Gay Travel
          in Mexico!

Even though Mexico is largely Catholic and machismo it’s surprisingly welcoming to LGBT gay and lesbian vacationers. Homosexuality is legal in Mexico and large gay communities, which flourish in Mexico City, Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta and Acapulco, have made sure that anti-discrimination laws are in place and respected. PLUS, you can get married now in Mexico.

For years Puerto Vallarta has been a top choice for LGBT travel. But there are other spots as well to be considered in Mexico. 

Mexico City seems to be trying to win some kind of award for being the most liberal city in Latin America. In fact, Mexico as a country has won an award: gay Destination of the Year by the PlanetOut Travel Awards, which recognize gay-friendly tourist destinations. Past winners have included Barcelona and Buenos Aires.

According to Mexico City blog DFinitivo, the world's largest city has been  actively courting the gay travel dollar, and the Secretary of Tourism for DF has joined the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association to prove it. Gay travelers will be welcomed with specialized maps outlining areas of interest for nightlife, cultural events and more. They are not trying to make money off the gays, but just do whatever they can to be welcoming. Mexico City  recently became the  first major city in Latin America to legalize gay marriage!

The lure of Mexico City is irresistible. The most populated metropolis in the world boasts colonial mansions and excavated pyramids alongside fabulous museums and galleries, all shadowed by the concrete and glass of modern development. Above all, the city is exciting, sometimes intimidating, always bewildering and boldly alive.

The main attractions in Mexico City are centered in a few distinct areas, including the Zona Rosa, the Historic Center (the Zocalo area), Alameda Park, Chapultepec Park,and the "Zona Sur", or Southern Zone. Additionally, the adjoining neighborhoods of Condesa and Roma are trendy areas with good restaurants and cafes, nightlife, quality architecture, and, home to more gays than elsewhere in the city.

When you think of Acapulco, you probably don't  think  gay. With sunny Pacific beaches wedged between clean waters and craggy mountains, Acapulco is popular with gays and straights alike.

Gay bars and clubs in Acapulco (as opposed to other Mexican cities) tend to be almost treacherously flamboyant and tacky places where people throw good taste to the Pacific port breeze while partying. Don’t expect anything that feels refined or upscale, as that’s not what Acapulco is about. You’ll find, more so than in American gay bars, that strippers are an almost ubiquitous fixture in Acapulco.

Lots of beautiful men that would would say even rivals the likes of Rio de Janeiro's Ipanema. There is a cruisey area called  "the rocks", where sunbathers fling off their Speedos and go au natural! Around sunset can be very cruisy. In the last year, Acapulco has seen  a new infusion of luxury accommodations, as well as a growing gay scene, Acapulco is once again showing up on the itinerary of gay globetrotters.

Puerto Vallarta is the number one gay tourist destination in all of Mexico. Sitting on one of the world's most beautiful natural bays, Puerto Vallarta is welcoming, friendly and enchanting. The Zona Romantica, located on the south end, is very quaint and very gay.  You will see rainbow flags and couples holding hands. There is a huge gay beach and it's popular and busy year round.

Puerto Vallarta is a lively small city of red tiled roofs and cobblestone streets, roosters, donkeys and iguanas, friendly locals, expatriates and fun loving tourists. Nestled between the brilliant Banderas Bay and the lush tropical forests of the Sierra Madre mountains on the west coast of Mexico west, Puerto Vallarta is known for its long sandy beaches, beautiful ocean and mountain views, handsome men, happening nightlife and its many fine restaurants. Whether sunbathing at the popular gay beach, sailing on one of the gay cruises, bike riding along the Cuale River, whale watching on sun drenched Banderas Bay or dancing the night away at one of your favorite local gay bars, there is something for you to adore and fall in love and Discover gay Puerto Vallarta!

GUADALAJARA is said to be perhaps Latin America's most underrated gay urban getaway.  Gay travel writer Andrew Collins  says its, "friendly, culturally rich, and affordable city of Guadalajara, the second-largest metropolis in Mexico, which somewhat to my surprise, has a remarkably vibrant gay scene.

