The majority of travelers that journey to Iceland each year do so to experience its unique, diverse natural beauty that is unlike anything you will find on gay vacations in other countries. From volcanoes and Europe’s largest glacier, to the Northern Lights and the sparsely populated island of Grimsey on the Arctic Circle, Iceland offers unmatched opportunities to experience the outdoors in a whole new way. Kayaking, hiking, rafting, ice climbing, bird watching, whale watching and ocean fishing are all popular activities throughout the country and are ideal for inclusion in adventurous gay tours.

Visitors who prefer an urban vacation will also find just what they are searching for in Iceland, especially in the capital city, Reykjavik, which is where individual travelers and folks traveling with gay tours will find a variety of historical and cultural attractions, dining and shopping, a beautiful waterfront, museums and an exciting nightlife.

Travelers on gay vacations to Iceland will not want to miss the bird watching opportunities and natural beauty of Grimsey, a small island just 25 miles offshore. Sandvik, Grimsey’s only town, has a population of just 150 and is Iceland’s northernmost settlement. The island is home to numerous bird colonies and is well known for the steep cliffs found along its shores, which have long been a draw for sightseers partaking in gay travel to Iceland. Visitors with a keen eye may also spot polar bears onshore or just offshore on ice drifts coming from Greenland.

Whether travelers come to Grimsey on gay tours or on individual treks, they will not want to forget to get a certificate stating that they have crossed the Arctic Circle while they are there. Those looking for outdoor gay travel adventures might also want to venture to Vatnajokull, Europe’s largest glacier, or one of the other glaciers that cover more than 10% of Iceland, for ice climbing and plenty of photo opportunities.

There are also a number of hiking and sightseeing opportunities throughout the country, including breathtaking cliffs, waterfalls, picturesque coastlines and Videy Island, which is just minutes offshore and is home to the oldest stone building in Iceland, as well as many sculptural art pieces.

The time of year chosen for gay vacations to Iceland is an important factor in determining which of the country’s natural phenomena you will experience during your trip: the Polar Nights, Midnight Sun or Northern Lights.

Travelers should plan their travel dates in accordance to which of these they wish to experience. Whichever time of year you decide to partake in gay vacations to Iceland, there is one must-do activity that cannot be missed. You absolutely must make the quick 45 minute drive from Reykjavik to experience the glowing, geothermal saltwater pool surrounded by beautiful black lava rocks at the Blue Lagoon.

Dirt for a gay tour in Iceland. Spirit Journeys stands out among a typical gay tour guide. Created by Howie Holben.

The diverse geography and culture of New Zealand has always made it a hotspot as a destination for gay tours, due in part to the accepting, open mindset of the locals and important laws that forbid discrimination against LGBT community members, as well as the country’s natural allure and numerous adventures and activities available in every region of this awe-inspiring nation.

Those looking for gay vacations in New Zealand will find that they can choose between snow skiing at several popular resorts, lounging on pristine beaches, exploring unspoiled wilderness or taking part in a lively, cosmopolitan local scene in several different New Zealand cities. Whether folks are looking for community LGBT Pride events, mountain adventures, cultural immersion or a quiet family vacation in a seaside resort, New Zealand is an ideal choice for gay vacations of any kind.

Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington and Hamilton are just a few examples of the cities in New Zealand that have large, visible LGBT communities, Pride events, and a variety of businesses, bars, clubs and pubs that cater to the community. For those looking for a city gay vacation, these are ideal choices that will not disappoint when it comes to lively nightlife and plenty of shopping, dining and entertainment to fill an entire trip. For those looking for skiing and snowboarding during their gay travel to New Zealand, there are resorts on both North Island and South Island, offering easy access for day excursions to the mountains in between visiting historical sites, attending cultural events or visiting the unspoiled nature of some of New Zealand’s smaller islands.

A gay holiday in New Zealand can focus on lounging on perfect, clean beaches, snowboarding, skiing, partaking in exciting outdoor adventures for couples, families or friends, or taking the opportunity to awaken or renew your spirit in this beautifully spiritual land. New Zealand certainly offers too many sights, activities and experiences to squeeze into just one vacation; however traveling with a tour group on a well-organized gay vacation is one option that will ensure that you have an amazing experience and that you do not miss out on some of New Zealand’s best offerings.

For those who prefer to be on their own, working with a gay vacations agency is an excellent way to find out the latest information that is of interest to the LGBT community, as well as the current popular destinations and hotspots being visited by LGBT travelers.

Advice about New Zealand initiated by Howie Holben. Spirit Journeys puts forth gay adventure travel and has resources for gay spirituality.

categories: gay travel,gay vacations,gay tours,gay holidays,gay retreats,travel,tourism,tips,gay,sexuality,destinations,vacations,recreation,leisure

There is the perception that spiritual gay travel is not fun. When we take a vacation we want to have fun and relax. A vacation is supposed to be a time away from the responsibilities of life. We think of spiritual travel as something we should do because it is good for us. With this idea as a back drop, of course we will think that this kind of travel is not fun. When we vacation, we wish to leave behind this kind of responsibility. What would happen if we didn’t think like this?

