The Ultimate Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Vacation Guide: Part 1
All you need to know about where to go, what to do and who you can meet is here. For all of you who may have no idea where to start, then this could well be for you. We have searched high and low for the best and the worst places to visit, just for the gay community. Why let your sexual preferences determine whether you have a good vacation or not? Try and allow it to define you and ultimately give you the best time of your life, if that is what you wish to achieve from your vacation. Guys and girls, queens and drag, whoever you are, you can make the best of your vacations every single time.
Where to start?
Once you start looking for a vacation, the possibilities are endless; so much so that the fear of such an array may become overwhelming. Who to go with? Where to go? How much do I want to spend? What do I want to do once I get there? Such questions - which eventually leads to vacation overload - followed by the lack of motivation to look any further than the infinite number of sites wanting you to vacation with them, ends up with you booking your trip without really knowing what to expect and subsequently being petrified that you have made the wrong decisions. Why can't booking your trip of the year be a little easier and less stressful? Well, now it can.
How to begin
Possibly the most important questions you have to ask yourself: what do you want from your vacation? Sun, sea and sangria? Beautiful winter resort? Touring the wonders and attractions? Shopping? Clubbing the night away? Romantic get-away for two? Nature holidays? Backpacking? There are literally so many factors to take into consideration, which it is - to put it bluntly: scary.
Once you have decided on the type of vacation you are looking for, you can then decide on the budget. Some places are undoubtedly cheaper than others; a get-away remaining in the same country is going to save the dollars, whereas a long-haul journey is going to cost more for the flight, although can be cheaper once you arrive. The budget may even adjust the way in which you are planning on, arriving at your destination be it via plane, boat, cruise ship, car, or backpacking your way there.
Once you arrive at your destination, you have more things to consider, such as what are you going to do (if anything at all). Each country you could ever want to visit will have their own individual wonders and specific attractions which can appeal to various people. Although needless to say, each country isn't necessarily going to appeal to you as an individual.
The gay hotspots of the world
In general you can travel anywhere in the world - and there is bound to be something in every country which is going to take your interest. As many know, there are a number of gay hotspots, in which the gay capitals of the world can be broken down into:
San Francisco: 'If you're going to San Francisco, you're gonna meet some nice people there'. As the infamous lyrics suggest, you won't regret making your way to the ultimate gay capital of the world (unless you live there, in which case everyday is a truly gay day). Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals and Transsexuals have together created San Francisco's identity, with the gay pride flag flying proudly in almost every street. Being such a predominant gay city, there is no wonder many would be entertained for years to come. The shows come in a vast array of attractions, all capable of entertaining the hardest to please amongst us. San Francisco became a leading City in America in the liberal movement after the Second World War, with the Summer of Love and the Gay Rights Movement bringing San Francisco into the 20th Century. But where do you go to be involved in the center of the Gay life? Castro of course! San Francisco's gay community is massive, it has the highest percentage of gay and lesbian individuals than any other place in America. San Francisco's Gay Pride is the largest parade in the U.S. period. No other parade comes close, thus showing the dominance of San Francisco and the gay community; those who haven't heard of or attended would be encouraged to get over there and witness the many proud gays amongst us including the Dykes on Bikes, Leather Contingent and the Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, truly an event you MUST witness at least once in your lifetime.
Amsterdam: It wouldn't be an Ultimate guide if we didn't include Amsterdam, not only a rather large gay hotspot but the most famous sex city in the world. Here, sex sells and that is any sex, (leaves little to the imagination). No wonder it is one of the most popular tourist places in Europe. There is a vast array of sex shops, theatres, peep shows and museums, bound to shock many of you. Undeniably, Amsterdam is the most liberal city in Europe, with over 100 gay bars, clubs, shops and cafes. All of which are possibly the best and the weirdest places you are likely to see. The Mayor of Amsterdam prides the city as being 'the gay way to Europe', and although there are little gay clubs, with few real gay cafes (as supposed to a little bit gay) but a large variety of gay bars for you to enjoy.
Britain: It may not be a City per se, but because there are a number of cities who may pride themselves as being the gay capital of Britain, the choice is divided between London, Brighton, Hove and Manchester.
Firstly, Brighton was originally considered the gay capital of Britain, having a substantial number within the LGBT community. The annual August Gay Pride Parade, which consists of a carnival parade, party and a funfair, attracts thousands of visitors and spectators to the event. Said to act as a magnet to all who are lesbian or gay from all over the world; if you are to visit this thriving gay atmosphere, be sure to visit Kemptown to experience all this 'gay village' has to offer.
London is steadily creeping up the 'gay factor' within Europe, even more so in Soho, as it once had a reputation for its vast array of sex shops (albeit it would take a lot to beat those in Amsterdam); although now its reputation of fashion boutiques and up-market restaurants precedes itself. Soho is multi-cultural and diverse, housing some of the best and most varied aspects of London, something perhaps to bear in mind. One of the best aspects of Soho is the gay scene, worth a visit if you would like to experience London in its full glory.
If you have heard of David Beckham, you are likely to have heard of Manchester (United). Manchester holds a great deal of multicultural diversity, together with a gay scene to be proud of. Since 1940, Canal Street in Manchester has had a noticeable gay clientele, which is now part of the gay community and history. Here you can shop in the UK's first ever gay supermarket, and party along with the 20,000 visitors each weekend in the many bars and clubs dotted around.
