THEGAYUK

Category: Travel

 

  • TRAVEL GUIDE | Christmas in Budapest

    An authentic Christmas Market cannot fail to get you in the mood for the festive season, so why not treat yourself to a break in the run up to Christmas. Often described as “the Jewel of the Danube”, Budapest is a spectacular city, which is easy to get to and can make an excellent city break for a long weekend or an extended stay.

    Christmas is a big deal in Budapest, with the main attraction being the Christmas Market held in the heart of the city at Vörösmarty Square, which is at the top of the main shopping district, Vaci Utca. As you approach, you can smell the scent of mulled wine, home-made biscuits, cinnamon and fir trees luring you into the square. The square is filled with little wooden huts, selling a selection of gifts, from woolly hats and nick naks to handmade Christmas tree decorations and gifts. There are a number of traditional foods available and locals huddle together to chat in the seating areas, warming their hands on cups of mulled wine and eating the fresh street food served up.

    The square itself is dominated by Gerbeaud Coffee House, a traditional and lavish patisserie, which serves a vast and tempting array of handmade cakes. But from the end of November, the building turns itself into a giant advent calendar, with numbered windows. At 5pm daily, there is a light show, a brass band emerges onto the balcony and the crowd gather to watch the day’s picture being revealed. It is a lovely tradition which never fails to charm its audience. There are also two stages which have performances on them throughout the day, ranging from marionette shows to world music. The town is dotted with nativity scenes around the streets and outside the churches. Christmas trees line the streets, with the biggest outside the Parliament building and outside St Stephens Basilica.

    St Stephens Basilica is a simply stunning cathedral and they often hold classical concerts in the evenings. Hearing the elegant sounds of opera and classical music, alongside the huge church organ, soaring into the dome and echoing around the cathedral is breath-taking. You can also climb the dome for great views of the city.

    Heading out of the town centre a little, there is an open air ice rink just behind Hero’s Square at the entrance to the City Park and if you are lucky enough to have snow, walking around the park and the area where the Vajdahunyad Castle stands is a joy. The weather in Budapest can be variable, but one thing for sure is that it will be cold at this time of year, so thermals, coats, hats and gloves are strongly recommended. That said, there are often cold, crisp, clear and sunny days which will give you chance to explore.

    But Budapest has much more to offer than solely a festive atmosphere. Taking time to explore this beautiful city by day and by night is well worth it and the place as a whole is very easy to get around. There is an efficient public transport system, combining trams, busses and a subway which make this city very accessible. Tickets can be bought from tobacconist stands and the public transport operates the European method of validating your tickets immediately before or at the time of travel. Beware, plain clothes ticket inspectors are rife, so don’t get caught out.

    You can’t walk very far in Budapest without stumbling across a park, square or statue, so there is plenty to look at and explore by foot. Whatever you do, don’t miss the opportunity to have a walk down the banks of the Danube at night. Walk on the Pest side to get great views of the castle and Fisherman’s Bastian lit up and check out the illuminated bridges which span the river – the Chain Bridge being the most spectacular. If you want piece of tranquillity in the middle of the city, head to Margaret Island, where you can have a stroll around the open spaces away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

    One of the first things you will notice about Budapest is the eclectic mixture of architecture – ranging from historic buildings and cathedrals in a variety of styles which have survived war and revolution to the concrete blocks built during the Russian occupation and the modern architecture springing up. Budapest is city not only straddling both banks of the Danube, but is a city which straddles both historic and modern.

    The city itself is split into two halves, divided by the River Danube – namely Buda and Pest. Buda is the more historic part of the city and is dominated by Buda Castle, which stands over the city, aside the Fisherman’s Bastion and the Matthias Church with its ornately decorated roof. From the castle district, there are superb panoramic views over the entire city, and in amongst the medieval, Baroque and 19th Century architecture are a number of museums, shops and restaurants. The castle itself houses the Hungarian National Gallery for those interested in art. The interior of the Matthias Church has to be seen to be believed, with its warmly coloured and intricately detailed decoration. It is truly unique. The Fisherman’s Bastian also provides stunning photo opportunities and beautiful views of Pest, Margaret Island, the Hungarian Parliament Building and the Danube. Access to the castle district is either by walking up the steep streets or by funicular railway which runs up the steep hill from the Buda side of the Chain Bridge. For those up for a steep hike, there is a small museum, some military vehicles and stunning views of the city and surrounding area at the summit of Gellart Hill which can be accessed by a maze of criss-crossing paths that wind their way up the hill.

