Hiking the Hoodoos in Bryce Canyon – Free Wheel Drive

Bryce Canyon Hoodoos - Free Wheel Drive

A hop and skip distance away from Zion is Bryce Canyon. Well, just under a two hour drive time. And it’s our second park of the Mighty Five.

A short two hour drive East we find ourselves in a dramatically different landscape. At a much higher elevation the nightly temperatures were well below freezing. Sick and tired of shivering at night and dealing with frozen food we caved in and spent a night in a motel before heading into the park. Only our second time crashing in a motel on our entire trip. After a night of lazy TV watching we made our way to the entrance of Bryce Canyon. Here the landscape is unlike anything we’ve encountered yet.

Bryce Canyon is not even a canyon, but a series of natural amphitheaters that have these crazy looking rock features called Hoodoos. These Hoodoo rock features were created not by a river, but by ice cracking the rocks apart and exposing the colorful sedimentary rocks underneath. Hoodoo type formations can be found all over the world. Another famous area with Hoodoos is in the Cappadocia region of Turkey where people carved houses into the rock formations.

When you arrive in Bryce Canyon you are on top of the Paunsaugunt Plateau looking East where the land descends in a series of steps known as the Grand Staircase. The Grand Staircase steps down through Zion, Vermilion Cliffs, Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, and finally The Grand Canyon.

By Laura and Camrin – Full Story at Free Wheel Drive

Utah Gay Travel Resources

 

Provincetown New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Eve in Provincetown is rapidly approaching.  Saturday night, December 29th listen to Suede in concert.  See the fireworks over Provincetown Harbor on December 30th, grab a bight to eat and then attend the Well Strung performance in the town hall auditorium.  Listed below is a calendar to help you make your travel plans.  On New Year’s Eve attend one of the parties listed below or make your reservations at a local restaurant to ring in the new year!

12/28 – 01/01    First Light Provincetown
12/28 – 12/30    Canteen Holiday Market
12/29            Suede in Concert at Crown & Anchor
12/30            Well Strung at Town Hall
12/30            Dina Martina Christmas Show at Crown & Anchor
12/30            Fireworks over Provincetown Harbor (approximately 5:30pm)
12/31            New Year’s Eve parties at A-House, Crown & Anchor, Club Purgatory
            Well Strung in Ptown

Ptown Dan and his partner Bob own the Somerset House Inn, an award winning Provincetown Bed and Breakfast.  Named the Best Bed and Breakfast on Cape Cod for 2018 by Cape Cod Magazine the Somerset House Inn is in the perfect Commercial Street location across the street from the water and walking distance to everything.  We would love to see you in Provincetown for New Year’s Eve, join us to see Well Strung in concert.  Check our visit our web site to make your reservations.  We look forward to welcoming you to Ptown for New Years!

Best Queer NYC Hotspots – Once Upon a Journey

Queer NYC

New York City is known as one of the most gay-friendly cities in the U.S. It is where gay rights started after all! It has an amazing gay scene and almost all businesses support the LGBTQ+ community. You will feel welcome pretty much anywhere you go, but there are some areas you definitely can’t miss!

Queer NYC is where modern gay rights began. The Stonewall Riots in June 1969 are widely known as the event that led to the gay rights movement in the United States. The riots occurred after police raided the popular gay bar, The Stonewall Inn, and the people protested. After the riots, gay rights organizations were formed all across the USA and two years later the first pride parades began! Today, the Stonewall Inn is still thriving. It’s one of the most popular gay bars in the city as well as a National Monument! Stonewall is one of our favorite places to hang out, meet other people in the community, and it’s so inspiring to step foot in the place where it all began.

Although NYC is gay all year long, the best time to visit is definitely during Pride Month. Pride Month, also known as LGBTQ history month, is always in June to commemorate the Stonewall Riots. The New York City Pride Parade is usually held the last weekend of the month (check this website for exact dates).

