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!



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.

Spirit Journeys focuses on gay spirituality and has resources to assist on spiritual journeys.

 

Gay porn star/director/producer
Michael Lucas

is about to add tour guide to his resume – the head of Lucas Entertainment announced on his website that he is going to start taking groups of tourists to Israel.

Lucas writes: “It is no secret that Israel is one of my favorite places in the entire world, and I travel there at least twice every year to visit my favorite parties, restaurants, historical monuments, beaches, resorts, and most importantly, all of the close friends and wonderful people I have met throughout the course of my travels. What I love about Israel is that it is extremely modern while maintaining such an amazing and diverse sense of history: You can be in urban Tel Aviv, one of the most gay-friendly cities on earth, surrounded by skyscrapers, and then drive 40 minutes to ancient Jerusalem and see craftsmanship and architecture that is over 2,000 years old. It is incredible!


Although I am uncut, I’m 100 percent Jewish. I was born to a Jewish mother and a Jewish Father (his name is Bregman—can’t get more Jewish that). I’ve been exposed to anti-Semitism in Russia, and so, I’ve always had a warm place for Israel in my heart (and groin, have you ever seen those Israeli men?). It makes me happy to think it has a warm place in its heart for me."

Lucas promises this will not be your typical tourist’s look at Israel – evidenced by his description of the tour’s planned trip to Gaash Beach. “This is the premiere clothing-optional beach in Tel-Aviv known only to insiders. You can feel free to lie in the sun as nude as you’d like, enjoy the ocean, or feel free to watch any number of hot guys have sex up and down the shore! I have traveled all around the world and never encountered a beach like this one.”

Two packages available to choose from.
There is now a 9 day tour for $2755 and also a 12 day tour for $3790.

Launching the end of May 2010, the inaugural two-week tour brings visitors on an extensive journey through the breathtaking nation of Israel, personally accompanied by Michael Lucas. Lucas has partnered with top experts in the Israeli tourism industry to contract the best amenities for the trip, including licensed guides and luxury hotels. The premiere group will visit notable historic sites, numerous restaurants, beaches, and resorts, along with several other locations that provide for the experience of a lifetime.


Best Gay Travel Guide

When you think of Best Gay Cities, WeHo, Key West, San Francisco, and New York come to mind. But Gainesville, Springfield, Ashville and Albuquerue? Seriously?

According to a study by the Advocate this month,

1. Atlanta, Georgia
2. Burlington, Vermont
3. Iowa City, Iowa
4. Bloomington, Indiana
5. Madison, Wisconsin
6. New Orleans, Louisiana
7. Fort Lauderdale, Florida
8. Portland, Maine
9. Austin, Texas
10. Seattle, Washington
11. Gainsville, Florida
12. Ashville, North Carolina
13. Springfield, Massachusetts
14. San Diego, California
15. Albuquerque, New Mexico

The cities were  ranked by:

-Same-sex couple households per capita
-Statewide marriage equality
-Gay elected officials
-Gay dating and hookup profiles per single male population
-Gay bars per capita
-Cruising spots per capita
-and Gay films in Netflix favorites.


Kind of shocking, right?!

When  my partner and I travel, we always look for gay accomodations to stay at.  Not just because I want to support my community, but who wants to stay with a bunch of families? I suppose if you have gaybies, staying at a gay hotel is not important.

We do have some gay friends that would rather choose a  4 or 5 star straight hotel, over gay accomodations.

Pink Choice , one of the largest and most trusted websites for gay and lesbian hotel reviews, today announced results from its first annual Gay and Lesbian Travel Survey. The results shed some light on the health and direction of gay travel in 2009 and going into 2010. Over 500 individuals completed the survey.




The Economy is Impacting Gay Travel


Fifty-six percent of respondents said that the current economy had affected their travel plans and that they would be spending less on travel than in previous years. However, 63% said that they had not needed to shorten their vacations and 54% had already booked their trips for 2010. “The gay travel market has been impacted by the bad economy but people are still traveling. They may be looking to spend a bit less but as the results show, many are already booking for 2010,” said Stephen Mascilo, a co-founder of Pink Choice.

