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Visiting Florida’s Paradise Coast – 2TravelDads

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Visiting Florida's Paradise Coast - 2TravelDads

Visiting Florida’s Paradise Coast With the 2TravelDads

Having been all over Florida and spent a lot of time in the Everglades and South Florida, I can say that there are so many things to do in Naples / Marco Island that it’s one of the best areas to have a family vacation. We’ve done several Florida Gulf Coast road trips and the Paradise Coast (that’s what they call Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades) is consistently fun and gorgeous.

As we share our favorite activities in Naples and Marco Island, remember that we’re traveling with kids that have a variety of interests. They give us real-time feedback when we’re playing tourist and help us decide what to share and not. They’re just as much involved in having a fun trip as us parents are, so know that what we’ve picked for fun on the Paradise Coast has both kid and adult approval.

Note: Hurricane Ian was HARD on Naples and Marco Island. Both locations suffered a lot of damage and many businesses were either destroyed or hit hard. While recovery efforts for some have been swift, others didn’t fare as well and it will take time to get back to normal, or to their new normal.

By Chris and Rob – Full Story at the 2TravelDads

West-Central Florida Gay Travel Resources

Visiting Silver Springs State Park – 2TravelDads

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Silver Springs State Park - 2TravelDads

Silver Springs State Park is our favorite place to take visitors when they come to Florida. Between having the most gorgeously clear water and the most remarkable wildlife encounters, It will become your new favorite Florida State Park too. Even if you’re not normally into outdoorsy things, that atmosphere and all the things to do here will make it a place you want to return to every year.

We’ve picked our favorite things to do and have put together everything you need to know for visiting, from trails to kayaking, including how to paddle here from the Ocala National Forest.

History of Silver Springs State Park, Florida

Back in the golden age of Hollywood, Florida had a big role in shooting adventure films and underwater scenes. Silver Springs was at the heart of major motion picture production due to its extremely clear water and very deep head springs. The jungle setting also was the perfect backdrop for any number of exotic locations, but conveniently located in Florida.

By Chris and Rob – Full Story at the 2TravelDads

Florida Gay Travel Resources

Thailand’s Dongtan Beach in Jomtien – Gay Supertown Blog

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Dongtan Beach

The recently renovated Dongtan Beach, long considered Jomtien’s “gay beach” offers all of the amenities you’ll need for a full day of fun. You can swim, eat, drink, tan yourself, have a massage, play volleyball, shop or sleep under an umbrella to the sound of crashing waves!

Hanging Out at Dongtan Beach in Jomtien

You can rent a chair and umbrella for the day for 40 to100 baht (depending on chair type). While you are there, you will be offered food & drink menu’s and your order will be delivered directly to your chair. If you would like a manicure, a pedicure or a massage, it’s all available there for your pleasure.

For those who prefer a less crowded setting, there are areas of the waterfront without chair operators where you can stretch out on your towel. And it’s not uncommon to see an energetic volleyball game on the warm sands in the afternoon or evening. 

Full Story at the Gay Supertown Blog

Jomtien Gay Travel Resources

Visiting Hells Canyon National Recreation Area – 2TravelDads

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Hells Canyon - 2TravelDads

Visiting Hells Canyon National Recreation area is a remarkable experience. Being the deepest river gorge in the USA, Hells Canyon is jaw-dropping and such a unique place to explore. We’ve got all the info for planning a trip to this outdoor wonderland, including jet boats, rafting, hiking and more.

If you’re looking specifically for information about doing a jet boat here, we’ve got you covered, but don’t limit yourself to this one activity. From Lewiston or Clarkston there are plenty of ways to explore the Snake River and Idaho wine country. If you have more questions than what we cover, please leave a comment or send us a note!

Things to do at Hells Canyon

What I love about Hells Canyon National Recreation Area is how many things there are to do there AND the whole area around it. With Lewiston, ID and Clarkston, WA at the northern end of the canyon, and Oxbow, OR at the southern end, you’ll never be lacking activities. 

The most common way people visit the gorge is via jet boat, and it’s certainly one of the best things to do in the area. A jet boat is a metal boat that runs on water jet propulsion instead of propeller motors. This allows the jet boats to both go really fast and cover a ton of mileage, and to be able to navigate very shallow areas and through rapids. They’re an awesome fete of engineering.

By Chris and Rob – Full Story at the 2TravelDads

Lesbian Road Trip to the Best Finger Lakes Waterfalls – Our Taste for Life

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Lesbian Roat Trip to the Best Finger Lakes Waterfalls - Our Taste for Life

Finding the Best Finger Lakes Waterfalls

The Finger Lakes is one of my favourite places to visit on a New York to Florida road trip. In fact, this central New York region is one of the most amazing places I’ve ever been to.

Whenever I plan a New York itinerary, I always schedule extra time for the Finger Lakes. Filled with outdoor adventure, unforgettable hikes, and more waterfalls in one area than I’ve ever seen, it’s a true nature’s paradise.

From iconic state park falls to magical waterfalls off the beaten path, it’s easy to get lost chasing waterfalls in this beautiful region. But they’re not all worth visiting. That’s why I’ve compiled this list of those that shouldn’t be missed.

Keep reading for everything you need to know about Finger Lakes waterfalls, including when to go, entrance fees, and insider tips. I’ll also tell you the best way to take yourself on a tour of all the ocal falls.

