California Central Coast Road Trip – 2TravelDads

What could be more perfect any time of year than a California Central Coast road trip? Nothing. Leaving the SoCal area out of Los Angeles and heading north up the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), you’re bound to find beautiful, quirky, delicious, and captivating stops. A road trip up the California Central Coast fits nearly any budget and can last a few days or two weeks. There’s never a dull moment with or without kids, and we’ve done it both ways.

Looking back (and as we plan to do a Central Coast road trip again soon) I think next time we’ll eat more ice cream, spend some time hiking in Los Padres National Forest and schedule our trip around either Spring Barrel or Crush in the Fall.

We only just started to get into the amazing, diverse world of wine on the Central Coast and it could be the focus of its own trip. Was that too much much of a hint of what’s in store? Oops. Having said that, prepare yourself for fun with the family any time of year on a PCH road trip.

Planning your California Central Coast road trip

It’s so much fun to throw some bags and supplies in the car and hit the road, but when you’re talking about family travel to a popular destination, particularly in the summer months, you need to plan things out a bit more than this. Here’s how to plan your perfect California Central Coast road trip (or any similar trip for that matter).

Perfect California Road Trip Activities along the PCH

We always like to start our road trip planning with making a list of sights and activities we know both the kids and adults will love. When we’re talking about California we know that we can almost always mix beach time with hiking and even some family friendly wine tasting. The California Central Coast is perfect for all of those activities. Add in our love for history and we’ve got endless opportunities to enjoy a perfect road trip along the PCH together.

By Rob Taylor – Full Story at 2TravelDads

California Central Coast Gay Travel Resources

Montreal’s Gay Village: The Hilights – The Nomadic Boys

Montreal's Gay Village - The Nomadic Boys

Montreal is one of our favourite cities we’ve visited during our travels, especially during the summer months.

We came here during the Fierte Montreal gay pride and completely fell in love with the gay village. There are always many events going on Montreal not to mention many different foods to try.

One of our favourite gay travel bloggers, Barry from Toronto told us about his 5 favourite highlights from Montreal’s gay village following his recent visit during the gay pride:

Where to take the best selfies

I love La Graine Brûlée because it is super colourful and quirky. Check out the leopard printed seats, mini ferries wheel, graffiti covered cubby holes and small nooks that make it look like a play room with old Nintendo games. This unique cafe is located on the west side of the Montreal gay village right by the Berri-UQAM metro station. For me, this is THE place to take a selfie to kick off a great night out in the Montreal gay village.

I also love taking selfies by the rainbow crossings that mark the entrance of the gay village. Try to get the background ball installation in your picture, which is rainbow coloured during Pride.

Montreal also has some of the best street art murals, which are perfect backgrounds for your Instagram gallery.

By Stefan Arestis – Full Story at the Nomadic Boys

Montreal Gay Travel Resources

Queer Dubai: Safe for Queer Travelers? – The Nomadic Boys

Queer Dubai

Dubai is regarded as the Vegas of the Middle East. Just like Las Vegas it’s a new, modern city built in the middle of a desert. Unlike Las Vegas however, you risk getting into quite a bit of trouble if you openly express your sexuality in public…

Dubai is one of the 7 “Emirates” of the United Arab Emirates, a country ruled by a monarchy with Sharia Law in place. The other 6 Emirates are Abu Dhabi (the capital), Ajman, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm al-Quwain.

We explore whether queer Dubai is safe for gay travellers to visit, particularly in light of the anti-gay laws in place.

Is it legal to be gay in Dubai?

Short answer, no. Sadly, in Dubai, good old fashioned Sharia Law rules the school. If you’re caught having consensual gay sex, you face a short prison sentence and deportation.

In reality however, the Sharia police don’t come knocking on your door spying on your every move. The previous arrests of LGBTQ tourists happened as a result of public occurrences, like a Lebanese/Bulgarian lesbian couple kissing on a public beach, or a Pakistani/Filipino gay couple having oral sex in a car. In both situations the couples were arrested, imprisoned for a few months, then deported. One famous trans celebrity, Gigi Gorgeous, was denied entry to Dubai in August 2016 when the immigration staff realised she is trans.

Is there a gay scene in Dubai?

As it’s illegal to be gay here, there is no official gay scene in Dubai or LGBTQ organisation. However, thanks to the large expat population and the 20,000+ Emirates cabin crew who are based here, Dubai is seen as a sort of gay mecca by Arab men from surrounding countries. This is because there are a number of underground unannounced gay events taking place each week.

By Stefan Arestis – Full Story at Nomadic Boys

Visiting Venerable and Vivacious Vernazza – Dolly Travels

Vernazza

Buona sera, tutti,

I am sitting at the Bar Ananasso, on the main piazza in Vernazza. I am looking out at the sea as I savor a new beverage, a limoncino spritz. Actually, I have never ordered one at a bar, but I do believe our traveling group invented this at the apartment in Florence, back in 2008. We called it Tuscan Lemonade. Whatever it is called it is delicious.

