Lesbian Travel

Lesbian Goa – Our Taste for Life

by
Lesbian Goa - Our Taste for Life

If there’s anywhere in India where you can feel comfortable as an LGBT+ traveller, it’s in unconventional Goa. Being gay in Goa is as widely accepted as being a hippie or being a vegan or being a stoner. Because in Goa – well, pretty much anything goes!

You see, Goa is unlike anywhere else in the country, and truth be told it’s not the ‘real’ India. Goa is the haven to escape to when you need a break from the ‘real’ India. It’s a place to party, unwind, and enjoy the magnificent beaches that adorn the 100km coastline.

At the same time, Goa is a place where minorities can feel more relaxed. Having tattoos, piercings, blonde hair, white skin, dark skin or a same-sex partner isn’t going to attract much-unwanted attention here. Eccentric Hippies have been visiting Goa since the 1960s, and the tourism boom has resulted in a far more relaxed and accepting culture relative to other parts of India.

We recently spent a bit of time in Goa, and after backpacking through the likes of Jaipur, Mumbai, and Varanasi, we were grateful for the dose of freedom. While we never felt uncomfortable in any part of India purely because of our sexuality, there were indeed times where we felt out of our comfort zone. That’s just India. So it was nice to retreat to open-minded Goa and let our hair down.

In this travel guide, we outline all the best places to go in Goa as an LGBT+ traveller. You’ll find a list of gay-friendly hotels and bars and our top tips as an LGBT+ couple in Goa. We will also touch on LGBT+ rights and social opinions in India, to help you prepare for an incredible, and most importantly, a safe, trip of a lifetime.

LGBT+ Rights in India

OK, before we get stuck into our LGBT+ travel guide for Goa, let’s quickly talk about LGBT rights in India. As an LGBT+ traveller, it is vital to familiarise yourself with the current legal & social situations in any country you plan on visiting. By understanding the situation and acting in tune with your surroundings, you can avoid any unnecessary issues along your travels.

When it comes to LGBT+ rights in India, the past 20 years have been a long and volatile road. A series of significant wins and disappointing setbacks meant that LGBT+ activists, along with the LGBT+ community, took one step forward and two steps back again.

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

India Lesbian Travel Resources

Lesbian Brighton – Our Taste for Life

by
BLOG - Lesbian Brighton - Our Taste for Life

The quirky seaside town of Brighton is known as the unofficial ‘gay capital’ of the UK. Not only famed for beautiful beaches and sticks of rock but also a liberal and open-minded attitude when it comes to diversity. Brighton has been at the epi-centre of LGBT+ culture since the 1930s, and Gay & Lesbian Brighton continues to thrive. Boasting a wealth of gay bars and clubs, LGBT+ centred events, and gay-friendly hotels, Brighton makes for an ideal gay or lesbian holiday in Europe.

Having grown up in England, Brighton has been in my blood since I was a child. Being only a 1.5 hours drive from London, we would often visit during the Summertime. So visiting Brighton now, as a (young) adult, I can’t help but feel incredibly nostalgic. The great thing is, not much has changed from the Brighton I once knew. From the iconic pier and stripy deckchairs to the beautiful pebbled beach and scent of fish & chips, it’s all pretty much how I remember it. Only, it all seems a little more ‘gay’ now.

You see, Gay Brighton’s welcoming and unbiased attitude is evident throughout the beachside town. You only have to wander the colourful streets, to find there are rainbow murals and references everywhere. And by everywhere, I mean everywhere. By the end of our visit, I felt as if I had rainbows coming out of my a*se! Wait a minute, I probably do. Anyway, what I’m trying to say is, you needn’t worry about being accepted in Brighton. Show up as you are and you’ll seamlessly fit in.

So with all this in mind, we have put together this comprehensive travel guide for Gay & Lesbian Brighton. We’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 do around the city. We will also touch on LGBT+ rights and social opinions in the UK, so you come fully prepared.

