Gay vacations to Ireland have been a popular choice dating back to at least the time of Oscar Wilde. While Ireland may not have been nearly as LGBT-friendly in his time, it has come a long way since the days of folks – like Wilde – being sent to hard labor camps or jail for what was then known as “indecency.” In fact, up until 1861 the act of sodomy was punishable by death, but today Ireland has recently moved ahead of the U.S. when it comes to LGBT rights by legalizing civil unions for same-sex couples in 2009, after decriminalizing homosexuality 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.

While several larger cities now have annual community celebrations, pubs and clubs, community organizations and a visible LGBT scene, Dublin is unquestionably the center of LGBT life in Ireland and should be part of any gay travel plans to this country. Dublin nightlife offers both a casual pub scene and an upscale club scene complete with dress codes, which allows those on gay vacations to experience two very different aspects of local LGBT life. There are also a number of community festivals that take place throughout the year, including the Dublin International LGBTQ Pride Festival in June, the Dublin Lesbian and Gay Film Festival in July and the Dublin Gay Theatre Festival in 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.

Gay tours are an ideal option for those considering gay vacations to Ireland and are a great way to ensure that you do not miss the many cultural, historical and natural attractions this romantic, intriguing country has to offer.

Essay about Ireland penned by Howie Holben. Spirit Journeys provides gay travel packages and gay romantic packages.

categories: travel,vacations,tours,holidays,destinations,travel tips,travel advice,recreation,entertainment

A trip to Australia may be just what you need. As the weather gets cold here in the states, you may find that what you are in need of is some warm weather and white sand beaches to help renew you for the months ahead.

The Gold Coast, Australia, has year round moderate temperatures, which makes for the perfect beach vacation no matter the month you travel, but even better in the winter time. It is the best place to visit during the winter season, in the States, as in Australia their winter is our summer and their summer is our winter. It is the perfect way to take a summer vacation in the middle of our cold and snowy winters.

Who needs to go to a tanning booth in the winter, just to go outside bundled in layers of clothes and put on your jacket? You pay all that money and no one can even tell under all the clothing layers. Now you can just escape to the Gold Coast, Australia, and get a natural tan, form the sun, while enjoying your shorts and tank tops, bathing suits and laying on your beach blanket in the sand. You can spend the days in the water; surfer, snorkeling, water skiing and more. When the night rolls around you can hit the entertainment scene at the local clubs, bars and restaurants. Surfers Paradise has some of the best night time excitement that you will ever witness, as well as the best daytime surfing, anywhere.

In just a fourteen hour plane ride, you can be in paradise, among the rainforests, beaches, sounds of the ocean and natures wonderful creatures. An Australian vacation will provide your with a natural environment, adventurous theme parks, fabulous swimming, relaxing boat trips and deep sea diving.

In the middle of all the excitement you will find accommodation in the center of the rainforests, or in the heart of all the hustle and bustle city life. From shopping to galleries, there is something for everyone to enjoy. There are accommodation that caters to golfers, romantic getaways and family vacations. So when you are looking to escape the feeling of cabin fever, during those winter months, book a flight and head to the Gold Coast region of Australia. It will be just what you need to get you through the winter gloom.

Many people go for holidays to Cuba to enjoy its rich cultural values and the work of its musicians, artists and dancers; to explore its cities and heritage sites; to savour its cuisine; to participate in the many international conferences, congresses and summits; to get marry or spend a honeymoon or simply because they want to share in the Cuban people’s obvious enjoyment of life.

Cuba has around 3534 miles(5700 kilometres) of coastline, with lovely scenery featuring beautiful beaches and over 400 cays with fascinating Flora and Fauna – a great drawing card for visitors who want to enjoy the wild life.

Cuba counts more than 300 natural beaches which are unique for the different hues of their clear, calm water; the beauty of its pristine cays; and their fascinating seabed.

The seabed contains many different geographic features – tunnels, channels and vertical walls – and sunken ships, some of which have been there for more than a hundred years.

Scuba diving in Cuba is based on the principle of conserving its underwater ecosystems. Many areas of access to this activity are protected areas with a wide range of facilities: accommodation, ports and water sport bases.

Cuba is an ideal place for a holiday. Go on excursions, hikes, tours and circuits to explore its green valleys, mountains and forests, following labyrinthine paths filled with history.

