Casa Tulco – Gay Friendly Villa in Huatulco, Oaxaca, Mexico

Casa Tulco

Casa Tulco is proud to be one of the few explicitly gay friendly rentals in Huatulco.

The house itself is beautifully designed with spacious indoor/outdoor living. It has its own large swimming pool and garden which backs onto the Nature Reserve behind.

The nearest beach is 10 minutes walk, or 2 minutes by bike (which we have available for guests), and will nearly always be deserted with just the warm Pacific waves rolling in.

Crucecita, the main area with shops and bars, is about 5 minutes drive or a pleasant walk up the Boulevard Chahue. There are some good restaurants just a short stroll away and some beach clubs a little further on.

See the Casa Tulco Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

Oaxaca Gay Friendly Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels, and Vacation Rentals

Queer Family Hiking in Bend, Oregon – 2TravelDads

Queer Family Hiking in bend, Oregon - 2TravelDads

Bend, Oregon with kids is an ideal vacation plan. Seriously. We just returned from a week long fall trip to Bend and enjoyed the culture and outdoors of Bend so much that we’re chatting about doing a return trip to consider and research moving there. We were based out of LOGE Camps Entrada Lodge on the Cascade Lakes Highway and couldn’t have been more pleased how it added to our Bend itinerary.

Check out our really cool, perfect family accommodations at LOGE Camps Entrada as well as our family friendly Bend itinerary for taking advantage of the outdoors. It’s the perfect vacation plan to make you fall in love with Central Oregon.

Staying at LOGE Camps Entrada Lodge

We first stayed at a LOGE Camps location in Westport, Washington and we were hooked. LOGE Camps are the coolest compounds perfect for outdoor lovers and families. LOGE Entrada is the newest member to the collection of family-friendly hotels in the group. Located just outside of the main downtown area of Bend, LOGE Entrada is on the way out to Mount Bachelor and the Deschutes National Forest. The location was perfect for us and our outdoors-focused Bend itinerary.

The rooms at LOGE Entrada are super cool, as they’ve been updated to incorporate outdoor elements like rustic wood and hammocks. Some accommodations have bike racks in the rooms themselves, others have exterior storage lockers with locks/keys provided. In the event you’re not prepared for the adventures, LOGE has everything you need for purchase, from Yeti coolers to metal coffee tumblers, charging cables to hammocks.

By Rob Taylor – Full Story at 2TravelDads

Bend Gay Travel Resources

 

Queer Lisbon and the Algarve Coast – Passport Magazine

queer Lisbon and the Algarve Coast - pixabay

The reasons to love Portugal are numerous. In 2017, the Global Peace Index ranked it the third most peaceful country in the world; in 2010, Portugal became the eighth country to legalize same-sex marriage; it is one of the few countries in the world to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation in its constitution; and its temperatures average a balmy 63 degrees in winter and 79 in summer.

And, of course, it’s beautiful. Its two major cities, Lisbon and Porto (where Port wine comes from) anchor its Atlantic-facing seaboard. In between them are charming towns and villages, too numerous to count, and then there’s the Algarve Coast, a magnet for sun seekers featuring cerulean blue waters, impressive rock formation, and secluded coves galore.

A friend and I spent a week visiting Lisbon and the Algarve Coast last summer.

Exhausted from the flight from Los Angeles to Lisbon, I meet my friend Michael (who arrived one day earlier) on a sunny afternoon at Noobai, a multi-level outdoor café that’s tiered like a wedding cake and offers panoramic views of the city and the Tangus River. As we play the game “European or gay” with the hot guys surrounding us, I find myself breathing in the Mediterranean salt air and breathing out LA traffic, work-related stress, and Donald Trump.

Through the foggy haze of jetlag, we wander the narrow streets of the buzzing capital city. We watch visitors like ourselves hang on tightly as rickety trams (No. 28 is the most famous) lumber up impossibly steep hills, and we saunter past buildings dressed head to toe in colorful azuelos (elaborately painted tiles). From every café we pass, we are enticed by the smell of pasteis de nata, flaky custard tarts that when cooked to perfection are slightly burnt on top and absolutely irresistible.

By John Heideman – Full Story at Passport Magazine

Portugal Gay Travel Resources

 

Exploring the Baja Peninsula – Free Wheel Drive

Baja, Mexico - Free Wheel Drive

Leaving Tucson we had a few days of easy driving ahead of us to reach Baja California. With no strict timetable, we were free to take in a couple roadside attractions. A gas station had some nice bathrooms and, of course, giant dinosaur sculptures. And you can rent a flying saucer retrieval truck. Who knew?

We decided to cross the Mexican border in Tecate over Tijuana because we heard it’s not as busy and it’s a much nicer city. The internet didn’t lie! Also, it’s home to the Tecate brewery which is a cornerstone of the city’s economy the same way Miller is for Milwaukee. Nothing makes us happier than driving through a beer town.

