Hawa Mahal in Jaipur – Keep Calm and Wander

Hawa Mahal - Alain Hawa Mahal is a pink-washed “Palace of the Wind” in Jaipur, India. It was built as an extension of the nearby City Palace. Both of these palaces should be visited, one after the other. While the City Palace is used as a residential area for the royal families, Hawa Mahal wasn’t built to have that same purpose. It was used for lady members of the royal family to see the excitement on the streets below during festivals – without being seen from the public. Jaipur is aptly called as the “Pink City.” If you go around the old city, the buildings are painted in pink and most ancient fortresses and palaces here are made of pink-washed sandstone. Despite the conspicuous filth and the unbearable traffic from all sorts of transport, the city has a unique presence of regal splendour. Haha Mahal carries that timeless splendour of Rajasthan. The best time to see Hawa Mahal’s imposing beauty is in the morning. When the soft rays of the sunrise lit the palace, it’s a kind of beauty you’re never forget.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

India Gay Travel Resources

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The Real Mexico in Guadalajara – Globetrotter Girls

Guadalajara Guadalajara was never on my travel wish list for Mexico, I admit it. The blank spots I’ve been wanting to fill on my Mexico map are places like San Miguel Allende, Guanajuato, Copper Canyon and the beaches on the West Coast – Puerto Vallarta, Sayulita, and San Pancho, all of which I’ve been wanting to visit since reading about them on a bunch of travel blogs a few years ago, when several bloggers based themselves there for their winter escape. And that’s exactly how I ended up in Guadalajara: Its proximity to said beaches. I was looking for a place to fly to that had easy access to the coast, and which seemed worth exploring. Guadalajara sounded interesting enough: the cultural capital of Latin America in 2005, a university town, a city with art museums and a historic city center, and a city with several Jose Clemente Orozco murals, one of the famous Mexican muralists whose art I adore. What more could I ask for? A great flight deal ($109 from LA, booked only three days in advance) sealed the deal. My instinct had once again brought me to the right place. From my very first stroll through the historic center, I was much reminded of Mexico City – and you all know how much I love Mexico’s capital.

By Dani – Full Story at the Globetrotter Girls

Jalisco Gay Travel Resources

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Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat – Keep Calm and Wander

Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat - Alain Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat is a Hindu ritual by the Ganges River in Varanasi, India. This nightly ceremonies is attended and watched by hundreds of worshipping locals and curious tourists from all over the world. It is free for all to witness but you should arrive earlier than 6 in the evening to get a good viewing spot. Watch out for your personal belongings when the crowd gets thicker as the ritual progresses.

Viewing Tip:

If you want to avoid the crowd, get on one of the double-decker boats for a good view of the whole ceremony from the Ganges River. However, this convenience comes with a price. Boat owners will charge you exorbitant amount but don’t go beyond 100 rupees ($1.80). It is also wise if you have an Indian friend or a guide to explain to you on what’s going on to elevate your experience of being there.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

India Gay Travel Resources

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Join the Nomadic Boys on a Galapagos Cruise

Galapagos Fancy visiting the Galapagos Islands aboard the Passion: one of the most exclusive luxury yachts in the world with an awesome group of gay guys? You’re in the right place! Our first gay cruise to the Galapagos which took place in October 2016 was such a resounding success that we’re dead excited to announce we will be doing it again in October 2017. We’ve teamed up with the highly rated and gay owned Ishpingo Tours in Ecuador to host our second luxury gay cruise to the Galapagos Islands on: 12-21 October 2017. Spaces aboard the highly rated Passion are limited to 12 people and we expect another sell out in 2017. And because we love you so much, we’re offering our readers an exclusive 5% discount for this one in a lifetime experience with the promo code NOMADIC5 Galapagos

THE WILDLIFE OF THE GALAPAGOS

The Galapagos Islands are an archipelago of volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean, around 1,000km (600 miles) from Ecuador’s coast. The variety of unique wildlife here not only inspired Darwin back in 1835, it completely captivated our group when we visited in October 2016. This is one of the few places in the world where you get so close to the wildlife because they are blazé to humans. You’ll be so spoilt, no other safari will be the same again. It’s not just above ground you get close with wildlife. There are many opportunities to go snorkelling and discover the rich underwater world surrounding the Galapagos Islands where reef sharks, manta rays, tropical fish and of course the many playful sea lions await you.

