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.

Ecuador may be a small country, but it is home to an expansive cultural and geographic diversity, which includes an array of indigenous groups with distinctive, unique cultures and languages. With tropical rainforests, snow-capped volcanoes and picturesque coastlines, Ecuador offers landscapes and varying climates that make any month of the year an excellent time for relaxing gay tours or enticing adventures.

Perhaps best known for the Galapagos Islands, the mainland is also home to many attractions and sightseeing opportunities that make gay tours to Ecuador well worth the trip. Whether you are in search of a spiritual retreat, an outdoors adventure or gay travel that includes getting to know the LGBT community in Quito, exploring the rainforest and lounging on the beach, you are sure to discover the many reasons that Ecuador is such a popular travel destination year after year as soon as you step off the plane.

Travelers will find that Quito is largely the center of LGBT life and has the most visible community. This is particularly true in the La Mariscal neighborhood, which is the location of the Quito Pride celebration each year in June, as well as the district where LGBT-friendly clubs, bars, cafs and other establishments can be found. This bohemian neighborhood is a popular afternoon hangout and is the place to go for a night on the town on Fridays and Saturdays.

Aside from La Mariscal, this city that sits at 9,200 feet above sea level, yet still lower than the nearby Pichincha volcano that rises to 13,000 feet, has much to offer, including streets lined with cafs, art galleries and shops, and a historic district that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Local attractions include the Capilla del Hombre Guayasamin, the Museo de la Ciudad, the Centro de Arte Contemporaneo and the many stalls of handicrafts in the Parque el Ejido.

Rights and protections in Ecuador have expanded over the past decade, allowing for gay vacations that are more enjoyable and safer. At the same time, there is still an air of machismo permeating the culture, which means discretion in most public places is still a good idea. One way to avoid issues and more fully enjoy your voyage to Ecuador is to plan to participate in gay tours when embarking on gay vacations to this diverse country.

This will allow you to relax and get the most out of your journey, while professional travel organizers take care of the logistics and ensure that you will have the chance to experience the many historic, cultural and natural attractions that Ecuador offers.

Post about Ecuador authored by Howie Holben. Spirit Journeys presents gay retreats for gay spiritual singles and couples.

We tested ourselves and committed to drive from Oklahoma to California and back in a two week period. We traveled 1001 miles in just one day, which anyone can tell you was quite a feat. We were planning to do a gay Grand Canyon trip along the way.

By the time we reached our first destination, the Grand Canyon, our butts were sore and our eyes burned from being awake for so long in one day. We stopped off in Page, Arizona for a slight breather before continuing on to the Canyon. Let me be the one to say, it was a breath taking sight to see.

No photograph could ever capture the true beauty of it all. We had reached the canyon by dusk and watching the sun peaking through the valley was truly breath taking. We spent the that night at a small lodge about three miles away.

There are so many things to see from hidden water falls to old native villages hidden within the back parts of the canyon. After all you are on one million acres of land. With so many opportunities for exploration the Grand Canyon brings the explorer out while in safe and capable hands of the guides who have been on this river for more than 75 years.

I can’t remember being so cold out in the sunlight. We drifted lazily down the river watching the wildlife passing by. To our amazement we had caught a glimpse of a Bald Eagle which according to our guide was a rare sight to see.

There are signs posted that show a well fit man walking into the canyon. The sign reads: Each year we rescue hundreds of people from the canyon. Most of them look like him. Or for the more extreme traveler there are rafting trips that will take you on a 17 day rafting adventure through some of the wildest white waters in the United States. – Although one can go for the 2 hour rafting trip which is the one I took.

In all my years of traveling, the Grand Canyon is definitely a place I recommend everyone to see. When our gay rafting was over we hiked back up to stay at the lodge there. However it was not what we had expected. The rooms were small with only a single toilet and sink. The shower was in a different place and the whole thing seemed more like a hostel than a cabin as described in the brochure. So once again we found ourselves going to a hotel just 5 miles away from the canyon.