    Pest is the more modern side of the city, with its shopping and business districts. The main shopping area is Vaci Utca, which is bookended by the historic market at one end and Vörösmarty Square at the other. A number of restaurants line the street at the bottom end and yield to a number of clothing shops as you progress, ideal for picking up those Christmas gifts.

    Wherever you go in Budapest, you are never very far away from a patisserie. Taking afternoon tea is the done thing and generally, each patisserie makes their cakes every morning and they all have a special, unique signature cake which is exclusive to them. Sitting with a huge slab of cake and a hot chocolate whilst watching the world go by is the perfect way to spend an hour in the afternoon.

    There are a number of museums dotted around the city, although they are all closed on Mondays. The National Museum presents a broad history of Hungary, whereas the Ethnographic Museum is more focussed on the people of Hungary rather than the country itself. But for an experience which is both fascinating and humbling, the Terror House is a must see. This museum is set in the building which had been the headquarters of the Nazi’s during their occupation of Hungary in World War Two and subsequently occupied by the secret police after Stalin imposed a communist government on the people of Hungary after the war. This brilliantly put together museum deals sensitively with a dark period of recent history. There is also the Museum of Fine Art and the Palace of Arts which flank opposite sides of Hero’s Square.

    Budapest is also a spa town, with bathing being a huge tradition. There are a number of thermal baths around the city. The Rudas Baths is one of the oldest in the city and the coloured glass stars in the dome of the building penetrate the steam rising from the warm waters with beams of coloured light. The stone building also houses a sauna and steam room and you can have a massage there, but it is more akin to a Turkish massage than anything relaxing. Prepare to be roughly manhandled if you decide to give it a go. The bathhouse operates separate days for male and female guests, and still operates the apron policy – where all bathers are nude save for a small apron worn at the front for modesty and turned around to the rear when seated. Very little is left to the imagination once you have dipped yourself in the water. For mixed bathing, head to the Gellart Spa and Hotel, which is luxurious and welcoming. Standard swimwear is required at the Gellart. But for those who are brave enough or want a slightly different experience, then head to the Széchenyi Baths in the City Park, which has huge outdoor pools, where you can sit and enjoy the thermally heated mineral waters whilst it is snowing around you.

    Budapest offers a lot to the gay traveller, with a broad range of places to suit everyone. There are a number of gay pubs, clubs and restaurants which range from the discrete and low key to brash and sleazy. The rainbow flag is often displayed in venues and restaurants and the Hungarian word for gay is “Melag”, meaning gentle.

    If you want a gay friendly place to eat, then head to the Pizzeria Club ’93 which offers an abundance of pizza and pasta in a low key atmosphere and Ruben which offers a reasonably priced menu of traditional Hungarian and international food.

    For pubs and clubs, gay men are catered for more than lesbians, although there are some venues including Club Underground have a mainly lesbian clientele (although there is a minimum drink policy at this club). For gay men, there are an abundance of pubs and clubs ranging from the quiet to the cruisy. Action bar and CoXx are both well known for their cruising and darkrooms, whereas Why Not and the Mystery Bar are more social. Just beware that a number of the bars don’t have an entrance fee, but have a minimum drinks policy which can prove quite costly, so be careful. One thing that is common in all of the bars are the number of male escorts offering sex quite openly and freely. Even if you are sat with your boyfriend, they will come and talk to you, and some of them can be quite persistent.

    Alterego is a cabaret bar and club which is very popular with both locals and tourists, with a nightly cabaret show, and Score is the newest gay club in Budapest. The Capella Club has a nightly drag show, but has a more straight clientele base than a gay one.

    There are a number of sauna’s in the city, including the Magnum Sauna, but a lot of the thermal baths are quite cruisy in any event.

    Getting to Budapest is fairly easy, with a number of budget airlines offering flights or flights and accommodation packages. There are plenty of apartments for rent and these can be fairly easily tracked down on line. Hotels can be booked separately online, or a number of travel agents offer a package deal, which are usually quite reasonably priced.

    There are a number of hotels in the city, ranging from traditional to modern. For sheer Art Deco indulgence, stay at The Astoria Hotel, with its beautiful patisserie which transports you back to the decadent age of the 1920’s and 30’s. For something luxurious, stay at the Gellart hotel with its quality food, famous buffet breakfast and grand, opulent thermal bath.

