Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Travel: 77 LGBT Cruises!

Passport presents their annual Cruise Calendar, an expansive list of the world’s best gay and lesbian cruise voyages for 2015.

Monday, December 22, 2014

Travel: Uncovering Gay Havana, Cuba

An embargo has prevented Americans from visiting this Caribbean nation, but loosened travel restrictions means the possibility to explore a capital that’s resiliency can be seen in the extraordinary people that make up this vibrant city.

Monday, December 1, 2014

Brand g Vacations: A Whole New Way to See Cuba

LGBT tour operator Brand g Vacations today released an updated itinerary for its February 2015 trip to Cuba, expanding its unique People to People Exchange.

Founded in 2011 as “the next generation in gay travel,” Brand g Vacations aims to capture the growing numbers of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender (LGBT) travelers, along with straight allies, who enjoy innovative escorted vacations to international spots.

“It’s a whole new way to see Cuba” said Brand g’s Managing Partner, Jeff Gundvaldson. “This will be one of the first opportunities for US citizens to enjoy shipboard life not only to travel from city to city but also as a floating hotel.” Jeff added, “This allows ample time to see the very best Cuba has to offer, while ensuring high quality dining and comfortable lodging, and minimizing the time spent traveling by motor coach.”

The new itinerary contains many special attractions for LGBT passengers including an optional visit to Humbolt 52, Havana's first gay bar and Cabaret Las Vegas with its popular drag show. Visitors also will have the chance to meet with Dr. Alberto Roque, one of Cuba's best known advocates on gender issues and equality, take a visit to the National Sex Education Center, Cenesex, which is an educational organization and an advocate for LGBT rights in Cuba, and enjoy lunch with Norma Guillard, lesbian activist and professor at the University of Havana.

According to Gundvaldson “This will be a great opportunity for our enthusiastic passengers to connect face-to-face with Cuba’s leading LGBT citizens and allies, as well as a chance to learn about Cuban life, history and the progress they are making.”

The itinerary also allows for a special visit to the UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve region and the international/eco-community of “Las Terrazas,” a tour of ‘Old Havana” a walk through one of the country’s largest nature reserves and a turtle breeding center, and to take part in exchanges with artists, salsa dance lessons and much more. “We will offer a good cross section of activities across a wide range of interests,” said Gundvaldson, “We are sure that there is something to appeal to most everyone.”

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

(Updated) Time, Space & Inspiration: 2015 GBQ Men’s Writing Retreat in Puerto Vallarta


Whether you’re a beginning writer or a seasoned pro, the upcoming GBQ (Gay, Bisexual, Questioning) Men’sWriting Retreat in the Zona Romantica area of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico will give you the time, space, and inspiration to do your very best work.

Facilitator Scott Gibson will hold workshopping sessions in the morning and then you will be released to write for the remainder of the day. Optional writing lessons and meditation instruction will also be offered.

Reserve your spot by December 31, and save 15%!

Update 12/01/14: The dates for the retreat have been reschedule for May 18-25 to coincide with Vallarta Pride 2015 (May 17-25).

Friday, November 21, 2014

Travel: Gay Men's Puerto Vallerta Writing Retreat Planned for 2015


Whether you’re a beginning writer working on your first novel, a seasoned poet polishing your collection, or just finally getting that short story out that you’ve been feeling you need to write, the GBQ (Gay, Bisexual, Questioning) Men's Writing Retreat will give you the time, space, and inspiration to get on it. Read this Huff Post article about why you need a writing retreat.

The facilitator, Scott Gibson, holds Masters degrees in Writing and Poetics and Education. He has studied with Voice and Sound coach Paul Oertel, gaining knowledge of how to uncover the voice from within. He has utilized his skills as a teacher of writing with students of all ages to “get the creative juices flowing” with honesty, pride, and passion. Scott edited Blood & Tears: Poems for Matthew Shepard in 1999 and has recently publish a long poem entitled Sticked, Stoned & Bottled and his first novel Seeking MO.
 

The group will stay at a private villa in the Zona Romantica area of Puerto Vallarta Mexico, directly “above” some of the best restaurants, bars, and beaches in the city. The villa is beautiful, with large bedrooms, a pool, rooftop deck, and a great staff that will keep you relaxed and focused on your writing. 