I'd long heard about the elegant buildings and churches that make up the city's historic center, the stylish shops and cafes of the fashionable suburb of Tlaquepaque, and the easy proximity to the beloved town of Tequila, home to the Sauza, Jose Cuervo, and numerous other fine distilleries. Indeed, there's much to see and do in Guadalajara and the surrounding region.

But I hadn't known that the city has nearly two-dozen gay bars as well as gay-friendly colonial B&Bs and plenty of welcoming restaurants and cafes, the majority of them within easy walking distance of the central Plaza Tapatia."

 Can I just say, Guadalajara has some HOT MEN! Just a few hours from Puerto Vallarta, many travelers to the area try to include both of these cities on their iternerary.

Graceful mansions and towering churches, old homes coverted to B&B's and a couple dozen gay bars and clubs. Some have called this town the San Francisco of Mexico. Everything from swanky lounges and intimate hot spots to big multi-level discos. Most everything is just a stroll from  the downtowns Plaza Tapita.

1.5 million people live within the city limits and nearly 5 million people reside in the metro region, Guadalajara feels more laid-back and manageable than most cities its size.


New Gay Travel Guide

Turks & Caicos is one of the best-kept secrets in today’s luxury vacation market!　

This stunning haven of over 40 islands boasts some of the most exquisite beaches in the world.There are miles of coral reef close to shore, making it the ideal vacation paradise for the modern eco-tourist. Professional and amateur divers alike will explore the most beautiful reef structures and exotic marine life in the world!　

In between dives you may also wish to enjoy the 18-hole golf course at the Provo Golf Club, rated among the top ten courses in the Caribbean.　 　

 

If golfing isn’t your forte, there are still countless activities to enjoy at your leisure. Turks & Caicos is also known for its cave exploring, humpback whale migration, fishing, sailing, ocean kayaking, parasailing, kite boarding, and horseback riding.

You can even try your luck at the American casinos!　

The island welcomes all people, including the LGBT traveler.　 Looking to travel to the Turks & Caicos?

　StraightOut Adventures Inc. is the premiere vacation provider for gay men who pursue the world of unique adventure and pampered luxury. May 8 -15, 2010 the company offers a weeklong vacation to the Turks & Caicos. The trip combines the hot trend of villa vacations with a top Caribbean destination, taking gay travel to the next level in service and luxury.

　

Their team is dedicated to your personalized holiday experience. You’ll be taken care of for the duration of your vacation. With a full staff to attend to your every need, there is nothing that they haven’t already thought of! The luxury begins with personally escorting you from the airport to your gorgeous hilltop villa. Unwind and take in the 360-degree panoramic view of turquoise seas and tropical gardens. Sit back and relax.

Your private chef, classically trained in French Cuisine prepares all your favorite foods, and tempts your palate with fine Caribbean cuisine found only on the islands. Enjoy full-service, open bar with unlimited premium spirits and wines.

Sapodilla Bay Beach is the most beautiful and peaceful beach on the island.
And guess what! It's only a two-minute walk from your villa.　　

 

Your week will be chock full of activities and entertainment – including a catamaran eco boat tour, where you will sail historic landmarks and snorkel the barrier reef. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in a gourmet cooking class with wine tasting, as well as a welcome party with authentic island entertainment.　

In addition, StraightOut Adventures has announced they will be teaming up with Ben and Dave's Six Pack ,the premiere online talk show. The show stars Ben Harvey, a New York City radio DJ and Dave Rubin, 12 year stand-up comedy veteran. The Six Pack is a new-school blend of what it means to be gay today and fears no topic from politics to sex and everything in between.

The duo is all about having fun, getting to know everyone and exploring great vacation destinations, starting with the gorgeous Turks and Caicos, May 8-15.

 

Ben and Dave will be blogging about their trips, doing shows on-location, featuring interviews with celebrities who live and vacation on the islands!　

So whether you vacation with a loved one or simply want to have an adventure with a friend, this vacation package is for you!Relax, be entertained, and discover the best that life has to offer.