    Vegetarians may find it difficult to eat out, as the Hungarian diet is very meat based, so unless you fancy living on chips and cheese sandwiches for the duration of your stay, then you may prefer staying in a self-catering apartment. Unfortunately, vegans will really struggle to eat out.

    Most people in shops and restaurants are able to speak English and most tourist information can be found online or at access points which are written in English (especially useful when buying tickets etc at the stations).

    So what are you waiting for? Wrap up warm and head out to see what this superb city has to offer.

    Useful links
    For general information, head to http://www.budapest.com/ which also has a gay section. A lesbian website can be found at http://www.labrisz.hu/ and plenty of information for the gay traveller can be found at http://budapest.gayguide.net/

    by Paul Szabo

  • One In Ten Of Us Will Not Claim A Cancel Trip If We Are Ill

    At a time of year when many people are preparing to enjoy seasonal breaks in the UK, new research from Nationwide Building Society shows around one in ten won’t try to claw back any money if they have to cancel their trip due to illness.

    With the mercury starting to fall and the rising threat of winter bugs such as flu, there is a greater chance of cancellation, meaning hotels and planned travel arrangements may need to be put on ice. Nationwide is advising people perhaps to consider paying a little extra for flexible travel to ensure illness doesn’t ruin their plans.

    The research highlights a knowledge gap around travel insurance, with a third of people (33%) unaware that travel insurance can cover trips in the UK, assuming it is only able to be used when going abroad.

    Despite most people being aware that travel insurance can be used domestically, only around a third (38%) said they would consider using their policy to recover their costs if they had to cancel their plans due to sickness, while around one in ten (9%) willing to write-off a cancelled trip as a bad experience instead of attempting to claim any of their money back.

    Some bank or building society accounts offer services such as insurance, of these is Nationwide which costs £10 a month, provides worldwide family travel insurance, including the UK, providing your staying two nights at a commercially run premises, and covers a range of holiday hiccups – from cancelled accommodation and travel to lost luggage and theft. It will cover trips cancelled due to serious illness should a refund not be available from the provider.

    Nationwide’s Phil Smith, Head of Current Accounts, said: “One way of unpicking the fact that many would rather suffer financially than attempt to recoup their holiday expenses is to understand the resilient and hardy nature of the British. We may be quick to moan but we’re also masters of overcoming adversity. – we almost expect to get ill during the colder months, which is perhaps why we don’t consider claiming. However, it makes sense to factor this likelihood into plans at this time of year by being flexible with travel and accommodation plans.

    “It is also surprising that many people are unaware travel insurance covers holidays in the UK. While we have the NHS, there are many other factors to take into consideration, such as cover for lost luggage, missed or cancelled travel and stolen items.”

  • European airlines suspend flights to Israel

    More airlines have joined the suspension of flights in and out Israel as fear of missile launches rise.

    A number of US carriers have already suspended their flights to Israel, but now some European airlines have followed suit after a warning from the European Aviation Safety Agency EASA, said it “strongly recommends” that airlines should avoid flights to and from Tel Aviv.

    Air Canada, Air France, Alitalia, Austrian Airlines, easyJet, Germanwings, KLM, Lufthansa and Swiss have all cancelled flights to Israel for two days.

    British Airways has said that is, ‘closely monitoring the situation’. Their flights are currently operating as scheduled.

    Concern has mounted about the safety of aircraft flying over war zones since the downing of Malaysian Airlines flight MH17, which killed all 298 people on board. On Tuesday Delta Airlines diverted a flight with 273 passengers and seventeen crew members, after reports of a ‘rocket or associated debris near the airport in Tel Aviv.’

    Amongst the victims of flight MH17, it is reported that there were at least 6, but up to 100 HIV/AIDS experts who were on their way to the 20th International AIDS conference in Melbourne, Australia.

    A candlelight vigil was held for the victims of MH17 and HIV/AIDS in Melbourne in Federation Square on the 22nd July 2014.

    The Foreign Office in the UK has issued a strong warning saying, ‘The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all travel to Gaza. The British Information and Services Office in Gaza is closed until further notice. The FCO can no longer offer any consular assistance in Gaza. Rocket attacks from Gaza into Israel and Israeli air strikes on Gaza continue.’

    If you are concerned about your flights you should contact your carrier.