By Gabi & Shanna – Full Story at Once Upon a Journey

New York Gay Travel Resources

 

Romerburg: Frankfurt’s Most Colorful Square – Keep Calm and Wander

Romerberg - Keep Calm and Wander

Romerberg is the most colourful square in Frankfurt that you must not miss. If you do, then, you couldn’t say you’ve visited this modern German city with an old charm. Romerberg is literally translated as the “Roman Mountain” but you won’t be able to see even a hump in this square. Yes, there’s no mountain here nor it is surrounded by mountains. The name itself, however, suggests that this city was once, undoubtedly, ruled by the Romans.

The colorfully-decorated gabled half-timbered Gothic houses in Romerberg would never fail to hold your breath away.

These medieval house has been here since the 15th century – though many of them are reconstructed after World War 2.

If you look at the facades of these structures – their patterns, colors, symmetries, angles, symbols, and statues –  they compliment each other’s unique, individual beauty.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Germany Gay Travel Resources

 

Queer Japan – Once Upon a Journey

Queer Japan - Once Upon a Journey

Travelling nowadays seems like the ultimate dream. We’re living that dream, and it is an absolute fairy tale! But, travelling the world as an LGBTQ+ traveller isn’t as easy as packing your bags and go. We have travelled to countries with anti-gay laws and we refuse to boycott countries for that reason. We believe travelling the world is for everyone!

However, it’s important to do it safely. A few important questions to keep in mind before flying to a new destination: what are the LGBT rights? What’s the public opinion like? Where are the LGBT+ safe spaces? It’s our goal to make you worry less, and have more fun during your travels. So let’s answer the questions and find out how LGBT friendly Japan is for travellers!

PAVING THE WAY TO MARRIAGE EQUALITY

Japan has some of the most progressive LGBT laws in of all Asia. Homosexual activities are legal, same-sex marriage not yet. Japan has been making great steps forward the past years. Since March 2009, Japanese can get married outside of Japan, in countries where it’s legal. In 2012, a law was passed allowing transgenders to change their gender legally after surgery.

In 2015 Shibuya was the first area in Japan to recognise same-sex partnership with a certificate, making it easier for same-sex couples to find housing and to visit each other in the hospital. Other areas and some major cities followed, nowadays seven cities (Sapporo, Fukuoka, Osaka, Iga, Takarazuka, Naha, and Chiba) and four wards in Tokyo offer them (or will in the near future).

Last October, Tokyo passed an anti-discrimination law concerning gender identity and sexual orientation. Plus, the city decided to conduct public education about LGBT rights. Although discrimination isn’t common in Japan we hope to see this law pass nationally as well. Sadly, adoption by same-sex couples isn’t allowed and lesbians aren’t able to access IVF. Though, the city Osaka is making great steps forward in this topic, since April 2017 same-sex couples are recognized as foster parents. Still, a lot to work on, but a country is more than its laws, so let’s dive into Japan’s public opinion.

By Roxanne & Maartje – Full Story at Once Upon a Journey

 

Gay Sailing in Croatia – 2TravelDads

Gay Sailing in Croatia

It’s been a few months since we returned from our gay sailing trip through Croatia, but we still are finding photos and videos and we have to keep sharing. The trip was amazing. We actually have made a video of sailing Croatia, a vlog, that highlights ALL of our ports of call. I know, a sailing trip through the Dalmatian Isles could mean stopping over a hundred times, but we kept it to the most interesting islands with the best experiences.

Quite simply, we know that people would often rather watch a video than read all the details. Still photos are wonderful for telling a story, but actually seeing the moving life of a place captures it much better. Please take a few minutes to watch our first ever vlog and get inspired to take a trip to Croatia!

