There is a phenomenal vacation destination, filled with one-of-a-kind adventures and exciting locales. Its cities are urbane and vibrant, perfect for gay tours. It is a land of wonders so diverse, with natural and manmade settings so remarkable, it is almost indescribable. Where? Australia!

Australia offers the gay traveler an impressive and welcoming destination unlike any other in the world. It is no wonder gay couples and singles are heading “Down Under” for the experience of a lifetime.

When you’re in Australia you are rarely far from experiences that will excite you as never before. For the wine connoisseur, try going to Yarra, Coal River or Swan Valleys. Visit the wineries and their tasting rooms to experience first-hand the contrast between a smooth white and smoky red. Excitement junkies can go diving on the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland or Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia.

Throughout Australia, the pristine and breathtaking scenery is awe-inspiring. Tourists from around the globe flock to Australia to experience its beauty. Miles and miles of untouched wilderness await you, along with mountains and brilliant beaches.

Australia is home to one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world: Sydney. From the grandeur of the Sydney Opera House to boho galleries and fine dining; from the North and South Coast beaches to tropical environmentsin Sydney, the gay traveler is just steps away from action and new experiences at every turn. Museums, art galleries, zoos, gourmet dining, first-rate shopping, spas and sporting events”these are just a few of the diversions you can find in this historic city. Be sure to grab a copy of the Sydney Star Observer (Sydney’s gay newspaper) for information on the local scene, including nightlife and clubs. Perfect for a gay romantic getaway too.

Oh, and don’t forget the cuisine”from purely Australian, to Asian, with a generous helping of Mediterranean, French and other exotic offerings, there is enough to satisfy the most discerning palate.

Australia is located in the Southern Hemisphere, its seasons are upside down from those of the Northern Hemisphere. Summer in Australia takes place December through February. Australia is a very big continent, so check with your travel agent for weather information about your particular time of travel and your destination.

Australia welcomes its visitors with diverse accommodations: bed-and-breakfast inns, romantic getaways, relaxing spas, hotels and hostels, making gay vacations affordable, no matter what the budget.

Facts on Australia by Howie Holben for gay trips. Spirit Journeys also has gay travel information.

Germany has long been a LGBT stronghold, with thriving communities in all of Germany’s metropolitan areas. This is one reason why gay vacations to some of Germany’s LGBT hotspots, such as Cologne, Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt and Hamburg are well known with travelers from around the world. Germany is home to several Pride festivals of world-renown and offers an accepting gay travel throughout the country. Like in any country, city dwellers are often more accepting than rural villagers; however, as a whole, Germany is a safe, accepting destination for a gay vacation.

Cologne is a fantastic choice for gay travel to Germany and is often referred to as the LGBT capital of the country. Cologne is picturesquely positioned on the Rhine River and is the oldest large city in Germany. It is the home of the famous Cologne Cathedral, Kolsch beer, and a vibrant arts and culture scene that draw travelers from all over the world to experience this grand citys rich history and jovial residents. If anyone looks askance at a same-sex couple showing affection in public, it will very likely be a tourist, since this warm, welcoming city has a huge LGBT population that is fully integrated and well-established.

This welcoming community has no problem with couples of all sorts showing affection in public and has a well-established, highly visible LGBT population. Cologne is proud to be the host of the 2010 Gay Games and home to more LGBT bars, clubs, restaurants, cafs and other establishments than any visitor could experience in a single gay vacation. To display how LGBT-friendly this city truly is, the KolnTourismus Service Centre even offers a Pink WelcomeCard, which provides discounts on LGBT clubs, bars, saunas and shops, as well as free public transportation and discounts for local attractions, such as river cruises, opera, theater and museums.

