A Day in Gay Geneva – Keep Calm and Wander

Gay Geneva - Keep Calm and Wander

Geneva is one of those cities that seldom agree to the norms of metropolises around the world. As they are always bustling with activities and have a chaotic lifestyle, Geneva, in contrast to them, is calm, collected, and professional. In the morning you’d see working men and women hurrying down the streets to get to their offices while in the evening you’d experience an unusual quite that transitions into the night.

This is what I experienced in a day in gay Geneva. Yes, a day! But the same day taught me that I was slightly wrong about the place. Beneath the skin of all that calmness, there lay a bustling cosmopolitan city with wild music, vintage exhibits, and captivating artisans. I was there during the weekend when they had a music festival! Lucky me!

Following are the places that led me to this discovery.

1. The Old Town

Probably what gave me an insight into the way Geneva has evolved was the Old Town lying peacefully on the hill near Cathedrale Saint-Pierre. As I treaded around the Place du Bourg de Four, I saw the architectural exuberance of the town with its indigenous boutiques like Septieme Etage, La Muse and Jill Wolf Jewels, its restaurants and cafes that give you a chance to watch people (I did that over my cup of coffee at La Clemence), and the ruins just around the corner of the cathedral.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Switzerland Gay Travel Resources

Gay Iran – Tips for Queer Travelers – The Nomadic Boys

Gay Iran

This is a guest post by fellow gay blogger Michael Demmons of the TheRTWGuys travel blog:

Iran’s human rights record is bad. There is no sugar-coating that. When it comes to gay people, it’s almost as bad as it gets. Most LGBT people who follow the news know the terrible punishments that Iran has imposed for people even suspected of being gay.

Some human rights organisations say that between 4,000-6,000 gay men and lesbians have been executed in Iran since 1979. As recently as April 2017, 30 gay men were arrested in the Isfahan province.

Transgender people fare no better. The only “bright” side is that being transsexual is legal in Iran, but only if accompanied by a gender reassignment surgery. Surprisingly, that surgery can be partially covered by the government. In fact, after Thailand, Iran carries out the most sex reassignment surgeries than any other country in the world.

Is Iran safe for gay citizens? Probably not in general.

Is Iran safe for gay tourists? That’s a little more complicated.

By Stefan Arestis – Full Story at the Nomadic Boys

Magical Chiang Mai – Once Upon a Journey

Chiang Mai - Once Upon a Journey

It’s a BIG day today! Ever since our departure, we have been looking forward to this moment: my dad and stepmom fly over to travel with us for two weeks in Thailand. Together we will experience the magical lantern festival Yi Peng! We are incredibly excited (and a bit anxious). We had arrived few days early in Chiang Mai, but saved the sightseeing for later. Before we go to the airport to pick up Frank and Hanneke, we move from our couchsurfing house to our new hostel. Yes, Frank and Hanneke wanted to experience the backpacker-life, how fun!

A MYSTERIOUS HAIRCUT

The big day starts with Maartje going for a haircut, all by herself. Normally we do everything together but I’m not allowed to join this time, how mysterious… I have no idea what’s going on but I decide to wait for the surprise! For lunch we meet up with Gretka and Nico, a couple we met in Malaysia! We inspired them to go to the lantern festival so here they are! We are really happy to see them again, they are so cute and Gretka is one of the happiest persons we have ever met. After lunch we get our bags, bring them to our hostel and travel to the airport. Of course we don’t want to be late!

ANOTHER EMOTIONAL REUNION

We arrive on the airport and struggle to find the right arrival hall: the number of the plane changed. But luckily we find the right one and as soon as Frank and Hanneke walk down the stairs we spot each other. They are so happy to see us, we are afraid they walk out the doors without their luggage haha. It doesn’t take long before we can hug each other. It feels so good to see them in real life, instead of on a small screen!

