THEGAYUK

Tag: Travel Tips

Top travel tips from our travel experts.

  • Are The Seychelles Gay-Friendly?

    Are The Seychelles Gay-Friendly?

    When you think of dream beach getaways and idyllic honeymoon destinations there are a few locations that spring to mind. You might consider the Caribbean, plan to bounce over to Bermuda, or maybe even the Maldives. Unfortunately, the sad truth is all those countries still class being gay as a criminal act. So there’s one clear winner when it comes to the best place to go for a gay beach vacation, the Seychelles aka the GAYchelles!

    Gay/LGBT rights in the Seychelles

    In May 2016, the Seychelles Parliament voted to amend Section 151 of their Penal Code that named sodomy a felony that was punishable with up to 14 years in prison. While the news wasn’t especially well-received by religious leaders, it was a landmark decision that gives gay travel enthusiasts added confidence in visiting the stunning 115-island country off the East African coast, making it one of the few African countries to decriminalize the gays.

    With male-male intercourse now legal (lesbian sex was always fine apparently) the Seychelles have even legalised same-sex marriage, and gay residents are able to legally adopt children as a couple. That being said, the predominantly Catholic country is still fairly conservative, operating a “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy to all visitors, but with any hostility directed more towards locals than tourists.

    Gay travel in the Seychelles

    Tourism is one of the Seychelles’ most lucrative industries, so it relies on doing it well. The islands are scattered with high-end resorts, catering to the luxury escape fantasy that fills most of our minds when we think of a trip to the Seychelles.

    I was lucky enough to stay at the luscious Eden Bleu resort which has always been welcoming of LGBT travellers, offering discrete private beaches and villas long before it was all decriminalized.

    While the country is now more accepting of LGBT visitors and locals, it’s still a long way from having any kind of gay scene. The capital city of Victoria can be walked in about 30 minutes (40 if you stop to take photos) so don’t expect a bustling social scene of any kind. That’s not really what tourists come to the Seychelles for.

    Two of the islands, Mahe and Praslin, are a little more vibrant and are home to a few nightclubs, bars and discos (oh yeah, discos). While there are no actual gay-only venues local sources say that Barrel is probably the best place to go if you’re looking for an LGBT-accepting crowd and a place to dance the night away before you pass out on a beach.

    The Seychelles are a great beach holiday for any gay traveller, and the locals will go out of their way to make you feel welcome. I visited the Seychelles as part of an LGBT press trip, and even wandering around with a big group of gays I never encountered anything but friendly, genuine welcome attitudes.

    When to visit the Seychelles

    The Seychelles has a tropical climate and has warm temperatures all year round so you’ll never need to pack anything warmer than shorts. The downside being that there are rainy seasons, which is great if you like swimming in the rain or if, like me, your ginger skin is not designed for sunbathing.

    Otherwise, April – May or October – November are the sunniest times to go … if you’re into all that sunshine, beaches, and sailing stuff. ?️‍?

  • The best Nudist Beaches in the UK

    The best Nudist Beaches in the UK

    Looking for the best nudist beach in the UK?

    When searching for a nudist beach, minds often wander to a warmer, more ‘European’ environment. Where banana hammocks are frequently discarded in favour of sunning those few parts that were left to the imagination. But you don’t have to travel that far to get some sun on your privates at a not-so-private locale, there are plenty of nude beaches right here in the UK.

    We have nude beaches in the UK? Really? All I can think about is the amount of unflattering shrinkage that will be occurring. But for those of you who enjoy shedding your clothes and parking your posterior on pebbles WHATEVER the weather, there are a surprising number of nudist beaches right here in the UK for you to explore.

    Just remember that not all nudist beaches are gay beaches, and not all gay nudist beaches are ok with other “activities”. A nudist beach is not always an excuse to go dogging.

    Studland Bay, Dorset

    Let’s start with the most (in)famous nudist beach in the UK. Studland has the image of naked men baked right into the title. The popular beach is packed come summertime, whether or not the weather is hot, so this is not the beach to come to if you’re looking for peace and solitude. The shy nudists out there might be better off trying a different beach if you’re still precarious about stripping off.

