Once Upon a Journey

Lesbian Kerala: God’s Own Country – Once Upon a Journey

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Lesbian Kerala: God's Own Country - Once Upon a Journey

It isn’t without reason that Kerala, India, is known as God’s Own Country. This green state in southwest India has beautiful beaches and stunning landscapes. But foremost, it’s the people that make your trip here so special. The people have created a different kind of life than the rest of the country. A life that revolves around nature. In Kerala, every human act is a way of connecting with nature. 

You will probably travel to southern India because you’ve seen the most beautiful landscape pictures, and you will fall in love with the state because of its people. People that are hospitable, loving, and kind. People that live in the present and make you appreciate moments while they last. 

While traveling, it’s important to feel at home, and in “lesbian Kerala” we certainly do. Yes, you certainly need to get used to those spicy curries (who doesn’t?) but it’s a region in India you MUST explore. There’s so much to do and discover here. We will give you our best tips for your Kerala trip in this short Kerala travel guide.

By Maartje and Roxanne – Full Story at Once Upon a Journey

Lesbian India Travel Resources

Studlagil Canyon in Iceland – Once Upon a Journey

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Studlagil Canyon in Iceland - Once Upon a Journey

One of the coolest things to do in East Iceland is to visit the newest hype of the country: a basalt column canyon. The Studlagil Canyon was only discovered a couple of years ago, because the Jökulsá á Dal river used to be a gushing glacial river that completely filled the basalt ravine.

Are you thinking of visiting this basalt column canyon? We will tell you all you need to know about the Stuðlagil Canyon!

How Studlagil Canyon Was Created

There are many basalt columns in Iceland. Basalt is a volcanic rock that is created when lava cools off to form crystals into which lava has contracted as it was cooling.

During the cooling process, the chemicals and appearance of lava changes; the rock shrinks and it ‘cracks’– often hexagonal shaped. It’s best understand if you look at the basalt canyons from the top.

This amazing place has both vertical and horizontal columns, but vertical columns are most common.

By Maartje and Roxanne – Full Story at Once Upon a Journey

Iceland Lesbian Travel Resources

Lesbian India – Once Upon a Journey

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Lesbian India - Once Upon a Journey

The most common question we get asked as a travel couple is ‘what’s your favorite place you’ve traveled to’? Many are surprised when they learn that it’s India. They automatically assume it would be tough to travel as a lesbian couple in India, and they wouldn’t be far wrong. But honestly, it’s no more challenging than being a solo female traveler or two female friends. You see, to be a lesbian in India is still very much a taboo. Probably even more so than being a gay male. The issue with female travel in India isn’t our sexuality; it’s our gender.

Nevertheless, we still regard India as one of the most exciting countries we’ve ever visited. Everything from the food and the people, to the culture and the sights, create one of the most unique travel experiences one can ever encounter. At the same time, it’s worth pointing out that it’s probably not a trip for everybody. Female and lesbian travel in India requires patience, tolerance, and one hell of an open mind.

Taking all this into consideration, this blog aims to provide all the information you need to prepare for an unforgettable, but most importantly, a safe, trip in India. We touch on LGBT rights in India, the best lesbian-friendly places to visit, as well as all of our travel tips and advice for female travelers. Continue ready for the ultimate travel guide to lesbian India.

LGBT Rights in India

Unsurprisingly, the situation surrounding gay rights in India has always been a controversial subject. The past 20 years, in particular, have been a volatile road in the battle for equal rights and decriminalization. Various notable wins followed by frustrating setbacks saw LGBT activists taking one step forward and another back again.

Remarkably, 2018 saw a ruling made by the supreme court to decriminalize homosexuality. And with it, came an extension to anti-discrimination laws to include the LGBT community. In a socially conservative country such as India, this was not only a landmark decision. But an indication of hope for LGBT+ people all over the world.

By Maartje and Roxanne – Full Story at Once Upon a Journey

India Lesbian Travel Resources

Lesbian Mexico, the Ultimate Guide – Once Upon a Journey

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Lesbian Mexico, the Ultimate Guide - Once Upon a Journey

Mexico is a big country and has so much to offer. Stunning beaches, (active) volcanos, mountains, incredible sea life, cenotes, Mayan ruins, waterfalls, cute magic towns and much more. It isn’t strange Mexico is a popular destination for tourists, it has something for everyone!

In this ultimate travel guide to lesbian Mexico, we will tell you everything about where to go, practical Mexico information and also very important: about safety and LGBT rights in Mexico. As Mexico is such a big country, you will notice differences within the country. Some areas are more conservative than others. Though luckily there are many places in Mexico known for being very gay-friendly, like the gay beach capital Puerto Vallarta. Below, we will tell you all about where you should go for your lesbian vacation in Mexico.

Why should you trust our information? We have traveled for over 6 months in total as a lesbian couple in Mexico and met queer locals nearly everywhere we went. Mexico is easily one of our favorite countries in the world. It’s such a diverse country with welcoming and passionate people. We love the ‘mi casa es tu casa‘ concept of Mexico and it’s easy to meet people everywhere. We are in love with this beautiful country and hope you will be too! 

Lesbian Mexico – Where to Go?

No matter if you are looking for a relaxing holiday on the beach, an adventurous vacation, a cultural or city trip, it’s all possible in Mexico. And we will tell you the perfect spot for every type of holiday!

