Provincetown Celebrates Carnival

Carnival returns to Provincetown August 13 -19 with a ‘Back to the 80’s’ theme.  Carnival is one ofCarnival 2009i Massachusett’s largest outdoor festivals and is always a highlight of the Provincetown summer.  A Carnival highlight every year is the Carnival Parade, this year on Thursday, August 18th.  Other events include The Love Boat Cruise on Sunday, August 14th, The Pool Party on Monday, August 15th and numerous dance parties.  For a full listing of events check out the Provincetown Business Guild’s web site.

For last minute planners looking for Provincetown lodging  Somerset House Inn has a four night stay for Carnival checking in on Friday, August 13th and a three night stay checking in on Saturday, August 14th.  We would love to have you stay with us at Somerset House Inn, please give us a call (508-487-0383) or go on-line to make your reservations. 

Fall is also a great time to visit Provincetown, reservations for the Fall including The Tennessee Williams Festival, Mates Leather Weekend, Columbus Day Weekend, Women’s Week and Halloween weekend are now being accepted.

Click here to make your Provincetown reservations. 

Dan and his partner Bob own Somerset House Inn, a modern B&B in the perfect Provincetown location.  Located on Commercial Street it’s across the street from the Cape Cod Bay and you are steps away from dining, shopping and Provincetown’s nightlife.

He Opened Doors for Gay Travelers

Edward Sotomayor Jr. Here is one of the stories from the shooting at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando. It’s important, I think, that we tell the stories of those who lost their lives in this terrible event. Born in Sarasota, Fla., to a Puerto Rican father, Edward Sotomayor Jr., 34, made it his life’s mission to open doors for gay travelers, especially in Latin America. He was proud of his Puerto Rican heritage. And as the national brand manager for a travel agency that catered to gay people, he organized what the company’s owner, Al Ferguson, called the first ever gay cruise to Cuba. “There was so much fear in the American gay community to go to Cuba because of how they would be perceived and treated and potential security risks,” Mr. Ferguson, 54, said. “And Eddie was probably one of the leading voices to say Cuba was exceptionally safe for the gay community, and Cuba was really anxious to welcome the gay community. And it turned out to be true.” During the trip, in April, Mr. Sotomayor and Mr. Ferguson met with Mariela Castro, Raúl Castro’s daughter and a prominent gay rights advocate there. The two men also posed in front of a poster left over from President Obama’s trip. And instead of sleeping on the ship during their stay in Havana, Mr. Sotomayor found an Airbnb rental near the Malecon, an esplanade along the coast. The company later told him it was one of the first rentals in Cuba, and asked him to write a review.

By Benjamin Mueller – Full Story at The New York Times

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TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS GAY WORLD: Airline Traveling This Summer