Gay Travelers Prefer Staying in Gay Owned Establishments

Seventy-one percent of respondents preferred to stay in an accommodation that was gay/lesbian owned and operated. That’s not surprising but over 50% indicated they weren’t bothered one way or the other. “We were surprised that over 50% of the respondents said they would be comfortable staying in a non gay owned establishment. It might reflect society’s changing attitudes towards gay and lesbian travelers,” said Stephen. Future surveys will examine this question further.

Price is the Main Factor for Choosing Travel Arrangements

When it comes to travel arrangements, less than 15% of members said they choose an airline specifically because of its GLBT policy. Based on this data, airlines that have spent time and money promoting gay friendly flights may not see much return. Over 50% said ticket price was a major deciding factor and 35% based their decision on flight schedules.

SOUTH 
   BEACH

is the neighborhood that encompasses  about 25 blocks in the city of Miami Beach. 

In the 1920's-1930's South Beach  brought Art Deco, Streamline Moderne, and Nautical Moderne architecture to the Beach. During the 1970's-1980's the area was used as a retirement community with most of its ocean-front hotels and apartment buildings filled with elderly people living on small, fixed incomes.

This period also saw the introduction of the "cocaine cowboys," drug dealers who used the area as a base for their illicit drug activities. Scarface and even Miami Vice , typified this activity. The town became very run down and there were vacant and boarded up buildings everywhere.

So what happens? Gays cleaned it up. In the late 1980s, a renaissance began in South Beach, with an influx of  "fashion industry professionals" moving into the area. South Beach started to become  "fabulous" and gay clubs sprouted up everywhere.

It became this extremely popular entertainment mecca, thanks to the media. By the mid 1990's, the rest of the straight world started to capitalize on this small area. More and more big straight clubs popped up and by the late 2000, many from  Miami proper would come over and drink and cause trouble. We call that the "bridge and tunnel crowd".  When suburbanites come in and start taking over "our towns". It's no longer fun at that point.



Gianni Versace was murdered  in 1997.  I really view that as a turning point.  Within a couple years, South Beach was changing. And not in a good way. I was last there in 2004 for the famous Winter Party, which attracts  several thousand gay people. Even with that many gays in town, my partner and I DID NOT feel safe walking  the streets at night.  Straight kids in cars drove past and yelled  "faggots"  at  us   and one car even hurled a bottle at us. We walked in somewhere for a slice of pizza late night and straight teenagers  mumbled "gay this" and "fag that"  under their breath, but loud enough to hear. We were told by locals at that time, that many gays are starting to relocate to Fort Lauderdale.  I have not been back to South Beach since.

It has just gotten worse in the last 5 years as the area has become a late night drinking straight town. This month in the news, gay bashings are on the rise there. State of Florida records stated that 75% of the anti-homosexual hate crimes in Miami-Dade County in 2009 occurred in South Beach/Miami Beach. It's still chic and expensive there. Major developers have invested billions there. But the gays are getting out.

"South Beach isn't the free-spirited haven of gayness it once was." says writer Natalie  O'Neill from  Miami New Times.

Tony Lopez was celebrating the White Party this past November. Another huge gay event which brings thousands into the town. It was 4am and he wandered into a popular place for some take-out food. As he approached the line for food, an aggressive 20-something staggered up to him.

"Got a cigarette?" he asked. Tony shook a Marlboro Mild from the pack and handed him one.

Right then, a gang — Tony remembers four men — "appeared out of the woodwork." They shoved him into the alley behind the restaurant, yelled "Fucking faggot!" and began to punch him. He fell to the ground and tried to shield his head as they kicked him in the face.


(Fort Lauderdale below)

O'Neill reports, "In a five-year span, the State Attorney's Office reported 26 incidents, half of which were in Miami Beach. Victims include a lounge singer who was stripped naked and hogtied and a magazine publisher who was viciously beaten.