The best writing results come on retreats that leave plenty of time for relaxing so there will hold “workshopping” sessions in the morning and then you will be released to write for the remainder of the day. Gibson will also offer optional evening mini-lessons and meditation instruction.

Friday, November 14, 2014

Travel: Gay Days Fort Lauderdale 13 Day Countdown!

It's still cold here in Denver but Gay Days Fort Lauderdale is only two weeks away and you know that it's going to be hot, hot, hot! Click HERE to download the magazine.

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Travel: A Foodie's Guide to Las Vegas

Las Vegas is the entertainment capital of the world. First-class shopping, luxurious spas, astounding resorts, famous celebrities from across the globe, and of course, some of the finest dining in the world. gaytravel.com has compiled a list of top eats for LGBT travelers headed to Las Vegas this Fall. Prepare your taste buds for an exquisite experience in a city that has raised the bar on fine dining.

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Travel: Still Time to Save on Travel Deals to Folsom Street Fair

There's still time to book your trip to San Francisco for the Folsom Street Fair. Check out these deals from Folsom's travel partners.

Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants

Book now at the Sir Francis Drake Hotel, Hotel Triton, or Prescott Hotel, and receive 20% off of these select properties. Perfectly situated in downtown San Francisco around Union Square, all three are just a short walk to the fairgrounds for Up Your Alley or Folsom Street Fair. Click HERE for Kimpton's special landing page, and enjoy the luxury of one of these premier boutique hotels. Rate code: FETISH. Book now, and don't miss out!


misterbnb


misterbnb facilitates rentals between gay travelers and hosts around the world, who register their spaces for free with Misterbnb. The service connects travelers who want unique experiences at lower costs with hosts willing to rent (fully or partially) their primary residences. With 5,000+ hosts waiting for you in over 95 countries, start planning your next vacation! Book an apartment and live the Misterbnb experience. GO!

Serrano Hotel

The Serrano Hotel is steps away from Union Square, perfectly positioned in the Theater District of San Francisco. Our 236 rooms offer large picture windows, plush Frette bedding, mini bars, flat-panel TVs, and a variety of on-demand programming. Jasper's Corner Tap and Kitchen, located in the hotel, is open all day for a casual drink or bite to eat. Work off dinner at our fully equipped on-site fitness center featuring Precor equipment. Our hotel's focus on guest comfort and our outstanding location will ensure your stay in San Francisco will be exactly what you had in mind. BOOK NOW!

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Gay Days Las Vegas - Six Weeks and Counting

It's less than six weeks to your Gay Days Las Vegas, the perfect end-of-summer vacation!

Click HERE to purchase your Gay Days Luxor room which includes your pool party passes.

This year we have another great lineup of DJ's for Gay Days in Las Vegas. The pool parties will be jumping at the Luxor! Here's the listing of DJ's who will be spinning at the pool parties.

Thursday, Sept 4 DJ Eddy & DJ Axis
Friday, Sept 5 DJ Chris Adams & DJ Ryan Tiffin
Saturday, Sept 6 DJ Brett Law, Dj Sinna-G and DJ ChiChi LaRue
Sunday, Sept 7 Party hosted by the Luxor

Click HERE to purchase Gay Days pool party tickets if you are NOT booked at the Luxor. Outside guests are welcome.

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Gay Summer Getaways On A Budget: Key West

Gay Key West might be small but it is a massive hot-spot for the gay and lesbian traveler. 

Surrounded by clear waters and tropical foliage it's easy to understand why so many flock to this paradise to relax and enjoy the beauty of life and love.

Monday, July 14, 2014

Gay Summer Getaways On A Budget: Puerto Vallarta

Gay Puerto Vallarta is easily accessible, truly accepting and very inexpensive. The city has more gay English speakers than most anywhere in Mexico, gorgeous white sand beaches, and plenty of entertainment.

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

12 places to visit that you never knew existed in Colorado

With a variety of landscapes to view, activities to experience and history to witness, Colorado is a state unlike any other. Adding to the draw of the state’s main attractions, there are also a number of lesser-known and unusual places that provide a different path for adventure and exploration in Colorado. Uncover the longest set of dinosaur tracks ever discovered or climb atop a UFO Watchtower; from bizarre to historical, the following is a sampling of some of Colorado’s truly unique places to visit. 

