GAY TRAVEL

New Gay Guide Spain: fall 2009: Gay Madrid, Barcelona, Torremolinos, Valencia, Seville

2009-09-19T14:34:00.000+02:00

Revista GG 09-2009

New Gay Guide Spain: fall 2009: Gay Madrid, Barcelona, Torremolinos, Valencia, Seville

2009-09-19T14:30:00.001+02:00

Revista GG 09-2009

One of Spain´s oldest gay beaches gets its Rainbow Flag

2009-08-14T17:30:00.004+02:00

Poseidon beach in Torremolinos, Spain is one of the pioneers of gay movement in Spain. Dating back to the 60´s it was an oase of freedom and tolerance even in Franco´s Spain.
One strange thing: in its almost half of century gay history the beach never waived a gay flag.
Things changed this month: starting from 12 of August 2009 Poseidon Gay Beach Torremolinos is proudly represented with a rainbow flag! The initiative is an effort of El Gato Lounge - one of Torremolinos most popular gay venues.
Such a little gesture and yet a great emblematic recognition to Poseidon Torremolinos as one of Spain´s most popular gay beaches.
Read here about Gay Village of Torremolinos

Gay Illustration Exhibition in Torremolinos, Spain

2009-07-20T22:07:00.001+02:00

Gay Illustration Exhibition Torremolinos 2009

Nieuwe Homobestemming in Spanje: Torremolinos

2009-04-07T11:24:00.001+02:00

Best Gay Beach Destination in Spain

new website about gay life torremolinos

2009-03-19T12:08:00.002+01:00

Read all about gay Torremolinos on this new website. Bars, clubs, culture and a 20 minutes video about Hot Torremolinos. Gaytorremolinos.eu

New Gay Social Network HUNK4 - Guys just love it

2008-12-27T19:09:00.002+01:00

I actually a big fan of Gaydar and Facebook and I was wandering why do we still don´t have Gay Facebook where naughty content is unrestricted and finding friends is easy and fun.

Well, it seems HUNK4 is just the next big thing in the gay world: this network exploded last month gaining members from all over the world. Many of my friends from Facebook already bookmarked it and I even arranged a blind date (no further details pal.

So get behind the desk and check it out before too late: HUNK4.com

Winter Gay Map of Torremolinos

2008-10-03T17:03:00.003+02:00

Download here new Gay Map of Torremolinos

Gay Tourism hit by Closers in Gran Canaria

2008-09-25T23:31:00.002+02:00

T
wo of the most successful gay operators bringing tourists to Gran Canaria have gone out of business in the space of just one week, Phil Jackson reports.

In the space of just one week, two of Britain’s best-known tour operators specialising in the gay market have had to call it a day, forced out of business by pressures affecting the whole travel industry during the worldwide credit crunch – including the recent closure of the British arm of XL Airways. And with Gran Canaria being top of the list of favourite destinations for both operators, there are now fears that the island’s gay tourism will be affected during the crucial winter months.

First came news on Monday 15th September that UK-based Throb Holidays had gone out of business, its official website stating: ‘It is with regret that we have to inform you that, despite our best efforts, Throb Holidays Ltd has ceased trading. As a result of the collapse of XL Airways / XL Leisure Group (who were our main flight provider) we have unfortunately been unable to contain the damage this causes us in both the immediate term and in the future.’

Then, just four days later and following various rumours regarding the future of its Los Almendros flagship complex in Playa del Ingles, news came that London-based Respect Holidays had also ceased trading. Respect, which specialised in providing the gay community with package holidays in Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Mykonos, Sitges and Ibiza, was one of the best-known names in gay tourism, and had been particularly successful here in Gran Canaria for a number of years.

Travel industry website TravelMole had this to say: ‘The Civil Aviation Authority has been called in to protect holidaymakers booked with the company which traded as Respect Holidays...

‘The CAA is making arrangements for holidaymakers abroad to complete their holidays and fly back to the UK as planned. But those with advance bookings will not be able to travel and need to make a claim for a refund of their lost holiday.’