It's surprising when you consider South Beach's heyday as a sparkling gay playground, where oiled-up boys frolicked between wild foam parties and the hub of hedonism that was the Versace mansion. Nobody thought twice about casual sex in Flamingo Park or flamboyant public fashion shoots, and — at its peak — MTV was even there to glamorize it all." - which really became the downfall of South Beach. It was a  "kept secret" for a while but once it became celebritized by the rich and famous and sensationalized by television and film, it was no longer a  secret!


I am not saying don't go to South Beach. There are still fun clubs and fun parties there.
But YOU MUST BE CAREFUL. Walk in groups and not alone. Especially at night, when most of the trouble starts.

Gay Fort Lauderdale has been a haven for gay and lesbian travelers for decades. But in the last 5 years, it has seen tremendous growth as South Beach shifted.  In addition to being a  very gay friendly city ,  Fort Lauderdale has more than 100 gay-owned establishments including hotels/guesthouses, bars, clubs and restaurants, plus the second largest Metropolitan Community Church congregation in the United States and three gay and lesbian publications. Gay Ft. Lauderdale has three popular gay beach areas on Fort Lauderdale's 23 miles of wide, sandy beach.

Fort Lauderdale continues to reign supreme as one of the most popular gay destinations in North America.

Read more on SoBe  from Natalie O'Neill.

Visit Fort Lauderdale       Sunny.org info       Get a Free Fort Lauderdale calendar/planner!




The Best Gay Travel Guide

 

A friend asked me recently, "Why would anyone want to go on a gay retreat? That sounds like work!"  
So I asked  Howie Holben from Spirit Journeys  to elaborate on his gay retreats... 

" We are frequently asked if our gay travel retreats or gay vacations are "fun". There are  two basic answers to this question.
 
First, there seems to be the conception that taking a "spiritual journey" (whatever that means to you) is "work". Nobody wants to work on a vacation!  That's why we take a vacation in the first place, to get "away from it all" for awhile, to escape. We seem to frame the concepts of spiritual and personal growth with thoughts like: "I need to do this" or "I should do that" because "it would be good for me". With those ideas as a background, it's no wonder that so many of us think of spiritual and personal growth as "work". When we're on a vacation, we want to leave all the "need to's" and "should's" of daily life behind us, for at least a short time. 
 

My personal experience has shown me that the "work" done at a Spirit Journeys event is not "work" at all; it is a joy. I meet and connect with people at a level simply not possible on a typical vacation. The connections I make with others at a Spirit Journeys event adds immensely to the enjoyment of my time away. To be able to sit and have a real conversation with someone; for me to be listened to with genuine interest; for me to listen to others with my heart; the importance of these things cannot be measured and bring a deep sense of fulfillment.
 
Second, somewhere along the way, we seem to have been taught that in order to be spiritually connected to the world, the people around us and to ourselves, we must act in a "serious manner", almost to the point of being somber, or at the very least solemn. Somehow we've come to believe that laughter and play are "irreverent".
 
In actuality, I have found just the opposite to be true. When I am awake and aware of my surroundings, in other words "spiritually" connected, my experiences are amplified and intensified. I am able to experience more of the world around me and experience it at a deeper level. I have found that this amplified experience actually makes my adventures more "fun" because all aspects of my travel are intensified; I can play more, I can laugh more, I can relax more fully and I can even shop more!



Little children are a wonderful example of this. They are enthralled with the world around them; everything is new, everything is a wonder. Discovering and learning new things is not "work" to a child. They find joy in all that they encounter; everything is a new toy to play with.
 
Also, sometimes people confuse the experience of being awestruck as being serious or solemn. When I travel or vacation with conscious awareness there can be times when I will be "deeply moved" (awestruck) by something I encounter. It could be the hospitality of a family I meet; a genuine smile; the grandeur of a sunrise or simply the revelation that I am blessed to be alive. Personally, even after countless visits to Monument Valley, I am still moved tears while I am there. But these are tears of joy, humility and gratitude."


