Destinations - Page 49 of 68

Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park – 2TravelDads

May 15, 2020 by J. Scott Coatsworth

When we’re not lounging on a Florida beach in the hot sun or gallivanting the globe, we love to hike locally. Local, to us, is anything within a few hours’ drive of Seattle. One of our favorite local activities is hiking in Olympic National Park. It’s such an interesting place, with beaches, lowland rainforests, snow-capped peaks, and sweeping views from terrifying ridges. If you’re visiting Seattle hiking Hurricane Ridge is a great idea as it’s one of the closest access points to the Park.

I think most people in the Pacific Northwest will tell you that no visit to the Seattle area is complete without going hiking. There are tons and tons of options, but we truly prefer and will direct visitors to either Mt Rainier National Park or Olympic National Park. Both can be done as day trips or long weekends. Since we live closer, we more often go hiking in Olympic National Park and hiking at Hurricane Ridge is unforgettable every time.

Locale of Hurricane Ridge

As you’re driving on Highway 101 looping around the Olympic Peninsula, you must go through Sequim and Port Angeles. Although the towns themselves might not grab your eye immediately, they’re worth investing a day in…but we’re talking about hiking, not playing tourist.

So, you’re driving through downtown PA and you see a sign for Hurricane Ridge and you turn. You instantly start heading up hill. You’ll wind past the Port Angeles Olympic National Park Visitor Center, up through a few tunnels and keep going up out of the forest. All of the sudden you’re driving on the side of a mountain with little to no shelter and you keep going up. Eventually the road flattens out and you’re in a parking lot on the top of the mountain. Weird and beautiful..

By Chris and Rob – Full Story at the 2TravelDads

Olympic Peninsula Gay Travel Resources

Gay Phuket – The Nomadic Boys

May 15, 2020 by J. Scott Coatsworth

Grab a water gun, head here in mid-April and you have a legit free pass to spray water at any cutie you see walking down the street!

Songkran is the Buddhist New Year festival, which takes place every year from the 13th to 15th April. Around this time, Phuket and Bangkok host some of the biggest gay parties across all of Asia. But the thing to do in Songkran is chuck water at everyone. Seriously – in Buddhism, this symbolises the washing away of bad luck from the previous year. It cleanses you! And oh boy do we gays love a bit of cleansing? Trust us to take this to a whole different level, using it as an excuse to sashay the streets topless (it is, after all, super hot here in April!), chuck water at each other and make it into a massive party!

Phuket continues the festivities right after Songkran when Phuket Pride kicks off. Though to be frank, we found Phuket to be one big gay partyville throughout the entire year. There’s an entire area of gayness here in Patong affectionately nicknamed “Paradise Complex”, where all the gay bars and clubs of the island are. Head a few blocks from here and you reach Patong gay beach, full of hot speedo-clad guys posing, tanning, cruising, Instagramming, TikToking…suffice to say, if you’re looking for a gay beach holiday in Asia, Phuket’s got you covered!

This is our detailed gay guide to Phuket based on our trip here including the best gay hangouts, where to stay covering all budgets, gay spas, things to do and more. Note for LGBTQ travellers heading beyond Phuket, be sure to also check out our bumper gay guide to Thailand.

Gay Phuket

We loved gay Phuket. It was almost as fun as the gay scene of Bangkok, but right next to the beach!

The main gay strip of Phuket is based in and around the “Paradise Complex” of Patong. This is literally the Phuket gay area, all nicely concentrated within a few pedestrianised streets. More specifically, opposite the Royal Paradise Hotel, just off Thanon Ratuthit Songroipi Road.

By Stefan Arestis – Full Story at the Nomadic Boys

Gay Thailand Travel Resources

Lesbian Prague in Two Days – Our Taste for Life

May 11, 2020 by J. Scott Coatsworth

2 Days in Prague is the perfect amount of time to appreciate what this charming city has to offer. And if you’re here looking for the best 2 Day Prague Itinerary, you’ll be pleased to know you’ve come to the right place. We recently spent a long weekend in Prague, so we can share what we got up to, and what we consider to be the best places to visit in Prague in 2 Days. We cover all of the Prague hotspots, including some cool hidden gems. We include where to eat, sleep, and party. And finally, we share all of our top tips to ensure you have the best possible time exploring the city.