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE CRUISE

Our gay cruise to the Galapagos Islands aboard the Passion luxury yacht will take place on 12-21 October 2017. Included in the cruise:
  • 2 nights in a luxurious 5 star boutique hotel near Quito’s UNESCO listed Old Town exclusively for our group
  • 8 days / 7 nights all-inclusive cruise exploring the Eastern Islands Galapagos itinerary
  • all meals on board the Passion
  • open bar, all alcoholic drinks are included
  • fully accredited English-speaking guides
  • all activities and excursions described in the itinerary, including all equipment
  • roundtrip domestic airfare to/from the Galapagos, with exclusive access to the VIP lounge on arrival in Baltra
  • Galapagos National Park entrance fee
  • Galapagos Transit control card
  • all airport transfers both in Quito and in the Galapagos
  • Quito city tour and Middle of the World tour visiting the equator line including lunch

Early bookings:

If you book your cabin before 15th May 2017, we will offer a free upgrade to business class for the domestic roundtrip flight to/from Quito/Galapagos islands and an exclusive night tour of the historic centre with Quito Eterno.

The costs are set out as follows:

  • Stateroom: $7,275 (per person based on double occupancy)
  • Master or VIP Suite: $8,235 (per person based on double occupancy)
For more information, click here.]]>

Quito’s Stunning Basilica del Voto Nacional – Globetrotter Girls

Basilica del Voto Nacional I’m back in South America! And it strangely feels like I’ve never left, even though it’s been nearly eleven months since I said goodbye to Colombia. But considering I was in Mexico until mid-April and then again a whole month in November, it shouldn’t be too surprising that everything feels strangely familiar. The Latin America traffic craze, the bustling markets and town squares, the noise (horns, speakers, megaphones), the street food vendors everywhere. There were a few things though that made Quito, my first stop in Ecuador, feel different: 1) there are many women in traditional native dress, with long skirts and braids, hats and colorful shawls, which remind me a lot of the native dress in Bolivia. And 2) The altitude! Quito is the second highest city in the world (only La Paz sits higher), and with an altitude of just over 9,200 feet I definitely felt the affects of it. I don’t think I’ve been to a place that high since traveling around Bolivia three years ago.

By Dani – Full Story at Globetroter Girls

Ecuador Gay Travel Resources

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The Taj Majal, Monument of Love – Keep Calm and Wander

Taj Mahal - Keep Calm and Wander Visiting Taj Mahal – The Monument of Love – is something you should include in your bucket list. What comes to mind when Taj Mahal is mentioned? Love. Undying love. Yes, Taj Mahal is always synonymous with the undying love of Emperor Shah Jahan to his favourite wife. He built it to honour the memory of his beloved who died while giving birth to their 11th child. Her death affected the emperor so hard that his hair and beard turned white in few months. Theirs is a love story that has been told from one generation to another. The Emperor’s love to his wife is bigger than the size and fame of this monument. You might wonder why the Taj resembles like that of a mosque – that’s because Shan Jahan was a Muslim and India has long history with the religion.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

India Gay Travel Resources

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Forty-Eight Hours in Austin, Texas – Globetrotter Girls

