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For many years Brazil was the only gay destination in South America. However all that is changing with more liberal laws and a growing LGBT movement there are now a number of destinations which are gay friendly. These days it is easy to find gay vacations to South America of all kinds. It is a continent with great variety and incredible natural beauty and you can explore it all.

Even in Brazil things are changing and gay people no longer need to restrict themselves to Rio and Sao Paulo. The two biggest cities in the country have tons to offer, especially if you want to party. However now a gay vacation in Brazil can be more varied with a trip up the coast. The area between Salvador and Fortaleza now has many gay destinations for those who want to experience some incredible beaches, colonial towns and unique cultures.

Buenos Aires is probably the most European city on the continent and its residents, Portenos pride themselves on their open minded attitude. It is now legal for same sex couples to have a civil marriage ceremony in Buenos Aires so things have come a long way in a short time. There is not a dedicated gay area but there are increasing numbers of gay bars and clubs all over the central areas of the city. Palermo is the most popular place to stay among gay travelers. It is a chic area with high class boutiques and bars and some hotels dedicated to gay travelers.

Bogota, the exciting capital of Colombia is no longer associated with drug lords and terrorists and is a safe destination for anyone. Colombia is a rising travel destination and thanks to some recent laws same sex couples have the same rights as straight couples. There is a gay neighborhood in Bogota called Chapinero Alto which is full of bars, clubs and some hotels. In June, Bogota hosts a growing gay pride event. All in all Bogota is a great destination for gay travelers looking for a great time. Colombians are friendly folk who like to have a good time and these days anyone can join them.

Chile recently proposed a law to legalize gay marriage. The country has a vocal gay rights movement and has a gay pride event in Santiago. The capital is undoubtedly the place with the largest gay scene but Valparaiso is another city well worth a visit if you like to party. The really special thing about Chile is the natural beauty. It spans over 2500 miles from the northern desert, through wine growing country, a lake district dotted with snow capped volcanoes, down to the fjords and glaciers in the south. It has opportunities for numerous adventure sports including climbing, rafting and skiing. There is pretty much anything a traveler could want.

For the adventure traveler Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador have a huge array of possibilities. While they do not have as much gay friendly infrastructure as other countries they do have growing gay scenes in their capital cities. There are a number of companies who could set up a gay trip to go exploring the jungle, climbing, trekking, exploring ancient ruins and visiting historic cities.

The popularity of South America as a vacation destination is growing. Reflecting this there are many travel agents who specialize in gay trips. The draw of places like Macchu Picchu is now pulling in more and more gay travelers.

It is easier than ever to find gay tours to South America. The liberalization of laws and attitudes has opened up the continent and its abundance of experiences.

Spirit Journeys’ author Howie Holben, runs a gay vacations organization that focuses on spiritual travel. Howie has travelled the world learning from indigenous peoples. You can learn more about Howie, his work and a gay travel with a spiritual emphasis at Spirit Journeys website.

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Being gay is still conversational in the world we live in today and its acceptance has ebbed and flowed through history. While people like to point backwards to the openness of homosexual culture in ancient Greece, that was over 2,000 years ago and the world has not rushed forward as a whole to embrace a gay lifestyle. While some areas are very welcoming, such as Canada which allows gays to get married there are varying degrees of acceptance in small pockets and arenas – like traveling the world in any number of gay tours.

Around the United States there are many people who have no issue with gays and others who most certainly do and can, unfortunately, incite violence to make their claim. The gray scale acceptance in America is still worlds above some countries, like Iran, in which homosexuals can be sentenced to death.

Is it a choice? Are you born gay? These are the questions that the rest of the world struggles with and that a gay child does not concern themselves with. To be gay is to realize your difference very early one and carry that into puberty. Adolescence is already a time of struggle and reflection that for gay teens, includes having to choose between being in the closet and acting the part of a straight teen or coming out and dealing with reactions that can be either accepting or rejecting.

