Month: November 2018

Gay Luxembourg – Gay UK

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Luxembourg - pixabay

Luxembourg might not jump out at you as the most obvious place to head to for a European break. After all, France boasts Parisian style and world-renowned wines, Belgium and Germany are the beer destinations of choice for those with a taste for the hop, and if you are looking for sun, sea, sand and …well, shenanigans, then you probably head for the Mediterranean.

But if you are a cultural explorer looking to see just how much fun can be had on the pink pound, then this little country has something that no other European state can rival. So the question is, ‘how vibrant is Luxembourg, a country where their Prime Minister is openly gay?’

The Grand Duchy, as it is more formally known is encompassed by Germany, Belgium and France and the capital, Luxembourg City has a population of only 115,000, a city where languages are as trendy as their chic nightlife. I have to admit that Luxembourg was not high on my list of must-see places, but when I started to research how easy and affordable direct flights were from London City Airport, I packed my overnight bag and off I went.

The real draw of Luxembourg, both the country and the capital city, is that it is small but perfectly formed and offers a charming and manageable slice of northern Europe. It is also one of the wealthiest countries in the world and also features high on the list for global wine consumption.

By Ray Si – Full Story at GayUK

 

New York State Road Trip – Go Girlfriend

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Upstate New York - pixabay

My mom recently moved to New York, but she hasn’t had a chance to explore much of her new state. So when I started planning a New York state road trip upstate, she was really excited not only to travel but to travel with me, her youngest daughter. Mom has not had the opportunity to explore New York State much so I found her excitement about the trip quite rewarding and I hoped that the experience would not let her down.

I highly recommend road trips as a form of travel with your aging parent. It’s a great way to bond – the travel time is great for story-telling, singing and making memories. I also recommend a road trip through Upstate New York for a dose of the outdoors and relaxation, stopping in the towns of Watkins Glen and 1000 Islands. Each destination is an easy road trip from NYC and both are not terribly far apart from each other, making it easy to do hit both in one weekend. For us, beginning in New York’s famous Finger Lakes area, made for a great stomping ground for people of all ages, with a diverse palette of food, activities, and most importantly, a sense of tranquility. Plus, there’s a beautiful scenic drive between them along part of the Great Lakes Seaway Trail, one of the first roads in America to be designated as a National Scenic Byway. You’re very likely to return home refreshed and with new memories to share with your loved one.

If there is time for an extra excursion, Chautauqua is a wonderful choice for a final stop on this trip. It’s located near Jamestown, which is past Buffalo, and has a number of special attractions you can’t see anywhere else including the National Comedy Center and the Lucy-Desi Museum. You won’t laugh nearly as hard anywhere else on this trip, or for days after you arrive back home – totally worth the additional driving.

By Holly Rosen Fink – Full Story at Go Girlfriend

Finger Lakes Gay Travel Resources

 

Antigua Capilla B&B – Gay Friendly San Miguel de Allende Bed & Breakfast

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Antigua Capilla B&B

Antigua Capilla Bed and Breakfast in San Miguel de Allende offers you world class hospitality, comfort and elegance. Offering fantastic city center outdoor terrace views, our conveniently located B&B is a short downhill walk to the historic town square.

See the Antigua Capilla B&B Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

San Miguel de Allende Gay Friendly Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels, and Vacation Rentals

 

Queer Indianapolis – SDGLN

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Queer Indianapolis - SDGLN

Joey Amato is the publisher of Pride Journeys, a website dedicated to LGBT travel. Joey has spent over a decade in LGBT media and public relations and currently resides in Nashville, Tennessee.

Indianapolis has always felt like a second home to me. I used to publish a gay magazine there called UNITE a few years ago, so I was frequently visiting the city. This time, I wanted to experience things that I may not have had the chance to see on previous visits.

One event of major interest was the Lambda Legal Indiana Benefit gala which took place at the Indy Public Library, a stunning building located in the heart of the city. The Indiana Benefit was conceived in 1999 by a group of visionary individuals seeking to advance the civil rights of LGBT people and those living with HIV, in Indiana. That vision and dedication to Lambda Legal’s mission and work in Indiana have yielded some of the most important and strategic legal victories our community has experienced in the past decade, including the freedom to marry.