So we just ended up in Mexico. We took the “nothing to declare” line and it was too easy! Nobody even checked our car or searched us. We had to walk around the block to find the Instituto Nacional de Migración or INM so we could get our FMM or tourist Visas. A lot of people forget this step which can cause you some issues if they ask for it at a Military checkpoint. You’re better off driving in the line for declaring things so you can fill it out in your car. Our Spanish was terrible so we didn’t get any photos in the INM because we were so nervous. The INM officer helping us with our paperwork who was just as bad at English as we were at Spanish offered to sell us some hot sauce which we politely declined. You actually have to walk out of the INM office partway through the process to the banqometer booth so that you can pay for your visa (500 pesos each or about $24) and then bring back the receipt to show the INM officer which gets stapled Now off to drive the Baja Penninsula!

By Camrin La Fond – Full Story at Free Wheel Drive

Baja Sur Lesbian Travel Resources

 

Hot Springs, Arkansas – Traveling in Our Fabulous Gay World

Hot Springs - Donald and Ray

We have driven through and around Arkansas many times and we really think that there are only two places to visit in that State……. Eureka Springs and Hot Springs. Both towns are extremely ‘Gay friendly” and fun, Fun and more FUN! We have written up Eureka Springs a couple of times in the past and were in Hot Springs last month where we had a wonderful and very interesting time

There are two wonderful places to stay in Hot Springs: The Alpine Inn Motel, www.alpineinnhotsprings.com/ which is owned by Baker and Justin. They are two of the nicest guys you would ever want to meet. They have been in the hospitality business for several years and they KNOW how to treat their guests well. They just purchased the Inn earlier this year and also a purchased a large estate there which they will turn into an ‘event center’ for weddings, receptions, etc.

They are completely remodeling the Alpine Inn Motel as well as their estate as well as changing the name and will be all set to go early next year. With their professional background and their wonderful personalities we know that they will be extremely successful there. We will be having a special travel column on them later this year. The Hilltop Manor Bed and Breakfast,  https://www.hilltopmanorhotsprings.com/ and owned by Jennifer and Joanna is a luxurious Hot Springs National Park accommodations.

hot springs donaldHot Springs has been a very special place for tourists for years. Back in the day Al Capone and his ‘friends” would drive down and visit. Hot Springs is famous for their “hot springs and mineral baths houses, a few of which are still in business.  Although it still a rather small town, population of around 37,000, they have some extremely interesting restaurants.

hot springs lakeOur favorites were the Ohio Club, www.theohioclub.com/ which is the oldest bar/restaurant in the State dating back to 1905.  They have life music seven days a week. Another favorite was Fisherman’s Wharf Restaurant which is located right on the lake, www.facebook.com/5101spacity/ just to the south of downtown and Rolando’s, http://rolandosrestaurante.com/ .

hot springs hotelOn a bad weather day, you can dine indoors, otherwise they have a wonderful upstairs outdoor patio area which is THE place to dine. They feature a Latin American Cuisine and everything that they serve is absolutely FABULOUS! We had breakfast at the wonderful Venetian Room at the old Arlington Hotel, www.arlingtonhotel.com/default.aspx?pg=dining

Most everything is located right downtown with shops, restaurant, old hotels and plenty of things to see and do.  People drive from all over the Midwest to enjoy the town.

hot springs maxwellWe really enjoyed the “The Magic, Music and Comedy of Maxwell Blade which has been running for years.  www.maxwellblade.com/ It is the #1 Show in the entire State! It is located in the historic Malco Theatre in downtown Hot Springs. You will not find this kind of a show in Las Vegas! He has a huge following that returns to see his show whenever they return to Hot Springs. Witness this remarkable and extremely talented performer as entertains you with his magic, music and comedy.

hot springs bathsThe town has a few remaining Baths and Spas which are located in beautiful old buildings downtown that offers massages, including Swedish, Deep Tissue, Target, Foot, Hot Stone and Bamboo Fusion services. Check out  https://www.hotsprings.org/ before visiting Hot Springs.

Don and RayAlways remember to have fun when traveling, meet new people and talk to everyone!

TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS GAY WORLD is written by Donald Pile and Ray Williams, Award-winning, Celebrity travel columnists who write for gay publications from coast to coast (And now legally married).

Proud members of the IGLTA. You can email them at gaytravelers@aol.com and visit their website at http://gaytravelersataol.blogspot.com/

Arkansas Gay Travel Resources

Gay Rio de Janeiro – The Globetrotter Guys

Gay Rio de Janeiro - The Globetrotter Guys

Rio De Janeiro has been high on our travel bucket list for a long time! When we think of Rio, we think of stunning landscapes, beautiful beaches, icons like Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain and of course, bronzed Brazilian boys!

Rio is the second most populated city in Brazil. It’s an incredible place where nature meets the city and the two landscapes intertwine creating an urban jungle. It was nothing like we had seen before. You could be within the city surrounded by skyscrapers, only to turn and look out over Guanabara Bay and see over 100 islands.

But of course we had to ask, is Rio De Janeiro gay friendly? After spending 10 days in Rio and exploring ‘gay Rio De Janeiro’ we have put together our Rio gay travel guide!