Finding solace and acceptance as a gay person can be hard struggle, but with technology they can find like minded individuals who can support them and offer an ear to their troubles online. The Lesbian Gay Transgendered (LGBT) community has created an integrated society across the nation that gays can turn to find acceptance.

Being in a room full of people and feeling comfortable with your sexuality is not something many straight adults ever have to worry about and for gays, there is a desire to find place that they can stop being defined by their sexuality. People are more than the sum of their sexual appetites and so being about to get away and be surrounded by other gay people can make the sexual aspect melt away and leave behind nothing but a community of acceptance. Traveling the world with in gay tours can be a transformative travel experience.

Gay tours aren’t just limited to going on cruise ships; they can be elaborate multi-day and multi-destination affairs that bring you face to face with a number of cultures and experiences. Where you want to go and what type of vacation you want is up to you, whether it is an African safari trek or party boat excursion.

On top of having a wealth of experiences open to you, the travel manifest is also something you can have a say in. You can go on a gay tour with a combination of gays, lesbians, and their friends, or just with gay families, or just with other lesbians, or just with other gay men. Depending on your identity and preference, there is a tour waiting for you.

Experience the world and let your true personality shine through without fear of being rejected. Gay vacations are a great way to relax and take a moment to be around so many other gay people, a luxury that straight people have every single day. The psychological benefits cannot be discounted.

Howie Holben pilots Spirit Journeys, a gay vacations organization that focuses on personal growth travel. Howie has travelled the world learning from indigenous peoples. There is more about Howie, his work and gay tours with a spiritual focus at Spirit Journeys website.

While most individuals are welcome in most areas of the United States, there are definitely areas which are more accepting of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered community than others. So, when such individuals travel, there is often more planning and research involved in choosing such a destination. To this end, there have been a number of travel guides published in relation to gay vacations in the USA and beyond.

Such travel guides tend to offer information on areas which may be safer than others, as well as those which one may wish to avoid due to high incidents of related crime. In doing so, the publishers of such guides are also helping these individuals in regards to having a low stress vacation while away from the acceptance and comfort in areas where many call home. For, in addition to the information on various neighborhoods, these guides also provide detailed information on clubbing, lodging, restaurants and other gay friendly activities going on in and near the destination one has chosen to visit.

So, whether going on a gay cruise, spending a weekend at a gay resort, or simply staying at a gay oriented bed and breakfast, generally one can find great accommodations and activities through such guides. In addition to these guides, a number of which are available at local and national booksellers, other listings for a variety of activities directed at the gay community with regards to leisure and vacation can also be found online.

Whether one desires to purchase a book or find a local business offering such vacations online, one may want to verify the business is still in operation and contact a local better business bureau to determine if there have been any complaints against such an establishment. This is because sometimes, while one may advertise a business is gay friendly, others have not always found such to be the case. Therefore, if one knows such information in advance, one can prevent a repeat by selecting another more appropriate choice for such a vacation.

Also, if one can prepare accordingly based on fact rather than a listing in a guide or online, one has a better chance of arriving at the location without any surprises in relation to discrimination or other issues. In doing so, one can layout plans according to the information which involve staying and playing at welcoming locations throughout the United States. Thus, creating less stress overall and allowing one to know first hand what one can expect upon arrival at a preferred location.

For, while the gay community has made a great deal of progress when it comes to acceptance overall, there are still areas, especially within the United States, which are still bigoted toward both the gay community and other alternative groups. Therefore, doing research with regards to such locations can also help one avoid staying in areas which may not be as safe as others. This is especially true when it comes to individuals who identify as being part of such a community.

However, if the States were smart, the States would pass laws applying the same equal rights with relation to gay marriage as others have done. For, in doing so, the States can increase their levels of tourism by promoting equality and acceptance for all. Something, States which have passed gay marriage laws have seen through an increase in associated tourism. To this end, many individuals seeking to go on vacation, often focus on the States which now have the option of gay marriage available on a legal basis, regardless as to whether one desires to get married on such a vacation or not.

