Posts Tagged ‘vacations’

Gay Vacations: Sites In France

Wednesday, February 17th, 2010

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.

Gay vacations often center around Paris and its vibrant LGBT community, cultural and historical landmarks and accepting cosmopolitan environment, visitors will find that throughout France there is plenty to do and see, as well as many LGBT establishments and a welcoming atmosphere. Laws outlawing sodomy were abolished over 200 years ago and Frances LGBT community has enjoyed civil unions for the last decade. With legal protections in place and a general laissez-faire attitude that is common among the French, visitors will find that France provides an accepting and safe 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.

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.

While most gay vacation tour destinations cater largely to men, women will find that Paris has a lively lesbian scene that includes everything from a lesbian walking group to a sex shop just for the girls. The Marais district is the center of LGBT life in Paris, and women will find a distinct Sapphic presence there, with bars and clubs that are located mostly at the south end. Ladies will also find several venues sprinkled throughout other neighborhoods, such as the Halles-Beaubourg, Palais Royal, Grands Boulevards and Saint Germain des Pres districts. There is also a bookshop in the Bastille-Republique district and one of the oldest lesbian bars in the city is located in the Palais Royal area.

Although Paris might be the most visited gay vacation destination in France, many other options are available throughout the country, including Avignon in Provence, Montpellier and Nice on the Mediterranian coast, Annecy in the Alps, Nantes in Brittany and the nude community beaches of Camargue. For those who hope to rub elbows with the rich and famous, Saint Tropez on the French Riviera should not be missed, while those looking for a romantic retreat might opt for an LGBT-owned B … B outside of Bourdeaux. With so many gay vacations in 2010 to choose from, France is truly an ideal setting for gay romance travel.

Facts on France by Howie Holben for gay trips. Spirit Journeys also has gay travel information.

categories: metaphysical,spirituality,travel,vacations,self improvement,gay,society,inspiration,motivation,health,fitness

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Gay Vacation Travel To Australia

Tuesday, February 16th, 2010

There is a phenomenal vacation destination, filled with one-of-a-kind adventures and exciting locales. Its cities are urbane and vibrant, perfect for gay tours. It is a land of wonders so diverse, with natural and manmade settings so remarkable, it is almost indescribable. Where? Australia!

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.

When you\’re in Australia you are rarely far from experiences that will excite you as never before. For the wine connoisseur, try going to Yarra, Coal River or Swan Valleys. Visit the wineries and their tasting rooms to experience first-hand the contrast between a smooth white and smoky red. Excitement junkies can go diving on the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland or Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia.

Throughout Australia, the pristine and breathtaking scenery is awe-inspiring. Tourists from around the globe flock to Australia to experience its beauty. Miles and miles of untouched wilderness await you, along with mountains and brilliant beaches.

No gay traveler\’s Australian trek would be complete without a stop in Melbourne, the second-largest city in Australia. It is a multi-cultural metropolis where sedate Victorian architecture effortlessly fuses with contemporary offerings. In this friendly locale, the gay traveler can study sculptures in Werrebee Park, shop high-end or discount clothiers and funky boutiques, take in a musical or comedy at the theater, and cap it all off with a visit to one of Melbourne\’s trendy clubs, or even a coffee bar! Perfect for a gay romantic getaway too.

The food, yes the food.. from purely Australian, to Asian, with a generous helping of Mediterranean, French and other exotic offerings, there is enough to satisfy the most discerning palate.

Australia is located in the Southern Hemisphere, its seasons are upside down from those of the Northern Hemisphere. Summer in Australia takes place December through February. Australia is a very big continent, so check with your travel agent for weather information about your particular time of travel and your destination.

Australia has a very wide range of accommodations. From hostels to small inns for romantic holidays, to high end spa retreats and everything in between, making a gay adventure travel to Australia affordable, no matter what you budget might be.

Discussion on Australia by Howie Holben with info on gay spiritual groups and gay weekend breaks.

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Gay Vacation Spots In China

Thursday, February 11th, 2010

As a communist-led country steeped in old-world traditions that influence even the most modern, advanced cities in the nation, China may not seem like the ideal location for gay vacations; however, travelers will find that there is a vibrant scene in China, including pride celebrations, clubs, bars, neighborhoods and a level of acceptance that is on the rise as the visible, well-organized LGBT community grows. From exceptional food and fashion to beautiful landscapes and rich cultural experiences, China offers a wide variety of options and is an ideal location for gay vacations.

Hong Kong and Shanghai are perhaps the most popular destinations in China for gay tours. With visible, well-organized LGBT communities, numerous clubs, saunas, bars, restaurants and other establishments, annual pride celebrations and LGBT community events throughout the year, both of these large metropolitan areas have much to offer for LGBT travelers. Visitors will find a number of beaches on Hong Kong Island that are popular with men, as well as several neighborhoods including Hong Kongs Soho, Lan Kwai Fong and Tsim Sha Tsui in nearby Kowloon. Shanghais club scene is largely located in the French Concession district and offers a variety of options from dimly lit lounges to dance clubs.