Later the same day, the Respect Holidays website was withdrawn, replaced by a message from company director Paul Kilcoyne, who stated: ‘It is with regret and sadness that, after ten years at the forefront of the gay holiday industry, I am left with no option other than to close Respect Holidays. It is no secret that a combination of oil price uncertainty, the weakness of Sterling and the general economic downturn has hit the travel business very hard indeed. Respect held substantial flying contracts with Excel Airways and, since Excel ceased trading, Respect has suffered significant financial losses.’

BAD TIMING
The loss of both Throb and Respect comes at a crucial time for Gran Canaria’s gay tourism industry, which traditionally benefits during the winter months. The beginning of October onwards usually sees tens of thousands of gay tourists from all over Europe arriving in Gran Canaria, most staying in the Playa del Ingles and Maspalomas areas and making the most of the predominantly gay bars and businesses located in the Yumbo Centre. And already there are fears that the closure of two of the biggest names in gay tour operators will have a knock-on effect locally.

One Yumbo-based bar manager, who asked to remain anonymous, told Round Town News: ‘The last thing we need is bad news from the gay tourist industry at this time of the year. The next few months are when those of us who rely on gay customers take enough money to keep us going during the leaner summer months. If this winter sees a downturn in the gay trade, I dread to think what the consequences might be for many of us in 2009.’

Meanwhile, customers of Throb Holidays who had already booked a holiday at Villas Blancas, a popular gay holiday complex in Maspalomas, have been told that their bookings will be honoured. According to the community website gaytravellersnetwork.com, ‘Villas Blancas is honouring all reservations made through Throb Holidays by passengers travelling to the resort over the next weeks and months.’ Throb customers can find out more by sending an email to: info@villasblancas.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

So what does the future now hold for Gran Canaria’s vital gay tourism? Well, it’s certainly true that not all gay tourists visiting the island book their holidays through gay tour operators, so it remains to be seen just how severe an effect the loss of both Throb and Respect will have during the coming months. But the closure of two such previously successful gay holiday companies in the space of just one week will leave many local business owners pondering just what the future holds.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Have you previously booked a holiday through either Throb or Respect? Are you likely to be affected by the closure of these companies? Do you think their demise will have a major effect on our island’s gay tourism? Whatever your views, email us at letters@rtncanaryislands.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or write to: RTN Canary Islands, Valle de Biar 14, La Nucia, 03530 Alicant

Gay Destinations On The Rise

2008-08-27T17:26:00.003+02:00

Amazing as it may sound today, famously gay popular places like Austin, Mykonos, Rehoboth, and Prague haven't always had much of a following with the GLBT community. Cities and resort communities change over the years, some becoming more fashionable with gay travellers, and others falling out of favour.

In fact, there are big cities, alluring towns and beautiful resorts all over the world that, while scarcely known to gay travellers at the moment, have the potential to develop into tomorrow's next queer hot spots.

Here's a look at a dozen potential 'family-friendly' destinations to watch, from formerly conservative cities like Nashville and Indianapolis, which are becoming increasingly progressive, to picturesque vacation spots like Tasmania and Mauritius that have only lately begun capturing the attention of the gay jet set.

Indianapolis, Indiana
America's 13th-largest city, Indianapolis has been far less popular as a GLBT destination than most other major metropolises over the years, in part owing to its comparatively right-of-centre political demeanour and bland reputation as more business-oriented than leisure-driven. Nevertheless, local gay business leaders and the city's Indianapolis Convention and Visitors Association are currently working hard to change perceptions and promote the increasingly visible GLBT scene and publicize Indy's playful side. You'll find quite a few lively gay and lesbian bars here, along with a handful of historic gay-friendly B&Bs and some wonderfully appealing, artsy neighborhoods with an engaging mix of attractions and shopping.

Lisbon, Portugal
Relatively affordable compared with many other European nations, and a darling of food and wine connoisseurs, Portugal been generating plenty of buzz of late among sophisticated travellers, and its capital city, Lisbon, is steadily emerging from its somewhat conservative shell as a leading gay and lesbian getaway. The city now produces a guide for gay visitors, and the GLBT community has been credited with helping turn around the once grim Bairro Alto neighbourhood, transforming it into one of Europe's most charming gay villages.

