Full Moon Party in Thailand – The Scruffy Italian Traveler

Full Moon Party - Scruffy Italian Traveler I couldnt sleep a few nights ago Do you know why? It was Full Moon Night! So I was over thinking and I recalled the great time I had in Ko Pha Ngan Have you ever been to its infamouse Full Moon Party? I promise it is a lot of fun What is exactly a Full Moon Party? It is a Beach Party to celebrate the Full Moon! The most famous Full Moon party in the world started and still takes place every month in Thailand, on one of the islands of the Samui archipelago, in the Gulf Coast, Ko Pha Ngan. It is held every month for more than 30 years now, on the Full Moon night. The Gulf coast of Thailand is worldwide well known for the three tiny, fine islands of the beautiful Samui archipelago: Ko Samui, Ko Tao and Ko Pha Ngan. The best known, and very popular with tourists and backpackers from all over the world, is Ko Samui. If you know me by now at least a bit, you might have guessed I decided to stay away from Ko Samui: although a beach heaven, and a bigger island with plenty of choices for any taste apparently, the place has recently become too crowded. Its resorts and beach bars are attracting far too many tourists, rivaling Phuket.

By Sergio Scardia – Full Story at The Scruffy Italian Traveler

Note from a reader: The author should have noted that the full moon revelers have so trashed, misused and desecrated Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Tao that the government has made them off limits and will arrest anyone who sets foot on any of the islands.

Thailand Gay Travel Resources

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Relaxing in Kona – Dolly Travels

Kona Aloha! Yes, I have been relaxing (one might interpret that as lazy, actually). I flew into Kona last Tuesday evening. Of course, it was dark, it was late, so I did not see much that night. My brother, Darrell, and his wife, Kat, picked me up from the airport. After getting here to the house, we relaxed on the lanai, caught up with news from home, then off to bed. In the morning, I walked out of my room to the backyard, to a gorgeous view. Darrell and Kat were both busy when I made my way out to the kitchen. Breakfast is in the frig, I was told. I took out a bowl of fresh mango, topped it with some yogurt, a small apple banana. Filled my cup with coffee from the farm here. I sat on the lanai, taking in the view while eating my breakfast, all of which came was grown here, except the yogurt. Then I put on my walking shoes and did a tour of the property, and walked as far as I could go. On my walk, I went through the orchard. Lemon trees, several different types of mango, limes, oranges, tangerines, even an allspice tree. I had never seen one of those before. I frightened a mongoose, who was eating a mango that had fallen to the ground. I was too startled to get a picture of the furry animal, and he didnt stick around long enough to pose for me. After my walk, of course I had to get into the pool. By that time, Kat had returned to the house and was doing exercises in the pool. I joined her for a short time, which was just long enough to get a bit of sunburn. I learned then that I need to use stronger sunscreen. That evening, Mama Cat and I walked to the edge of the pool to watch the sunset. Mama Cat didnt even look at the sunset. I did, though, then returned to my chair on the lanai and watched the darkness cover the landscape. For some reason, the sunset picture does not want to appear in this blog post, so I promise to take another one and send it later. For now, I will have to say Aloha! As we are going out for brunch. Food and relaxing seem to be the priorities for me, every day. I will write more later and hopefully, have a sunset picture. Aloha, Dolly

By Dolly Goolsby – Full Story at Dolly Travels

Kona Gay Travel Resources

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Gay Hotels in Gran Canaria – Nomadic Boys

Gran Canaria gay hotels Gran Canaria has long been a gay destination for the gay boys. The Yumbo Centre is made up of gay bars, clubs and shops and forms the base of the gay scene on the island. There’s a variety of excellent gay friendly and exclusively gay accommodation in Gran Canaria, whether it’s bungalows, resorts or boutique hotels. Here’s our 5 unique gay hotels to stay in Gran Canaria we discovered: #1 GAY PASO CHICO Gay Paso Chico is a male only gay hotel in Playa del Ingles and the ideal place to stay with a group of friends or for solo travellers who want to party and be based near Yumbo Centre. It’s also walking distance to the sand dunes and the famous gay beach at Kiosk #7.

