy is a land of art, history, architecture, romance and Vespas. Italys exceptional scenery, rich history and deeply entrenched culture have made this enticing country a popular destination for both straight and gay travel, as well as a popular setting for books, movies and plays. Singles, couples, families and groups of friends flock to Italy throughout the year for the fashion, the food and some of the most famous art and architecture in the world. Whether your ideal gay romantic experience includes meandering narrow, ancient roads in Rome or Venice, languid drives through the countryside searching for lesser known historical sites and visiting wineries, wiling away an afternoon in a museum in Florence or experiencing Milans enticing nightlife, Italy is an ideal destination for gay vacations.

While Rome and Milan have the widest selection of gay bars and clubs, gay travel participants will find that Geneva, Florence, Bologna, Venice, Padua and many other tourist hotspots also have gay-owned and gay-friendly establishments offering a welcoming atmosphere for a night on the town during your gay vacation to Italy. Gay-owned and gay-friendly hotels can be found throughout Italy, such as the Hotel Porta Rossa ” which is the second oldest hotel in Italy and just a short walk from numerous world-famous attractions, such as Michelangelos David in the Galleria dellAccademia ” or the gay-owned La Quircia Rosa and Villa le Masse in Tuscany.

The lesbian and gay community has a presence in most of Italys more populous urban areas, which allows for many options for a gay vacation to Italy. Florence, Bologna, Rome and Milan all have a gay and lesbian presence, with Milan generally considered as the most accepting city in Italy for gay vacations. There are a number of gay pride events throughout Italy and large lesbian and gay film festivals that draw in visitors from around the world, including the Florence Queer Festival, Turin International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival and Milans Festival del Cinema Gay Lesbico e della Cultura Queer.

If one the goals for your gay holidays expererience in Italy is to experience as much of the history, art and culture as possible during your stay, tours are an absolute necessity. Participating in organized gay vacations or working with a travel agency to schedule tours for your private travel group will help you make the most out of your time in Italy.

Also shorter waits in line and an organized itinerary will assist you in making the most of your Italian travel experience. Planning your gay vacation through a travel agency that is accustomed to organizing gay vacations or arranging gay travel in Italy is the best way to ensure that you have the information you need and the assistance of a travel agent that understands your needs.

A gay tours for Italy hints post written by Howie Holben. Howie also runs Spirit Journeys. They have gay trips that concentrate on indigenous peoples and gay vacations that focus on spirituality.

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