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GAY TRAVEL – GET OFF THE BEATEN PATH & PAVE YOUR OWN ROAD TO ADVENTURE

Are you suffering from ‘been there, done that’ syndrome? Have you been to your fair share of all inclusive resorts and cruises? Tired of burning up hard earned vacation time on family reunions, weddings and the pre-requisite Christmas and Easter visits with the family? Are you thinking that it’s time to do something different, something challenging, something rewarding with your time?

Then it’s probably time to put some thought into getting off the beaten gay path and look into exploring adventure options. The easiest way to break down your options is to look at the obvious and then dive into adventure.

Let’s tackle Asia first! With direct and in some instances non-stop service from North America to Asian cities like Hong Kong, Singapore, Beijing, Tokyo, Manila and Seoul, it is easy to see why Asia holds such a fascination for many gay travellers. Some of these cities actually have quite a buoyant gay life due in part to the large ex-pat communities that live in these cities. In Singapore for instance you’ll find gay bars, restaurants and cafes. But in most Asian cities the gay options are pretty scarce and when they do exist they operate under the radar.

But that actually presents an opportunity to really explore Asia in a different light. Unless you’re travelling to gay beach meccas like Phuket in Thailand then you are probably going to have to get off the beaten path to explore the real Asia. This region is so fascinating for so many reasons and it’s incredibly varied as a result. Why not consider a trip through the former French colonies of Vietnam and Cambodia. This region, once known as Indochine or Indochina is an area that will get your adventurous spirit flowing.

Vietnam is a beautiful, coast hugging country running from Hanoi, the capital in the north to Ho Chi Minh City in the south. But don’t just stop at the cities! Make sure that you visit the picture postcard Halong Bay where you can take an overnight junk boat into the island sprinkled bay where you can swim and kayak in the clear water. Spend a couple of days in the Hoi Ann, a world heritage site where you can take Vietnamese cooking classes and get made to order clothing. When you get down to Ho Chi Minh City make sure you visit Uncle Ho himself. Ho Chi Minh is credited with helping the Vietnamese to expel not only the French but also the Americans in what they call the “American War”, not the Vietnam War as we are taught. He is embalmed and lies in state for public viewing. Kind of creepy but hey, how often to you get to see an embalmed national war hero?

Cambodia is also another Asian destination that is pretty much off the beaten gay path, but you won’t be disappointed for making the effort. Strolling through the imperial palace grounds in Phnom Penh is such a different experience from the tourist swamped royal palaces of Thailand. There are so few tourists that you can take your time and get some pretty amazing photographs. Cambodia does have a very sad and tragic past and you must spend some time understanding the massacre that took place in the 1970′s. The Khmer Rouge rose to power and wiped out entire generations of their own people. The elite, teachers, business people, lawyers and doctors were all killed as the Khmer Rouge attempted to revert the country to a feudal society and one based solely on farming. It’s a sad history but an important one to remember.

The absolute highlight of Cambodia is however the ancient ruins of Angkor Wat. Wow, is pretty much the only way to sum it up. Anyone interested in Asian cultures surely has this site on their Top 10 list. You will marvel at the intricate stone carvings of the various temples and ruins. Watching the sun set and the sun rise over the ruins are two definite musts. Be warned though, it does get more than a bit crowded…this is now well and truly a tourist highlight. People from around the world make their way to Siem Reap to view the temples. And it does get stinking hot, especially as the sun beats down onto the stone ruins. But, it is so worth it. You will be amazed at the craftsmanship of the ancient Khmer culture.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_J_Sharp

STRESS FREE AND JUDGMENT FREE – GAY TRAVEL

The purpose of a vacation is to get away from the stresses of reality. We want to enjoy the money we work hard for each day. We want to enjoy ourselves and indulge ourselves. For many gays, travel has not been able to offer that type of relief. For many years, traveling outside of a community that you are relatively accepted and understood, isn’t easy. To go into uncharted territories might cause you to be afraid of what people will think in other countries. What if there was a way to eliminate that fear of gay travel? What if it was a problem of the past? Consider the gay travel packages and cruises that book a large group of gays and lesbians for a fun filled vacation to a destination that welcomes you with open arms.

It is the ultimate stress relief and the perfect reward for hard work and dedication. Take the vacation of your dreams. Take it with others who want to share that same positive experience. Look online for gay travel group packages that will accommodate a large number of people, set you up with discount services because you are booking as part of the group and have an itinerary made up by the company agents for activities they think you will enjoy the most. This type of  all at a fraction of the price.

