THEGAYUK

Category: Travel

 

  • These gay-friendly destinations are giving us serious #HoneymoonGoals

    These gay-friendly destinations are giving us serious #HoneymoonGoals

    So you’re getting married?

    Congrats! We bet you’ve got enough on your plate and could spare having to plan the holiday of a lifetime on top of that. Have you come to the point where you’re pondering all the unanswered questions and steps that are separating you from actually jumping on that plane?

    We hear you.

    One question that should never be left ignored is whether you picked a honeymoon destination that is gay-friendly. With over 70 countries still having some form of anti-homosexuality law, it’s easy to see how your perfect holiday could go awry. Although not feeling comfortable showing your affection to your loved one in public is not something you should ever have to deal with, it’s an especially unwelcome feeling on this special occasion. So, we’ve put together a list of the most gay-friendly honeymoon destinations; areas filled with beauty, vibrancy and friendliness.

    1. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

    Previously THEGAYUK.com had suggested Brazil as a good location for a Honeymoon, however, due to the legal and criminal situation, we cannot advise going to this part of the world.

    2. Barcelona, Spain

    Barcelona gay friendly
    CREDIT: Pixabay / CC0 Public Domain

    Barcelona is constantly at the top of the most LGBT-friendly lists — and with good reason. A great mix of delicious tapas, fabulous sandy beaches, stunning historical buildings, balmy year-round climate, and a selection of gay bars, saunas, cruises and hotels to boot make it easy to see why it’s a holiday favourite amongst the gay scene.

    3. Reykjavik, Iceland

    Barcelona gay friendly
    CREDIT: Pixabay / CC0 Public Domain

    Same-sex marriage became legal in Iceland in 2010, but the country always had a relaxed and accepting attitude towards gay couples. For one thing, their prime minister is openly gay! Despite all this, the beauty of this outlandish country is what will captivate you the most. Don’t miss the Blue Lagoon: a geothermal spa located in a lava field where you can soak in milky blue water at any time of the year.

    4. Buenos Aires, Argentina

    CREDIT: Pixabay / CC0 Public Domain
    CREDIT: Pixabay / CC0 Public Domain

    Gay marriage was legalised in 2010 in Argentina, but Buenos Aires was a mecca for gay travellers way before then. Dubbed the “most European place in South America,” it’s a sprawling city rich in history. Take a stroll hand in hand along the pedestrian Calle Florida in the Microcentro, or in the Recoleta, Palermo and marvel at all the beauty without a care.

    5. Cancun, Mexico

    CREDIT: Pixabay / CC0 Public Domain
    CREDIT: Pixabay / CC0 Public Domain

    Cancun has so much more to offer than the hedonistic reputation that precedes it. There’s a bit of everything for everyone. Sure, there’s the crazy night life if you fancy that, but there are also a whole throng of gay beaches and hotels to pick from, and a carefree, ‘live and let live’ vibe that’ll put you right at ease.

    6. Cape Town, South Africa

    CREDIT: Pixabay / CC0 Public Domain
    CREDIT: Pixabay / CC0 Public Domain

    One wouldn’t always think of the African continent when it comes to gay-friendly travel destinations, but South Africa was the fifth country in the world and first in Africa to legalise same-sex marriage. Seen by many as one of the most beautiful cities in South Africa, Cape Town promises spectacular scenery, incredible beaches and exotic wildlife. Drive safely, though, as the baboons run free!

    7. Taiwan

    CREDIT: Pixabay / CC0 Public Domain
    CREDIT: Pixabay / CC0 Public Domain

    Taiwan may also come as a surprise for a gay-friendly destination, but it is one of the most accepting countries in Asia. There’s something for all tastes and tonnes to explore for such a tiny island, including nine national parks (don’t miss the Taroko National Park), a bustling metropolis, pleasant sub-tropical weather and beautiful, remote beaches.

    8. Palm Springs, USA

    CREDIT: Pixabay / CC0 Public Domain
    CREDIT: Pixabay / CC0 Public Domain

    The sun always shines in the South Californian desert oasis of Palm Springs. As a city that boasts the most same-sex (and the most clothing optional!) hotels in the world, it’s easy to see how you’ll have a great time. Rather go golfing? Hiking? Clubbing? There’s little that can’t be had in Palm Springs.

    Parveen Nanda is an experienced blogger and travel expert at Luxtripper, supplying luxury four and five-star hotels and end-to-end package holidays.

  • 9 Tips To Have A Gay-Ole Time In Iceland

    The land of ice and fire seems straight out of an episode of Game of Thrones, mainly because a big chunk of it is filmed there.