LGBTQ+ Rights in Lesbian Brighton

Like most places around the world, the road to LGBT+ acceptance in the UK has been a volatile one. Historically, being gay clashed with the idea of being a ‘good’ Christian. Which meant acts of homosexuality between men were punishable by death. Women were never subject to the same legal restrictions; however, would often be punished by the law nonetheless. 

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

Lesbian Brighton Travel Resources

Lesbian Boston – Go Girlfriend

by
Lesbian Boston - Deposit Photos

Business travel often takes us to new cities and states outside our regular travel zone. Too often it’s a swoop in, attend the conference and hop back on that plane to wing your way back home. How sinful that we don’t take an extra day before or after to at least see the local sights and taste the local flavors – or make a long weekend of it. Clearly the host community is well set to share their local restaurants, craft brews, it’s harbor front or mountainscape – they want you to explore! stroll the Boston HarborWalk Trail. I know the local economies appreciate our dollars being spent there.

Recently, we had the great opportunity to add a few days to our conference travel and spend it exploring Boston and Salem, Massachusetts. This was a conference on a scale we’ve never attended before with 26,000+ attendees arriving in Boston for 3 days at the Inbound Marketing conference. Think on that – 26,000+ attendees from around North America and the world; a powerful community learning experience Boston is well suited to host.

Take Time Out to See Lesbian Boston

We arrived in Boston the day of the conference. Grabbing a cab from the airport to our hotel – The Boston Westin Waterfront – gave us a teasing glimpse of the waterfront area, it’s walking trails and vibrant city buzz. We were hooked and knew we wanted to get out and explore more.

Stay in a Scottish Castle – Go Girlfriend

by
Dalmunzie Castle

For me, the essence of Scotland is in it’s beautiful landscapes and it’s castle-icious history. From the Orkney Islands in the north through the Highlands to Hadrian’s wall in the south, historic castles sit lochside and hillside in some truly spectacular locations.

Historic clans like the MacDonalds, the Stewarts, the MacKenzie’s or the Robertson’s, just to name a few, cover the countryside with their clan lands. The clan chieftains castle is Clan Regions of Scotland (click any to enlarge)always the grandest estate on these family lands perched majestically on a beautiful loch or amongst amazing mountainous views. 

Most stone castles have their roots in the 1300-1600’s as fortified clan strongholds. As technologies and workmanship improve, renovations, refurbishments or expansions happening til the mid-1700’s. At this point in history clans and castles sympathetic to the Jacobites were seized and destroyed by the opposing British so it couldn’t be used as a stronghold against them into the future. Many still sit in ruins today – some have been purchased and painstakingly restored. Some have even been slept in by Bonnie Prince Charlie or Mary Queen of Scots!

For those that were not destroyed, the 1800’s brought a change in castle perspective and architecture. As the Industrial era was changing the global landscape, these centuries-old stone castles (draughty, small winding staircases, not warm and inviting – more strongholds) were now considered ‘brutish” and more elaborate Georgian, English-style “modern” castle homes were built.

Full Story at Go Girlfriend

Scotland Gay Travel Resources

Battlefield Bed & Breakfast – Lesbian Owned Bed & Breakfast in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

by
Battlefield Bed & Breakfast Farmhouse
Battlefield Bed & Breakfast Farmhouse and Solarium

BATTLEFIELD BED & BREAKFAST: LESBIAN-OWNED, DOG-FRIENDLY INN

Welcome to Gettysburg’s Battlefield Bed & Breakfast, where we are celebrating over twenty-five years as one of Gettysburg’s top B&Bs.

Battlefield Bed & Breakfast combines lovely, historic guest rooms with modern conveniences and luxurious amenities. We’re famous for our delicious breakfasts served daily. After breakfast, pass a little time with our morning Gettysburg historians, who can help bring Gettysburg history to life. 

Tired from a long day of exploration? Come relax with us at our evening social hour.

We have spacious common rooms where you can relax and mingle with our other guests. Our two bedroom suites have ensuite bathrooms.