Have we piqued your interest?

Head on over to StraightOut Adventures today to
find out more about the trip May 8-15^, 2010.

Take your vacation from ordinary to extraordinary!


Straight Out Adventures is the premier vacation provider for gay men who pursue the world of unique adventure and pampered luxury.Service is our top priority! The Straight Out Adventures team is dedicated to your personalized holiday experience. Relax, be entertained, and discover the best that life has to offer.


New Gay Travel Guide

Ahhhhhhhhhh......
     Summertime is just around the corner!

And so is the busy season in PTOWN! And many June Brides and Brides and Grooms and Grooms will tie the knot is Massachusetts again this season.

Recognized by PlanetOut for five consecutive years as the #1 resort destination for the LGBT traveler, Provincetown has led the pack in same-sex weddings since Massachusetts became the first US state to legalize same-sex marriage in 2004.

From fabled sand dunes and seaside bonfires to world-class dining and shopping along Commercial Street, Provincetown offers boundless natural beauty coupled with a quaint and historic downtown, which was recently recognized as a “Dozen Distinctive Destination” by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Since the 1920s when artists, writers, playwrights, poets and bohemians flocked to the beaches every summer, Provincetown has been known as a vibrant and diverse artists’ colony, as well as the birthplace of modern American theatre. A sampling of 20th-century artists who’ve worked and found inspiration in Provincetown: Hans Hofmann, Franz Kline, Mark Rothko, Milton Avery, Edward Hopper, Tennessee Williams, Truman Capote, Norman Mailer and Michael Cunningham.



A “town of firsts,” Provincetown is the site of the Pilgrim’s first landing in the New World and the signing of the Mayflower Compact, which some consider to be the birth of democracy. Additionally, Massachusetts is the birthplace of marriage equality, as it was the first state in the US to legalize same-sex marriage.

Thanks to a process introduced in 2009, extended license hours (open 5 days/week and late every Friday during the summer) allow in-state and out-of-state couples to get married over the course of a long-weekend.  A full explanation can PROVINCETOWN online.

From casual, intimate gatherings on the National Seashore (lit by bonfire) to a host of cottages, historic B&Bs, world-class restaurants and public parks, monuments and historical sites, Provincetown offers venues for every taste and budget.

The Numbers:

Same-sex weddings up 20% from 2008 to 2009

Since same-sex marriage was legalized in 2004, there have been more than 2,500 same-sex weddings in Ptown (about 92% of all marriages) .

Stop by PTOWN Business Guild  if you are planning a trip!


New Gay Travel Guide

Gay travel gets another boost in Europe!

Civil partnerships in the United Kingdom, granted under the Civil Partnership Act 2004, gives same-sex couples rights and responsibilities identical to civil marriage.
 
I don't care what they call it -  marriage, union, domestic partnership, whatever, as long as we get our rights! Why is the US taking so long to make these advancements? Do they realize how much money could be made off the gays? Plus, so many gay non-US residents would flock to places to Las Vegas and New York City to be wed!

In the UK, Civil partners are entitled to the same property rights as married opposite-sex couples, the same exemption as married couples on inheritance tax, social security and pension benefits, and also the ability to get parental responsibility for a partner's children,as well as responsibility for reasonable maintenance of one's partner and their children, tenancy rights, full life insurance recognition, next-of-kin rights in hospitals, and others. There is a formal process for dissolving partnerships akin to divorce.

Over 40,000 partnerships have been registered since 2004.  And now, for those who want the church wedding, that reality has happened in the UK.  On March 2, Peers voted by 95 to 21 in favour of an amendment to the Equality Bill moved by Labour Peer Lord Alli. The UK Government resisted his amendment in January, saying it was “not a workable solution to this issue”. Now CHURCHES will be allowed, but not compelled, to register homosexual civil partnerships.


Critics fear the change in the law could open the way for litigation against churches that refuse to register such unions. And others oppose the move because it makes civil partnerships more like full homosexual ‘marriage’.