Is Rio De Janeiro Gay Friendly? – First Impressions

Each time we arrive at a destination and explore, we quickly get a sense of how comfortable we feel as a gay couple. We knew that there would be gay clubs and bars we could go to, after all Rio is a major city! However, we are talking about what its like to simply walk around and be an openly gay couple. We are happy to report that we felt at ease immediately!

Full Story at The Globetrotter Guys

Brazil Gay Travel Resources

 

Getting From Tegel Airport to Berlin’s City Center – The Nomadic Boys

Getting From Tegel Airport to Berlin City Center

Berlin Tegel “Otto Lilienthal” Airport (TXL) is one of the two international airports of Berlin. It is located in Tegel, around 5 miles (8 km) northwest from central Berlin.

The other main airport in Berlin is Schönefeld, which we wrote a separate guide for in our how to get from Schönefeld airport to central Berlin. Note that from around 2020(ish!) the new Brandenburg airport will finally open, and as a result Tegel may close, but we wait to see…

The two most common ways to get from Berlin Tegel airport to downtown Berlin is either via express bus or taxi. We set this out below in detail based on our personal experience when we visited to discover the gay scene of Berlin.

Pro-tip: get The Berlin Transport card!

First off, if you’re going to be spending several days in Berlin and using the public transport system (Metro/bus/train), we highly recommend investing in the Berlin Welcome card, which gives you unlimited travel for a set period of time depending on which you choose – 48 hours, 72 hours or 4/5/6 days.

By Stefan Arestis – Full Story at The Nomadic Boys

Germany Gay Travel Resources

 

Walled Garden – Gay Friendly Dorset, England Bed & Breakfast

Walled Garden - Dorset

Our home and rooftop terrace give stunning views over the medieval hilltop town of Shaftesbury and miles beyond.

Walled Garden is situated at the junction of Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire. We are located within the citadel area of Shaftesbury with its Arts Centre, museums, High Street leisure shopping and restaurants. Remember the famous Hovis advert made here on Gold Hill?

Walled Garden has delightful places to sit in sun and shade where you can relax and let the world go by or just watch the koi in the pond from the garden room. Go naturist on the rooftop in privacy for an all-over tan.

See the Walled Garden Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

Dorset Gay Friendly Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels, and Vacation Rentals

Sailing In Gay Sardinia And Corsica – DJ Yabis

Gay Sardinia - DJ Yabis

Sardinia and Corsica have some of the dreamiest beaches and coastlines In Europe. Yes the sand is really that white, and the sea the bluest blue. Imagine dropping anchor in Costa Smeralda, a jumble of fjord-like inlets and coasts of frost-white sand, and exploring the Sardinian coast at its most idyllic. Or imagine strolling in Corsican villages with their stony ramparts at their most captivating at dusk on a warm summer evening.

You get to experience all of this and more on a sailing trip to these beautiful islands. As most of you who follow the blog know I’m a beach person and there’s nothing that could make me any happier than being in the water. Imagine my excitement when I was finally able to go on a sailing trip for a week. Sailing is definitely an experience you have to try at least once in your travels in Europe.

The Yacht-Sharing Experience

We sailed with Miaplacidus sailing yacht through Intersailclub. IntersailClub is a yacht-sharing concept which makes sailing much more affordable. It’s like the Airbnb of yacht sailing because you can just rent a cabin and share the whole yacht with other people instead of paying for the whole yacht. They also call this concept as cabin charter in sailing lingo.

Renting a yacht that comes with a crew for 1 week can easily cost you from 5,000-20,000 euros for a week depending on how big the yacht is. With IntersailClub, you can book a cabin or a bed in a yacht from 700-1,000 euros for a week and they’ll take care of everything! You’re welcome.

By DJ Yabis – Full Story at DreamEuroTrip

Sardinia Gay Travel Resources

 

Toronto Island – Go Girlfriend

Toronto Island - Go Girlfriend

The multi-cultural megacity of Toronto, Ontario, Canada can boast a wooded, rural, non-hectic getaway gem just a short ferry ride into Lake Ontario – think New York City with it’s Central Park, but in Toronto, with beaches. While only 300 ft into Lake Ontario with no bridge link, the island’s charm and non-commercialism is a relaxing respite from Toronto’s high rises and city center just a short distance away.

Take a picnic, put on your bathing suit (or take it off at the one of a few of Canada’s official Clothing Optional beaches), rent a tandem bike or family quadracycle or stroll the miles of walking trails in the wooded greenery bird-watching, swimming in Lake Ontario, or exploring Centreville Theme Park. On a summer’s afternoon, there’s a full day of activities to keep yourself and your family busy!

Getting to the Toronto Islands by Ferry is the easy part (it’s a relaxing 15-minute ferry ride), getting into the downtown core to park may be the challenge. Public transit is best if you live in or near Toronto, but for those outside the city, there is ample parking available at the numerous lots (especially on weekends) near the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal. Expect about $20 for the day’s parking.

By Stacy Rosien – Full Story at Go Girlfriend

Toronto Gay Travel Resources