Berlin also has a well-established LGBT community and a wide variety of bars, clubs and establishments. Prospective visitors considering gay tours in Berlin might want to consider traveling during Pride season to enjoy Europes largest Gay and Lesbian City Festival, Lesbisch-Schwules Stadtfest, which is hosted in Berlin the weekend before the huge Berlin Gay Pride Parade and Christopher Street Day Festival, attended by hundreds of thousands of LGBT folks, and friends and supporters of the community, making this a perfect time for gay vacations to Germany.

No matter how you travel to Germany, alone or in a group, your Germany gay vacation will undoubtedly be full of many wonderful experiences. In order to make the most of your Germany vacation, consider exploring this intriguing country as part of a professionally arranged gay travel tour or planning your trip through a travel agency well-versed in gay holidays to Germany.

This article about gay tours for Germany was written by Howie Holben. Howie’s company, Spirit Journeys, has offered spiritual gay travel since 1992. You can learn more at www.spiritjourneys.com

categories: gay travel,gay vacations,gay tours,gay holidays,travel,tourism,travel tips,gay,sexuality,travel destinations,vacations,recreation,leisure

Life is really full of stress for most of us right now. Financial worries and uncertainties fill our daily lifes. The media makes it worse with continuously depressing reporting.

It is normal for people to avoid pain and stress is painful. If something hurts or scares us, we immediately try to get away from it. We usually look for the quick fix; a pill or a cocktail. Sometimes we try to escape by taking a vacation.

We think that a vacation will fix all our ills. We think that after the vacation we will be better able to handle the stresses of life. It’s true that a vacation does help by leaving our cares behind for a week or more, but how much does it really help?

The first couple days of the vacation we spend just arriving and settling into vacation mode. Then we get to spend a few days doing whatever we do on our vacations. Even during these days, our thoughts frequently return to the worries from which we are trying to escape. Then a couple days before we are to return home, we begin to move back into stressed out mode. We start thinking of all things waiting to be done when we get back home; we wonder if we will still have our job when we return; we wonder if these times of stress will ever get better.

The problem is that when the vacation ends, we have to go back to the same demands of life we left behind. Most likely we did not learn any new skills to deal with the stresses that made us need a vacation in the first place. In this sense, typical gay travel is only a quick, temporary fix, like a pill or a drink. This is why we think Spirit Journeys is more important now than ever before.

Our personal experience has shown us that gay travel with Spirit Journeys can be a life changing event. The introduction to new ways of thinking, the learning and practicing of techniques to handle stress or the building of a support network of friends, can all help us be less affected by lifes ups and downs; to be more confident as we move through our lives.

Also, at a Spirit Journeys event we get to meet and connect with people at a level simply not possible on an ordinary gay vacation. We are given the chance to learn new things and hear new ideas from the others in the group. The connections made on a Spirit Journey add immensely to the enjoyment of our time away. To be able to sit and have a real conversation with someone; for us to be listened to with genuine interest; for us to listen to others with our heart; the importance of these things cannot be measured and bring a deep sense of fulfillment. Yes, there is effort involved. We can’t just hide in our rooms. We will want to be “present”; we will want to be willing; we will want to be as open and honest as we can be.

We will want these things because we know in our hearts that the process can change us to our core. When we get home from a Spirit Journey, we can have a whole new outlook on life; the stresses of life may no longer have the same power over us as they did before we took our Spirit Journeys adventure.

This article about spiritual gay vacations was written by Howie Holben. You can learn more about gay travel with meaning at www.SpiritJourneys.com.

categories: gay travel,gay vacations,gay tours,gay holidays,travel,tips,gay,sexuality,advice,spirituality,health

England has long been a destination for both straight and gay travel, but when it comes to choosing a location for a gay vacation, England is about as welcoming and inviting as they come. An active, visible LGBT community, abundant gay events and establishments, and gay rights that far outshine what has been granted in the United States, England is an ideal setting for gay vacations. With the lively London nightlife, beautiful Brighton beaches and the picturesque countryside that gives way to sprawling urban skylines, England has much to offer for any kind of gay travel tourist.

