Ten Hilights of Gay London – The Nomadic Boys

Gay London - The Nomadic Boys

Famous true words spoken by the English 18th century poet, Samuel Johnson. We truly believe this, especially from a LGBTQ perspective. London has one of the best gay scenes in the world, which we love. It’s a very progressive city where we always feel comfortable and completely accepted.

If it just wasn’t for the bad weather…

Gay London of course is Stefan’s home city where he was born and raised. This is also where we met back in February 2009, so it will always have a special place for us. These are our 10 favourite sightseeing highlights for first time gay travellers to London based on our many years experience exploring this awesome city.

Watch a musical like Dreamgirls

New York has Broadway, London has the West End. This area around Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus and Covent Garden is home to some of the best theatres in the world. Here you’ll find the best musicals at any time of the year, which is one of the reasons why London is considered the theatre capital of the world.

We sang through Mamma Mia, cried in awe during the Lion King, laughed at Kinky Boots, and more recently, were completely blown away by Dreamgirls at the Savoy Theatre. This show, loosely based on the story of the Supremes is just incredible. The singers’ voices made our hairs stand on end. And the performance of “And I Am Telling you” brought tears to our eyes. It gets a standing ovation every time without fail!

We always use TodayTix when searching for last minute deals. We love it because they have the best prices and cover all the top musicals playing in London. You can also download it as an app, which make researching and booking so much easier and quicker.

By Stefan Arestis – Full Story at The Nomadic Boys

Gay London Travel Resources

The House of Romeo – Keep Calm and Wander

House of Romeo - Keep Calm and Wander

In Verona, after I visited Casa de Giuletta (Juliet’s House), I wasted no time but walked to the house of Romeo. It’s just 3 minutes walk to and from each other. However, it took me 15 minutes to finally figure it out because the street was so quiet. I expected a bit of a crowd but I saw no one. I walked back and forth the narrow street until I asked a fashionable, middle-aged Italian guy who was talking on his phone.

Me: Scusami
The Italian: Yes?
Me: Casa di Romeo?
The Italian: You’re in front of Romeo’s house.
Me: Hmmmm? This? (Pointing at the huge, arched black door)
The Italian: Si! Yes!
Me: Aw, grazie. (Embarrassed)
The Italian: Prego. Parli Italiano?
Me: No.
The Italian: You’re Italian is good.
Me: Those are the only words I know.
The Italian: (Smiling) Ok, ciao. Enjoy Verona.
Me: Thanks again.

I was disappointed when I saw it. This is the house? Really? I have so many questions. But, then, I reminded myself that Romeo is just a fictional character of one of Shakespeare’s plays. So, my brain shut up!

Thai Island Bliss – Globetrotter Girls

Thai Island Bliss - Globetrotter Girls

Even though I’ve been to Thailand three times, I feel like I’ve barely scratched the surface of the Land Of Smiles, or its many islands. I’ve been to Koh Chang in the Gulf of Thailand (did you know that there’s another Koh Chang in the Andaman Sea?), I’ve been to Koh Tao and Koh Phangan, to the Phi Phi Islands and Koh Poda, and to Koh Lanta. My Thai island wish list is long though: I’ve yet to visit Koh Lipe (highest on my list), Koh Mook and Koh Kood, Koh Samet and Koh Mak.

So when I spontaneously decided to add on a quick island getaway to Thailand to my Singapore trip a couple of months ago, I knew I had to check out a new island instead of returning to old favorites (sorry Koh Tao!). When I consulted the map to see which island would make the most sense, I zeroed in on not one, but two islands: the Yao Islands. And they happened to be two islands that have been on my Thailand wish list for years – score!

The Koh Yao island group is made up of 44 islands in total, but only the two largest ones, Koh Yao Noi (Little Long Island) and Koh Yao Yai (Big Long Island), are inhabited. The smaller islands can be visited but don’t have hotels or resorts. Both islands are surrounded by a number of uninhabited scenic limestone karst rocks, a typical feature of the Andaman Sea.