Ljubljana, Slovenia
Neighbouring Croatia gets more attention with gay travellers, at least among the nations that make up the former Yugoslavia, but romantic, beautifully preserved Slovenia and its capital city of Ljubljana (pronounced lyoo-blyah'-nah) are fast developing a pink fan base. Ljubljana looks and feels much the way Prague did before the latter became inundated with tourists and excessive commercialism. With its medieval castle, narrow streets, and ornate bridges, it's a fine city for a strolling. You'll also find a handful of gay bars and cafes, and, to the delight of cinema buffs, Ljubljana hosts an increasingly prestigious gay and lesbian film festival, which will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2009.

Mauritius and Reunion Island
These small islands off the coast of Africa, about 500 miles east of Madagascar, have lately become favourites with Euro jet-setters. Some say Mauritius has the potential to become another Ibiza or Mykonos, with pulsing gay discos beginning to spring up here and there. This island with a population of about a million and a diverse cultural heritage (with English, French, Indian, and Chinese influences) is renowned for its spectacular white-sand beaches. About 120 miles to the southwest, the French island of Reunion (population 800,000) is a volcanic formation with magnificent mountain peaks rising to more than 10,000 feet and a nascent but fast-growing tourism industry. Together, the islands make for a stunning, remote hideaway, and they're already drawing a number of gay visitors from South Africa, Australia, and Europe.

Nashville, Tennessee
Although it's smack in the middle of America's so-called Bible Belt, Nashville has become steadily more gay-friendly in recent years. The city has embraced progressive politics, environmentalism, and the arts with great gusto, and a handful of funky little neighbourhoods around town (East Nashville, 12th Avenue South) abound with GLBT-popular coffeehouses, restaurants, and boutiques. For these reasons, plenty of "family" are moving to Nashville these days, in search of a slightly more intimate and better-planned alternative to such gay Southern mega-cities as Atlanta, Houston, and Dallas.

Nova Scotia, Canada
Although it's just the second-smallest of Canada's provinces, Nova Scotia and its historic capital city of Halifax offer plenty to see and do, including a handsomely preserved waterfront, exceptional theatre and fine arts venues, and verdant parks and gardens. Elsewhere in the province are such popular draws as Lunenburg, a colonial seaport and shipbuilding centre now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the charming fishing village of Peggy's Cove. Gay-owned and gay-friendly B&Bs abound in the towns already mentioned as well as in such scenic communities as Annapolis Royal and Shelburne.

Mexico City, Mexico
With a metro population of nearly 20 million and one of North America's most exciting cultural and arts scenes, there's no question that vibrant - if in some ways chaotic and unpredictable - Mexico City has plenty of gay and lesbian residents. As a gay vacation destination, however, Mexico's capital metropolis has yet to develop a major following. Its reputation is picking up, though, as more and more visitors return home to spread the word about the trendy dining scene, relatively affordable luxury hotels, cruisy gay nightlife, and huge Gay Pride parade held in late June each year. With its relative low cost and a wealth of direct flights from elsewhere in North America, look for Mexico City to become ever more popular among U.S. and Canadian travellers.

Punta del Este, Uruguay
Sometimes dubbed the St. Tropez of South America, the swanky beach and casino resort city of Punta del Este hugs the southern coast of Uruguay and has long been fashionable with the GLBT residents of neighbouring countries like Brazil and Argentina. As a gay resort, Punta del Este has loads of potential but is probably a few years from developing international GLBT cachet. Still, there's a long and beautiful stretch of beach with a popular queer following (Chihuahua), and this town of 10,000 has a couple of gay bars and gay-popular hotels.

San Luis, Obispo County, California
The legalization of gay marriage is but one reason scenic San Luis Obispo County is one of California's best gay-friendly vacation secrets. This area with a charmed setting along the Pacific has one of the nation's most exciting winemaking scenes (especially around the town of Paso Robles), and the largest community - San Luis Obispo - is a lively university town with dozens of superb restaurants and a fun, friendly gay scene. At the southern end of this county that's midway along the coast between Los Angeles and San Francisco, you'll find a number of gay-friendly resorts between the towns of Avila Beach and Pismo Beach.

Shanghai, China
The so-called "Paris of the East", with a population of more than 13 million and a breathtaking skyline of countless postmodern skyscrapers, Shanghai is rapidly becoming Asia's must-see destination for cutting-edge shopping, fashion, and the arts. Attitudes toward gay people are slowly but surely changing for the better - just in the past decade, the city has seen the opening of several gay bars, along with an extremely popular and attractive gay entertainment-hotel complex. As thousands of ex-pats from all over the world continue to visit and relocate to this exciting, dynamic city, the gay scene will surely explode over the next few years.