Old Compton Street and the Soho district of London is the center of gay and lesbian life and is a must-see for any gay or lesbian traveler on a gay vacation to England. With a multitude of gay bars, businesses, restaurants and clubs, Soho has the most active, visible gay community in England. Soho is also centrally located near many of Londons landmarks and world-famous neighborhoods, such as Chelsea, Kensington, Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square and Covent Garden. Plus, thanks to an expansive public transportation system, all of Londons offerings are easily accessible from this gay neighborhood. For travelers heading north, Manchester has another large gay and lesbian community, including a gay village around Canal Street that offers numerous gay bars, pubs and clubs.

For a seaside gay vacation, Brighton, aka Soho by the Sea, is home to the countrys second largest gay and lesbian community. Stroll along the pier, spend an afternoon on the famous pebble beach and explore the many unique boutiques and shops before heading to Kempton for dinner and a night on the town in this popular gay neighborhood in Brighton. Newcastle Gateshead is yet another gay-friendly option for a gay vacation in England and offers a bit of style and sophistication with a thriving gay scene complete with a gay village full of bars, clubs, cafs and pubs.

Gay men and lesbians will find gay-friendly lodgings in every region of England, including some options that are exclusively for the gay travel community or only gay men. If you are working with a travel agency that is accustomed to organizing gay vacations in England, your travel agent will be able to guide you to the gay-friendly hotel, bed and breakfast or other lodging option that best suits your needs. If you are interesting in roughing it during your gay vacation to England, there are also gay-owned and gay-friendly campsites available, such as the gay-owned Out in the Open campground in Cornwall and Brighthouse Farm in Suffolk, which has six acres of farmland for camping, as well as self-catering accommodations and a bed and breakfast.

Planning gay vacations with the help of a travel agency that provides professional gay travel planning services will help to ensure that your gay travel vacation to England is a memorable, fun-filled experience.

This gay holidays advice article was written by Howie Holben. He has traveled the world for over 30 years and owns and runs Spirit Journeys, a spiritually based gay travel firm. Spirit Journeys offers unique gay adventure travel.

categories: gay travel,gay vacations,gay tours,gay holidays,gay tours,travel,tourism,travel tips,gay,sexuality,travel destinations,vacations,recreation,leisure

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 a gay travel participant 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 Hawaiis 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 travel retreats. 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.

Hawaii is the most remote chain of islands anywhere in the world and is a tropical paradise that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. In a single trip to Hawaii you can snorkel or scuba dive around coral reefs, tour a pineapple farm, visit a volcano, learn the hula, participate in a luau and ride on horseback along black sand beaches. To take full advantage of all that Hawaii offers, consider visiting Hawaii with gay vacation tours, or arranging your trip through a travel agency accustomed to organizing Hawaii gay travel.

The author of this article about gay vacations to Hawaii is Howie Holben. Howie has traveled the world and runs Spirit Journeys, a conscious gay travel firm. Spirit Journeys has offered spiritual gay travel with a difference since 1992. You can learn more at www.spiritjourneys.com.

categories: gay travel,gay vacations,gay tours,gay holidays,gay tours,travel,tourism,travel tips,gay,sexuality,travel destinations,vacations,recreation

Thailand–the land of smiles–is, at once, a rich cultural experience as well as a gay travel Mecca. With 90% of its population following the Buddhist philosophy, homosexuality is widely accepted without protest or judgment. Though an anything-goes policy is in order once the bedroom doors have been closed, visitors should inform themselves on the otherwise modest customs and traditions of this countrys fascinating people. Since some of these can be quite unique and unusual to the westerner, it is advised that one do a bit of research on the topic before embarking on gay travel to the country, or on any gay tours offered there.