By Dani – Full Story at Globetrotter Girls

Thailand Gay Travel Resources

Puerto Vallarta for Gay Spring Break 2018

puerto vallarta gay spring break, puerto vallarta circuit parties  

Travel insurance provider Allianz Global Assistance has analyzed U.S. travelers’ Spring Break travel plans for 2018. Internationally, the top three destinations are in Mexico, with Cancun (14.2 percent) leading the list, then San Jose Del Cabo (6.3 percent) and Puerto Vallarta (5.1 percent). Let’s pick Puerto Vallarta, Mexico’s top gay destination and here are some top things to do.

Attend the VIVA CIRCUIT JUNGLE FEVER PARTY  March 31, 2018… Party an incredible 10 hours with DJ Alex Lo, DJ Angel Rios, DJ Diego Alvarez at Lions Club on Lazaro Cardenas next to La Noche.

 

See one of the amazing cabaret shows at ACT 2 Entertainment or The Palm. Puerto Vallarta’s cabaret season will be in full swing and features the top cabaret scene in Mexico. In fact Vallarta competes with many US/Canadian cities in terms of gay entertainment offered. Many of the top drag show performers like Jo Ana and Chi Chi Rones, Mama Tits, Hedda  Lettuce, Sutton Seymour and Miss Conception make PV their home from December until April with nightly sold out shows.

In the gay bar scene you will not find a city in Mexico with more gay bars and clubs. From gay dance clubs rocking until 6 am, latin skin strip clubs, to quite sidewalk martini bars there is something for every gay spring break traveler. If you can’t make it to Vallarta during spring break, don’t worry. There are parties and themed events all year long in Mexico’s number 1 gay destination.

Out Destinations – Gay Travel Agent

Venice - Pixabay

Out DestinationsOut Destinations specializes in travel for the LGBT community. We are known for our high level of customer service and attention to detail, that lets us deliver incredible vacations with lasting memories.

Prior to making any reservations, we talk with you to get a full understanding of your interest, hopes, and expectations. Then we craft personalized travel plans built upon your expectations. To enhance your knowledge of the destination(s), we deliver highly detailed destination guides for most major cities and ports. We work with you throughout the entire process.

Whether you’re looking for a vacation for one or a group, we have access to all gay cruises and gay tours (including culinary, adventure, historic, cultural, and more), as well as all mainstream cruises and tours.

If you are seeking information on groups, we can put together proposals for any size group, including chartering an entire ship or tour. Plus we can work with our vendors to create customized experiences for group travel. If you’re looking to raise funds, we can create a cruise or tour that your members and friends will enjoy, while making money for your organization.

Give us a call so you can experience our customized vacation planning.

See the Out Destinations Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

Beautiful Bern – Gay Star News

Beautiful Bern - Gay Star News

The River Aare swirls in icy shades of cyan below the quaint Nydeggbrücke arch bridge. A sharp, mountain-fresh breeze cuts across my face.

In Bern, the capital of Switzerland, you can see The Alps glistening in the distance to the south from many vantage points. They cast a spell over the city: the water, the air, they’re just better here. Switzerland, in general, makes you feel like you’re in some Evian-drenched wonderland. The wind is bracing, but I zip up my jacket and lean into it. The picture-perfect scenery demands it.

Think a sea of terracotta pantile roofs. Forest-carpeted hills. And barely an ultramodern building in sight. It’s certainly a deviation from the evermore chaotic skylines of most capital cities.

By Jamie Tabberer – Full Story at Gay Star News

Switzerland Gay Travel Resources

Taking in Gay Nashville, Tennessee – Windy City

gay Nashville

Nashville is the capital of Tennessee that is quickly growing too big for its britches. Windy City Times took a road trip down South to narrow down some of the new travel offerings and provide a guide on where to begin planning a visit.

Flights are not expensive from Chicago to Tennessee usually, but you will need a car upon arrival for most excursions, so a rental car is suggested. Public transportation is complicated and not reliable, although there are some fun options for tourists as the Old Trolley Tours of Nashville offers daily packages.

Construction is everywhere, traffic is a growing problem and parking can be tricky. There are no app or credit-card options for parking meters at this time, so save those coins.

Start your trip by finding a place to stay, take in a show and search for sustenance.

