China is a communist-led nation with an everyday life that is largely influenced by traditions that go back many generations. This may make China appear to be a less than friendly option for gay vacations; however tourists might be surprised to find a thriving scene throughout China’s urban areas including neighborhoods, bars, clubs and pride celebrations, as well as a growing level of acceptance largely due to the visibility of an organized LGBT community. China offers an array of vacation options including unique cultural experiences, breathtaking landscapes, delectable food and fabulous fashion, making China a perfect choice for gay vacations.

Hong Kong and Shanghai are perhaps the most popular destinations in China for gay tours. With visible, well-organized LGBT communities, numerous clubs, saunas, bars, restaurants and other establishments, annual pride celebrations and LGBT community events throughout the year, both of these large metropolitan areas have much to offer for LGBT travelers. Visitors will find a number of beaches on Hong Kong Island that are popular with men, as well as several neighborhoods including Hong Kongs Soho, Lan Kwai Fong and Tsim Sha Tsui in nearby Kowloon. Shanghais club scene is largely located in the French Concession district and offers a variety of options from dimly lit lounges to dance clubs.

Another larger metropolitan area offering both an international business hub and exceptional fashion, shopping and dining is the city of Beijing. While Beijing may not have the thriving nightlife expected in Hong Kong or Shanghai, there are several clubs, bars and restaurants throughout the area. Destination is the most popular LGBT nightspot in Beijing and caters to a primarily male audience, but is also frequented by women. There are also a number of eateries within walking distance, including a romantic Spanish tapas restaurant called Mare and Alameda, a trendy fusion bistro.

China is a great chance to have new experiences. Get as much as you can on your gay vacation tour by using a travel agent to plan your trip.

This will allow you to explore all that China has to offer with a like-minded group of travelers in a comfortable way and will give you the opportunity to make new friends along the way. Alternatively, for a private China vacation, consider enlisting the assistance of a travel agency well-versed in planning gay vacations to China to help ensure that your gay tours are expereinced to the fullest.

Exposition written by Howie Holben regarding China and gay travel tours. Spirit Journeys can help with your next gay trip.

categories: metaphysical,spirituality,self improvement,motivation,inspirational,gay,travel,vacations,tours,tourism,health,fitness,recreation

For many, the best gay tours are merely a way to put regular life on hold while you take off for a week or two in order to melt the stress of your day-to-day, recharge and participate in experiences that you normally wouldn’t be part of if you never left home. What if your next vacation went deeper?

More and more people seek more harmony and peace in their lives. They expect more from their time away than just temporary relief. They want to seek out a deeper meaning for being alive. If you are one of these people, a spiritual journey to Peru’s Sacred Valley may be exactly what you’re looking for in your next vacation.

Nestled in the Andes Mountains, this area of Peru is know for it’s spiritual connection to the Earth. The area is filled with ruins from the Inca Empire. To touch walls that were built with such precision such a long time ago, can be a very moving experience. An experience you will not forget.

If you’re traveling to the area, a great place to stay and one that caters specifically to gay travel is the Kamaquen Retreat Center. Complete with essential elements of the Andean culture and spiritual lifestyle, this is the ultimate place to reconnect with yourself and begin a path of self discovery and enlightenment.

Visiting Machu Picchu while in Peru is a must! It’s only a short distance to Machu Picchu from the Sacred Valley. From the moment you enter Machu Picchu, the energy of the site embraces you. You cannot be there and not have your spirit be touched.

Just wandering around Machu Picchu, you become filled with a sense of wonder and awe. The energy of the place just fills you. You will never be the same after a visit to this magical place. Gay vacations can lead to changes in your life back home.

Discussion on Peru by Howie Holben with info on gay spiritual groups and gay weekend breaks.

There is not much free time in our daily lives, and so often we are multi-tasking throughout each day, that we can lose track of the important things in life. This is why our vacation time is so critical to our well-being and personal growth. Today, there are many vacation options available to meet these requirements.

You can vacation alone, with friends or family, or you can travel with a group. You can also choose to travel with a group of people that have similar backgrounds and interests. Exploring gay spirituality is one choice for gay people.

Being gay, we all have at least one thing in common. Vacationing with others that have had similar experiences in life can add to our time away. This commonality helps to form bonds within the group.

People we have just met can quickly become friends and confidants. This makes gay vacations all the more special and meaningful. We’re able to share our gay vacations experience with others that we know understand us.

