Gay Tour Sites In Mongolia

Although there is not much of a gay scene throughout Mongolia, its beautiful landscapes and unique culture prove gay tours to this wonderful place can be special. Homosexual acts were declared legal in 2002, but naivete about homosexuality still persists and gay travel to Mongolia is a good idea for your next vacation.

Mongolia is sparsely populated, leaving plenty of room for the beautiful lakes, majestic mountains and flowing rivers for which the country is often known. Mongolia boasts a unique history as the Mongols and Genghis Khan once ruled powerfully, only for the country to later fall under Soviet grasps.

Despite having little in the way of gay establishments, the unique history and culture of Mongolia make it a worthwhile destination for gay travelers.

With an international airport and train station welcoming overland travel from China, the capital city of Ulaanbaatar serves as the best starting point for your Mongolia adventures. With low priced guesthouses doubling as travel coordinators, it is the best place to settle in and plan for your visit to the country.

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 are better for incorporating all parts of the country, including the north where majestic mountains and pristine lakes are abundant.

Aside from outdoor and wildlife excursions, city life is also worth exploring. Ulaanbaatar is home to good and inexpensive restaurants like Mongol Shabu, where you can eat well for under five dollars. You can also check out the world renowned Mongolian National Symphony Orchestra at The Culture Show or visit the Natural History Museum.

Those going to Mongolia as one of your gay vacations should not feel uncomfortable, despite homosexuality being relatively under the radar countrywide. This is not typically considered a result of conservativeness, but a relative lack of information about gay culture and context.

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.

These groups typically incorporate some LGBT excursions to community groups and whatever gay adventure travel may exist. With a wide range of activities, their itineraries make up for a lack of a gay scene by offering something for everybody.

The author of this article about Mongolia is Howie Holben. Howie caretakes Spirit Journeys, a gay naked yoga enterprise. Spirit Journeys proposes spiritual gay travel groups world wide.

Gay Romantic Getaways For Couples

Whether you are searching for the ideal destination for a romantic honeymoon after your commitment ceremony, somewhere to steal away for a week-long tryst with a new beau, or an exotic location that will allow you and your partner to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life for a relaxing break, the options for gay romantic getaways are virtually limitless. From the beautiful beaches of Hawaii to the ancient ruins of Greece, your gay romance travel options are only limited by the type of excursion you prefer.

Whether you seek fun in the sun, a mountaintop adventure or a spiritual journey that encourages personal growth and growth as a couple, the ultimate vacation that will best meet your travel needs is simply waiting to be planned. Just let your wanderlust be your guide.

Any gay couple seeking a seaside location for a relaxing trip can choose from numerous destinations around the world, including Bali, Spain, Greece, South Africa, Brazil, Hawaii, Morocco or Egypt. Coastal locations for gay romantic vacations that also offer cultural and historical attractions can be particularly appealing.

A suggest could be visiting the Great Pyramids of Giza and the ancient ruins of Egypt, shopping for souvenirs in the Khan al Khalili Bazaar and seeing the treasures of King Tut on display at the Egyptian Museum allows couples to share an array of experiences, while also providing plenty of time for lounging on one of Egypt’s beautiful beaches.

When couples choose destinations like Hawaii or Bali for their gay romance getaways, they have the chance to hike to the top of volcanoes, visit ancient temples, shop for handmade crafts made by area artisans and indulge in exquisite local cuisine when they are not strolling on the beach under the moonlight or spending a relaxing day sunbathing. When couples have the opportunity to make lifelong memories exploring cultural and historical sites together, while also having plenty of time for hitting the beach, gay romantic travel can be even more meaningful and fulfilling.

If you are a gay couple in search of a different kind of excursion, there are plenty of options from which to choose, such as snowboarding or skiing in Germany, theater and shopping in England, wine tasting and sightseeing in France, trekking through a Brazil rainforest, participating in a tour of Turkey, Ecuador or China, or embarking on a spiritual journey to New Zealand, Burma, Bhutan or India.

Different couples will have different ideas of what makes the perfect gay romantic getaway, but with so many options available, as well as group tours and weekend workshops designed to enhance connection and intimacy, any gay couple looking for a fulfilling, fun romantic vacation will certainly find a perfect option that allows them to enjoy spending time in the destination and with each other.

Commentary originated by Howie Holben. Spirit Journeys arranges gay weekend breaks and has gay tantra retreats.

It Simply Costs More For Gay Couples

Since everyone is so worked up regarding why gay couples want the same rights as heterosexual couples, it might be prudent to document how gay households are charged more but provided less. This really isn’t about arguing whether or not you agree with same sex marriages or you are part of an anti-gay group. It’s really about outlining the reasons for desiring protection.