Ben Summerskill, Chief Executive of the UK-based Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual equality organisation Stonewall, now the largest gay equality body in Europe responded to the  vote saying: “We are absolutely delighted with this vote for religious freedom. It will be warmly welcomed by lesbian and gay people of faith.”

"This further step towards equality is a real victory for religious reason over those Church of England and Roman Catholic bishops who’ve tried to bully other denominations in recent weeks," said Summerskill. Quakers and Liberal Jews were among those denominations which supported the amendment.

"We’ve argued throughout that this is an important matter of religious freedom. Ministers have known for some months that we intended to table this measure and we regret that the Government didn’t stand up to the bullying it faced from some churches on this issue. We’ll now work closely with ministers to ensure that we secure implementation of this further step towards equality. This vote is hugely important to those gay people of faith (and, as Lady Neuberger pointed out, to their Jewish mothers too!) who wish to celebrate their civil partnerships in their own place of worship."

Overseas couples wishing to register their partnership in the UK, must reside in the country for seven days prior to application for the partnership, and wait a further fifteen days before the civil partnership may be formed.

New Gay Travel Guide

Gay travel and cruise to China mainland is just weeks away! Last year, Atlantis Cruises set sail on the first all-gay cruise from Hong Kong to Singapore with a sold-out ship, the Azamara Quest.

Atlantis will set sail on the five-star Azamara Quest from Shanghai, home to Expo 2010, on March 20, 2010. The 10-day cruise will make stops in Busan, South Korea; Hiroshima, Osaka, and Kagoshima, Japan; Taipei, Taiwan; and Hong Kong. With an overnight in Osaka, guests can visit Kyoto, home to thousands of temples, gardens, palaces and even cherry blossoms. There’s also a long stay in Taipei, Taiwan’s largest city with even more ancient temples as well as the country’s tallest skyscrapers and surprisingly incredible gay-friendly nightlife. - There are still a few rooms left - although I am not sure you could secure traveling documents in time...

Expo 2010 is happening May - October and is expected to bring 70 million people to Shanghai! World Expo 2010 Shanghai China is the occasion for China to bring the world at home, and for the world to feel at home in China. By dedicating a 5.28-square-kilometer area at the core of the city to exhibitions, events and forums on the Expo theme, "Better City, Better Life," Shanghai hopes to build a powerful and lasting pilot example of sustainable and harmonious urban living.

There is so much to see and do in Asia. Utopia Asia is a great resource for gay and lesbian travelers in Asia.

Utopia was founded in 1994, by Singaporean, American, and Thai partners, with the goal of creating positive social alternatives for gays and lesbians in the Asian region.

Utopia opened Southeast Asia’s first gay and lesbian center, located in Bangkok, featuring a gay gift and book shop, café, mixed gay/lesbian pub, and guesthouse. The center went on to host author readings, women’s workshops, AIDS/HIV education and fundraising, and Bangkok’s first International Lesbian and Gay Film/Video Festival: Hearts of Light.

March
is Deep-Vein Thrombosis Awareness Month, which is a concern for many travelers and, as you may remember, the condition that took the life of NBC-TV correspondent, David Bloom, life while he was covering the war in Iraq.

This year, the Coalition to Prevent DVT has created an educational program focusing on preventative care through simple movements that can be done anywhere and anytime mobility is restricted. As part of DVT Awareness In Motion, David Bloom’s widow, Melanie Bloom, has partnering with Mary Ann Wilson, R.N., founder and host of the PBS broadcast, “Sit and Be Fit,” on an educational video that features movements that may help reduce the risk of DVT by encouraging blood circulation. The program goes beyond building traditional awareness of the signs and symptoms of DVT by emphasizing the importance of preventative care in during long distance travel.
 
There are few public health problems as serious as DVT and its related complication, pulmonary embolism (PE), yet these conditions receive little attention. In fact:
Up to 2 million Americans are affected by DVT each year, and approximately 300,000 Americans die each year from PE.

Complications from DVT claim the lives of more Americans than breast cancer and AIDS combined.