Being comfortable with the people in the group, lets us be more open and relaxed. When we’re more comfortable with those around us, the vacation experience can reach us more fully. This provides for a deeper recovery from life’s pressures and strains.

A vacation with men and women that also share our intentions for the vacation deepens our sense of recovery. Spiritually connecting to the world around us and to ourselves is one shared intention. Now we share two important things, our gay spirit and a desire to grow spiritually.

Visiting sacred sites all over the world on gay holidays combined with a desire to grow spiritually can open doors never before seen. With other group members helping us, we can face old fears and become a little freer. And isn’t feeling freer the main goal of a vacation?

Thoughts authored by Howie Holben. Spirit Journeys offers gay retreats and provides gay travel information.

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

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

When you’re “Down Under,” it is safe to say you’re seldom far from an experience that will delight you as never before. Consider visiting the Yarra, Coal River or Swan Valleys if you’re a wine connoisseur. These areas produce succulent grapes used in Australia’s world-renowned wines. Visit the wineries and their tasting rooms to experience first-hand the contrast between a smooth white and smoky red. Adrenalin-seekers can plan a diving expedition off the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland or Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia.

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

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

For gay travelers who enjoy driving, consider embarking on the Pacific Coast Touring Route and take in the lush and quaint scenery. But remember, Australians drive on the left side of the road! If that sounds too sedate, you can get your heart pumping during various water sports, such as river rafting or kayaking.

Since Australia is located in the Southern Hemisphere, its seasons are opposite those of the Northern Hemisphere. For example, summer in Australia takes place December through February. Because Australia is such a large continent, be sure to check with your travel professional for precise weather information about your particular destination.

Finding suitable accommodations in Australia is a breeze, with many gay-and-lesbian-owned hotels open for business. The discerning traveler can choose from the most luxurious four-star experience to less expensive digs. There are hotels and apartments to fit all budgets, in addition to hostels and camping, which makes gay vacations affordable.

Thoughts about Australia written by Howie Holben. Spirit Journeys list of gay guides is amazing. Their gay travel in 2010 is well rounded.

categories: metaphysical,spirituality,self improvement,motivation,inspirational,gay,travel,vacations,tours,tourism,health,fitness,recreation

Gay and straight travelers alike flock to Brazil in droves to enjoy the pristine beaches, beautiful people, exciting nightlife, diverse culture and lavish annual celebrations, such as Carnival. As one of the most welcoming and accepting gay vacations spots in South America, Brazil is a popular choice for both gay men and lesbians looking for fun in the sun or a relaxing respite in a tropical paradise. From luxury gay vacations in exclusive beachfront resorts, to exotic excursions into remote Brazilian jungles, Brazil has much to offer to every type of traveler and is an ideal setting for international gay travel.

Rio de Janeiro is among the most popular gay vacation destinations in Brazil and offers gay beaches, gay and lesbian bars and clubs, drag shows, circuit parties, bathhouses and a vast array of dining, shopping, recreation and cultural activities that attract travelers from around the world. While the establishments and gay culture in Rio de Janeiro are geared more towards gay men, lesbians will find a welcoming atmosphere at most gay establishments and events and can enjoy women’s nights at several locations throughout the city, as well as a lesbian club that is open nightly. Of course, Rio is also home to Carnival and world-famous New Years festivities, both of which provide plentiful parties, parades and festivals for gay and lesbian revelers.

Although Rio de Janeiro may be the most popular gay tours destination in Brazil, there are many other options throughout the country. Many cities in Brazil, such as Sao Paolo and Belo Horizonte, host annual gay pride festivals and parades and the majority of urban areas have a thriving gay community. For those who may be looking for gay vacations outside of the pride and party scene, gay travel opportunities in Brazil also include organized tours of cultural and historical landmarks and luxury all-inclusive Amazon cruises provided by tour companies dedicated to providing exceptional gay vacations to gay and lesbian travelers.

Taking part in a gay trip to Brazil is sure to provide the opportunity to partake in exhilarating experiences that you will remember for the rest of your life. To ensure that your Brazilian gay vacation is full of the right kind of excitement, keep in mind that travelers should exercise the same awareness used when traveling throughout the United States. The level of acceptance will vary in different areas of Brazil, just as it does in different areas of the U.S., meaning that awareness and good judgment will help to ensure an enjoyable vacation. Playing it safe also applies to gay travelers with an interest in visiting some of Brazil’s famous bathhouses. Like the U.S., Brazil is also working hard to stop the spread of HIV and bathhouse visitors should use the necessary precautions to ensure a safe trip.