    Studland Bay has a dedicated gay section which, whether you like it or not, has unsurprisingly become a popular cruising ground. Many voyeurists take to the dunes for a little slap and tickle of the bait and tackle before taking a cheeky skinny dip in the sea.

     

    Brighton Beach, Sussex

    Originally opened in 1979, Brighton’s nudist beach is one of the most popular and most accessible nudist beaches in the UK. And since it’s Brighton and involves public nudity, the beach is hugely popular within the gay community. Despite the fact that the beach itself is one of shingle and pebbles, it remains one of the UK’s busiest naturist spots. So be sure to bring flip-flops and particularly comfortable towel if you’re planning on sunning your bits in Brighton.

    Porthzennor Cove, Cornwall

    If you’re looking for something more secluded, and perhaps a little more comfortable and beach-like, then it’s time to head to Cornwall. Britain’s best beaches are tucked away at its southernmost point, many of which are treacherously difficult to access. The rugged beauty of the West Cornwall coastline makes it ideal for naturists, populated with plenty of little coves and rocks that are perfect for sunbathing in your birthday suit. Though naturism is not officially recognised down there, you’ll be sure to come across many isolated coves whose seclusion makes them well-suited for nudists.

    Porthzennor is one of the coastline’s secluded sandy coves that is difficult to get to but ensures that there won’t be any passers-by that will be shocked to see your white bits. The crashing cliffs cleave open to reveal several corners of private sand that make an ideal private beach for two (or more). Just be careful when swimming as there are often strong undertows, and the closest land from there is the USA.

    St Osyth, Essex

    Nude beaches in Essex just seems to be asking for trouble to me. I mean how many people try to tan in the land of fake tan? But low and behold St Osyth exists, not far from Clacton-on-sea, in the heart of good ole Essex beach country. The beach itself is a bugger to get to, taking about 20 minutes to walk to from the nearest car park. So while this makes access difficult for the more “mature naturist”, it also discourages snoopers.

    The beach itself is about 2 miles long and isn’t overlooked, with about 1 or 2 miles of ground between it and the nearest road or track. St Osyth is unofficially divided into three different sections: one for straight naturists, one for men only, and then one populated by sand dunes. The latter part has been known to be something of a “swinging” area, but again that’s all just luck of the draw and who’s around on that day.

    Morfa Dyffryn, Wales

    Wales?! I know, first Essex now Wales, but hear me out. What the Welsh coast lacks in warmth, it makes up for with incredible landscapes to go with your manscapes (I’m running out of naked men jokes here). The blissful Morfa Dyffryn beach was made an official nudist beach in 2000 after a number of complaints by residents. The council put signposts up earmarking a 1 km space for people to disrobe. It has pristine clear (albeit slightly chilly) waters that are so clean they have earned the highest quality rating by European standards. Waters which are frequented by dolphins and the occasional German nudist. High praise from both.

    Cleat’s Shore, Isle of Arran

    indianabones / Pixabay

    So at this point in the list, we’ve all but abandoned the idea of a hot sandy beach in favour of whatever else UK beaches have to offer. So in for a penny, in for a pound, and let’s get naked on the brisk beaches of Scotland.

    Cleat’s Shore is Scotland’s only official nude beach, and despite that impressive title, it is almost always empty. This makes it a great spot for our first time naturists. You’re far more likely to spend your time conversing with nature rather than other couples. But you won’t be the only nudists on the beach; seals are common in the area, so at least you’ll be skinnier than someone.

    Throw in some rock pools, basking sharks and the occasional golden eagle, and Cleat’s Shore is a nude beach with a difference, which, let’s face it, is probably a good thing.

    So don’t write off the UK as a great place to strip off. Yes, the water may be colder, but the experience may be all the richer because of it. Have you been to any secret or beautiful nude beaches in the UK? Want to know what it’s like to go on a nudist beach for the first time, our editor tried it out.

  • 6 Great Gay Winter Sun Destinations

    Christmas is over and the dreaded January march has begun. The best way to get through the worst month of the year? Go travelling and search out some winter sun in these idyllic gay-friendly destinations.

    1. San Francisco, California

    I’ve got to start with one of the most famous gay cities in the world, and a personal US favourite of mine. Long before it was the setting of the heated sexual tension between Jonathon Groff and Russell Tovey in HBO’s Looking, San Francisco was the biggest gay haven in the United States. Now more than ever the city exudes a sense of welcoming and diversity, with people from all walks of life living and visiting here.

