Destinations

Zhuge Bagua Village in Zhejiang, China – Keep Calm and Wander

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Zhuge Bagua Village

Morning at Zhuge Bagua Village in Zhejiang

Zhuge Bagua Village is an ancient town in Zhejiang Province in the eastern part of China. It has a history that dates back to the Qing and Ming Dynasties. The locals call it “Zhugecun.” History has it that the village’s name comes from the last name Zhuge which was widespread in two dynasties. Most of the residents here claim to be descendants of Zhuge Liang, a 3rd-century Chinese military strategist, and noble statesman.

I arrived at Zhuge early evening and I didn’t want to explore it right away because, you know, I might get lost in the dark alleys. I stayed in a hotel that was along the main road in the newer part of the town. However, the receptionist assured me that the ancient village was just behind the hotel and it can be seen from my bedroom windows.

Well, it was not 100% true. Yes, the village was just behind (according to the map) me but I didn’t see it from my window. There was no shortcut trail from the back of the hotel to the old village. Fortunately, it was just a 10-15 minutes walk from where I was.

Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

China Gay Travel Resources

Northern Florida for Gay Families – 2TravelDads

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Northern Florida for Gay Families - 2TravelDads

There are so many great things to do on a Northern Florida vacation, from Jacksonville to Daytona Beach and inland! We love to explore this state, not just because of its sunshine, but because of its beautiful nature, fascinating history, and cool cultural finds. Living here means that we get lots of visitors, so this is the road trip plan we give them when they visit us and want to have fun in North Florida.

From tip to tip, the state has some wonderful places for family travel just perfect for exploring seeing a different side of the state, but the coast is really a gem. This vacation plan is ideal for a balance of seeing the sights and getting plenty of time to relax on the beach.

How to Get to Northern Florida

To begin this awesome vacation, fly into Daytona Beach or Jacksonville airports, pick up your rental car and use either of these cities as a starting point for your North Florida trip. When you book your rental car remember that you can always return it to a different location, but you’ll usually save money by returned your rental vehicle to the original location.

By Chris and Rob – Full Story at the 2TravelDads

Florida Gay Travel Resources

Bird Rock Hotel – Friday Harbor Gay Friendly Hotel

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Bird Rock Hotel - Friday Harbor Gay Friendly Hotel

Friday Harbor Gay Friendly Hotel Close to Everything

Located just three blocks from the Washington State Ferry terminal, our Friday Harbor gay friendly hotel, is the ideal San Juan Island base for the active adventurers, the bicyclists, the birders, the kayakers and travelers, who leave their horseless carriage on the mainland.

The Bird Rock Hotel lays in the heart of cute, bustling Friday Harbor, across the street from the acclaimed Friday Harbor Whale Museum, within easy walking distance of over 30 eateries, bistros, cafes and bars. Explore the shops and galleries, the Saturday Farmer’s Market, arts and music festivals and take our complimentary beach cruiser bikes for a spin to the nearest beach.

Our boutique hotel is an oasis of comfort and charm. Bird Rock Hotel is an invigorating combination of historic hotel exterior and stylishly modern interiors ranging from deluxe, harbor-view, king-jacuzzi suites to simple, European-style sleeping rooms. Our guest rooms feature comfy custom beds, locally sourced, luxurious body care products, free high-speed Wi-Fi, satellite HDTV, complimentary beach cruiser bikes and more. Each of the15 rooms is unique, making it a fun experience to come and stay again and again.

See the Bird Rock Inn Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

Friday Harbor Gay Friendly Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels, and Vacation Rentals

Mandalay Pagodas – Keep Calm and Wander

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Mandalay Pagodas - Keep Calm and Wander

These 6 Mandalay pagodas are must-see tourist attractions when you are in this ancient capital of Myanmar. They are all Buddhist temples/pagodas but each one is distinct from the other. You will be surprised how the locals devote their time when they are in the temple. Myanmar, I think, has the most number of Buddhist temples/pagodas in the world. Not sure about that but many of their tourists attractions are temples – and Mandalay is no exemption.