For instance, although the sight of two men walking the streets arm in arm may be completely acceptable and normal to the typical Thai person who views this as a simple friendship, a man and a woman holding hands as they walk is not so readily accepted. And though sexual acts are left to the discretion of the involved individuals behind closed doors, public displays of nudity are considered absolutely unacceptable–even wearing shorts and a tank top is questionable in some areas and establishments. Never should one touch anothers head, as the head is considered to be sacred. And one should make sure never to point ones feet in the direction of another human being, since this also is viewed as being taboo.

The main vacation destination of Bangkok offers an amazing energy that is unmatchable. Just as you would expect in any major metropolitan city, Bangkok has a plethora of gourmet dining opportunities, and entertainment venues. Be certain to visit some of the wonderful outdoor Thai cafes, and to experience some of their uniquely fabulous entertainment spectacles.

There are plenty of nightclubs in Bangkok to satisfy even the most metro of the homosexual travelers. A particular delight are the go-go boy bars that keep the music going into the early hours of the morning. It is happening in Bangkok.

The best time for travel to Thailand is between November and February, as March and April can be quite hot and May through October, the monsoon season, even hotter and more humid. Gay vacations should be booked keeping in mind that the country offers three separate gay pride festivals in the major cities of Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket.

There is more to Thailand than Bangkok. You will not have experienced the full breadth and depth of the country if you do not venture out of the epicenter that is Bangkok. Step into the country to visit traditional temples, meet endearing natives, and experience the gorgeous natural landscape that is Thailand. Make certain to visit the ancient capital city, Ayuttaya. It is known as the Bridge over the River Kwai, and is a must see destination for visitors. Take a self organized or a structured gay tours to the northern mountains, or pack your swimsuit and visit the exotic beaches of Thailand. Who knows, you may never want to leave. One thing you should always pack on your trip to Thailand, is an open mind. You have to come into this eastern country willing to experience life to its fullest and try new things. Do not be put off by squat toilets or smelly fruit. In fact, one of the best fruits in the world is the durian, which may put you off at first by its unique odor. If you let that stop you, you would truly be missing out on a culinary delight. When in Thailand you should eat local cuisine and shop for exotic local clothing, and participate in local entertainment experiences. You only live once, and truly living in Thailand is an easy thing to do. Pack your bags now.

An article writtten by Howie Holben about gay tours to Thailand. For more information about gay travel vacations, go to www.SpiritJourneys.com.

South Africa was a gay travel destination long before it became the first country in the world with a constitution outlawing discrimination based on sexual orientation and the fifth country to legalize same-sex marriage. With the fall of apartheid and these two historic gay rights events, the allure of South Africa has increased substantially among both straight and gay travelers. From the glorious beaches of the Western Cape to the fast-paced excitement of Gauteng, South Africa is the gay-friendliest country on the continent and is an ideal location for a gay vacation.

Gay vacations to South Africa often include stops or entire stays in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Pretoria where gay and lesbian travelers will find an array of gay-centered and gay-friendly events, activities and establishments. There are a wide variety of establishments that cater specifically to gay men, including guest houses exclusively for gay men, Camp David in Pretoria, which is a private all-male nude bar, and the bathhouses ” called steam baths or steam saunas ” in Cape Town. As in many areas, gay culture in South Africa centers primarily around activities and establishments for gay men; however, lesbians and families also have many opportunities for fun-filled gay vacations in this culturally- and historically-rich country, including gay-friendly tours organized by companies dedicated to working with the gay and lesbian community.

Gay travelers interested in designing a gay vacation around pride celebrations and gay events may want to plan their trip for September, which is South Africas gay pride month and offers a full calendar with multiple gay pride events, as well as the Out in Africa South African Gay & Lesbian Film Festival in both Johannesburg and Cape Town, which draws over 16,000 attendees from around the world. Those visiting in December will have the opportunity to experience Cape Towns Mother City Queer Project annual costume party, which draws more than 10,000 visitors. Gay men who enjoy a beach lifestyle will also want to check out Cliftons Third Beach and Sandy Bay nudist beach, which are very popular spots among gay men in Cape Town. There is also a gay area in Cape Towns Green Point where travelers will find a selection of gay-owned and gay-friendly eateries and establishments, as well as local gay publications like Outright and Exit, which list events and goings on in the area.