By Roxanne Weijer – Full Story at Once Upon a Journey

Thailand Gay Travel Resources

What to Do in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala – The Globetrotter Guys

Lake Atitlan - The Globetrotter Guys

When we started our blog, we wanted to make sure that we documented the best in “adventure activities” in as many places as possible. Naturally, this means we have to try as many of these activities out ourselves as we can! One of our favourite places in Central America both in terms of beauty, but also for things to do, is Lake Atitlan. It’s the ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts, with so many activities to choose from. Here are our top picks for what to do in Lake Atitlan!

Where did we stay?

It’s worth us starting off by saying that we chose to stay in San Pedro la Laguna. We found a beautiful AirBnB (read here exactly why AirBnB can be the cheapest and best option!)

There are towns and villages spread out on all sides of the lake, but we had read that San Pedro has a little more to offer in terms of bars, restaurants, and shops. It is also a good place to base yourself whilst enjoying one of the many activities, as there are lots of travel agencies where you can book what you want to do.

What to do in Lake Atitlan?

1) Hike Volcan San Pedro: Volcan San Pedro is a dormant volcano, located off the shore of Lake Atitlan. It stands 3020 metres / just short of 10,000 ft looming above the village of San Pedro la Laguna which sits at its base. This was the first volcano we had ever attempted, so we opted to book through one of many agencies in San Pedro to include the round-trip transport, our national park entrance fee, and a guide all the way to the summit.

ByFull Story at The Globetrotter Guys

Guatemala Gay Travel Resources

Returning to Lucca – Dolly Travels

Lucca - Dolly Travels

Good morning, Everyone.

Today I am remembering Lucca. Lucca is another of my favorite cities in Tuscany. To get to Lucca, I usually take a train from Florence and enjoy the city as a day trip. The older part of the city is enclosed within ancient Roman stone walls. One walks from the train station, across a busy boulevard, then on a path that takes you through an archway in the wall, up a few steps and you are in a totally different world.

This is part of one of my tour groups, my “ducklings”, as we walk up the path to go through the wall up to the old city.

Once inside the walls, the city is full of parks, pretty piazze and lovely little sidewalk cafes.

Churches are abundant. For the most part, there are no tacky sidewalk vendors or beggars. This old town is as popular with the locals as it is with tourists, for many fine businesses flourish on the inner streets. Via Fillulungo is one street with expensive stores; I only window shop on that street. However, there is a wonderful pasticerria on that street, so sometimes I do have to stop in there and get a delicious treat.

For me, of the most fun things to do in Lucca is to rent bicycles and ride around the top of the old wall, the ramparts. The path is about two and a half miles around, completely encircling the old town. There are two bicycle rental places within the walls, and one outside, near the train station. I don’t ride a bike, but I love to walk this path, as it is pretty, and I have a great view of the inner part of the city. From there, I can decide where I want to go next.

I don’t think I would ride a bike down one of the exits off the ramparts that leads to the old city, for even walking down was a bit treacherous. There are easier ways to get down. One important item to remember, is which exit to take back to the city, for there are four main “porte”, or exits. If you go down the wrong one, you may have a long walk back to the train station. The exit closest to the station, for your information, is Porta San Pietro. Remember that, if you go to Lucca.

Another fun thing to do is to climb Guinigi Tower. This tower, a remnant of the 15th century, A.D., has a garden with full size trees growing up on top. To get to the top is a bit of a strenuous hike; there are 227 steps. However, once you emerge onto that garden, you will have a stupendous view, not only of the old city, but the surrounding countryside.

Lucca

Lucca sits in the foothills of the Apuan Alps, or Alpi Apuane, as they are known in Italy. Over those mountains in the background, not too far away, are the more famous Carrara Mountains, known for its fantastic marble quarries.

The Piazza dell’ Anfiteatro is one of the largest in Lucca. I have been there when an auto show was taking place. Wow! Some of the most beautiful cars in the world are in Italy, and I think they all gathered in Lucca that day.

