Traveling While Gay – The Washington Blade

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Brent Hartinger and Michael Jensen
Brent Hartinger and Michael Jensen

Take a look at the picture above. Do Michael and I look alike to you? It’s true, we’re both white, middle-aged men, fairly fit, and we wear glasses. But honestly? I don’t think we look anything alike. Michael has a full head of silver hair — and I’m bald. Michael is at least three inches taller than I am.

And yet, as we travel, I’ve literally lost track of the number of times people have mistaken us for brothers. People often — often — even assume we’re twins!

Traveling While Gay

Here’s the explanation I’ve come up with for why this happens: it’s unusual for two middle-aged men to be traveling together, especially if we’re sharing a room. If we’re “traveling while gay” in a country or culture where out same-sex couples are unusual or non-existent, people search for a label to apply to us. “Brothers” is the best explanation they can come up with that makes sense to them.

Banff Ecotours for Gay Families – 2TravelDads

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Banff Ecotours - 2TravelDads

With more and more families choosing outdoors vacations with trips into nature, it’s become increasingly important to be thoughtful and have low-impact travel be at the forefront of planning. We discovered some incredible ecotours in Banff and Canmore, which is becoming an even more popular destination than ever before. Ecotours in Banff are a way to enjoy the unique Canadian Rockies while leaving no trace on the land.

One of the most frequent questions we get about traveling as a family is how do we find activities that are good for all of us to enjoy together. A close second is how do you find a good ecotour company. Well, we lucked out with our recent trip to Banff, Alberta. We discovered AdventureHub while looking for guided hikes and ecotours in Banff. Wow. Every destination needs a resource or tour booking site like this.

Finding Banff Ecotours through Adventure Hub

Adventure Hub is a collective tour site for ecotours in Banff and Canmore, Alberta. This means that you can go to the webpage and see what tour operators are vetted and a part of the Adventure Hub group, and then from there you can choose the activities in Banff that sound the most fun for your family.

By Chris and Rob – Full Story at the 2TravelDads

Alberta Gay Travel Resources

Indonesia’s Padar Island – Keep Calm and Wander

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Indonesia's Padar Island - Keep Calm and Wander

Padar Island is one of the more than 17,000 islands in Indonesia. I’d say that it’s one of those views that you have to see, to believe it! Describing it as incredible is somewhat short of an adjective to fully express the feeling the first time I saw it. Man, it’s so hard to put them into words. Standing from above the island, it felt like you were on another planet – away from the vicious cycles of humankind.

Padar Island Morning Hike

As soon as our small outrigger boat dropped us onshore, we started our hike to the top. Despite the pleading of our guide to be together as a group, I went ahead because I didn’t want to miss the sunrise. It was still dark but the horizon was beginning to show glowing embers of the sun ready to rise. As I hiked alone, I understood why the guide wanted us to be together – the path, though easy to follow, can be dangerous to tread if you’ve never been on that before. There were areas where the rocks were sharp and one false move will bring the hiker rolling down to the deep ravine. I used my cellphone flashlight to keep me on track and out of danger.

The hike was of average difficulty. The pathways were clear but when you’re almost at the top, you have to watch out for the sharp rocks and make sure you’re on the right path. There were other small paths that were confusing, perhaps, made by a few hikers who can’t wait to be on the summit.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Indonesia Gay Travel Resources

Back in Friendly Puerto Vallarta – Dolly Travels

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Friendly Puerto Vallarta - Dolly Travels

Yes, I have been in Mexico for 4 days already, but I seem to have succumbed to the leisurely life, therefore, the dearth of communication from me. As usual, in March, here in friendly Puerto Vallarta, the weather is very agreeable, not quite balmy, but temperatures range in the high 70’s, with breezes off the Bay of Banderas. So yes, it is shorts and t-shirt weather.