    It has an eery feel to its vast wilderness that fits the show perfectly and makes for a really cool gay trip. Here are a few gay travel tips that will make your visit to the land founded by Vikings that were too tough for the rest of ancient Scandinavia, as much fun as that sentence was to write.

    gay travel to Iceland

    1. Check out AirBnB

    Tourism is Iceland’s biggest industry, and since the financial crash decimated a lot of other businesses, they have invested heavily in getting as many tourists there as possible. With insanely cheap flights connecting Europe to North America, there’s plenty of foot-traffic, and the government would prefer that they stay in fancy-ass hotels. So that’s what they built. You’ll find plenty of luxury hotels and a few hostels, but not much in between. If you’re on a budget, but wouldn’t call yourself a budget traveller, Airbnb is a popular option.

    2. Book everything in advance

    The best time of year to visit is definitely summer, although that does rule out seeing the Northern Lights as the sun never really sets. This means that flights, accommodation, and tours will all be booked solid if you leave it until your trip to book anything. This includes booking your entrance AND transport to and from the Blue Lagoon in advance. There’s no difference in price but there is limited availability, so get clicking now.

    We flew direct from Gatwick to Keflavik (Iceland’s only international airport) with low-cost airline rising stars Wow Air. They offer civilised flight times for a reasonable price (from £250) or plenty of those crack of dawn flights for even more reasonable prices. Both of which come complete with lavish purple decor, and check out this legroom!

    3. Regular vs. gay tours

    When it comes to the typical tourist jaunts, Reykjavik Excursions endless options and departure times, ferrying us to the Golden Falls (careful) and the Blue Lagoon in comfort. However, if you fancied something a little special, you could opt for a gay tour company called Pink Iceland, who arrange many of the same tours, but with a little rainbow twist.

    4. Rainbow unicorn chocolate

    There’s rainbow unicorn chocolate. If you don’t buy it you’re technically not allowed to call yourself gay anymore.

    5. Visit the penis museum

    Yeah, of course, there’s a penis museum. Why wouldn’t there be?

    6. Get the public transport app

    If you don’t drive or don’t really want to drive while in Iceland, then you need to download the Straeto.is app. For some bizarre reason, Google doesn’t recognise any of Iceland’s rather limited public transport, so this is the only way to figure out how to actually get anywhere rather than paying 3,000 Kr (£21) for each taxi trip into town. Plus the buses will not give you change, and you can pay for tickets directly through the app.

    7. Take a sleeping mask

    If you go during the summer, don’t underestimate the importance of a sleeping mask. Iceland gets about an hour or 2 of “darkness” per night, so you basically just don’t sleep and go a little crazy.

    8. Pre-drink

    Before hitting the town for a night of gay dancing at the infamous and only gay club in the country, Kiki bar, be sure to get lightly trashed before heading out. Like many things in this beautiful country, alcohol is insanely expensive. And this is coming from someone who lives in London.

    9. Hook up

    Iceland is the safest country in the world, so you should feel confident to go meet up with guys. And be sure to set aside some time for this, since the community is so small and insular, any fresh meat will be well received and the locals would be grateful of some new conversation. Note: We cannot guarantee that they’ll all be winners.

    Be sure to check out Pink Iceland for more information and to book a gay tour or two. And feel free to check out my Instagram for more pictures of me being a dork around Iceland (and around the world!).

    GAY RIGHTS In Iceland

    LEGAL:

    Same-sex sexual activity

    Age of consent: 15

    Marriage

    Sex-sex unions

    Step child adoption

    Joint adoption

    Right to change legal gender

    Access to IVF for all couples

    “NOT LEGAL”

    Blood donation for gay and bisexual men

    Anti-discrimination laws in employment

    Anti-discrimination laws concerning gender ID

    THE COUNTRY

    Capital: Reykjavík

    Langauge: Icelandic

    Population: 330,000+

    Currency: Icelandic Króna

    Time Zone: GMT

  • TRAVEL | 25 Hours in Berlin

    When the 25 Hours Hotel opened in the City West of Berlin, it added a note of culture, nature and cosmopolitan all under the roof of what used to be a 1950’s grotty industrial office building.

    I could probably count on one hand the number of fun hotels that I’ve stayed at and this is definitely one of them. The hotel is neighbours with the iconic Berlin Zoo and so the theme of being in a jungle is carefully distinct especially with a personal hammock in your room to crafty spaces to lounge, dine and drink. Since the cocktail scene in Berlin has taken off and caught up in the growing desire for craft drinks and an obsession with rooftop bars, this hotel plays host to the popular Monkey Bar and Neni Restaurant – both positioned on the 10th floor with 360-degree panoramic views of bustling Berlin.

    Along with my guest, we are often suspicious of hotel restaurants and long lines of people waiting to gain entry into any bar however whilst dining at Neni with one of South Australia’s renowned food bloggers our doubts rapidly melted away into the leafy surroundings and heavenly balagan style dishes. After dinner which was showered with dramatic views and superb service we cut across the corridor and entered the Monkey Bar where we immediately noticed why the line to get into this celebrated bar was impressive – even on a random Tuesday night.