Austin - Dani, Globetrotter Girls When I visited Austin for the very first time last year, I didn’t really know what to expect. My plan was to spend a month in the capital of Texas, hoping this would give me a good amount of time to explore the city whose slogan is ‘Keep Austin Weird’. Even though this slogan had me suspect that I’d love the city, I had no idea just how much I’d fall for Austin. With dozens of live music venues, excellent craft beer, countless food trucks, plenty of outdoors activities, especially along the river, and an overall laid-back attitude, the city won me over during my month there. Because I had the advantage of being able to spend four full weeks there, I took my time to explore every nook and cranny of the city, but I know that most people come to Austin for a quick weekend getaway. And while I’ve already shared 33 Things I Love About Austin, I wanted to give you a more structured overview of how to spend a weekend in Austin. Here is my perfect weekend in Austin for you – including places to eat and drink, what to do and what to see on a first-time visit: Friday, 2pm: Welcome to Austin Luckily, nearly all Austin hotels are conveniently located downtown, which makes it easy to explore the city on foot. If you’re not hugely into walking, I recommend you take advantage of Austin’s easy-to-use bike sharing system. The shared bikes, called B-Cycle, have a great ‘Weekender Pass’, which gives you three full days access to the bikes for only $15 and includes an unlimited number of free rides up to 60 minutes (a 24-hour pass is $12).

By Dani – Full Story at Globetrotter Girls

Austin Gay Travel Resources

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Alain Visits Barcelona's MNAC

MNAC Barcelona To be honest, I never had the chance to take a peek of Catalan Art at MNAC (Museo Nacional d’Art de Catalunya). I arrived at almost 4 in the afternoon on my last day in Barcelona and I simply didn’t have much time. Instead, I went around and admired the museum’s facade. If you look at it from afar, MNAC’s dome looks familiar, right? That’s because it’s modelled after St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. It has the world’s largest collection of Romanesque frescoes. Inside, you’ll find the works of Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso when they were still young – trying to carve a name in the art world.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Barcelona Gay Travel Resources

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Two Days in Osaka – Keep Calm and Wander

Osaka With its numerous museums, historical attractions, food markets, and interesting culture, Japan’s second largest city is worth even a brief visit. From the bustling streets to the high-end shopping centers, from aquariums to gardens in the sky, Osaka will never fail to amaze you. If you’re planning a weekend in the city, here’s a helpful guide to make your memories of Osaka unforgettable. On your first day, take the glass-covered elevator to the top floor of the Umeda Sky Building and marvel at the city’s panoramic views. From there, head to Ame-Mura, where you’ll experience contemporary Japanese culture at its best. Sit in one of the cafés and watch the young, hip, and trendy locals pass by. From time to time, you’ll spot teenagers participating in cosplay, wearing colorful and unique outfits that will make you smile. With over 3,000 shops in this neighborhood, you might also be tempted to buy something for yourself.

By Japan – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

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Hang Out With Scruffy Gios for an Italian Bike Tour – Scruffy Italian Traveler

Sergio Scardia - Puglia I am so excited to announce that Kendall (the blond hair chap in the picture with me) and I have started up a business of gay travels to Italy, aptly named Italy Gay Travels. This Gay Bike Tour around the heel of the boot, Puglia, is our first love child :) Many more will come, I promise! If you don’t have any plans yet for the first week of June (4-11 June 2017) or September (3-10 September 2017) take a look at our holiday program. Don’t think twice: spaces are limited. Fill in this form and book your place for the Gay Bike Tour now! As you know I am originally from a beautiful part of the world: the heel of the boot of Italy, Puglia! We have designed this All Gay Bike Tour to let you discover the southernmost tip of Puglia, known as Salento. Fast becoming the gay destination of South Italy, this area is rich in culture, food, awe inspiring landscapes, white sandy beaches and gay nightlife for good measure! Our all gay bike tour is set at an easy level that suits any level of biking skills. Furthermore you will have the opportunity to discover the beautiful countryside of Puglia, from one coast to the other.

Gay Bike Tour with Gios and Italy Gay Travels

You will spend  5 nights with us in Lecce, the great Baroque capital of Southern Italy, also known as the Florence of the South. Lecce is strategically located right in the heart of Salento, the southern area of Puglia, just a few kilometers away (or an easy gay bike ride) to many beautiful small towns and hidden gems. Every morning we will get on the bike and have unforgettable adventures. Think sunsets over beautiful towns (including Otranto), wine tasting in the countryside and swimming in beautiful sandy beaches.

By Sergio Scardia – Full Story at the Scruffy Italian Traveler

Puglia Gay Travel Resources

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