Some of Cuba’s cities are like living museums of tremendous enchantment; UNESCO has declared Trinidad, Cienfuegos and Havana to be part of the World Cultural Heritage.

These are only very few reasons why Cuba can be an ideal location for your next holidays. There is a world of choices that you can go for. If you visualize swimming with dolphins, relaxing on a beach or simple soak up the atmosphere of its lively cities you have that for granted.

If you are scouting new and interesting places for gay travel, there are all kinds of wonderful options available. If you enjoy the oceans and soaking up the sun on sandy beaches, the rich Mexican coasts provide a number of captivating opportunities.

But, there is more than just the ocean if you’re looking for water fun in Mexico. Many visitors enjoy the interesting and unique experience of a Yucatan Cenote vacation.

A Cenote is a natural sinkhole that exists within an underground network of caves and rivers. They exist in the range of 60 feet beneath the surface and are carved out of a subterranean, cavernous natural world.

Cenotes were formed in a process that took many thousands of years as caves and caverns collapsed to create sinkholes that become receptacles for water runoff. This provided a source of fresh water for the ancient Maya people in places with limited supplies of fresh water.

These Cenotes were also used for ancient rituals and were once considered the gateway to the spiritual afterlife. As a result, they were properly maintained which enabled them to survive well into the modern era.

Now, some may look at words such as underground and subterranean and think Cenotes embody dark, foreboding environments that would hardly present a fun vacation destination. Actually, it is the exact opposite that is true.

These Cenote vacation spots are a lot of fun and have much to offer travelers. Additionally, literally thousands of them exist and the Yucatan Cenotes and Caves are the most appealing and unique destinations for even the most discriminating traveler.

There are many reasons to visit a Cenote in Yucatan. The crystalline waters themselves are quite enjoyable as they are among the most beautiful and clear waters in all of Mexico.

These waters are completely free of currents making them quite relaxing and placid. The temperatures of the waters reach and average of 75 degrees making them significantly enjoyable to bask in. Such benefits are next to impossible to find in lakes and waters on the surface world and that makes a trip to a Cenote an original vacation concept.

When it comes to actually visiting a Cenote, it is important to perform a little research first. After all, there are multitudes of them in Yucatan and you want to select the right one for your vacation needs.

Make sure to prepare yourself ahead of time for the visit, since you’ll descend down spiraling walkways to get to the Cenote. Some of these walkways are centuries old, and the rock formations commonly seen in the caves are millennia old. Take the time to savor these historical sights as you head toward your destination.

It may be a good idea to join a guided group tour as part of your Cenote experience. This will make your experience that much more fun, captivating, and memorable.

We really know the significance of your presence. You will find the best attendance, fun, entertainment and all your needs in this event. We have structured a perfectly-done plan covering all elements of your attendance’s main objective: to enjoy this unforgettable Latin Hot Party experience! Without a doubt these will be your best gay vacations.

The Cancun area is a popular spot for gay and Lesbian travelers. It may be the beautiful beaches full of hot bodies and friendly people or the rainbow-friendly nightspots that attract them, but of all of the gay travel destinations around the world, Cancun is one of the most popular.

Xcaret, pronounced Eesh Kar Et, no place to miss when you are traveling in Cancun. An amusement park theme area, unlike any other amusement park you have ever visited before.

There are no thrill rides such as 40-story drops or chains and steel dragons. No this is a nature-oriented adventure that attracts people of all ages.

You may wonder what you can do at Xcaret, although it may be easier to explain what you cannot do at Xcaret. Sure, if offers an interesting and exciting beach hang out, but you can do that nearly anywhere.

Many travelers want to actively participate in their Xcaret adventure, scuba diving, or helmet diving, swimming around with friendly dolphins, or even snorkeling. Xcaret is known for its infamous underground rivers, giving people the opportunity to snorkel in a new and different way.

For those who are the kind that like to sightsee, Xcaret is known for its coral reef aquarium and zoo exhibits. This is great for those who like to connect with and learn about nature.

Some of the various animals you will see at Xcaret include flamingos, sea turtles, monkeys, manatees and jaguars.

For those who want to immerse themselves in Mexican culture, there are even exhibits regarding roping and riding by Mexican cowboys (and cowgirls, of course). Also interesting are the replicas of traditional Mexican tombs, Mayan villages and a wine cellar with Mexican vintage wines.