DVT-related PE is the leading cause of preventable hospital death in U.S. hospitals, but the risk of DVT can be reduced if healthcare professionals and consumers recognize risk factors, warning signs and symptoms so that appropriate preventative measures can be taken.

At the DVT Website, check out the Awareness in Motion link and you can view some exercises and see some of the video.


New Gay Travel Guide

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Visit Britain, the national tourist office for England, Scotland and Wales has unveiled the new strapline for its LGBT campaign, which was suggested by Californian Jay Masunaga in a competition run at the end of 2009. Jay’s winning strapline reminds Americans that ‘Britain is alive with Pride’ with many places that lesbian, gay, bi and trans men, women and families enjoy visiting. Illustrating the diversity of the LGBT community, VisitBritain’s campaign personalizes holiday experiences by six different interests, Nightowl, Foodie, Event-goer, Culturati, Chiller and Fashionista.

The website, visitbritain.com/rainbow, features ten destinations in Britain and for each, provides a range of experiences that will appeal to different kinds of LGBT traveler. A different destination will be profiled every month beginning with Brighton on the south coast of Britain, just an hour by train from London.


Officially the gayest city in the UK and voted winner of the Best UK Destination of 2008 by the country’s gay Pink Paper, it’s also our happiest place to live. Brighton (SoHo by the Sea!)  has come a long way since George IV brought a touch of royal glamour to the region in the eighteenth century. It’s arguably the gayest, friendliest, most fabulously fun place in Britain right now.

•      For the Foodie in Britain, sometimes it's not just about the food. Good company, great vibes, the places to be and be seen. In Brighton, you’ll indulge in the wonderfully camp – and local institution – Tea Cosy Tea Room to discover there is a right way to drink tea. Raise your pinkies as you sip and pay royal homage with “Charles & Camilla Elevenses”.

 

•     For NightOwls looking for the right crowd – bearish, fetish or lesbian – Britain has somewhere to rock your unique world. For lesbians, one of Brighton's hotspots is the Princess Victoria (the PV to locals), attracting crowds of up-for-it girls looking to kick start a rip-roaring night in style.

 

•      Event-Goers have their Pride of course, but they’re just as proud of must-see film festival, events plus comedy, dance and performance for gay and lesbian-minded audiences. You’re spoilt for choice in Brighton, where a week-long festival heralds Pride’s parade and parties on 7 August 2010, with a four-legged version – the Pride Companion Dog Show – on 4 July.                 

                                         

•      British art pushes envelopes, while edgy new music pours from pubs and the world’s greatest take the stage at stadiums and concert halls. Couple it with musicals, opera, classical music and renowned theatre to make the Culturati giddy with delight. The Culturati visiting Brighton takes a tour of the Royal Pavilion, King George IV’s gloriously over-the-top former home-from-home with its dressed-to-the-nines interiors and lavish architecture.

 

• 
    The Chiller likes to be pampered on a holiday that’s a happy, healthy break from the norm. It’s house parties at country homes or ‘blissing out’ at spas and saunas. Chillers say their “OM”s at Aloka, Brighton’s ‘Quality of Life Center’ with its ‘Aura-Soma’ color system, spa and yoga studio.

 

•     With a tradition of elegance with twists of lunacy, shopping here is never dull for Fashionistas whether its clothes or gifts to remember the trip. Here in Brighton, Fashionistas add inches (no, not there) shopping at Lacies for gorgeous shoes, wigs and Victorian corsets for the transgendered community. Or explore Prowler and CloneZone, Britain’s out-and-proud gay chain stores.

 

Each month, a different destination – Brighton, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, the Highlands, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Newcastle and North Wales – takes its turn in the spotlight on the website visitbritain.com/rainbow. For each, VisitBritain recommends itineraries and top experiences that every visitor must see. While in Brighton, tips for enjoying Britain’s best gay and lesbian seaside destination include the kitsch Brighton Pier, the beachfront (including nude bathing), shopping in The Lanes, partying in Kemp Town (the city’s beating gay heart), and lesbian and gay culture at the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery.