UPCOMING  RETREATS - GAY COUPLES RETREAT IN BELIZE!  We join together on an island off the coast of Belize for eight days of celebrating our togetherness. There are only enough rooms on the island for ten couples. This very special retreat, intented for the male gay couple, will be filled with activities to help us grow even closer together as couples. Whether your time together has been two months or twenty years, this is a chance to connect deeper with the man you love, as well as a chance for relaxation and play. With one foot planted in the Central American jungles and the other dipped in the Caribbean Sea, Belize blends the best of both worlds. Snorkeling, kayaking, scuba diving, deep sea fishing, hand fishing and  mainland adventures, from caving to visiting Mayan ruinApril 24, 2010 to May 01, 2010. *$1695. Almost sold out - space for 2 couples left!


The Wonders of Egypt - 2010 ...Egypt and the Nile, May 02, 2010 to May 15, 2010, This Journey is for Gay and Bi Men, $4095.00.
Come experience Egypt as few people ever will as we make special arrangements to be allowed inside the Great Pyramid and to get up close and personal with the Sphinx, things that are off limits to the public and have been for many years.

- A private visit to the King’s Chamber inside the Great Pyramid...
- A private visit to the Sphinx to stand between it's paws, to place your hands upon it...
- A private visit to the Isle of Philae and the Temple of Isis at sunrise...
- Eight days cruising the Nile on our own private dahabiya (a luxury sailing yacht)...
- A small, intimate group of fellow journeyers (a maximum of 16)...
 All this, and more, make this is a very special Spirit Journey indeed, one that can truly be called "a journey of a lifetime."

Explore the World. Explore your Self.
Rest, relax, rejuvenate and play!   Spirit Journeys



New Gay Travel Guide

The 22-year-old son of actress Cybill Shepherd has been arrested for allegedly stealing from fellow passengers on a recent flight. 

CAN YOU IMAGINE?!  That takes some big balls. You close your eyes for a  little nap and some crack head is going through your stuff!

Cyrus Shepherd-Oppenheim, a University of Pennsylvania student, took a Canon digital camera, leather make-up case and cash from the bags of people aboard a United Airlines flight from San Francisco, according to police.

He was taken into custody after the flight landed at Philadelphia International Airport.

Police say witnesses identified Shepherd-Oppenheim, who is known as Zach - short for his middle name Zacariah - as the person who took their belongings during the six-hour flight.

He will have a court appearance next month, for the charges.


As for Cybill, she recently attended Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center’s “An Evening With Women” in support of gay and lesbian marriage rights. In California’s last election, it is said that Proposition 8 was passed which resulted in gay and lesbian rights to be nullified.
 
Her passion is to keep fighting for their rights which she believed to have derived from Martin Luther King’s assassination.

She has actually been very busy lately. She appeared on several episodes of  EASTWICK, and has  5 movies coming out! 


Gosh, mugshots  are never  pretty....

    

    THIS    IS    THE    TRIP    OF    A     LIFETIME!

           THE     VACATION    OF     YOUR      DREAMS!

 

For the first time ever, BelAmi is offering a limited opportunity for fans to meet the BelAmi models and crew and partake in the BelAmi Photo Workshop. This is an unique chance to meet the team in person that have inspired so many fantasies on film.

There will be 2 workshop sessions (depending on interest) scheduled during an upcoming film shoot in Cape Town/South Africa. The workshop participants will have access to most of the current stars from our movies and website. You will get to meet the guys, socialize with them and most importantly have the opportunity to take you own images of the guys!! The best pictures will be published in a special commemorative book.

Can you imagine hanging out with the most beautiful young men in the world! And having the chance to photograph them?!

 

The workshops will have the following format:

Day 1: Arrival and welcome dinner. At the welcome dinner you will be introduced to your instructor, meet and get the chance to chat with BelAmi founder George Duroy and all of the crew as well as the chance to get to know some of the models that you will be working with for the next 4 days

Day 2 – 5: 1/2 day workshop and instruction, 1/2 day freeform photographic session
Day 6: Brunch and Departure

Included in the package is:
-Working with models including: Kris Evans, Dolph Lambert, Jean-Daniel Chagall, Ariel Vanean, Luke Hamill, Todd Rosset and the Peters twins
-All accommodation for the duration of the course (5 nights) individual rooms in a small hotel reserved entirely for BelAmi
-Transfers to and from the airport and from the hotel to the locations.
-All breakfast and on the set meals
-4 days of expert instruction and photo shooting at our filming locations and other places
-6 months membership to our website BelAmiOnline
-Signed copies of both Howard Roffman and Benno Thom’s most recent BelAmi photo books

-A copy of the commemorative book (when published)
-Certificate of completion
-Farewell Brunch

WOW! Does that sound amazing, or what?!

