Gay Vacations to France

Whether as a stop on a tour through Europe, or a standalone gay vacations destination, France offers travelers world-renowned beaches, snow-covered alps, bucolic countryside dotted with castles and remnants of Frances long history, some of the most amazing art collections in the world, the fabulous French Riviera and, of course, the truly exceptional, unique city of Paris.

People often do their gay vacations around Paris and its vibrant LGBT community, cultural and historical landmarks and accepting cosmopolitan environment, visitors will find that throughout France there is plenty to do and see, as well as many LGBT establishments and a welcoming atmosphere. Laws outlawing sodomy were abolished over 200 years ago and Frances LGBT community has enjoyed civil unions for the last decade. With legal protections in place and a general laissez-faire attitude that is common among the French, visitors will find that France provides an accepting, and pleasant destination for gay tours.

Visitors will find a number of community festivals and events taking place throughout the year in different parts of the country, including pride celebrations in many cities, a gay and lesbian film festival in Paris and Paris world-famous pride festival and parade. A gay vacation in Paris should also include a stop at the Legay Choc bakery in the Marais district, as well as the collection of male images at ArtMenParis and the female impersonation cabaret shows at LArtishow, Madame Arthur and Chez Michou. Paris nightlife often starts early with bars opening in the afternoon, followed by clubs opening around midnight and thumping the night away, often until noon.

Men interested in exploring the bawdier side of Paris gay vacations will find that cruising spots, bars with backrooms and sex clubs are easy to find and quite popular with visitors, as well as locals. Saunas, aka bathhouses, are also plentiful; however, they work a bit differently in France than they do in America or Canada. French saunas do not have private rooms, but rather cubicles that are set aside for a bit of privacy, and they are not 24-hour operations. Most of the activity takes place in the afternoon, rather than the evening or night, and Sunday afternoons are particularly popular.

Most gay vacation spots cater largely to men, have little to no visible lesbian presence and offer few establishments dedicated to the lesbian community. Women will be delighted to discover that this is not the case in Paris. Parisian lesbians and visitors enjoy a multitude of venues and organizations that can be found throughout the city, but particularly in the neighborhoods of Marais, Grands Boulevards, Halles-Beaubourg, Saint Germain des Pres and Palais Royal. Palais Royal is home to one of the oldest lesbian bars in Paris, while the Bastille-Republique district has a delightful community bookstore with a distinct Sapphic flare. There is also a lesbian walking group and even a sex shop that caters solely to women.

Paris is sure to remain the most popular spot for a gay trip in France; however there are several other places to choose from, including Nice and Montpellier on the Mediterranean, Annecy in the Alps, Nantes in Brittany and Avignon in Provence, as well as the well-known LGBT beaches in Camargue, where nudism is the norm. Folks who would like to play among the rich and famous should definitely head to Saint Tropez on the French Riviera, while those in search of a more romantic respite might prefer an LGBT-owned bed and breakfast on the outskirts of Bourdeaux. With so many gay vacation spots available throughout France, it is clear that this diverse, unique country is the perfect choice for gay romantic travel.

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

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Gay Vacations: Great Packages In Spain

Visitors to Spain will find a high level of acceptance and a welcoming atmosphere nearly anywhere you travel in the country. This is due in part to the legal equality granted to the LGBT community in Spain, including the right to marry, the right to adopt children and the promise of equal legal treatment on a level that Americas LGBT community continues to struggle for. So it is a wonderful country for a gay vacation. Because of this welcoming environment, Spain is a top pick for gay vacations. The visibility of the community and the scene varies between each of Spains major cities, including a sexually-charged nightlife in Madrid, a classy, casual culture in Sitges and a thriving LGBT community in each of Spains major cities, as well as many smaller towns. With exceptional weather, beautiful scenery, awe-inspiring architecture and a rich history and culture, the reasons to partake in gay vacations to Spain are limitless.

There are many must-see stops when traveling through Spain, including its most welcoming cities, towns and islands, such as Benidorm, Barcelona, Ibiza, Gran Canaria, Torremolinos, Valencia and Sitges. Most of these destinations for Spain gay tours have spectacular beaches and each offers an enticing nightlife and active community. Madrid is definitely the city of choice for travelers looking for a lively, over-the-top scene, while Gran Canaria and Ibiza provide for a more laidback beach vacation and Torremolinos and Valencia provide a good combination of beaches and bars.

One of the most welcoming cities in Spain is Barcelona, which boasts amazing architecture, art and culture and is home to more clubs, bars, restaurants, bathhouses and other community establishments than any traveler could fit into their gay trips. Visitors will surely want to visit LEixample, where most of the community bars and businesses are located, as well as the fabulous beaches located around this city that boasts a very active, very visible community. Barcelona is a cosmopolitan city that has earned its rank among the most welcoming, most out places in Europe and also makes a great home base for side trips to other areas that are popular with LGBT locals and visitors, such as the beach town of Sitges.

To get the most out of your gay vacation in Spain, you may want to consider visiting Spain with a professionally organized tour group offered through a company that specializes in gay travel. Partaking in a tour to Spain will allow you to discover the captivating landscapes and enticing adventures Spain has to offer while forging new friendships that will last a lifetime.

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 tours to Spain. This will help ensure that you have a great travel experience that is safe and enjoyable.

Written by Howie Holben. He and Spirit Journeys offer gay vacations to Egypt and gay vacations to Peru.

Gay Travel To Peru With Purpose

For most people, the best gay travel is a way to take time away from the stresses of daily life. Vacations also allow us to do and see things we wouldn’t normally experience. But, many people want even more from their vacations and travel experiences.

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 spiritual journeys to magical Peru’s Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu for your next vacation.

Peru’s Sacred Valley is in the heart of the Andes Mountains. The surrounding villages are known for their Inca ruins and the mystical powers these places are reported to contain. In the Sacred Valley you can truly find peace, serenity and a chance to reflect. An exeperience you will remember.

The Kamaquen Retreat Center is a great place to stay while visiting the Sacred Valley. It is known for bringing those that stay there closer to the Andean culture and spirit. The center’s goal is to help you on your journey to self discovery.

No spiritual journey to the area would be complete without ascending the mountain to submerse yourself in the wonders of Machu Picchu. The epitome of spiritual energy, Machu Picchu offers soul stirring views, the kind that leave you breathless just by witnessing them. It also boasts magnificent and awe inspiring architecture that lies in complete balance with the sacred geography of the region by encapsulating mountain views in the windows and doors of the village as well as using intricate stone work that mirrors the surrounding mountain landscape.

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 spirituality tours to Peru can yield incredible personal benefits that can also positively affect all other components of your life.

Howie Holben offers suggestions for spiritual journeys to Peru. Spirit Journeys, Howie’s company, puts together amazing spiritual travel events and they have a spiritual journey for most everyone.

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