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

Italy Gay Beaches – The Nomadic Boys

April 30, 2020 by J. Scott Coatsworth

Italy is one place that sure as hell confused the crap out of our gaydar! Almost every single guy here is well dressed with a charming smile and such perfectly chiselled speedo-ready-bodies…just head to any beach here and you’ll know exactly what we mean.

And they’re not shy: those sexy Italian studs love to show off (and do a pretty fine job of it in our humble opinion)!

We’ve travelled throughout Italy, from our romantic anniversary in Venice, the Amalfi Coast all the way to gorgeous Gallipoli in Puglia in the south. It’s such a rewarding destination for LGBTQ travellers, rich with culture, fine food, and, some of the hottest guys on the planet!

Along the way, we joined the throng of Italian-admirers and headed to the many Italy gay beaches and have summarised some of the best ones in this guide. One thing to note is that whilst public nudity in Italy is officially illegal, in 2006 nude tanning was legalised in designated areas, which has seen an increase in popularity in nudist-friendly beaches in Italy…remember that point we made above about how Italian men like showing off…

1. D’Ayala beach in Commenda near Taranto in Puglia

Spiaggia D’Ayala is the official name of this hidden gem. It’s the main gay beach in Puglia and also a nudie beach because it’s nicely cut off from the main road by the large “Pineta d’Ayala” forest. The beach is in the small town of Commenda, which is a 40-minute drive from the nearest big city of Taranto.

To reach it, on Google Maps search for “Spiaggia d’Ayala” and you’ll see it surrounded by a large patch of green, which is the large forest. Leave your car parked at one end of it, then walk in via one of the main paths which will take you to this 1km stretch of beach. The gay part is right in the middle, near the Lune Saracene Gay B&B.

At each end of this beach, there are beach clubs like Lido Posto 9 where you can rent sunbeds/umbrellas. Also nearby across the main road is the Toro Loco Beer House, which does delicious pizzas. Otherwise, D’Ayala beach is super remote with few facilities. Just you and Mother Nature…and a bunch of gay boys letting it all hang out!

By Stefan Arestis – Full Story at the Nomadic Boys

Italy Gay Travel Resources

Lesbian Travel: Bali’s Black Sand Beaches – Our Taste for Life

April 22, 2020 by J. Scott Coatsworth

Bali’s black sand beaches are just one of the reasons why the island is so unique. You can hop from a white sand beach to a golden sand beach, then onto a black sand beach in the space of just one day. We fell in love with the black sand beaches in Bali and wrote this article to help you locate the best of them. We’ll also include an explanation as to why there are black sand beaches in Bali, and what you can expect from each one of them!

When you think of Bali’s beaches, it’s easy to imagine the pristine white sand and azure waters that adorn the pages of every Bali guidebook. Of course, these beaches are part and parcel of the Bali experience. But what makes Bali so extraordinary, are all the other quirks in between. Tremendous volcanoes, steaming jungles, lush rice terraces, majestic waterfalls, and of course, black sand beaches.

If you’ve never visited a black sand beach before, Bali is the place to do it. Easily accessible from the major tourist hubs, and generally far quieter than the white sand beaches, we consider them to be an essential addition to your Bali itinerary.

So let’s get to it, here is a list of the best black sand beaches in Bali.

1. Amed Beach

Amed Beach is the beach that runs adjacent to the main strip in town. Here you will find a selection of beach bars and restaurants, along with a great view of Agung; however, there aren’t any snorkelling opportunities. It’s also quite a polluted beach as it’s where the fishermen park their boats. Nevertheless, it’s a sweet spot for a sunset stroll.

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

Bali Lesbian Travel Resources

Lesbian Mykonos, A Love Affair – Go Girlfriend

April 13, 2020 by J. Scott Coatsworth

One of the more popular of the Greek islands, Mykonos – part of the Cyclades cluster of islands – has the reputation of a party island and a favorite stop for the jet set celebrities and yachts of the wealthy. A stop on many cruise itineraries, most tourist visits focus is on Mykonos Town (the largest town on the island), varied beach tours and tours to the historically significant local island of Delos. While rocky and scrubby in appearance, the flavour and mood of the island complements this stark mountainous beauty. This happening island has a vibe likened to Ibiza meets St. Tropez – serious fun!