The Best Gay Travel Guide

I am a firm believer that as a LGBT community, we should  always  vote with our money. 

My partner and I never want to support or give money to those who don't have our best interests at heart.

Now I don't go crazy, trying to verify that every single company I do business with is gay friendly. However, when I know a company is homophobic, I will refuse to spend my money with them.

This week in the news again is the homophobic Caribbean nations. Coming up in April is a  cruise to the Bahamas benefiting Miami Beach Gay Pride, that is once again calling attention to the appropriateness of visiting Caribbean nations that appear to be homophobic.

Source Events, a company that specializes in LGBT tours, is donating proceeds to the organization from a cruise aboard the Norwegian Sky  that will make stops in Grand Bahama, Nassau and Great Stirrup Bay. The cruise embarks two days after the second annual Pride Parade and Expo in South Beach. - Why they would choose these destinations, is beyond me. And I for one, would refuse to go on this cruise. The Carribean has made it quite clear they do not like gays! 

-In  2004 they  picketed  a Rosie O’Donnell’s Family Vacations cruise.
-In  2006  they baned  the film "Brokeback Mountain,"
-In  2007 there was a police raid on a gay cruise party.
-In 2009  there was a  jury acquittal of a man who used the "gay panic" defense in the murder of an HIV-positive male.
So if towns are this homophobic, why would we want to stop there? Why would I want to give them my money?

EDGE BOSTON reports, "Representatives of Source Events and Miami Beach Gay Pride acknowledged the problems with anti-gay discrimination in the Bahamas, but defended the cruise."

"Neither I nor Miami Beach Gay Pride are blind to the fact that homophobia exists in the Bahamas," Sharon Kersten, a Source Events spokesperson, told EDGE in e-mail. "Perhaps we can be part of the solution, rather than punishing an entire nation for the fears and heinous acts of a small portion of the population."

"While, yes, it is true there have been incidents of homophobia in the Bahamas, I suspect that whatever town you live in it happens there, too," Cindy Brown, Miami Beach Gay Pride operations director, said in a phone interview. "There are pluses and minuses to anywhere one could possibly visit. I believe that if we want to make a difference in the way people view us, we can only do that if we allow them to see who we really are." 

There are HUNDREDS of places to take a cruise?  Why pick the Caribbean?   W T F ?

Read More at EDGE BOSTON.

While most print magazines and newspapers are slashing pages and cutting back, Passport Magazine is one of the few print magazines which have increased its print frequency. 

The magazine will grow from 8 issues per year to 9 and will still publish its annual “Weddings and Honeymoon” issue in May.

Proving GAY TRAVEL is still big business, sagging economy or not. Even this site, New Gay Travel Guide, now going into it's 5th year online, continues to grow and pick up more readers in more countries! And we now have 9 LGBT sites under our umbrella.


Just the fact that RSVP and Atlantis are selling out full-ship charters (as opposed to specialty cruises that book just a portion of the vessel), and that a new lesbian-geared tour and cruise company, Sweet, launched in 2008, should make it clear that the popularity of gay and lesbian cruise travel is also on the rise.


The print magazine Passport, currently has 72,000 (?) subscribers and focuses on travel for the gay community, yet bills itself as “hetero-friendly gay travel magazine,” acknowledging that nearly 3% of its subscribers are heterosexual.





Best Gay Cities            Best Gay New York             Best Gay Chicago            Best Gay News Magazine

 

Holland is a name in common usage given to a region in the western part of the Netherlands. The name 'Holland' is also often informally used to refer to the whole of the country of the Netherlands.

 

Today, the former County of Holland consists of the two Dutch provinces of North Holland and South Holland, which together include the Netherlands' three largest cities: country capital Amsterdam, seat of government The Hague, and Rotterdam, home of Europe's largest port.

The Netherlands Board of Tourism and Conventions  launched its new marketing campaign, “Just be. In Holland.” with a spectacular series of events.

Each week in February, visitors to Holland.com can enter to win a different prize from a selection that reflects Holland’s unique style and culture!