If I had the money I would do the full adventure down the Colorado River. I would experience first hand the rapids and absorb all that nature throws at me. Even though the Grand Canyon is a national park it has had problems with air pollution the problem has been partly resolved. But the effects of man’s presence in the canyon makes me wonder just what it looked like so long ago and what it will look like should man continue to be destructive. This is one sight I would hate to see blocked because of pollution factors. So lets keep it clean. Try to respect the land. After all it took mother nature 17 million years to create it.

Writing by Howie Holben. Spirit Journeys arranges gay rafting and has gay Grand Canyon tours. D

categories: metaphysical,spirituality,gay travel,gay vacations,gay tours,travel,vacations,gay,adventure,recreation,leisure,sports,entertainment

In tourism issues, it was sighted that gay tourist will be a potential market that can bring lots of revenues to the destination market. Let us take those who do gay tours to Switzerland a stand point for this.

Switzerland is considered as one of the most spectacular countries in Europe. Although it may look a small country in the map, it surely possesses remarkable places to explore. No wonder why most tourists decide as to spending their holiday there. What is more surprising is the number of gay tourist also taking those special cruises especially intended for them. Indeed potential for generating revenue, isn’t it? They have that circle bus to depart from Paris, Rome, Frankfurt, Prague, Vienna and also Amsterdam. Pricing ranges only under $100.00 up to $3,000.00 and above.

They will of course vary on the kind of accommodation they would want. The mere fact that those particular buses for gay passengers, they are truly considered to be potential for market revenue, would you agree?

Some important landscapes can be seen in Switzerland. Like that Alps covered with snows, those villages in the side of the mountains, the picturesque of real beauty indeed including that pristine valleys. Oh! I think no one can resist its splendor. A trained tour guides who are also gays will clarify tourist about the Swiss culture and will lead them to great places which they craved for seeing.

Gays can already enjoy the journey without judgments with their lifestyles. They can familiarize themselves because they will be travelling with the same gender as them. Try to ask somebody who’s been to different gay travels and their story would be happy ones. Why not read about gay journeys in Switzerland and you will be given options where you will want to go. That tours are actually treated as gay-friendly.

Going back 1970, the subject has been to many debate because others doesn’t accept homosexuals. They are having law conflicts like for marriages and people; in general, don’t see them like normal individuals. But the law for anti-discriminatory justified them. And yet, it does not assure them that all people will look at them with respect. Rejection will be present at times, no one can avoid that. With these society norms, a doubtful image can still be thrown towards the gay population.

As such, gay vacations have been opted like in Switzerland. Gays can now feel the real enjoyment of traveling and spending their holiday. There won’t surely be nicer than having a vacation that you are comfortable and safe because you are around the people who understand your preference.

The result for their want of having their personal lives respected is this. It had offered them the freewill not to experience hardships of transferring from place to place. They will be guaranteeing their delight for what a vacation should be. Gay destinations to Switzerland won’t be a bad idea for a trip after all. In is in fact such a good idea to get away from your stresses sometimes.

Essay about Switzerland penned by Howie Holben. Spirit Journeys provides gay spiritual singles a way to meet at gay yoga retreats.

categories: gay travel,gay vacations,gay tours,gay trips,travel,vacations,tours,holidays,trips,travel advice,travel tips,destinations,recreation,leisure

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 a phenomenal vacation destination, filled with one-of-a-kind adventures and exciting locales. Its cities are urbane and vibrant, perfect for gay visitors. It is a land of wonders so diverse, with natural and manmade settings so remarkable, it is almost indescribable. Where? Australia!

Australia offers gay travelers a welcoming destination, brimming with activities to suit the whims of any traveler. And that’s probably the reason that so many gay couples and singles are saying, “G’day, mate,” and making a beeline for this beautiful continent.

When you’re “Down Under,” it is safe to say you’re seldom far from an experience that will delight you as never before. Consider visiting the Yarra, Coal River or Swan Valleys if you’re a wine connoisseur. These areas produce succulent grapes used in Australia’s world-renowned wines. Visit the wineries and their tasting rooms to experience first-hand the contrast between a smooth white and smoky red. Adrenalin-seekers can plan a diving expedition off the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland or Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia.