If you desire Mexican food in Cancun, you will be delighted with the offerings of Xcaret with its 11 dining rooms. You can find authentic Mexican cuisine at each of these 11 restaurants. Some of them are famous for their less traditional yet interesting fare such as fried crickets.

Admission to Xcaret is not cheap, but it is great for a day of adventure. Basic admission for adults is about $69 and basic admission for kids is about $35 for children.

Xcaret is merely 40 miles down the coast of Cancun. It provides gay and lesbian individuals and their families a great hang out place to spend the day. More than likely you may run into various members or the rainbow family as they enjoy their stay in Xcaret.

Latin Hot Party is the very first great event dedicated to all GLBT in the world. Unlike many others meetings, this event has the enormous advantage of being perfectly organized and structured in order to make you have the best fun ever. The most beautiful beaches and the best gay hotels in Cancun.

Cancun has some exciting places to visit when you are interested in the gay scene. Situated northeast of the Yucatan Peninsula, Cancun awaits you with scrumptious tropical temperatures. It provides some interesting gay bars and clubs nightlife, like no other city in the world!

If you are heading to Cancun then some of the best gay bars and clubs include: Karamba Bar, Club Backstage, Bar Picante and Risky Times.

The Karamba Bar is the last remaining gay club that opened its doors in the 1980s. Developed in 1986, the lively bar is situated on Tulum Avenue in the heart of the city. It opens its doors Tuesday-Sunday and you can guarantee that every person in the bar is gay.

Modern music is played and the club opens at 10:30 pm. It can hold a total of 450 people and it aims to provide entertainment to suit all tastes. Typically, it is known as one of the best gay clubs in Cancun, so it is definitely worth a look whilst you are there!

If you like to experience a livelier club atmosphere then the Risky Times club is definitely for you. It has a reputation for being rowdy and it is possible the best afterhours club available in the city.

The doors open at 4:30 and people with all preferences of sexuality are welcome. Keep in mind that you enter at your own risk while visiting here, however, the interesting memories you take home, you will not soon forget!

Club Backstage is one of the hottest new gay clubs to open in Cancun, with a young energetic customer base. Its chic and classy dance floor stays rocking all night with trendy energetic music.

Many people think that Club Backstage has some of the cutest waiters in Cancun too. So even if you just pop along to take a look at the waiters, you should definitely make a pit stop to this club during your stay.

Another excellent gay bar in Cancun is the Bar Picante. It is a smaller more private club that offers some of the most entertaining drag shows and stripper shows. Everyone knows that good-looking macho men frequently visit Bar Picante and nothing brings the gay men flocking in quicker. Keep in mind however; there are many working men there as well.

Cancun is a home to various interestingly fantastic gay bars and clubs. Those establishments abovementioned are excellent. When you plan to visit the city, you should definitely visit all the clubs and bars listed, while having the time of your life!

Surely, you know by now that Cancun is a reality and hosts the main multinationals hotel chains, hundreds of international restaurants and provides eminently good quality tourist services. This tourist pole offers an extended series of activities in order to keep all visitors busy. For these and much more exclusive reasons, Cancun has been selected to host the Latin Hot Party 2009, the greatest lesbian party in Cancun.

Costa Rica has become increasingly popular as a vacation destination. Also on the rise in the activities list is canopy tours. With many choices available to choose from it’s a thrill for both young and old. If you go home without trying your hand at zip lining, you will surely regret it.

There is something about the rush of zipping through the forest above the treetops on a cable connected to a pulley. The pure adrenaline rush you get is unexplainable as well as one you will never forget. There are many tour companies to choose from so do your homework before booking your tour.

There are many different tour companies to choose from for your canopy adventure, so be sure to do your research. There are many different options available in the way of the canopy adventure, so if you are looking for relaxed or extreme, it’s out there. Repelling with the canopy is one popular choice and the Tarzan swing is another popular option that those adventure seekers.

When you think of canopy tours what do you think of? Well, the canopy is a sequence of cables that are tactically constructed in various locations throughout the forest. You are harnessed to these cables with a pulley and sent zipping over the tops of the trees to platforms that await you. Each platform has a guide to assist you with the connection and send you off to the next platform.

There is an age and weight restrictions but I have never heard of anyone being turned away because of weight. The youngest that I know that has enjoyed this adventure was six years old. However, all companies have varying policies so it’s best to ask prior to booking your tour.