airline tsa TSA airline linesOh, the horrors of airline traveling this summer. Since 9/11 it has gotten worse and worse and even worse if that is possible. Now it is even worse! Lines at the TSA are getting longer and longer and taking forever to go thru. People are missing their flights because of this and people are getting extremely fed up and frustrated. The Transportation Security Agency’s “Precheck program” is designed to fix that problem and move the lines much quicker however only about 2.75 million people have enrolled to date which is far below projections. The TSA wants to have at least 25 million people signed up by 2019 for federal ‘trusted traveler’ programs for domestic travel, and Global Entry which is the program for International travelers operated by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. And just what is this “Precheck program”? You can complete the online application or you can complete the entire process in person at an application center. Schedule an appointment by calling 855. 347.8371 weekdays, 8 A.M. to 10 P.M. Eastern Time. TSA airline dogWalk-ins are welcome but appointments take priority. Visit an applications center to provide required documentation and be fingerprinted. Be sure and bring your current U.S. passport or a driver’s license and birth certificate. Pay a non-refundable fee of $85.00 which will last for 5 years. Payment may be made with a credit card, money order,company check or a certified or cashier’s check. You can obtain a ‘precheck’ at most airports. It takes about 10 days to two weeks to get your ‘precheck” number in the mail. Then whenever you make an airline reservation, be sure and give them that number, otherwise you will need to stand in the regular lines. Those who have this ‘pass’ do not have to remove their shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts or light jackets. Since you are in a special line, naturally the wait time is much shorter or at least that is the way the system should work! For more information on the TSA’s Precheck program, check out: www.tsa.gov/tsa-precheck/apply and https://www.tsa.gov/tsa-precheck/airlines-airports airline virginSpeaking of airlines, the latest reports out on the good and the bad and the ugly for airline companies, the ratings for the best down to the worst according to CNN : Virgin America, JetBlue, Delta, Hawaiian, Alaska, Southwest, SkyWest, United, Express Jet, American, Frontier, Envoy Air and Spirit at the bottom. The major complaints are the rise of ticket changing prices, lack of improvement of airline amenities, and most of all NO SERVICE once you are in the air. A great website to visit about airline complaints can be found at www.airlinecomplaints.org/ Some things in life we can handle and other things we just have to simply grin and bear it. At this point in history and especially when flying we really have few choices. So it is best to always take a book or two or three with you and just relax and don’t sweat the small things in life that you have absolutely no control over. Getting all worked up and getting your blood pressure going sky high is not the answer. As for us, we have not flown in the past 15 years. Since we live in the middle of the country and have the time, we always drive from coast to coast. Sure, once in a while there is a traffic jam or something like that but it is never for a very long time. We can dine where we want to and enjoy the scenery along the way. However we fully understand that there are a lot of travelers out there that do not have the luxury of time that we do and have to fly. Good luck this summer in your traveling and hopefully all of your airline traveling will be safe and with no major time delays or anything like that. Just remember do not sweat the things that you cannot control and enjoy yourself with a good book. Don and RayAlways remember to have fun when traveling, meet new people and talk to everyone! TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS GAY WORLD is written by Donald Pile and Ray Williams, Award-winning, Celebrity travel columnists who write for gay publications from coast to coast (And now legally married). Proud members of the IGLTA. You can email them at gaytravelers@aol.com and visit their website at http://gaytravelersataol.blogspot.com/]]>

Transgender Travel: People are Mostly Okay

Airplane Airport people watching is one of my favorite activities. In general, airports make me anxious. The crowds; the frenetic sense of urgency as people rush around; the smell of other people’s (way too much) perfume or cologne; the bottled water that costs $800; business bros talking loudly into ear pieces so that we will know they are Very Important; constant reminders to guard your stuff, people, terrorists are everywhere!; the thousand ways my day and trip could be derailed by a sneeze or a thunderstorm; and did I mention the crowds? I have no fear of flying, but the hours-long labyrinth journey to the plane…I sometimes need to carry a little orange pill in my pocket for that. But barring the availability of narcotics, I endure through mindfulness. Deep breaths, and meditative people watching. Yesterday, I saw: a woman taking two small dogs to Phoenix for a month-long visit (“They will be so hot!” she said); a grandmother-type who brought a large bag of cookies to share with her fellow passengers; the aforementioned Business Bros (Lord, they are everywhere); tired parents and very excited children hauling adorable tiny suitcases; and a transgender college student, boarding the same flight as me.

By Erin Wathen – Full Story at Patheos

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Scams and Annoyances in Egypt

Camels-Pyramids-of-Giza-Egypt-Cairo Wherever I travel, scammers, touts and annoyances are unavoidable, especially in touristy areas. Or maybe, I’m a tout/scammer magnet. They are part of the challenges of travelling. And believe it or not, I’ve fallen victim to some of these people because I’m too trusty, always believing on the positive side of the experience. Call me a fool, if you want. 🙂 In Egypt, these annoyances are in a different level. I can understand the desperation of the people but being aggressive is a totally different story. There are times when my smile and polite “No, thanks” work but in many cases, they don’t. I had to say “No, thank you,” a gazillion times before the guy would leave me alone–and in most times, they’re cursing me (judging from their facial expressions). And oh boy, they’re good in guilt-tripping, too!

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Egypt Gay Travel Resources

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Woods Resort, Guerneville, California – Featured Gay Accommodations

