Howie Holben

Gay Holiday Destinations In South Africa

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Mar 312010
 

South Africa has long been a gay tours destination, even before it became a human rights frontrunner with the abolition of apartheid, having the first constitution in the world that outlaws discrimination based on sexual orientation and becoming the fifth country worldwide to legalize same-sex marriage. Of course, after these landmark events, the interest in traveling to South Africa significantly increased in both the gay and straight communities. Today South Africa is the most accepting and gay-friendly country on the African continent with a growing gay culture that stretches from the pristine beaches of the Western Cape Province to the exciting, fast-paced lifestyle of Gauteng and is an increasingly popular gay vacation destination.

Cape Town, Johannesburg and Pretoria are popular stops during South Africa gay vacations and each offers a variety of gay-friendly and gay-centered activities, establishments and events. Gay men who enjoy the scene will be particularly pleased with the vast array of establishments that cater exclusively to gay men, such as luxury guest houses that provide lodgings exclusively to gay men, the famous bathhouses found in Cape Town and the private, all-male nude bar, Camp David, in Pretoria. Gay culture in South Africa revolves largely around the gay male community; however family travelers and lesbians will also find a plethora of exciting opportunities for gay vacations in this country that is rich in history, culture and beautiful landscapes, including several organized tours that are gay-friendly or cater specifically to the gay and lesbian community.

Gay men and lesbians who prefer a gay tour centered around gay events may want to consider visiting South Africa in September, which is gay pride month and includes several pride celebrations and events, including the Out in Africa South African Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, which brings more than 16,000 visitors to Cape Town and Johannesburg each year. Or, in December, gay travelers to Cape Town can join more than 10,000 international visitors attending the Mother City Queer Project annual costume party. Cape Town is also home to two beaches that are widely popular among gay men, Clifton’s Third Beach and Sandy Bay nudist beach, as well as a gay village with numerous gay-friendly and gay-owned businesses and eateries in Green Point. Local publications serving the gay community, like Outright and Exit, can be picked up at various locations and provide up-to-the-minute information on gay goings on and the best bars and restaurants.

Any gay vacations to South Africa must include indulging in the plentiful options for dining in gay-friendly establishments like Johannesburg’s Bellgables Country Restaurant, where travelers dine in a refurbished farmhouse on a 21-acre farm; Cape Towns award winning Emily’s, which offers South African cuisine in a fine dining environment, as well as both beer and wine bars; or gay-owned Lola’s, a vegetarian caf in Cape Town with a bohemian feel.

Get the most out of South African gay holidays by working with a professional travel agency well-versed in gay travel to South Africa. Only a travel agency dedicated to gay travelers will be able to provide the up-to-date information and travel safety tips for specific areas in South Africa that are important to the gay and lesbian community.

Howie Holben gay vacations to South Africa advice post. He is the owner of Spirit Journeys, a gay couples retreat firm. Spirit Journeys presents spiritual gay yoga retreats world wide.


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Gay Destinations: Peru

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Mar 312010
 

For many, the best gay vacations are merely a way to put regular life on hold while you take off for a week or two in order to melt the stress of your day-to-day, recharge and participate in experiences that you normally wouldn’t be part of if you never left home. What if your next vacation went deeper?

Instead of just erasing your surface stress and providing random memories, what if there were a way to bring balance and harmony to your entire being, from soul stirring activities to spiritual peace through meditation? If all this sounds great to you, then pack your bags for a spiritual travel experience you’re not likely to forget: a wondrous journey to the magical land of Peru, specifically, The Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.

Nestled in the shadows of the astounding Andes Mountains, The Sacred Valley of the Incas is considered the heart of the ancient Inca Empire and is comprised of many towns that are known for their ruins. The Sacred Valley is truly a spiritual place and for those who wish to not only shed their day-to-day stresses but spend some serious quality time in reflection of their lives, this is the place to be.

The Kamaquen Retreat Center is known to be wonderful place to stay while visiting the Sacred Valley. The staff at Kamaquen is adept at bringing their guests close to the Andean people, spirit and culture. The center’s goal is to their guests find a bit of themselves while exploring the Sacred Valley.

No spiritual journey to the area would be complete without ascending the mountain to submerse yourself in the wonders of Machu Picchu. The epitome of spiritual energy, Machu Picchu offers soul stirring views, the kind that leave you breathless just by witnessing them. It also boasts magnificent and awe inspiring architecture that lies in complete balance with the sacred geography of the region by encapsulating mountain views in the windows and doors of the village as well as using intricate stone work that mirrors the surrounding mountain landscape.

At the summit, there are also many temples you can visit for that perfect meditation spot and you can take part in ceremonies designed to honor the sacred landscape. The journey aspect of gay tours can yield incredible personal benefits that can also positively affect all other components of your life.

Howie Holben gay journeys to Peru opinion. He is the the force behind Spirit Journeys, a gay holidays group. Spirit Journeys suggests spiritual gay vacations all over the planet.


