Why Spiritual Gay Travel is Enjoyable

There seems to be the conception that gay spirituality travel (whatever that means to you) is “work”. Nobody wants to work on a vacation. That’s why we take a vacation in the first place, to get “away from it all” for awhile, to escape. We seem to frame the concepts of spiritual and personal growth with thoughts like: “I need to do this” or “I should do that” because “it would be good for me”. With those ideas as a background, it’s no wonder that so many of us think of spiritual and personal growth as “work”. When we’re on a vacation, we want to leave all the “need to’s” and “should’s” of daily life behind us, for at least a short time.

My personal experience has shown me that the “work” done during spiritual gay travel is not “work” at all; it is a joy. You meet and connect with people at a level simply not possible on a typical vacation. The connections you make with others on such an event adds immensely to the enjoyment of your time away. To be able to sit and have a real conversation with someone; for you to be listened to with genuine interest; for you to listen to others with your heart; the importance of these things cannot be measured and bring a deep sense of fulfillment.

We have also learned that being “spiritual” means we must act solemn. We seem to think that play is anti-spiritual. The truth is just the opposite. Laughter brings a real connection to spirit and connection that is more profound than you can imagine

When we are spiritually connected to the world around us, when we are conscious of our surroundings, our entire gay vacation experience is heightened. This heightened sense of awareness allows us to relax more, play more and get the most out of our vacation. Getting more out of our time away is very important.

Little children are a wonderful example of this. They are enthralled with the world around them; everything is new, everything is a wonder. Discovering and learning new things is not “work” to a child. They find joy in all that they encounter; everything is a new toy to play with.

Finally, there is the experience of being awestruck. While spiritual traveling, we may be deeply touched by something; a sunrise or perhaps a smile. Although an intense experience, being awestruck is not a solemn experience. It just holds a deep meaning for the individual.

Advice initiated by Howie Holben. Spirit Journeys puts forth gay retreats and has resources for gay spirituality.

A Gay Travel Guide For Ireland

The intriguing country of Ireland has been a popular gay vacations since the days when Oscar Wilde called this nation home. Of course, during his time Ireland was not as welcoming and accepting of LGBT folks and many, including Wilde, were jailed or sent off to hard labor camps for what was then termed “indecency.” Sadly, up until 1861, death was considered an acceptable punishment for acts of sodomy, but today Ireland has moved well beyond these dark days and has recently bested the U.S. when it comes to LGBT rights by legalizing same-sex civil unions in 2009, after decriminalizing same-sex behaviors in 1993.

While this does not mean that this largely Catholic country is ready to embrace same-sex relationships in every village – or even every city – Ireland is now far more welcoming and can safely be considered a great place for gay travel. Several larger cities, including Dublin, Galway, Cork and Waterford, have visible, active communities, community celebrations, numerous establishments catering or welcoming to the community and plenty of attractions to fill an entire vacation; however, whether travelers choose to participate in solo travel or gay tours, one should not miss the Irish countryside and quaint, traditional villages that dot the verdant landscape or sit atop breathtaking coastal cliffs during their vacation to Ireland as well.

There are now many Irish cities that have LGBT organizations, popular hangouts, annual celebrations and a thriving community, but Dublin remains the unquestionable center of Irish LGBT life, making it an absolute must-see during gay travel to Ireland. The nightlife in Dublin is an interesting blend of upscale clubs with dress codes and a casual LGBT pub scene, which allows those on gay vacations to Ireland to experience different aspects of LGBT life in Dublin. Depending on when you arrive, you may also have the opportunity to take part in one of Dublin’s annual community events, including the Dublin Lesbian and Gay Film Festival in July, Dublin International LGBTQ Pride in June, and the popular Dublin Gay Theatre Festival, which takes place each May.

Regardless of which time of year you partake in gay travel to Ireland, there will be some sort of activities going on, which will be listed in GCN – Ireland’s most-read community magazine – so, if you enjoy the scene, you will definitely want to pick up a copy when you get to town. Some of the attractions that you will not want to miss while in Dublin include the Book of Kells, the Guinness Storehouse, the Hugh Lane Gallery, the Old Jameson Distillery, the Oscar Wilde House Museum and The George, which is Dublin’s quintessential community bar.

