Author:
scott, July 30th, 2018
Globetrottergirls just turned eight (!) and I have to admit that this milestone would’ve come and gone completely unnoticed had Twitter not reminded me that I signed up for the social media platform eight years ago.
Eight years ago! In 2010, when I started this little blog, I sure did not think that I was still going to be writing – or traveling! – nearly 3,000 days later; 2,920 days, to be precise. I figured that this milestone would be a good excuse to grab a pencil and piece of paper (read: my iPhone) and break the silence, because I am sure you’ve noticed that it’s been awfully quiet here on the blog and on my social media channels.
And this date couldn’t be more perfect to share a little update on how my travel and blogging life has been evolving, because as I am typing this, I am waiting for a furniture delivery, to finally make the place I signed a lease for last month, a little more homey. Yes, after eight years of homelessness, i.e. not having a permanent address, I have decided to finally put down roots.
I still remember the spring day back in 2010 when my task for the day was to open Facebook and Twitter accounts for the blog my then-girlfriend and I had just launched, and to find some travel blogs to follow. Back then, this was an easy task, because the number of travel blogs was still pretty small.
I have to admit that I had never even heard of travel blogs until my partner suggested we should start one to chronicle the round-the-world trip we were about to set off on. But a quick Google search revealed that what I had done – quit my job to travel the world – was not as extraordinary as I thought it was. There were plenty of people out there who’d done the same thing, having already started their own trips or who were about to set out on a similar journey.
By Dami – Full Story at Globetrotter Girls
Categories: Columnists, Globetrotter Girls, Lesbian Travel Tags: dani, globetrotter girls, lesbian travel | 
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Author:
scott, July 30th, 2018
One day in Salamanca may not be enough to explore this medieval town. Up to this day, the community is still known as a university town. The town’s premier university – University of Salamanca – is Spain’s oldest university and the world’s 3rd oldest that’s still operating until today.
Salamanca is definitely one of the most beautiful places I’ve been to in Spain. Because of its place in the historical culture and art of Spain, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.
This city is loaded with attractions and seeing all of them in a day can be too overwhelming, but the following popular attractions can be visited in a day.
The Old and the New Cathedral are built side by side, one in the 4th and the other one in the 15th century, respectively. The former shows a Romanesque architecture and the latter has touches of Renaissance, but they collectively make a spectacle to be amazed at.
By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander
Spain Gay Travel Resources
Categories: Alain - The Sojourner, Columnists, Europe, Gay Travel, Spain Tags: gay travel, keep calm and wander, Salamanca, spain | No comments
Author:
scott, July 28th, 2018
You can’t talk about Italian literature without mentioning Dante Alighieri who peacefully rests in Ravenna. I’d say that his Divine Comedy (Divina Comedia) is, perhaps, the greatest Italian literary work the world has ever known. It’s a classic that must be read whether you’re a believer of hell, purgatory and paradise or not.
Is Dante’s Tomb in Florence Real?
If you were told by one of your guides or a local in Florence that Dante is buried in their city – ignore it. There’s no truth in that. That “tomb” you see in Florence is nothing but air inside. Empty – that is. It’s nothing but a memorial to Dante who was born in Florence.
But what’s this myth about Dante’s tomb lies in Florence? Well, in 1519, Pope Leo X directed that Dante’s bones be moved to Florence but the Franciscan monks at the nearby monastery stole them away and hid them for more than 300 years. It was re-discovered in 1865 – by chance!
By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander
Emilia Romagna Gay Travel Resources
Categories: Alain - The Sojourner, Columnists, Europe, Gay Travel, Italy Tags: alain, Dante's Tomb, emilia romagna, Italy, keep calm and wander, Ravenna | No comments
Author:
scott, July 28th, 2018
Costa Rica is a country that had been on our bucket list for a long time. With what we knew about the place, and feedback from friends that had visited, we had some very high hopes! However, we didn’t need to be worried. Costa Rica exceeded our expectations in every possible way!
Costa Rica boasts the highest density of biodiversity worldwide. Despite being such a small country, almost 5 percent of all animal and plant species are found here. It also offers some of the best adventure activities, such as hiking, ziplining, or white-water rafting. Or if you simply want to relax, it has both Pacific and Caribbean beaches.
For us, finding the right balance between time and experiences is crucial. Costa Rica has so much to offer, meaning that trying to fit everything in involves a lot of logistics.