By Stefan Arestis – Full Story at the Nomadic Boys

Canary Islands Gay Travel Resources

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Eating Out: Quito, Ecuador

Quito Cuisine Filled with diverse Andean culture, Quito has become a top travel destination. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, due to the Old Town and all it has to offer: Colonial plazas, museums, monasteries, convents, and churches, including the gold-covered Iglesia de la Compania and the citys largest and oldest church, Monasterio de San Francisco. The central plaza, Plaza de la Independencia, is also located here, next to the Presidential Palace. Rich in culinary options, Quitos famous dishes include ceviche (a dish typical to coastal Latina America that is made from fresh raw fish cured in citrus juices, such as lemon or lime, and seasoned with herbs); loco de papa (a creamy potato soup); and seco de chivo (a Quito specialty of goat meat battered in beer and served with citrus sauce from a fruit called naranjilla). During a recent trip, I had the chance to dine in Old Town, La Mariscal, and outside of the city in the Cotopaxi National Park. CAFE PLAZA GRANDE The Hotel Plaza Grande, located in Old Town near the Plaza de la Independencia, is a five-star luxury boutique hotel in a restored 1930s Spanish-colonial mansion that is home to Cafe Plaza Grande. Enjoy your meal here among traditional colonial Ecuadorian ambiance provided by the wood-paneled space and botanical prints. If you love posting photos of your meal, they provide Wi-Fi for all your Instagram-ing needs. No outdoor seating, but through their large windows, you get a nice view of the plaza.

By Andrew Villagomez – Full Story at Passport

Ecuador Gay Travel Resources

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Salta, Argentina

salta-argentina-gareth-johnson Salta is surrounded by mountains on all sides?–?it’s a beautiful city in a unique location. There are about 1.2 million people living in the province, and about 700,000 living in the city of Salta. I spoke with Sebastian Simon who works for the local tourism office. He’s a young, gay guy. In his view Salta is quite a conservative place, but that increasing tourism is changing local attitudes and increasing the confidence and visibility of the LGBTI community in Salta. Maam Salta: Museum of High Altitude Archaeology The empire of the Incas included the Salta region and the territories of what is now north-western Argentina. Mount Llullaillaco in the province of Salta was the setting of one of the most important ceremonies of the Incas?–?the Capacocha?–?in which offerings were made to the gods.

By Gareth Johnson – Full Story at Gay Star News

Argentina Gay Travel Resources

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Instagram Meet: Salento Up n’ Down – The Scruffy Italian Traveler

salento-scruffy-italian-traveler At the end of May, I was invited to take part to an Instameet in Lecce. An Instameet is a meeting where Instagramers (that is, people who are part of the worldwide community of Instagram) are invited to take part of. The occasion was very special: the launch of the second edition of Salento Up’ n Down! Salento Up n’ Down is an annual event organized by the University of Salento, aiming to promote the beauty of this beautiful region in the world through Social Media (mostly Instagram)! A bunch of 24 influencers from all over the world are invited to spend one week altogether around Salento, to promote its beauty to their (huge) community of followers on Social Media. The meeting was organized to let the Instagram users of Puglia meet and greet the participants to the event, a way to welcome them to our beautiful area. Salento is the southernmost area of the heel of the boot: it is a big chunk of Puglia, a geographic region, starting more or less where the Valle d’Itria ends.

By Sergio Scardia – Full Story at The Scruffy Italian Traveler

Apulia Gay Travel Resources

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Bourne Bed & Breakfast – Gay Ogunquit Bed & Breakfast

Bourne Bed & Breakfast Periodically we’ll feature one of our properties here to let our readers know about some great gay friendly places to stay: Beautiful Victorian B&B set among country gardens, an easy walk to sandy beaches, Perkins Cove, the Marginal Way, outstanding restaurants, and the Ogunquit Playhouse. Seven beautifully appointed rooms, including two suites. All with the following amenities… private baths, a/c, tv, dvd, cable and refrigerator. Continental breakfast included.