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

Working with a travel agency that is accustomed to planning gay vacations 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.

The author of this article about gay tours to South Africa is Howie Holben. Howie has traveled the world for more than 30 years and owns Spirit Journeys, a spiritual gay travel company. You can find more articles about gay travel and retreats at www.spiritjourneys.com.

categories: gay travel,gay vacations,gay tours,gay holidays,travel,tourism,travel tips,gay,sexuality,travel destinations,vacations,recreation,leisure

Spain was among the very first nations to allow same-sex couples to enjoy equal marriage rights, to openly adopt children and to be treated with equal respect and dignity under the law. This legal equality and level of acceptance has created a welcoming atmosphere that has made Spain a popular destination for safe, memorable gay vacations. Each of the major cities in Spain, as well as some smaller towns, has a visible, active community and an LGBT scene, which varies by location. For example, Sitges offers an LGBT culture with casual class, while Madrid boasts a sexually-charged scene and lively nightlife that promises a raucous good time. With great weather, breathtaking architecture, beautiful landscapes and rich culture and history, Spain is an ideal setting for gay travel tours.

Some of Spains most welcoming towns, cities and islands include Sitges, Valencia, Torremolinos, Ibiza, Gran Canaria, Barcelona and Benidorm, each of which is very popular with LGBT visitors. Many of these must-see locales have exceptional beaches and all of them offer a vibrant community and active nightlife for gay vacations. For travelers in search of a lively scene, Madrid is the ideal choice and will not disappoint; however, those looking for a laidback vacation on the beach may prefer Ibiza or Gran Canaria, while travelers who prefer a mix of bars and beaches might best enjoy Torremolinos or Valencia.

Travelers looking for remarkable architecture, art and culture in a welcoming environment will not want to miss Barcelona, home to more community establishments, restaurants, bars, bathhouses and clubs than anywhere else in the country. Many of the establishments are located in the LEixample neighborhood, making this area a favorite among LGBT tourists and locals alike. As one of the most welcoming, cosmopolitan cities in Europe, Barcelona has everything you need from bars to beaches and boasts a lively LGBT community that is active and visible. During gay vacation tours to Barcelona, another LGBT hotspot that is worth a visit is the seaside community of Sitges, just 35 kilometers to the south.

To make the most of your gay vacation to Spain, consider traveling to Spain as part of an organized gay travel tour group, which will allow you to explore this fascinating country and all that it has to offer while making new friends and sharing your experiences with like-minded tourists.

If you prefer to explore alone, or with your partner or a small group friends, consider arranging your trip through a professional travel agency that is accustomed to organizing gay holidays to Spain. This will help ensure that you have a great travel experience that is safe and enjoyable.

Howie Holben is the author of this gay vacations article about Spain. Spirit Journeys does spiritual gay retreats with a difference. Go to www.spiritjourneys.com for more info about Howie and his work.

categories: gay travel,gay vacations,gay tours,gay holidays,travel,tourism,travel tips,gay,sexuality,travel destinations,vacations,recreation

Germany is well-known for its thriving LGBT culture and for having large communities in each of its larger cities. One of the many reasons that gay vacations to top LGBT hotspots like Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, Hamburg and Cologne are favorites with tourists from all over the world. As home to many world-famous Pride festivals, particularly in Cologne and Berlin, Germany is a exceptional forgay adventure travel and provides a welcoming environment for a wonderful trip. As is the case elsewhere, city residents are generally more accepting than rural village inhabitants; however, those planning a gay vacation will find Germany to be a safe, welcoming destination.