Folks planning gay tours should consider partaking in group gay tours to ensure that they do not miss out on the plethora of historical, cultural and natural attractions that this intriguing, romantic nation has to offer.

Article from spiritual author Howie Holben. Howie runs Spirit Journeys and SpiritWear they offer metaphysical jewelry.

Gay Travel Sites In India

India is a country with many distinguishing characteristics and has plenty to offer all kinds of travelers. From pristine coastlines to snow-covered Himalayas, and all of the diverse terrain between the two, India offers abundant gay trips to relax or partake in amazing adventures. India has long been a center for spirituality and important advancements in natural medicine, making a gay vacation to India the perfect option for those in search of the opportunity to center themselves, rejuvenate their spiritual side and refocus on the things that really matter in life.

Of course, India has many other sides, which allow for gay vacations that also focus on exceptional dining experiences, visiting important historical, cultural and sacred sites, experiencing life in a rural Indian village, exploring India’s untouched wilderness or partaking in shopping trips that include both modern boutiques and traditional bazaars.

Those who take a gay vacation to India will find that it is very difficult to find a noticeable LGBT community, even in urban areas. In 2009, the Delhi High Court took an important step towards decriminalizing same-sex relations when it voted to overturn a–8-year-old law still on the books from when India was a British colony. This antiquated law, which is no longer upheld in Delhi, but is still enforced in the rest of the country, prohibits “carnal intercourse against the order of nature” and includes same-sex intercourse, as well as some heterosexual sexual acts.

Activists are trying to rectify this situation, but in the meantime, those who are on gay tours to India should be aware of this. With that said, there are many LGBT people living in India and there are some gathering spots, as well as the cruising areas you can expect in nearly any country, no matter how conservative. While there are mixed feelings at both a community and government level about LGBT folks, ideas about sexuality are changing, making India an ever-improving option for gay travel.

While the subject of same-sex relationships may still be somewhat taboo in India, it is a popular destination for gay vacations and most LGBT travelers report no problems during their gay tours. One way to help ensure that you do not experience issues during a gay vacation to India is to participate in an organized tour arranged by a well-established, professional company offering exceptional tour opportunities that cater to the LGBT community. Opting for traveling to India as part of a tour group is a great way to make sure you do not miss some of the most popular attractions, visits to sacred temples and life-changing experiences available when traveling in India. Opting for traveling to India as part of a group is a great way to make sure you do not miss some of the most popular attractions, visits to sacred temples and life-changing experiences available when traveling in India.

Article from spiritual author Howie Holben. Howie runs Spirit Journeys and SpiritWear they offer metaphysical jewelry.

Gay Tour Travel To Bali

Those seeking gay vacations will love Bali as a destination that offers historical, cultural and spiritual sites, welcoming residents and plenty to see and do.

Participating in gay tours or solo gay vacations to Bali allows LGBT travelers to experience all that Bali has to offer, including temples, pristine beaches, beautiful rice fields, excellent cuisine, volcanoes, world-class shopping and even LGBT scenes in some major cities. From upscale hotels and trendy boutiques, to rural villages with old-world buildings and artisan handicrafts, Bali is an intriguing, diverse island nation just waiting to be explored.

Legian, Kuta and Seminyak each has an active scene, including several spas, bars, clubs and restaurants catering to LGBT clientele, which allows travelers to choose from a wide array of nighttime hangouts and entertainment options for a night out on the town. Drag shows are quite popular in Bali and many clubs offer performances at least a few nights each week, the most popular being Hulu Caf, which is famous for being the original hotspot for drag shows and offers six nights of shows each week, many of which include performers that are internationally known.

When on gay vacations to Bali, travelers also often indulge in a day at at least one of Bali’s popular garden or beachfront spa and eatery establishments. The two most visited options are Bonita’s and Callego Caf & Spa, each of which is located in Seminyak and offers drinks, food, spa services and massage.

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.

By taking part in a well-organized gay tours, you will be able to focus on your overall goals or intention for the trip, ensure that you do not miss out on some of Bali’s most important historical and cultural sites – as well as hidden treasures, and avoid dealing with having to plan the logistical aspects of your vacation. Bali tours organized by travel professionals with experience organizing gay vacation are the best way to take in all that Bali has to offer, make new friends and create lifelong memories.

