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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

As Soviet rule ended, homosexual acts in Mongolia were made legal in 2002. A lack of homosexual tradition and visibility of gay culture does not mean that gay tours to Mongolia are a bad idea.

With topography ranging from mountains to deserts, Mongolia is the least densely populated country and is home to famous wild horses and pristine lakes. Once under the grips of the Soviet Union and led by Genghis Khan, Mongolia’s distinct history and culture make it one of the ultimate “off the beaten path” destinations.

The gay scene may be unheard of, but the country can still be a popular destination for gay travelers and couples.

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.

While in Ulaanbaatar, you will want to see the Natural History Museum and The Culture Show, which include the spectacular talent of Mongolia’s National Symphony Orchestra. Also be sure to find traditional Mongolian fare on the cheap at places like Mongol Shabu.

While Mongolia may be an incredible, off the beaten path for gay vacations, homosexuality is not necessarily received well. There are few religious barriers to it; however, a general lack of gay context leaves a general sense of naivete on the subject.

Planning your own vacation may be great for independent travelers, but tour groups catering to gay travelers also offer structured excursions that visit a wide variety of Mongolia’s most popular sites.

Typically they served as a way to see the “best of” the country and highlights include the Gobi Desert, ancient capital of Kharakorum, local camel farms and the Terelj National Park. With various activities like horseback riding along the Mongolian Steppe and cultural activities like traditional Naadam festivals, they appeal to all types of travelers.

One of the appeals specific to these types of tour groups includes parties and visits to local LGBT community groups as a way to see firsthand the gay scene in Mongolia. Beautiful vistas, diverse geography and an incredibly unique culture and history, appeal to the interests of anybody. Whether traveling independently or as part of a tour, travel to Mongolia is a unique vacation for a gay adventure.

Howie Holben wrote this gay trips to Mongolia pointers essay. He is the caretaker of Spirit Journeys, a gay men vacations firm. Spirit Journeys makes available spiritual and gay travel tour all over the planet.

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Chile is a wonderfully unique place for gay vacations that allow visitors to ski the Andes, explore volcanoes, relax on pristine beaches, and hit the clubs in Santiago’s gay district all in one day. The vast and varied landscape and landmarks of Chile include arid deserts, the Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia, the statues of Easter Island, the Elqui Valley of La Serena (long rumored to be associated with extraterrestrial activity), the Mirador de Chepu Penguin Colony, and old-world churches and architecture throughout the country.

Because of Chile’s unique blend of historic, natural and cultural attractions, visitors have many options for planning gay trips, including skiing or snowboarding trips to Andes resorts, Vina del Mar family beach vacations, wine tasting tours, pilgrimages to important Catholic sites and churches, exploring the wilds of Patagonia and learning of ancient island cultures, or urban adventures in Chile’s capital, Santiago.

Chile has a long history of influence from both the military and the Catholic Church, which means that changes in attitude and acceptance of the LGBT community are progressing slowly. The center of Chile’s gay culture lies in Santiago and this city is where gay vacationers will find the greatest acceptance, as well as the highest concentration of establishments that are gay-owned or gay-friendly. Barrio Bellavista is the seat of Santiago’s gay community and is a trendy, clean neighborhood with quaint eateries, shops and cafes, as well as the vast majority of Santiago’s gay bars, clubs and bathhouses. While you will not find any rainbow flags flowing from balconies or couples strolling hand in hand down the street, you will find gay and lesbian magazines prominently displayed at newsstands and happy couples taking tea at cosmopolitan sidewalk cafes.

A night on the town in Bellavista or anywhere in Santiago generally begins with dinner around 9 or 10pm, as is customary in many Latin countries. In Bellavista, a night often begins at a gay-owned restaurant, such as Capricho, a well-known Spanish eatery, followed by dancing or drinks in local gay clubs and bars. Bellavistas gay clubs range from the usual fare expected in most larger cities, to bawdier options with live sex shows, and partying often goes until the sun comes up. Santiago also has several saunas (bathhouses), including one trendier, slightly more expensive option with mostly professional clientele. Folks considering visiting Santiago’s saunas should keep in mind that Chile, like the U.S., is struggling with HIV and should always remember to play safely to ensure a safe gay vacation.