Another way to have a positive gay travel experience is booking a gay cruise. There are literally hundreds of cruises that dedicate certain times of year to gays and lesbians. Be among thousands of people who have open minds and are ready to have a good time. There are single gay cruises for those that are out to enjoy their solo selves or meet someone. There are gay cruises for couples to provide a romantic vacation for you and your loved one. There are just general gay cruises that offer general activities like surf lessons, scuba diving, dance lesson and live entertainment. These cruises travel all over the world, so while your enjoying yourself with an entire ship of other people, you also get to explore the cultures of the places you dock during your vacation.

You deserve to go on a vacation and these vacations offer global travel, stress free and judgment free gay travel. Go to a resort or travel a cruise but either way, you can look forward to having an unforgettable time.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Howie_Holben

TOP 10 GAY DESTINATIONS

This is a list of some of the world’s most exciting and welcoming destinations for gay and lesbian travelers.

1. Blue Chairs Beach Hotel, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

This beautiful hotel, located in the heart of gay Puerto Vallarta, caters particularly to gay and lesbian clients. The hotel sits right on the beachfront and cocktail service is available on the beach, so you can sit and tan with drinks delivered directly to you. Gay cruises, themed dance parties and drag shows are just a few of the special events that the hotel organizes for guests. The hotel is an adult-only venue; guests must be over eighteen to stay here.

2. Buenos Aires, Argentina

The vitality of the emerging gay and lesbian scene in Argentina’s capital makes it an ideal destination for travel. Travelers can enjoy the city’s progressive laws, vibrant nightlife and the flair of a colorful and exciting gay and lesbian movement.

3. Highlands Inn, Bethlehem, New Hampshire, USA

Located in the midst of New Hampshire’s White Mountains, this women’s resort is the perfect place for lesbians who want to enjoy energetic hiking and skiing trails and the breathtaking views of a nearby waterfall. Golfing, skiing, hiking and of course mingling with other people are some of the exciting activities you can enjoy at this lesbian paradise.

4. Church Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Toronto’s gay and lesbian village is most famous for having provided the location for much of the Showcase series Queer as Folk. Canada’s laws regarding legal same-sex marriage make this city a perfect destination for a wedding and honeymoon vacation. Church Street’s lively bars, warm cafés and friendly people provide a fun and welcoming atmosphere for gay and lesbian travellers.

5. Turtle Cove Resort, Cairns, Australia

This full service gay and lesbian resort in tropical Australia boasts its own exclusive all gay private beach as well as tours into the nearby rainforest region. You can enjoy snorkelling, scuba diving, white water rafting, themed parties, relaxing massage and lots of sun.

6. Aspen Gay Ski Week in Aspen, Colorado, USA

Avid skiers and outdoors enthusiasts will enjoy this annual week of events including skiing, of course, as well as numerous events including a film festival, ski races, cocktail parties, workout parties, club nights and a comedy night.

7. Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, USA

Both the North Shores Beach and Poodle Beach make for fantastic gay and lesbian vacations in this bustling Delaware resort town. The North Shores Beach is a mainly lesbian beach with hot sand and cold water. Poodle Beach hosts a younger, hip crowd and tends to have a more energetic social scene. The town itself has a hopping house-party circuit with parties open to the public.

8. Prague, Czech Republic

The city of spires has more than just gorgeous architecture and a fascinating history to offer gay and lesbian travellers. The city boasts numerous gay and gay-friendly clubs, bars, restaurants, cafés, saunas and accommodations. Prague is like one large outdoor museum with myriad wonders to explore.

9. Costa Rica

From cloud forests, rainforests and rushing rivers to active volcanoes and tropical beaches, Costa Rica boasts innumerable natural wonders that will arouse your senses. With its progressive laws protecting gay rights, Costa Rica is a friendly place to visit without hassles. San José, the country’s capital city, boasts a hopping bar scene with hot salsa dancing on the menu.

10. Patong Beach, Phuket, Thailand

This popular beach has become a gay hotspot because of its unbelievably inexpensive nightlife, exhilarating water sports and friendly atmosphere. The dazzling beach has been host to pride festivals and remains a perfect place for gay and lesbian travelers to meet and enjoy the excitement of Southeast Asia.

[by TripAdvisor]