NEW GAY TRAVEL GUIDE

Gay Travel, Gay Unions and Gay Honeymoons in the UK

michael snell — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:23:00 GMT

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 Gay Cruise to Mainland China...Busan, Korean, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong

michael snell — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:01:00 GMT

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.

Gay Travel and Deep-Vein Thrombosis DVT Awareness Month

michael snell — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 18:43:00 GMT

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

LGBT Gay Travel - Sun or Ski in March and April

michael snell — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 22:39:00 GMT

SKI OR SUN?

That is the question!

The next 8 weeks offer a choice of either. Starting with Winter Pride March 1-8th in Whistler BC. As soon as the Olympics come to end, it's going to be one big gay party week! You’ll find dozens of reasons to choose Whistler for your next get-away. In addition to the gay-friendly attitude, the scenery is spectacular every season of the year. You can fill a whole album with the breath-taking beauty that surrounds you—and fill a week or even longer with all the recreational activities that are Whistler.

Maybe you would rather have fun in the sun? March 3 - 8, several thousand LGBT people hit South Beach, Miami. Launched in 1994 as a one-time charity dance event on the sands of beautiful South Beach, Winter Party Festival has evolved into a week-long series of events benefiting the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community nationally and locally.

More than just a day at the beach, Winter Party Festival creates an experience for LGBT people and their friends and supporters. In addition to being an important fundraiser, the Festival is also a major contributor to Miami and Miami Beach's economy by attracting over 5,000+ people from around the world to South Florida each year.

March 7 - 14th is another big ski week. Join the friendliest skiers from the United States and around the globe on Lake Tahoe’s scenic south shore! Skiers and non skiers alike will enjoy the beauty and fun of WinterFest XV.

Breakfasts, lunches, dinners, dance parties, comedy, and skiing at HEAVENLY! There's a difference between a mountain resort and a ski area. Ski areas are more primitive and have warming huts, resorts have lodges. Ski areas serve snacks and sandwiches and Mountain Resorts serve gourmet food at half a dozen restaurants. Ski Heavenly is a mountain resort because it has the amenities and facilities to take your love for the mountain and turn it into a ski vacation that reflects your desire to live the mountain lifestyle while having all modern amenities available.

If you want some gorgeous Spring Time weather, CHERRY 9 in Washington DC is the place to be April 30 - May 2. The Cherry Fund's weekend dance event is one of the few that is produced entirely by volunteers, and that still donates all of its proceeds to worthy non-profit charitable organizations in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

The cost of your pass or ticket not only gives you access to an unforgettable weekend of events, but also directly supports the work of our beneficiaries. The portion of your ticket price that benefits these charities is of course tax deductible.

3 days of dancing, a dozen dj's, guest performers and more!

A highlight is sure to be 3rd ANNUAL SUNDAY AFTERNOON CAPITAL TEA ON THE POTOMAC -
Back by popular demand, Sunday afternoon of Cherry Weekend is a chance to catch some sightseeing and mingle with your new & old friends. And we provide the perfect setting for you to pick your pleasure all aboard the Spirit of Washington on a cruise down the Potomac. We’ve even commandeered a new boat for our Tea this year. Spirit of Washington Cruise - Pier 4, 6th and Water Streets, SW.

Soak up the sun on the multilevel outdoor decks as the Spirit of Washington glides past the magnificent ever-changing vistas including the gothic spires of National Cathedral and Georgetown University, Rosslyn’s ultra-modern office towers, and the graceful arches of Memorial Bridge.

The Best Gay Travel Guide

Gay Ski Week in ANDORRA! Just Weeks Away!

michael snell — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 16:08:00 GMT

The 2nd Annual Gay Ski Week in Andorra
is just a few weeks away!

March 21-28, 2010.

Andorra is a small country nestled between Spain and France and offers some great skiing, shopping and one of the most amazing Spa's I have ever seen! You have to fly into Barcelona, Spain or Toulouse, France. Then it's a couple hours away, up into the mountains of Andorra.

And March is a great time to go. USUALLY, not too cold. Last year when we were there, one day the air was so warm, we actually took off our coats and shirts for a bit and soaked up the sunshine and sipped a glass of wine on the slopes! Andorra has a high mountain climate with Mediterranean influences. Temperatures are low in the winter and mild in the summer, with significant variations depending on altitude and orientation.Andorra has a high percentage of sunshine and a generally dry climate.

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.

Even if you don't ski, there is lots to do. Snow mobiling, sled rides, bike skis other fun activities. And when you are not on slopes, you might be shopping.

Since there is no income tax and lots of duty free, Andorra is a great place to shop. Electronics, prestigious fine jewelry and even fashion and perfumes, are much lowere than in some countries. The products that can be imported into Spain or France are tax free up to certain limits and must be declared when they exceed a specific amount. For example, visitors over the age of 15 who buy durable products worth more than 525 € must pay duty before taking them to Spain or France.

When you are done skiing and shopping, you need a SPA! And one of the most beautiful spa's I have ever seen is here! 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.

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!

Right now, they have a package for 899 euros.

Hotel, meals, ski pass, ski school, rentals, transfer and parties included!

MENTION NEW GAY TRAVEL GUIDE and save 15%!

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

Gay Great Britain - England, Scotland and Wales

michael snell — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 22:29:00 GMT

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

Gay Cruise Heads to the Homophobic Caribbean

michael snell — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:30:00 GMT

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.

Gay Travel Business News - Passport Magazine Expanding and Growing

michael snell — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 18:22:00 GMT

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

Netherlands Tourism Announces JUST BE. IN HOLLAND! Campaign and Contest

michael snell — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:01:00 GMT

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.”

The BIGGEST Gay Party in The World - Sydney Gay LGBT Mardis Gras

michael snell — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 17:54:00 GMT

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

Gay US Tourists Lured to Brighton England

michael snell — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 21:19:00 GMT

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

Gay Destinations and Gay Travel - to Ireland

michael snell — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 20:13:00 GMT

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.

Michael Lucas Will Be Your Gay Travel Guide to Tel Aviv

michael snell — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 16:06:00 GMT

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

Gayest Gay Cities in the United States

michael snell — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 18:16:00 GMT

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?!

Gay Travel Survey - Gay Travelers Prefer to Stay in Gay Owned and Operated Hotels

michael snell — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 15:08:00 GMT

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.