Cologne is a fantastic choice for gay travel to Germany and is often referred to as the LGBT capital of the country. Cologne is picturesquely positioned on the Rhine River and is the oldest large city in Germany. It is the home of the famous Cologne Cathedral, Kolsch beer, and a vibrant arts and culture scene that draw travelers from all over the world to experience this grand citys rich history and jovial residents. If anyone looks askance at a same-sex couple showing affection in public, it will very likely be a tourist, since this warm, welcoming city has a huge LGBT population that is fully integrated and well-established.

This welcoming community has no problem with couples of all sorts showing affection in public and has a well-established, highly visible LGBT population. Cologne is proud to be the host of the 2010 Gay Games and home to more LGBT bars, clubs, restaurants, cafs and other establishments than any visitor could experience in a single gay vacation. To display how LGBT-friendly this city truly is, the KolnTourismus Service Centre even offers a Pink WelcomeCard, which provides discounts on LGBT clubs, bars, saunas and shops, as well as free public transportation and discounts for local attractions, such as river cruises, opera, theater and museums.

The welcoming city of Berlin also has a vibrant, very visible LGBT community and a wide array of establishments spread throughout the city. Party goers planning Berlin gay holidays may want to consider planning their arrival during Pride season when Berlin becomes a virtual LGBT mecca for two consecutive weekends. First, Berlin hosts Europes largest LGBT city festival, the Lebisch-Schwules Stadtfest, followed by the world-renowned Berlin Gay Pride Parade and Christopher Street Day festival which are attended by hundreds of thousands of LGBT folks, friends and supporters, making this an ideal choice for summer gay vacations to Germany.

No matter how you travel to Germany, alone or in a group, your Germany gay vacation will undoubtedly be full of many wonderful experiences. In order to make the most of your Germany vacation, consider exploring this intriguing country as part of a professionally arranged gay travel tour or planning your trip through a travel agency well-versed in gay holidays to Germany.

South Africa was a gay travel destination long before it became the first country in the world with a constitution outlawing discrimination based on sexual orientation and the fifth country to legalize same-sex marriage. With the fall of apartheid and these two historic gay rights events, the allure of South Africa has increased substantially among both straight and gay travelers. From the glorious beaches of the Western Cape to the fast-paced excitement of Gauteng, South Africa is the gay-friendliest country on the continent and is an ideal location for a gay vacation.

Gay vacations to South Africa often include stops or entire stays in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Pretoria where gay and lesbian travelers will find an array of gay-centered and gay-friendly events, activities and establishments. There are a wide variety of establishments that cater specifically to gay men, including guest houses exclusively for gay men, Camp David in Pretoria, which is a private all-male nude bar, and the bathhouses ” called steam baths or steam saunas ” in Cape Town. As in many areas, gay culture in South Africa centers primarily around activities and establishments for gay men; however, lesbians and families also have many opportunities for fun-filled gay vacations in this culturally- and historically-rich country, including gay-friendly tours organized by companies dedicated to working with the gay and lesbian community.

September is gay pride month in South Africa, making this a great time to visit for gay men and lesbians looking for a gay vacation that includes pride celebrations and a variety of other events, such as the Out in Africa South African Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, which takes place in both Johannesburg and Cape Town and draws over 16,000 international attendees. Cape Town is also the home of the annual Mother City Queer Project costume party that brings over 10,000 international visitors to South Africa each December. Of course, Cape Town is also home to Cliftons Third Beach and nearby Sandy Bay nudist beach, both of which are extremely popular hangouts for gay men, and also has a gay village offering many gay-owned and gay-friendly establishments in Green Point. Picking up a copy of local gay publications like Exit and Outright will keep travelers up on what is going on during their stay and provide additional information about the best places to hang out or grab a bite to eat in a gay-friendly restaurant.

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

Get the most out of South African gay vacations by working with a professional travel agency well-versed in gay travel to South Africa. Only a travel agency dedicated to gay travelers will be able to provide the up-to-date information and travel safety tips for specific areas in South Africa that are important to the gay and lesbian community.