It seems all roads lead to the center of the island and flare out from there in all directions. North is the windy side and famous for windsurfing opportunities unparalleled in the Mediterranean. South hosts the beautiful leeward beaches and home to the great resorts and party zones. West hosts the capital Mykonos Town, Agios Ioannis (of Shirley Valentine fame) and the UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Island of Delos. The Eastern portion of the island is, as yet, an untapped beauty.

Celebrate the Flavor of Mykonos

Mykonos Town – White-washed buildings and shops frame the shoreline, making this a picturesque maze of delightfully refreshing shops, diverse and sumptuous restaurants, vibrant sunsets and historic 16th century windmills. Built in a maze-like mash-up it’s said the intent was to confound looting and thieving pirates, confusing them and discouraging attacks – this is not your designer shopping district like major cities. Mykonos Town is very busy on cruise days, it’s restaurants most busy along the waterside towards sunset. After dark, the bars and clubs crank up their thumping party vibes, keeping this town hopping from early til late. A definite highlight to your Mykonos visit that will not disappoint.

Full Story at Go Girlfriend

Greece Gay Travel Resources

Lesbian Travel: The ABC Islands – Go Girlfriend

March 27, 2020 by J. Scott Coatsworth

Three popular “A, B, C islands” make up the southern string of islands just off the north coast of Venezuela. As part of the Dutch Antilles, these Caribbean island gems are extensions of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Drier than it’s northern Antilles rain-forested cousins, the A, B, C islands beauty is in it’s beaches, it’s mangroves and it’s consistent warm dry conditions. Being only about 12’ north of the equator, the sun can be very intense – but the offsetting trade winds keep a consistent breeze blowing to have movement of air (sometimes quite gusty in May and June) that helps the scorching heat. A secondary side benefit of the east-west trade winds is that it is kept out of the hurricane pathway that most often veers northward once it reaches the Gulf of Mexico – thus keeping the islands out of harms way.

As equal opportunity lovers of the humid rain forested Caribbean islands, GoGirlfriend also has a love on for the drier, warmer, windy A, B, C islands. There’s lots to do with rich snorkeling, diving, land-sailing and beachy adventures just not found in the other Caribbean islands.

Aruba “One Happy Island”

With more sunny days than any other island, and beaches fronting all sides, Aruba is big enough to offer some diverse activities, yet small enough to rent a scooter and explore it all. Most activities are centered on the leeward west coast with resorts and hotels abundant north and west of the capital Oranjestad, and the natural beauty of the Natural Bridge and Arikok National Park face the eastern windward side.

Full Story at Go Girlfriend

Aruba Gay Travel Resources

Curacao Gay Travel Resources

Cabo San Lucas Snorkeling – 2TravelDads

March 18, 2020 by J. Scott Coatsworth

As heartbreaking as it is to realize that your kids are growing up it’s also amazing. We are able to do so many more fun things and share even more new experiences with them. One that is really exciting is snorkeling! Snorkeling in and around Cabo San Lucas is surprisingly great and if you’re in the right spot, it’s mellow enough for kids. Our Cabo snorkeling guide highlights just that: best Cabo snorkeling spots!

Have you been snorkeling in Cabo San Lucas? Have you been to Cabo when you WEREN’T on spring break as a college kid? Well, Cabo San Lucas is one of our favorite family travel destinations and now with growing kids we’re excited for our many future visits. When it comes to snorkeling, there are a variety of fish-type experiences we enjoy doing, both with and without the kids.

Cabo San Lucas Snorkeling: Boats vs. Beaches

We have done a wide variety of snorkeling in Cabo San Lucas over the years, and when we say “variety” we’re not just talking about the beaches we’re at, but the method of approach and overall wildlife. You know that we love to get out on the water, so that’s one approach we take, but then we also will venture out in a car or even on foot to find good snorkeling in Cabo San Lucas and all the way up to La Paz. The best Cabo snorkeling spots are in surprising places.

By Chris and Rob – Full Story at the 2TravelDads

Baja Sur Gay Travel Resources

Gay Koh Lip – The Nomadic Boys

March 14, 2020 by J. Scott Coatsworth

Koh Lipe is the best island in Thailand!

