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.

Turkey is a unique country with a distinctive culture resulting from being situated on both the European and Asian continents. Turkey’s history and daily life is heavily influenced by both, with most considering Turkey to be economically and politically closer to other European countries, while it is geographically located mostly on the Asian continent and is solidly positioned as an Islamic country, along with its Middle Eastern neighbors, in terms of religion.

However, most residents and visitors would agree that Turkey is set apart from other Islamic countries as far more progressive and Westernized, primarily due to its strong connection with Europe. This is one of the many reasons why gay tours to this intriguing country can be comfortably undertaken and is generally without issue.

Millions of visitors travel to Turkey every year, many enjoying gay vacations that include exploring old-world architecture and ancient ruins, relaxing on beautiful beaches on the Mediterranean and Aegean coastlines, and partaking in gay tours that visit sites of historical, cultural and spiritual importance.

Istanbul has had a long, diverse history including time as the capital of the Roman, Latin, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. This rich history has resulted in a nearly limitless list of historically important sites scattered throughout the city, as well as the country. Whether tourists choose a relaxing resort vacation on the Aegean or Mediterranean coasts, urban gay travel based in Istanbul or a rural vacation visiting old-world villages, travelers will find that cultural attractions and unique experiences wait around each corner.

From visiting hammams (traditional public Turkish baths) to sitting at sidewalk cafs drinking sweet black tea or strong Turkish coffee, gay vacations in Turkey allow travelers to immerse themselves in this distinctive culture, with plenty of opportunities to partake in once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Those who opt for gay tours to Turkey will find that their vacation experience can be even more memorable and fulfilling when they enjoy the additional benefit of having travel professionals organize their trip.

While visitors will not see a vibrant, vocal LGBT presence during gay vacations in Turkey, you will find that the LGBT community is alive and well. There are a number of community bars, discos and other establishments, particularly around the Taksim Square area in Istanbul, and – unlike most Islamic countries – there are no specific laws targeting same sex behaviors in Turkey.

The abundance of community establishments allows those partaking in gay travel in Turkey to experience Turkish LGBT life during their visit, while opting for gay vacations ensures that you will not miss out on some of the most breathtaking sites and experiences that Turkey has to offer.

Gay vacations in Turkey suggestions post by Howie Holben. Spirit Journeys can point you towards great gay vacation information.

categories: metaphysical,spirituality,travel,vacations,self improvement,gay,society,inspiration,motivation,health,fitness

The intriguing country of Ireland has been a popular gay vacations since the days when Oscar Wilde called this nation home. Of course, during his time Ireland was not as welcoming and accepting of LGBT folks and many, including Wilde, were jailed or sent off to hard labor camps for what was then termed “indecency.” Sadly, up until 1861, death was considered an acceptable punishment for acts of sodomy, but today Ireland has moved well beyond these dark days and has recently bested the U.S. when it comes to LGBT rights by legalizing same-sex civil unions in 2009, after decriminalizing same-sex behaviors in 1993.

While these significant legal strides might not mean that every village – or even every larger city – is ready to fully embrace same-sex relationships, Ireland has become a rather welcoming country for the most part and is a wonderful choice for gay travel. Many larger cities, such as Galway, Dublin, Cork and Waterford, have active, visible communities, LGBT-owned and LGBT-friendly establishments, and enough attractions and activities to fill an entire trip; however, whether you travel to Ireland solo or with organized gay tours, you will not want to miss the beautiful Irish countryside or the quaint, small villages that are scattered about the landscape or overlooking awe-inspiring coastal cliffs.

Although many cities in Ireland now have community hangouts, organizations, annual community celebrations and an active LGBT community, Dublin reigns supreme as the center of Ireland’s LGBT scene, making it a must-do for anyone planning gay travel here. Dublin’s nightlife is a blend of both casual pubs and high-class clubs – some even with dress codes – which offers folks on gay vacations the opportunity to experience vastly different aspects of the local community. Dublin is also well known for a variety of community festivals held throughout the year, which include the Dublin Gay Theatre Festival in May, Dublin International LGBTQ Pride in June, and the Dublin Lesbian and Gay Film Festival in July.

