Agave Fields In Tequila, Mexico – Globetrotter Girls

Tequila When I mapped out my Mexico trip and tried to decide which city to fly into, it basically came down to one decision: Flying straight to the coast or visit a new city first. And as much as I was ready for some beach time, my curiosity to explore another Mexican city won. And Guadalajara won for three reasons: It is known to be cultural and artsy, it is relatively close to the Pacific coast, and it is only 70 kilometers from Tequila. A travel writer I follow on Snapchat had just gone there and her snaps from Tequila looked so gorgeous that I wanted to see the agave fields for myself, and visit a couple of tequila distilleries – even though I am not a big tequila fan (I have a margarita every now and again, but straight up tequila wouldn’t necessarily be my drink of choice). And so I found myself on a bus to Tequila on my very last day in Guadalajara, excited for agave fields and for an education about Mexico’s national spirit, one that, admittedly, I knew very little about. While the day trip didn’t exactly turn on the way I was hoping for (rain instead of blue skies, too many hours spent on a bus, bad planning), I immediately fell in love with the little village of Tequila. I could feel that we weren’t far anymore when agave fields started to line the street on both sides, with their distinctive green-bluish leaves.

By Dani – Full Story at Globetrotter Girls

Jalisco Gay Travel Resources

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Volcano Men's Retreat – Gay Big Island Bed & Breakfast

Volcano Men's Retreat Periodically we’ll feature one of our properties here to let our readers know about some great gay friendly places to stay: Volcano Men’s Retreat is unique among the offerings on the Hawaiian Islands. Our property is nestled among eight acres of our private Ohia forest. This peaceful and intimate retreat is a Polynesian inspired design, but with all the amenities you have come to expect in a high end resort. Enjoy the tranquility of our property and the privacy afforded by having your own personal bungalow. Mingle with other quests in our common lounge and dining areas or in our 6-man spa, or choose to remain secluded on your own private porch while enjoying the sights and sounds of our tropical island. Our 4 identical octagonal bungalows feature 16-foot high exposed bamboo ceilings and beams, a king-sized pillow-top bed with crisp 1800 thread-count Egyptian linens, flat-screen TV and fireplace, a mini-frig, robes and slippers, a modern private bathroom with walk-in shower, and a wrap-around lanai with private seating and dining areas. Unlike other inns, retreats, and B&Bs in the area, we do not require a minimum stay of any kind. Everything is inclusive with your private bungalow, including complimentary wifi, beach chairs and umbrellas, morning coffee service on your private lanai, and the most amazing fresh and hot breakfast. There are NO HIDDEN FEES, such as resort fees, parking fees, cleaning fees, towel fees, internet/wifi fees, or destination fees. If you need to check-in early or check-out late, no problem and NO EXTRA FEES. Volcano Men’s Retreat was built by your hosts, Robert and Scott. Planning and construction took over 2 years with the retreat being completed in October 2016. The mission of the retreat was to build a place that we could never find in our travels to the Islands over many years. We wanted to create a beautiful clothing-optional bed & breakfast for men. We wanted the structures to be beautiful and high quality and the property to be peaceful and secluded. So after two years working with the best materials and craftsmen on the island, Volcano Men’s Retreat was born. Robert and Scott pooled their many years of experience in management and engineering to provide for our guests what we ourselves could never find. Our dream and hope is: Build it and they will come. Volcano Men’s Retreat is located in the “Goldilocks Zone” or the perfect temperature. The retreat is located at an elevation of 1,500 ft above sea level, up the side of Kilauea Volcano. Year-long day or night our temperatures stay between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. You will never be too hot or too cold. The retreat is located in an Ohia rain-forest, which means you will be surrounded by the most beautiful trees, foliage, and birds. It is a rare natural environment, which guests find very soothing and relaxing. The retreat’s location is perfect. Use us as a base camp for exploration of this unique island. Experience all the beauty the island has to offer, and then return to your quiet oasis for a cocktail and soak in the spa.