You’ll see lots of familiar places if you tracked along with either our journal of sailing Croatia or any of our travel guide posts for the different Dalmatian Isles and Croatian towns. Here’s the timeline for our video of sailing Croatia if you want to skip through to anything specific…

By Rob Taylor – Full Story at 2TravelDads

Croatia Gay Travel Resources

 

Queer Provincetown Paradise – Stuff.Co.NZ

provincetown - pixabay

Cape Cod is a tiny peninsula that stretches out, claw-like, from Massachusetts’ capital Boston. It’s about a three-hour drive, making it a popular summer escape for Bostonians and New Yorkers.

At the tip is the popular party town of Provincetown, the town that gave Anthony Bourdain his start in the kitchen as a dishwasher and a line cook. He referred to it as “paradise”, and once you’re there, you understand why. Long since known as a tolerant, free-spirited artist enclave, it’s also the hottest gay and lesbian destination in the north-east US.

You can still visit two places he name-checks in Parts Unknown’s Massachussetts episode. The first is the Lobster Pot, a two-storey whitewashed corner building on the beach with neon signage and splendid views. Bourdain missed its Portuguese kale soup, a local dish introduced by fishermen from the Azores, islands that lie between Provincetown and Portugal.

By Kylie McLaughlin – Full Story at Stuff.co.nz

Queer Provincetown Travel Resources

 

Eco-Friendly Gifts for Zero-Waste Travel – Once Upon a Journey

Eco-friendly gifts

It’s the most wonderful time of the year again, which means: presents-time! It’s tricky to find the perfect gift for a traveller. Or maybe you are a traveller and don’t know what to list. Or maybe you want to treat yourself. But do not worry, these sustainable travel products are a must-have. Especially while travelling it’s difficult to be environmentally cautious, as almost everything ‘travel’ comes in plastic. So let’s get rid of the single-use plastic and reduce your waste to ZERO with help of these eco-friendly travel essentials and make your travels greener!

NOTE: if you decide to buy these as gifts, consider eco-friendly gift wrapping: use what you have, reuse & be creative!

ECO-FRIENDLY TOILETRIES

Let’s start our journey towards zero waste and no more single-use plastic in the toiletry bag! Because let’s be honest: all the travel-size shampoos and lotions are not sustainable at all. Refillable bottles are a little bit better, but let us suggest some greener alternatives.

SHAMPOO BAR

The best thing about shampoo bars is not even that it’s better for the environment, the bars actually last longer than any other bottle of shampoo AND you can bring it in your carry-on as it’s not liquid! There are so many great brands out there and although Lush is currently the most famous shop for it, we don’t think it’s the best one out there (our hair gets so dry at first and then quickly greasy again). We love our shampoo bar from Boobalou! The shampoo bar also comes in eco-friendly packaging and can also be used as a soap bar (or well, that’s just what we do).

By Maartje Hensen – Full Story at Once Upon a Journey

 

Fort Lauderdale Gay Bars – The Nomadic Boys

Fort Lauderdale Gay Bars

Fort Lauderdale is out, loud and fabulously proud! Over the past few decades it has become one of the gayest places in the States and was even featured as the ultimate gay holiday for the boys in the trashy movie – “Another Gay Sequel: Gays Gone Wild!”

In terms of gay scene, Wilton Manors is the vibrant gayborhood of Fort Lauderdale, which comes alive every night of the week.

We’ve been to Fort Lauderdale several times, mainly due to the abundance of inexpensive flights from Europe. We used JustFly to search and book our flights, which we recommend because they offer a comprehensive range of options allowing you to search for the lowest prices. We also recommend searching for options to Miami Airport, which is only a 45 minute drive away, to maximise your flight options.

However and whenever you visit Fort Lauderdale, you’re guaranteed to have a great time with warm weather: temperatures rarely dip below 25 degrees (77 Fahrenheit).

The Gay Area of Fort Lauderdale

The main gay area of Fort Lauderdale is Wilton Manors, located around 15 minutes drive inland from the beach. Wilton Manors comprises several blocks with many Fort Lauderdale gay bars, clubs, boutique gay shops, cafes and restaurants. The biggest parties take place on weekends, but there is always a large crowd on every night of the week.