Rio De Janerio, the Brazilian favorite had to be somewhere on this list. With its popular carnival held for four days during the summer, it has attracted a large number of the LGBT following. Those who love the humorous and delightfulness of the many drag queens, which together create an atmosphere like no other, would be thrown into humor heaven. For a city that doesn't sleep, you are unlikely to feel the effects until after your return. They hold a great array of parties, after-hour clubs, pool parties twinned with the beauty and comfort to be witnessed in the eccentric City, something Rio is well-known for. Banda de Ipanema is the parade of drag queens, in rather impressive, colorful outfits likely to impress even the most fashion-savvy of us.
Gran Canaria is an impressive gay destination, for those who love the sun, sea and plenty to keep you occupied during the day. Part of the Spanish Canary Islands, you wouldn't expect it to be anything other than liberal and ultimately understanding. With miles of golden sandy beaches to catch a tan on and fantastic scenery of mountains, lakes and forests, you may struggle to decide just what to do first. If you can't make up your mind, the best bet is to hit the duty free shops. Yes, you read it right; you can actually shop until you drop in the duty free country. The predominately gay areas are Campo International or Playa del Ingles, with the beach split up into sections; the gay section is neatly positioned just after the nudist section of the beach, with clothes being optional with the gay beach as well as the nudist beach. You will soon realize which gay restaurants to head to, seeing as they proudly display the Gay Pride flag outside of their establishments.
LGBT travel for singles
Just because you are single, why should it mean that you shouldn't enjoy your holiday? Why chose a single holiday? Because not only do you get the chance to meet many more singletons, but it also means that you can do less organizing and more enjoying. Let others organize your vacation, while all you will need to do is turn up, simple. The likelihood is that you are going to meet a wide range of other singles just like you, looking to have a good time and enjoy their vacation, whatever their age. You can generally do as much or as little as you chose once you arrive at your chosen destination.
Gay single cruises are generally the most popular, allowing many to create a bond whilst enjoying various destinations. You can either pay for a single room (which tend to cost more, unless stated otherwise), or you can opt for a room share (dependent upon how open you may be). You can also travel to many hotels, who offer LGBT vacations for singles, offering many activities for you to enjoy.
Clubbing with pride
Whatever sexual orientation you are, there are a great number of clubs and bars thriving for those who want to have fun and dance the night away. If your idea of a vacation is dependent upon the best nightlife, then look no further: we have scraped away the hardest choices and come up with the greatest clubbing experiences you are likely to ever be a part of.
The Big Apple, the city that really doesn't ever sleep (does a nap count?). If you are gay and you want to visit New York, then stay for at least a week. The nightlife in New York is none other than electric, eccentric and downright sexy. There are so many places to experience, that perhaps a year may be more like it.
Named as the best Gay Bar in New York, Therapy has received a great deal of press attention in the past, and has been the place of praise from many. Creating a Sex and the City feel to it, with eye candy and fresh, ever so gay entertainment, Therapy will disappoint few (unless hot men isn't what you are after, there may be a severe lack of women)
If you are looking for a little less male presence and a lot more female engagement then Catty Shack may be the place for you. There is no denying that New York is home to the queens, but what about those who have long been neglected? Catty Shack fulfills those needs girls, with delightful sleaze thrown in for good measure. The décor is a mix between dark and dingy brought into the modern day, making you feel chilled and relaxed in a truly comfortable area. With the skillful DJs providing a great deal of entertainment, the gay scene in Catty Shack provides an aura like no other, whether you are looking for a chilled, relaxed time or something a little more eccentric, you will not be disappointed.
Love sports? Gay? Find it hard to combine them together whilst watching the game? Fear not, as GYM Sports Bar, New York could be the bar for you. New York's only gay sports bar is guaranteed to cater for your needs. Providing relaxation on the ultra-comfortable couches, pool tables and many screens to watch whatever sport you are into, from soccer to the athletics, your wants will be provided for.
Let's fiesta, Mexico style! For your ultimate gay experience in the heart of Mexico, you would be advised to visit Karamba, Cancun. The only surviving gay club in Mexico from the 1980s and is still going strong. If you want to party in a venue with a 100% gay clientele, then Karamba is where you want to head to. With impressive celebrity impersonation acts put on and the ever-so funny drag acts during the week. By the weekend your eyes will be popping at the Go-Go boys of Cancun and the luscious strip shows, suggested to make many feel a little weak at the knees.
Australia hosts many LGBT pubs and clubs, for you many party animals. Whisking you back a few decades is Heaven's Door, situated in Melbourne, perfect whatever age you are. With four dance floors, there is plenty of room to dance and grind the night away. Or if you prefer to sit back and relax with a cocktail or two, there is plenty of seating to accommodate. Heaven's Door in one of Melbourne's most exciting venues, offering a sack-full of quirkiness; even more spectacular is the 'So you think you can DRAG' competition, 14 drags and one stage can only result in a stomach aching laughter like no other; something not to be missed.
We all know that the Germans can party like there is no stopping them and as they say: 'if you can't beat them, join them'. Pack your bags, your leather and get yourself to Berlin, then party from10pm till 6am, perfect! If you are after a little more camp and a little less leather, then why not experience Roses in Berlin? With hairy wallpaper, more alcohol in your drinks than you care to think about and all the 80s and 90s anthems you have forgotten, you are bound to have a gay time.
Since when did G.O.D develop from a religious meaning to Guys on Display? Whenever it was, thank the Lord! Based in Bangkok, Thailand (yes the same country where lady boys and ping pong is more than just an interest, but a way of living); you can join the sexy dancers and live it up. It starts to pick up by about 1am, so be sure to start the night in one of the many controversial and extravagant bars and clubs in the City.