Each workshop will be limited to 5-7 places, to ensure that each person will get maximum personal attention.

The course will cost only 5,500 euro, booking will be secured upon payment of a 50% deposit.

 Workshop 1, starting on March 8 and finishing March 13 will be conducted by Howard Roffman and we recommend this for participants who have some basic knowledge of photography

Workshop 2, starting on March 14 and finishing March 20 will be conducted by Benno Thoma will be ideal for aspiring photographers of all levels, from pure beginners to those who have knowledge of their camera already.

For further details and


expressions of  interest,


please contact us


IMMEDIATELY

 

 

at raphaelsmp (at) gmail . com     



by January 15!!!

 

While the weather outside
 may be frightful where you live...
it's HOT  in Palm Springs!

 

We love California. And unlike Florida, which is susceptible to cool winter months, Southern California is pretty ideal, all year round.  If you have never been, Palm Springs is a desert city in  California - approximately 110 miles (177 km) east of Los Angeles and 140 miles (225 km) northeast of San Diego. Palm Springs is the jewel among desert cities and rightly so. This tropical desert oasis is home to famously long, sun-drenched days, breathtaking mountain views and one of the largest gay communities in the country.

The downtown area with its quaint lampposts, benches and Mexican tile-paved enclaves invites strolling among the shops, galleries, eateries and coffeehouses. Rich in history and blessed with glorious weather, it is a prime destination
of travelers from all over the world. ESPECIALLY this time of year!

Palm Springs offers over 20 top attractions , including Joshua Tree national park, the Living Desert, art galleries, casinos, and of course, endless golf! It’s a huge outdoor playground with consistently brilliant sunshine, great for sunning and all types of outdoor activities with the sweet, clean air.

It's a very gay and gay-friendly city. Late March, early April thousands of LGBT tourists take over the city! March 31st - April 1st they host THE DINAH. It  is considered the largest lesbian event in the world. Then April 9th-12th, it's the Palm Springs White Party. A huge line-up of International Dj's and 8 assorted  parties and events.

 

Every Thursday night the main street in Palm Springs, Palm Canyon Drive, is closed to traffic and opened to a vibrant street festival. Food vendors, arts and crafts exhibits and loads of free entertainment by numerous artists. Strolling, munching, looking and sipping the length of Palm Canyon Drive from one end to the other in the heart of Palm Springs is a great way to ‘people and puppy watch’ for an hour or an entire evening.

 

The current gay and lesbian population in Palm Springs is estimated to be about seven times the national average.  This concentration is even greater than that of San Francisco, which has approximately five times the national average. Gay residents represent about 35 percent of those who are year-round residents.

 

There are over 35 openly-gay resort hotels in the city to choose from. Our favorite is INNdulge A Resort Hotel for Gay Men.  @ 601 Grenfall Road, Palm Springs CA 92264  
PH 800.833.5675 / (760) 327.1408.     Rest; Relaxation; and Pampering!

 

INNdulge is one of the most established guesthouses here in Palm Springs. Located in the Warm Sands neighborhood (an area flush with clothing-optional gay accommodations), this elegant award-winning 24-room facility offers several sizes of rooms, most of which look out on the spacious pool, open 24 hours. And by the way, it  is actually cooled down in the hot hot summer months!

 

From breakfast time until well after 3AM each night, there is always something going on at this resort and you can't help but get caught up in it. At any time of the day there is a whole crowd of friendly guys to mingle with, and you are sure to develop both instant crushes and lasting friendships.

INNdulge Palm Springs is a wonderful example of Palm Springs 50's architecture. You can appreciate the architecture and the mountain views during the hotel's free social hour that extends for two hours. It is a great way to meet the hotel's wonderful owners, John and Jean-Guy, as well as your fellow guests.