Howie Holben is the author of this article. He has traveled the world learning from indigenous cultures. He runs Spirit Journeys, a spiritually based gay travel group. Spirit Journeys has offered gay vacations to Bali and gay vacations in Bali since 1992.

Gay Romantic Weekend Getaways

So you want to get the most out of a gay romantic getaways destination and you’re stuck between booking through an agency and going independently. There are benefits to either side of the coin, but deciding your sweet spot might come down to what you want to get from the time away.

A gay romance vacation is often the result of one or two different desires. You either wish to spend some time together or you wish to go to a certain destination. When you want to end up at a specified destination you might not be able to find a structured vacation planned for the area. If it becomes important to get to the vacation spot then you’ll probably end up taking that option. If all you want is some special time together then you have more options.

If you’re planning on your own you have to make sure to get your due diligence done before you end up in a country that still jails suspected gays and lesbians. Booking your trip independently can give you that special destination but you have to be sure to gather all the information that you can before you decide for certain.

What do want to get out of your romantic getaway? Are you looking for fun and adventure or would you rather lock the door and not come out again until it was time to leave? When you realize how many options you have through a structured getaway you may be surprised to find that you can create the vacation that you dream of. Perhaps you’re the type of couple that wants to blend romance with adventure.

More than just a great destination you get to explore freedoms that you may not have at home. The simple act of holding hands at home can be grounds for unpleasant reactions. Yet, when you realize that you are able to express yourself freely you end up with much more than just a chance to hold hands discreetly. You have the chance to be yourself. No questions asked.

Most people are well aware that you can book a gay cruise as one of your destination choices. This is true and quite frankly it is something that all of us should experience. You’ll never have another vacation like a gay cruise. These are not the only destinations available, and many couples are surprised to realize just how many different vacations they can design that caters to them.

You can take a safari or you can end up on a romantic island. You can go off exploring other countries and you can find themed vacation for your and your partner. Sometimes making a gay romantic getaway turns into nothing more than the ability to be romantic. Yet you have to admit the scenery can add quite a bit to the romantic ambiance.

When you’re trying to plan out very nice gay romantic vacations you can have some trouble finding the same type of freedom and privacy that you are looking for. While we all can pin up in a hotel room, there really shouldn’t be a reason why we can’t be romantic when we’re outside of the hotel room.

Thoughts written by Howie Holben. Spirit Journeys focuses on gay spiritual groups and has resources to assist gay spiritual singles.

A Gay Tours And Gay Vacations Guide For Turkey

Turkey is a distinctive nation with a unique culture that has resulted from its singular location straddling both the Asian and European continents. The history of Turkey, as well as modern, daily life, has been influenced heavily by this positioning, with the general consensus being that Turkey is politically and economically closer to Europe, while the majority of its geography is located in Asia and its religious ties are in line with other Middle Eastern Islamic countries.

However, most residents and visitors would agree that Turkey is set apart from other Islamic countries as far more progressive and Westernized, primarily due to its strong connection with Europe. This is one of the many reasons why gay tours to this intriguing country can be comfortably undertaken and is generally without issue.

Millions of tourists flock to Turkey each year, many of which are on gay vacations devoted to relaxing on pristine beaches in resort towns on the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, exploring ancient architecture and ruins, and taking part in gay tours that include some of Turkey’s most enticing spiritual, cultural and historical sites.

Throughout its history the city that is presently called Istanbul has been the capital of the Byzantine Empire, the Roman Empire, the Latin Empire and the Ottoman Empire, which has resulted in there being essentially no end to the sites of historical importance located throughout the city and throughout the nation. Whether visitors choose luxury resort vacations on pristine beaches, urban gay travel in Istanbul or a rural experience in an old-world village, travelers will find that culturally-rich attractions and experiences are waiting to be had around every corner.

From visiting hammams (traditional public Turkish baths) to sitting at sidewalk cafs drinking sweet black tea or strong Turkish coffee, gay vacations in Turkey allow travelers to immerse themselves in this distinctive culture, with plenty of opportunities to partake in once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Those who opt for gay tours to Turkey will find that their vacation experience can be even more memorable and fulfilling when they enjoy the additional benefit of having travel professionals organize their trip.

While visitors will not see a vibrant, vocal LGBT presence during gay vacations in Turkey, you will find that the LGBT community is alive and well. There are a number of community bars, discos and other establishments, particularly around the Taksim Square area in Istanbul, and – unlike most Islamic countries – there are no specific laws targeting same sex behaviors in Turkey.