To ensure a fun-filled, relaxing Brazilian gay vacation, your best bet is to work with a travel agency that is familiar with vacation packages, optimal travel dates for your vacation goals, local attractions and the particular information that is of interest to gay and lesbian travelers. Whether your ideal vacation is an adventure into the jungle, a relaxing week at the beach or a wild time in Rio, working with a travel agency dedicated to gay tours will allow you to sit back and relax and have the Brazilian vacation you have always dreamed of.

Ideas for Brazil by Howie Holben for a gay vacation. Spirit Journeys will also assist with gay single travel ideas.

Hawaii provides a pristine paradise that attracts travelers from across the globe to its many-colored picturesque beaches. Because of a welcoming, warm population and a blend of Polynesian, Asian and white European cultures, this island paradise has long been a popular travel destination for both straight and gay vacations. The LGBT community in Hawaii is relatively low-key and not entirely outwardly visible, but those that are on gay vacations will find a welcoming level of acceptance that has come about, in part, from many generations of varied cultures living together with no specific dominant religious or cultural influence as an overriding factor.

Oahu is the third largest island in size, but is home to 70% of the states population, as well as the state capitol, Honolulu, and the popular tourist area, Waikiki. When visiting Oahu on gay holidays, travelers will not want to miss the LGBT-friendly La Cucaracha where authentic Mexican food, great music and delicious margaritas are always on the menu. Those who want to check out Oahus scene should check out 80% Straight Inc., a community clothing, book and novelty store located in the Waikiki Grand, and the handful of bars and clubs on the island, including Angles Waikiki, Fusion Waikiki, In-Between and Hulas Bar & Lei Stand. Beach goers will find a warm welcome at Queens Surf beach and near the lighthouse at Diamond Head.

Those who make their way to Maui will not find much of a scene other than an area of Little Beach in Makena, but watching the sunrise from the top of Mount Haleakala, exploring waterfalls and shopping in quaint villages make Maui one of the great gay tours destinations. If you wish to explore what most consider the most scenic and tropical island in the chain, Kauai is a must-see stop. With a few LGBT-friendly places, including a clothing optional bed and breakfast and an LGBT-owned Japanese-style villa with a clothing optional lagoon pool, Kauai is the island for exploring waterfalls, canyons and imposing cliffs.

The Big Island is also a welcoming vacation option and offers several LGBT-friendly accommodations, restaurants and business, as well as one bar. Gay vacations to the Big Island provide opportunities to visit an active volcano, black sand beaches, a rain forest or the snow-capped Mauna Kea.

As the most remote island chain anywhere in the world, Hawaii is a tropical destination that everyone should have the chance to see at least once. In a single vacation to this island paradise you can ride horses down black sand beaches, attend a real luau, learn the hula, tour a pineapple plantation, explore a volcano and snorkel or scuba dive in crystal clear waters. To enjoy your Hawaii vacation to the fullest, consider partaking in a gay travel tour or enlisting the help of a travel agency that regularly plans Hawaii gay travel.

Thoughts about Hawaii written by Howie Holben. Spirit Journeys list of gay guides is amazing. Their gay travel in 2010 is well rounded.

categories: metaphysical,spirituality,self improvement,motivation,inspirational,gay,travel,vacations,tours,tourism,health,fitness,recreation

Neoprene is a type of synthetic rubber that is produced by polymerization of chloroprene. It is used in a wide variety of products, such as wetsuits, laptop sleeves, orthopedic brace, and electrical insulation and even for car fan belts. It was invented by DuPont scientist in 1930.There fore it is a trademark of DuPont elastomers.

Neoprene is a highly stable and inert material and that is why it is also used heavily in industrial applications. We see it being used to make such things as gaskets, hoses, insulation for electrical products, and also as protective clothing when handling chemicals. Neoprene also has fire resistant properties which is why it is used in many fire hazard related industries.

But as far as daily use by people, for clothing applications, neoprene products like diving suits and wet suits were the first application for such products. Waders and boots made out of neoprene are very popular with fly fishers because of its excellent insulation and therefore protection from the cold.

The clothing that are made for surfers and divers in mind, became popular not only because of its cold temperature insulation but also because of its buoyant qualities. But it’s not only for medical, industrial and clothing that we see neoprene being used, we see it in everyday applications such as laptop and musical instrument covers.

Lately another neoprene product has become very popular for people who are into exercising, such as jogging and speed walking. And that is the neoprene shorts. Because of its ability to compress or hold the leg muscles in place and extract excess water it has become a hot favorite with runners. As with just about all consumer goods, you are going to get the best deals searching the net, just due to the fact the selection is virtually limitless.