Woods Resort Periodically we’ll feature one of our properties here to let our readers know about some great gay friendly places to stay: The Woods Cottages & Cabins at the Russian River is the perfect answer for a rejuvenating, relaxing and slightly “spirited” escape to the Sonoma Wine Country. The Woods, a Russian River Hotel that is centrally located in downtown Guerneville, is situated between the tall, swaying redwood trees and the hypnotic flow of the splendid Russian River for the ideal getaway! Watch our video! This Russian River Hotel is within walking distance to shops, restaurants, dancing and live entertainment. Enjoy wine tasting and tours along the Russian River Wine Road through the Russian River, Dry Creek and Alexander Valley appellations. Enjoy varietals including Sauvingnon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Barbera, Merlot, Syrah, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and a wide variety of dessert wines. The Woods Resort, Russian River Hotel, offers cottages, free-standing guest cabins and multi-room suites with full kitchens, gas fireplaces, private balconies and stunning views of lush redwood forests. The resort has one of the largest swimming pools in the area and has full sun all day long. With an outdoor fireplace, stone fountains and romantically lighted landscaping, your stay at The Woods is guaranteed to make you forget the chaos of the real world. The Woods Resort has a wireless Internet workstation available for guests in the lobby …and is an ideal venue for Russian River weddings, conferences and private parties. Your hosts at this Russian River Hotel, Michael and Verna, are veterans of the local customer service industry with a familiarity of all the area has to offer in the way of recreation, adventure, wine tasting, dining, spa treatments and entertainment. They are happy to help you plan an exciting, memorable stay at the Russian River.

See the Woods Resort Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

Gay Friendly Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels, and Vacation Rentals in Sonoma County

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Nassau, Bahamas – Free things to see and do just a short walk from the cruise port

Prince George Wharf by Thomas Routzong[/caption] Nassau, Bahamas Free things to see and do just a short walk from the cruise port By Steven Skelley and Thomas Routzong Nassau, Bahamas is a routine stop on many Caribbean cruises. If you’re not in the mood for another visit to the Atlantis complex, here are a few sights that you can walk to within minutes from the cruise ship pier. When you arrive at Prince George Wharf, go into the cruise terminal and grab one of the FREE tourist maps that are available to have a better idea of the local streets and any other sights you may want to add to your walk. [caption id="attachment_40353" align="alignright" width="101"]Sir Milo Butler Sir Milo Butler statue photo by Steven Skelley[/caption] Sir Milo Butler Statue Just minutes from the pier across Parliament Street, you will see Rawson Square with a statue of Sir Milo Butler, local hero who was the first Bahamian governor of the islands. [caption id="attachment_40354" align="alignleft" width="161"]Queen Victoria Statue photo by Thomas Routzong Queen Victoria Statue photo by Thomas Routzong[/caption] Queen Victoria Statue After viewing the statue, turn around and at the rear of Rawson Square you will see West Bay Street and Parliament Square with the Queen Victoria Statue. The pink government buildings surrounding the white statue make a picture perfect setting. The buildings reportedly date back to the 1700’s.   [caption id="attachment_40355" align="alignright" width="97"]Nassau policeman photo by Steven Skelley Nassau policeman photo by Steven Skelley[/caption] Policeman In Box At the Queen Victoria statue, look to your right to the intersection of Parliament Street and West Bay Street. You will find a policeman in British-styled uniform standing in the center of the intersection inside a wooden box on wheels. [caption id="attachment_40356" align="alignleft" width="100"]Garden Of Remembrance photo by Thomas Routzong Garden Of Remembrance photo by Thomas Routzong[/caption] Garden Of Remembrance Follow Parliament away from the waterfront to find the Garden Of Remembrance behind Queen Victoria’s statue and the Parliament buildings. The Garden Of Remembrance contains a monument to Bahamians who have served in various wars. Nassau Public Library and Museum Just behind the Garden Of Remembrance is the Nassau Public Library and Museum. The Nassau Public Library and Museum was once a jail but the cells have been [caption id="attachment_40357" align="alignright" width="112"]Nassau Public Library and Museum photo by Steven Skelley Nassau Public Library and Museum photo by Steven Skelley[/caption] converted into bookshelves. The library / museum contains artifacts from the Arawak indigenous people as well and colonial documents. There is a viewing station upstairs where you can get a look at the city below. [caption id="attachment_40358" align="alignleft" width="170"]Queen's Staircase Queen’s Staircase photo by Thomas Routzong[/caption] Queen’s Staircase Take Elizabeth Avenue to the Queen’s Staircase. There are 65 steps to the top. It is 102 feet tall. The staircase was hand carved from the rock by slaves to provide British troops a protected route to Fort Fincastle. The staircase was later renamed in honor of Queen Victoria who abolished slavery. Fort Fincastle At the top of the Queen’s Staircase is Fort Fincastle. Fort Fincastle was built in the late 1700’s at the top of the hill overlooking the city and bay. There are several canons in place. [caption id="attachment_40359" align="alignright" width="158"]Fort Fincastle photo by Steven Skelley Fort Fincastle photo by Steven Skelley[/caption] Straw market Head back to the waterfront along Woodes Rogers Walk past Prince George Wharf where you started and you will reach the Straw Market and the Vendue House / Pompey Museum. The Vendue House / Pompey Museum is where slaves were bought and sold. You will find it just past the Straw Market. The Straw Market is like a giant flea market. The aisles are small and crowded with vendors selling tourist souvenirs. The vendors call out as you pass by and make negative comments [caption id="attachment_40360" align="alignleft" width="166"]Straw Market photo by Thomas Routzong Straw Market photo by Thomas Routzong[/caption] if you don’t purchase something from them. As you head back down Woodes Rogers Walk towards the cruise ship terminal and Prince George Wharf, there are many shops, bars and restaurants along the waterfront. There are also several courtyards where art and wood carvings are sold. Article and photos by Steven Skelley & Thomas Routzong. Copyright 2016 Sunny Harbor Publishing. Contact Us: PO Box 560318, Rockledge, FL 32956. Phone: 321-446-7552. Email: SunnyHarborPublishing@yahoo.com [caption id="attachment_40361" align="alignright" width="250"]Steven Skelley and Thomas Routzong Steven Skelley and Thomas Routzong[/caption] Steven Skelley and Thomas Routzong are a happily married couple who love to travel. They write and photograph to help others see the world and see it in a new way. They have authored multiple travel and positive-themed books. You can learn more about Thomas and Steven at www.SunnyHarborPublishing.org and www.GayTravelersMagazine.com]]>