Let me introduce first these three Buddhist pagodas within the city of Mandalay.

Remember to take your shoes off when entering temples. Dress appropriately or cover you exposed skin with a sarong that you can borrow/rent at the entrance of some temples. You can also bring your own sarong if you’ve got one. Don’t worry about losing your shoes. No one will snatch them away. Be respectful when taking pictures inside the temple. There are places where “No Photography” sign is displayed. Don’t be THAT tourist! Always bring wet tissues to clean your feet after visiting.

Myanmar Pagodas – Kyauk Taw Gyi

The most prized possession here is the presence of the largest marble Buddha in Myanmar. As soon as you enter, you’ll see its imposing size and brilliant whiteness surrounded by a not-so-well-lit temple. Remember to check out the backyard where some interesting things to do and see await you.

Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Earthbox Inn & Spa – Friday Harbor Gay Friendly Motel

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Earthbox Inn & Spa - Friday Harbor Gay Friendly Motel

Friday Harbor Gay Friendly Motel & Retro Motor Inn

Explore San Juan Island from this relaxed, retro motor inn!

Just four blocks away from the Friday Harbor ferry landing and in the heart of downtown, you’re not far away from anything.

Earthbox Inn & Spa is a Friday Harbor gay friendly motel, the only hotel on San Juan Island with an indoor pool and a classic retro chic. And it’s where you’ll find answers to all of your questions about the island. Ask us anything! We’re happy to connect you with the best San Juan Island has to offer—from dinner to kayak tours, spa dates to best hikes! Plus, we are right in completely walkable Friday Harbor so getting around is easy and fun!

A stay with us is super comfortable, too. All our rooms have simple designs and calming colors, inspired by the earth, sea, sun and sky so you can kick back and remember you’re on vacation.

See the Earthbox Inn & Spa Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

Friday Harbor Gay Friendly Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels, and Vacation Rentals

Best Things to Do in Lake Chelan – 2TravelDads

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Best Things to Do in Lake Chelan - 2TravelDads

Lake Chelan is decidedly the most family friendly wine destination in Washington. I’ve decided this after visiting Woodinville, Yakima, the Olympic Peninsula and the Tri-Cities. There are lots of things to do here that aren’t wine related, and plenty to keep you having fun or relaxing in any season.

Very near Leavenworth, Washington, this recreation area is a great weekend trip or you can spend a whole week exploring the lake, hills and canyons around the area. It’s also great for hiking and seeing a completely different side of Washington State. This is the place where playing in the outdoors meets enjoying agritourism in the sunshine.

Best Things To Do at Lake Chelan

Okay, you ready for a great collection of things to do in any season? Having visited in summer, fall, and winter, I’m confident you’ll be able to create a really fun, interesting trip the whole family can enjoy. We’re breaking this down by activity type, whether it be out in nature, family friendly wine tasting or getting onto the water, you’ll be able to pick and choose great activities all around the Lake Chelan area.

Full Story at 2TravelDads

Northwest Washington Gay Travel Resources

Homestead B&B at Rehoboth – Gay Rehoboth Beach B&B

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Homestead B&B at Rehoboth - Gay Rehoboth Beach B&B

The Homestead Bed & Breakfast is a gay Rehoboth Beach B&B just three miles from town on two beautifully landscaped acres.

We’re pet friendly and adults-only.

You can choose from four nicely decorated rooms in the main house, each with a private bathroom, or our large 800 square foot private cottage with a big fenced-in backyard.

The Homestead Bed & Breakfast started out as a small farmhouse in 1899 – part of a two-hundred acre working farm. Today, our Rehoboth inn is decorated with relaxing beach themes and reminders of its previous role – beautiful hardwood floors, cozy fireplaces and the charm of yesteryear.