Learn more about Neoprene Shorts. Stop by Alexander Stone’s site where you can find out all about Neoprene Jacket and what it can do for you.

For most Americans, the initial images that come to mind when one mentions sports are group athletics on a field. Football, baseball, and basketball are the holy trinity of sporting events States-side, but to Europeans, older and more traditional activities reign supreme.

For people in the United States, the idea of a bunch of grown men on bicycles pedaling through the countryside might not seem like a big deal. Worse yet, there might even be gross misjudgment in place that makes it seem like a delicate or easy endeavor to participate in.

One of the biggest sporting events not just in France, but all over Europe, is The Tour de France. A race that pits riders from countries all over the world against one another, themselves, and the elements, it is not a race for the faint of heart. Lasting over three weeks, the race is broken down into day-long segments, known as stages, which can involve anything from the final sprint into Paris to climbing some of the most heart-popping sections of the Alps…on nothing but one’s own leg power.

One of the most exciting parts of The Tour de France is the fact that, every year, the route changes. In actuality, the distance for the race can vary a great deal, with the shortest clocking in around 1,500 miles, and the longest somewhere around 3,570 miles. Riders never know quite what they’re going to get, and neither do the fans, who line small mountain passes as well as city streets, ecstatic to cheer their favorites on.

It’s not just mountain passes, though. The race usually weaves in and out of cities, and traditionally wraps up with a triumphant sprint down busy city streets in Paris. The race is also known for varying in length, with the route changing every year. Sometimes, the difference can be as sizable as a few hundred miles, but usually it’s more of a matter of routes. Anyone who wants to participate, though, should be in top form, as even very athletic riders talk of experiencing a great deal of trouble at the prospect of tackling the race.

The Tour de France is known for the toll it takes on both the body and the mind, to say nothing of the bicycle itself. Add to that the fact that it’s possible to never win a single portion of the race, but still triumph at the end, and no wonder riders are exhausted and disoriented for much of the experience, unsure of exactly where they stand in the rank. That only makes it more fun for the fans, who crowd the streets to shout encouraging words to the riders at every turn.

And while Americans might not have historically cared very much about bicycle racing, that all changed in recent years.. Not only were all of the Americans hanging on the daily results, but there was a huge rise in the popularity of long distance bicycling. Ever since this historic reign of terror, interest in the race has been the standard.

Lance Armstrong is one of the reasons that Americans sat up and took notice of the race, and that is why, for the first time ever, The Tour de France is enjoying a great deal of publicity outside of Europe, and in The States, where bicycle riding is usually only an activity of earnest green-minded college students in San Francisco and Boston, and those too young to have cars. Thanks to Lance Armstrong, the sport is enjoying a surge in its viability States-side, so many more promising riders will be over challenging the Europeans soon.

No matter the reason, one thing is definitely certain about The Tour de France: it’s not a sporting event for the faint of heart to participate in, and anyone watching has to give a whole lot of kudos to anyone strong–or crazy–enough to decide they’re ready to take on the mountains and the landscape of France for three weeks at a time, with only a bicycle.

Damian Papworth, an enthusiastic cyclist knows how important hydration is in the sport, at all levels. As such, he published the Cycling Water Bottle website, giving free information on bicycle water bottles

Workouts for Travelers

Traveling is mostly fun, however, the simple act of getting to your location-whether by plane, train, bus or car-often involves long periods of immobility. This time waiting can and will leave you tight, sore, and achy before you even get started!

L. Leiber, from the Univ. of California, Berkeley is offering some great suggestions on how to combat the problem of travel related body stress.

Non-traditional Exercises

What can you do when you find yourself in the captivity of an airport lounge? Try some of these exercises for improved posture.

Put your feet on the floor, just a couple inches away from each other.

Sit up on sit bones.

Tip pelvis to bring it vertical (neutral spine position).

Lengthen your neck, like a giraffe. Do this by pushing your shoulders away from your ears.

Breathe in, and on exhalation, draw in abdominals, engaging the core. Return to this position between each seated exercise.

Figure-Four Stretch. Place one ankle on top of opposite knee. Hinge forward at hips, keeping spine neutral. Hold for 15-30 seconds, feeling a deep stretch on outside of hip. Repeat on other side.

Seated twists. While keeping a tall posture reach to the back of your chair and hold without letting your knees or hips rotate. When you exhale, allow your body to go farther into the stretch. Do not perform this move if you have disk issues.