Visitors can swim with giant whale sharks at Ningaloo. In the Northern Territory at Darwin Harbor, you can dive World War II shipwrecks. In Tasmania you can hike national parks and ancient rainforests, home to interesting plants and animals.

Australia is home to one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world: Sydney. From the grandeur of the Sydney Opera House to boho galleries and fine dining; from the North and South Coast beaches to tropical environmentsin Sydney, the gay traveler is just steps away from action and new experiences at every turn. Museums, art galleries, zoos, gourmet dining, first-rate shopping, spas and sporting events”these are just a few of the diversions you can find in this historic city. Be sure to grab a copy of the Sydney Star Observer (Sydney’s gay newspaper) for information on the local scene, including nightlife and clubs.

Oh, and don’t forget the cuisine”from purely Australian, to Asian, with a generous helping of Mediterranean, French and other exotic offerings, there is enough to satisfy the most discerning palate.

Since Australia is located in the Southern Hemisphere, its seasons are opposite those of the Northern Hemisphere. For example, summer in Australia takes place December through February. Because Australia is such a large continent, be sure to check with your travel professional for precise weather information about your particular destination.

Australia has a very wide range of accommodations. From hostels to small inns for romantic holidays, to high end spa retreats and everything in between, making a gay vacation to Australia affordable, no matter what you budget might be.

Spain is among the first countries in the world to allow same-sex couples to freely enjoy the legal rights of marriage, to adopt children openly and to be treated as equals on a level that the American LGBT community is still struggling to achieve. Because of this wide acceptance and legal equality, Spain is among the top choices for safe, enjoyable gay vacations. From the sexually-charged scene in Madrid, to the higher-brow LGBT culture of Sitges, there is a thriving community in every major city and many of the smaller towns throughout this country that offers breathtaking scenery, stunning architecture, rich culture and history, and wonderful year-round weather that makes any time a good time for gay travel to Spain.

Some of Spains most welcoming towns, cities and islands include Sitges, Valencia, Torremolinos, Ibiza, Gran Canaria, Barcelona and Benidorm, each of which is very popular with LGBT visitors. Many of these must-see locales have exceptional beaches and all of them offer a vibrant community and active nightlife for gay vacations. For travelers in search of a lively scene, Madrid is the ideal choice and will not disappoint; however, those looking for a laidback vacation on the beach may prefer Ibiza or Gran Canaria, while travelers who prefer a mix of bars and beaches might best enjoy Torremolinos or Valencia.

One of the most welcoming cities in Spain is Barcelona, which boasts amazing architecture, art and culture and is home to more clubs, bars, restaurants, bathhouses and other community establishments than any traveler could fit into their gay vacations. Visitors will surely want to visit LEixample, where most of the community bars and businesses are located, as well as the fabulous beaches located around this city that boasts a very active, very visible community. Barcelona is a cosmopolitan city that has earned its rank among the most welcoming, most out places in Europe and also makes a great home base for side trips to other areas that are popular with LGBT locals and visitors, such as the beach town of Sitges.

To make the most of your gay vacation to Spain, consider traveling to Spain as part of an organized gay travel tour group, which will allow you to explore this fascinating country and all that it has to offer while making new friends and sharing your experiences with like-minded tourists.

Participating in a professionally arranged tour is a wonderful, fun way to discover Spain; however, whether or not you choose to travel to Spain with an organized group, planning your trip through a reputable company that is well-versed in arranging Spain gay tours will help to ensure that your travel experience will be safe, enjoyable and memorable.

Life is really full of stress for most of us right now. Financial worries and uncertainties fill our daily lifes. The media makes it worse with continuously depressing reporting.

It is normal for people to avoid pain and stress is painful. If something hurts or scares us, we immediately try to get away from it. We usually look for the quick fix; a pill or a cocktail. Sometimes we try to escape by taking a vacation.

