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Ba Vi National Park – Keep Calm and Wander

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Ba Vi National Park - Keep Calm and Wander

Ba Vi National Park is a protected park just outside Hanoi. In what supposed to be an hour drive, it took us almost two and a half hours because of the unpredictable weather. It was a fight between the sun, clouds, and fog.

On our way up to the mountain, we would see the sun for a while, then the clouds covered it up – and suddenly a fog would envelop us. We didn’t really plan on what to do there. And worse, we even had no idea what to do and see up there. We just followed our GPS and stopped at a few places that caught our attention.

The road to the mountaintop was not an easy one. You’ve got to drive carefully because of its narrow zigzag-y road where one side is a dangerous cliff. Adding to that is a foggy road that we had to turn on the headlights a few times. As we got closer to the main attraction of Ba Vi National Park, the temperature also changed.

Vacationing In Cabo for Gay Families – 2TravelDads

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Cabo for Gay Families -2TravelDads

We’ve been to Cabo San Lucas with our kids load of times, like, we’ve spent the equivalent of three months there as a family. You could say it’s our favorite family destination in Mexico. Since we’ve done it so much, we’ve decided it’s time we share our best tips for visiting this beachside resort town with kids.

I’ll say this right away, Cabo with kids is mostly about relaxation and swimming vs digging into Mexican culture and nature. There are lots of opportunities for that, but Cabo for gay families is more about a luxury destination than adventure.

How to Get to Cabo San Lucas

For those traveling from the west coast, getting there is pretty easy. There are direct flights from Seattle, San Francisco, Sacramento, Phoenix, Los Angeles and San Diego. Denver and Dallas also offer direct flights, so know that even east coasters should be able to find a good flight. When flying in, the airport is SJD (San Jose del Cabo), Los Cabos International Airport.

The airport is actually quite nice now (thanks Hurricane O’dele) and as long as you arrive early in the day or in the early evening, customs is pretty fast and smooth.

Full Story at 2TravelDads

Baja Sur Gay Travel Resources

Miami Gay Bars – The Nomadic Boys

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Miami Gay Bars - The Nomadic Boys

Most people call Miami the Magic City on account of its rapid growth and expansion throughout the mid-’90s. Me? I call it the Magic City because it’s the place where all the Miami gay bars make my gay party dreams come true!

The city has been home to queer nightlife as early as the 1930s. Cut to present day and the city now prides itself on having one of the largest LGBTQ communities in the world as well as being a major tourist location for over one million gay visitors every year. To prove their commitment to serving the community, they have gone as far as founding an LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce to help the locals safely and comfortably navigate life in their city.

Whether you call Miami your home or your favorite vacation spot in the US, you likely understand the extent to which diversity is an essential pillar that upholds the success of Miami gay bars and nightlife. The bars and clubs throughout the entire city echo their patrons, each one more wild and eclectic than the last!

With so many unique Miami gay bars scattered across the map, we want to walk you through the scene and show you exactly which businesses deserve your attention, which is why we have compiled our list of the best queer bars and clubs in the city.

By Stefan Arestis – Full Story at the Nomadic Boys

Miami Gay Travel Resources

Snorkeling in Iceland – Once Upon a Journey

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Snorkeling in Iceland - Once Upon a Journey

One of the coolest (literally and figuratively) things to do in the land of fire and ice is snorkeling in Iceland – in Silfra, a fissure located in the Thingvellir National Park (Þingvellir in Icelandic)! At first, it might not sound appealing to go snorkeling in Iceland, but it’s a unique experience you don’t want to miss during your trip to Iceland. Silfra snorkeling is cold but so worth it. And luckily you get to wear a dry suit and other gear to keep you warm.

Iceland is the only place on earth where you can swim in between tectonic plates. Silfra is a rift between the tectonic plates of North America and Eurasia. The Silfra fissure Iceland arose after an earthquake in the 18th century and it keeps moving apart for 2 centimeters (0.79 inches) every year. At the Silfra fissure, you swim in between continental plates!

And what makes snorkeling in Silfra extra special is the incredibly clear water. The water comes from the second largest glacier in Iceland, called Langjökull. It takes years for the water to reach the Silfra fissure (about 30!). On the way the water gets filtered through underground lava rocks. This makes it the clearest and purest water in the world. The visibility underwater is unbelievable and the colors are stunning. You really need to see it yourself!

Putrajaya Walking Tour – Keep Calm and Wander

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Putrajaya Walking Tour - Keep Calm and Wander

This short Putrajaya walking tour is not really the kind of tour you’d like to join. I did it without a tour guide nor a map on hand. I did it because I like walking and I want to see what’s beyond the Putra Masjid, a landmark you shouldn’t miss. When I got out of the Pink Mosque, I walked across the street and onto the huge square.

From the square, I walked closer to the country’s impressive Legislative Building. There must be no session that day because the surrounding areas were so quiet. Aside from its well-manicured gardens, you’ll also see a huge sculpture of a hand. I tried to get closer to find its description but didn’t find one.

Near the Legislative Building is a long bridge. I walked across it, enjoying the lake views.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Gay Slovenia – The Globetrotter Guys

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Gay Slovenia - The Globetrotter Guys

We spent two weeks in Slovenia during ‘’Pink Week’’ (focused on gay travel in Slovenia) and were simply amazed by its natural beauty – it was like being in a fairy-tale.

It’s is the third most forested country in Europe and one of the most water rich with numerous thermal springs, mineral springs and subterranean waters.

We loved the diversity and beauty of all the landscapes across the country, from rolling green hills to bright blue lakes and crystal-clear water along the coast – this country easily surpassed our expectations.