    Since California is almost perpetually sunny, the City by the Bay can offer a warming respite for UK travellers even in the dead of winter, with temperatures staying comfortably above 18C throughout the season.

    2. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

    If you’re looking for a more intense kind of heat, in terms of both temperature (26C) and temperament, then it’s time to head across the equator to the second largest city in Brazil. If you’re looking for carnivals, beaches and boys in TINY trunks, then Rio is the city for you.

    3. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

    While Rio may hold the title of gayest city in all of Latin America, you may be surprised to find out that the number 2 spot goes to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. This romantic Mexican Riviera resort has been a welcoming gay-friendly city for decades, and the gay scene is only growing with the most popular LGBT beach and several welcoming hotels, restaurants, and bars centred upon the charming and historic Zona Romantica district.

    A slightly more subtle vibe than Rio, Puerto Vallarta offers a great combination of daytime activities (think zip-lining, boating, hiking, and other adventure tours), beautiful beaches, oceans and islands, as well as vibrant gay nightlife. Add to that an endless supply of tequila and a Pride celebration that lasts an entire week, and Puerto Vallarta is most definitely a gay winter sun destination you should be considering.

    4. Fort Lauderdale, Florida

    So while Miami might be the obvious choice for a gay trip to some winter sun in Florida, let’s take a moment to talk about Fort Lauderdale. Known primarily as the home of “spring break”, Fort Lauderdale has been making a conscious effort to create more upscale appeal and attract LGBT travellers.

    Since the early 1990s, more than a dozen gay men’s resorts have opened within walking distance of the city’s beautiful beaches. Great food, great shopping, great weather, and plenty of clothing-optional resorts, it’s a gay man’s paradise just a short drive from both Miami and Palm Beach.

    5. Sydney, Australia

    Truth time, I’m much more of a Melbourne fan myself. But if we’re talking about places to indulge in winter sun, then you need to head over to Sydney as soon as your air miles allow. Australia’s biggest city is a thriving metropolis full to the brim of LGBT venues.

    Bondi Beach is an obvious must-see, but is actually fairly small in real life. I’d personally recommend hopping on the ferry and visiting Manly for a few days if you’re after some beach time.

    6. Cape Town, South Africa

    South Africa is be far the most gay friendly country in Africa, making it a great destination for those looking to explore the wildlife and nature that only Africa can provide, without having to be concerned for their safety.

    Cape Town has warm temperatures all year round, and is on the other side of the equator so will be nice and toasty this time of year. Climb up Table Mountain, swim with Great White Sharks, visit the botanical gardens and do the full safari experience while you’re there. And be sure to visit Camp Bay and Clifton, which have a sort of gay scene beach.

  • UK’s government updates advice for LGBT travellers to Brunei

    UK’s government updates advice for LGBT travellers to Brunei

    The UK government has updated its travel advice for its LGBT citizens planning to take a trip to Brunei following on from the introduction of the death penalty for homosexual acts.

    1966666 / Pixabay

    The UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FOC) has updated its travel advice to LGBT+ people planning to travel to Brunei – after legislation recently changed in the nation, which affects LGBT+ people.

    Brunei has now adopted a law which allows for the death penalty, death by stoning, to be used on men who are found having same-sex sexual relations with each other.

    The UK Government’s advice warns travellers, “Homosexual activity is illegal” and warns travellers to “find out about the local laws and customs of the country and area you’re visiting.

    “In some countries, homosexuality and/or homosexual relations are illegal and can be subject to severe penalties”.

    The office also suggest, “invest in a good guide book – many specialise in advice to LGBT travellers”

    Not all laws or punishments will affect non-Muslims in the region.

    The adoption of sharia-based laws in the Muslim majority country means that Muslims found guilty of engaging in gay sex will be stoned to death, those who are not Muslim may receive lengthy prison sentences. The law also means that anyone found guilty of committing adultery or trying to denounce Islam or insulting the Prophet Muhammad will also be dealt with the death penalty.

    Those found guilty of theft will have their hands amputated. Not all laws or punishments will affect non-Muslims in the region.