Life is good. I am happy to be here in Puerto Vallarta, my second home away from home. Since I cannot be in Italy right now, this city is a favorite place for me to stay. It is warm, comfortable, friendly and the pace of living has slowed considerably.

Relaxing in Friendly Puerto Vallarta

I like to go for walks early in the morning, before it gets too humid. That has not been a problem, yet, but this morning, as I neared the finish of a three-mile walk, my back was hurting me. So I stopped at one of the many spas along the Marina and got a 30-minute back massage. Prices are so reasonable here. My massage cost me about the equivalent of $17 USD, so I know that will be a more frequent stop along the way. First, Starbucks, then further along, a massage. Hard to beat that combination!!

Full Story at Dolly Travels

Puerto Vallarta Gay Travel Resources

Affordable Florida Keys for Gay Families – 2TravelDads

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Affordable Florida Keys for Gay Families - 2TravelDads

After several trips to the Florida Keys the biggest question we get is how to visit the Florida Keys for cheap. “What’s an affordable hotel in Key West?” or “What key should we stay on for cheap?” Here’s a plan for an affordable Florida Keys vacation that is budget friendly and also tons of fun.

If we’re missing a topic or don’t answer your question in this post about doing an inexpensive Florida Keys trip, send me a note and I’ll get you set up with the best budget information possible.

Whenever you budget for any vacation, you have to keep four things in mind:

  • Transportation – flights / rental car / gas
  • Hotels – lodging / vacation rental / resort
  • Food – 3 meals a day and snacks
  • Activities – cheap things to do are great, but big ticket fun is also nice

We tend to set a lump sum budget before we dedicate to our destination, and then if we can make our ideal vacation destination work we will fit it to our budget. The Florida Keys budget is an example of setting a total amount and then tailoring your plan to fit it.

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Full Story at 2TravelDads

LOCATION Gay Travel Resources

Four Days in Lesbian New York City – Our Taste for Life

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Four Days in Lesbian New York City - Our Taste for Life

Spending 4 days in lesbian New York City allows you to appreciate all that this magical city has to offer. This detailed NYC 4 day itinerary will take you on a memorable adventure to one of the greatest destinations in the US.

New York is a hub for food, fashion, art, theatre, and culture. It’s a melting pot with 5 unique boroughs, each with a remarkable diversity of people and experiences. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about how to spend 4 memorable days in this breathtaking city.

I’ll share the best areas to stay, iconic sites that are truly worth a visit, the best shopping spots & hidden gems, insider tips, and so much more.

Is 4 Days in Lesbian New York City Enough?

NYC is referred to as the Big Apple for a reason – it’s enormous. So you could easily spend a week or more exploring all that the city has to offer. That said, it’s entirely possible to cover a great deal of New York in just four days. Naturally, you won’t be able to see everything. But it’s enough time to cover most of the highlights, along with some cool hidden gems.

Full Story at Our Taste for Life

Lesbian New York City Travel Resources

Things to Do Near Glacier National Park for Gay Families – 2TravelDads

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Great Things to Do Near Glacier National Park for Gay Families - 2TravelDads

Visiting Glacier National Park for gay families means hiking and wildlife, but it also means crowds in the peak of summer. Here are a bunch of easy things to do near the park, some that go into the park and some that are in the general vicinity, that are fun and beautiful. Also, these activities are good in spring, summer or fall!

What to Do Around Glacier National Park for Gay Families

Montana is one of the largest states in the USA and it’s crazy diverse. It’s Big Sky Country, for sure, but it’s also big mountain country and ridiculously still lake country and ride-a-horse-through-the-woods country. Basically, Montana is everything you could hope for except the beach. Flathead and Glacier Counties of Montana have all of this and more, and they encompass the entire area around Glacier National Park, so you know you’re set to experience so much.

We’ve always felt like this gem is a bit overlooked within the National Park Service. Not that it doesn’t get tons of visitors already, but just that Yellowstone and Yosemite really get the spotlight. Glacier NPS and the surrounding area are really beautiful and incredible, particularly when visiting with kids. When was the last time you immersed yourself or your family in… beauty and relaxation?