The fact that Santiago is the most accepting city in Chile for a gay vacation, coupled with its central location for ease of exploring all that Chile offers, this capital city is one of the most popular Chilean locales for gay vacations. Whether you are planning Chilean gay tours for you and your partner, your family, or a group of single friends, working with a travel agency that is accustomed to organizing gay holidays in Chile is your best bet for ensuring a safe, fun trip that you will always remember.

Howie Holben gay travel to Chile advice. He is the dreamer behind Spirit Journeys, a gay egypt firm. Spirit Journeys proposes spiritual gay yoga all over the planet.

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

South Africa has had a tumultuous human rights history, but even before reversing course with the elimination of apartheid, penning the worlds first constitution to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and being among the first nations to legalize same-sex marriage, South Africa was popular for gay travel. Since these history-making events, South Africa has become even more popular with both straight and gay travelers. As Africa’s most gay-friendly country, South Africa enjoys a thriving gay culture that spans the country from Gauteng with its exhilarating nightlife to the exquisite beaches of Western Cape and continues to grow as an enticing gay vacation destination.

Pretoria, Johannesburg and Cape Town are must-see stops on gay vacations to South Africa and offer a variety of establishments, events and activities that are gay-centered or gay-friendly. Gay men will find a plethora of establishments that cater exclusively to them from lodging options that include gay-owned exclusively male guest houses, Pretoria’s Camp David, which is a private nude bar exclusively for gay men, and Cape Towns bathhouses, which are generally referred to as steam saunas or steam baths. While South Africa’s gay scene is mostly geared towards men, lesbians and families will also find plenty of activities to enjoy on gay vacations in this historically- and culturally-rich country, including many tour options offered by gay-friendly tour companies committed to providing a great gay vacation for gay travelers.

Gay men and lesbians who prefer a gay tour centered around gay events may want to consider visiting South Africa in September, which is gay pride month and includes several pride celebrations and events, including the Out in Africa South African Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, which brings more than 16,000 visitors to Cape Town and Johannesburg each year. Or, in December, gay travelers to Cape Town can join more than 10,000 international visitors attending the Mother City Queer Project annual costume party. Cape Town is also home to two beaches that are widely popular among gay men, Clifton’s Third Beach and Sandy Bay nudist beach, as well as a gay village with numerous gay-friendly and gay-owned businesses and eateries in Green Point. Local publications serving the gay community, like Outright and Exit, can be picked up at various locations and provide up-to-the-minute information on gay goings on and the best bars and restaurants.

Any gay vacations to South Africa must include indulging in the plentiful options for dining in gay-friendly establishments like Johannesburg’s Bellgables Country Restaurant, where travelers dine in a refurbished farmhouse on a 21-acre farm; Cape Towns award winning Emily’s, which offers South African cuisine in a fine dining environment, as well as both beer and wine bars; or gay-owned Lola’s, a vegetarian caf in Cape Town with a bohemian feel.

Working with a travel agency that is accustomed to planning gay tours to South Africa will help ensure that you get the most from your gay travel experience and that you have the information you need regarding where to go, what to see and which areas may have certain safety concerns for gay travelers.

Spirit Journeys’ author Howie Holben, runs a gay travel destinations 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 guide with a spiritual emphasis at Spirit Journeys website.

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

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 travel or enticing adventures.

The Galapagos Islands are often the main reason visitors come to Ecuador, but the mainland also has numerous sightseeing opportunities and activities that make Ecuador gay tours memorable and fulfilling. Whether you are seeking an adventurous outdoor vacation, a spiritual retreat or gay travel that includes experiencing Quito’s LGBT community, relaxing on the beach and exploring tropical rainforests, you are sure to find that Ecuador is a beautiful, interesting, diverse country. As soon as you take your first step off of the airplane, it will be easy to see why Ecuador is such a highly popular travel destination.