Tasmania, Australia
This rugged island state off the southeast coast of the Australian mainland used to have a somewhat conservative reputation, but the tides have turned in recent years. Many gays and lesbians have moved to this laid-back, stunningly beautiful land, known for its natural beauty (don't miss Cradle Mountain or the Freycinet Coast). The island's tourism office produces an extensive guide for GLBT travellers, and you'll find a number of "family"-owned accommodations around this island that's roughly the size of West Virginia and has a population of about a half-million.

Torremolinos, Spain
Spain already has its share of stunning gay vacation areas (Ibiza, Sitges), and in the sunny Andalucian region, yet another has lately begun to emerge: the picturesque beach town of Torremolinos. Numerous hip restaurants and bars have opened, especially in the La Nogalera neighbourhood, and the town also has about a dozen resort hotels catering heavily to the GLBT crowd. Spain's fabled Costa del Sol has long had a popular following with northern Europeans, and Torremolinos looks poised to develop into one of the continent's top gay vacation hubs.

The couch we never will buy !

2008-01-25T15:17:00.000+01:00

The vagina sofa you can sit in together with your (lady)friends is yours for only $600.00. A mail order company from California delivering it to your door next day. I personally prefer IKEA design.

Mister Gay Argentina is International Mr. Gay 2008

2008-01-22T23:09:00.001+01:00

Watch hUere very recent swimwear competition video from Mr Gay International 2008 held in the USA this week. For more information on Mr. Gay Argentina check here.

five seasons to make a gaycruise this summer!

2008-01-14T13:40:00.000+01:00

Everyone goes on vacation to have a good time, relax, explore, indulge, and escape. Gay vacations address these desires with many of the same elements as straight ones: beautiful beaches, room service, exotic destinations, and so on. But people who go on gay vacations cite five overriding reasons to go on a gay trip.

1) For the camaraderie and comfort

This is the most compelling part of an all-gay experience, and the hardest one to describe. There's a shared spirit on these vacations that is almost mystical in its power. Many find the experience almost transcendental, which is why these vacations enjoy such a high repeat customer ratio; at a minimum, it's hard not to feel really relaxed and comfortable.

2) For the gay entertainment and activity

Gay vacations tend to feature gay activities. Although many vacation activities don't have gay-specific versions, many do. Dancing, pool games, cabaret entertainment, costume parties -- even bingo are never as much fun on a straight vacation.

3) To meet other gay people

Romance aside, meeting new people and making new friends are popular attractions of a vacation. Choosing a gay vacation ensures that you'll have something major in common with your fellow vacationers.

4) To escape the straight world

People who feel oppressed by the straightness of their everyday world enjoy the liberation of a gay environment. Vacationing in a world where gay people are the majority helps relieve the stress of living and/or working in a straight environment.

5) To get laid

Even in the straight world, meeting new friends for romantic encounters ranks high on the list of vacation choice motivations for many travelers. If you're looking for a romantic encounter, it's not hard to find one, especially on large trips. But don't go expecting a weeklong orgy. And if you're not looking for lust, don't worry about it lurking all around you. The general atmosphere on these trips may occasionally be sexually charged, but it's rarely sexual.

I am in a holiday mood

2008-01-11T19:47:00.001+01:00

I'm sure that you will be too after seeing this pics. Have a nice dream!

Also dutch travelers choose Spain as best holidaydestination

2008-01-10T20:12:00.001+01:00

I seems to be that my new country is more and more popular by gay travellers. According to the biggest gaysite of the Netherlands GAYSITE.NL Spain is choosen as favourite country by gay travellers. Accoring to the investigation, the Spanish are openminded and very friendly. Also the climate is an important reason.

For more information about Spain see this interactive website gayinfospain.com

Spain most popular destination and Torremolinos as best gaydestination of 2008

2008-01-08T00:40:00.000+01:00

Last year the readers from this blog hasGayinfo choosen Spain as best gaydestination. For all you travellers. The site Gayinfospain.com choose Torremolinos as best gaydestination of 2008. Read all about it on this site. You are also able to vote for your own favourite destination. But I can already say that my home town is leading at the moment. I hope I see you all This spring.