See the Battlefield Bed and Breakfast Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

Gettysburg Gay Friendly Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels, and Vacation Rentals

Lesbian Ljubljana – Our Taste for Life

by
Lesbian Ljubljana - Our Taste for Life

Slovenia is a magical country in Eastern Europe. And while it may be smaller than most cities, it certainly doesn’t lack in adventure or beauty. We knew very little about the country before our recent visit. In particular, Gay Slovenia and what it would be like to travel there as a lesbian couple. We imagined this part of Europe to be quite conservative. But as it turns out, Slovenia has an accepting and progressive culture. Gay Ljubljana especially has an almost thriving LGBT+ scene, and the country as a whole has a lot to offer gay travellers.

We travelled via coach from Budapest to Ljubljana, so were fortunate enough to take the scenic route into the capital. Towering snow-capped mountains hugging rolling green hills dominated the landscapes. Only to be occasionally interrupted by quaint villages resembling something out of a fairy tale. Slovenia was flaunting herself at us, and it worked. We were head over heels in love before we’d even left the coach.

Lesbian Llubljana

Our love affair with Slovenia continued into Ljubljana and beyond. The capital is enchanting, bursting with beautiful architecture, art, culture, and charm. While the rest of the country boasts some of the most captivating nature we’ve ever laid our eyes on. When we also consider Slovenia’s gay-friendly attitude, it’s a place we will return to time and time again.

In this travel guide, we cover what Gay Slovenia and Gay Ljubljana have to offer LGBT+ travellers. We will list the best Ljubljana gay bars, cafes and nightclubs; gay-friendly hotels and hostels; LGBT+ events; as well as all the top things to do. We will also touch on LGBT+ rights in Slovenia, so you are fully prepared.

The road to equal LGBT+ rights in Slovenia has been, and still is to an extent, a turbulent one. While same-sex sexual activity has been legal since 1976, same-sex couples were neglected the same marital rights as straight couples until 2017. Before that, the government recognised ‘registered partnerships’; however, this included little inheritance, social security or next-of-kin rights.

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

Llubljana Lesbian Travel Resources

Inn on Mill Creek – Gay Friendly Bed & Breakfast in Old Fort, North Carolina

by
Inn on Mill Creek - Gay Friendly Bed & Breakfast in Old Fort, North Carolina

INN ON MILL CREEK: NATIONAL FOREST B&B NEAR BLACK MOUNTAIN

The Inn on Mill Creek, located on over seven private acres two miles within North Carolina’s Pisgah National Forest, offers the perfect balance of secluded privacy and close proximity to sightseeing, shops and dining in Black Mountain and Asheville.

Many of the Inn’s seven spacious rooms are popular with couples looking to get away for a few days. The 600-square-foot Lake View room in the Main House boasts a full wall of floor-to-ceiling windows for a spectacular view. The Lake View also features a private screened porch to take in the sights and sounds of the forest, a gas fireplace, king bed and a jetted tub with steam shower.

The North Terrace room in the Main House, with its private entrance through a set of French doors and private room with large jetted hot tub, is another popular choice for a couples’ getaway. A four poster queen bed, full bath, gas fireplace and views of the woods and orchard are just some of the features of this beautiful room located on the north side of the Inn.

Our three Lake House rooms have two-person Jacuzzi tubs and gas fireplaces, making them a frequent destination for romantic weekend trips. Additionally, the rooms in the Lake House have direct access to a full guest kitchen as well as sliding glass doors to a shared deck overlooking our little mountain lake.

See the Inn on Mill Creek Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

NC Eastern Mountains Gay Friendly Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels, and Vacation Rentals

Lesbian Berlin – Our Taste for Life

by

When it comes to gay-friendly cities in Europe, Berlin tends to top the list every time. Not only is Germany’s capital renowned for its vibrant and open-minded culture, but the gay (and lesbian) scene rivals most cities in Europe. From pulsating gay nightclubs to steamy gay saunas, and wild gay events to gay cruising areas, Berlin is often considered a gay mecca among LGBT+ travellers.  