    When you eventually pull yourself away from the hotel you can adventurously explore Berlin with one of the hotel’s bikes or even one of their Minis (yep this is one of the impressive perks for guests). Make your way to the former East and weave through the updated streets until you arrive at the Hackesche Höfe.

    Once you have worked up an appetite the simply named Hackesche Hof Restaurant & Café is one of the areas favoured dining spots where a feast of people watching and exceptional food and drink are served. This restaurant has some impressive photos of the area which makes a dining experience here quite classical. Also nestled in this courtyard area is The Chämaleon Theater a unique theatre stylishly set in an art nouveau ballroom where cabaret style seating allows guests to eat and drink during performances. Hosting the latest contemporary circus creations such as the charismatic Scotch & Soda, described as a whiskey-fuelled circus party accompanied by live music.  The Chämaleon Theater continues to break all language barriers by welcoming the arrival of the forthcoming show Parade where acrobatics meet multimedia.

    British Airways conveniently has a direct route from London City airport to Berlin Tegel, however, be warned with all the monkey business in Berlin you will need more than 25 hours in this whimsical city.

     

  • 4 Tips To Going Nude In Iceland

    As the name implies, Iceland is frickin’ cold.

    Although they may only get a few days of sunshine each year, Iceland’s summers make British summer seem positively balmy. So getting naked and wandering around in a field is not going to be an option for about 360 days of the year. I mean you could, but there’d be some serious shrinkage. However, we’ve never let that stop us before have we boys? 😉

    So if you’re planning to bare it all in the barren countryside of the land of ice, here are a few things you should know before stripping off:

    1. You won’t find (m)any Icelandic nudist groups

    The cool and laid-back nature of Icelanders will have you thinking that nudism is widely celebrated like it is in many other European countries. In truth, nudism in Iceland is more typically done individually rather than in groups or at social gatherings, as it has only recently started to be popular.

    nude in iceland

    2. Spa does NOT imply nude spa

    Unlike my recent trip to Germany which left me lacking a towel even when in polite company, Icelanders aren’t all about getting your bits out. Spas and swimming pools are a big part of Icelandic culture, but they almost always involve wearing swimming trunks. So don’t rock up to the Blue Lagoon with the D hanging out. You will be asked to leave. (However, the water is so opaque, I doubt anyone would notice if you stripped off while you were in there)

    3. You MUST shower naked

    Let me clarify that, as you probably shower naked anyway. You must shower naked before entering public pools or spas. There were even shower police on-hand in the changing rooms to make sure that you didn’t just rinse yourself in your swimmers. Showering thoroughly before getting into the spa is a topic of national importance in Iceland. So much so that this public service message was made to further clarify the issue.

    4. Find a remote spot to strip off

    Spas in and around the capital city tend not to allow nudity, likewise with the Blue Lagoon. And while there aren’t any official nude beaches or specific nudist locations in Iceland, the vast majority of Iceland is barren and remote, with plenty of natural hot springs and geyser dotted across its volcanic landscape. And while I wouldn’t recommend skinny dipping in a geyser as they tend to reach temperatures of 80-100 degrees Celsius, few people would judge you for stripping off in a secluded natural hot spring.

     

    Maybe check out the Secret Lagoon, but be warned, there may be children there. And keep an eye out on social media for groups looking to promote naturism within Iceland. They will often rent out swimming pools after hours, or arrange nudist meetups in remote locations, which would be a great way to get nekkid and mingle with some Viking locals in the buff.

    Be sure to let us know how you get on!

  • REVIEW | Vista Bonita Gran Canaria

    If you’re looking for a gay stay in Gran Canaria then Vista Bonita should be on your priority list.

    Gay-only vacations aren’t for everyone. The thought of staying in a gay hotel or gay apartment might not be to everyone’s taste – it wasn’t mine until I stayed at Vista Bonita near Maspalomas in Gran Canaria – and then my opinion changed. We ended up visiting twice – in one year.

    Vista Bonita is a set of simple but perfectly formed one bedroom apartments set around an outdoor pool on the outskirts of Maspalomas and around a 2-mile walk or 10-minute cab ride to the gay epicentre of Yumbo.

    Gran Canaria, which is located a hundred and fifty miles off the north-west coast of Africa, has long been accepted as one of the most gay-friendly holiday spots in the world, and with all-year round good weather it’s just a four and a half hour flight from the UK, you’re pretty much-guaranteed sunshine.

    English is widely spoken and the locals are incredibly friendly and accepting.