Nearby to Wilton Manors is a small Bohemian road called “Eucalyptus Gardens”. It has a handful of open minded and very colourful cafes like Voo La Voo, as well really cool street art murals. If you’re looking for a gay shop to stock up on your fetish gear, buy new swimwear and other accessories, check out Pride Factory.

By Stefan Arestis – Full Story at the Nomadic Boys

Fort Lauderdale Gay Travel Resources

 

The Best of the Best – Traveling in Our Fabulous Gay World

Inn at 410 B&B

For over 18 years years we have traveled coast to coast and have stayed in over 100 Gay owned resorts, hotels, motels and Bed and Breakfasts.   Most of them have been very fine experiences and some were just ‘so so’  and a few have not been very good.  It is like in the old days about Gay bars.  All you had to do was open a Gay bar and you automatically had a lot of business.  However Gay  bars in the country are fading fast and over half of them closed in the past 10 years.

Over 40 of the Gay owned accommodations where we have stayed over the years are no longer in business.  Most closed due to lack of business, some owners either retired or gone into another business or have died.   90% of the ones that have closed was due to poor management either by the owners themselves or by their staff.  In today’s world Gays demand and are accustomed to a nice clean and safe place to stay.  We have stayed in places that never changed water or put new chemicals in their hot tub, had ratty linens and no personalized service.  And then they wonder why they did not have any returning customers and had to go out of business.

Thankfully, there are those owners who respect their customers and want them to return again and again.  Good for them !  Below is a  list of some of the best, where we have stayed and  have stayed several time with them where we have always had a great experience.

THE VILLA INN BED AND BREAKFASTTHE VILLA INN BED AND BREAKFAST in Daytona Beach, Florida,  It is located in a more than 75 year-old Spanish Mansion and just steps from the Atlantic Ocean.  Jim Camp is the owner and knows how to treat his guests. We have stayed there a few times and it is always perfect.  You will certainly feel like Royalty when you stay there. Website: www.thevillabb.com/

Flamingo ResortTHE FLAMINGO RESORT in St. Petersburg, Florida  is a mega resort with 130 rooms. They also have 2 bars, restaurant and retail shops.  Guest travel from miles around to stay there. Actually one never needs to leave the resort as they have everything right there.  We have stayed there numerous times since they opened several years ago and it is always fun, Fun, FUN! Their website is:  www.flamingofla.com

Grand ResortTHE GRAND RESORT in Ft. Lauderdale has always been our favorite when we are down there.   We first stayed there in 2011 and have been back many times,  Owner Casey  Koslowski  and his staff have done a remarkable job over the years and they have a rock solid guest list that keeps coming back again and again and again. They are only a couple of blocks from the Atlantic Ocean. They have  33 rooms and suites and they do book up quickly.  They also have a full spa featuring massages, facials, etc. With the excellent service that they give their guests, it is no wonder that they are usually always booked up.  Check out their website at http://grandresort.net/

El FarolitoAnother great place to stay is the EL FAROLITO BED AND BREAKFAST INN in Santa Fe, New Mexico.  Owners Wayne and Walt operate one of the finest B and B’s were have stayed several times. They are located within walking distance to the downtown Plaza.  Check out: www.farolito.com

Inn at 410 B&BTHE INN AT THE 410 BED AND BREAKFAST in Flagstaff is another favorite ours. Gordon and Frank know to please their guests.  They are located within walking distance to downtown.  They offer 9 rooms  Their beautiful bedrooms have been featured in decorator books. It is always a joy and great experience to stay there.  Their website is:  www.inn410.com

We REALLY  want to congratulate these fine businesses for giving their guests a wonderful experience that they will remember forever. Our next travel column will feature the other 5 of our favorite 10 best and professionally operated Gay owned accommodations where we have stayed over the past 18 years.

Always 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. Proud members of the IGLTA. You can email them at gaytravelers@aol.com

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/

Las Vegas Gay Travel Resources