First, you will need a place to hang your hat. Sobro Guest House is a fairly new domicile with some charming features such as an adorable monkey theme and a throwback record player to spin old school records on. With amenities including parking, laundry and a kitchen, this modernly decorated spot has a self-check-in that allows privacy and convenience.

By Jerry Nunn – Full Story at Windy City

Tennessee Gay Travel Resources

Big Pines Mountain House – South Lake Tahoe Gay Friendly Hotel

Big Pines Mountain House - South Lake Tahoe Gay Friendly Hotel

Big Pines reinvents Hotels, offering its guests the chance to “consume better”. For a very affordable price, they benefit from a package that includes the room, an all-you-can-eat continental breakfast, free wireless internet connection, and a ton of little extras at no extra charge.

More than just a Hotel:

  • The Big Pines creative and friendly concept offers in every room the character, comfort, cleanliness and security that make sense to your wallet.
  • Big Pines is a medium-size property (72 rooms) in the heart of South Lake Tahoe makes it easy to get to and practical for daily trip planning

Quality plus personality:

  • Big Pines is a budget friendly Hotel that is truly different, offering value and super friendly customer service year round at a very affordable price.

Our Mission

Big Pines is committed to exceed the expectations of our guests, by creating a friendly environment and getting the customers the best value for their money.

Vision

Big Pines is a two star Hotel offering consistent products and services. Our growth will be achieved through motel ownership, management and successful long lasting business relationships. We will be known for our creativity, innovation, exemplar service and family oriented products.

If you’re planning a trip to South Lake Tahoe, come stay with us at Big Pines.

See the Big Pines Mountain House Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

South Lake Tahoe Gay Friendly Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels, and Vacation Rentals

Gay Slovenia – Gay Star News

gay Slovenia - Pixabay

What do you know about Slovenia? If your only answer is ‘Isn’t that where Melania Trump was born?’ then it’s time to pay this stunning land a visit. Indeed, it may be one of Europe’s smallest countries, with a pint-sized population of 2.06 million and an area mass 20,273 km². (To put that into perspective, Germany has an area mass of 357,376 km2 and a population of 82.67 million). But Slovenia boasts a range of touristic credentials akin to countries that are far, far bigger.

It has the mountainous natural beauty of Austria and Switzerland, and a short stretch of pristine coast to rival Italy and Croatia. Meanwhile the capital, Ljubljana, is as clean, functional and cultural as any in Scandinavia. Best of all, you can enjoy the best of all three without being stuck in cars and coaches for hours on end. Here’s our guide to making the most of this immensely LGBTI-friendly country – which legalized homosexuality in 1977 and introduced civil unions in 2006 – in a long weekend.

Lake Bled

Lake Bled, in the medieval town of Bled, is probably Slovenia at its most iconic. A 30-minute drive from Ljubljana International Airport and 47 minutes from the city proper is a scene so idyllic, it could have inspired fairytales. In the center of the lake and surrounded by greenish-blue water stands a small island, home to the 17th century Church of Mary the Queen. (Also known as the Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Mary.)

Full Story at Gay Star News

Slovenia Gay Travel Resources

A Day in Bologna – Keep Calm and Wander

Bologna - Keep Calm and Wander

I was in Bologna for two full days and nights. However, I only spent a day in Bologna because I spent the second day in Ravenna, a small city which is an hour and 15 minutes by train. Ravenna is a city known for its amazing mosaics, history and architecture. It’s also the final resting place of Dante, a great Italian poet, who wrote Divina Comedia (Divine Comedy).

A Day Trip. Bologna can be reached by 35 minutes by train from Florence. It’s 2 hours from Venice and an hour and a half from Verona.

Let’s just say you arrive at Bologna Centrale at 8 AM. From here, follow the scent of freshly baked brioche and coffee coming from Bar Della Stazione, a little coffee shop that provide pastry, drink and juice to all the people that are running for work. Get a creamy espresso with a full flavor of the best Italian coffee! This will wake you up from the long trip. And don’t forget to bring a bottle of water before you go to your next destination.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Bologna Gay Travel Resources