So, if one is going to be taking gay tours in the USA, one need do their homework with regards to the cities and States which are more accepting and welcoming in order to have a fun, healthy and safer vacation than one might experience in other areas which are not as welcoming. Regardless, when does their research in relation to such vacations, one can generally find a great number of activities, lodging and travel options which cater to the gay community as a whole.

Howie Holben is the caretaker of Spirit Journeys, a gay travel organization that focuses on spiritual travel. Howie has travelled the world learning from indigenous peoples. You can learn more about Howie, his work and a gay trip with a spiritual focus at Spirit Journeys website.

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

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Here are some of the things that I had learned whilst doing a gay Grand Canyon rafting trip. There is very knowledgeable staff that toured us down the river, but by some of the pictures and tid-bits I read a lot while staying for three days. The Canyon was formed by the Colorado River. It took nearly 17 million years to get the shape it has today.

With the steep cliffs that the water and wind had eroded away. It was one of the first national parks in the United States and was dedicated as such by Theodore Roosevelt on Nov. 28, 1906. Although the river is 286 miles long, ranging in width from 4 to 18 miles and is as deep as a mile, it is not the longest river in the world. Nor is it the widest.

Kali Gandaki in Nepal is deeper, while Capertu Valley in Australia is about 1 km. Longer. Nearly 5 million people go to visit the canyon per year which is why they now have enforced a law that requires anyone who has traveled down the river within a single year may only do it once. If you wish to go again, the traveler must wait an entire year before going again.

83% of those that visit are from the United States while only 17% are travelers that have come from other countries. There are three ways for a traveler to view it. You can stand on the rim and look down into it. But do be careful people have been known to fall from such heights while viewing the canyon.

You can spend the money for a mule ride that begins from the south rim and takes travelers down into the canyon allowing one to see the wild life and other natural wonders. Or hike in. However hiking in is suggested for the experienced hiker. Even though one may think they are capable of hiking in and out in one day several people have had to be rescued due to lack of water, heat stroke or random accidents that are known to happen.

There was not only the breathtaking view as you looked up the steep shear cliffs of the canyon face but the ancient cave drawings that sporadically shown up around each river bend. The rafting experience was awesome. It was slow going without and harsh waters and it amazed me to see the small resting areas that looked like beaches along the bank of the river.

It is the lazy man’s way of seeing the canyon with no rapids but a great view. If you do decide to take the gay whitewater rafting tours there are three kinds of boats you can travel on. You can take the motor boat which is as I put it before the lazy man’s way. Imagine if you will boating on a lake for fishing. The guides take you only on the smoothest course. You can go with the oars, in which case the guide rows while you hang on.

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.

Column created by Howie Holben. Spirit Journeys has a great gay rafting trip and gay Grand Canyon information.

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Morocco is a country steeped in myths and legend and offers gay travel opportunities to experience a rich history and culture that continues to strongly influence daily life. Morocco offers visitors the chance to cross the desert atop a camel, sleep in a hotel made of sand and haggle with aggressive spice and rug traders in marketplaces that look and feel like they are from another time in history. In many towns and cities former homes have been transformed into guest lodgings, called riads, that often offer a more welcoming atmosphere for travelers on a gay vacation and provide the opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and daily life of Morocco. While there is no visible scene in this conservative Muslim country, there are still abundant reasons for Morocco to be part of your gay travel plans, including ancient ruins and architecture, exceptional beaches, desert landscapes that stretch as far as the eye can see and open air souks (markets) that wind through village streets offering exotic wares.