Yes, a vacation… thats what I need; a chance to get away from lifes stresses; to escape. We think, That way I can come home refreshed and ready to deal with lifes stresses with renewed vigor. A typical vacation can be a big help in dealing with stress. We get a chance to leave the worries behind us for a week or two, but do we really?

We spend the first few days of the vacation just unwinding and getting used to being on vacation. The last few days of the vacation, we start stressing about going home and all that awaits us there. In between, we get to escape a little.

The problem is that when the vacation ends, we have to go back to the same demands of life we left behind. Most likely we did not learn any new skills to deal with the stresses that made us need a vacation in the first place. In this sense, typical gay travel is only a quick, temporary fix, like a pill or a drink. This is why we think Spirit Journeys is more important now than ever before.

Our personal experience has shown us that gay travel with Spirit Journeys can be a life changing event. The introduction to new ways of thinking, the learning and practicing of techniques to handle stress or the building of a support network of friends, can all help us be less affected by lifes ups and downs; to be more confident as we move through our lives.

Also, at a Spirit Journeys event we get to meet and connect with people at a level simply not possible on an ordinary gay vacation. We are given the chance to learn new things and hear new ideas from the others in the group. The connections made on a Spirit Journey add immensely to the enjoyment of our time away. To be able to sit and have a real conversation with someone; for us to be listened to with genuine interest; for us to listen to others with our heart; the importance of these things cannot be measured and bring a deep sense of fulfillment. Yes, there is effort involved. We can’t just hide in our rooms. We will want to be “present”; we will want to be willing; we will want to be as open and honest as we can be.

But the effort we put out has unimaginable rewards. We know in our hearts that this kind of effort has the power to change us, and change us deeply. These kind of changes to our “way of being” in the world, can make everday feel like we’re on a vacation.

Morocco is a land of legends and myths, steeped in rich history and culture, where travelers can stay in a hotel made of sand, trek across the desert on camels and bargain with spice and rug traders in old-world marketplaces. In many places homes have been converted into hotels, called riads, that are sometimes more welcoming for visitors on a gay vacation and offer visitors the opportunity to experience the life and culture of Morocco more closely. There is no definable scene in Morocco, which is a conservative Muslim country; however there are many reasons to include Morocco in your gay travel plans, including pristine beaches, ancient ruins, enticing souks (markets) that wind through narrow streets offering a variety of wares, vast desert landscapes and amazing architecture.

Morocco is a land of legends and myths, steeped in rich history and culture, where travelers can stay in a hotel made of sand, trek across the desert on camels and bargain with spice and rug traders in old-world marketplaces. In many places homes have been converted into hotels, called riads, that are sometimes more welcoming for visitors on a gay vacation and offer visitors the opportunity to experience the life and culture of Morocco more closely. There is no definable scene in Morocco, which is a conservative Muslim country; however there are many reasons to include Morocco in your travel, including pristine beaches, ancient ruins, enticing souks (markets) that wind through narrow streets offering a variety of wares, vast desert landscapes and amazing architecture.

Morocco was once a popular vacation destination for jet set from Europe, including famous writers, composers and socialites; however, although Morocco was once known as a welcoming spot for exotic gay vacations, homosexuality was criminalized in Morocco in 1962. While the law is rarely enforced, travelers on a vacation in Morocco should be aware that same-sex conduct is illegal and is punishable by fines and six months to three years of imprisonment.

The government recently released a statement noting that increased efforts to repress homosexuality would be put in place and that homosexuality will not be tolerated; which may lead to stricter enforcement of this law. This type of intolerance and laws against same-sex conduct are not uncommon in African nations or conservative Muslim countries and does not mean that Morocco must be avoided during your gay travel.

However it does mean that caution and discretion are advised while visiting this conservative country and that travelers may want to consider visiting Morocco as part of an organized gay travel group or working with a gay travel agency that is knowledgeable about the safest locations and lodgings for Morocco vacations.