Shoulder Shrugs & Rolls. Inhale and lift shoulders up to your ears. Exhale as you push your shoulders back and down, open your chest & let your shoulder blades move together. Continue to push your shoulders down and back. Repeat this exercise three to five times.

Neck Stretch. While your chin tucked in slightly, let your right ear push down to your right shoulder. Hold this for three to four breaths, then let the weight of head stretch other side of neck. Release slowly and repeat on the other side.

Rock the Baby. With right hand on left elbow and left hand on right elbow, hold folded arms out in front of chest. Draw right elbow as far as you can to the right to stretch outside of left shoulder. Draw left elbow as far as you can to the left to stretch outside of right shoulder. Repeat 2-3 times on each side.

When You Are Standing: Waiting to get passed security at the airport is the first of many times your will stand in line on your trip. Make the best use of your time with some of these exercises.

Footwork. Stand, feet side-by-side, two or three inches away from each other and balance your weight evenly. Raise your heels off the ground slowly and evenly. Repeat eight to ten repetitions.

Prancing. Use same position as described above. Come to balls of feet. Lower a single heel toward the ground and be sure to keep the other heel elevated. Repeat this exercise twelve to fifteen times.

Knee Raise. Keeping hips level, raise one knee until thigh is parallel to floor. Maintain neutral spine, and balance in this position 15-30 seconds. Place foot back on floor and repeat balance on other side. (You can also balance on standing leg, slowly raising and lowering knee, touching toe to floor.)

Roll-Down. Bring chin to chest and slowly roll down, one vertebra at a time until spine is flexed forward, arms hanging toward floor. Bend knees slightly and roll up, stacking vertebrae one at a time, bringing head up last. Repeat 2-3 times.

Bike riding in Louisiana is a challenge – there’s a wide variety of terrain from hills to mangrove forests and swamps. Plus, there’s also the climate; while nobody can exactly forget that Louisiana gets hot and sticky and humid, there are people who underprepare. Just remember to fill your canteen before you start, and refresh the sunscreen and insect repellent regularly. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for local wildlife, though most prepared trails won’t have much to speak of.

If you like a river-view, check out the Stoner Trail in the Shreveport area. It’s got several different rides to choose from, and all are color coded for difficulty and well maintained. The 8 miles of track give something suitable for all but the most extreme levels of skills. There’s even a local bike shop in the area, that hosts events.

Eddy D Jones Park near Shreveport is also known as the Monkey Trail. A park ranger rides the trails regularly so they are always well-maintained. It is a 10-mile loop with the first 7.5 miles made up of rolling hills–fast and fun! The last 2.5 miles will test your technical skills. This is a great place for novice bikers to work on their techniques.

Lincoln Parrish Park near Ruston is one of Louisiana’s best kept secrets. Surrounded by woods, this 10-mile loop features jumps, drops, climbs, descents, and lots of fast riding. There is something for everyone here, from beginners to experienced bikers. However, a lot of it is technical, so unless you’re prepared to work on your skills, don’t expect a leisurely ride here! There are a number of events held here throughout the year, so the track is always well-maintained.

Another go-to destination for biking in Louisiana is the Lake Claiborne State Park. This hilly park has a lot of steep climbing, and as every mountain biker knows, where there’s a steep climb, there’s also a hair raising descent. This area is near Homer, Louisiana, and it’s quite a workout. Because of local terrain and soil types, you may want to give this one a pass after a hard rain, since it’s not that far removed from swampland. As an added perk, if you want to make an overnight trip of it, there are some cabins here to rent.

Heading south, we’ve got to Baton Rouge, where the Hooper Park Trails give eight miles of well maintained trails, sorted by interlocking loops so you can test your skills on the technical challenges. Like a lot of high use trails, they’re well flagged and color coded by difficulty; if you’re still getting started, stick with the blue trails. There are a few unmarked trails, but try those at your own risk – they can be quite challenging!

Bodcau near Bossier City is one of the best trails in Louisiana. There are 10 miles of several loops involving fast descents and long climbs. It may be too difficult for beginners. The climbs are tiring, but the incredibly speedy downhill sections are totally worth the effort!

Most of Louisiana’s hilly terrain is on the northern half of the state; this means most of the areas where you’d be heading are going to be away from the Big Easy. Southern areas are a bit more swampy, and are somewhat less challenging rides in terms of elevation, but make up for it in mud and mosquitoes. All the trails here are good places to start exploring Louisiana from the saddle of your mountain bike.