We had limited time and a long list of things we wanted to do. For this trip, we decided it would be nice to let someone else take over the reins and do all the planning for us. We contacted Destination Costa Rica and after learning they were wanting to expand their offerings to the LGBT community, we thought they would be the perfect fit.
They offered us a completely tailor-made package from start to finish based on our personal requirements. We had already made arrangements to stay at certain gay-friendly properties in Manuel Antonio and San Jose. Destination Costa Rica factored this in – not booking accommodation for these nights but still assisting with our transport needs and arranging our excursions.
Booking with Destination Costa Rica meant not having to think or spend time planning what we were to do in Costa Rica. They organised everything from our accommodation, to transportation and all our activities and experiences.
Full Story at The Globetrotter Guys
Costa Rica Gay Travel Resources
Categories: Central America, Columnists, Costa Rica, Gay Travel, The Globetrotter Guys Tags: central america, costa rica, gay travel, queer Costa Rica | No comments
Author:
scott, July 27th, 2018
Rialto Bridge is the oldest bridge in Venice that connects San Marco and San Polo areas. It was first but in the 12th century and has been rebuilt so many times since then. There’s no doubt that Rialto Bridge is the most famous bridge and most photogenic of all 4 bridges in the Grand Canal. You can’t speak of Venice without mentioning the Realto Bridge.
Today, no tourists would miss crossing the bridge and leave his footprints without standing on it. It has become one of the city’s most-visited tourist attractions.
As you can see, Rialto Bridge is a covered bridge, which is a good thing, especially under the summer heat.
However, due to constant foot traffic and camwhoring tourists, you might not be able to litter here for a long time. Don’t be selfish. Give others a chance to take their own photos.
By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander
Venice Gay Travel Resources
Categories: Alain - The Sojourner, Columnists, Europe, Gay Travel, Italy, Venice Tags: gay travel, Italy, keep calm and wander, Ralto Bridge Views, rialto bridge, veneto, venice | No comments
Author:
scott, July 27th, 2018
We spent almost 2 years travelling in Latin America from Mexico all the way down to Patagonia.
Latin America is a fantastic destination to explore for gay travellers, with a range of beautiful natural sceneries, classic world wonders, some of the best gay parties in the world, and the hottest guys you’ll ever meet.
Although most countries in Latin America are very Catholic with a socially conservative outlook, we found that most are quickly evolving to embrace their LGBTQ communities. We particularly saw this in Uruguay, Argentina, the big cities of Colombia, parts of Mexico, south Brazil and Santiago in Chile.
These are our 10 favourite gay friendly Latin American cities where we felt the most welcome, have the best gay scene and most prominent pride festivals.
Santiago – Chile
We start this list with the capital city of Chile. Whilst Chile as a country is still very conservative, Santiago is definitely one of the most gay friendly places we visited. It has a huge gay scene in the “Bellavista” neighbourhood, with many bars, clubs and restaurants.
Our favourite place to start a gay night out in Santiago is at the large resto/bar called “Station”. Then we’d head to either “Bar 105” or one of the drag bars like “Burdel”. On weekends, there are a handful of large gay clubs to check out. Our favourite was “Barcelona at Bunker”, which always has a large crowd. Also worth nothing is that nearby to Santiago is one of the largest gay clubs in the South America called “Il Divino”, located in the nearby resort town of “Viña del Mar”. Read more in our gay guide to Santiago.
With regards to gay rights, Chile has certainly come a long way since the dark days of the oppressive Pinochet years. Today, marriage equality is still on the cards, and soon may become law. One of our favourite things about the city is that as a sign of solidarity towards the LGBTQ community, the Moneda Palace (the formal offices for the President) in Central Santiago is lit up with rainbow colours on 17 May for the International Day Against Homophobia Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOTB) – every year without fail. Read more in our interview with Ivan from Santiago about what it’s like growing up gay in Chile.
By Stefan Arestis – Full Story at the Nomadic Boys
Categories: Columnists, Gay Travel, Nomadic Boys Tags: cities, gay friendly, Gay Friendly Latin American Cities, latin america, The Nomadic Boys | 1 comment
Author:
scott, July 26th, 2018
The Inn on Mill Creek, located on over seven private acres two miles within North Carolina’s Pisgah National Forest, offers the perfect balance of secluded privacy and close proximity to sightseeing, shops and dining in Black Mountain and Asheville.