By Chris and Rob – Full Story at the 2TravelDads

Montana Gay Travel Resources

Lesbian Charleston, South Carolina – Our Taste for Life

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Lesbian Charleston, South Carolina - Our Taste for Life

f you’re looking to spend a memorable weekend in lesbian Charleston, SC, you’re in the right place. This three day Charleston itinerary will take you on a journey through this amazing city for the perfect weekend getaway!

There are different rumours about why Charleston is also known as The Holy City. Some say it’s to celebrate its many historic churches and long-living religious freedom. Either way, The Holy City has so much to offer travellers.

Visiting Lesbian Charleston

Known for its rich history, kind locals, incredible food, and beautiful beaches, this town has become one of the top travel destinations in the world. It’s the largest city in South Carolina, offering endless things to see and do. And it’s a favoured stop off for anybody travelling the East Coast.

In fact, it’s been named as the #1 top city in the United States by Travel + Leisure for nine years in a row. So, whether you’re looking for a relaxing or adventurous vacation, or something in between, this beach town is the ideal place to go.

Full Story at Our Taste for Life

Charleston Gay Travel Resources

Lake Cushman on the Olympic Peninsula – 2TravelDads

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Lake Cushman on the Olympic Peninsula - 2TravelDads

Lake Cushman is the perfect, easy mountain escape from Seattle. Located on the Olympic Peninsula and touching Olympic National Park, Lake Cushman is a convenient summer getaway full of fun. Whether you plan on hiking at Staircase in the National Park or getting a vacation rental and enjoying water skiing and tubing, it’s an awesome place in the summer.

Until I moved to San Francisco in my early 20s I’d always heard of Lake Tahoe and people going to Tahoe for the summer and water skiing and stuff, but I’d never done anything like that. Well, it turns out that we have our own similar destination in the Pacific Northwest: Lake Cushman on the Olympic Peninsula.

Both Chris and I have been going to there since we were kids and it never occurred to us that we’d been having this same sort of exclusive, mountain lake experience. But do you know what? It’s not an exclusive experience and there are so many ways to experience this awesome, diverse PNW destination, and there is so much you can do!

By Chris and Rob – Full Story at the 2TravelDads

Olympic Peninsula Gay Travel Resources

Clothing Optional Fears – Go Girlfriend

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Clothing Optional Fears - Go Girlfriend - Deposit Photos

f you’ve gone skinny dipping, or visited a nude beach at one point, you’re ready to take the next step and book a weekend getaway at a local naturist resort or embark on a clothing optional vacation (or nakation).

There’s some great Mexican luxury destinations like the sister Desire Resorts (Desire Pearl and Desire Riviera Maya) that offer spectacular, luxury, playful, clothing optional getaways for you and your partner. But, you’re nervous! You’re unsure of the expectations! What if it’s a meat market and there’s a lot of pressure to do things I don’t want? Let’s take away some of that fear.

Having visited Desire Pearl a few years ago, let me assure you that Desire Resorts are a safe, body-positive, luxurious, couples’ clothing-optional getaway. Desire’s golden rule of “No Means No” is a non-negotiable line in the sand (yet it never came into play when we visited) to make sure you are always at ease. Is it sensual – Yes! Does it have it’s sexual elements – Yes!

Top 5 Clothing Optional Fears

Clearly, there are a lot of misconceptions and myths surrounding what happens at a nudist resort. Let’s debunk those clothing optional fears with some facts.

  1. Clothing-optional resorts are for swingers: There is absolutely no correlation between nudists and swingers. Some swingers are nudists, and some nudists are swingers, but that’s about the extent of it. Desire Resorts welcomes and respects everyone, consequently it doesn’t ban or encourage any lifestyle choices.

Full Story at Go Girlfriend