The contest is simple. All you need to do is correctly answer a Holland-themed question to be eligible to win amazing prizes.

A new contest will be posted every Thursday in February.  Each correct online entry will be entered into a weekly drawing for a chance to win an incredible prize that highlights a different aspect of Holland’s unique style. Each week’s prize (one winner per prize) is listed below.
 
·         February 4 contest: Have a fresh bouquet of tulips delivered to your home each month for a year

·         February 11 contest: Dazzle your darling (or yourself!) with an exclusive Gassan 121 diamond

·         February 18 contest: Cycle through your hometown on a traditional Batavus Dutch bicycle

·         February 25 contest: Lounge in style on the $1,000  Carbon chair designed by Marcel Wanders and Bertjan Pot

In addition to the weekly prizes, one grand prize winner will be awarded the ultimate experience: a chance to just be in Holland!
 
In order to qualify for the grand prize—two round-trip, business class tickets on KLM Royal Dutch Airlines to Amsterdam and a four-night stay at the Sofitel Amsterdam The Grand—

potential travelers simply need to upload a photo showing how they would “Just be. In Holland.” between February 4 and March 4, 2010.

The most creative entry will be selected!

“The new ‘Just be. In Holland.’ campaign epitomizes what repeat visitors to Holland already know—that Holland is a place where you can truly be yourself and discover a world of authentic and modern experiences, whether you are interested in art, culture, design, fashion or architecture.”

While America
and Europe 
are freeeeezing.....

Things are hotter than ever in Australia, as anticipation builds for the 2010 Sydney Gay Mardis Gras!

More than 80 events that span about 3 weeks! With the majority of the highlights taking place the weekends of  the 27th February and 6th of March.

Outdoor  picnics, dance festivals, John Waters, Whitney Houston in concert, film festivals, Harbour Party, and of course the BIG PARADE with over 100,000 participants!

Mardi Gras knows how to go out with a bang, and in 2010 they are  saving the best for last. Sheer queer glamour and unforgettable party mayhem explode over four spectacular venues at the Entertainment Quarter for an all-night, dance-til-dawn fiesta that’s unrivalled worldwide. 20,000 people are expected!

Every year there is usually a  famous celebrity to lead the parade. This year is the one and only  AMANDA LEPORE! “I’m thrilled and honoured to be invited to be Chief of Parade,” said Lepore in a statement released today. “I can’t wait to be part of the Mardi Gras and celebrations of our community,” she said.



Mardi Gras Party is your wildest night of the year, and 2010 is no exception. Apart from our frenetic lasers, our gorgeous design and the beautiful party people, the DJ line-up is set to treat you to such an aurally delicious and irresistible night that you’ll never leave the dancefloor.



Legendary French house DJ and producer David Guetta will keep you dancing - plus DJ Carl Cox. Voted No.1 DJ of the past 25 years   by MixMag and No.1 DJ in the world by DJ Magazine, his night Carl Cox & Friends has been held in Space Ibiza and Heaven London alongside Freemasons, Fatboy Slim and Pendulum.




 ART

March 1st. Create a moment in history by shedding your clothing and taking part in The Base, a new large-scale work by internationally renowned installation artist, Spencer Tunick.

This is your chance to participate in Tunick’s first large-scale installation in Sydney, developed especially for the Mardi Gras Festival.

He is best known for his installations that feature large numbers of nude people posed in artistic formations. These installations are often situated in urban locations throughout the world, although he has also has done some "Beyond The City" woodland and beach installations and still does individuals and small groups occasionally.  His models are volunteers who receive a limited edition photo as a reward. -  Check out the HBO documentaries - available thru Netflix also. THIS WILL BE HUGE!

 

There are lots of free events to attend and some cost as much as  $150 per ticket! So you will want to plan accordingly.

Everything you need to know is  online  at  MARDIS GRAS.org

You can also be their fan on Facebook.

The Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras is Australia’s premier GLBTQ arts, sports and cultural festival. 3 weeks of fun and festivities!


It's a must-see, must-do for your bucket list!