We recently visited Berlin for the first time during our Winter tour of Europe, and immediately fell in love with the quirky nature of the city. Besides the thriving gay scene, Berlin is one of the most interesting cities we’ve ever encountered. A city oozing hipster culture and creative expression, with a fascinating history to boot, we, like many others, can see ourselves returning time and time again.  

What’s more, another thing that struck us about Berlin is just how damn cool everybody is! Not only measured by their unique, trendsetting style but in their incredibly relaxed attitude. You come as you are in Berlin and nobody blinks an eye. We loved that about the city. A place that welcomes diversity and allows us to be ourselves will always be a winner in our eyes.  

So with all this in mind, we have put together this Gay & Lesbian travel guide to Berlin. Here you’ll find a list of the hottest gay bars and nightclubs; gay-friendly hotels and hostels; infamous gay and lesbian Berlin events; as well as all the top things to do around the city. We will also touch on LGBT* rights and social opinions in Germany, so you are fully prepared.

A 2020 Guide to Gay & Lesbian Berlin

When you consider Berlin’s LGBT+ history, it is no surprise that Schöneberg remains the epicentre of gay culture. It is here, amidst a trendy and developed neighbourhood, that the wealth of gay bars, clubs and shops reside. Not to mention, where the major gay and lesbian events such as LGBT Park Festival and Berlin Gay Pride take place. Schöneberg even hosted Berlins first-ever LGBT+ Christmas market in 2019, which we were fortunate enough to attend!

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

Germany Lesbian Travel Resources

Sand Castle On The Beach – Gay Owned Resort in Frederiksted, US Virgin Islands

by
Sand Castle on the Beach

SAND CASTLE ON THE BEACH: GAY, CARIBBEAN HOTEL RESORT

Relax and unwind from your everyday pressures in the comfortable, laid-back surroundings at Sand Castle on the Beach Hotel in Frederiksted, on St. Croix in the United States Virgin Islands.

Sand Castle, an adult only hotel, welcomes you and your loved ones to vacation in a beautiful, inclusive, tropical environment. Beachfront on the Caribbean Sea, enjoy the many amenities of this special location, including two pools on site – one beach front, the other clothing optional.

Year-round you’ll find sunshine and trade winds to warm your heart and chase your worries away in the amazing environment of America’s Paradise. A magnificent white sand beach awaits you where you can choose from a variety of water sports including snorkeling, kayaking, swimming, scuba diving from the shore or by boat or simply float in the gorgeous turquoise waters. You can also visit Buck Island National Underwater Park for world-class snorkeling. For land-based adventures, there are many historic sites and eco-hiking tours to let you explore the natural beauty of the island with an experienced guide.

See the Sand Castle on the Beach Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

US Virgin Islands Gay Friendly Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels, and Vacation Rentals

Cliff Cottage Inn – Gay Friendly Lodging in Eureka Springs, Arkansas

by
Cliff Cottage Inn - Gay Friendly Lodging in Eureka Springs, Arkansas

CLIFF COTTAGE INN: ONLY B&B IN HEART OF HISTORIC EUREKA SPRINGS!

Location! Location! Location! Award-winning Cliff Cottage Inn is the only B&B right in the very heart of Eureka Springs’ Historic Downtown, just 17 steps to Main Street and all the best restaurants, clubs, galleries and shops.

Plus, you have your own pre-assigned reserved parking space at the inn – no need to walk a mile or more to get downtown or to drive around and around hunting for non-existing parking.

Most guests arrive at the inn, park and never have to drive again until ready to leave our magical village.A National Historic Registered and Arkansas Historic Preservation landmark, the luxury inn features three elegant beautifully restored historic homes all right next to each other with two suites per cottage.

Suites all have two-person Jacuzzis and showers, and their own living rooms or sitting areas – no dinky little bedrooms here! Lots of original art and antiques with a blend of the contemporary grace all the inn’s rooms… no tired frou-frou here!

You’ll enjoy lots of space and privacy for sharing some quality time together.

See the Cliff Cottage Inn Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

Cliff Cottage Gay Friendly Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels, and Vacation Rentals