Regardless of which time of year you partake in gay travel to Ireland, there will be some sort of activities going on, which will be listed in GCN – Ireland’s most-read community magazine – so, if you enjoy the scene, you will definitely want to pick up a copy when you get to town. Some of the attractions that you will not want to miss while in Dublin include the Book of Kells, the Guinness Storehouse, the Hugh Lane Gallery, the Old Jameson Distillery, the Oscar Wilde House Museum and The George, which is Dublin’s quintessential community bar.

Folks planning gay tours should consider partaking in group gay tours to ensure that they do not miss out on the plethora of historical, cultural and natural attractions that this intriguing, romantic nation has to offer.

Ideas for Ireland by Howie Holben for a gay vacation. Spirit Journeys will also assist with gay single travel ideas.

categories: metaphysical,spirituality,travel,vacations,self improvement,gay,society,inspiration,motivation,health,fitness

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 gay vacations 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 planning, including pristine beaches, ancient ruins, enticing souks (markets) that wind through narrow streets offering a variety of wares, vast desert landscapes and amazing architecture.

With splendid Muslim mosques, Roman ruins, street performers and snake charmers, a vacation to Morocco is a once in a lifetime experience full of sights, smells, colors and sounds. Travel to Morocco would simply not be complete without standing in awe of the distinct art deco architecture in Casablanca, climbing atop an ancient white wall in Tangier to take in the expansive ocean views and breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, visiting the Dar Si Said Museum in Marrakech and exploring the diverse corridors of the Fes medina.

Morocco was once a popular gay 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.

It simply means that discretion and awareness are advised while taking gay vacations in Morocco. Travelers may want to consider visiting Morocco in an organized travel tour group or planning your vacation to Morocco through a gay tours agency that has particular knowledge regarding the most welcoming lodgings and locations for vacations.

Pointers about Morocco conceived by Howie Holben. Spirit Journeys has gay naked yoga or a Morocco gay holiday.

categories: metaphysical,spirituality,self-improvement,gay,travel,health,society,social issues,sexuality,advice,recreation,leisure

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

England always has been and always will be a gay vacation destination and offers a wide variety of options for gay tours in 2010. With a thriving, very visible gay and lesbian community and far more rights than those given to the LGBT community in the United States, England is an ideal location for gay vacations. From lively London nightspots to the relaxing beaches of Brighton and all the bucolic countryside and urban adventures that can be found throughout the country, England offers something for every kind of gay travel tourist.

Visitors on a gay vacation to London will not want to miss Old Compton Street and the Soho district, which is a thriving gay and lesbian neighborhood filled with gay bars, clubs, restaurants and businesses. Soho is close to many of Londons most famous tourist hotspots, like Leicester Square, Covent Garden, Piccadilly Circus, Chelsea and Kensington. And, with Londons stellar public transportation system, everything is within easy reach of this gay mecca. Manchester also has much to offer to the gay and lesbian traveler, including a lively gay scene with a variety of bars, clubs and pubs to choose from, as well as a quaint gay village encompassing the blocks around Canal Street.

If you prefer a gay holiday by the sea, Brighton ” which is also known as Soho by the Sea – has the second largest lesbian and gay community in England, including the popular Kempton neighborhood, which is home to gay bars, clubs, restaurants and bed and breakfasts. Walk along the pier or pebble beach, or explore quaint shops and boutiques located throughout Brighton for a relaxing gay vacation. Another gay-friendly city that welcomes gay men and lesbians on gay vacations is Newcastle Gateshead, which is home to a sophisticated, trendy gay village with a lively gay scene including cafs, pubs, bars and clubs.

Gay travelers will find gay-owned and gay-friendly accommodations in all of Englands regions, including establishments that exclusively serve the gay travel community or specifically gay men. Gay and lesbian travelers who choose to work with a travel agency well-versed in planning gay vacations in England will benefit from working with a travel agent who can suggest the gay-friendly or gay-owned hotel, bed and breakfast or other lodgings option that will best meet your needs. If camping is on the agenda for your England gay vacation, gay-owned and gay-friendly campgrounds are available, including Out in the Open, a gay-owned campsite in Cornwall, and Brighthouse Farm, offering a six-acre campground, bed and breakfast and self-catering lodgings in Suffolk.