    Air Canada, 0871 220 1111
    Air France, 0871 663 3777
    Alitalia, 0870 225 5077
    Austrian Airlines, 0870 124 2625
    easyJet, 0843 506 9856
    Germanwings, 0330 365 1918*
    KLM, 0871 231 0000
    Lufthansa 0871 945 9747
    Swiss 0845 601 0956

  • Driving abroad this summer, Be prepared

    Many Brits will hit the roads abroad this summer, with around two million people steering their cars overseas every year*. MoneySuperMarket is urging motorists to check their car insurance policy before they go away to make sure they are fully aware of the cover provided when driving in Europe and further afield.

    Kevin Pratt, car insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket, said: ‘If you’re taking your car to Europe this summer, the key advice is to understand how you are covered by your car insurance in the country you’re visiting. That means checking to see if your policy covers you to the level legally required in the countries you’re driving through as well as your destination. Many policies will protect you on European roads, but those with ‘fully comp’ cover are often downgraded to the minimum level of cover required in the country they are travelling in. In some cases cover can be limited to the basic third party level unless you pay to extend your fully comprehensive protection to apply off UK soil.

    ‘It is also important to check the number of days you are allowed to be away as this can differ between providers. Read through your policy wording before you travel as you may have to pay an extra premium if you are away longer than your standard cover permits.

    ‘The same applies for breakdown cover. You need to check you’re covered in Europe – on a country by country basis – because being stranded by the roadside, perhaps not speaking the language, and with a car full of fretful passengers, could ruin your holiday and cost you a fortune.’

    Rules of the road
    It’s important to swot up on the local rules of the road – do your homework before you set off on your trip so you are not caught out in an unfamiliar territory. Rules will change from country to country – from carrying a warning triangle, fluorescent vest and breathalyser in France, knowing the alcohol limit in Spain, and giving way to traffic entering a roundabout from the opposite side in Greece, so it really pays to research the rules in your chosen destination.

    Kevin Pratt, car insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket, continues: “When people are relaxed on their holiday they may let their driving guard down, but as soon as you hit European soil, local driving rules apply, so it’s vital holiday-makers are vigilant. In the EU there are certain items you must have stored in your boot while driving such as warning triangles, so it’s worth reading up on exactly what you need before setting off.”

    Top tips for driving abroad:

    – European speed limits are displayed in km/h and not mph, therefore you should watch your speed.

    – In many European countries, the use of dipped headlights is compulsory for cars in poor daytime visibility and compulsory for motorcycles no matter what the visibility, day or night.

    – If travelling between countries, ensure you have a warning triangle in your boot, reflective jackets for each passenger and, if you are travelling to or through ski resorts, snow chains. If you do run into trouble, the emergency number in most countries is 112.

    – You’ll need to display a GB sticker on your car when driving within the EU – failure to do so could result in an on-the-spot fine. It’s also a requirement in some non-EU countries so it’s best to display one wherever you’re driving.

  • HOTEL REVIEW | Western Peacock Hotel, Kenilworth

    ★★★ | Western Peacock Hotel, Kenilworth

    Despite the hotel’s aging decor and desperate need of modernising, the service is second to none and the Peacock Hotel does provide good value for money.

    If you’re looking for corporate homogeneity in Kenilworth, near Leamington Spa, you won’t find it at the Best Western Peacock Hotel, but you will find a warm reception and a ‘can do’ attitude that some hotels just fail to provide.

    The room was pretty old fashioned and the shower was merely a dribble in the room we stayed, but it had everything you could need including a trouser press and it was clean. The only thing missing from the room was a hairdryer, which when asked at reception, the manageress, who was incredibly attentive and friendly said she would get her own for us – now that’s service.

    It has to be said that the bed wasn’t the most comfortable, however the pillows were supportive and electric outlets, for those of you who need to charge devices were plentiful.

    Breakfast was included and all in all the hotel was good value for money, especially if you’re just staying for the night. Parking is charged as an extra in the hotel’s carpark.

    The night we stayed the room cost around £38

  • TRAVEL | We Are In Vienna

    Gay and lesbian couples are photographed at their favorite place in Vienna and presented on a website. Join in and win a trip to Vienna including a professional photo shoot!

    Sponsored by:

    We Are Vienna

     

     

     

     

    The “WE ARE IN VIENNA” campaign of the Vienna Tourist Board demonstrates how homosexuality is part of life in the Austrian capital, showing that people can be whoever they want to be in Vienna.