When it comes to our favourite European city breaks, Prague tends to top the list every time. We’ve visited the city a total of 3 times already, and we like to think we know it pretty well. But it’s one of those places you could return to time and time again without ever getting bored. You see, Prague is full of hidden mysteries and secrets, so you always end up discovering something new.

One of the things we love most about Prague is its diversity. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway with your other half, a boozy weekend with your friends, or a sightseeing break on your own, you won’t be disappointed. From the baroque style architecture and quaint cobbled streets, to the cheap local beer and endearing bohemian culture, there is truly something for everybody.

If you’re wondering what your 2 Day Prague Itinerary might look like, think exploring medieval castles, hunting for ghosts, basking in scenic views, and taking leisurely boat rides on the Vltava River. Not to mention eating at fabulous restaurants and drinking plenty of Czech beer along the way.

Sound good? Well, let’s get to it then! Here’s the best Prague Itinerary for 2 days in the city.

Is 2 Days in Lesbian Prague Enough?

Let’s face it, 2 days isn’t a lot of time. But if you plan your 48 hours in Prague wisely, you should find it enough to get acquainted with the city. Thankfully, Prague is compact and straightforward to navigate. You can easily get around on foot, which means that ultimately, you end up seeing a lot more than if you were taking public transport.

If it’s your first time visiting Prague, naturally you will want to see the major tourist spots. These spots are landmarks of the city and popular for a good reason. However, what makes Prague so unique, in my opinion, is the various hidden gems around the city. You know, the spots that you don’t find on your average travel guide.

If you’ve visited the city before, or perhaps fancy mixing up the suggested itinerary with some of Prague’s hidden gems, I’ve included a section at the end with some alternatives. But regardless of what your Prague Itinerary looks like, you cannot fail to fall for its charms.

By Charlotte & Natalie – Full Story at Our Taste for Life

Gay Spain – The Best Gay Cities – The Nomadic Boys

May 11, 2020 by J. Scott Coatsworth

Madrid Pride…Barcelona Circuit…Sitges gay nude beaches…Gran Canaria Yumbo Centre…a mere humble sprinkling of gay highlights happening across Spain each year!

We’ve been coming to Spain religiously every year since we came out as baby gays. We love it here. Not only is it one of the most gay friendly countries in the world, but there is always a fantastic party taking place across all the major cities and islands. Spain also has some of the world’s most famous gay parties like Madrid Pride (one of the largest Pride events in the world) and Barcelona’s Circuit Party (the biggest international gay festival in the world).

Whilst Spain hosts some of the best mega parties on our planet, what we also love about the country is the variety of different events on offer. So whilst the muscle boys will thrive at the Circuit parties, bear gays and their fans are also spoilt for choice in Spain. The country has some of the biggest and best bear events, in particular, the Bear Carnival in Gran Canaria every March, and the Sitges Bear Week every September.

In short, the Spanish know how to throw a decent party…especially a gay party! These are some of the best places in Spain to check out for gay events and parties:

Madrid

The Spanish capital is famous for being the best gay city for partying in Spain. We love visiting Madrid, whether it’s for Pride, or just an ad hoc weekend of partying. Either way, we know that a visit here is always going to be a lot of fun.

The Madrid Pride (“Orgullo Gay de Madrid”) takes place every year in June/July, and it is huge. It is not only one of the best Pride events in the world but also one of the largest. Every year, around 3-4 million people descent on the Spanish capital from all around the world. We absolutely love it because as well as guaranteed beautiful weather (remember to pack plenty of sunblock cream!), the entire city gets involved and it becomes one giant rainbow street party. The focal point is around the gay neighbourhood in Chueca, where the bars spill out into the streets, and free outdoor concerts take place.

By Stefan Arestis – Full Story at the Nomadic Boys

Spain Gay Travel Resources

Lesbian India – Once Upon a Journey

May 8, 2020 by J. Scott Coatsworth

The most common question we get asked as a travel couple is ‘what’s your favorite place you’ve traveled to’? Many are surprised when they learn that it’s India. They automatically assume it would be tough to travel as a lesbian couple in India, and they wouldn’t be far wrong. But honestly, it’s no more challenging than being a solo female traveler or two female friends. You see, to be a lesbian in India is still very much a taboo. Probably even more so than being a gay male. The issue with female travel in India isn’t our sexuality; it’s our gender.

Nevertheless, we still regard India as one of the most exciting countries we’ve ever visited. Everything from the food and the people, to the culture and the sights, create one of the most unique travel experiences one can ever encounter. At the same time, it’s worth pointing out that it’s probably not a trip for everybody. Female and lesbian travel in India requires patience, tolerance, and one hell of an open mind.