Or you can relax at one of the many small cafes that are on the fringes of Piazza San Michele. Usually, there are children playing soccer in the piazza. (I will insert a little side note here: children in Italy rarely throw a ball; they kick it.).

As with all the Italian towns, there is so much more to discover than I have seen; therefore, I need to go back and find some more wonderful sights. I still have not seen Puccini’s house, although he is one of my favorite composers, and he is a native of Lucca. I would like to stay overnight in Lucca one of these times, for every night there is a concert. I know I would enjoy that.

I am looking forward to going to Lucca once more time.

I will post more pictures of Lucca when I am actually there, in just a few short weeks. Until then,

Ciao for now,
Dolly

By Dolly Goolsby – Full Story at Dolly Travels

Lucca Gay Travel Resources

The Duomo in Milan – Keep Calm and Wander

The Duomo in Milan - Keep Calm and Wander

In Milan, all roads lead to the Duomo – a gigantic cathedral that is as old as the Roman empire itself. Any visitor who does not visit this place hasn’t been to Milan.

Why, oh why? …because I have seen this place and I must say that I was shaken to my core when I saw how delicate the finesse of architectural art is combined with the size of the building. It is, after all, the largest church in Italy and the third largest in the world, covering 109,641 sq. ft. area.

1. See all the 3,400 statues

Combining both the inner and the outer statues of the cathedral, they make up to 3,400 statues, 700 figures, and 135 gargoyles. All of these inclusions make the building the most decorated one on the planet!

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Milan Gay Travel Resources

Pit Stop in Melaka, Malaysia – Once Upon a Journey

Melaka - Once Upon a Journey

After our week in Singapore we go back to Malaysia (again). Singapore was the best! We had fun meeting old friends, making new ones, exploring the city and finally getting our laptop fixed! The border crossing Singapore-Malaysia is a different story… It’s the most chaotic border crossing we have experienced so far…

CROSSING THE BORDER OF SINGAPORE – MALAYSIA

Friday-afternoon we get on a bus to Melaka, Malaysia. Quickly we notice it’s a mistake to go on a Friday afternoon; we are not the only ones.

Lots of Malay people work in Singapore, but go back home for the weekend. It’s crowded, especially at the Malaysian border. We leave Singapore by crossing a bridge, and we immediately end up in a big traffic jam. After a while we finally reach the point were they check our passports and bags. People are screaming and running to be the first in line. It’s madness.

It’s weekend, relax! For us it’s not a surprise that the Chinese people behind us ‘accidentally’ bump into us, just because they want to move one spot. At some point the woman is standing between us. Why?!

Luckily we survive it (also the big “I have visa” screaming line cutter) and continue our trip. When we arrive in Melaka we find a place to sleep and get some dinner. Then it’s time to pass out.

EXPLORING MELAKA

We only have one day, or actually one morning + afternoon, to explore Melaka. Luckily the city is not big, we have enough time to see most highlights. And we like it very much. It’s such a cute place. And the colourful rickshaws are hilarious!

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

Malaysia Gay Travel Resources

Milan’s Top Attractions – Keep Calm and Wander

Galleria Vittorio Emmanuelle - Milan - Keep Calm and Wander

Milan had been a cultural and political hub of the Roman Empire in the past. Today, it still holds immense importance in terms of attracting tourists from around the world to its bustling modern-day shopping malls, old gothic cathedrals, Byzantine mosaics, and historical citadels.

Milan was my last Italian city before taking off a train to Geneva, Switzerland. After reaching Milan and visiting these 7 distinct tourist attractions mentioned below, I was dazzled by the mix of Milanese or Roman culture – the architecture influenced by it, and the modern Italian vibes mingled and entwined in all of them.

