Though religion runs deep in the culture, this is a country that if full of acceptance, particularly in the bigger cities. You can find many hotels and attractions that are advertised as gay friendly. The capital, Mexico City, has legalized same sex marriage and adoption, while the rest of the country recognizes civil unions for gay couples.

Mexico City is the largest city in the world and filled with culture and history. There are more than one hundred and fifty museums in this city alone. Sites to see include colonial mansions and the third largest pyramid in the world. There is a variety of lodging to appeal to many different tastes. You can find anything from an affordable Bed and Breakfast to high end luxury hotels.

The gay neighborhood is famously known as La Zona Rosa, named after the pink stoned streets. Most of the bars, restaurants, and clubs are in this section of the city. They are all gay friendly, but there are a good number of clubs that are gay exclusive. One thing to keep in mind, the night begins fairly early because many of the locals use the metro system to get home at night. Public transportation ends at eleven, so clubs fill up early.

Puerto Vallarta is a charming old town with modern amenities. Internet cafes and ATMs have been infused into the city for the benefit of the many travelers that come. If you are looking for a little adventure, there are hikes along rivers in the jungle and waterfalls to go skinny dipping in.

PV is a popular stop for the gay traveler. You can relax and enjoy fine dining in an upscale restaurant or go horseback riding when you want an escapade. There are a number of gay beaches, but you might be able to sight a school of dolphins or whales on the Playa Los Muertos. Drag shows and gay bingo are fun night time diversions.

Cancun is a hot spot for anyone looking for a reasonably priced sun soaked vacation. The beaches here are known as some of the most beautiful in the world, and it is an excellent spot for underwater activity. When you want to leave the hotel district, downtown Cancun is great for shopping and meeting some of the locals.

Cancun is slowly emerging as a gay hot spot, though at one time it was known for having no official gay beach. That has changed with a crop of gay bars and a beach that is located at the south end of the hotel zone called Playa Delfines. In May there is the Cancun International Gay Festival and in November there is the Cancun Riviera Maya Gay Fall Festival.

There are many more cities to consider for your gay tours to Mexico. Only a few have been mentioned here. Look for more information online to discover the trip that’s right for you.

Howie Holben gay journeys to Mexico opinion. He is the the force behind Spirit Journeys, a gay tours group. Spirit Journeys suggests spiritual gay vacations all over the planet.

While this may not necessarily mean that every rural village – or even every metropolitan area – in this largely Catholic country now fully embraces same-sex relationships, Ireland has become a much more accepting, welcoming country as a whole and is a truly remarkable choice for gay travel. Most of Ireland’s larger cities, including Cork, Dublin, Galway and Waterford, now have a thriving community, establishments that are LGBT-friendly or LGBT-owned, annual community celebrations and a plethora of attractions that could easily fill your whole vacation; however, you also will not want to miss visiting the Irish countryside and exploring quaint villages sitting at the top of breathtaking cliffs along the coast.

While several larger cities now have annual community celebrations, pubs and clubs, community organizations and a visible LGBT scene, Dublin is unquestionably the center of LGBT life in Ireland and should be part of any gay travel plans to this country. Dublin nightlife offers both a casual pub scene and an upscale club scene complete with dress codes, which allows those on gay vacations to experience two very different aspects of local LGBT life. There are also a number of community festivals that take place throughout the year, including the Dublin International LGBTQ Pride Festival in June, the Dublin Lesbian and Gay Film Festival in July and the Dublin Gay Theatre Festival in May.

Other happenings throughout the year are listed in Ireland’s most popular community magazine, GCN, so those who want to experience the scene during Dublin gay vacations will want to grab a copy when they get to town. Aside from community activities, there are many attractions you will likely want to visit while in Dublin, including the Oscar Wilde House Museum, the Hugh Lane Gallery, the Old Jameson Distillery, the Guinness Storehouse, the Book of Kells and The George, which is Dublin’s most famous LGBT bar.

Those planning gay travel tours may want to consider participating in a group gay tour. 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.

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

Switzerland, a country which may be so small in the map, is really considered as one of the most tourist hunt countries in part of Europe. It has various remarkable spots to choose from. A tourist can have great time wandering around for a holiday there. Without a doubt, no bunch of tourist could resist its stunning beauty. And that doesn’t exclude the number of gays having these special tours that are intended for gays alone. A bus can take them for departure Paris, Frankfurt, Rome, Prague, Amsterdam and also Vienna. The prices would only take them $100.00 and up to $3,000.00 above.