Make your England gay travel tours all that they can be by planning your gay travel with the assistance of a travel agency that is well-versed in organizing gay vacations.

Spread composed by Howie Holben on England. Spirit Journeys produces a gay guide and will provide great gay travel ideas.

categories: metaphysical,spirituality,travel,vacations,self improvement,gay,society,inspiration,motivation,health,fitness

Naked yoga has its benefits for anyone willing to give it a try. If you’re wondering just what gay naked yoga is, then the name is self-explanatory. Yoga without clothes on. That’s right, you practice yoga techniques in the buff. This breaks with normal traditions and has a liberating factor that many find very appealing. It’s a way of freeing inhibitions and letting go.

What this type of yoga does, is to push you a bit beyond your normal range of comfort. When you first think about it, it might sound a little unappealing. But once you’re engaged in it, many people begin to realize some very good results. It’s not just another way to sexually exploit a good system, as some may think. It really does have its benefits.

The goal is to attain a freedom that you’ve never experienced before. By feeling free with your body, overcoming any inhibitions you may have about imperfections, you can free your mind and experience things in a whole new light. If you begin this practice with any self-consciousness, then it will help you to eliminate that, and to come to a different level of body consciousness.

Even though this yoga is practiced in the nude, its still yoga. It’s an appreciation of self. This means in the physical, the mental, and spiritual realms of consciousness. Nudity is not commonly accepted by society, so one would not think this type of yoga would find many followers. But in truth, this type of yoga is catching on like wildfire. And in a very positive way.

Yoga itself has been around for centuries. There has always been a passion for connecting the mind, soul, and body. It’s simplistic and easy to learn and to do in just about any setting. You can practice it by yourself or you can practice in a group. It’s versatile and can be very rewarding to those who make it a part of their lives.

Some of the benefits that can be had by practicing yoga may surprise many who aren’t familiar with it. Mentally, it’s about the usual peace and tranquility and sensed of one-ness. But in the body, it can mean help with blood circulation, help with lung capacity, getting rid of toxins, and assisting the whole digestive process. The nudity simply takes you to a deeper level of appreciation for your entire being.

Another term you hear when speaking of naked yoga is ‘naturism’. Naturism is a movement that is both political and cultural that takes up the cause of nudity, both in private and in public. It’s much like the old nude beach causes fought over in years past. It teaches you to appreciate the body, and to see it in a better and different light. To realize the beauty of the body, and of being free to express yourself in it.

Naked yoga has its benefits and is catching on fast. Some of these classes can be found with mixed male and female. But for the most part, they have been taken up by men. This old and widely used practice has taken on a new life as more and more people are discovering its benefits. Naked yoga is a very liberating and fulfilling experience. You can find more information online. If you’re new, there are instructions for learning. If you want to join a group or class, you can do that too.

If you get really adventurous you can then go on to explore gay tantra yoga.

A gay naked yoga post written by Howie Holben. Howie runs Spirit Journeys and they offer gay weekend getaways too.

categories: metaphysical,spirituality,travel,vacations,self improvement,gay,society,inspiration,motivation,health,fitness

When we refer to gay spirituality we aren’t necessarily referring to a “gay church.” We, as a community, were often subject to the teachings of our own childhood churches that found us to be completely unacceptable in our current state of being. This naturally led to a falling away from the church, but not necessarily the end of one’s spirituality. You can take just a small step, for the journey is great and long, but well worth every step.

In many cases, whether we were ready or not, our spiritual quests started in our youth. Not all of us completely grasped why condemnation of the gay population bothered us so much. Some of us understood all too well.

This led to a natural progression of questions that were taken away from the church and into other possibilities. Some people created groups and offered emotional and spiritual support along with the fight for social justice.

Fortunately, spiritual answers do not necessarily have to come from a church or a person of religious affiliation. Not all of us culminate our gay spirituality quest on the steps of a religious building. We’ve gone from the efforts of a few brave religious figures reaching out toward the community to what are now known as open and affirming churches.

