Posts Tagged ‘tours’

Tips For Gay Travel To China

February 26th, 2010

China is a communist-led nation with an everyday life that is largely influenced by traditions that go back many generations. This may make China appear to be a less than friendly option for gay vacations; however tourists might be surprised to find a thriving scene throughout China’s urban areas including neighborhoods, bars, clubs and pride celebrations, as well as a growing level of acceptance largely due to the visibility of an organized LGBT community. China offers an array of vacation options including unique cultural experiences, breathtaking landscapes, delectable food and fabulous fashion, making China a perfect choice for gay vacations.

Shanghai and Hong Kong are two cities in China that are popular locations for gay tours. Each has a growing, organized LGBT community, as well as many clubs, bars, saunas, restaurants, LGBT community events and annual pride celebrations, making both of these cosmopolitan cities great vacation destinations for LGBT tourists. There are several beaches around Hong Kong Island that have a large male population, as well as neighborhoods such as Lan Kwai Fong and Soho in Hong Kong and Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon. The club scene in Shanghai is centered in the French Concession district and is home to an array of LGBT options from darkly lit lounges to thumping dance clubs.

Another larger metropolitan area offering both an international business hub and exceptional fashion, shopping and dining is the city of Beijing. While Beijing may not have the thriving nightlife expected in Hong Kong or Shanghai, there are several clubs, bars and restaurants throughout the area. Destination is the most popular LGBT nightspot in Beijing and caters to a primarily male audience, but is also frequented by women. There are also a number of eateries within walking distance, including a romantic Spanish tapas restaurant called Mare and Alameda, a trendy fusion bistro.

China is a great chance to have new experiences. Get as much as you can on your gay vacation tour by using a travel agent to plan your trip.

You will make new friends and explore China with a group of people in an environment that allows you to be yourself. If you are not sure you are ready to take on China with a group, working with a travel agency that regularly organizes gay tours in China will assist you in planning the vacation of a lifetime.

Thoughts about China written by Howie Holben. Spirit Journeys list of gay guides is amazing. Their gay travel in 2010 is well rounded.

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Great Places To Visit In The Gold Coast Region

February 24th, 2010

If you begin looking up information about the Gold Coast of Australia you will be quickly drawn to an area known as Surfer’s Paradise . This areas name and billing can be a bit deceiving, mostly because people assume one of two things about this region. Either they are convinced that it is only an area for surfing, which is completely not true, or they believe that Surfers Paradise is synonymous with Gold Coast, and again this is false.

What attracts most tourists to the Surfers Paradise area is the activities that are both in and around it. There is shopping, amusement parks, wonderful nightlife and fabulous dining experiences. It is true that Surfers Paradise is one of the most attractive areas in the region, but it is not the only place that will provide you with wonderful vacation memories.

Another reason that Surfers Paradise seems to pop up most on internet searches is because there are numerous accommodations in the area. However, if you are one that would prefer to have a less crowed and secluded vacation then you may want to look into staying at one of the other Gold Coast beaches. Both Main Beach and Broad Beach are excellent areas to stay, for a little peace, while also be able to enjoy all the fun and excitement that the region has to offer.

Both of these are incredible beach front resort areas, but are a little less active. And while there is plenty of surfing at Surfer’s Paradise , there are also many other places to learn to surf or do some free lance surfing of your own. You are not limited to Surfers Paradise for surfing. As a matter of fact there are many beaches throughout the Gold Coast that are actually more popular with avid surfers.

The Gold Coast is a very scenic place for a holiday, but if you are looking for a stay that is a little more relaxing and less active than head to Main or Broadbeach, and you will find that you can always take a day to spend in Surfer’s Paradise . It is a fun place to experience, but not everyone wants to stay in the heart of the action.

For the best deals and selection in gold coast hotels, check out goldcoastinformation.com.au right away. Whether you are looking for surfers paradise hotels or any other locale, check us out right away.

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Shopping On The Incredible Gold Coast

February 14th, 2010

If you decide to visit the Gold Coast, for your upcoming holiday, the one thing you will never have to worry about is what you will do. the fact of the matter is, if you really want to enjoy all that this region has to offer you may need to plan a return visit, more than once.

The Gold Coast is full of exciting water activities, amusement parks and a vast array of shopping experiences. In fact shopping is something you can do for days and days without ever getting bored or visiting the same stores more than once. There are many large shopping complexes located in convenient areas to entertain all types of shoppers.

Perhaps one of the most incredible shopping experiences in the Gold Coast region is the Pacific Fair complex. This indoor/outdoor shopping center is home to almost 300 retailers including many unique shops, banks, a post office, plus many unique dining experiences as well. Medical services are also available at this mall.

In addition to the major retailers like K Mart, Target, Lowes and Toys R Us, there are also many smaller retail shops that include jewelry and clothing shops, book stores and even a salon to get your hair and nails done. There is plenty of free parking as well as easy access to buses, taxis and water taxis. The natural beauty of this Pacific Fair complex is accentuated with parks and greenery, lakes and streams to provide shoppers with spectacular views to take in while making their way from retailer to retailer. There is even a child centered play park for the kids to play the afternoon away and there are plenty of services available for the disabled as well, so everyone can come and enjoy the scenery as well as take full advantage of this shopping area.

If shopping is your thing, then a visit to the Gold Coast region of Australia is just the trip for you. You can spend hours, if not days, going from retailer to retailer and just browsing the selection of items that they have to offer.

When you are looking for hotels on gold coast you should log onto www.goldcoastinformation.com.au. There site has all the information on gold coast accommodation as well as local events and more.

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Tips For Gay Vacations To Ireland

February 8th, 2010

Gay vacations to Ireland have been a popular choice dating back to at least the time of Oscar Wilde. While Ireland may not have been nearly as LGBT-friendly in his time, it has come a long way since the days of folks – like Wilde – being sent to hard labor camps or jail for what was then known as “indecency.” In fact, up until 1861 the act of sodomy was punishable by death, but today Ireland has recently moved ahead of the U.S. when it comes to LGBT rights by legalizing civil unions for same-sex couples in 2009, after decriminalizing homosexuality in 1993.

While this does not mean that this largely Catholic country is ready to embrace same-sex relationships in every village – or even every city – Ireland is now far more welcoming and can safely be considered a great place for gay travel. Several larger cities, including Dublin, Galway, Cork and Waterford, have visible, active communities, community celebrations, numerous establishments catering or welcoming to the community and plenty of attractions to fill an entire vacation; however, whether travelers choose to participate in solo travel or gay tours, one should not miss the Irish countryside and quaint, traditional villages that dot the verdant landscape or sit atop breathtaking coastal cliffs during their vacation to Ireland as well.

While several larger cities now have annual community celebrations, pubs and clubs, community organizations and a visible LGBT scene, Dublin is unquestionably the center of LGBT life in Ireland and should be part of any gay travel plans to this country. Dublin nightlife offers both a casual pub scene and an upscale club scene complete with dress codes, which allows those on gay vacations to experience two very different aspects of local LGBT life. There are also a number of community festivals that take place throughout the year, including the Dublin International LGBTQ Pride Festival in June, the Dublin Lesbian and Gay Film Festival in July and the Dublin Gay Theatre Festival in May.

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.

Gay tours are an ideal option for those considering gay vacations to Ireland and are a great way to ensure that you do not miss the many cultural, historical and natural attractions this romantic, intriguing country has to offer.

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

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