Many of the Inn’s seven spacious rooms are popular with couples looking to get away for a few days. The 600-square-foot Lake View room in the Main House boasts a full wall of floor-to-ceiling windows for a spectacular view. The Lake View also features a private screened porch to take in the sights and sounds of the forest, a gas fireplace, king bed and a jetted tub with steam shower.
The North Terrace room in the Main House, with its private entrance through a set of French doors and private room with large jetted hot tub, is another popular choice for a couples’ getaway. A four poster queen bed, full bath, gas fireplace and views of the woods and orchard are just some of the features of this beautiful room located on the north side of the Inn.
See the Inn on Mill Creek Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here
North Carolina Mountains Gay Friendly Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels, and Vacation Rentals
Categories: Accommodations, Gay Travel, North Carolina, Purple Roofs Site, USA Tags: accommodations, asheville, B&B, bed & breakfast, bed and breakfast, gay Asheville, gay friendly, gay men, gay travel, inn, Inn on Mill Creek, lesbian, lodging, nc, north carolina, Pisgah National Forest, ridgecrest | No comments
Author:
scott, July 26th, 2018
Walking like a geisha through queer Oslo’s sleet-laden streets, I curse my lack of layers. I wanted to explore the area around my hostel; five minutes later, my teeth are clattering too much to continue. And I’m not the only one. This sort-of-pint-sized capital (population: 545,000) gets even sleepier of a February evening, when people hunker down early for the night.
I pass a quiet, cozy bar; the lure of an open fire proves too tempting. I step inside, and I’m not in Oslo anymore. Rather, I’m Alice in Emerald-Isle-Wonderland.
Never did I expect my first beverage in the city to be an Australian beer in an Irish pub. Then again, I’ve eaten Italian food in Bangkok, and Chinese food across America, and we’re living in an increasingly globalized world, right? Well, ultimately, I do live to regret my decision, when the time comes to settle up.
‘That’ll be €14 please,’ says the local bartender, recognizing me as a British tourist, nonplussed by the look of sheer horror on my face.
Yep, I’m definitely in Oslo after all.
By Jamie Tabberer – Full Story at Gay Star News
Norway Gay Travel Resources
Categories: Europe, Gay Travel, Norway Tags: gay travel, norway, oslo, Queer Oslo | No comments
Author:
scott, July 26th, 2018
If you’re visiting in summer, Monasterio San Juan de los Reyes is a heavenly refuge in Toledo from the searing heat outside. After walking for a long time, I finally found this monastery in the middle of a neighbourhood that used to be predominantly Jewish.
And as soon as I entered the premises, I felt better.
Monasterio San Juan de los Reyes (Monastery of Saint John of the Monarchs) was built by the monarchs, Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand II. They built it to honour the birth of their son, Prince John and to celebrate their triumphant success of the Battle of Toro.
Perhaps, to show dominance over the Jewish, the monarchs intended to build the monastery here. In fact, few steps from here, you’ll find the Sinagoga del Transito – which you must visit, too.
By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander
Castille La Mancia Gay Travel Resources
Categories: Europe, Gay Travel, Spain Tags: Castille La Mancia, europe, gay travel, keep calm and wander, Monasterio San Juan de los Reyes, spain, Toledo | No comments
Author:
scott, July 25th, 2018
Mountain breezes, panoramic views, and thoughtful hospitality await at historic Eureka Springs, Arkansas’ Pond Mountain Lodge and Resort. Secluded Cabins and Suites for couples, housekeeping suites with kitchens for families and groups, all complete with fishing ponds, swimming pool, and horseback riding on 150 private acres.
Pond Mountain Lodge is located just two miles south of Eureka Springs at the county’s highest elevation and enjoys a thirty mile view. We are surrounded by heavily wooded mountains…a perfect attraction for many species of birds and other wildlife.
Imagine a day of shopping in Eureka Springs or riding horses, followed by fishing in one of our 2 spring-fed stocked ponds or sitting poolside with cool drinks, then off to a relaxing soak in your private in-room Jacuzzi!
See the Pond Mountain Lodge & Resort Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here
Arkansas Gay Friendly Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels, and Vacation Rentals
Categories: Arkansas, Eureka Springs, Gay Travel, Lesbian Travel, USA Tags: arkansas, Eureka Springs, lesbian, lesbian owned, Pond Mountain Lodge & Resort, resort | No comments