    Caspar & Kristoffer, Petra & Jess, Marko & Gerd, Marlene & Silvie, Martin & Max: Gay and lesbian couples living in Vienna get together at their favorite place in Vienna. At this place, they are photographed, freeze style, sharing an intimate moment. The resulting film will be posted on the we-are.vienna.info microsite with a short personal history of each couple. In total 12 gay and lesbian couples will be introduced on the site by the end of 2014.

    Join in and win!
    Would you like to be one of them? Then submit a photo and a short text about you and your partner on we-are.vienna.info and with a bit of luck you are in with a chance of winning a trip to Vienna!

    Win four busy days for two to explore city life in Vienna and discover the place that turns your stay into your Vienna story. That’s where you’ll be filmed at the end of your trip, and the footage produced will be presented here on this site.

    Join in at we-are.vienna.info!

  • TRAVEL | Slovenia Pink Week Exclusive Discounts

    Pink Week in Slovenia is fast approaching and we have a special last minute deal for TheGayUK readers, saving €100 per person on some great week long packages.

    (more…)

  • TRAVEL: Slovenia Readies Itself For First Pink Week

    If you’re wondering where in the world you should be next heading to, then maybe you should consider Slovenia as it gears itself up for its first Pink Week.

    With gay weddings abound, gay honeymoons are sure to follow and Slovenia is amongst one of the most sought after places to visit on your honeymoon, thanks to its incredible strives towards full equality and safety for LGBT travellers.

    Slovenian luxury inbound operator – Imperial Luxury Travel Solutions has seized the moment with a tourist package targeting gay and lesbian couples called PinkWeek.eu, which was successfully launched recently in London and Berlin (ITB 2014).

    According to Imperial Luxury Travel it should come as no surprise that Slovenia was named among the top wedding and honeymoon destinations, as the LGBT tourist offer has been carefully prepared for last couple of years. Imperial Luxury Travel specialise in the luxury high-end segment of the market and has extended their offer tailored for the growing LGBT sector.

    ‘Lesbians and gay men are a dream market for the tourism industry.’

    Gay and lesbian travel is recognised as one of the fastest growing tourist segment. A study by GETA (Gay European Tourism Association) estimates over 22m ‘out’ gay people in Europe alone, with estimated total annual expenditure on tourism reaching between £39 and £42 billion. Similar expenditure is made by the USA ‘out’ gay population.

    The first ever Slovenian tourist package for gays and lesbians and their friends will take place from 4th and 11th May 2014 at various Slovenian tourist spots. PinkWeek.eu guests will have an opportunity to explore Slovenia through several prepared packages and even choose their ideal wedding location. As a part of the programme, Imperial Luxury Travel Solutions will organise on 10th of May Eurosong 2014 themed gala dinner at Ljubljana Castle for guests, visiting LGBT media and PinkWeek.eu partners.

    Tine Murn, head of the Slovenia tourist office in London, said: ‘Slovenia is a destination, which is for some segments of British travel market still fairly unknown. It is very encouraging, that we have projects like PinkWeek.eu, which raise awareness and recognition among British holidaymakers, media and travel trade. It is even more important that this project is happening at this historical moment for British gays and lesbians. With products like PinkWeek.eu, Slovenia is definitely presented as an innovative and welcoming destination as well as being tailored to individual needs. We believe, the modern guest wants exactly what s/he wants and not necessary what is just offered.’

  • HOTEL REVIEW | Rica Hotel, Alta, Norway

    One of the best breakfasts I’ve ever had.

    If you happen to find yourself in Alta, in Norway, perhaps to see the Northern Lights or visit the world famous Ice Hotel, we suggest you check out the RICA Hotel, one of the two hotels available in one of the western world’s most northern cities.

    The Rica Hotels chain is unknown in the UK, but has 80 locations in Norway.

    Clean, modern lines await you as you check into the Hotel and all of the 241 rooms, set over 5 floors are comfortable and include a great bed and comfortable cushions.

    Check out is late – at 12:00PM and you can check in from 3PM. Rooms at the front of the hotel are afforded a stunning view of the mountains and the Northern Lights Cathedral, an amazing piece of modern architecture.

    There’s also a Saunas and Solarium – which should help you warm up from the arctic conditions outside the hotel. Temperatures can reach a staggering minus 20 degrees.

