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Swinging in Bali – Keep Calm and Wander

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Swinging in Bali - Keep Calm and Wander

You know you can’t leave Bali without getting on one of the swings everywhere on the island. They’re literally scattered everywhere. If you see coconuts and rice fields in one place, there’s a big chance that there are a few swings around. Or perhaps, a man-made nest intended for humans, not for birds.

Yes, swings and nests are just two of the most artificial “tourist attractions” in around Ubud promoted as “theme parks” Or whatever they call it.

A fellow traveler and I went to Aloha Ubud because you know – we wanted to experience the thrill of it all. But when we arrived at the reception – boy, the prices got me backed off the moment I read it! Goodness, it’s more expensive than going inside MoMa in New York or at the Louvre Museum in Paris!

Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Bali Gay Travel Resources

Gay Penang – The Nomadic Boys

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Gay Penang - The Nomadic Boys

Penang is one big fat foodie paradise in Southeast Asia. Honestly, we were blown away by the many culinary prizes available here…Asam Laksa, Wanton Noodles, Hokkien Prawn Noodles, Char Koay Teow…Penang is one place we’d definitely rush back to just for the food!

Penang is also famous for its street art murals, particularly in the UNESCO listed cutesy colonial-era capital, George Town. And the biggest surprise of all, despite being a small island of less than 2 million, in a country where homosexuality is a crime(!), there is even a gay scene!

We visited Penang as part of our big trip around Malaysia and totally fell in love. We were told by both Malaysians and fellow travellers that Penang is a not-to-miss highlight of the country and oh boy were they right! We ended up extending our trip in Penang from a few days to two full weeks. Based on our firsthand experience, we’ve put together our gay guide to Penang setting out the best gay friendly hotels, hangouts, foodie tips, and more.

Is Penang safe for gay travellers?

For the most part, yes…as long as you’re careful and avoid any PDAs. It’s not as bad as the Middle East here, but it certainly ain’t no Barcelona, Bangkok or gay Berlin!!

There is a large LGBTQ community in Penang, both locals and foreigners, living and working quite openly. Penang is after all a touristic hub with a large international population, so people are more likely to be diverse, tolerant and open-minded here compared to other parts of the country.

Full Story at The Nomadic Boys

Malaysia Gay Travel Resources

Visiting Slovenia’s Lake Bled in the Winter – Our Taste for Life

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Lake Bled, Slovenia - Our Taste for Life

Visiting Lake Bled in Winter is an excellent idea, but there are some things you should be aware of when visiting out of season. Thankfully, we spent a few days in Bled last December, so we can share what we got up to and what we consider to be the best Lake Bled winter activities. We’ll also include recommendations on where to eat and where to sleep, as well as all of our top tips for visiting this enchanting location in Slovenia.

No Slovenia itinerary is complete without a visit to Bled. The charming alpine town looks like it’s landed straight out of a storybook, with the pinnacle being the astonishing Bled Lake. Encompassed by the Julian Alps, I’d confidently say the lake is one of the most picturesque in the world. Arguably even more so during winter, when the mountains are snow-capped and glorious.

Regardless of whether you visit Bled in Winter or Summer, there are tons of exciting things to do and look forward to. The winter months are equally, if not more, adventurous with activities such as skiing, hiking, and ice-skating, to name but a few. Then, of course, there are the December Christmas markets when it is totally acceptable to drink copious amounts of mulled wine. Need I say any more?

Anyhow, we have a lot to get through, so let’s get to it. Here’s a comprehensive guide to visiting Slovenia’s Lake Bled in Winter.

Why Visit Lake Bled in Winter?

If snow-capped mountains and mulled wine didn’t already convince you, then honestly, I don’t know what will.

But no, in all seriousness, I understand why some would have reservations planning a Winter trip to Bled. Or anywhere in Europe for that matter. Let’s face it; the weather is cold and unpredictable, putting your valuable sightseeing time at risk. But what if I told you there are a lot of positives to travelling offseason? Don’t believe me? Well, allow me to change your mind.

Full Story at Our Taste for Life

Slovenia Gay Travel Resources

Gay Madrid – The Globetrotter Guys

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Gay madrid - Checa - The Globetrotter Guys

The main gay area in Madrid is called Chueca and is named after Federico Chueca who could be considered Madrid’s first gay icon.

The area spans about 1km north of Gran Via (one of the main streets) and east to west between Calle Hortaleza and Paseo de Recoletos. The main bulk of gay bars in Chueca are found within ten minutes walking distance of Plaza De Chueca – where the metro station is found.

Chueca is walkable from the ‘city centre’ (Plaza Del Sol) or just a couple of metro stops. It is obvious you have arrived in the gay area given that the walls of the metro station in Chueca are painted floor to ceiling in rainbows!

Related: Madrid Gay Bars

What will you find in Chueca?

Being the main gay area in Madrid, Chueca is home to the majority of the gay bars and clubs(20+), many gay oriented shops, coffee shops, cafes, restaurants, gay saunas and cruising clubs. There is plenty to do to keep you busy!