Spain: most popular gay country of 2007

2008-01-02T12:46:00.000+01:00

I'm sure it's all because of it's interesting culture!

The hottest holiday sport for 2008

2007-12-30T16:10:00.000+01:00

Today's best holidaypackage Here!!!

2007-12-28T00:48:00.000+01:00

Top Gay USA cities

2007-12-27T14:13:00.000+01:00

According to a Syracuse University,these are the top gay cities in America for travel or relocation:

* Los Angeles
* New York
* San Francisco
* Washington D.C.
* Miami
* Dallas
* Boston
* Phoenix
* Chicago
* Seattle

Merry XXXmas

2007-12-25T21:54:00.000+01:00

Caught on the beach

2007-12-24T16:30:00.001+01:00

Two guys one towel........???

2007-12-24T04:18:00.000+01:00

Your ultimate gay holiday picture

2007-12-22T01:20:00.000+01:00

I really like to receive some pictures fom your gay holiday destination. Please send it too www.gayinfospain@gmail.com. I will add your text with the photo and put it on here.

Holiday tip: Nude hiking

2007-12-20T19:52:00.000+01:00

If you wanna do something different for your holiday. Try nude hiking! Read all about it on www.yukonalaska.com/nudehiking. Am wandering what the guys are doing all the time.

Paradise is here!

2007-12-20T19:49:00.000+01:00

Made in Brazil

2007-12-19T19:12:00.000+01:00

These photo's were made by the talented photographer/journalist Pedro Stephan for a special exhibition in Rio last summer. The exhibition entitled "Amongst Friends and Lovers" portrayed the intimacy of Rio's gay community. After photo's like this you wanna go to this Tropical paradise. But how hot and gay friendly Brazil may seem, it is also the country with the highest gay murders in the world. According to an article published in June 11, 2007 in BBC, activists estimates that between 1980 and 2006 some 2,680 gay people were murdered in Brazil, the majority thought to have been killed because of their sexuality. So be careful.

New!!!! Every day the newest gay clips!!!

2007-12-19T00:09:00.000+01:00

From today on, I will have new gay video clips from all over the world on my site. To watch the clips, scroll down and see the left side of the page. Have a look they are funny.

Need Your story

2007-12-18T23:57:00.000+01:00

Hi everybody,

My blog is only 3 days live and I had already lot's of visitors. Thnx for that! I really like to publish every week a story about a new or old gay destination. So if your city or town has something to offer we don't know yet. Send me your story and I will place it on my blog.

What's your favourite beach destination?

2007-12-18T17:17:00.001+01:00

It's a GAY-GAY-GAY world!!!: Cum Tyler Cum, Be-Be-Baby Cum, Cum!

2007-12-17T19:22:00.000+01:00

Fastest growing Gay Blog in Europe !

Holiday to the States this year??

2007-12-17T14:22:00.000+01:00

beautiful guy on beach

2007-12-17T14:04:00.000+01:00

Yes def. the United states This year? Vote on my poll!!

2007-12-17T13:55:00.000+01:00

With who do you wanna be on this beach?

2007-12-16T18:39:00.000+01:00

The picture was taken on the Seychelles. The Islands before the African coast do have the most beautifull beaches on the world. Start saving if you wanna go to this tropical destination, because it isn't cheap!

Beach of Torremolinos

2007-12-16T17:57:00.000+01:00

Torremolinos. The beach of my new home town. Not Like the seuchelles, but it's less expensive, always sunny and..... a huge gay destination. So not so bad after all:)

Nice swimmingpool!

2007-12-16T17:27:00.001+01:00

Can't stopping looking at this one.

2007-12-16T16:57:00.000+01:00

For me this one is really the best. But who made it? where is it? who is the guy. Are there more shots, is it part of a serie? Please Let me know?

Naked guy in water

2007-12-16T16:42:00.000+01:00

A photo I found on the web last week. For me the ultimate holiday feeling. I really don't know where the photo is from or where it is taken. So if one of you knows. Please let us know. For the time being I will use it as my title photo. But new Ideas are always welcome ofcourse