My experience is that spiritual gay travel is a joy. You meet people with the same mindset and really can connect with them. This level of connection really adds to the enjoyment of being on vacation. The chance to have an honest, heart to heart conversation with someone brings adds tremendously to my vacation experience and I come to value these conversations very much.

Also, we have learned being “spiritual” requires acting seriously or even solemn. We seem to think that laughter is the antithesis of being spiritual. This couldn’t be further from the truth. We connct more deeply to spirit when we laugh. After all, it is said that laugher is the best medicine.

When we are spiritually connected to the world around us, when we are conscious of our surroundings, our entire vacation experience is heightened. This heightened sense of awareness allows us to relax more, play more and get the most out of our vacation. Getting more out of our time away is very important.

Little children are a wonderful example of this. They are enthralled with the world around them; everything is new, everything is a wonder. Discovering and learning new things is not “work” to a child. They find joy in all that they encounter; everything is a new toy to play with.

Finally, there is the experience of being awestruck. While spiritual traveling, we may be deeply touched by something; a sunrise or perhaps a smile. Although an intense experience, being awestruck is not a solmemn experience. It just holds a deep meaning for the individual.

Why do we think that spiritual gay travel is not fun? We want to have fun on a vacation; we want to leave the daily grind behind us and play for at least a liitle while. Unfortunately, we frequently we think of spiritual travel as something we need to do; we view it as a form of work. Of course, if we think like this, spiritual travel won’t be any fun at all. How would this change if we thought differently?

Spiritual gay travel is actually a great joy. You meet like minded people and share your experences with them and you get a chance to really get to know them. Connecting with others this deeply adds a great deal to our vacation enjoyment. It is this connection to other people that is so lacking in our lifes.

Also, somewhere along the way, we seem to have been taught that in order to be spiritually connected to the world, the people around us and to ourselves, we must act in a “serious manner”, almost to the point of being somber, or at the very least solemn. Somehow we’ve come to believe that laughter and play are “irreverent”.

In actuality, I have found just the opposite to be true. When we are awake and aware of our surroundings, in other words “spiritually” connected, our experiences are amplified and intensified. We are able to experience more of the world around us and experience it at a deeper level. We have found that this amplified experience actually makes our adventures more “fun” because all aspects of our travel are intensified; we can play more, we can laugh more, we can relax more fully and we can even shop more!

A good example of this is children. All is new to them and all is a wonder to encounter. They find joy in everything. All that they see and touch is theirs to play with. Experiencing the world as a child does is an incredible way to be.

And last, but certainly not least, sometimes people confuse the experience of being awestruck as being serious or solemn. When you travel with conscious awareness there can be times when you will be “deeply moved” (awestruck) by something you encounter. It could be the hospitality of a family you meet; a genuine smile; the grandeur of a sunrise or simply the revelation that you are blessed to be alive. Pesonally, even after countless visits to Monument Valley, I am still moved tears while I am there. But these are tears of joy, humility and gratitude.

Why do we think that spiritual gay travel is not fun? We want to have fun on a vacation; we want to leave the daily grind behind us and play for at least a liitle while. Unfortunately, we frequently we think of spiritual travel as something we need to do; we view it as a form of work. Of course, if we think like this, spiritual travel won’t be any fun at all. How would this change if we thought differently?

My personal experience has shown me that the “work” done during spiritual gay travel is not “work” at all; it is a joy. You meet and connect with people at a level simply not possible on a typical vacation. The connections you make with others on such an event adds immensely to the enjoyment of your time away. To be able to sit and have a real conversation with someone; for you to be listened to with genuine interest; for you to listen to others with your heart; the importance of these things cannot be measured and bring a deep sense of fulfillment.

Also, somewhere along the way, we seem to have been taught that in order to be spiritually connected to the world, the people around us and to ourselves, we must act in a “serious manner”, almost to the point of being somber, or at the very least solemn. Somehow we’ve come to believe that laughter and play are “irreverent”.

When we are spiritually connected to the world around us, when we are conscious of our surroundings, our entire vacation experience is heightened. This heightened sense of awareness allows us to relax more, play more and get the most out of our vacation. Getting more out of our time away is very important.

A good example of this is children. All is new to them and all is a wonder to encounter. They find joy in everything. All that they see and touch is theirs to play with. Experiencing the world as a child does is an incredible way to be.

Lastly, there is confusion around the experience of being awestruck. When on a spiritual gay travel adventure, there are times when we are touched deeply by something and we confuse this as being serious. We can be deeply touched by a person we meet or the majesty of the natural world. Being awestruck is not something that is not really a serious experience, but it can be humbling.