Don't take our word for it, just read the reviews left by members of the press worldwide.

INNdulge your fantasies, INNdulge your fancy, INNdulge your spirit!

Palm Springs is a great get away city. Sun, relaxation, shopping, dining and golf....Whether it's a romantic couple's getaway, a group outing or a frisky single's adventure at one of the clothing-optional resorts, you're sure to have a great time in this friendly city.

...With year-round sun, the largest gay events in the country, and world-class shopping and dining, Palm Springs is your next travel adventure. 
 

This week, while it's  30 in the Midwest... It's a gorgeous 75 there. Where would you rather be??





Best of Gay Palm Springs

New Gay Travel Guide

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ARE YOU GAY?!

Too many Gays on this flight!

An employee for an Australian airline, whose last name was Gay, boarded a plane using the company’s “free flight” offer for staff. When he found his seat occupied by a paying passenger, he simply chose another.

Meanwhile, another flight by the same airline had been scrubbed, its passengers were being shuffled to other plans, and anyone holding a free ticket was being bumped by a ticket agent armed with a list. When the agent approached the seat where Gay was supposed to be sitting, she asked a startled customer, “Are you Gay?”

The man shyly nodded that he was, at which point the ticket agent demanded: “Then you have to get off the plane.”

The employee Mr. Gay, overhearing what the agent had said, tried to clear up the situation: “You’ve got the wrong man. I’m Gay!” This caused an angry third passenger to yell, “I’m gay, too! They can kick us all off!”

Eventually, it was all straightened out!

More Gay News and Airlines drama...

In a  public online forum called British Expats - this was posted...

Gary,

You worked my flight from London to San Francisco last week. We had sex in the
bathroom behind First Class. You left me with a little surprise. I just returned from
the Men's Health Clinic where I found out you gave me Herpes.

I'm writing a letter to your employer British Airways. They better pay for all my
treatments plus a nice sum for my emotional distress. Get ready to be permanently
grounded Gary.

Larry

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As of today,

the nation's decades-old HIV Travel and Immigration Ban is no more. Immigration Equality's Steve Ralls reports in the Huffington Post that an HIV-positive gay man arriving today from The Netherlands will be the first to freely and safely enter the U.S.

 

 "The arrival of Clemens Ruland and Hugo Bausch will also signal the end of a shameful and discriminatory policy that has exacted a heavy price on our country's reputation in the scientific community and kept countless individuals - both straight and gay - separated from their loved ones."

Can you believe it's been more than 20 years?!

Said Obama on signing the order to lift the ban in October: "Twenty-two years ago, in a decision rooted in fear rather than fact, the United States instituted a travel ban on entry into the country for people living with HIV/AIDS.  Now, we talk about reducing the stigma of this disease -- yet we've treated a visitor living with it as a threat.  We lead the world when it comes to helping stem the AIDS pandemic -- yet we are one of only a dozen countries that still bar people from HIV from entering our own country. If we want to be the global leader in combating HIV/AIDS, we need to act like it.  And that's why, on Monday my administration will publish a final rule that eliminates the travel ban effective just after the New Year.  Congress and President Bush began this process last year, and they ought to be commended for it.  We are finishing the job.  It's a step that will encourage people to get tested and get treatment, it's a step that will keep families together, and it's a step that will save lives. "

Ruland, 45, works with young people in the criminal system. He was infected in New York by an ex-lover and diagnosed HIV-positive in 1997. Anti Retroviral Therapy has kept his virus load undetectable. He returned to visit the U.S. once in 2005, but said he feared being detained. Bausch, 50, an illustrator, is HIV-negative. The Dutch AIDS service organization SOAAIDS is behind the visit. Ruland entered a poem into the group's essay contest to win the couple's passage to New York City.

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2nd  ANNUAL 
GAY  SKI  WEEK

in  ANDORRA - March 21-28, 2010

Want a real exciting custom gay ski getaway?
THIS IS THE PLACE!
It's a little tricky to get to, but worth it.