In 2017, it was an Indiana case that won a federal court victory affirming that workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation violates federal civil rights law. This year, the benefit honored philanthropists Neil Bagadiong and Kevin Warren, the Indy power couple who was instrumental in the Pence Must Go campaign that was enacted during Mike Pence’s final term as Governor of the state.

By Joey Amato – Full Story at SDGLN

Indiana Gay Travel Resources

 

Top Lesbian Gambling Destinations – Seattle Lesbian

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Lesbian Travel: Dinah Shore Las Vegas Debuts

While it is true that the online casino industry has overtaken the more traditional brick and mortar casino industry in terms of convenience, there are still plenty of great real world casino destinations worth travelling to, at least once in your lifetime. Of course nothing beats the speed and convenience of playing online casino games like slots, baccarat, roulette, or blackjack. But, at the same time, nothing beats the sheer excitement of booking your tickets and travelling to an exotic casino resort somewhere in the world.

The modern world of casino gambling is quite different from the old days, when mobsters ran the show and the number of quality destinations was rather more limited. Today, you can book your tickets for any number of casino resort destinations scattered throughout the world, including far flung places like New Zealand and South Africa. However, when it comes to going really big, nothing beats a trip to Las Vegas or Atlantic City in the USA, or any number of casino resorts in Macau, China.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Say what you will about Las Vegas and its former glory days, but this is still considered by many to be the premier casino destination in the world. Many new sites in the UK will have some great competitions for a chance to win a trip to Las Vegas. Even if you don’t love the idea of travelling to Vegas, visiting at least once in your life is on most bucket lists. In fact, you don’t even have to be into casino games to go there. The famous Vegas Strip is a tourist attraction in its own right and many visitors go there just to see the shows, the lights and the incredible fountains. If you are serious about gambling at a top Las Vegas casino resort, you really can’t go wrong with the Venetian. The Venetian is the largest casino resort in Las Vegas and covers a staggering 243,684 square feet, with more gaming machines, tables, restaurants and bars than virtually any other casino in Las Vegas.

Full Story at The Seattle Lesbian

 

Lost in Translation in Hangzhou – Keep Calm and Wander

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Lost in Translation in Hangzhou

“Welcome to the back!” proclaimed an English sign at the front door of a small Chinese restaurant in Hangzhou, a city in China, known for its West Lake. It was here where Marco Polo once sailed, mesmerized by its stunning beauty and declared the place in ancient times as “the most beautiful place in the world.”

Six exhausted backpackers from four countries and I, who all met in a hostel, froze for a moment in silence, as if trying to decipher one of China’s ancient, decrepit signboard. We exchanged quick glances, hoping one had a clue to share. We were pretty sure we were standing at the entrance, not the back, of the restaurant. Almost in unison, we quickly realized what the sign meant was, “Welcome back.” It’s one of those rampant translations gone wrong in Chinglish, a blend of Chinese and English.

With hunger excruciatingly creeping into our stomachs, we gave up looking for another restaurant. We’d been walking all day and we were so hungry we could eat a barrel of dumplings sans chopsticks.

Two ladies behind the reception desk smiled when we came in. One disappeared quickly to call someone from the kitchen. When we were all seated, the other waitress came with a kettle of tea and a vacuum flask of hot water. She carefully poured the hot water and tea alternately with impeccable skill. When she was done, she said something in Chinese and our jaws dropped. We understood not a single word. She looked at each one of our tired faces, hoping a single one of us could make sense of what she just said. Meeting our uncomprehending looks, she smiled sheepishly and left embarrassed.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

China Gay Travel Resources

 

Udon Thani’s Red Lotus Sea – Once Upon a Journey

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Red Lotus Sea - Once Upon a Journey

YES! Thailand still has hidden gems only a few (western) tourists know about. Talay Bua Daeng – or Red Lotus Sea – in Northeast Thailand is one of those gems and it’s definitely one for the bucket list. CNN named it one of the world strangest lakes in 2014 and well, it’s not a lake you see every day – for sure.