Any travel experience in Morocco must include exploring the distinct quarters of the Fes medina, taking in the art deco architecture of Casablanca, breathing in the ocean air while watching a spectacular sunrise or sunset in Tangier, and visiting the Dar Si Said Museum in Marrakech. With breathtaking Muslim mosques, snake charmers, street performers, ancient Roman ruins and so much more, a vacation to Morocco gives travelers the opportunity to immerse themselves in the colors, sounds, sights and smells of this unique country.

American and European socialites, writers and composers involved in the jet set scene once flocked to Morocco as a preferred gay vacation destination; however, while Morocco was once known as a liberal playground welcoming gay men and lesbians from around the world for vacations, a push by recent Muslim leadership to move the country back towards the strict moral code of Islam has caused this welcoming atmosphere to change. Although the law is not commonly enforced, homosexuality was deemed a criminal offence in 1962 and remains so today. Same-sex conduct is punishable by fines and between six months to three years in prison.

The government released a statement in early 2009 stating that homosexuality would not be tolerated and that increased efforts to repress same-sex conduct would be established. This may mean increased enforcement of this 1962 law. This is not uncommon in primarily Muslim countries and does not mean that Morocco should be avoided when planning travel.

It does; however, indicate that awareness and discretion are advised wile on a Morocco vacation. To avoid possible issues, travelers may want to consider participating in a travel group vacation or planning their trip with the assistance of a gay tours company well-versed in planning vacations in Morocco.

The author, Howie Holben, is the owner of Spirit Journeys, a gay travel group that specializes in spiritual travel. Howie has travelled the world learning from indigenous peoples. You can find more about Howie, his work and gay travel groups with spirituality at Spirit Journeys website.

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

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Considered as potential market in recent issue for tourism, gay tourists are finding their way towards contributing revenue in the destination market. So the reason why gay travel to Switzerland will give you the hint of why is this such.

Switzerland, a country which may be so small in the map, is really considered as one of the most tourist hunt countries in part of Europe. It has various remarkable spots to choose from. A tourist can have great time wandering around for a holiday there. Without a doubt, no bunch of tourist could resist its stunning beauty. And that doesn’t exclude the number of gays having these special tours that are intended for gays alone. A bus can take them for departure Paris, Frankfurt, Rome, Prague, Amsterdam and also Vienna. The prices would only take them $100.00 and up to $3,000.00 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?

There are lots of great spots in Switzerland to visit. That glorious snow-capped Alps, those breath-taking mountainside villages and the pristine valleys are just one of the few. Plus the fact that they can travel with professional gay tour guides, it will surely give them that unforgettable travel observing cultures of Swiss.

No more judgments from the eyes of co-tourist, right? It will make them comfortable for the company and nobody is going to offer them the questioning eyebrow of why have they chosen such lifestyle. If you will try to ask someone from this tour, the same story of wonder will be explained to you. And if reading will be your key towards getting answers from this question, then Switzerland gay journeys will suit best.

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, they have opted for those gay vacations packages like that in Switzerland. Though this, gays can taste the word holiday rather than mere pronouncing it. What more could be nicer in a tour than being comfortable and to feel that you are safe with the same minded people like you do?

This is then the result of their wanting that people will respect them. These gay travel destinations in Switzerland will be a good way to gift themselves after long days of hard work. With this, they will be delighted as to experiencing a vacation where people can see you straight in the eyes because they understand your gender preference.

Howie Holben is the owner of Spirit Journeys, a gay travel organization that focuses on spiritual travel. Howie has travelled the world learning from indigenous peoples. You can learn more about Howie, his work and a gay retreat with a spiritual focus at Spirit Journeys website.

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

Hawaii provides a pristine paradise that attracts travelers from across the globe to its many-colored picturesque beaches. Because of a welcoming, warm population and a blend of Polynesian, Asian and white European cultures, this island paradise has long been a popular travel destination for both straight and gay vacations. The LGBT community in Hawaii is relatively low-key and not entirely outwardly visible, but those that are on gay vacations will find a welcoming level of acceptance that has come about, in part, from many generations of varied cultures living together with no specific dominant religious or cultural influence as an overriding factor.