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

Local Lesbian Travel Resources

Take a Utah National Parks Road Trip – 2TravelDads

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Take a Utah National Parks Road Trip - 2TravelDads

Taking a Utah National Parks Road Trip

We’ve been looking forward to this journey for a LONG TIME. Like, I can’t even tell you how long. We are finally exploring more of the Southwest with the kids: Las Vegas and the Utah National Parks. Being from the Pacific Northwest, we’re used to cold, wet climates with lush rainforests and snow capped mountains. And saltwater on all sides of us. Our road trip from Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon National Park is going to be such a contrast to our daily life.

We’ve partnered with Best Western Hotels & Resorts to come up with an awesome spring break travel plan that includes fun, nature and family-friendly hotels in the Southwest. Our Utah National Parks Road Trip is all about exploring the unique nature of Utah while getting plenty of time relaxing together and recharging, you know, like you’re supposed to do on vacation. Yes, our itinerary will keep us busy, but we know how to strike a good balance of fun and calm. A road trip from Vegas to Bryce Canyon National Park will be just that: balanced and beautiful.

I know, you think “road trip” and all that comes to mind for packing are car snacks and highways bingo. There’s more to it than that though! For us packing for a road trip, whether we’re flying to our destination and renting a car or if we’re starting from home, includes sun protection, our reusables, and more.

Full Story at 2TravelDads

Utah Gay Travel Resources

Florida’s Rainbow Springs – 2TravelDads

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Florida's Rainbow Springs - 2TravelDads

Rainbow Springs State Park is just like it sounds: rainbowy and beautiful. One of the lesser known state parks due to its off-the-beaten-path location, it’s worth planning an adventure to visit. We love hitting up our favorite Florida springs for manatees and swimming in the summer, and this beautiful place is at the top of that list.

Visiting Florida’s Rainbow Springs

So much of what we share is National Park-centric, but we’ve really come to love Florida’s state parks, and some, like this, contain some of the most beautiful sights we’ve ever seen. Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunnellon, Florida is the type of place you’ve seen in fantasy movies or whimsical paintings. Seriously pretty beyond pretty. And it’s so much fun for a visit too!

When you do a Florida Gulf Coast road trip you’ll see some pretty incredible sights, from manatees in Crystal River to fiddler crab colonies in Fort Myers Beach, but nothing is quite like this place. Being the headwaters of the Rainbow River, you know it’s bound to be beautiful and a bit magical.

By Chris and Rob – Full Story at the 2TravelDads

Florida Gay Travel Resources

California Coast Road Trip From Mexico to the Oregon Border – 2TravelDads

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California Coast road trip - 2TravelDads

There is nothing like a California Coast road trip. That California life is so awesome with all that nature and sunshine. What better way to experience it than by doing a road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway? This Golden State itinerary begins at the northern border, but reverse this travel plan and you’ll have just as amazing of a time by starting in San Diego.

Planning Your California Coast Road Trip

These are our best ideas for a CA coastal road trip. Lots of things to do along the coastal drive including California lighthouses, hikes in state parks, beach stops along Highway 1 and even awesome foodie finds along the coast.

So you’ve just crossed the border from OR into CA on the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), aka Highway 1 (and sometimes 101). Get ready because your coastal road trip is going to be totally different than what you experienced in Washington and Oregon. This itinerary visits Big Sur and Monterey as you drive from San Francisco to LA. You’ll visit the Redwoods, missions and more along the PCH.

Full Story at 2TravelDads

California Gay Travel Resources

Disney World Galactic Starcruiser: Is It a Hotel? 2TravelDads

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Disney World Galactic Starcruiser - 2TravelDads

I’m going to dispel all the confusion or misunderstanding about the Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser at Walt Disney World. Everyone asks “What’s the Star Wars hotel like?!” and I will absolutely tell you, but I won’t give any big spoilers.

If you read no further, let me just say this: the Disney World Galactic Starcruiser is NOT a hotel, but an actual immersive theater experience. If you go into thinking that it’s a hotel for visiting DIsney World, you’ll be so confused and potentially upset. If you know you’re signing on for a legit space cruise that’s basically an ongoing production all around you, you’ll absolutely love it.

The Disney World Galactic Starcruiser Story

I think it’s important to understand that the Galactic Starcruiser is a Star Wars story, and not just a hotel you check into. Having the mindset that you’ll be participating in a story is key to both enjoying and getting the most out of the Galactic Starcruiser experience. From arrival to departure, every element of your stay is a part of the story.

By Chris and Rob – Full Story at the 2TravelDads

Orlando Gay Travel Resources

The Crack Trail in Killarney – Keep Calm and Wander

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The Crack Trail in Killarney - Keep Calm and Wander

Hiking The Crack trail in Killarney was a different experience I had to endure. And I mean it in a good, satisfying way. It is the best hiking I’ve ever had in Ontario. Reaching the top was insane, but the views were worth the trouble. Every step you make will be worth it, I promise!

Hiking the Crack Trail

The sign at the entrance shows that it’s a difficult-level hiking trail. Like any trail, we started slow and easy. We passed through a forested area as we started our ascent. Then came the blistering rocks and onto the Crack.

Personally, the hike was primarily easy-intermediate, with steep terrains. The only tricky part was the last 10-15 minutes before reaching the apex of The Crack, and we had to scramble on all fours. There was no proper trail, but hikers had to climb huge boulders to pass through the crack. And after this challenge, magnificent views await those who made it to the top!

Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Ontario Gay Travel Resources