    Vista Bonita offers two styles of apartment, although they are all essentially the same floor plan. You have a standard duplex and the deluxe. They both offer a living room and equipped kitchenette as well as a first-floor bedroom. Each apartment has two toilets – and one which comes with a bath/shower. All have terraces overlooking the swimming pool or the lush gardens towards the back of the complex.

    The deluxe duplex offers the extras including a welcome fruit selection and alcohol. There are other extras as well.

    A word to the wise and an insider tip. Although a pool view might seem nice (in fact it can be at times very interesting – because some guests take full advantage of a clothing optional acceptance) it can be very noisy – especially at night when those who have partied at Yumbo for too long come back and think it’s a great idea to start a pool party at 3 AM. Although this is not permitted by hotel management, it did happen almost every night we stayed on our second visit. So ask for a room in the garden section – which is further away and offers a little more privacy.

    Flight time from the UK around 4 and half hours- with legacy and low fare carriers all serving the Island.

  • TRAVEL | As a gay man where should I stopover on the way to Australia?

    TRAVEL | As a gay man where should I stopover on the way to Australia?

    This week a reader is looking to book a ticket to Australia but wants to ensure that the layover is in a gay-friendly destination.

    Dear Travel Team

    I’m in the process of booking a flight to Australia and I wanted to know where I should stop over. Many airlines offer a stop over in Abu Dhabi or Qatar or other Arab nations and I realise that homosexuality is legal in many of these countries. I was wondering which airlines offer the safest places to stop over for LGBT+ people

    John,

    Where is safe for gay people to stopover on a flight to Australia

    Hello John,

    Travelling to Australia is a long process and requires at least one layover on the way. There are two ways in which airlines traverse the planet to get to Australia – either westwards over North America, which involves a stopover in Los Angeles in the US or Vancouver in Canada. The other way is eastwards where there are many more layover options. However in many of these countries, as an openly gay man, you may face legal issues.

    Homosexuality is still illegal in many destinations in the Middle East, including Abu Dabi, Dubai and Qatar, which are all incredibly popular pit stops for the airlines. Some airlines also use Singapore or Malaysia where homosexuality is also illegal.

    So we would recommend looking at a stopover destination which is gay-friendly or where at least homosexuality isn’t illegal. Luckily there are loads of choices in the USA, Philippines, Japan, Canada and China. As an extra benefit, many of these countries have airlines operating the UK/Australia route which has the least expensive flights.

    Here are some of the places in which airlines stop where homosexuality is illegal:

    Air France stops in Abu Dhabi.

    Alitalia stops in Abu Dhabi.

    British Airways stops in Singapore.

    Emirates stops in Dubai.

    Etihad Airways stops in Abu Dhabi.

    Malaysia Airlines stops in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia.

    Qatar Airlines stops in Hamad Intl. Doha.

    Qantas stops in Dubai.

    Singapore Airlines stops in Singapore.

    Virgin Austrailia stops in Abu Dhabi.

    Virgin Atlantic stops in Singapore.

    Airlines which fly to Austraila using stopovers in countries which are gay-friendly or where it is not legal to be gay.

    Air China stops in Capital Intl in China.

    All Nippon Airways stops in Haneda Japan.

    Air Canada stops in Canada (Vancouver).

    American Airlines stops in Los Angeles, USA.

    Asiana Airlines stops in Seoul in South Korea.

    Cathay Pacific stops in Hong Kong.

    China Eastern Airlines stops in Shanghai, China.

    China Southern Airlines stops in Baiyun Intl in China.

    KLM stops in Guangzhou, China.

    Lufthansa stops in Los Angeles, USA.

    Thai Airways International stops in Suvarnabhumi Intl, Thailand.

    Philippines Airlines stops in Manila, Philippines.

  • How Gay Is Slovenia?

    How Gay Is Slovenia?

    On a scale of Saudi to San Fran, just how gay, camp, LGBT-friendly is this small southern-European country?

    When I told people that I was going on a trip to Slovenia, the typical reaction was “Oh cool… what’s there?” To which I shamefully admitted, “No idea!” So I went to find out.

    A little background on Slovenia

    gay travel sloveniaThe ex-Yugoslavian country has been independent since 1991 and is just a short 1 hour and 45-minute flight from London. With a small population of about 2 million people, English is widely spoken, otherwise, they’d have very few people to talk to. Probably the greenest country on the planet, Slovenia manages to fit in breathtaking mountain ranges and Mediterranean beaches, all within a few hours drive of the capital city Ljubljana (pronounced lube-ee-aanna… ha ha, lube).

    Sounds great right, but how does it stack up as a gay travel destination?

    Is Slovenia safe for gay travellers?