It is also where you will find one of the many main stages and performance areas during Madrid Pride as Chueca becomes the focal point of the city and a vibrant hub of activity during this time.

Full Story at The Globetrotter Guys

Madrid Gay Travel Resources

Lesbian Rajasthan in Five Days – Our Taste for Life

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Lesbian Rajasthan - Our Taste for Life

Rajasthan is one of our favourite states in India. So, if you’re here looking for the best Rajasthan itinerary, you’ll be pleased to know you’ve come to the right place. We recently spent close to 3 weeks in Rajasthan, which is why it’s easy for me to suggest itineraries for 5 days, 7 days, and even 2 weeks. In this Rajasthan Itinerary, I’ll be sharing all the best places to visit, how to get around, where to eat & sleep, along with all of our top tips for travelling this fast-paced state in India.

If you ask me, no trip to India is complete without visiting Rajasthan. It’s arguably the most exciting state in all of India and without doubt the epitome of Indian culture. It’s a land of grandeur architecture, enchanting cities, mystical deserts, and rich royal history. All of which decorated in a plethora of vivid colour. Rajasthan is big, it’s loud, it’s crazy, and it will attack your senses in the best possible way.

When planning a Rajasthan Itinerary, it’s easy to underestimate just how big the state is. If the state were a country, it would be around the 63rd largest country in the world, which is pretty staggering. It’s therefore not too surprising to find that each city in Rajasthan has an entirely different vibe. You’ll have the time of your life hopping from the golden city to the pink city, and if time permits, onto the blue and white cities too.

Having said that, it can be a daunting prospect planning your route in this truly vast and profound state. Thankfully, we’ve done all the leg work, and we’re here to help. So let’s get to it, here’s the best Rajasthan Itinerary for 5 days or more.

Full Story at Our Taste for Life

India Gay Travel Resources

Gay Cusco – The Nomadic Boys

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Gay Cusco - The Nomadic Boys

“Stefan look: rainbow flags are everywhere…it must be Cusco Pride right?”

Seby wasn’t wrong. One of the first things you notice when walking the streets of Cusco are all the rainbow-like flags flying proudly all across the city. But to our disappointment, it has nothing to do with the LGBTQ community. This is the Inca flag, similar to our Pride rainbow flag, but with an extra blue stripe added. Unless you’re in Cusco in late-June, that’s the extent of any gay Pride you’re going to see happening here…

Cusco was once the historic capital of the Inca Empire. Today it is Peru’s #1 tourist destination, receiving almost 4 million annual visitors who mainly come to visit Machu Picchu. We’ve been to Cusco, loved it so much, we visited a second time a decade later, doing the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu on both occasions and also exploring the stunning Sacred Valley surrounding the city.

We’re not gonna lie – Cusco is not a party destination, not by a long stretch! It’s a small city, a very beautiful one, but one where you come for the rich cultural heritage and impressive landscapes over anything else. Whilst there is a small gay scene here, we suggest you get all the partying out of your system over in the big coastal capital city, Lima before heading over. Cusco is instead a rewarding cultural journey into Peru’s historic Inca civilisation, one that we loved and would happily return to in a heartbeat!

By Stefan Arestis – Full Story at the Nomadic Boys

Peru Gay Travel Resources

Gay Bali, Indonesia – wolfyy

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gay bali

Bali is a classic gay travel destination in Southeast Asia. You might be aware that Indonesia is not the most gay-friendly country, however Bali is quite the exception! The island has a special religious openness that has allowed them to welcome millions of gay tourists over the years.

Why Do Gay Men Love Bali?

Many gay holiday destinations attract travelers for specific reasons. Some examples are a vibrant gay culture, gay neighborhoods, popular gay beaches or exciting gay nightlife. Bali is unique in that this little slice of paradise offers tranquility for LGBTQ people, especially in a relatively inexpensive and gay-friendly atmosphere.

Gay travelers don’t tend to have huge dance parties or nude beaches in mind for their gay Bali experiences. There aren’t necessarily giant gay meetups. Instead, gay tourists seek private, luxurious accommodations and experiences, comfortable with the notion that other gay travelers will be nearby. This affords the a peaceful LGBTQ travel experience, obviously in addition to the lush tropical landscapes and friendly locals.

gay bali hotels

Where to Stay in Bali

Bali is a large island, and the southern half is quite heavily treaded. While you can find secluded enclaves all over, there are some general trends to keep in mind before you set out on your gay Bali adventure.

The airport is in the south of Bali in Denpasar. Staying in the south part of the island is easiest in terms of quick transport to your hotel. This is best if you’re short on time. A couple hours north is the famous town of Ubud, which is more peaceful. However, with Bali’s exploding popularity, Ubud is also quite busy. In the very north of the island, you’ll find increasing numbers of truly secluded places to stay. This is to be expected however, since it takes quite a long time to reach there by car!