Taking all this into consideration, this blog aims to provide all the information you need to prepare for an unforgettable, but most importantly, a safe, trip in India. We touch on LGBT rights in India, the best lesbian-friendly places to visit, as well as all of our travel tips and advice for female travelers. Continue ready for the ultimate travel guide to lesbian India.

LGBT Rights in India

Unsurprisingly, the situation surrounding gay rights in India has always been a controversial subject. The past 20 years, in particular, have been a volatile road in the battle for equal rights and decriminalization. Various notable wins followed by frustrating setbacks saw LGBT activists taking one step forward and another back again.

Remarkably, 2018 saw a ruling made by the supreme court to decriminalize homosexuality. And with it, came an extension to anti-discrimination laws to include the LGBT community. In a socially conservative country such as India, this was not only a landmark decision. But an indication of hope for LGBT+ people all over the world.

By Maartje and Roxanne – Full Story at Once Upon a Journey

India Lesbian Travel Resources

Gay Boracay – The Nomadic Boys

May 8, 2020 by J. Scott Coatsworth

“Stefan, let’s go to Boracay and become beautiful mermaids!”

The thing is, Seby wasn’t joking when he said this to me as we were planning our Philippines trip. He showed me the Boracay Mermaids Instagram profile and exclaimed proudly – “this is going to be us!”

And sure enough it was!

Along with our mermaid adventures along Boracay’s gorgeous White Beach (more about this below!), this tropical Filipino island offers so much for LGBTQ travellers. It has an exciting (albeit small) gay scene to check out with many excellent gay friendly hotels, secluded beaches and highly rated restaurants.

Boracay used to be infamous for being a crazy party island where anything goes! However, things got so raucous and out-of-hand that the government decided to close it for a big 6 month clean up in 2018. Post-clean up, Boracay is as buzzing as it was before, but a lot cleaner, with stricter rules in place to adhere to in order to keep it clean.

Following our visit to Boracay, we’ve put together this detailed gay guide summarising the best gay hotels to stay, places to go out, things to do and other practical tips for LGBTQ travellers. We’ve also included a section about the rules in place in Boracay after the big 2018 cleanup.

Is Gay Boracay safe for travellers?

Absolutely!

The Philippines is generally a gay friendly country, particularly by Asian standards: we’d certainly rank it as one of the most gay friendly countries in Asia. This is largely down to the fact that despite being a very Catholic country, the Filipinos are extremely hospitable and welcoming. They are eager to please and show off their country, especially to foreigners.

By Stefan Arestis – Full Story at the Nomadic Boys

Philippines Gay Travel Resources

Olympic National Park’s Ruby Beach – 2TravelDads

May 6, 2020 by J. Scott Coatsworth

Does anybody think of Washington State as a beach destination? Not hardly, but that doesn’t mean that we don’t have the most beautiful beaches around. True, totally missing the palm trees, but we make up for it in other ways. Of all we’ve been to, the most beautiful beach in Washington is for sure Ruby Beach in Olympic National Park.

What makes Ruby Beach so awesome and dramatic? It’s the stacks, the weathered wood, the wildlife, the perfection of it all. We’ve got the scoop for how to visit and have an unforgettable time at the most beautiful beach in Washington. And if you’re lucky, maybe you’ll find some of the red rocks and garnets that give Ruby Beach its name.

HOW TO GET TO RUBY BEACH

One of the things that makes Ruby Beach the most beautiful beach in Washington is its remote location. Located just over three hours from Seattle and a little more than 2 hours from Olympia, it’s not exactly an impromptu day trip. If you’re making the trek that far you should plan on spending a few days both at the beach and in the rainforest.

Yes, Ruby Beach is very near both the Quinault and Hoh Rainforest areas of Olympic National Park, either of which is easy to add to your trip to Ruby Beach. See, already you’ve started forming an awesome travel plan encompassing beaches, forests and more. Check out our Olympic Peninsula road trip itinerary to get some more ideas!

Tip: a weekend trip is plenty of time to do Ruby Beach, as well as the beaches of Kalaloch and La Push. If you can do three nights, that’s really best because then you can add in the rainforests to your plans and maybe even some hiking at Hurricane Ridge.