    What sets this hotel apart is the rather glorious food, especially the breakfast, which can, at some chains, be an insipid experience, however at the Rica it is one of the most pleasurable features. Wonderful and I’ve never had scrambled eggs like it.

    The evening meal was also just as delightful – and as a vegetarian the staff were more than accommodating with meal suggestions and ideas.

    And for those of you who need Internet, there is free Wifi – and it’s fast!

    Rooms from £104 per night (January 2015)

    http://www.rica-hotels.com

  • HOTEL REVIEW | NiteNite Birmingham

    On paper, the nitenite hotel in Birmingham looks like an attractive offer. For under 50 quid per night, two of you get to stay in the heart of Birmingham, near all the attractions and entertainments in Japanese inspired simplicity – but that’s where the attractive offer stops. ★★

    As a person that does a fair bit of travelling, I like to think I know most hotel chains, and what they have to offer, yes even the budget brands! So I was surprised to learn about a new chain hopeful – nitenite, just off Broad Street in central Birmingham. Based on Japanese design – the rooms are compact and supposedly complete. The hotel crams over one hundred of these rooms on one floor.

    If you’re looking for your creature comforts – and I include a window within that category you’re out of luck. As no rooms in this hotel have windows, they don’t have phones, hairdryers, handtowels, wardrobes or anywhere to put your baggage. The total floor space is around the size of two double beds, side by side and that includes the WC and shower, complete with opaque door – which is never a welcome feature, especially if you’re sharing.

    As a warning be careful when using the singular table surface as it has a deceptive curved edge. You run the risk of ruining your entire suitcase of clothing, if you place a cup of coffee near the edge and it simply falls on to your belongings. There’s simply no place to put your luggage anywhere. If you want a bedside shelf – or somewhere to put your glasses/water/book/ipad – then you’re also out of luck. There are no usable surfaces anywhere in the room.

    So What! – You might say – ‘I’m just there to put my head down after a night on the razz.’ Well don’t expect a peaceful night’s sleep.

    We stayed on a Saturday night, where on the hour every hour we were woken by the sounds of girls cackling, falling A over T, shouting, then screaming and then door slamming. Then came the noise of men- arguing and shouting. It was like some hideous campus experience, but without the education. I think around 3.49AM a rather burley sounding man, slammed his door so hard the entire floor seemed to shake, walked out into the corridor – said, ‘right I’m off to reception to complain about this… Let’s ‘**king ‘ave it…’

    In the morning I complained to reception and asked why they didn’t do anything about the noise, he shrugged and told me that they usually have security to deal with wayward guests. Now I don’t know about you, but a hotel that employs someone specifically for security to deal with drunken hooligans certainly isn’t a place I would be seen in again. If you do stay, either get completely blotto and become one of the yobbos that clearly patronise this establishment or bring earplugs/Calms/Tramadol in order to get a good night’s kip.

  • LGBT tourism to reach $200 BILLION in 2014

    Tourism is on the rebound according to experts, who expect the LGBT spend on travel and tourism to rebound to a staggering $200 BILLION in 2014.

    BIG SPENDERS

    The outlook is good especially for those who are gearing their marketing and products towards the LGBT community, as the collective spend is believed to be in excess of $200 billion (£120 billion).

    The latest findings from the Out Now market research group suggest that the top markets for tourism were: Europe (USD$66.1 billion) USA (USD$56.5 billion) and Brazil (USD$25.3 billion).

    In terms of most sort after destinations France led the way by more than 6%, the LGBT2020 Research found.

    ALL SIGNS POINT TO FRANCE

    Founder of the The Villages Group Rainbow in France, Danny Silver said:

    “France is the ultimate destination for the LGBT community. Having lived here for many yearsnow I have seen the progress which has been made in transforming the nation into a LGBT-friendly destination; the legalization of gay marriage last year was a significant step in the right direction and with Paris hosting the Gay Games in 2018, I can only see LGBT tourism to France going one way – up!

    “Indeed for older members of the LGBT community, often more concerned with cultural and safety issues in other destinations, France offers a truly welcoming atmosphere with numerous gay-friendly restaurants, bars, beaches and accommodation choices such as our project, The Villages Group Rainbow located in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of SW France.’

    France was highly rated in last year’s ILGA Rainbow Map, which measures how LGBT friendly each country is in Europe. It was given a rating of 65%, which is shared with Belgium, Norway, Sweden, Spain and Portugal.