A favorite location for many tourists is near Jaco beach in Herradura. This destination is located near the Gulf of Nicoya which is on the Central Pacific Coast. As you are flying through the sky you have amazing views of the Gulf of Nicoya as well as the Pacific Ocean.

Whether you choose the eco-friendly theme park tour, the famous Original Canopy tour or a tropical park tour; we are certain you will find one to meet your needs. Horseback riding tours to your first canopy, premium full day adventure tours or just the Original Costa Rica canopy tour, it’s all here. Congo Trail Canopy is a favorite of a lot of tourists because it sits between Ocotal and Flamingo beaches; suggest you check it out!

If you plan on visiting the Monteverde or Santa Elena Cloud Forest, you will have an opportunity to experience the birds view on things. They do have suspension bridges for your amazing views from the treetops. Just enjoy a nice leisurely walk along the treetops taking in the beautiful views of the forest below.

We encourage you to make sure and have your sunscreen, bug spray and a waterproof jacket for those rainy days. Being in the Costa Rica rain forest, the weather is often unpredictable, so better to be prepared than caught without protection from the elements. There are amazing wonders awaiting you in the Cloud Forest’s of Monteverde, so make sure this adventure makes your short list.

Daniel Q. Floyd just returned from a Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve Canopy Tour in Costa Rica. He is an enthusiast expert on Costa Rica Canopy Adventure Tours in Monteverde. With more than 8 years practice traveling through Costa Rica, he has learned what are the funnest places to go to.

Many fishing areas are available in the state of Alaska. With so many options, making a choice can be tough. One excellent place to check out is Sitka. This area is considered to be one of the top fishing and tourist destinations in the entire area. The following are several great reasons for taking your next fishing trip in Alaska at Sitka.

Lowest Rod Hours Per Fish – One excellent reason that Sitka is considered to be Alaska’s premier fishing and tourist destination is because it offers the lower rod hours per fish in the entire state of Alaska. This means if you really want to have a great time actually catching fish, then this is definitely the place that you want to visit.

Interesting History – The Sitka area has an interesting history. At one point in time it was the Russian Capital, back when Russia owned Alaska. This makes it an interesting point for tourists to visit. Many historical sites are in the area to visit, and when you are not fishing you’ll have a great time exploring them.

Mild Tides and Currents – The tides and currents make it the best fishing spot in Alaska. Since the currents are so mild, you can get bottom fish no matter what time of day it happens to be. In many other Alaska fishing spots, you can only fish during slack tide parts of the day

Salmon and Halibut Fishing – Another excellent reason that this is a great destination for fishing is that you’ll be able to fish for both salmon and halibut within the same day. Usually this doesn’t occur in many of the other fishing spots within the state.

Salmon are Ocean Bright – There are many salmon to fish for in Sitka, and the great thing is that they are ocean bright. Other fishing spots offer you salmon fishing but the fish are dark because they are close to spawning. When you are fishing on the outer coast of Sitka, you’ll be able to catch those ocean bright salmon, making it a great place to visit for fishing.

Currents Push in Bait Fish – Because of the currents and the location of Sitka, you’ll find that bait fish are pushed right into the area. Due to all the bait fish, bigger fish come in to the area and eat the bait fish. This makes it a prime spot to fish for larger fish.

Unique Wildlife to See – There is a variety of different unique wildlife that you can see in the Sitka area. You’ll enjoy seeing porpoises, humpback whales, seals, eagles, puffins, sea otters, and even albatross. They are abundant and will make your trip even more enjoyable.

The Sport Fishery is New and Un-crowded – The sport fishery in Sitka is fairly new. This means that it is not very crowded and there are plenty of fish for everyone to enjoy a great time fishing.

Fishing is Great No Matter the Weather – It doesn’t matter whether it is storming or sunny, you’ll still be able to go out fishing when you visit Sitka. One days that are sunny and beautiful, you can go out and fish in the outside waters. However, even if it is stormy, you can still fish on the inside waters since they are protected.

Excellent King Salmon Fishing All Summer – Another reasons that Sitka is a premier fishing spot as well as a great tourist destination is that it offers excellent king salmon fishing all summer long. They come to the outer coast to feed, which means that they are available more often for those fishing in the area. At other places people often fish, there is only a certain period of time for catching these fish because their only around for spawning.