By Chris and Rob – Full Story at the 2TravelDads

Olympic Peninsula Gay Travel Resources

Gay Mykonos – The Nomadic Boys

May 6, 2020 by J. Scott Coatsworth

“Seby, it’s 1am – time to go to the church!”

My Frenchman looked at me funny wondering if my drink had been spiked…

I was serious! In Mykonos, the church is where all the gay boys head to in the evening. Specifically, to the rocks surrounding the Church of Panagia Paraportiani in “Chora” (the main town of Mykonos). ‘Cause right here, on those sacred rocks, you’ll find plenty of gay lads, on their knees, deep in worship…!

Mykonos has long been not only one of the top gay destinations in Europe, but in the world! This is especially true in August during the XLSIOR Festival when around 30,000 hot gay guys from all over descend on this Greek island to party. XLSIOR is considered by many as a staple in the gay European calendar together with Madrid Pride, Circuit Barcelona and Tel Aviv Pride.

XLSIOR is, of course, just one small side to gay Mykonos. Whilst it has a worldwide reputation for being a gay party island, we also found a tranquil and really pretty side to it, which is what makes it so appealing to all gay men regardless of interest, budget or age. The beaches here are stunning, with a mix of busy party beaches, nudie beaches and remote, laid-back beaches. In terms of accommodation, there is something for all budgets, from the many lavish luxury hotels, to affordable local guesthouses. Finally, “Chora“, the main town, is where the bulk of the gay scene is, especially Jackie O’, Babylon, and the infamous cruising area around the Church of Panagia Paraportiani where I tried to get Seby to visit with me (strictly for research purposes of course!).

We’ve been to Mykonos for holiday several times, both for partying and for a relaxing beach getaway. We always have a blast every time we come! We’ve put together this detailed gay guide to Mykonos based on all our many trips here, featuring the best gay beaches, bars, clubs, events and more.

By Stefan Arestis – Full Story at the Nomadic Boys

Mykonos Gay Travel Resources

Inn by the Bandstand – Gay Owned Bed & Breakfast in Exeter, New Hampshire

April 30, 2020 by J. Scott Coatsworth

INN BY THE BANDSTAND – 200 YEARS OF MEMORIES, MAKE YOURS HERE

The award-winning Inn by the Bandstand is the premier lodging establishment in Exeter, New Hampshire.

This bed and breakfast inn is an 1809 historic home located in the heart of downtown Exeter.

Only two blocks from the prestigious Phillips Exeter Academy, eight miles to the seacoast and beaches, and 20 minutes from Portsmouth

See the Inn by the Bandstand Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

New Hampshire Gay Friendly Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels, and Vacation Rentals

Lesbian Bars in New York City – Once Upon a Journey

April 30, 2020 by J. Scott Coatsworth

Did you know New York City is the largest city in the United States? It consists of 5 very distinct boroughs each with its own community exhibiting its own lifestyle: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. It’s the most populous city in the United States which in turn makes it full of culture and diversity. It really is such a special city if you ever have the opportunity to live here and be a New Yorker, go for it! Though a visit is fantastic too, especially if you know which LGBT spots to visit and where to find the best lesbian bars NYC.

We often take a lot of pride saying we live in NYC because of the diversity and being able to handle all these different cultures that are thrown at you, but I think the best part of it is being in a city that is recognized for its LGBT pride and community.

Being lesbians in New York is such a freeing place to be because there is such a huge variation of people, you don’t feel outcasted and a lot of times you will run into other lesbians like you. We feel super comfortable being ourselves and really affectionate with one another. There is also just a feeling of rebellion that comes with being in New York. You want to go out and meet people and do the risque things and have the IDC attitude. Generally, most places if not all, are super accepting of LGBT but there are definitely neighborhoods that are queer- er than others.

Lesbian Bars in New York City

New York City is often referred to as the genesis of the LGBT civil rights movement. In June 1969, a police riot erupted at a bar that was known to have the most marginalized people in the gay community: Stonewall Inn. The patrons resisted a police raid that then led to activist groups protesting for more establishments for people to be open about their sexual orientation without being arrested.

The Stonewall Riots influenced so many other areas thereafter to create their own identities and escalated organizations to come up with Gay Pride. The first Gay Pride in US history started on Christopher St. at the Stonewall Inn simultaneously with marches in Chicago and L.A. Stonewall Inn is now a historic landmark and is still one of the most popular LGBTQ+ bars in NYC.

By Maartje and Roxanne – Full Story at Once Upon a Journey

New York City Lesbian Travel Resources