See the Volcano Men’s Retreat Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

Gay Friendly Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels, and Vacation Rentals in the Puna District

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Something about Scruffy Gios

Scruffy Gios I receive tons of emails, Direct Messages on my various social media (on my Facebook page, my Instagram account, my Twitter profile, my Snapchat story and even through my Linkedin profile) with many questions about me and my life! I am really flattered for all this interest! I have also been recently asked to tell something about my life and my experience as Gay Travel Blogger from important magazines I have the honor to work with (ManAboutWorld for example). So I thought it is also time to share with you all a little bit more about Scruffy Gios! Scruffy Gios is a Travel blogger… but is there a place in the world you call home? Puglia, the heel of the boot of Italy. It is where I am from, and where I spend most of my time when I am not traveling. What was it like growing up for Scruffy Gios? I had a good upbringing, not too difficult to be honest. Although, even aware of my homosexuality since I was a kid, I chose to hide it as long as I lived with my parents… I come from Taranto, a small city in Southern Italy, in Puglia. At that time there was still some stigma connected to the gay lifestyle. Nowadays things are very different, that is also the reason why I don’t hide anymore! As you already know, Puglia is very gay friendly, and I am happy to spend much more time back home with my good family and friends.

By Sergio Scardia – Full Story at The Scruffy Italian Traveler

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Sevilla: View from La Giralda – Keep Calm and Wander

La Giralda From Tangier in Morocco, I took a fast ferry all the way to Tarifa in the southernmost part of Spain. It took 30 minutes and the ferry ride itself was comfortable and clean. Included in my ferry ticket is a bus ride from Tarifa to the bis station in Algeciras. From there, I took another bus ride to Sevilla / Seville that lasted two hours. Outside Seville’s bus station, there’s a tram – so it was an easy ride to my hostel, near Cathedral de Sevilla. The very first thing I did in Sevilla was go inside La Giralda, the world’s largest Gothic cathedral and the world’s 3rd largest church. Instead of competing with the crowd inside the Catedral de Sevilla, I decided to climb La Giralda first. And yes, I was the first to go up there. Giralda Tower stands at 342 feet. Thus, the view from up there is incredibly breathtaking.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Andalusia Gay Travel Resources

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Toronto's West Queen West

Gladstone Hotel - West Queen West West Queen West, as locals have dubbed it, is the lesser-explored stretch of Toronto’s main shopping thoroughfare. It remains relatively spared from mega-chain stores while catering to a gayer, art-savvier population. Start your day at the Gladstone Hotel), a historic landmark and cultural center where you can enjoy a spot of tea — with a scone — while browsing cutting-edge installations on the upper floors. More eye candy awaits as you head east toward Ossington Avenue. Check out the nearby Twist Gallery — a 5,000-square-foot converted loft space with arched windows and exposed wooden beams — showcasing noteworthy local photographers and art events. Down a few blocks, the Stephen Bulger Gallery (BulgerGallery.com) is one of the most respected photography showrooms in the country. Recent exhibits have included works by Joel Meyerowitz and Vivian Maier, and Bulger also hosts free film screenings every Saturday in their 50-seat projection room and bar, Camera.

By Julien Sauvalle – Full Story at Out Magazine

Toronto Gay Travel Resources

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Chefchaouen: Morocco’s Blue City – Keep Calm and Wander

Chefchaouen - Keep Calm and Wander I have no doubt that Chefchaouen is Morocco’s most photogenic blue city. There are no skyscrapers here but mountains and there are no flickering light bulbs at night but stars. The houses aren’t made of steel and glass windows but of adobe bathed in blue. These houses aren’t coated in blue to beckon tourists to Chefchaouen. It’s not even for aesthetic beauty but more of a religious reason. So, you asked me, “Why blue?” Well, centuries ago, the Chefchaouen or Chaouen (for short), was a fortress for Spanish exiles. Most of these exiles were Jewish who wanted to escape the Spanish Inquisition. Here, the Jews, the Muslims and the Christians are living in harmony. When the Jews landed here, they brought with them the tradition of painting things blue to reflect the sky and the power of God.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Morocco Gay Travel Resources

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Places I Love in Seattle – Globetrotter Girls