See the Homestead Bed & Breakfast Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

Rehoboth Beach Gay Friendly Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels, and Vacation Rentals

Victoria’s Butchart Gardens – Keep Calm and Wander

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Butchart Gardens - Keep Calm and Wander

At Butchart Gardens in Victoria (British Columbia), the flowers will happily welcome you. This is one of Canada’s largest gardens with a designation as a National Historic Site. As you can guess from its name, there are gardens within this huge garden that was made possible by Jennie Butchart, wife of a Canadian businessman who manufactured Portland Cement. Today, the garden receives one million visitors every year and these pictures below will tell you why.

Taking a bus to Butchart Gardens

On a beautiful Spring day, I spent my whole morning strolling from one garden to another. From downtown Victoria, I took a bus early to avoid the heat that was predicted that day. It took me around 45 minutes to arrive there. Though the bus won’t stop at the gate of Butchart Gardens, the bus driver was kind to drop me off at the exact stop/location and walked from there.

Before coming here, it is better to check out the gardens’ virtual tour on their website. If you want to be surprised, then avoid doing it. However, once you arrive and pay your entrance fee, remember to get a map so you will be guided on where to start and go. The dominant flowers here were tulips of different colours.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Southern Vancouver Island Gay Travel Resources

Pikes Peak Paradise Bed & Breakfast – Gay Friendly Woodland Park B&B

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Pikes Peak Paradise Bed & Breakfast - Gay Friendly Woodland Park B&B

Gay Friendly Woodland Park B&B – Pikes Peak Views

Welcome to Pikes Peak Paradise, a gay friendly Woodland Park B&B with fantastic panoramic views of Pikes Peak and a million acres of Pikes National Forest. We offer the best views in the Pikes Peak area, on over four wooded acres of our own.

Anne Marie and Dane are the brand new owners (Jan 2022) and plan to slowly renovate and upgrade the suites and main areas. The property currently offers five guest suites with in room hot tubs or jacuzzis, private balconies or patios, and private bathrooms. Some rooms include gas fireplace, kitchenettes, mini fridges and microwaves. 

Other luxury amenities at Pikes Peak Paradise include:

* Wifi internet access
* Flat Screen Televisions
* Code Free CD/DVD Players
* A guest library of more than 600 films on DVD

In addition to our great gourmet breakfasts, we also provide snacks and soft drinks all day long, dessert in the evening, and a four hour complimentary happy hour with beer and wine!

See the Pikes Peak Paradise Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

Woodland Park Gay Friendly Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels, and Vacation Rentals

The Nomadic Boys Do Maspalomas Pride

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Maspalomas Pride - Nomadic Boys

What’s big, wet, and sparkly? Nope, not us after a glitter fight. We’re talking about Maspalomas Pride in Gran Canaria. A cacophony of sound, color, lights, and queer joy! And perhaps an iconic LGBTQ celebrity or two… Conchita Wurst has been known to attend in the past.

Maspalomas Pride is one of the biggest and best gay events in Europe, with over 100,000 attendees flocking to the super gay bars of Gran Canaria each year.

Known as a gay hotspot, Gran Canaria is a Spanish island off the coast of West Africa, full of lavish hotels, epic beaches, dozens of gay clubs and bars, and year-round sunshine. Most of the gay events happen around the water, be it by the pool or on a boat, meaning Maspalomas Pride has more sea men than a bathhouse in gay Berlin!

Venues around the island host drag shows, run cheap drink deals, and themed nights, which only add to the fun. And who can forget the giant parade through the streets, which culminates at the lively Yumbo Centre, full of shops, boutiques, bars, and restaurants? Maspalomas Pride is one of our favorite gay Pride events. It’s always a lot of fun – plenty of sun…and, if you’re lucky, the vitamins mightn’t be the only D you’ll catch…!

By Stefan Arestis – Full Story at the Nomadic Boys

Canary Islands Gay Travel Resources