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Italy Is A Wonderful Gay Holidays Destination

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Dec 082009
 

Italy is a nation famous for its romance, architecture, history and art and is a popular location for gay travel. The rich history, picturesque landscapes and unique culture have made Italy a popular setting for plays, books and movies and draws couples, families and friends to this beautiful country throughout the year to indulge in the food, admire the fashion and experience a wide variety of world-famous art and architecture. With many diverse gay romantic destinations, including the winding pathways of Venice, the countryside dotted with sightseeing opportunities, ancient ruins and wineries, the vast museums of Florence and the thrilling nightlife of Milan, Italy is an ideal setting for gay vacations.

Those on a gay travel adventure to Italy will find that the greatest selection of gay clubs and bars is in Rome and Milan; however, many towns and cities throughout Italy have gay-owned and gay-friendly bars, clubs and other establishments that will be happy to welcome you during your gay vacation, particularly in Bologna, Venice, Geneva, Florence and Padua. Hotels that are gay-owned or gay-friendly are also available throughout Italy, such as Tuscanys La Quircia Rosa or Villa le Masse, which are both gay-owned, or the Hotel Porta Rossa, a gay-friendly hotel that is also the second oldest hotel in the country and an easy walk to several popular attractions, such as the Galleria dellAccademia, which is home to Michelangelos David.

There is a large gay and lesbian presence in each of Italys larger urban areas providing many options for your gay vacation to Italy, particularly Rome, Florence, Bologna and Milan, with Milan being generally accepted as the most gay-friendly Italian City and among the most popular destinations for gay vacations. Gay pride events take place throughout the country and there are a few large gay and lesbian film festivals, including the Turin International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, the Festival del Cinema Gay Lesbico e della Cultura Queer in Milan and the Florence Queer Festival.

In order to get the most out of gay vacations to Italy and to more fully experience and learn about the culture, history and art, you may want to consider participating in an organized tour. If you partake in well-organized group vacations or work with a gay travel agency to arrange tours for you and your travel partners, you are sure to find that knowledgeable tour guides.

Also shorter waits in line and an organized itinerary will assist you in making the most of your Italian travel experience. Planning your gay vacation through a travel agency that is accustomed to organizing gay vacations or arranging gay travel in Italy is the best way to ensure that you have the information you need and the assistance of a travel agent that understands your needs.

A gay tours for Italy hints post written by Howie Holben. Howie also runs Spirit Journeys. They have gay trips that focus on culture and gay vacations that focus on spirituality.

Much More Than Just Gay Travel

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Sep 092009
 

Planning gay travelmay at first seem like a daunting task but it doesn’t have to be that way. There are many travel agencies that specialize in planning and organizing a vacation that will meet and exceed all expectations. These agencies specialize in making travel plans for gay travelers and their families and friends. There are many gay couples that have children that will need to be included in the plans; whatever the circumstances are there are many destinations that cater to gay travelers.

There are a wide variety of gay travel plans to choose from. A person can choose trips that are designed to fulfill areas of interest such as scuba diving, bird watching, whale watching, skiing, sailing and more. The types of trips available are as varied as a person’s interests are.

Many people that are planning gay travel enjoy taking trips with likeminded people. There are a huge number of destination journeys available that can allow you to explore many unique destinations throughout the world. Tours are available that can allow you to view a beautiful sunset at Lovina Beach on the north shore of Bali.

Perhaps a longer journey would be in order. One of the top gay travel destinations is the popular Grand Canyon white water rafting trip. This trip is very spiritual and relaxing and also offers the more adventurous travelers many opportunities for hiking and swimming. The trip is guided by canyon experts and all meals and camping gear is provided. Most people that have enjoyed this trip describe this as one of the most spiritual experiences they have ever had.

Planning gay travel does not need to be difficult. A person can plan a trip that meets all of their needs but if they use the skills of experts they will likely experience a journey that will not only meet expectations but will likely exceed them as well. These agencies and organizations have years of experience in travel planning and have access to tools that the everyday travel planner does not even know about. In addition, the rates for a trip that is taken as part of an organized group will likely cost much less than one planned by an individual. The agencies are able to take advantage of discounts that are given for large groups.

Planning gay travel journeys that are spiritually uplifting as well as fun can be just the way to rejuvenate both the body and the soul. By taking advantage of the expertise of agencies that have years of experience at planning exciting and exotic destination vacations you will have the opportunity to visit places you may not normally think of. Take the time to plan the journey of a lifetime.

Some gay travel experiences involve exploring ancient cultures. A pilgrimage is often the name given to this kind of travel. On a pilgrimage, the traveler learns the old traditions from the people and places visited. But it is not all serious, there is lots of time to relax and just sightsee.

Sacred places have held an attraction for millions of people since the dawn of time. This attraction is because these places are known for the healing of mind and body. They will continue to be honored and visited because they provide a way to learn about the old ways and can lead to personal healing and growth.

The author, Howie Holben, owns Spirit Journeys, a spiritual gay travel organization. His goal is to help others uncover their potential by setting their hearts and minds free. Learn more about gay travel with a purpose at www.SpiritJourneys.com.