Seattle - Globetrotter Girls I’ve decided to change things up a little bit with my Things I Love About… series. Instead of telling you all the things I love about Seattle, I’ll share 35 places I loved with you (It was supposed to have 33 places, but somehow I ended up with 35!) These are my personal favorites from a month in Seattle, so there is list is pretty biased and focuses on the things that I love: craft beer, parks, speakeasy bars, great views, cool neighborhoods, food, and of course COFFEE. I feel like I only got a taste of Seattle during my four weeks there, and with so many rained-out days, I also didn’t get around to visiting all the places I had on my to-do-list, so please consider this list by no means complete. These are some of the places I loved, so feel free to use this post for some inspiration for things to check out on a trip to Seattle. For practical information, scroll down until the end. 1. Golden Gardens This gorgeous beach in the north of Seattle made me wish I was visiting during the summer months, but even on the chilly October day I visited it made for a nice autumn walk along the beach. There are several hiking trails and two wetlands. I think this is also an amazing spot to watch the sunset.

By Dani – Full Story at Globetrotter Girls

Washington State Gay Travel Resources

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Sydney's Romantic Beachside Restaurants

Sydney Sydney’s waterfront offers beautiful scenery and a classically romantic setting to enjoy quality time with your loved one. It’s not a surprise then to find a number of romantic restaurants with good quality food on the beachside. If you are planning for a lovely date night, you should check out the below selection of Sydney’s best waterfront restaurants.

The Boathouse

1 Marine Parade, Manly The Boathouse is located on Shelly Beach and it offers a lovely, affordable restaurant experience with stunning scenery. The little spot is perfect for a late lunch or a romantic Sunday brunch and you could even just grab something on the go from the Kiosk. If you truly fall in love with the restaurant, you’ll be excited to hear they also provide catering for weddings and other events.

Pizzaperta

The Star Sydney, Harbourside Entry, Pirrama Road, Pyrmont Italian food is among the best date night options you can pick. A slice of tasty pizza, a glass of a wine and the calm sea in front of you is definitely an experience you want to share with a special person. The casual setting is great for first dates or for those sudden decisions to do something fun together. The infused cocktails are definitely worth checking out as well!

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

LOCATION Gay Travel Resources

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The Blue Walk – Lesbian Tour Operator

The Blue Walk Periodically we’ll feature one of our properties here to let our readers know about some great gay friendly places to stay: Travel at the speed of you. Leave the tour buses behind. With The Blue Walk discover new places, have authentic experiences, and reconnect with a simpler way of moving through life. Enjoy leisurely, small-group, walking vacations along beautiful coastlines, village squares, and open spaces of Europe. Less about history or architecture, our passion is sharing the sights and surroundings of select destinations. Live large on the French Riviera, tour Northern Italy via rail, island hop through Greece. Discover the meditative quality of walking by large, lovely bodies of water, the expansiveness of taking in the canopy of blue sky. Take time on your own to explore an out of the way gem or sit quietly over a coastal outcrop. It’s your vacation. We create opportunities for unique experiences that touch the heart and mind to be remembered long after returning home. No hiking boots or backpacks required, just lovely walking trails, coastal meandering, and urban strolling. Based in 4 and 5-star hotels, travel with a friendly group of like-minded people who soon become friends. Our vacations, perfect for couples, multi-generational, friends, and solo-travelers alike, are designed with lots of options to serve a variety of activity levels.

See the Blue Walk Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

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Lesbian Guadalajara – Globetrotter Girls

Guadalajara - Globetrotter Girls When it rains, it pours, they say, and that couldn’t hold truer for the past couple of weeks. And I don’t only mean that because it is pouring as I type this – I haven’t seen that much rain since leaving Seattle, but Guadalajara got so much rain today that the streets were flooding – but, as so many of us, I’ve been struggling with the events of this week. That combined with a string of bad news since the beginning of the month has put me in a slump which I’m trying to get out of. Coming to Mexico was certainly a good decision and is helping me getting my mojo back: As soon as I walked out of the terminal building last week and saw the familiar OXXO convenience store across the street, I felt like I was coming home. And there aren’t many places that make me feel this way. The familiarity of Mexico has also helped me ease into solo travel again, which I haven’t done in a while now, and the weather has been perfect for most of the week – after my depressingly wet and cold October this was much needed. Guadalajara, which I picked as the starting point for my current Mexico trip, was an excellent choice. I’d never been to Mexico’s second largest city, and it was time to fix that.

By Dani – Full Story at Globetrotter Girls

Mexico Gay Travel Resources

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