Quito is unquestionably the center of LGBT life in Ecuador and has a growing community. La Mariscal is the neighborhood where you will find the most friendly establishments, including cafs, bars, clubs and a new community store called Rainbow Connection. There is a Pride celebration in June each year in the bohemian neighborhood of La Mariscal, and this is the place to see and be seen on Friday and Saturday nights throughout the year.

Sitting 9,200 feet above sea level and with the 13,000-foot volcano, Pichincha, nearby, Quito can be – quite literally – a breathtaking city when you first arrive, but you are sure to acclimate soon after arrival. Many streets are lined with shops, cafs and art galleries, and the historic center of town has been dubbed a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, increasing the appeal of this diverse city. Major attractions include the Centro de Arte Contemporaneo, the Museo de la Ciudad, the Capilla del Hombre Guayasamin and the Parque el Ejido, which is lined with open-air stalls with handicrafts for sale.

Since the late 1990s, legal rights have expanded in Ecuador with protections that make gay tours, to this beautiful country safer and more enjoyable. However, discretion in public is still a good idea in many places, particularly due to the high level of machismo the still permeates the culture. Those who are considering gay vacations to Ecuador may want to take advantage of pre-arranged gay tours, which allow for a higher level of security and a focus on fun, while travel professionals manage logistical aspects of the voyage and ensure that you will not miss out on some of the most appealing cultural, historic and natural attractions that Ecuador has to offer.

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.

Howie Holben oversees 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 gay tours with a spiritual focus at Spirit Journeys website.

categories: gay,lgbt,social issues,spirituality,travel,vacations,self improvement,society,inspiration,motivation,health,fitness

As a communist-led country steeped in old-world traditions that influence even the most modern, advanced cities in the nation, China may not seem like the ideal location for gay vacations; however, travelers will find that there is a vibrant scene in China, including pride celebrations, clubs, bars, neighborhoods and a level of acceptance that is on the rise as the visible, well-organized LGBT community grows. From exceptional food and fashion to beautiful landscapes and rich cultural experiences, China offers a wide variety of options and is an ideal location 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.

Travel to China is a unique opportunity. To get the best on your gay vacation trip in China, you might want to going on a professionally organized tour.

This way you can see China with a group that allows you comfort. If you don’t like group travel, using professionals that know China well to plan your gay tours is the only way to go.

Tours to China suggestions penned by Howie Holben. His company, Spirit Journeys, is a gay spiritual retreat enterprise. Spirit Journeys advances spiritual gay tantra workshops all over the planet.

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

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If you are looking for gay vacations you’ve made a great choice. Bali is a destination that offers numerous cultural, historical and spiritual sites, welcoming locals and plenty to see and do.

Whether opting for solo gay vacations or gay tours, LGBT travelers will find that Bali has much to offer, including wonderful beaches, delicious cuisine, beautiful temples, volcanoes, terraced rice fields, exceptional shopping and even LGBT scenes in some of its major cities. From countryside villages offering handmade crafts, to fashionable boutiques and elegant hotels, Bali is a diverse, intriguing island country that is simply waiting to be explored.

Kuta, Seminyak and Legian each has an array of clubs, spas, restaurants and bars from which to choose, providing a variety of nighttime entertainment opportunities for LGBT travelers looking for a night out on the town. Drag shows are very popular in Bali and there are several clubs that offer shows throughout the week. The most popular of these is Hulu Caf, which is well-known for being Bali’s original drag club and hosts performers six nights each week, often with internationally-known drag performers.