See the Bourne Bed & Breakfast Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

Gay Friendly Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels, and Vacation Rentals in Ogunquit

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Cruising With Our Scruffy Italian Friend

The Scruffy Italian Traveler - Sergio Scardia A Gay Cruise in the Caribbean? Oh yes please! I have always dreamed of the beautiful water of the Caribbeans Gulf! As you know, I love to go to swim in the most beautiful seas, and visit the most amazing beaches all over the world… so I am really looking forward to this all new adventure! I have partnered with Outing And Adventures, specialists in multisport adventure trips worldwide, to enjoy an amazing Gay Cruise on a Windjammer in the Caribbeans Gulf this October (9-15th October). Do you want to join me? Click here and check all the details of the cruise now! If you are interested, get in touch with me and I will definitely help you in the booking process. I have never been to this beautiful part of the world, so a Gay Caribbean cruise looks so appealing to me: the idea of spending 1 full week on the turquoise water of the Caribbean, with up to 26 gay men, plus a highly experienced crew of 12, is something I am really looking forward to!

By Sergio Scardia – Full Story at the Scruffy Italian Traveler

Caribbean Gay Travel Resources

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Gay Buenos Aires – Carlos Melia

Gay Buenos Aires - Carlos Melia So once again I am back in, my home town, gay Buenos Aires – Argentina. These chronicles, as a matter of fact, are the result of my last two trips, with a very small time lapse in between. The main reasons of my trips were, ( first trip ) surprise and celebrate my mother for her Birthday and ( second trip ) connecting from New York to Rio de Janeiro, were I will be during August, attending the RIO 2016 Summer Olympics, as the official travel agent for NBCUniversal’s VIP Guests and Executives. Let’s begin and hope you enjoy my insider tips of my city , chronicles of my recent visits to Buenos Aires. I departed as usual, non-stop from JFK New York ( where I have been living for the last 10 years ) to Buenos Aires, onboard American Airlines Business Class. A 10-hour flight door-to-door. Carlos MeliaThis time dinner had a very special reason, and the main purpose of my trip… To celebrate my Mom’s Birthday, celebration which lasted a full week, spoiling her with some of the best Buenos Aires has to offer. Lovely dinner in Puerto Madero district, with my entire family. The following morning I woke up very early, in the neighborhood of Belgrano – where my parents live, facing the Palermo Parks – aka. The Central Park of Buenos Aires, I love going there for a run. Art District of Villa Crespo - Carlos MeliaAfter breakfast, I was ready to spend my morning and part of my afternoon, exploring the new Art District of Villa Crespo, on a 4 hours Private Art Tour of this new and alternative artistic destination, showcasing local Contemporary artists. A hopping tour of Galleries which are literally changing the paradigm of art in Buenos Aires. Some of the artists and galleries I truly enjoyed, whic I did not know from before were: Vicente Grondona at SLYZMUD Gallery. Marcelo Grosman at Galeria Nora Fisch and Liliana Porter at Ruth Benzacar Gallery. I very much recommend this tour. The Birthday celebrations continued… for tonight I had planned an evening at the FAENA Hotel & Universe – yes the same one that has recently opened its doirs in Miami. Read my review and recent stay at FAENA Miami. To include, dinner at Bistro Sur Restaurant followed by my favorite Tango Show in Buenos Aires, the ROJO Tango Show at their decadent-chic Cabaret. At Bistro Sur Restaurant, savor a meal worth remembering in one of Argentina’s most spectacular settings. Bistro Sur’s whimsical Philippe Starck decor will fascinate guests just as much as the delicate menu prepared by Faena’s local chef, Rodrigo Vazquez. Modern techniques combined with Argentina’s bests seasonal products, give birth to dishes like Beef Carpaccio with Bacon Milk, Mint and Potato Chips or Sweetbreads with Lemon Puree, Grilled Grapes and Pine Nuts. Tango gay Buenos Aires - Carlos MeliaRight