Slovenia borders Italy to the west, Austria to the north, Hungary to the east and Croatia in the south – all of which can easily be reached

In our guide to gay Slovenia we will cover how we found the country as a couple, if a queer scene exists, share the best activities to do, where to stay, suggestions of where to go and practical tips – we highly recommend that you visit!

Gay Slovenia Travel Guide

Is Slovenia Gay Friendly?

From our experience as a gay couple, we felt very welcome and safe. We barely gave being gay in Slovenia a second thought; and that is a good thing!

In fact, it is stated on the tourism boards website:

‘’Slovenia, especially Ljubljana, is friendly and open to all visitors. As guests who are members of the gay and lesbian community, you are welcome here. All the services provided by our country to its guests are also available to you.’’

By Sion & Ben – Full Story at the Globetrotter Guys

Gay Osaka – The Nomadic Boys

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Gay Osaka - The Nomadic Boys

Do you want to know why they really call Osaka the Kitchen of Japan? It’s because once you see all of those scrumptious boys wandering about the city, you will be left hungry for more!

Of course… We’re sure the delicious cuisine helps to bring the point home! As the foodie capital of the entire country, you will find the best of the best in terms of classic Japanese dishes such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki. But, among the bustling food stalls and restaurants, you will also be introduced to stunning, modern architecture and a gay nightlife culture supported by kindhearted, welcoming locals.

Since it is located alongside the ports of Honshu, Osaka essentially functions as the primary commercial center for Japan. However, the city is still a close neighbor of Kyoto and Tokyo, which means that it tends to fly under the radar of travelers seeking a grand Asian adventure. But today, we’re here to plead on behalf of Osaka. We want to highlight exactly why gay travelers should be calling this fantastic destination their next hot vacation spot.

With the second-largest LGBTQ+ scene in Japan and a friendly atmosphere that promotes total self-expression, gay Osaka will surely provide you with enough pleasant memories to last a lifetime. With the help of our comprehensive guide, we can ensure you an Osaka trip packed full of only the-can’t-miss stops for LGBTQ travelers. Prepare to be enveloped in a city that offers the comforts of both a metropolitan area and a natural, historical getaway!

Is Gay Osaka Safe for Travelers?

We found Japan to be very safe for gay travelers, including Osaka. Whilst LGBTQ rights still have far to go in Japan, by Asian standards the country easily ranks as one of the most gay friendly Asian countries.

The Japanese are very conservative people and even straight couples limit public displays of affection, so it would pay to respect this. Having said that, the Japanese are extremely respectful people, particularly to foreigners. As an openly gay couple, we found people in gay Osaka to be super sweet. At no stage did we ever have any problems checking into a hotel or requesting a double bed in any of the places we stayed at. Osaka is even home to the first government district in the country to officially support LGBT human rights.

By Stefan Arestis – Full Story at the Nomadic Boys

Gay Osaka Travel Resources

Thailand’s Cheow Lan Lake – Our Taste for Life

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Thailand's Cheow Lan Lake - Our Taste for Life

Cheow Lan Lake is one of Thailand’s most beautiful wonders and the highlight of Khao Sok National Park. We recently took a tour to the famous Khao Sok Floating Bungalows on Cheow Lan Lake, and this article aims to provide all the information you’ll need to plan your own Cheow Lan Lake tour. I include the prices of a floating bungalow in Khao Sok National Park, what you can expect from a Cheow Lan Lake Tour, as well as how to book and what you’ll need to prepare.

Khao Sok National Park is one of the most underrated destinations in all of Thailand. The relatively untouched region is a dream for nature lovers, where limestone karsts and dense jungle adorn the landscape – queue Jurassic Park theme tune. It’s also where an amalgamation of wildlife including Gibbons, Malaysian Sun Bears, Asian Elephants and 300 species of birds have found sanctuary in the arms of the ancient rainforest.

Cheow Lan Lake

Then, of course, there is Cheow Lan Lake – A magnificent man-made lake covering approximately 185 square km. This captivating area is a sight to behold, where limestone karsts immerge from the emerald-blue waters, and you sail along blissfully to your Khao Sok floating bungalow. That said, you don’t need to stay overnight on a Cheow Lan Lake tour. You can opt for a day trip instead, which ensures you’ll be back to the comfort of your hotel by evening. Psst! If you would rather stay closer to Khao Sok town, we recommend Silver Cliff Resort, located in the heart of the jungle surrounded by elephants. It’s a gem!

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

Thailand Lesbian Travel Resources

GAYPV Mourns The Loss Of Jeffrey Sanker White Party Puerto Vallarta

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GAYPV Magazine Puerto Vallarta joins the many friends, family and supporters in grief and mourning the tragic loss of our friend, community leader and founder of White Party Palm Springs and White Party Puerto Vallarta. We had the pleasure of working with and knowing Jeffrey personally and hope to see his legacy continued and his memory honored with dignity and respect.  We were proud to feature him on the cover of issue 13 when announcing White Party would be coming to Puerto Vallarta.

See the exclusive photos and information about White Party Palm Springs and White Party Puerto Vallarta here.

The National Museum in Jakarta – Keep Calm and Wander

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National Museum in Jakarta - Keep Calm and Wander

The National Museum in Jakarta has more than a hundred thousand relics coming from different parts of the country.

This institution in Jakarta has more than a hundred thousand relics coming from different parts of the country.

It’s a must-visit if you want to know Indonesia’s cultural history. I have one word to say – impressive!

The National Museum is a Beautiful Building

The locals nicknamed it the Elephant Museum. There’s even a bronze Ellie on the top front of the building. So, there’s no surprise why and how this museum got its monicker after the gentle giant. The facade is, obviously, colonial. This impressive 1862 structure has its long history back when the city was occupied by the Dutch.

Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Indonesia Gay Travel Resources