This differs in the kind of accommodation one desires to have during their journey.

There are lots of great spots in Switzerland to visit. That glorious snow-capped Alps, those breath-taking mountainside villages and the pristine valleys are just one of the few. Plus the fact that they can travel with professional gay tour guides, it will surely give them that unforgettable travel observing cultures of Swiss.

Gays can already enjoy the journey without judgments with their lifestyles. They can familiarize themselves because they will be travelling with the same gender as them. Try to ask somebody who’s been to different gay travels and their story would be happy ones. Why not read about gay journeys in Switzerland and you will be given options where you will want to go. That tours are actually treated as gay-friendly.

Going back 1970, the subject has been to many debate because others doesn’t accept homosexuals. They are having law conflicts like for marriages and people; in general, don’t see them like normal individuals. But the law for anti-discriminatory justified them. And yet, it does not assure them that all people will look at them with respect. Rejection will be present at times, no one can avoid that. With these society norms, a doubtful image can still be thrown towards the gay population.

Then these gay tours options were made available. Like that in the country of Switzerland. It is enjoyment for gays to travel and spend holidays when they’re safe with their companion.

This is then the result of their wanting that people will respect them. These gay travel destinations in Switzerland will be a good way to gift themselves after long days of hard work. With this, they will be delighted as to experiencing a vacation where people can see you straight in the eyes because they understand your gender preference.

Spread composed by Howie Holben on Switzerland. Spirit Journeys produces a gay guide and will provide great gay travel ideas.

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.

These undercover operations and raids usually focus on arresting Egyptian men; however, tourists and local women have also been caught up in this persecution on occasion. While Egypt does not have laws that prohibit private, consensual same-sex sexual activity between adults, other laws are being used to arrest people, such as laws against contempt for religion and debauchery.

With that said, this is not to imply that Egypt should be avoided during gay travel, or that travelers will feel unwelcome amongst the locals. Most visitors find locals throughout the country to be very warm and welcoming and have reported no problems with the government or police during gay vacations. Of course, this ongoing persecution does mean that it is difficult, if not impossible to find any visible LGBT communities; however, there are popular gathering spots in Cairo, Aswan, Dahab, Alexandria, Luxor and other metropolitan areas. It is important to note that while these hangouts do exist, discretion should be used, because the police are also well aware of locations frequented by the LGBT community.

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 tours 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.

Written by Howie Holben. He and Spirit Journeys offer gay vacations to Egypt and gay vacations to Peru.

India is also an ideal spot for gay vacations for those who love history, culture, visiting important sites, shopping at both old-world bazaars and modern, high-end boutiques, dining on exceptional Indian cuisine, trekking through the wilderness or immersing themselves in rural village life.

Those who take a gay vacation to India will find that it is very difficult to find a noticeable LGBT community, even in urban areas. In 2009, the Delhi High Court took an important step towards decriminalizing same-sex relations when it voted to overturn a–8-year-old law still on the books from when India was a British colony. This antiquated law, which is no longer upheld in Delhi, but is still enforced in the rest of the country, prohibits “carnal intercourse against the order of nature” and includes same-sex intercourse, as well as some heterosexual sexual acts.

Activists are being diligent about changing these old laws and folks on gay vacations are very unlikely to face issues regarding this law; however, it is still important to be aware of it. The community and government have mixed feelings about the LGBT community; however, there is a steady movement toward acceptance, making India a gay travel destination that is always increasing in popularity.

While the subject of same-sex relationships may still be somewhat taboo in India, it is a popular destination for gay vacations and most LGBT travelers report no problems during their gay tours. One way to help ensure that you do not experience issues during a gay vacation to India is to participate in an organized tour arranged by a well-established, professional company offering exceptional tour opportunities that cater to the LGBT community. Opting for traveling to India as part of a tour group is a great way to make sure you do not miss some of the most popular attractions, visits to sacred temples and life-changing experiences available when traveling in India. Opting for traveling to India as part of a tour group is a great way to make sure you do not miss some of the most popular attractions, visits to sacred temples and life-changing experiences available when traveling in India.

Written by Howie Holben. He and Spirit Journeys offer gay trips to Egypt and gay trips to Peru.

categories: gay travel,gay vacations,gay tours,gay holidays,gay retreats,travel,tourism,tips,gay,sexuality,destinations,vacations,recreation,leisure

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.

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.