Options for Bali hotels, resorts, and home stays are truly endless. Whether you’re looking for a tropical forest bungalow or a standard five-star hotel, you’ll certainly have plenty to choose from. I’ll let you know about some of my favorite spots in the full wolfyy travel guide!

Full Bali Gay Travel Guide on wolfyy

Gay Indonesia Resources

Gay Maspalomas, Canary Islands – wolfyy

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gay maspalomas

The Canary Islands are a fantastic destination for gay travelers, especially once the bustling summer tourism season slows down in mainland Europe. Maspalomas is known for being a completely gay resort town in Gran Canaria, the largest of the Canary Islands. Full of outgoing, friendly guys, you’re pretty much guaranteed a good time.

What’s so special about the Canary Islands? Well, other than breathtaking landscapes (check out the Maspalomas Dunes), summer never really ends here in the Canaries. Spain’s southernmost territory, they’re just off Africa’s Western Sahara coast! With so much warm weather to spare, Maspalomas actually hosts two gay pride festivals every year.

Before summer even begins, Maspalomas hosts their first pride of the year, typically in May. As November rolls around, travelers ditch the cold weather up north for sunny dance parties at Maspalomas Winter Pride. I had an absolute blast dancing at the enormous Yumbo Centre. I made dozens of international friends through the week, many of whom I’ve planned more travel with!

gay maspalomas winter pride

Maspalomas Gay Events & Hotels

Gran Canaria has way more to offer than just gay pride weeks. There are a bunch of other gay event weeks to choose from. Summer Fiesta, Bear Carnival, and Festish Week Maspalomas are just a few. What makes these events even more special though, is how conveniently close most Maspalomas hotels are to the main events. It’s easy to find a hotel or resort in the center of the action. Having everything within arm’s reach makes a party-filled vacation so much more relaxing.

Gay hotels in Maspalomas are pretty easy to find, but there are definitely a few crowd favorites. Especially if you want to have convenient access to the main event locations on foot, you might want to consider booking in a certain part of town. I’ll give you all the details about where to stay based on your personal preferences and preferred vibe!

Full Maspalomas Gay Travel Guide on wolfyy

Gay Canary Islands Resources

Gay Lebanon – The Nomadic Boys

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Gay Lebanon - The Nomadic Boys

Exquisite food, impressive UNESCO sites, crazy nightlife and some of the most handsome guys to walk this planet…on the face of it, Lebanon is a gay man’s wet dream right?
In some ways, it sure is! By Middle Eastern Arab standards, Lebanon is often regarded as a very liberal and progressive place. There’s even a vibrant gay scene in Beirut. We certainly rate Lebanon as one of the most gay friendly countries in the Arab world.

BUT: this is by Middle Eastern standards!

The Middle East is one part of the world where being openly gay can get you into a great deal of trouble (Israel, a gay paradise, being the sole exception). For example, in say, Saudi Arabia, Egypt or Iran it’s a straight-up capital punishment. In places like Lebanon, Dubai or Abu Dhabi, being gay is very much an arrestable offence that can get you a prison sentence, a fine and deportation.

The purpose of this article is to describe our experience of travelling in Lebanon as a gay couple, present a balanced perspective and give advice for LGBTQ travellers who want to explore it. It is a stunning country, one that you won’t regret visiting…but this is still very much an Arab country where being gay is against the law. You will need to go back into the closet, avoid all PDAs, set all your social media to private and never post anything gay related online before or during your trip.

By Stefan Arestis – Full Story at the Nomadic Boys

Lesbian Ljubljana – Our Taste for Life

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Lesbian Ljubljana - Our Taste for Life

1 Day in lesbian Ljubljana might not seem like much time when, in fact, it’s quite enough to get acquainted with the city. And to help you make the very most of your time, I’ve put together the best 1 Day Ljubljana Itinerary. We recently spent just over 24 hours in Ljubljana, so we can share what we got up to, and what we consider to be the best places to visit in Ljubljana in a day. We cover all of the Ljubljana hotspots, where to eat, sleep, and party, as well as all of our top tips, to ensure you have the best possible time exploring the city.

It’s impossible to skip past Ljubljana when planning a trip to Slovenia. The capital serves as a gateway to Lake Bled, Triglav National Park, and other areas of the country. We knew very little about the city before our recent visit, but were thankful we took some time to look around. What we discovered didn’t feel like a city at all. Instead, Ljubljana (pronounced loob-yah-nah) appears like a whimsical little town. Legends of heroes and dragons add to its charm, and you can’t help but feel you’ve stepped into a make-believe children’s book.

Ljubljana is a small and compact city, but it has a lot to offer. On the one hand, you have beautiful architecture and charming cobbled streets. On the other, a more alternative side with its street art, cool restaurants, and quirky cafes. You can easily cover the main attractions in one day; however, if you find yourself with more time to spare, it won’t be wasted. We could never tire of relaxing days alongside the Ljubljanica River drinking coffee and immersing in the laidback vibe of the city.

Full Story at Our Taste for Life

Slovenia Gay Travel Resources