There is no doubt that gay couples pay more in taxes when compared to the same income bracket hetero households. Without the ability to apply the usual benefits that married couples can apply, that het households with children can apply, and the basic filing options provided, taxes are simply a higher expense. Most couples end up paying about three quarters and change more than their straight counterparts.

Health insurance is the next big hitter. Many employers still do not health insurance to the partners’ of gay employees. Even for companies that do offer coverage, the money is taxable income. Heterosexual couples have the benefit of using pre-taxed dollars. The cost of health care when one partner is not insured comes out of the family’s household but can not be claimed adequately on taxes if it was paid for by the healthy partner.

Most couples in the family that either own property together or they have children together are likely to need legal counsel and representation. Everything from their intentions to their monetary assets must be documented and legally regulated in order to make sure that family heirlooms to children stay within the immediate family. Some gay couples find that even with their legal documentation, they have nothing backing them up.

Naturally, the expenses associated with having children are significantly higher than it is for most hetero couples. Sure, the argument about how we shouldn’t have children could interjected, but this isn’t about right or wrong. This is just a factual account of modern same sex couple-hood. Just getting pregnant can run higher than $75,000 for the average couple who doesn’t conceive within the first six months.

After a lifetime together of supporting each other and figuring out those tax returns, a domestic partner receives no death benefit from the government and can be denied access to life insurance policies and death benefits held by the deceased’s employer.

Non biological parents of children can easily be held accountable for a medical bill while simultaneously be withheld from making medical decisions for the child. If there is no second parent adoption available in the state of residence, then the non-biological parent can find that while they may pay directly or indirectly for care, they aren’t entitled to simple decisions. The reverse is true with adult children trying to make medical decisions for their non biological parent.

Yes, there are many ways that we can be told to live differently if we don’t like it. We all know the answer to that. However, when it comes down to everything from opposition to same sex benefits to opposition to same sex marriages, it’s not a bad idea to put it in black and white how gay couples pay more for living than het couples do.

Essay penned by Howie Holben. Spirit Journeys provides gay naked yoga retreats and gay travel tours.

Rafting Adventure For Gay Men – The Grand Canyon

Gay Grand Canyon tours are for those who live life to the fullest and who want an awesome adventure that they will never forget. It is once in a lifetime opportunity that you should take if you want to see the beauty of the Grand Canyon in its entirety.

By the time we reached our first destination, the Grand Canyon, our butts were sore and our eyes burned from being awake for so long in one day. We stopped off in Page, Arizona for a slight breather before continuing on to the Canyon. Let me be the one to say, it was a breath taking sight to see.

Kali Gandaki in Nepal is deeper, while Capertu Valley in Australia is about 1 km. Longer. Nearly 5 million people go to visit the canyon per year which is why they now have enforced a law that requires anyone who has traveled down the river within a single year may only do it once. If you wish to go again, the traveler must wait an entire year before going again.

When the morning came we had decided to take a raft ride down the Colorado river, which was the fastest way for us to see as much of the canyon as we could while still staying on schedule. It was beautiful. I don’t think I have ever seen a more wondrous sight than going through the canyon by boat. The ride was peaceful and serene. But freezing.

I can’t remember being so cold out in the sunlight. We drifted lazily down the river watching the wildlife passing by. To our amazement we had caught a glimpse of a Bald Eagle which according to our guide was a rare sight to see.

There are signs posted that show a well fit man walking into the canyon. The sign reads: Each year we rescue hundreds of people from the canyon. Most of them look like him. Or for the more extreme traveler there are rafting trips that will take you on a 17 day rafting adventure through some of the wildest white waters in the United States. – Although one can go for the 2 hour rafting trip which is the one I took.

Gay rafting, with such stunning views and wild life to see, no wonder why the Pueblo people considered the canyon a holy site and made pilgrimages to it for clarity on spirit walks. Many of these ‘walks’ have left their mark on the faces of the canyon. I know that when I went in 2001 I missed a lot of cool things to see.

If I had the money I would do the full adventure down the Colorado River. I would experience first hand the rapids and absorb all that nature throws at me. Even though the Grand Canyon is a national park it has had problems with air pollution the problem has been partly resolved. But the effects of man’s presence in the canyon makes me wonder just what it looked like so long ago and what it will look like should man continue to be destructive. This is one sight I would hate to see blocked because of pollution factors. So lets keep it clean. Try to respect the land. After all it took mother nature 17 million years to create it.

Score about gay Grand Canyon rafting. Spirit Journeys does unique gay Grand Canyon in 2010. Column authored by Howie Holben.

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.

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