Andorra is a small country nestled  between  Spain and France. ANDORRA is NOT the mother witch from Bewitched!    That's Endorra!  

If you have never heard of Andorra  it is an old,  small, beautiful  landlocked country in western Europe, located in the eastern Pyrenees mountains and bordered by Spain and France. Just a 2 hour drive from Barcelona airport, or  slightly less if you drive in from the Toulouse airport in France.


Andorra truly has some breathtaking mountains!  We stood in awe at the Grand Valira ski resort/station, from the base of the mountains, looking towards the top, which must have stretched 2+ miles...skiers looked like ants moving down the hills!  Equally as beautiful, but much smaller was the Vallnord resort/station.

Due to its location in the eastern Pyrenees mountain range, Andorra consists predominantly of rugged mountains of an average height of 1,996 metres (6,549 ft) with the highest being the Coma Pedrosa at 2,946 metres (9,665 ft).
 
These are dissected by three narrow valleys in a Y shape that combine into one as the main stream, the Valira river, leaves the country for Spain (at Andorra's lowest point of 870 m/2,854 ft). Andorra's total surface area is only 468 square kilometres (181 sq mi).

Skiing is very big there, as you can imagine, surrounded by all the amazing mountains. I am NOT a skier, and found  lots to do and see in Andorra...both in the snow and out of the snow. 

They have things like ski bikes, snow mobiles and Husky sleigh rides/dog sleds for non-skiers. And being up in the mountains surrounded by all the majestic beauty, is breathtaking!

This past ski season Andorra really raised the bar to compete in the skiing market. In addition to the inclusion of an ice hotel, Andorra hotels and resorts have made more than 20 million euros worth of upgrades to existing ski areas. Improvements and additions include low-cost helicopter sight-seeing flights, tubing slopes, new ice rinks and a snowmobile circuit.

 

 
And after all that skiing - who wouldn't LOVE A DAY AT A SPA?    Caldea is one of the most luxe spas with dozens of pools, I have ever seen! 

  CALDEA SPA.  is AMAZING! It's like something out of a Busby Berkeley movie!

Designed by the architect Jean-Michel Ruols - is fruit of the will of the community (town council) of Escaldes-Engordany to make use of the richness of the territory’s thermal water, with a philosophy different to that of traditional health resorts: thermoludism. The concept was entirely innovative and avoids use of the therapeutic properties of thermal water. Thermoludism is the use of the properties and benefits of thermal water to rest, recuperate vitality and well-being. The water at different temperatures procures authentic gymnastic toning for the body, and the thermal water help psychic rebalance.



There is a huge indoor lagoon with several different baths and bubbles to enjoy. Cascading steps take you into a large pool and a   "river" which you can follow to even more pools outside! An entire world of aquatic areas, aerobaths and hydromassage.

There is an Islandic bath, AquaMassage area, Sirocco hot air bath, Sauna's, Hammam with vaporisation, Infrared relaxing areas, Grapfruit pool and even swim up bars for refreshments. You pay one fee, which is about 30 euros and you can use all of these areas for about 4 hours.

So what are you waiting for?!

You book a plane to Barcelona and ORIGINAL ANDORRA GAY TRAVEL SPECIALISTS will customize your gay week in Andorra!



This years host hotel is is the Hotel Rutllan. Other choices available as well. It will be a wonderful week, and very reasonably priced!




New Gay Travel Guide

 

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DID YOU KNOW....



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Mexico City

enacted Latin America's first law recognizing gay marriage Tuesday and said it hopes to attract same-sex couples from around the world to wed.

The law, approved by city legislators on Dec. 21, was published in Mexico City's official register Tuesday and will take effect in March. It will allow same-sex couples to adopt children and municipal officials say it will make Mexico's capital a "vanguard city" — and attract extra tourism revenues.

"Mexico City will become a center, where (gay) people from all over the world will be able to come and have their wedding, and then spend their honeymoon here," said Alejandro Rojas, the city tourism secretary.

"We are already in talks with some travel agencies that are planning to offer package tours that include flights, hotels, guides, and everything they need for the wedding, like banquets," said Rojas. "We are going to become a city on a par with Venice or San Francisco" — the current leader in the gay travel market segment.