If your family is particularly religious it can be difficult to reconcile your emotional and spiritual ideas. Your emotional side remembers the prayers, the “treatments, ” and the casting out while your spiritual ideas look further inside. There is no admission from the religious affiliations that cast you aside, and there is no confirmation from their view that you are just fine the way you are. That’s for you to find out. Many would say that’s for you to feel.

Sometimes your spiritual answers are all around you. You might find that the miracle of your partner or the miracle of having a family together is enough of an answer. You may be wandering the world and simply gathering bits of a spiritual journey. You don’t have to receive your gay spirituality badge from an actual religious figure if you don’t want to. Your journey is very much within your own control and you have many choices. You can change your options whenever you please as well, making your choices ever more abundant.

Historically, religions and spirituality do not even have to mean the same thing. While we make the associated connection, spiritual beliefs are of a totally different make and model. Religion is a taught belief system. Spiritual beliefs are a felt and internal belief system. Bringing the two together can be make for interesting spiritual journeys but one that can be done in your own way. Having the option to figure out what works for you is really the key.

You can join the open and affirming churches and learn to grasp your gay spirituality if you choose. It can be a great place to debate and discuss. Or you can create your own gay spirit that offers you a reflective chance to decide for yourself. The journey simply never really has to end.

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

categories: metaphysical,spirituality,travel,vacations,self improvement,gay,society,education,inspiration,motivation,health,fitness

With a barely existent gay scene, is putting Mongolia on your list for gay tours a good idea? Despite little knowledge and a practically invisible LGBT community, Mongolia offers incredible views, outdoor activities and vibrant culture that may appeal to all travelers, gay or straight. Homosexuality is legal and the unique experience of Mongolia makes it a great destination for gay couples and groups.

Mongolia is sparsely populated, leaving plenty of room for the beautiful lakes, majestic mountains and flowing rivers for which the country is often known. Mongolia boasts a unique history as the Mongols and Genghis Khan once ruled powerfully, only for the country to later fall under Soviet grasps.

Despite having little in the way of gay establishments, the unique history and culture of Mongolia make it a worthwhile destination for gay travelers.

It is best to start your journey in Ulaanbaatar, where guesthouses typically serve as travel agencies that can help you plan your trip. It is best to travel into the capital and spend several days planning your countrywide excursions. There is an international airport, but consider taking the train from Beijing in order to view the beautiful countryside.

Guesthouses are the best place to stay as they offer cheap accommodation (roughly twenty U. S. Dollars per night) and also act as travel agencies that can help you to draw up an itinerary.

From there, the options are plentiful. For shorter stays, consider a local home stay near Terelj National Park, just two hours from the capital and an easy ride to the Gobi Desert. You might also want to think about a trip to Genghis Khan’s ancient capital or adding a week to head north for spectacular lake, mountain and river excursions.

Longer stays of a month or longer are ideal for a big loop of the country to include the aforementioned destinations all in one trip.

Aside from outdoor and wildlife excursions, city life is also worth exploring. Ulaanbaatar is home to good and inexpensive restaurants like Mongol Shabu, where you can eat well for under five dollars. You can also check out the world renowned Mongolian National Symphony Orchestra at The Culture Show or visit the Natural History Museum.

Homosexuality is not typically received well in Mongolia, but not necessarily as a result of religion or conservative values. Instead, there seems to be lack of information and gay context that prevents openness about homosexuality. Nevertheless, it is not considered unsafe or unfriendly towards gay vacations and can still provide an excellent vacation.

There are other options available besides traveling on your own. Various tour groups, specializing in gay travel groups, offer vacations in Mongolia.

These agencies typically excursions that cater to the interests of culture lovers and active outdoors travelers by visiting places such as local traditional festivals, the ancient capital city and museums, as well as the desert, camel farms and horseback riding destinations.

These groups often include visits with local LGBT groups and a look at the barely existent gay scene in country. Despite a small gay scene, the country offers beautiful landscapes and unique culture that make it an unforgettable excursion for gay destinations.

Report by Howie Holben for Mongolia gay holiday destinations. Spirit Journeys also offers gay meditation retreats.

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