Travelers on gay vacations to Bali may also want to check out some of Bali’s beachfront and garden restaurant and spa establishments, which offer food, drinks, massage and other spa services in a natural setting. Bonita’s and Callego Caf & Spa, located in Seminyak, are the most popular. The Callego Caf & Spa is a very popular community hangout located on Petitenget Beach.

While there are no exclusively LGBT beaches, Petitenegret is frequented by travelers on vacation and is very popular with the community, particularly the area around Callego Caf & Spa. Cruising occurs in the nearby wooded area, and Callego is a very popular hangout. Other popular beaches include Ganesha in Seminyak and Blue Ocean Beach in Kata.

Whether you wish to partake in gay travel to Bali to experience the community there, or for an excursion based on spiritual growth and renewal, you are sure to find just what you are looking for in this beautiful country that has much to offer.

When traveling as part of organized gay tours, you will have the opportunity to meet new people, take in significant cultural and historical sites and focus on enjoying your vacation, while avoiding having to manage the more mundane logistics of planning your trip. Allowing travel professionals who are well-versed in arranging a gay vacation to handle the trip planning for you allows you to simply relax and enjoy your journey, while making lifelong memories and new friends.

Howie Holben wrote this article. He operates Spirit Journeys, a spiritually based gay travel company. Spirit Journeys has offered gay travel to Bali and gay tours in Bali beginning in 1992.

Greece offers a wide variety of options for a memorable gay vacation. Naturally, gay tours to Greece is usually full of spectacular sunrises, romantic strolls along pristine beaches, exploring ancient architecture and traveling by boat between some of the many Greek islands. Whether your vacation plans include a fun-filled family holiday exploring museums, learning how to make olive oil and traveling to see historic landmarks, a romantic beachside retreat with your partner, or a week of partying and taking in the lively Athens nightlife with friends, Greece is sure to deliver and provides a perfect setting for gay travel.

Athens has several gay bars and clubs, as well as coffee shops and cafes that are gay-owned or gay-friendly. And, of course, there are saunas for gay men interested in the bathhouse scene during their gay vacation to Greece. Athens Relax is right across the street from a gay club and is a large sauna with mixed-age clientele, while Hera is a smaller sauna with more mature patrons. Limanakia beach, just south of Athens is a popular beach area for gay men that offers a rocky shore, underwater rock formations and swimming.

No gay vacations to Greece would be complete without visiting Mykonos, one of the Greek Islands where folks on a gay vacation tour will find a warm, welcoming environment. Mykonos offers breathtaking scenery, exceptional beaches, a pulsating nightlife, a cosmopolitan atmosphere and friendly locals, making this a must-see spot for any Greek gay vacation. There are plenty of gay-friendly accommodations on Mykonos, including a gay-owned lodging that caters solely to gay travelers and is adults only. Another popular Greek island for gay travel is the Island of Crete. While you will not find a highly visible gay scene on Crete, you will find a few gay bars and establishments, gay beaches, a gay-owned bed and breakfast and a welcoming environment, making Crete a great choice for a gay vacation in Greece.

Lesbian tourists visiting Greece must, of course, venture to the Island of Lesvos where they can explore Eressos, the birthplace of Sappho, take romantic walks on breathtaking beaches, indulge in luxury spa treatments, relax over an ouzo in one of many cafes and partake in a lively women-focused nightlife. This beautiful island is constantly awash with lesbian travelers and is an ideal spot for a gay vacation.

As a country, Greece is rather traditional and religious; however, Greece is a hotspot for gay vacations and travelers will find a warm, welcoming atmosphere in most parts of the country. Visiting Greece as part of an organized gay travel group is a wonderful way to take in all that Greece has to offer and to experience gay life in Greece while on your gay vacation. If traveling separate from a group, it is good idea to enlist the assistance of a travel agency that is well-versed in arranging gay vacations to Greece to help you organize a gay vacation you will never forget.

Pointers about Greece conceived by Howie Holben. Spirit Journeys has gay tantra retreats that blend well as romantic gay getaways.