1. Milan Duomo and the Piazza del Duomo

Standing in the main city square and looking at the gothic cathedral of Milan that took centuries to build was indeed enchanting in its own way. I was suddenly surrounded by two of the most revered attractions of Milan as I turned my head towards the left and saw the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Walking inside the Duomo was easy. And when I got in, my eyes stood wide at the spectacle ahead. I absorbed the art and the ambiance slowly and after being done with silently praising the inner workings of the intricacy of the place, I took an elevator to the top roof.

The spires looked gothic from the Piazza, but as I wandered right beside them, they revealed their true grandeur. I was honored by the presence of Madonnina sitting atop the highest spire and looking down at the moving human race below.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Milan Gay Travel Resources

Gay Manchester – The Nomadic Boys

Gay Manchester - The Nomadic Boys

We love Manchester. It is such a cool city with a very liberal and progressive vibe. This is where Emmeline Pankhurst started the movement for women’s right to vote in the UK in the 1920s, and where The Vegetarian Society was born in the early 1800s. Manchester also has one of the largest student populations in Europe, and has historically maintained a very strong left-wing anti-aristocratic sentiment.

Manchester is located in Northwest England, just over 2 hours from London by train making it very easy to reach. Whenever we’re in London, we always try to come here for a weekend to party on Canal Street. This is one of the few places in the world we feel very safe about walking the streets in public holding hands.

Here’s our guide to gay Manchester, featuring the best bars, clubs, events and hotels to stay.

Manchester gay village: Canal Street

Manchester’s gay village is compact, with loads of gay bars and clubs. The main focal point is the pedestrianised Canal Street which runs along the Rochdale Canal, minutes walking distance from the city’s main train station: Manchester Piccadilly. You will recognise it from the original UK version of Queer as Folk where Stuart, Vince and Nathan prowled the streets on their nights out.

Most of the gay bars and clubs of Manchester are based in the few streets surrounding Canal Street. Saturday night is the best night to go partying, and Thursday another popular night because this is when the gay sports groups go out to socialise. On weekday evenings, particularly on Fridays, the crowds tend to come in two waves – the just-after-work crowd at around 5-7pm, then another wave at around 10/11pm.

The Gay Village is also the focal point of Manchester Gay Pride, which is one of our favourite Pride events. It is the largest annual gay event in Manchester, taking place on the last week of August. It is definitely worth planning your trip around if you’re in the UK in August.

By Stefan Arestis – Full Story at The Nomadic Boys

Manchester Gay Travel Resources

Gay Santorini – Gay Star News

Gay Santorini - Pixabay

Are you soon to be married or civil partnered, or are you part of a recently-married or civil partnered couple? If so, you are most probably searching for the ideal destination to host the most exciting trip of your life. Even if you have already found that ‘one’ destination, you may still in doubt that you have made the right choice.

You have most probably considered visiting Greece, but have you really given it the thought that it deserves? Greece is one of the most popular countries for honeymoons and romantic holidays, with cosmopolitan destinations where you can transform your honeymoon into a party as well as alternative villages and seaside towns where you can devote your vacations only to yourselves.

Among all the Greek destinations, there is one particular island that is so beautiful, that looks like it came out of a wedding magazine. Santorini is ranked among the most popular romantic destinations in the world, with a reputation that rapidly grows among gay travelers as well. Is it its elegant atmosphere? Its gay-friendly attitude? Or its stunning landscapes, that make Santorini a beloved destination for gay couples in love? Let’s find out!

There are so many activities to do in Santorini with your partner that you are never going to get bored. You can go full romantic and devote your holidays exclusively to each other by watching the sunset together or by sharing a passionate kiss on top of the Caldera. Or, you could explore the island’s peculiar white, red and black sand beaches in a thrilling excursion.

These are the top three romantic activities for gay honeymooners to do when in Santorini, as well as some excellent LGBTI-friendly Santorinian hotels to further upgrade the most important trip of your life!

By Paraskevas Sklavos – Full Story at Gay Star News

Greece Gay Travel Resources