WATCH THIS VIDEO AND  YOU WILL WANT TO RUN BOOK A  FLIGHT  RIGHT  NOW!




The Best Gay Travel Guide

 

Brighton and Hove City Council

is teaming up with Visit Britain to be featured in gay advertising campaign and a website.

As an island nation, Britain has always had a love affair with water, and nowhere is this more evident than in the beautiful city of Brighton. Dubbed ‘Soho by the Sea’ it has been a flamboyant and extravagant destination  ever since the Prince Regent decided to make it his home away from home in 1823 and is today Britain's second largest gay community.

The council's tourism arm says it wants the city to retain its status as the UK's prime lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender (LGBT) destination.

Councillor David Smith said: "Being part of this campaign places us firmly on the international LGBT travel map."

The council says research on the LGBT market in the US shows gay and lesbian travellers are planning more overseas trips in the coming three years.

According to the research, the UK tops the list of potential destinations, with Brighton often seen as part of a two-centre holiday combined with London.

 

Mr Smith added: "We're constantly looking for ways to grow new markets for the city.

 

"We have a brilliant LGBT scene in terms of entertainment, culture and venues.

"The council is doing all it can to help those businesses thrive and the visitors to have a good time."

The City of Brighton & Hove acts as a magnet for lesbians and gay men from all over the world attracted to its bohemian atmosphere, open minded attitudes and raffish air. Brighton has now long been known as Britain's number one gay resort.

Kemptown is known as the 'gay village' and has a thriving and diverse scene ranging from leather workshops, pink parlours, and techno clubs, to specialist boutiques, hotels, estate agents and kickboxing classes.

Brighton's LGBT Pride festival will mark its 18th year this year.


Visit Brighton Britain



The Best Gay Travel Guide

 

Ireland has been a popular destination for gay vacations at least since the time of Oscar Wilde, although in those days it was not necessarily a friendly country for the LGBT community. Like Wilde, many people were jailed or sent away for hard labor for what was legally termed “indecency” and, until 1861, acts of sodomy were even punishable by death, but Ireland has come a long way since these dark days, decriminalizing same-sex sexual behavior in 1993 and legalizing civil unions in 2009.

 

While these significant legal strides might not mean that every village – or even every larger city – is ready to fully embrace same-sex relationships, Ireland has become a rather welcoming country for the most part and is a wonderful choice for gay travel. Many larger cities, such as Galway, Dublin, Cork and Waterford, have active, visible communities, LGBT-owned and LGBT-friendly establishments, and enough attractions and activities to fill an entire trip; however, whether you travel to Ireland solo or with organized gay tours, you will not want to miss the beautiful Irish countryside or the quaint, small villages that are scattered about the landscape or overlooking awe-inspiring coastal cliffs.

 

Although many cities in Ireland now have community hangouts, organizations, annual community celebrations and an active LGBT community, Dublin reigns supreme as the center of Ireland’s LGBT scene, making it a must-do for anyone planning gay travel here. Dublin’s nightlife is a blend of both casual pubs and high-class clubs – some even with dress codes – which offers folks on gay vacations the opportunity to experience vastly different aspects of the local community.

Dublin is also well known for a variety of community festivals held throughout the year, which include the Dublin Gay Theatre Festival in May, Dublin International LGBTQ Pride in June, and the Dublin Lesbian and Gay Film Festival in July.

 

 

There is always something going on in Dublin, on either a small or large scale, so it is a good idea to pick up a copy of GNC, Ireland’s main community magazine, when you arrive in town. There are many must-see attractions when partaking in gay travel in Dublin, including the Guinness Storehouse, the Old Jameson Distillery, the Hugh Lane Gallery, the Book of Kells, the Oscar Wilde House Museum and Dublin’s quintessential LGBT bar, The George.

Those planning Ireland gay tours may want to consider participating in gay tours. This is a great way to make sure you are able to enjoy many of the most intriguing natural, cultural and historical attractions this romantic country has to offer.

Thoughts on Ireland authored by Howie Holben.

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