A New Zealand gay tour 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 those who prefer to be on their own, working with a gay adventure travel agency is an excellent way to find out the latest information that is of interest to the LGBT community, as well as the current popular destinations and hotspots being visited by LGBT travelers.

Presentations for a gay vacation guide in New Zealand. Spirit Journeys can plan nice gay vacation trips for you. Article penned by Howie Holben.

categories: gay travel,gay vacations,gay tours,gay holidays,gay retreats,travel,tourism,tips,gay,sexuality,destinations,vacations,recreation,leisure

It is normal for people to avoid pain and stress is painful. If something hurts or scares us, we immediately try to get away from it. We usually look for the quick fix; a pill or a cocktail. Sometimes we try to escape by taking a vacation.

We think that a vacation will fix all our ills. We think that after the vacation we will be better able to handle the stresses of life. It’s true that a vacation does help by leaving our cares behind for a week or more, but how much does it really help?

Unfortunately, a lot of our “vacation time” is wasted. The beginning of the vacation is spent “getting into vacation” mode. The end of the vacation is spent worrying about going home and all the stuff that is waiting for us to do when we get home. In the middle of the vacation, we do get a chance to relax a little.

When the vacation ends, we have go back to all the things that sent on a vacation in the first place. Nothing has changed at home and we probably didn’t gain any tools on the vacation to help handle life’s daily stresses. This is why Spirit Journeys is more important now than ever before.

A Spirit Journeys gay travel event can change a person’s life. Learning new ways to think and learning practices can help to keep the stresses of life at bay. These are things that are not temporary or quick fixes. They can be used in people’s everyday life.

The deep connections made to other people at Spirit Journeys’ event simply don’t happen on ordinary gay travel. Honest and heartfelt conversations take place; people really listen to what we say and we return the favor. This kind of connection does take effort. We need be willing be honest and we need to participate. We can’t just go hide somewhere.

We will want these things because we know in our hearts that the process can change us to our core. When we get home from a Spirit Journey, we can have a whole new outlook on life; the stresses of life may no longer have the same power over us as they did before we took our Spirit Journeys adventure.

This article about spiritual gay vacations was written by Howie Holben. You can learn more about gay travel packages at www.SpiritJourneys.com.

categories: gay travel,gay vacations,gay tours,gay holidays,travel,tips,gay,sexuality,advice,spirituality,health

Among the most well-known Brazilian gay travel destinations is Rio de Janeiro, which offers circuit parties, gay beaches, bathhouses, lesbian and gay clubs, drag shows and a wide variety of shopping, cultural activities, recreation and dining options that lure travelers from around the globe. While Rio de Janeiros gay establishments and culture are weighted more toward gay men, most gay events and establishments welcome lesbians and ladies can enjoy their own lesbian club, as well as womens nights at local gay establishments. Of course, Rio de Janeiro is perhaps most famous for its annual New Years celebrations and the world-renowned Carnival, each of which includes an abundance of parades, parties and activities for gay men and lesbians.

Rio de Janeiro might be the most well-known gay vacation destination in the country, but there are many other gay travel options throughout Brazil. Annual gay pride festivals and gay pride parades are held in several cities, such as Belo Horizonte and Sao Paolo, and travelers will find thriving gay communities in the vast majority of urban areas. And, if the party and pride scene is not your style, other Brazilian gay travel options include luxurious all-inclusive eco-gay cruises and historical and cultural tours organized by tour companies serving the gay and lesbian travel community.

Planning a gay vacation to Brazil is an exciting endeavor that is sure to lead to many memorable once in a lifetime experiences. Partaking in gay travel in Brazil is much like traveling throughout the United States when it comes to safety and necessary precautions. Just as in the U.S., some areas of Brazil will be more welcoming and accepting than others and using your best judgment in determining the safety of a given area is always a good idea. Also, for travelers interested in visiting Brazils bathhouses, keep in mind that Brazil, like the U.S., is combating the spread of HIV and appropriate precautions should be taken to ensure that you play safely.

Working with a professional travel agency with expertise in Brazil gay vacation packages, local attractions, travel seasons and information that is particularly useful for the gay vacations community is the best way to ensure that you will have a fulfilling, enjoyable experience. Whether a luxury beachside retreat, an exciting jungle excursion or a wild week in Rio is more your style, choose a travel agency committed to providing memorable travel experiences to the gay and lesbian community in order to get the most out of your Brazilian vacation.