    If you don’t know where Slovenia is, then it’s fair to ask whether or not you’ll be safe travelling there. Unlike some of its more Soviet neighbours, Slovenia is a very safe country for LGBT travellers. When the shit hit the fan in the 90s, Slovenia was well-positioned in the region not to get sucked into all kinds of conflict like nearby Serbia. And while there is religion here (I even spotted a couple of nuns floating about), it’s not that in-your-face kind of religion. None of that “here’s another painting of the Virgin Mary” and a Bible in every bedroom kind of thing.

    Is it gay-friendly?

    For a former communist country, it’s a big deal that Slovenia has recognised same-sex partnerships since 2006, with same-sex marriage approved last year. When we spoke to guides and locals, they were all proud of the progress they’d made but admitted there was still some way to go, with adoption and parental rights still a bit lagging.

    But that being said the city is still very welcoming and friendly. It’s host to Pink Week each year, which focuses on highlighting gay tourism within the country, organised by husbands with matching names Mateo and Matteo of Luxury Slovenia travel agency.

    Can I go out gay clubbing?

    Yes, you can and you totally should. Yet despite what some of the gay guides say, there’s only one real gay club in Ljubljana. Klub Tiffany has been open since 1993, and it looks like they haven’t done much to update it since it opened. However, that’s part of its charm. Tiffany is one of many clubs located in old military barracks, laid out with a communal square that looks straight out of the 90s version of Mad Max, complete with oil drum fire pits.

    So if you tire of the Kylie/Eurythmics playlist inside (if that were humanly possible) then you can always wander around outside for a drink, a smoke, and a mingle. Side-note: a round of 5 beers cost us 15 Euros. Bargain.

    Can I hook up easily?

    In the more rural areas, by the lakes and up in the mountains, you may have a hard time (he he) hooking up. However, the capital city offers the usual plethora or perpetual penis pics, the same as any big city.

    Granted they’re not all winners; for every stud, you’ll find a dud, just like in most cities. But the nearest gay was always within walking distance (subtracting the 15 or so other gay journalists on this particular trip which were somewhat skewering the curve).

    Is it camp at all?

    Slovenia feels a little more serious than some of the more Eurovision-y countries, but only slightly. The beautiful mountains, piercing blue lakes, and sun-drenched beaches are all conducive to a fair amount of camping (in both senses of the term).

    The coastal town of Piran has a strong Mediterranean feel, having once been a colony of Venice. It’s long stretch of beaches (some of them nude, but not many), which are swathed in speedo-wearing locals and endless places to purchase gelato. Ideal!

    When in Slovenia, you have to visit the gorgeous Lake Bled, which is one of the country’s most popular tourist spots. And it’s clear to see why. Take a trip across the lake in a traditional Pletna boat and soak up the idyllic atmosphere. If you’re REALLY lucky, you could get a hunky oarsman. I mean we didn’t, but the boat in front of us did. Now that’s a view…

    … and I guess so is this!

    The mountains are perfect for singing an impromptu Julie Andrews medley, and there are plenty of cute and camp local activities you can experience, from churning your own butter to petting a tiny pony with Bjork-style bangs.

    Add to that a bounty of outdoor activities that include hiking, biking, skiing, and swimming (depending on the time of year), and I really can’t recommend Slovenia enough for an excellent gay getaway.

    Are the men hot?

    Now here’s where we get to the really important journalism. And like in every country I visit, the answer is “yes and no”. Slovenian men tend to be fairly fair, but not quite blonde and Scandinavian-looking as you might find in nearby Austria or Switzerland.

    They’re also quite rogue-ish, but not quite at the same stoic level as the Russians, or the overtly sexual demeanour often found in Italy. So in Slovenia, you’re likely to find a unique mix of both; plenty of blue-eyed boys with beards, often with a friendly but not overly soft demeanour. And if like me, that’s totally your type, then you’re in for a treat.

    Can I have a cheap mini-break there?

    The flights to Slovenia from London tend to be a tad more expensive than those of nearer European countries, averaging around £150-£200 for a return flight. The upside of this is that it weeds out some of the stag/hen-do types of traveller, leaving their hetero-normative basic behaviours behind.

    Slovenia has to be one of my favourite places I’ve visited so far, one that I will look forward to re-visiting as soon as possible. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, stunning scenery, or just a lovely and hospitable city to wander around in, I can’t recommend it enough.

    Check out the I Feel Slovenia website for more insanely gorgeous photos and information of where to go. And feel free to check out my Instagram for more pictures of me being a dork in foreign countries (plus that infamous unpacking video).

  • Four totally gay things to do in Hamburg

    We sent Travel Editor, Nick Baker to Hamburg, to find out how gay it was…

    I’m a big fan of exploring new cities, and when you book a trip to Germany there are a few cities that pop to the forefront of your mind. You may fancy the hipster-chic of Berlin, or the traditional beer-fest that is Bavaria, and so cities like Hamburg are often overlooked.