after dinner, we walk down the striking corridors of the FAENA Hotel & Universe, to our next destination, ROJO Tango Show. I have been to this show countless times, but recently they have premiere a brand new repertoire, and I was invited to see it. I must say I was very much pleased with the new show, the flow through the many faces of the developing of Tango in Argentina. Buenos Aires is the world capital of Tango, and Faena Hotel experiences the nostalgic mood with intensity through music, dance, clothing and poetry. Lively and ethereal, El Cabaret is the vibrant dance of the award-winning show Rojo Tango. A dazzling live orchestra, great dancers, traditional Argentine cuisine, and a fine selection of local wines and cocktails; makes it a must see production. Teatro Colon - Carlos MeliaThe next day, I spent my late morning exploring the Teatro Colon, the Opera House of Buenos Aires. Been here many times for live performances, Opera, Ballet and so. But this was my first time taking a tour, to learn more about the history, facts and myth of the Grande Dame of South America. Teatro Colon, located off Avenida 9 de Julio, steps away from the iconic Obelisco, is ranked the third best opera house in the world by National Geographic, and is acoustically considered to be amongst the five best concert venues in the world. The present Colon replaced an original theatre which opened in 1857. After this period of huge international success, the theatre’s decline became clear and plans were made for massive renovations. After an initial start of works to restore the landmark in 2005, the theatre was closed for refurbishment from October 2006 to May 2010. It re-opened on 24 May 2010, with a programme for the 2010 season. Learn these and more during the tour. Visit the auditorium, in a horseshoe-shaped, with 2,487 seats. Luciano Pavarotti, said the Colon’s acoustics were are so good as to place it in the top five performance venues in the world. I strongly recommend booking your tickets online at www.teatrocolon.org.ar It was time to eat again, so on this rainy Winter afternoon in Buenos Aires, I took a 30 minutes was from Retiro to Recoleta, to meet my parents at the iconic Alvear Palace Hotel, to do one of my favorite things, Afternoon Tea in style. Yes, the Birthday celebration continued, this time over Tea at L’Orangerie restaurant at the Indoor Gardens of the ground floor. The Alvear Palace Hotel is a unique place to spend a special afternoon tasting delicious cakes, mini patisserie, fresh fruit tarts, warm scones and other delicacies especially prepared by their Chef Patissier. Fine selection of teas, including a variety from limited harvests and the most precious aromas of green, black and blended teas, as well as the traditional flavoured tea of the L’Orangerie selection. A tea specialist created their exclusive “Alvear Blend” which recreates the essence of the Alvear Palace Hotel in aromas and flavours; with the most noble of black tea leaves, almonds, and Mediterranean citrus and rose petals. Open Monday through Saturday: 4:30 to 7 pm. Sundays from 5 to 7 pm. The L’Orangerie restaurant at the hotel is a traditional meeting place in Buenos Aires. A splendid breakfast and international buffet lunch, which includes a great variety of exquisite local products, can be enjoyed daily in a delicate environment with natural lighting and meticulous decor, presented with the mastery of international culinary techniques. Right after our Afternoon Tea, were were invited for une Coupe de Champagne, at their recentlyinaugurated CHAMPAGNE BAR. The Alvear Palace Hotel opened the new Champagne Bar, the only one in Buenos Aires. Renowned bartender Ines De Los Santos has created the Champagne Bar’s menu featuring fine and classic combinations using Moet Hennessy champagne and sparkling wines. Delicate food choices are available for pairings. The Art Deco style of the Champagne Bar creates a splendid atmosphere for the enjoyment of clients and guests. Everyday from 6PM to 02AM. After our glass of Champagne, my parents decided to head back home. Since I was meeting a friend for dinner later nearby the hotel, I had the perfect excuse to linger by my favorite bar in Buenos Aires. As many of you know, my absolute favorite spot