By Maartje and Roxanne – Full Story at Once Upon a Journey

Mexico Lesbian Travel Resources

Lesbian Los Angeles – Once Upon a Journey

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Lesbian Los Angeles - Once Upon a Journey

When a lesbian thinks of Los Angeles, probably the first thing that comes to mind is The L Word. Even though a lot of their hangouts spots, such as The Planet, were not real locations, some of them were definitely based on locations in the city. In this guide, I will tell you all about the best lesbian Los Angeles, bars, clubs, parties and other events you definitely don’t want to miss when you’re in LA. So you can live your own The L Word story!

Lesbian Los Angeles

Los Angeles has been gay for many, many years. Way before the colonists came and took the land, the indigenous peoples living on the land that is now Los Angeles were very accepting of same-sex relationships and the idea of multiple gender identities. However, this was all taken away when the land was invaded.

Although New York City is where modern gay rights began, Los Angeles has played its own part in history. In 1948, Lisa Ben, an anagram of lesbian, started the first-ever lesbian magazine from her boss’s office at RKO Studios. In 1966, Los Angeles started the country’s first pride organization and had its first gay parade. But it wasn’t after Stonewall that the LGBTQ+ culture really started taking off.

Full Story at Once Upon a Journey

Lesbian Los Angeles Travel Resources

Lesbian Thailand – Once Upon a Journey

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Thailand is our favorite country in the world to travel to! It’s such a diverse country that has beautiful islands, adventurous jungles, stunning temples, and delicious foods; we can’t get enough of it. Thai people are super friendly and welcoming, it’s accurately called the land of smiles.

Also important: in Thailand, we can truly by ourselves as a lesbian couple. It’s no problem to walk hand in hand, cuddle and/or kiss on the streets. In this blog post, we will tell you all about lesbian Thailand: the best places to visit, our favorite things to do, and practical information for lesbian travelers.

Lesbian Thailand – Where To Go?

Thailand is a much-visited country, but besides popular destinations like Bangkok and Phuket, there are still many hidden gems to explore in this beautiful country. The (gay) hub of Asia, Bangkok, can’t be missed during your Thailand trip, though we will also tell you about the lesser-visited places.

Bangkok

Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand. We absolutely love this busy and dirty (sometimes smelly) city, though we can see why many people hate it. You really need to know where to go in this big city! Besides the famous sightseeing spots Wat Arun, Wat Pho, Lumphini Park, and the many markets, there is a large gay scene.

By Maartje and Roxanne – Full Story at Once Upon a Journey

Lesbian Thailand Travel Resources

Pink Street Lisbon – Once Upon a Journey

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Portugal’s Pink Street in Lisbon is hot and happening – you must’ve come across the photos on social media! But what’s the story? How to get to the pink street in Cais do Sodre and when is the best time to visit? It’s not just a picturesque street, it’s home to some of the best bars in Lisbon too! So if you’re looking for Lisbon nightlife – look no further. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this quirky pink street.

Rua Cor-de-Rosa aka Pink Street

So how did the red light district turn pink?! Rua Nova do Carvalho was painted not that long ago actually! The painting started in 2011 and was finished by 2013. Since then, it has become locally known as Rua Cor de Rosa, meaning Pink Street. The project was supposed to make the neighborhood better – gentrification at it’s finest. And it has worked. Brothels closed, new bars opened and the street has replaced the shady nightlife and turned it into something hip.

Full Story at Once Upon a Journey

Lisbon Gay Travel Resources

Lesbian Skåne, Sweden – Once Upon a Journey

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Are you looking for a holiday destination that has beautiful nature, great outdoor activities, sea and beaches, good food and cute little towns? Don’t look any further! Skåne County is the place to go to! It’s the most southern region of Sweden, which used to belong to Denmark. This region offers a lot, there’s much to see and do and we will tell you all about the best things to do in lesbian Skåne. This region of Sweden is a lot different than the rest of the country, don’t expect mountains, fjords and large forests with pine trees. Skåne is “Sweden’s Tuscany” with hills, some of the best Sweden beaches, farmlands and even a vineyard!

About Lesbian Skåne, Sweden

Skåne County is located in southern Sweden and has a population of 1.3 million people. A long time ago this part of Sweden used to be part of Denmark, and you can still find Danish influences in this region. It’s also very close to Denmark: the 16 kilometres (10 miles) Øresund bridge connects Denmark and Sweden with each other. The bridge is Europe’s longest road and rail bridge. Thanks to the bridge it’s easy to reach Skåne from Copenhagen. It’s also possible to fly to Malmö.

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Lesbian Budapest – Once Upon a Journey

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Budapest is a magical city in eastern Europe. The Hungarian capital amazes us every time we visit it, it’s so beautiful! Budapest is easily one of our favourite cities in Europe. The architecture is stunning, the thermal baths are the best and the ruin bars are really unique and fun. It’s easy to stay in Budapest for a longer time, but in 2 days in Budapest, you are able to cover a lot of the city! We created an ultimate Budapest itinerary so you can fully enjoy this city. This guide includes our best lesbian Budapest travel tips.

What to Do in Budapest in 2 Days

Good to know before you travel to Budapest, Budapest consists of two parts: Buda and Pest. The two parts are separated by the river Danube. In 1873, the two cities Buda and Pest merged together into the city it is today: Budapest.

Buda is located on the West side of the city and Pest on the eastern side.

Buda and Pest are very different from each other. While Pest is the buzzing side with lots of nightlife opportunities, restaurants and bars etc, Buda is the more quiet and more residential area. Buda is also the more hilly area, therefore it offers stunning views of the city. But at night, you definitely want to be in Pest – that’s where the fun is!

Full Story at Once Upon a Journey

Hungary Gay Travel Resources