Imagine a lake with thousands of pink flowers, spreading as far as the eye can see!

Getting on the lake by boat is one of the most romantic experiences we’ve ever done. And Valentine’s is actually the perfect time to visit: the red lotuses only bloom a couple of months each year. But that makes the experience the more special. It is quite off the famous routes through Thailand though, but no worries: we will tell you everything you need to know about visiting this magical pink lake.

The season for the pink flowers to bloom is from December to the end of February, just after the rainy season. When you visit, make sure to go early in the morning. From sunrise to noon you can see the water lilies opened up: they open when they see the first morning light and close when the midday heat comes.

By Roxanne Weijer – Full Story at Once Upon a Journey

Thailand Gay Travel Resources

 

Chanticleer Guest House – Gay Sturgeon Bay Bed and Breakfast

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Chanticleer Guest House - Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin

Comprised of a gorgeous farm house and barn, both originally built in 1915, The Chanticleer Guest House is truly one of Door County’s most unique bed and breakfasts.

We are located on thirty private acres, just 1/2 mile north of Sturgeon Bay. The guest house and guest barn have been carefully renovated to capture the beauty of each structure, while providing the modern conveniences you should expect in a fine country bed and breakfast.

If a secluded cabin is more your idea of a romantic retreat, The Chanticleer Cabins were built just for you! Our four luxury cabins are located on forty private, wooded acres a few minutes walk from the guest house. Each cabin overlooks a private, 1/2 acre pond, which is a magnet for deer, turkey and other wildlife.

See the Chanticleer Guest House Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

Wisconsin Gay Friendly Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels, and Vacation Rentals

 

Queer Yukon History – Gay Star News

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Queer Yukon - pixabay

With the Sacred Heart church on the right and only a Tim Hortons as the biggest chain insight – I wasn’t sure if this was a trip to parade my Gay Star News tote bag about. But don’t let The Yukon’s icy exterior fool you.

Surrounded by stunning snow-topped mountain ranges that dominate this North West Canadian territory, at first glance, Whitehorse has a ‘small-town’ impression. But scratch beyond the surface is a warm glow. The Yukon’s community are welcoming to all people here. And it caught me off guard.

It’s a town that when the Catholic church, who historically have had an influence here, tried to lay down dated homophobic rules on its schools here recently; the community fought back against hate. Whitehorse is ahead of cities like London, known for their metropolitan views and forward-thinking views on LGBTI rights, by recently installing both a permanent rainbow and trans pride walkway. And with under 35,000 people living in its 482,443 km2, an area only a little smaller than the whole of Spain, for over 1000 people to attend their most recent pride festival? This is a town that celebrates its LGBTI community.

By Jamie Wareham – Full Story at Gay Star News

Yukon Gay Travel Resources

South American Gay Beaches – Travel Pulse

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South American Gay Beaches - pixabay

With wintertime approaching here in the Northern Hemisphere, what’s a gay beachcomber to do? Why not flip the seasonal script and head south of the equator, where summer will be here before you know it? Here are six fun options for the beach-loving queer traveler to consider checking out in the coming months.

1. Punta del Este, Uruguay. The scenic coastline in this small South American country is a popular short trip from Buenos Aires, located a short flight or a ferry ride away. Queer travelers have been drawn to this well-to-do area of the country for years, but they also head west to the quieter Playa Chihuahua beach, located not far from the airport. This is also a nude beach, a testament to the open-minded society here (Uruguay legalized gay marriage back in 2013). And check out the male-only gay hotel located here, Undarius, if you’re looking for some fabulous lodging.

2. Praia Mole, Florianopolis, Brazil. Florianopolis, located between Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires, is a stunning island hugging the southern Brazilian coastline. The city is legendary for its nightlife and its beaches. Praia Mole may be one of the most beautiful — and while it’s not an exclusively queer beach, it’s a very popular gathering spot for the local LGBTQ community.

By Paul Heney – Full Story at Travel Pulse

South America Gay Travel Resources