  1. Bent’s Old Fort/Santa Fe Trail. Bent’s Old Fort in southeast Colorado was an 1833 fort built for the trade of buffalo robes. For its 16-year existence, the fort was the only major permanent white settlement in the region. It was destroyed in 1849 and a replica of the fort stands in its place today. The Santa Fe Trail, along which the fort is situated, tells the history of the old west with wagon ruts from trappers, traders and settlers.

  1. The Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse. Set in the Rocky Mountain Foothills of Boulder, The Dushanbe Teahouse was made by hand in Dushanbe, Tajikistan and gifted to Boulder, its sister city. A symbol of friendship and cultural exploration, the teahouse was sent to and reassembled in Boulder and now serves afternoon tea along with other fresh baked treats.

  1. Camp Amache. Also known as the Granada Relocation Center, Camp Amache forcibly imprisoned over 7,000 Japanese from 1942 through 1945 as a World War II internment camp. Today, it is preserved by the Amache Preservation Society where visitors can learn about the history of the site and view the well-maintained camp.

  1. Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument. Set in central Colorado, the Florissant Fossil Beds are one of the most diverse fossil deposits in the world. The National Monument features petrified redwood stumps that are up to 14 feet wide, along with thousands of fossils of insects, plants and other creatures. Children can explore even more with the junior ranger program, led by the park’s rangers, and earn their own junior ranger badge.

  1. The Grand Mesa. The largest flat-topped mountain in the world, the Grand Mesa covers hundreds of square miles near Grand Junction and stands more than 10,000 feet above sea level. Visitors can take the Mesa Scenic Byway to explore the area, which offers great fishing, camping and hiking in the summer and the Powderhorn Mountain Resort in the winter for skiing and snowboarding.

  1. Kit Carson County Carousel. One of the fewer than 150 wooden carousels still in existence, the Kit Carson Carousel is on the county fairgrounds in Burlington. It is the only antique carousel in the country with original paint and the only surviving menagerie carousel made by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company.

  1. Missile Site Park. Weld County is home to Missile Site Park where visitors can get a glimpse into the Cold War Era’s national defense. The missile site, constructed in 1961 and deactivated in 1965, was the location of one of four Atlas E sites that were equipped with nuclear warheads. Visitors can take a tour of the site and see the missile maintenance room, the command control centers and the living quarters.

  1. National Earthquake Information Center. The National Earthquake Information Center (NEIC) in Golden has the mission of quickly reporting the location and size of earthquakes occurring anywhere in the world. The NEIC gathers and keeps a global seismic database on earthquakes and their effects on the Earth. Visitors can explore the center to learn more about this process and see the tools that accomplish the job.

  1. Picketwire Canyon. Situated near La Junta in southeastern Colorado, Picketwire Canyon is home to the longest set of dinosaur tracks discovered to date. The tracks were made in mud, buried and are now turned to stone. Today, there are over 1,300 footprints visible at the site, as well as Native American rock art dating back 375 to 4,500 years ago.

  1. The Pikes Peak Cog Railway. The highest train in the U.S., The Pikes Peak Cog Railway takes passengers 14,115 feet above sea level to the summit of Pikes Peak. The cog railway, which combines a historic, nearly nine-mile route offering unparalleled views, takes a bit over three hours round-trip. This includes a stop at the Pikes Peak summit where passengers can see 2,000-year old trees and one of the largest herds of Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep in the state.

  1. The Real South Park. Bearing little resemblance to the TV show, South Park is home to the towns of Fairplay and Alma along with a variety of heritage areas and scenic sights. The area boats 14,000-foot peaks, a river valley, abundant wildlife and a rich history of mining and ancient trees. Gold prospectors flocked to the area in the 1860s when $1.5 million of gold was extracted in Park County in just three years.

  1. UFO Watchtower. Take the Cosmic Highway just outside Alamosa to the UFO Watchtower. The attraction provides 360-degree views of the San Luis Valley with no light pollution, making for the perfect location to scope out the sky for UFOs. The area is known for strange occurrences and visitors regularly spot unusual lights and objects in the sky from the observation deck.

