Destinations

Hiking Palm Springs, California – 2TravelDads

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Hiking Palm Springs - 2TravelDads

We love to find places that everybody talks about but nobody knows the cool stuff you can do there.  One such place is Palm Springs, California.  I mean, everybody goes there for a nice weekend or a relaxing vacation, but besides golf, gay bars and swimming pools, what is there?  The ACTUAL Palm Springs!! Agua Caliente Indian Canyons is the reason for the name, and hiking here is awesome!

Have you been to Palm Springs and done the oasis hikes at Indian Canyons or out at the Coachella Preserve and know what we’re talking about?  Been thinking about a visit maybe but didn’t know what to do beyond golf and shopping?  Well, let us give you some motivation to make a weekend trip out of it or at least get you away from the pool for a few hours – try hiking Palm Springs!

Visiting Palm Springs and the Indian Canyons

A two hour drive from Los Angeles, Orange County or San Diego, PS lies to the east of the coastal cities.  You’ll have to pass through Riverside or Ontario, so plan for city traffic on your drive… or you can just take a short flight from any of the Southern California airports.  Actually, most West Coast airports have direct flights into town.

Once you’re in town, drive right through to the end and follow the signs for Agua Caliente Indian Canyons. After about ten minutes you’ll be at the park entrance. Pay your fee and pick where you’d like to begin, then enjoy hiking Palm Springs and all its glory.

Full Story at 2TravelDads

Palm Springs Gay Travel Resources

Traditional Thai Foods – The Nomadic Boys

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Traditional Thai Foods - The Nomadic Boys

Our Thailand culinary fairytale began at our local Ting Tong Thai in Acton, West London. As soon as we tasted our first Pad Thai, we were hooked! But the thing with Thai food, it didn’t stop there – from the Som Tam, to the many different curries – yellow, red, green, Massaman, it just kept getting better and better…

Touchdown a few years later in the gay streets of Bangkok and our traditional Thai food culinary journey experienced one massive glo-up we’ve not yet recovered from! From the wide range of street food to the many different flavors and spices unique to Southeast Asia, we fell in love. Each region of the country has its distinct offerings.

It’s no reason why Thailand’s cuisine is known the world over. It’s easily one of our favorites. In this article, we summarise our foodie journey through the Land of Smiles, which we hope inspires yours. This is the ultimate Foodie Bucket List of the best traditional Thai foods that you need to try…tick them off as you taste each one.

How Did Traditional Thai Food Originate?

Thailand’s food is so diverse with a rich labyrinth of culinary wonders to discover! We found that eating out in Thailand is especially rewarding, particularly at one of the many street food local markets where you can sample lots of different dishes. Today Thai food is one of the most popular cuisines in the world and we can totally understand why!

By Stefan Arestis – Full Story at the Nomadic Boys

Thailand Gay Travel Resources

Kayaking Arizona Rivers – 2TravelDads

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Kayaking Arizona - 2TravelDads

Arizona offers rivers and lakes in the low deserts, as well as the high deserts and the mountains, for a variety of kayaking and paddling experiences year-round. These are some of the best places for kayaking Arizona, no matter your skill level, from kayaking spots near Sedona to rafting adventures just outside of Phoenix.

Whether you’re venturing far into the wilderness or staying close to your kayak launch site, always be prepared. Riding the rivers is amazing, but it can also be fierce with hot sun and strong winds. Pay attention to conditions and remember, safety first. As you plan out your paddling places in AZ, feel confident booking guided tours where available, as professional, local knowledge can really make for a great experience.

Also, these boat trips often can lead you to wonderful trail heads for hikes. Some of the best places to go hiking in the state are very nearby our suggestions, so enjoy the full AZ outdoors experience!

Kayaking Arizona (Northern)

Northern Arizona is famous for its otherworldly canyons and red sandstone formations. This is where Arizona meets Utah, so think Grand Canyon meets Zion National Park. Here you’ll find the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Monument Valley and Antelope Canyon. This is also the gateway to the Grand Canyon. There are several amazing National Parks and BLM sites to explore in this part of the state, and some of the best places to kayak in the state! If you’re doing a road trip to the Grand Canyon and beyond, add this kayaking Arizona spot to your travel plan!

Full Story at 2TravelDads

Arizona Gay Travel Resources

Mexico City’s Palacio de Bella Artes – Keep Calm and Wander

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Mexico City's Palacio de Bella Artes - Keep Calm and Wander

Inside Palacio de Bella Artes, you will find the grandest arts in Mexico City, or perhaps, the whole country. Its lavishly-ornamented facade combines Neo-classical and Art Noveau. 