The abundance of community establishments allows those partaking in gay travel in Turkey to experience Turkish LGBT life during their visit, while opting for gay vacations ensures that you will not miss out on some of the most breathtaking sites and experiences that Turkey has to offer.

Info for gay travel vacations in Turkey. Spirit Journeys also has a great gay vacation agent. The author is Howie Holben.

Gay Holiday Sites In Cape Town

Want to blend romance with the exotic adventures? Then give Cape Town, South Africa a visit. Cape Town needs to be on the list of anyone that wantsgay vacations. With its wide variety of resources, you will not get bored. It is exotic, wild and civilized all at the some time. A great time away for both of you.

You have oceans on one side and mountains on the other sided. The sky is ever changing, with clouds seeming to work magic over the land. All this combined makes for a perfect afternoon on the beach.So pack a lunch and head out for an afternoon of sun and surf.

The Glen Boutique Hotel is gay owned and operated, and perfect little romantic hide-away. The rooms are gorgeous with marble appointed bathrooms. Marco’s African Place is a great spot for dinner or give Off Moroka Cafe Africaine a visit for more traditional African food. There are many places to stay and eat that are gay-friendly.

After a day or two on the beach, you may want to venture into the wine country or visit some of the great Cape Town museums, The Bo-Kapp Museum, District Six Museum and National Gallery should not be missed. At night, Cape Town offers a wide array of options from small quiet little bars to wild discos!

On the slope of Devil’s Peak there is the Rhodes Memorial. It was built to honor Cecil Rhodes who was a gay entrepreneur from Great Britain, He was the founder of the Rhodes Scholarship, Rhodesia and the DeBeers company.

It has been said before, but please do not miss the wonderful South African beaches. Cape Town has wonderful gay tours, such as wildlife, beaches and nightlife. A great place for that special vacation for you and your partner.

Essay about Cape Town penned by Howie Holben. Spirit Journeys provides gay spiritual singles a way to meet at gay yoga retreats.

Gay Vacation Destinations In England

England always has been and always will be a gay vacation destination and offers a wide variety of options for gay tours in 2010. With a thriving, very visible gay and lesbian community and far more rights than those given to the LGBT community in the United States, England is an ideal location for gay vacations. From lively London nightspots to the relaxing beaches of Brighton and all the bucolic countryside and urban adventures that can be found throughout the country, England offers something for every kind of gay travel tourist.

Visitors on a gay vacation to London will not want to miss Old Compton Street and the Soho district, which is a thriving gay and lesbian neighborhood filled with gay bars, clubs, restaurants and businesses. Soho is close to many of Londons most famous tourist hotspots, like Leicester Square, Covent Garden, Piccadilly Circus, Chelsea and Kensington. And, with Londons stellar public transportation system, everything is within easy reach of this gay mecca. Manchester also has much to offer to the gay and lesbian traveler, including a lively gay scene with a variety of bars, clubs and pubs to choose from, as well as a quaint gay village encompassing the blocks around Canal Street.

If you prefer a gay holiday by the sea, Brighton ” which is also known as Soho by the Sea – has the second largest lesbian and gay community in England, including the popular Kempton neighborhood, which is home to gay bars, clubs, restaurants and bed and breakfasts. Walk along the pier or pebble beach, or explore quaint shops and boutiques located throughout Brighton for a relaxing gay vacation. Another gay-friendly city that welcomes gay men and lesbians on gay vacations is Newcastle Gateshead, which is home to a sophisticated, trendy gay village with a lively gay scene including cafs, pubs, bars and clubs.

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.

Make your England gay travel tours all that they can be by planning your gay travel with the assistance of a travel agency that is well-versed in organizing gay vacations.

Info by Howie Holben for England gay vacation packages and a gay travel vacation.

A Look At Why Gay Travel To Denmark Is A Good Idea

One of the reasons why it pays to consider learning about gay vacations to Denmark is because this is one Scandinavian country that has extensive gay rights and Danes are by and large very permissive as well. In fact, as early as in the year 1933 homosexuality became a legal option for people of this country and the age of consent was lowered to just fifteen in the year 1979. It does not matter what your sexual preferences are which means that anyone aged fifteen and above can engage in sexual activities.