    Amidst the melee of middle-class stag dos, I stumbled onto the streets of Hamburg. Striving to slightly distinguish itself from the hipster-haven that is Berlin, Hamburg has a nautical history that is evident in most of its decor. Since 80% of the city was obliterated by bombings during World War II, the millennial-style spaces inhabit less-than-ancient warehouses and dockyards.

    The gay scene is different in every city in every country around the world, so don’t expect Hamburg to be just like any other German city. Here are a few of the totally gay things you should try and do whilst you’re in Hamburg.

    1. The Drinking!

    You can, of course, go day drinking, in fact, we would highly recommend that you do given the city’s excellent selection of beers. However, don’t expect there to be a bustling gay crowd during the day, even on the weekend. The Germans love to go drinking and they love to go partying, but unlike the Brits, they don’t start early. Bars won’t get busy until about 10 pm and the clubs won’t even tend to open until about 2 am.

    2.  The Saunas

    Again, of course, you can go to one of Hamburg’s gay saunas at night, but the crowd is better during the day… I’ve been told. My sources say that the best time to hit up a gay sauna in Hamburg is Sunday afternoon when people have recovered enough from the night before. Getting in at 6 am means that it will be a few hours before many of the good gays resurface and head to the sauna to sweat out the sin from the night before.

    3. Towel Policy

    Here our British modesty tends to be our downfall, but when in Rome (Hamburg), do as the Romans (Hamburgers). No one wears a towel in the sauna, whether it’s a gay sauna or the one at your hotel. And while you may not enjoy an eyeful of that old straight guy’s crotch, there’s no reason not to give him a sneaky peak of the goods while you can. You might just make his day.

    4. Hotelling LGBT Style

    While we are proud to support the LGBT-friendly hotels that have become a staple mark of Hamburg’s gay district, you don’t need to limit yourself to the hotels in St. Georg. There are plenty of cool, trendy, friendly, hipster hotels dotted around the city that are never too far away from the gay parties. I stayed at the adorably chic 25Hours Hotel in HafenCity, which wasn’t necessarily the closest location to the gay scene, but was easily one of the coolest hotels I’ve ever stayed in.

    Designed with a distinctive maritime theme, it oozed millennial and was a great place to hang out (especially when your bloody Easyjet flight isn’t until 9:45pm and your checkout time was at noon). Free wifi, portable speakers you can take around town with you, and a short ride to St. Georg on the nearby 24-hour Meßberg underground.

    Plus they make THE best soy latte that I’ve ever had!

    Check out Hamburg Tourism for more information on Hamburg, and you can find out more about the Hamburg Lesbian and Gay scene here.

  • Solo in Sitges: 24 hours in the gay beach town capital of the world

    Sitges: A beautiful Mediterranean coastal town, only 35 minutes bus ride from Barcelona Airport (BCN) makes this town an easy accessible standalone destination.

    24 hours in Sitges

    With the generous offering of 22 beautiful beaches (including 3 gay beaches), the natural pull of the blue waters encouraged me to continue my exploration from the seafront promenade on to the mild sandy beaches. Each beach is separated by stone stretched pathways that resemble shallow piers and graceful huge rocks to sit on perhaps with a cold drink in hand, served from one of the many friendly quirky pop up beach bars.

    The pebbled and quaint Playa Del Muerto is publicised as an exclusive nude gay beach. It’s an hour walk from the town area and having spoken to a few solo gay travellers they all agreed that if you embark on that walk alone then make sure you have plenty of water, running shoes, emergency phone number, a working cell phone and a warning to be at arm’s reach of fatal accidents.

    To reach Playa Del Muerto will mean that part of your walk will be very near cliff edges and open railway tracks (train speeds at over 140km per hour). The thrill-seeking solo traveller will almost be in his element especially when he finds that the name of the beach translates to ‘Dead Man’s Beach’. I was extremely put off when I heard all this so, of course, I was even more intrigued to embark on the walk with the fear of many others that are ‘missing out’ on something that could just be an illusion that we create and fantasise about.

    The views from the high cliffs were breathtaking. The beach itself seemed very private and on that particular day, it resembled a pretentious open air nightclub – without the socialising, dancing and music. There is a small hut that sells refreshments – cash only and take lots of it! (May 17)

    Accommodation in Sitges is saturated with shared apartment options and travelling solo did not echo anything to do with sharing (other than conversations) so I retreated at Hotel Alenti a brand new 4*, 10 room boutique hotel located in the centre of downtown Sitges. My jacuzzi suite was tastefully designed and quietly encased with floor to ceiling large non-intrusive windows. Hotel Alenti offered slick luxurious comforts, while its location offered the opportunity to step in and out of the hustle bustle at the heartbeat of gay Sitges.