    Homosexuality is already illegal in Brunei and is one of 35 of 53 nations of the Commonwealth in which homosexuality is illegal. It is the second of those nations to make the “crime” punishable by death.

     

     

  • Here’s what you should do when you first arrive in Bangkok

    Here’s what you should do when you first arrive in Bangkok

    Advice on arriving at Bangkok Airport

    igorovsyannykov / Pixabay

    Once you have disembarked from the plane it is a good idea to speed walk to the immigration desk as so many international flights arrive at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi airport all within seconds of each other.

    Make sure you have a pen to fill out the landing card, you can also guarantee that there will probably not even be any landing cards at the stands either, however, just ask security before you enter the line and they will produce one from their back pocket. You can also ask the airline staff before you leave the plane if they have any.

    If you opt to take a taxi from the airport, then there is an official taxi desk outside the arrivals terminal but always make sure that the fare includes the toll for a highway journey as the taxi will then take you into the city area via the fastest possible route.

    The BTS (train) from the airport is an easy option, cost less than less than £1 to get into the city and is highly recommend as Bangkok traffic is ridiculous!

    Here’s where you should stay if you’re looking for a gay-friendly hotel in Bangkok

    Here’s the top ten places to eat in Bangkok

  • Here are the top ten extreme travel nightmares

    Here are the top ten extreme travel nightmares

    Being vomited on, broken luggage and people dying on your flight have all been voted as extreme travel nightmares.

    Free-Photos / Pixabay

    From cancelled flights and natural disasters to frantic, last-minute searches for accommodations, it can cost the average traveller at least $570 (£444.70)– and upwards of $4,198 (£3276)– when things go wrong on an airline trip, according to new research.

    In fact, from being the victim of pickpocketing to cancelled flights, being vomited on by a child or even seeing a fellow passenger die in flight, as many as a third (35 per cent) have experienced what they deem a “travel nightmare,” in which seemingly every part of the trip went wrong.

    And when those “nightmare trips” do occur, not only is there a wide range in potential costs, there’s also a high risk of the whole vacation being ruined – half of the respondents who experienced a nightmare said it completely ruined the rest of the trip.

    Although many have thankfully never experienced a nightmarish scenario, the study of the travel experiences of 2,000 Americans found that the majority of travellers (59 per cent) report having been on a trip where things really didn’t go as planned.

    And it doesn’t have to be a big thing going wrong for traveller comfort and enjoyment while travelling to decline severely. One in six respondents rate themselves “extremely disappointed” even when they don’t get their preferred seat on the plane, with the majority preferring the window seat.

    Commissioned by AIG Travel, a global leader in travel insurance and assistance solutions, and conducted by OnePoll, the survey also examined modern travel etiquette on flights and revealed America’s top 10 most commonly experienced traveller faux pas.

    The behaviour that passengers find most aggravating is when the person in front of them reclines his or her seat (65 per cent), followed by having their seat kicked by the person behind them (57 per cent).

    Also making the top five were travelling with a disruptive baby or child (54 per cent), hogging both armrests (53 per cent) and people who talk loudly on the flight (49 per cent).

    While travellers can’t always do something about other passengers’ behaviour, there are ways they can help their own trip go smoothly – or at least be prepared if something doesn’t go according to plan.

    To combat potential “travel nightmares,” 60 per cent of travellers make sure to arrive at the airport with plenty of time before their flight, 55 per cent print out all confirmation emails and 39 per cent call hotels and airlines to double-check their reservations.

    StockSnap / Pixabay

    Surprisingly, though, 74 per cent of travellers have taken the risk and flown without travel insurance.

    “We don’t like to think about the things that can go wrong when travelling, and while travel insurance can’t stop someone from kicking the back of your seat, it’s designed to help protect from unforeseen, potentially ruinous events,” said Jeff Rutledge, AIG Travel CEO. “When coupled with 24/7 assistance services, it can also improve the overall travel experience.”

    A quarter of travellers find the most difficult part of travelling to be navigating the airport and the security screening process, while 23 per cent say the flights – including any transfers and layovers – are the worst part.

    Seven in 10 travellers have experienced a delayed flight, while 44 per cent have had their checked bags delayed and 40 per cent have had a cancelled flight.