A Gay Hipster Guide to Stockholm

Stockholm - Adam Groffman Listen, I know you hear “Stockholm” and you might first think “cold.” But you’re wrong. Well, you’re not entirely wrong. The city can be cold (it’s Sweden, after all). But it’s also just so very cool. There’s an incredible mix of art, culture & design, world-class shopping & style, plus (perhaps obviously?) beautiful outdoors and adventure activities all easily accessed on the outskirts of the city. Stockholm really has it all. It’s a big city, spread out over 14 islands in the archipelago, but it never really feels like you’re moving far between neighborhoods. And the typical Swedish culture just adds to the allure of the city. Before visiting, it’s good to know that Stockholm really embraces trends. Probably the coolest city in all of Scandinavia, Stockholm seems to get all the latest trends while the news is still hot in Brooklyn. All types of trends. Food, fashion—even music! This is a city of trendsetters (have you ever heard Swedish pop music before?

By Adam Grofman – Full Story at Pink News

Sweden Gay Travel Resources

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GayVallartaBarHopping in Puerto Vallarta Mexico

IMG_34491 IMG_31711 Explore the Gay Scene in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico’s #1 Gay Destination on Gay Vallarta Bar Hopping tour. Whether visiting for the first time or a repeat visitor, the Top rated tour is a must do tour when visiting the town.  Puerto Vallarta has more gay bars and clubs than many larger LGBT destinations. It is hard to fit it all in in one night, but it is much more fun going on the tour than going alone. Get VIP access to all the bars and clubs, No Lines, No Wait on drinks, and No Cover. Let’s Have Fun!  ]]>

Before Purple Roofs, There Was The Green Book

Editor’s note: I find this story fascinating. Just as LGBT travelers needed a guide to places to stay that were friendly to them, African Americans had their own guide before Civil Rights legislation forced all public accommodations to serve their community without bias. The Green Book For African American travelers, much of the U.S. could be a hateful and dangerous place, even into the 1960’s. Jim Crow laws across the South mandated that restaurants, hotels, pool halls and parks strictly separate whites and blacks. Lynchings kept blacks in fear of mob violence. And there were thousands of so-called “sundown towns,” including in northern states like Indiana, Illinois, Minnesota and Michigan, which barred blacks after dark, an unofficial rule reinforced by the threat of violence. So in 1936, a postal worker named Victor Green began publishing a guide to help African American travelers find friendly restaurants, auto shops and accommodations in far-off places. Green dubbed the guide after himself – the “Green Book” – and published it for decades. Green says he was inspired by the Jewish press, which had long published information on restricted places.

By Ana Swanson – Full Story at The Washington Post

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