    Many gay men wouldn’t think about travelling solo because of fear of being alone. If this sounds like you then allow Sitges and hotelalenti.com to host that fear, you will notice how that illusion can fade. The numerous group activities you can join, the amazing weather, dining places, fresh food, cold drinks and most of all – people watching. Soon you realise you are watching others in groups – on their phones, struggling to make conversations, staring into the abyss, then you start to think – they may as well be travelling solo!

  • Could These Be The Sexiest Stewards in the Skies?

    We stumbled across the best Instagram account out there for those of you who’ve ever had a cabin crew crush.

    Let’s be honest, most of the time the second we clamber onboard our Ryan Air flight, we put our headphones in and do our best to ignore the world until we land. Yes, I know I should watch the safety demonstration, but I literally flew out 2 days ago and I doubt anything has changed since then. Wear a seatbelt, don’t smoke, brace brace, etc etc.

    That being said, perhaps I’d be more inclined to pay attention if these guys were standing by the cockpit (there, I’ve said it, the cockpit joke has been made. Now we can all move on).

    via me.me

    After stumbling across this meme of a beefcake flight attendant, I went in search for his Instagram. What I found instead will shock and amaze you!

    Welcome to the wonderful world of @sexystews

    An Instagram account dedicated entirely to the gorgeous guys of the skies.

    Here are a few that would totally get me in the upright position!

    https://www.instagram.com/p/zSr-UkG5Km/

    Check out that cheeky smile! What do you think he’s up to under that first class blanket?

     

    https://www.instagram.com/p/UjK3-3G5At/?taken-by=sexystews

    Brace for impact… maximum impact, like us dancing to Madonna.

     

    https://www.instagram.com/p/zL5dy6m5H_/

    When there’s great lighting, the passengers can wait while he takes a selfie!

     

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BVDQAmEBHX_/?taken-by=blackflightattendantsusa&hl=en

    Work the mic… work the mic right.

     

    https://www.instagram.com/p/zL6Wm4G5Ju/

    Pucker up and get in line to join the mile high club with this cutie!

     

    https://www.instagram.com/p/zJkwoem5I-/

    Holy crap there’s two of em! Would you prefer the beef option, sir?

     

    https://www.instagram.com/p/zX3LMOG5Je/

    I would NOT be complaining if I had a long layover with this Brazilian beauty.

     

    https://www.instagram.com/p/zNgl2sm5Kp/

    Sending you a little extra love from up above!

     

    https://www.instagram.com/p/zLFiafG5I_/

    Him: Can I help you with your bag sir?

    Me: Hhhnnmmnnnflrghglr

     

    https://www.instagram.com/p/zGmgV3m5HT/

    We hope you fly us again.

    And if cabin crew aren’t your thing and you’re looking for something a little more…. authoritative…

    Welcome on board!

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BVkNrWMALCY/

  • GAY TRAVEL | Pula, Croatia

    If you, like me, are always looking for an excuse to soak up the sun, regardless of it being summer yet or not, look no further than the sunny Croatian peninsula of the Istrian region.

    Gay guide to Croatia and Pula

    Pula is the main centre and on the edge of the water lies a large resort complex run by Park Plaza. I had the pleasure of staying at the Park Plaza Arena Pula, which is a beautifully built new resort complex nestled among the trees, right at the water’s edge. The resort has 175 rooms, which are beautifully appointed with large comfortable beds, spacious bathrooms, and balconies you can sit in to enjoy the sun. At Arena Pula you have the option of waterside or park side rooms, either side gives you a wonderful vista across the peninsula. For those with a little more pocket money, or just in need of a little more space, you can splash out for the penthouse suite, a favourite of celebrities that come to Pula to perform. Or the newly build garden suites which include two bedroom, two bathroom suites and a large patio or balcony, depending if you’re on the ground or level one.

    Park Plaza Arena Pula, Croatia:
    Prices from £101(EURO 117) per room per night, based on two people sharing a standard room with breakfast.
    Price inclusive of VAT. Tourist tax not included: daily 1,00 Euro per adult and 0,50 Euro per child (12-18)
    To book, visit: www.parkplaza.com/croatia

    Once you have settled your luggage, the resort facilities offer a pool, access to the Adriatic Sea via a small beach directly in front of the hotel, a spa and massage service (extra fees apply), I highly recommend the Gold Massage, where you are luxuriously pampered as you are massaged with gold-infused oil. The massage left me feeling very relaxed and shimmering with a golden sheen that lasted all afternoon. Also available in the facilities in the resort are a small gymnasium, which is open daily, and a comfortable foyer bar and terrace where you can enjoy drinks as you soak up the sun’s rays. The bar has a more than competent staff, and a decent cocktail list. They can also whip something up for you should you so ask.