The annual economic impact of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender travelers is about $70 billion in the United States alone, according to Community Marketing Inc., a tourism research company that specializes in gay and lesbian consumers.

Gay marriages of foreigners in Mexico City would presumably only be recognized by countries and states that also have legalized same-sex marriage. An exception is New York State, which doesn't allow same-sex marriages but which recognizes those which were performed legally in other jurisdictions.

Mexico City's law allows same-sex couples to adopt children, apply for bank loans together, inherit wealth and be included in the insurance policies of their spouse, rights they were denied under civil unions allowed in the city.

And of course,  even as Mexico City officials celebrated enactment of the law, others vowed to stop the marriages from taking place.

New Year's Eve is hyped as the party of the year, and consequently, trying to ensure that it will be a great night can be stressful. Why is there SO MUCH emphasis on this one night??

 Everybody has had at least one New Year's dud, where plans didn't materialize as expected and the final countdown ended up taking place in a lame bar, or worse, stuck in a car or taxi, trying to get somewhere at Midnight!!

It starts around Sydney and travels time zone by time zone around the globe like some sort of well-coordinated pre-planned pyrotechnic explosion.

SYDNEY. Take your choice – party on the water, party on the bridge or party in a pub. The first major city to celebrate the coming of the New Year is also one of the best. How good is Sydney? The fireworks end at 12:15 but the celebrations last until dawn.

Top Tip: Wear black. That's the wardrobe color of choice for social Sydneysiders.
Weather: It's summer so pretty warm, but have a light jacket handy.

San Francisco, CA - Perhaps the greatest of all American cities, San Francisco doesn't hesitate to let its hair down on New Year's -- literally. The town's huge gay community is influential in setting the New Year's party vibe, as clubs stock their December 31st lineups with burlesque shows, drag queens and DJs obsessed with Cher and Madonna. Salsa dancing parties abound, and the city's "street crawl" features the usual mix of fireworks and revelry.


New York City - Perhaps the epicenter of the US  on New Years Eve. New York City is still the place to be on New Year's Eve. New York remains the control center for celebrations across the continent, which is why hundreds of thousands of people will pack themselves into the colorful Times Square to watch  Dick Clark possibly, Ryan Seacrest for sure, count down the seconds until the ball drops.  As with everything else in New York, you're sure to find entertainment for New Year's, whether it's the corner pub or cabaret or the sweaty confines of hot clubs uptown, midtown and downtown.Touch Nightclub is a new club in the heart of Time Square. Club TOUCH promises to be a celebrity filled party on 3 levels.
Weather: Usually COLD!


PRAGUE. One of the world's most beautiful cities attracts people from throughout Europe because they know a great party when the see one. Prague is an awesome place to play anytime and on the Big Night it literally explodes. That's because the Czechs just love fireworks. Wander in and out of the many pubs and cafes but at midnight go to Old Town Square or Charles Bridge. Climb the hill to the Prague Castle or the "Stalin statue," where the fireworks are launched for an overview of the whole crazy scene. Prague is unbelievably inexpensive; your crowns go a long. long way. Czech it out!

Top Tip: Watch out for flying fireworks of every size and description.

Weather: The average temperature for January is -1.3C (30F), so it's cold. This makes quick jaunts into the many cafes a requirement.



IN  LONDON,  you have your choice of  a  BEARS AND BIG  BLOKES  New Years  Eve at the Eagle ,  or  maybe  something on the KINKY side. Kinky Trade brings together 3 big promoters...Trade, Juicy and Lovechild for a wild evening with lasers, pyrotechs  and more.

MATINEE LONDON  will provide a spectacular  after-hours  party for the late night owls who just can quit celebrating. Starts at  5am and runs thru the early afternoon of New Years Day!  Read more at Patroc London.


The ball is dropping; the champagne is popping. Grab your goofy hat and ring in next year with a rockin New Year s Eve party.

I think I will celebrate quietly with friends!


HAPPY NEW  YEAR  FROM  NEW GAY TRAVEL GUIDES