The time is 7:30 p.m. The sun seems to still be high in the sky, but the air is becoming a bit cooler. We arrived here in the early afternoon; as usual, we were very hungry. We went to the restaurant that sits at the very end of the harbor, where we could see the sea, and enjoy our lunch.

Later, the kids wanted to explore on their own; as I found out later, Heather went for a hike, Danny went for a nap. I went for a walk, also, but not as adventurous as Heather’s. This area is so lovely, especially now, at the end of the day, when the cruise ship passengers have left, the day trippers have left. Looking about me now, the restaurants on this piazza are full, but the area around me has just a few of us who are waiting to enjoy the sunset.

As I walked through the town today, I saw how well Vernazza has recovered from the terrible flood of October, 2011. The shops and the restaurants have been restored; life goes on as before. The old men were still paying cards at the tables on the piazza. The nonne (grandparents) were still spoiling the little ones with gelati.

This evening, I walked around the little town and observed the people winding down for the night, tourists and locals as well.

The church in the background is still one of my favorite places to visit. I wonder how many prayers have been offered for the safety of the fishermen from this church over the ages. The church was established in early 1300’s. Inside, the decor is simple, gothic style. It is still lovely.

Finally, the sun did set, leaving me with a serene view of the Ligurian Sea. I am so happy that we came here. Although I was a bit sad to leave Florence, I knew that this village would soothe my soul, and indeed it has. The sound of the sea is so calming, although I have seen this same quiet sea when it has lost its temper.

I will leave you with this vision of Vernazza. Tomorrow is another day, and I am certain I will have more pictures to show you.

Buona notte.

Ciao for now,
Dolly

By Dolly – Full Story at Dolly Travels

Vernazza Gay Travel Resources

Gay Costa Rica – The Globetrotter Guys

gay Costa Rica - The Globetrotter Guys

Since Costa Rica is well known and perhaps more touristy than other parts of Central America we expected ‘Gay Costa Rica’ would not be too hard to find.

As ever, we wanted to find out what it is really like and not just through a tourists lens. We contacted 23 year old Gabriel who is studying architecture to find out more.

What is the stereotypical view (people’s attitudes) on the LGBTQIA community in Costa Rica?

The stereotypical view of the LGBTQ community depends on so many things. In the last few month’s we’ve seen so many opinions, all because of the presidential elections. There are only 2 options, just like Trump and Clinton. One of them is very open to diversity, and the other is too conservative, traditional and religious.

This has caused a ”social war”, there are people who think that gay marriage is ok, they don’t care or maybe they’re fighting for it. And there are so many people who think that gay marriage is an abomination, it’s something unnatural, or something that is gonna cause the end of the world.

There are so many factors that affect that stereotypical view. But let me tell you about the most significant;

Age: most of the young people are ok with gay marriage

Location: People from coastal zones or mountains are traditional and conservative so, some of them support LGBTQ community rights, and some them think LGBTQ is against God’s law.

By Full Story at The Globetrotter Guys

Costa Rica Gay Travel Resources

Queer Mexico – The Telegraph

queer Mexico

Mexico’s culture draws tens of millions of visitors every year, from its colourful Day of the Dead celebrations to the national reverence for gastronomy that means there is something delicious to taste around almost every corner. As a Latin American country, it might not be the first place that the phrase “LGBT+ travel destination” makes spring to mind, and of course, the Catholic church exerts a conservative influence, but legislatively it’s a different story.

Same-sex sexual activity has been legal here since 1871; same-sex marriage has been legal in Mexico City since 2010 and many states since; discrimination is outlawed.

Pride festivals are expanding across the country – so I decided to visit in June, Pride month, to see how Mexico fared as a long-haul travel destination for the LGBT+ community (that’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, plus a number of groups with other orientations and identities).

My first stop was Puerto Vallarta, put on the map by Elizabeth Taylor, who frequented it with Richard Burton in the Sixties. It now has a reputation as a gay-friendly seaside resort town. I’d been told to expect possibly the best fish tacos of my life, and spent a sensational few hours on the Mex-ology Vallarta Food Tour (£56), which gloriously combined tequila and tacos.

I discovered El Cuñado, the oldest (and best) street stand in town, and also La Palapa, a favourite dining haunt of Taylor’s, where days before, the annual Pride festival had seen drag queens race up the cobbled hill in stilettos. Along from here I found Mantamar Beach Club, popular with an older, gay male crowd, and its specifically LGBT-friendly hotel Almar, which hosts same-sex weddings and pool parties for Pride at its rooftop bar.