Seventy percent of Hawaii’s population resides on Oahu, the third largest island in the chain, which is also home to the state capitol of Honolulu and the popular tourist destination, Waikiki. When traveling to Oahu on gay holidays, the Mexican caf La Cucaracha is a must-see and offers authentic cuisine, music and margaritas. Oahus LGBT community can also be found at the community book, novelty and clothing store, 80% Straight Inc., located in the Waikiki Grand, or one of the LGBT bars and clubs, including Fusion Waikiki, Angles Waikiki, Hulas Bar & Lei Stand and In-Between. For those who want to head to the beach, a warm welcome will be waiting at Queens Surf and below the lighthouse at the world-famous Diamond Head beach.

Those who choose a gay tour to Maui might not find a vibrant scene, other than a small area of Little Beach in Makena, but exploring quaint villages, watching the sunset atop Mount Haleakala and sunbathing near waterfalls all make Maui an enticing locale for gay tours. If exploring what is considered the most tropical and scenic island of them all is part of your plans, Kauai is sure to deliver no matter what time of year you visit. Kauai is home to a clothing optional LGBT-friendly bed and breakfast, as well as an LGBT-owned villa with a Japanese flair and a clothing optional lagoon pool, and is an ideal setting for exploring waterfalls, amazing cliffs and vast canyons.

The Big Island is also a welcoming vacation option and offers several LGBT-friendly accommodations, restaurants and business, as well as one bar. Gay vacations to the Big Island provide opportunities to visit an active volcano, black sand beaches, a rain forest or the snow-capped Mauna Kea.

As the most remote island chain anywhere in the world, Hawaii is a tropical destination that everyone should have the chance to see at least once. In a single vacation to this island paradise you can ride horses down black sand beaches, attend a real luau, learn the hula, tour a pineapple plantation, explore a volcano and snorkel or scuba dive in crystal clear waters. To enjoy your Hawaii vacation to the fullest, consider partaking in a gay travel tour or enlisting the help of a travel agency that regularly plans Hawaii gay travel.

The author of this about Hawaii essay is Howie Holben. Howie caretakes Spirit Journeys, a gay men’s vacation firm. Spirit Journeys provides spiritual gay travel packages throughout the world.

The best gay travel usually are used to take time away from the worries at home. They also give us chance to be adventuresome and active, or to just lay on the beach and sleep the day away. However, some people expect more from their vacation or travel experience.

Some people want to move toward more balance in their life. They want more than just a quick, temporary release from life’s stresses. They want to be more in touch with their spirit and their heart. If this is what you seek, try a gay spirituality tour to magical Peru’s Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu for your next vacation.

Nestled in the Andes Mountains, this area of Peru is know for it’s spiritual connection to the Earth. The area is filled with ruins from the Inca Empire. To touch walls that were built with such precision such a long time ago, can be a very moving experience. An experience you will not forget.

If you’re traveling to the area, a great place to stay and one that caters specifically to gay travel is the Kamaquen Retreat Center. Complete with essential elements of the Andean culture and spiritual lifestyle, this is the ultimate place to reconnect with yourself and begin a path of self discovery and enlightenment.

Of course, no visit to Peru would be complete without visiting Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu is a short train ride from the Sacred Valley and well worth the trip. Once you enter the grounds of Machu Picchu you immediately feel the energy of this very special place. The views are magnificent and the sacredness of this place is self evident.

At the summit, there are also many temples you can visit for that perfect meditation spot and you can take part in ceremonies designed to honor the sacred landscape. The journey aspect of gay tours can yield incredible personal benefits that can also positively affect all other components of your life.

Howie Holben oversees Spirit Journeys, a gay vacations affliation that focuses on conscious travel. Howie has travelled the world learning from indigenous peoples. There is more about gay getaway with a spiritual focus at Spirit Journeys website.

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