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

The Gay Vegans: Vegan (and gay friendly) Salt Lake City!


By Dan Hanley

Our summer road trip took us in a different direction as we wanted to visit family on the way to California. So we ended up with a night in Salt Lake City and I am so glad we did!

When you think of Salt Like City, what do you think of?
Mormons?

Anti-gay people?

Well, we love Salt Lake City. If you ever have an opportunity to visit, I highly encourage you to take advantage of that and do it.

Monday, June 23, 2014

Las Vegas' Liaison Nightclub Now Taking Reservations

Never has a nightclub catering specifically to LGBT patrons been located inside the doors of a Las Vegas Strip casino venue. But that will all change when the new 7,000-square-foot Liaison Nightclub opens its doors to the public on Friday, June 20 at 10 p.m.

The nightclub, being launched by Las Vegas nightclub impresario Victor Drai and gay nightlife king Eduardo Cordova, in partnership with Caesars Entertainment, will make history when Bally’s Las Vegas welcomes the luxurious new nightclub during its official soft opening.

Inside Liaison, guests will find the elegant nightclub with its center-strip location decorated with saturated and sexy dark finishes of gold and black and adorned with an abundance of mirrors and Venetian-style chandeliers.

The nightclub is intimate, yet spacious enough to offer the social experience of which patrons of Drai’s venues have come to expect.

“With our After Hours club positioned to move back to its original home underground at The Cromwell, I wanted to use the space to continue to transform the nightlife scene in Las Vegas,” explains Drai. “Now I have an opportunity to bring a gay nightclub to the center of the Strip, and with Caesars Entertainment and Eduardo Cordova on my team, I have no doubt that Liaison will be a game-changer.”

“We are proud to be the home to Liaison and have no doubt that Victor will bring the same type of excitement and sophistication that he brings to all his endeavors,” says David Hoenemeyer, regional president, Caesars Entertainment. “This is an historic and exciting venture for all of us involved and it will no doubt enhance the guest experience for the gay travelers that visit our hotel and city every year.”

Liaison Nightclub will feature two club rooms, two DJs, multiple bars, a stage, and ample space for surprise performances. It will offer a seven-night-a-week experience featuring an eclectic mix of international house, edm, top 40 hits, hip-hop mashups, and even a drag night.

Liaison’s Resident DJ line-up includes Ryan Kenney, Dave Aude, Brynn Taylor, Derek Monteiro, Nick Ayler, Joe Gauthreaux, Wayne G, Erez Ben Ishay, Laszlo, Brett Rubin, Shai Peri, and Jon Cha.

The nightclub’s star-studded Grand Opening celebration, however, is set for August 23, with more details to come.

Travel: Gay Days in Fort Lauderdale


Enjoy fun in the sun in Fort Lauderdale during Thanksgiving week. The first Gay Days Fort Lauderdale will take place at the beautiful W Fort Lauderdale resort on A1A directly across from the beautiful beaches. 

Start planning now for November 25 - December 1, 2014.

Click Here to visit the booking page and reserve your room today!

Monday, June 9, 2014

Travel: Slip Away to Phoenix With These Summer Deals

In Phoenix, locals know that when the mercury starts to creep upward, it's time to live like rock stars. Summer in Phoenix is when prices at resorts plunge as much as 60 percent, offering unparalleled discounts plus perks such as dining vouchers, golf packages and spa specials.

Don't miss fabulous Phoenix summer deals like the ones listed below.

Of course, what's even better than a discounted summer getaway is a FREE summer getaway: Enter to win one of six packages to some of Phoenix’s best resorts in Visit Phoenix’s SummerScapes Sweepstakes.

Friday, June 6, 2014

Travel: Key West Pride

Splashy pool parties and on-the-water adventures, late-night dance parties, a race for tutu-wearing competitors, an intriguing film premiere and a lively community parade are among the attractions during Key West Pride 2014. Set for Wednesday through Sunday, June 11-15, the festival spotlights the all-accepting diversity that has helped make Key West an internationally renowned gay and lesbian vacation spot.

Key West Pride is to kick off with an all-welcome "Bow Ties & Bubbly" bash set for 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 11, at the acclaimed Island House Resort, 1129 Fleming St.