Way back in 1933 Denmark legalized homosexuality and then in the year 1979 it went a step further and lowered the age of consent to just fifteen years which is applicable for gay sex as well as heterosexual sex. So, regardless of your sexual leanings you can, after reaching your fifteenth birthday have sex without breaking any laws.

The main gay destination in Denmark is the country\’s capital city Copenhagen which is a city that has a very vibrant lifestyle – both among gays and normal heterosexuals. Finding gay hangouts and gays is not difficult and if you need some help in this regard you can check out Lonely Planet that offers much useful information.

Copenhagen is famous for many reasons including being the capital city of Denmark and in addition it is also the capital city for gays in that country. This means that if you are gay and looking for other gays or you want to enjoy gay entertainment you will not face many difficulties in finding what you want. This city is very vibrant and its gay life is very lively and if you need help in finding gay hotspots then you should consult Lonely Planet that offers many tips and advice on being gay in Denmark.

The majority of gays in Copenhagen live in the old town and the nightlife here offers something for every kind of gay activity including entertainment and fun activities that take place in a small square kilometer of space. Eighty years ago the first gay bar of Copenhagen opened up and was known as Centralhjornet and even today it attracts numerous gays.

Some examples of what you can get here if you are a gay include the Body Bio sex club and then there is also the LBL-Ungdom gay youth group as well as the Queer Festival and there is even a Gay and Lesbian Film Festival that is very popular among gays.

Most gays when they are in Copenhagen will find accommodation in the old town and the night life here is of course very exciting and is mainly centered on a square kilometer in the city.

To sum up, if you wish to enjoy gay tours to Denmark it is necessary to come to Copenhagen that has the most to offer to gays. Copenhagen offers maximum opportunities for gays to meet each other and to otherwise find something interesting to do and see.

Spread composed by Howie Holben on Denmark. Spirit Journeys produces a gay guide and will provide great gay travel ideas.

Egypt For Gay Travel Destinations

As home to many sites of cultural, religious and historical importance, Egypt has attracted visitors for hundreds of years. Gay travel to Egypt can include a wide variety of activities, such as riding through the desert on the back of a camel, exploring ancient cities, gazing at the monumental Great Pyramids of Giza, taking a boat cruise on the Nile, dining and shopping in large, modern cities or wiling away an afternoon on gorgeous white sand beaches. From exploring the Temple of Edfu or the Valley of Kings burial tombs, to finding the perfect souvenir in the Khan al Khalili Bazaar and viewing the treasures of King Tutankhamun at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, there is simply no end to the wonders that Egypt has to offer. Anyone partaking in gay travel to Africa simply will not want to miss the opportunity to incorporate this intriguing country into their gay vacation plans.

When planning gay vacations to Egypt, there is some information that is helpful to know. While there are no specific laws outlawing same-sex sexual behavior between consenting adults in private, over the last several years, the government has stepped up its efforts to arrest and imprison gay men by using laws against debauchery and contempt of religion to imprison men arrested through raids at known gathering spots, undercover operations in online chat rooms and other underhanded methods.

These undercover operations and raids usually focus on arresting Egyptian men; however, tourists and local women have also been caught up in this persecution on occasion. While Egypt does not have laws that prohibit private, consensual same-sex sexual activity between adults, other laws are being used to arrest people, such as laws against contempt for religion and debauchery.

With this being said, that does not mean that gay travel to Egypt should be avoided, or that all locals can be assumed to be homophobic. Most folks who partake in a gay vacation tour to Egypt find that locals are warm and welcoming and report no legal issues during their travels. It does mean that you will not find a visible LGBT community for the most part. While there are popular meeting spots in Alexandria, Luxor, Dahab, Cairo, Aswan and other larger metropolitan areas, discretion is key, as these popular hangouts are also well-known to the police.

Egypt is an intriguing country that is home to many must-see cultural and historical attractions. To help ensure a safe excursion and make sure that you do not miss out on some of Egypt’s best offerings, anyone planning gay vacations to Egypt may want to look into partaking in a tour specifically focused on planning gay travel adventures. Alternatively, folks planning gay vacations to Egypt should definitely go through a travel agent well-versed in the specific needs and concerns of the LGBT community.

Howie Holben, the author, 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 gay trips with a spiritual concentration at Spirit Journeys website.

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