Murals and paintings that were created by Mexico’s finest artists like Jose Clemente Orozco, Diego Rivera, and more are the most visible here.

From the outside, you’ll never find a building as beautiful as this all over Mexico. Its iconic colored dome has graced thousands of tourism promotion brochures, books, and travel blogs.

You can’t just look at it from outside and admire its marbled facade. You’ve got to go inside and discover the beauty that’s hiding there!

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Mexico City Gay Travel Resources

Lesbian Chiang Mai, Thailand – Our Taste for Life

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Lesbian Chiang Mai, Thailand - Our Taste for Life

Chiang Mai is one of the most liveable cities in Asia, but what is it like for us in lesbian Chiang Mai? We travelled to Chiang Mai to find out and found it to be one of the most gay-friendly cities in Thailand. With an abundant selection of gay and gay-friendly bars, nightclubs, hotels, cafes, and activities, gay Chiang Mai has a lot to offer LGBTQ+ travellers.

Don’t get me wrong, when you compare to gay Bangkok or Phuket, Chiang Mai’s gay scene is relatively tame. However, there is still plenty of fun to be had both during the day and at night. The gay scene aside, Chiang Mai is a cultural city, popular amongst backpackers, digital nomads and LGBTQ+ travellers alike.

What we love most about Chiang Mai is that it has all the perks of being in a city, such as great food, temples, nightlife, markets, cafes, and shops. But in as little as an hour, you can immerse yourself in nature. Escape into the jungle for hiking adventures and elephant sanctuaries, or go ziplining or cliff jumping at a nearby canyon.

It’s impossible not to fall in love with Chiang Mai. And this guide aims to provide you with all the information you need to have an unforgettable time. I’ve listed all of the hottest gay bars and nightclubs; gay-friendly hotels and hostels; the best LGBT+ centred events; as well as all the top things to see and do.

Is Lesbian Chiang Mai Safe for LGBT+ Travellers?

In short, absolutely yes! Thailand, in general, is one of the most gay-friendly countries we’ve ever visited. Here’s a statement from the Go Thai Be Free website:

“In Thailand, we believe that diversity is amazing. As the most LGBTQ+ welcoming country in Asia, we’re proud that the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans community – and all people – no matter how they identify; and whom they love; feel free when travelling in Thailand on vacation or holiday.”

Full Story at Our Taste for Life

Chiang Mai Gay Travel Resources

Gay Taiwan – The Nomadic Boys

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Gay Taiwan - The Nomadic Boys

When it comes to welcoming queer travelers, gay Taiwan is the only place in Asia that we think tops Thailand. They even have a temple dedicated to a gay god!

Taiwan is super gay – it has the largest gay Pride in Asia, it was the first place in Asia to legalize marriage equality and has a massive LGBTQ+ scene in Taipei. That’s before we’ve even mentioned the delicious food, breathtaking scenery and really friendly charming Taiwanese people – who will make you smile every time you speak to them!

In short, Taiwan gave us everything we wanted from our Asian gaycation. We’d go back in a heartbeat and know you will want to as well. Regardless of whether or not you’re a seasoned traveler or maybe thinking about your first adventure, Taiwan is a place to consider. In this queer country guide to Taiwan, we’ve put together our fabulous discoveries from our adventures together with safety advice, culinary inspiration and the best gay events to seek out.

Rights in Gay Taiwan

The first thing to note is that LGBTQ+ rights there are very progressive. More progressive than some Western countries so we even rate it as one of the most gay friendly places in the world. It’s no wonder that Taiwan is so welcoming to LGBTQ travelers. This was immediately apparent to us from the moment we touched down at Taipei’s airport. We never had any issues whatsoever and we felt so comfortable while we were travelling around.

By Stefan Arestis – Full Story at the Nomadic Boys

Gay Germany – The Globetrotter Guys

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Gay Germany - The Globetrotter Guys

Gay Germany is notorious for being one of the most open and friendly countries in Europe. Like many countries in Europe, Germany has a troubled past when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights but now easily can class itself as one of the most gay friendly destinations worldwide.

Same sex marriage has been legal since 2017, same-sex couples have full adoption rights, there are strong discrimination protections and transgender people can legally change their gender without surgery. From the vibrant and diverse scenes that you will find in its main cities, to the welcoming attitude of the people, you can feel at home here.