within the Alvear Palace Hotel, a classic and my water hole when in Buenos Aires, is the Lobby Bar. I love just seating there, watching people pass, while zipping through my Vodka Dirty Martini. From 1932, this has been a meeting place for businessmen and celebrities of Buenos Aires’ society. The heart of Recoleta beats in this exclusive place in the hotel, decorated with original French style wood panelling. The Lobby Bar of the Alvear offers delicious appetizers and the best international drinks, paying homage to the great cocktail masters. Gay Buenos Aires - Carlos MeliaThe next morning, it was time to pay a visit to the very lovely Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires. If you have never been, you should keep in mind their gastronomic scene, which is very good. Been to their main restaurant ELENA before, and this time we were visiting to try their autochthonous Sunday Brunch at a very unique setting. Nuestro Secreto Restaurant offer the traditional Sunday Brunch reinterpreted by an Argentinean classic. A major social event in Argentina, the asado (an open-fire barbecue) marks a time when friends and family gather around a traditional outdoor fire pit and spend an afternoon catching up. It is as much about tradition and being together as it is about food. It all begins with the coal; made from hand-picked woods of local tree varietals, each one providing a unique flavour. Cooking whole animals is quite common at the asado, but there is always plenty of variety to choose from – embutidos, meats, red wine and salads. With a casual eclectic backyard esthetic, Nuestro Secreto transports guests to a “secret garden” urban retreat within a bustling cityscape. Typical courtyard decorations abound, with porous stone floors, the grill and clay oven, even a cross on the wall. Outdoor-style furniture made of wood, glass and iron lends an antique but fresh look. All of the tableware is made locally in Mendoza, with exclusive designs by Aji Diseno available for special occasions. What is most unique about this space, however, is that the roof and walls are made of glass and can be opened to create an entirely al fresco space, perfect for stargazing on clear nights.Sunday menu features a variety of dishes typically served among families on the weekend. And since the menu is designed to resemble the most-read newspaper in Buenos Aires, it will look to passersby like restaurant patrons are all relaxing with the Sunday paper. The rest of my stay… I’ve decided to chill and be under the radar, being a local and wnjoying spending time with my parents at home. Eating as much home-made food by my mother, BTW the best Chef in town. Very busy week ahead of me in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil as the official travel agent for NBCUniversal’s VIP Guests and Executives, during the RIO Summer Olympics 2016. So the plan was relax, recharge, EAT and DRINK. How does that sound. Getting ready for my next adventure… Authored By Carlos Melia – See the Full Story at The Carlos Melia Blog Click here for gay travel resources in Argentina.  ]]>

Trekking to Jujuy, Argentina

Jujuy Jujuy is one of the main destinations in the north of Argentina – a two-hour flight from Buenos Aires (from the domestic airport near the centre of town). Jujuy (which is not pronounced as you might expect it to be – the name comes from the local language that pre-dates Spanish), is dominated by the Quebrada de Humahuaca (or Humahuaca gorge) which the Rio Grande (big river) has steadily been wearing away over the millennia. Formed by volcanic activity, the ancient surrounding mountains are filled with minerals, giving them deep, rich colours – red, orange, green, white, and purple. It’s a dramatic, arid landscape – immersed in an endless blue sky, the only vegetation seems to be the slow-growing cacti. My visit to this region was in late July dry season for northwest Argentina. This is the high season for domestic tourism, but it’s probably when the area is at its starkest. I’d love to return when the cacti are in flower, bringing a different type of colour to the mountainsides.

By Gareth Johnson – Full Story at Gay Star News

Argentina Gay Travel Resources

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