    The resort also provides a buffet breakfast and dinner, and an a la carte lunch. While we visited, we were able to sample some wonderful local style foods, which take their influence from the rich history of Croatia, particularly Pula, which has at times been controlled by the Romans, Venetians and Austria-Hungary. This gives their food a wide range of influences, not least of which is the use of locally pressed olive oils in pretty much everything, as well as an excellent, and award winning local wine industry. Each of our courses on this trip were coupled with a different local wine, chosen to suit the food we ate.

    While in Pula, travel further afar from the resort area to the local sites. In Pula city, you will find the ancient Roman amphitheatre, which you can explore as a tourist. The building is mostly destroyed, though there are still some seats remaining, as well as an exhibition of an ancient olive oil press that once ran underneath the complex.  If you are in town at the right time, you can enjoy the arena as a functioning entertainment stadium. Throughout the year the stadium hosts the opening night of the Pula International Film Festival (July) and the opening night of the local music festivals which continue throughout the summer months in various abandoned Venetian fortresses which surround the city.  Outside of the festivals, the fortresses can be visited to look at and wander around, but not to enter. The Old town in Pula boasts several squares where one can enjoy a coffee, or many local stores.

    If you’re staying in Pula at the Park Plaza Arena Pula, I suggest hiring a car so that you can explore the local areas. One of which is Fažana, a local sea-side village, from where you can take a short ferry ride to the Brijuni National Park. Here you can take a ‘train’ ride tour of the islands, where you get a trip through the zoo, populated with animals that were mostly given as gifts to the President of Yugoslavia. The President, Tito, had a summer residence on the island, which is now used by the President of Croatia, and visiting dignitaries from other countries. My advice would be to visit the island in the morning, as school trips and the majority of tourists head over in the early afternoon. We returned on the 1 pm Ferry to Fažana, where we found the village mostly empty of tourists, as they had all been on the return ferry. We enjoyed lunch at the Stara Konoba, where we were treated to several local specialities, including Boskarin (ox meat) and sardines cooked in more ways than there are numbers. This was again accompanied by a selection of local white wine.

    Once in Fazana, you can take an hour or two and enjoy an olive oil tasting session with one of the local producer. I enjoyed the olive oil of Balija a small local producer, one of the few managed by a woman. She and her team produce only 2000 bottles of olive oil per year.

    Getting there: Jet2.com – Stansted-Pula Leading leisure airline Jet2.com offers friendly low fares and great flight times to Pula from London Stansted Airport, with flights operating up to two times per week. Jet2.com also flies to Pula from Edinburgh, Leeds Bradford and Manchester Airports. Fares from Stansted Airport to Pula with Jet2.com start at £25 one way including taxes. Fares from Edinburgh Airport to Pula with Jet2.com start at £25 one way including taxes.

    While Pula is a small city, of about 85,000 people, during the summer it comes alive with the hundreds of thousands of tourists who arrive to enjoy the many natural delights. During the summer the small city entertains 2 million overnight stays. There are of course a number of bars and clubs that are available to enjoy, long into the morning. While we were there, we found a little bar called the Shipyard, Pula’s newest bar. Filled with the young people of Pula, attentive bar staff and a DJ to play music, it is a great place to take in a few drinks.

    Back at the resort, if you’re interested in exploring various local things, the hotel can arrange a culinary experience, where you can learn how to make some local pasta, which you can enjoy as a side to your next meal. For guests at the Park Plaza hotels, the hotels guest relations people have a large range of activities that can be organised at the front desk of the hotel. These include information about places around the Istrian region that you can drive to with your rental car or towns you can get to by taxi for short excursions. The Histria hotel also has a 300msq gym, an indoor heated pool and a large spa/massage centre which can be booked by guests of that hotel. In addition, a yacht club restaurant is open to the public to enjoy a great selection of local food and excellent cocktails right on the waterfront.

    Not far from the Histria hotel is the Ribarska Koliba restaurant. A local seafood restaurant situated directly in the marina. Here you can try some truly wonderful locally sources seafood, prepared freshly each day. The new chef recently hired at the restaurant has created a menu that is rooted in the local cuisine of Istria with a modern twist.

    Getting there: Jet2.com flies directly to Pula from Stanstead, Edinburgh, Leeds Bradford, and Manchester. Flights from Stanstead leave at a bright and early 8am, so you might want to stay at or near the airport. Holiday Extras offers a choice of UK airport hotels that can include your holiday parking along with lounges at all major UK airports.

    A night’s stay at an airport hotel is the perfect way to get your holiday off to a hassle-free start. Holiday Extras offers a choice of UK airport hotels that can include your holiday parking along with lounges at all major UK airports so you can start your holiday in style. Hotel room at Stansted Airport from £55.00. To book, visit www.holidayextras.co.uk or call 0800 1313 777

    Aaron stayed in Pula as a guest of Park Plaza Arena Pula and the Croatian National Tourist Office