We have been lucky enough to spend time in some of Germanys biggest and gayest cities, including celebrating pride (aka Christopher Street Day) in two of the 3 gay Germany cities in this list.

Berlin – The Hedonistic Capital

Three words to describe our visit to Berlin – liberating, insane and gay! Berlin probably eats other gay cities for breakfast! There is an attitude of open mindedness across Berlin that seems to be embedded into its culture. People don’t seem to care if you are different and we really felt a sense of ‘anything goes’ and ‘you do you’.

Not only that, but it is a beautiful city, steeped in history and activities to keep you entertained all weekend unless the nightlife takes you first. Berlin has a wealth of gay nightlife, from casual bars to huge clubs and more cruising clubs that you could shake a stick at.

By Sion & Ben – Full Story at the Globetrotter Guys

Gay Germany Travel Resources

Mexico City’s Metropolitan Cathedral – Keep Calm and Wander

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Mexico City's Metropolitan Cathedral - Keep Calm and Wander

Mexico City’s Metropolitan Cathedral is the oldest and largest cathedral in Latin America. Located right at the heart of the city, the church is an imposing structure that demands your attention.

For visitors, it’s just another tourist attraction, but for the locals, it is a symbol and soul of their faith. It’s also the seat of the Archdiocese of Mexico. Its complete name is Catedral Metropolitana de la Asuncion de la Santisima Virgen Maria a los cielos. That’s a mouthful, right?

In English, it is translated as Metropolitan Cathedral of the Assumption of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven. Even in English, that is still a mouthful to say.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Mexico City Gay Travel Resources

Traditional Vietnamese Cuisine – The Nomadic Boys

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Traditional Vietnamese Cuisine - The Nomadic Boys

Oh, Vietnam you really blew our minds with all those tasty dishes! Pho, Cao Lau, Mi Quang, Bun Cha – just to name a few… Fellow foodies will be in total paradise in Vietnam. It felt like one big gourmet exploration, discovering a different dish every day, with so many unique flavors and specialties.

We knew quite a bit about Vietnamese cuisine before visiting thanks in part to the large number of Vietnamese restaurants back home in Europe. Most people will no doubt have heard of the ubiquitous Pho, but throw into the mix influences from French colonization and even a few surprises like egg coffee and you’ll really start to appreciate our excitement for this destination!

This is our detailed summary of all our favorites and the tastiest traditional foods of Vietnam that we loved and think you need to discover during your visit.

How did traditional Vietnamese cuisine originate?

Like many Asian countries, Vietnam’s food has been influenced by what naturally grows in the region as well as the history of other cultures coming to a place and then leaving their mark.

Since Vietnam has been invaded/colonized by multiple countries (like China, Japan, France, and America) each one has also influenced the Vietnamese cuisine. With noodles from China and baguettes from France becoming an integral part of Vietnamese cuisine, the Vietnamese have taken these and created their own unique (and super tasty!) dishes.

By Stefan Arestis – Full Story at the Nomadic Boys

Vietnam Gay Travel Resources

Visiting Carson City for Gay Families – 2TravelDads

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Carson City for Gay Families - 2TravelDads

By now you know that visiting Carson City, Nevada is a must-do and it is a pretty cool town. After three visits I can say that it’s one of my favorite places in the Southwestern USA. This is the complete scoop from a local, Lydia Bruegge from the tourism board, on what she loves about living in Carson City and what to expect throughout the seasons in the Reno-Tahoe area. Lydia shared with us where to play and what to expect for weather year-round (it’s not a desert!). And why to visit Carson City for Gay families.

Located in western Nevada, very close to the California border, Carson City is the state capital. It’s a small city / big town with about 55,000 residents.

Even though its elevation isn’t as high as Denver, if you live at sea level, you’ll feel the higher altitude when you set out on a hike. It’s wonderful and you can smell the freshness of the air being so high, but it’ll surprise you if you’re not expecting to be able to feel 4800′ of elevation.

Carson City is laid out in a very easy-to-get-around way, with the downtown being on a grid and the surrounding areas easily accessible via boulevard or freeway. At about 157 square miles, it’s a good sized place. Highways 395 and 50 make it easy to get to the more rural or mountainous areas, such as the shores of Lake Tahoe, while I-580 connects Carson City to Reno.

Full Story at 2TravelDads

Nevada Gay Travel Resources