By Rachel Cranshaw – Full Story at The Telegraph

LOCATION Gay Travel Resources

El Mirasol Villas – Palm Springs Gay Resortr

El Mirasol Villas - Palm Springs Gay Resort

El Mirasol Villas is the original Palm Springs resort catering to gay men since 1975. Built by Howard Hughes in 1947, the hotel’s charm and privacy have preserved while offering the style and comfort sought by today’s gay traveler. Walled and gated, this private resort is in the Warm Sands area, only blocks away from downtown Palm Springs, gay nightlife, hiking, shopping, casino gambling and gourmet dining.

Meandering garden paths lead to bungalows, one or two bedroom suites and studios, two gorgeous clothing optional pools and a 10 man Jacuzzi/Spa with an outdoor shower. The hotel even features a eucalyptus steam room.

All rooms have California king beds, private baths, Flat Screen wireless TV and DVD players, some with kitchens and private patios.

See the El Mirasol Villas Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

Gay Palm Springs Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels, and Vacation Rentals

Petrified Forest National Park – Free Wheel Drive

Petrified Forest National Park - Free Wheel Drive

After a brief stop in Pheonix where we were able to meet up with our friend, Kirsten, and celebrate St. Patricks day we were off to the lesser known Petrified Forest National Park. The drive to get there was lovely. Through the mountains of the Tonto National Forest, and the high plains of Arizona.

Tucked in the Eastern side of Arizona, between the Navajo and Apache reservations, is the “smallish” park, Petrified Forest NP. At an elevation of 5,000 feet, it is a dramatically different landscape compared to the tall cactus filled Southern portion of Arizona. The landscape here is short sage bushes, prairie grasses, and colorful badland like hill formations.

The two days we visited the weather was chilly and windy, but still, this park is beautiful, colorful, and we learned a ton about geology and what a petrified forest is. Also, we found the park very easy to explore. With two entrances on opposite sides of the park and a 26mile long road connecting the two sides, it is a very easy park to navigate.

Along the drive are several established hiking trails and scenic viewpoints to break up the drive. One to two days is all you really need to see everything. We saw most of everything in less than two days.

By Camrin LaFond – Full Story at Free Wheel Drive

Arizona Gay Travel Resources

Queer Malta – Gay Star News

Malta - pixabay

There are many reasons to visit magical Malta, the world’s tenth smallest country, home to just 400,000 people. Firstly, the location. The three islands that make up the country – Malta, Gozo and Comino – are found almost directly in the center of the Mediterranean, 60 miles from Sicily. As such, temperatures are warm almost all year round.

Secondly, there’s Malta famously LGBTI-friendly reputation. Despite being a deeply religious country, (the most popular religion being Roman Catholicism), Malta once again topped this year’s ILGA-Europe ‘Rainbow Index’, which ranks countries by how their laws and policies promote sexual and gender equality.

Malta is a major destination for Jet2holidays, the UK’s second biggest tour operator who provide package holidays from nine UK bases – London Stansted, Birmingham, Leeds Bradford, Manchester, Newcastle, East Midlands, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Belfast International.

As such, we’ve teamed up with Jet2holidays, who are friendly, customer focused and winners of the Which? Travel Brand of 2018 award, for this quick-fire guide on what to do and where to stay in the Med’s most stunning archipelago…

Go set-jetting

Season One of Game of Thrones was filmed in many locations across Malta and Gozo. Meanwhile Popeye Village Malta, the set of the live action 1980 film, based on the iconic cartoon sailor, is now a major tourist attraction. This beautiful location is the perfect backdrop for blockbuster films and hit series.

By Jamie Tabberer – Full Story at Gay Star News

Malta Gay Travel Resources

Cenotes Near Cancun – 2TravelDads

Cenotes Near Cancun - 2TravelDads

The Yucatan Peninsula is full of unique experiences from Mayan ruins and swimming with sea turtles to jumping into enormous natural swimming pools: cenotes. Cenotes are really a highlight to any Cancun vacation or road trip around the Yucatan and we’ve chosen our favorites, the best cenotes to visit in Mexico.

This handy how-to guide is also full of information about what you need to bring for a day in the cenotes, what to expect with the many types of cenotes, and our top tips for photographing cenotes and all the fun you can have.

What is a cenote and how do I visit?

Cenotes are a type of cave or sinkhole. They are typically formed in the same manner as caves with fresh water percolating through the earth and meeting up with the aquifer, or underground river. This erosion creates small and large holes in the earth’s surface and gives access to the beautiful, crystal clear waters of the aquifer.

What to expect at different cenotes

Because each cenote is different from the next, you’ll have totally different experiences. The cenotes near Cancun and Playa del Carmen are more built up around the exterior to make it easier for tourists to visit, but then as you go inland you’ll find cenotes that are much more rugged and surrounded by jungle.

One cenote near Playa del Carmen, Cenote Azul, is very open with many different fresh water pools surrounding a large one, yet Cenote Dos Ojos near Tulum are very dark caves with a slow flowing river moving you through the caverns. Some cenotes have fish in them and bats flying overhead and others are just a grand bubbling spring like you might find in Florida.