Spirit Journeys’ Howie Holben wrote this article. Spirit Journeys is a conscious gay vacations group. Spirit Journeys has hosted special gay vacations and holidays since’92. Find out more regarding a conscious gay tour or gay vacation at www.SpiritJourneys.com.

categories: gay travel,gay vacations,travel,vacations,tours,tourism,health,fitness,recreation,leisure,advice,spirituallty

Bordered on the South by the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, and on the North by the towering 4,000 foot Table Mountain, Cape Town’s horizons are anything but ordinary and in constant flux with the clouds rolling off the mountain’s peaks defining the sky-scape randomly and dramatically. The perfect backdrop for an afternoon of lazing quietly on the beach, wrapped in a partner’s never ending gaze.

If you’re looking for the perfect romantic place to stay, book your nights at the incredible Glen Boutique Hotel. Given that this hotel is gay owned and operated, it’s an exceptional choice for gay travel and you certainly won’t be disappointed by the luxurious bedrooms and marble baths. As Cape Town’s gay village booms, so do your options for renowned exotic culinary masterpieces — such as Ulwimi (steamed Ox tongue in mustard sauce) at Marco’s African Place — or you might head on over to the jazzy Off Moroka Cafe Africaine to indulge in some traditional African fare.

After a day or two on the beach, you may want to venture into the wine country or visit some of the great Cape Town museums, The Bo-Kapp Museum, District Six Museum and National Gallery should not be missed. At night, Cape Town offers a wide array of options from small quiet little bars to wild discos!

On the slope of Devil’s Peak there is the Rhodes Memorial. It was built to honor Cecil Rhodes who was a gay entrepreneur from Great Britain, He was the founder of the Rhodes Scholarship, Rhodesia and the DeBeers company.

It has been said before, but please do not miss the wonderful South African beaches. Cape Town has wonderful gay holidays, such as wildlife, beaches and nightlife. A great place for that special vacation for you and your partner.

This article is by Spirit Journeys’ Howie Holben. They are a spiritual gay travel destinations association and they have offered a special gay vacation since’92. Learn more about spiritual gay holidays at www.SpiritJourneys.com.

categories: gay travel,gay vacations,gay holidays,gay tours,travel,adventure,relationships,advice,entertainment,recreation,leisure,sports,health

Thailand–the land of smiles–is, at once, a rich cultural experience as well as a gay travel Mecca. With 90% of its population following the Buddhist philosophy, homosexuality is widely accepted without protest or judgment. Though an anything-goes policy is in order once the bedroom doors have been closed, visitors should inform themselves on the otherwise modest customs and traditions of this countrys fascinating people. Since some of these can be quite unique and unusual to the westerner, it is advised that one do a bit of research on the topic before embarking on gay travel to the country, or on any gay tours offered there.

Thai people are accepting of gay culture, largely due to the religion/philosophy that they practice, Buddhism, in which sexuality is considered a natural and enjoyable part of life. It is important to note that public displays of affection are considered inappropriate, and there are various other customs that should be kept in mind while visiting. For instance, the royal family and religion are revered and it is important to show respect and wear modest clothing when visiting palaces and temples and be careful photographing Buddha statues, as this is sometimes frowned upon. Other gestures such as touching another person’s head or pointing at things with one’s feet are unacceptable.

Top visitor destinations for gay tours in Thailand include Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiangmai. Bangkok is the capital of Thailand and a mix of modern and tradition. In the city, there are world class accommodations, fine food, and unparalleled nightlife. Silom is 1 of 3 gay neighborhoods, where a visitors will find gay-friendly clubs, massage parlors, go-go bars, cabaret clubs, and saunas. Three major tourist destinations, Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket, hold annual gay pride events. If nightlife isn’t for you, Bangkok also houses historic temples and palaces immersed in tradition.

There are plenty of nightclubs in Bangkok to satisfy even the most metro of the homosexual travelers. A particular delight are the go-go boy bars that keep the music going into the early hours of the morning. It is happening in Bangkok.

The best time for travel to Thailand is between November and February, as March and April can be quite hot and May through October, the monsoon season, even hotter and more humid. Gay vacations should be booked keeping in mind that the country offers three separate gay pride festivals in the major cities of Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket.

With its many exciting destinations and non-judgmental culture, Thailand is an ideal place to visit on gay tours. From beautiful panoramas, sandy beaches, and rich history and tradition, a visit to Thailand will be fulfilling and memorable. And experiencing a culture where the people actually put into practice their spiritual believes makes is even more memorable. While in Thailand make certain that you spend time with the Thai people; get to know a few of them at least a little bit. You will be greatly rewarded for your efforts.