There, we officially declared it. The secret’s out…

We’ve been visiting Thailand for over a decade, trying out many islands along the way, but each time we keep circling back to Koh Lipe.

Why?

Koh Lipe still has those crystal clear tropical waters you associate with Thailand – surrounded by healthy coral. So you can literally wake up, go to the beach, put your head in the water and see Nemo swimming about around you! It was like this when we first visited many years ago and has remained this way on our recent visit.

We used to think the same about Phuket, Koh Tao and Koh Phi Phi, but over time they quickly became built up, super touristy and overcrowded. Not gay Koh Lipe! We put this down to the fact that it’s quite remote and rather complicated to reach: first, you need to fly to Hat Yai airport in South Thailand, then drive over to Pak Bara port (around 2 hours) to then take a 2-hour speedboat to Koh Lipe…Let’s just say this is enough to put off the large crowds of packaged tourists.

Don’t get us wrong. Koh Lipe is developed enough to have plenty of restaurants, hotels, bars and shops, but it’s a controlled growth, helped by the fact that it is part of the group of Tarutao National Marine Park islands. We’ve put together our love for Lipe in this detailed gay guide to include the best gay friendly resorts, bars, practical tips and more.

How Friendly is Gay Koh Lipe?

Koh Lipe is very gay friendly! We met many more other gay travellers here than we did on most of the other Thai islands, plus the Thai locals are super friendly and accepting. Even if they don’t approve, unlike other places in the world, they would never outwardly express this in front of you.

By Stefan Arestis – Full Story at the Nomadic Boys

Thailand Gay Travel Resources

Kauai Off the Beaten Path – 2TravelDads

March 6, 2020 by J. Scott Coatsworth

Being less common to visit on a trip to Hawaii than Oahu or Maui, off the beaten path Kauai is still quiet and beautiful; nearly untouched. These secret(ish) activities will ensure a wonderful trip to Kauai with kids or without. It’s the perfect island for a relaxing Hawaiian vacation.

Nicknamed the “Garden Island” because of its lush landscape, plentiful waterfalls, and beautiful mountainous terrain, from the moment we landed, Kauai did not disappoint. While not on the beach, our hotel was very close to the water and had great views at sunset from the wall of the cliffs across the street.

Off the Beaten Path Kauai

If you’ve done all the usual attractions on Kauai, there is still much more to discover, and all parts of the island are definitely worth visiting. There are many more gorgeous places will provide endless family fun and zillions of postcard-perfect photo layouts on the Garden Island. These are some other parts of off the beaten path Kauai to explore that offer the more relaxed beauty that a local might experience.

By Chris and Rob – Full Story at the 2TravelDads

Kauai Gay Travel Resources

The Santa Monica Pier on a Perfect Afternoon – 2TravelDads

February 14, 2020 by J. Scott Coatsworth

Can you think of anything that is more Southern California than visiting the Santa Monica Pier? I don’t think we could name a single thing. Well, maybe a day in San Diego on the Beach surfing… But no, the Pier. Even though a day at the Santa Monica Pier seems like the most touristy and convoluted Los Angeles travel plan you can ever think of it’s actually well worth your time and a visit to LA isn’t complete without some beach time.

Yes, there are so many wonderful free things to do in the Los Angeles area and if you’re going to venture to the beach for the purpose of swimming and pretending to be from SoCal you might pick a different beach, like Manhattan Beach, but the Santa Monica Pier end beach are an ideal, easy to access destination and are just downright iconic.

Finding the Santa Monica Pier

When you ponder life in the West and the history of North America there are few things that pop out: the California Gold Rush, old west towns and cowboys, and then Route 66 and all of the struggles and stories in vintage history that are a part of it. The Santa Monica Pier is the very end of Route 66 (check out the Planet D for their Route 66 trip). As you walk out onto the pier you see the sign that calls it out.

The Santa Monica Pier is also directly next to the Pacific Coast Highway, also known as the PCH. The Pacific Coast Highway is a fantastic California road trip route.

By Chris and Rob – Full Story at the 2TravelDads

Greater L.A. Gay Travel Resources