Another larger metropolitan area offering both an international business hub and exceptional fashion, shopping and dining is the city of Beijing. While Beijing may not have the thriving nightlife expected in Hong Kong or Shanghai, there are several clubs, bars and restaurants throughout the area. Destination is the most popular LGBT nightspot in Beijing and caters to a primarily male audience, but is also frequented by women. There are also a number of eateries within walking distance, including a romantic Spanish tapas restaurant called Mare and Alameda, a trendy fusion bistro.

Gay travel in China is a life-changing experience unlike any other experience in the world. To make the most of your time in China, and to make sure you have a memorable and safe gay vacation travel experience, consider traveling through China as part of a planned trip.

This way you can see China with a group that allows you comfort. If you don\’t like group travel, using professionals that know China well to plan your gay tours is the only way to go.

Proposals for gay travel to China penned by Howie Holben. Spirit Journeys provides a gay weekend to remember and a gay adventure experience of a lifetime.

categories: metaphysical,spirituality,self improvement,motivation,inspirational,gay,travel,vacations,tours,tourism,health,fitness,recreation

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Gay Holidays With A Purpose

Wednesday, February 10th, 2010

Our lives can get very hectic. Job, family, commuting, health issues, etc can all weigh us down to the point of feeling lost. Our mental and physical health requires that we take a break from it all once in awhile. Luckily, we have countless vacation options these days.

There are solo vacations, or vacations that include family or a small group of friends. Travelling with people that share your interests and life experience, is another way to go. This is where gay spirituality exploration becomes important for the gay community.

On gay vacations, that fact that we are gay is one thing we all share. Knowing that we all have at one thing in common adds to our vacation and our time together. We can quickly create bonds within the group because of this commonality.

People we have just met can quickly become friends and confidants. This makes gay vacations all the more special and meaningful. We\’re able to share our gay vacations experience with others that we know understand us.

Being comfortable with the people in the group, lets us be more open and relaxed. When we\’re more comfortable with those around us, the vacation experience can reach us more fully. This provides for a deeper recovery from life\’s pressures and strains.

A vacation with men and women that also share our intentions for the vacation deepens our sense of recovery. Spiritually connecting to the world around us and to ourselves is one shared intention. Now we share two important things, our gay spirit and a desire to grow spiritually.

Gay vacations that include an exploration of the world and also an exploration of ourselves, can be very powerful. With the support of the others in the group we are able to let our walls down even further and live a freer life. And that\’s why we took a vacation in the first place, to be freer of life\’s responsibilities.

Info by Howie Holben on gay retreats and a gay travel vacation.

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What Is Meant By Spiritual Travel

Monday, February 8th, 2010

Many of us have traveled extensively but have at the end of our travels come away feeling less than satisfied which is why it makes sense to find out a little bit more about how spiritual travel can provide that feeling of fulfillment. If you have had your fill of cathedrals from the Gothic era and the sight of another Madonna does not uplift your spirits then you need to find an alternative solution which can take the form of traveling to find spiritual solace.

Gay spirituality travel is of course not a buzzword that travel agents use to entice customers. In fact, people have traveled on pilgrimages from the very earliest times of our history and so it is something that has always held attraction to a certain type of person. From the 16th century onward it was common for Spanish Jesuits to travel to places such as Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay where they established missions to educate natives of those countries.

In these modern times, traveling for spiritual reasons has become more popular and there are numerous options to choose from that include going to places other than Yucatan, the Vatican and also Egypt. The best way to lift up your spirits is to travel to places where the surroundings are idyllic and a good example is a Buddhist monastery which is mainly found in Asia though some are also located in Europe and in the United States.

For the real Buddhist spiritual travel experience you ought to consider making Bodhgaya (located in Bihar in India). This is the very place where the revered Lord Buddha sat and obtained enlightenment beneath a huge Bodhi tree. Today, this place has seen a huge Mahabodi Temple complex being constructed here and which is inhabited by Buddhist monks from every part of the world.

This place is exceptional as it provides utmost serenity and it is truly very peaceful. You will come across monks from every corner of the world who too sits beneath a gigantic carved statue of Lord Buddha and who read from the Holy Scriptures and indulge in serious contemplation.

The best way to fly into Bodhgaya is to take a flight from Kolkata to Gaya airport. However, if you want to fly in from the rest of India you will need to deplane at Patna airport that is almost a hundred kilometers away from there. A train journey is the more relaxed and cheaper mode of transport and all it requires is to get off at Gaya from where Bodhgaya is not far away.

If you are traveling from other parts of India then there is the main airport at Patna the state capital of Bihar and this airport is about eighty-seven miles distant from Bodhgaya. Of course, if you don\’t mind a train journey then it is certainly more convenient to use this mode of transportation that is cheap and which will help you reach Gaya very easily.

There are few better places to find gay retreats than Bodhgaya that has kept itself pure and untouched by the ravages of modern civilization. So, a visit to Bodhgaya will not only be very pleasant and productive; it will also be a very different and unique experience as well.

Thoughts written by Howie Holben. Spirit Journeys list of gay retreats is amazing. Their gay travel in 2010 is well rounded.

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