During the festival competitive attendees can vie for the titles of Mr., Ms. and Miss Key West Pride at evening pageants, or dress in a tutu to race in a wacky 10k relay. Other festival attractions include an acclaimed trolley tour showcasing Key West's LGBT heritage and hotspots, a marriage equality "meet and greet," daytime and late-night parties at local clubs and resorts, a "Ghosts & Gravestones" tour spotlighting the island's spookiest sites, drag shows, a street fair on Key West's famed Duval Street, a shopping soiree and water-sports activities ranging from snorkeling to kayaking.

Among scheduled highlights is the Key West premiere of a film by activist Erin Davies. After her Volkswagen Beetle was defaced with anti-gay graffiti because of its rainbow sticker, she turned the negative act into an inspiring odyssey and filmed her "fag bug's" journey to all 50 United States. Pride attendees can view the resulting documentary, "Fag Bug Nation," meet Davies and learn how her rainbow vehicle has become a catalyst for equality. Events are set for 8 p.m. Saturday, June 14, poolside at Alexander's Guesthouse, 1118 Fleming St.

The festival's culmination is to be the all-welcome Pride Parade down Duval Street, scheduled at 5 p.m. Sunday, June 15. The procession's grand marshal is Rob Smith, an openly gay Iraq War veteran, LGBT activist, journalist and author of the memoir "Closets, Combat, and Coming Out: Coming of Age as a Gay Man in the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell Army."

The parade typically features walking groups, a 100-foot rainbow flag, lavishly decorated floats and more. Everyone is invited to participate -- whether gay, lesbian, bisexual, straight or transgendered -- to celebrate Key West's enthusiastic diversity.

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Water Lovers Can Go with the Flow in Gunnison-Crested Butte

Experiencing high-country mountain streams and lakes is easy for hard-core athletes, weekend warriors and families in Gunnison-Crested Butte, Colorado. Not only is the area known for outstanding rafting and kayaking ranging from scenic Class I to fast-paced whitewater Class IV on the Gunnison and Taylor Rivers, there are options galore for taking part during Gunnison River Festival, enjoying premiere boating and sailing on Blue Mesa and Taylor Reservoirs and trying tricks at Gunnison Whitewater Park.

“The water levels this summer are ideal for rafting and kayaking. They will be favorable for fishing as well, once we are past the run-off period; even now the Taylor River is fishing well and we are guiding trips every day,” says Mark Schumacher, owner of Three Rivers Resort & Outfitting in Almont. “Taylor River Road construction is now complete, and there are all-new river accesses for fishing and rafting. It’s easier than ever to get on the Taylor River.”

Friday, May 16, 2014

Travel: Liaison, The First Gay Nightclub on the Las Vegas Strip

To say that Victor Drai is a busy man would be an understatement. Currently putting the finishing touches on his new Drai's Beach Club • Nightclub at The Cromwell in Las Vegas (opening Memorial Day Weekend), Drai has announced the opening of Liaison: the first-ever gay nightclub at a Las Vegas casino. Located at Bally’s, Liaison will open this summer in the space currently occupied by Drai’s famed After Hours nightclub and the club will be holding casting calls for all positions in Las Vegas on May 17 at Drai’s After Hours and on May 20 in Los Angeles at Victor Drai’s new Rare by Drais.

Together with Creative Director Eduardo Cordova, the man who has been credited with bringing gay nightlife to the forefront of the club scene in Las Vegas, Liaison will be a seven-night-a-week experience featuring an eclectic mix of hip hop, rap, top 40 and a drag night. “With our After Hours club positioned to move back to its original home underground at The Cromwell, I wanted to use the space to continue to transform the nightlife scene in Las Vegas,” explains Victor Drai. “Now I have the opportunity to bring a gay nightclub to the center of the Strip, and with Caesars Entertainment and Eduardo Cordova on my team, I have no doubt that Liaison will be a game-changer.”

Thursday, May 15, 2014

Travel: What's new in Fort Lauderdale



Fort Lauderdale, Florida has been on the LGBT community's travel radar for decades now, but with new hotels, restaurants, and an LGBT museum dedicated to the history of AIDS, more and more people are discovering this sunny destination.