    “Travel insurance is specifically designed to provide financial protection in these situations – lost or stolen luggage, flight delays or even emergency medical issues,” Rutledge said. “However, even if a claim isn’t made, our Travel Guard plans offer comprehensive assistance for anything from event ticketing to restaurant recommendations, finding a local translator abroad or sending souvenirs home.”

    Unfortunately, travel insurance doesn’t protect your seat – and 23 per cent of respondents admit to trying to take a seat that isn’t theirs, with those who want middle seats the most likely to do so.

    The survey was conducted online from Aug. 10 to Aug. 28, 2018, by OnePoll with a sample of 2,000 American adults (aged 18 and older) who have travelled by plane. The research was commissioned by AIG Travel.

    10 OF THE MOST EXTREME “TRAVEL NIGHTMARES”

    1. Having a man die one row over on the plane
    2. Passengers joked about a bomb threat on the plane, delaying the flight
    3. Being choked by another passenger
    4. Three emergency landings before arrival at the destination
    5. Rerouted when almost there after being struck by lightning
    6. Being vomited on by a child
    7. Breaking a foot after getting tangled in a suitcase strap
    8. Spending five nights in an airport because hotel accommodations fell through
    9. Flying in a thunderstorm and being asked to get in crash position for the landing
    10. Getting robbed/pickpocketed

     

    AVERAGE COST WHEN EVERYTHING GOES WRONG ON A FLIGHT

    (Based on dollar figures given by 2,000 respondents.)

    Missed flights                                      $570 (£444)
    Lost luggage                                       $582.14 (£454)
    Medical situations                              $568.74 (£443)
    New accommodations                       $591.77 (£461)
    Lost or stolen passport/wallet           $571.04 (£445)
    Natural disaster                                  $638.30 (£498)
    CaCancelledlights                              $676.05 (£528)
    Total:                                                   $4,198 (£3276)

  • 6 things that make a great gay holiday

    6 things that make a great gay holiday

    So what really makes a great gay holiday?

    keeping company, social gathering,
    CREDIT: bigstock / Rawpixel.com

    The idea of Melmoth Travel came out of a number of conversations with our great friend David Melmoth, a lively and thoughtful older gay man and an experienced traveller.

    We asked David to summarise his views about gay holidays for this article and we have invited him to join us on our Krakow tour in December to access how well we’ve acted on his advice.

    So here are his top tips…

    1 Places that are about people

    I like people. They are what most interests me when I travel. Even when I am looking at ancient ruins, it is the people who lived in them that stir my imagination. I also love stories – especially new ones. So when I got on holiday it’s a plus for me if I don’t know the historical background to the place I’m visiting.

    Destinations in Eastern Europe have a strong appeal. Now that we have Estonians and Slovaks living in the UK you frequently hear their countries mentioned but what are these places like? I only have vague, fairytale impressions: forests, castles, handsome heroes and beautiful flaxen-haired maidens. All wrong, I’m sure, but tantalising …

    One place I would love to visit is Transylvania. I find the Dracula legend so compelling but, to be honest, I am not sure the famous castle even exists. How amazing it would be to find out!

    Sun and sand holidays, on the other hand, are not really my style. I’ve done the Costa del Sol and the Greek islands in August. Now it’s the Mediterranean in winter that speaks to me. I’d like to climb Mount Etna when the temperature isn’t in the nineties, find out whether the Greeks eat hot puddings in winter, look at some serious archaeological sights and museums. These are the sort of holidays I would go for now, holidays with magic where new stories are always beginning.

    2 Going in a group

    ©-yanlev-Depositphotos

    I’m single at present and a gay group holiday would be far preferable to holidaying on my own.  There’s less of a gay scene in my area these days so I don’t socialise too much. I tend either to go on dates or I trek to London for an evening in a pub where I’m mostly mixing with strangers. A holiday in the company of other gay people would be just up my street.

    The dynamics of a group on holiday allow you to get to know people better than a string of one-to-ones. You see them in different situations interacting with each other. That’s certainly what I found when I used to go abroad with friends from Uni. And everyone is different. Some people are good to talk over experiences with while others will buck you up if you need encouragement. When I’m in countries where English isn’t spoken, I sometimes have to swallow hard before going into a bar or cafe on my own. Those sort of nerves don’t even happen when you’re in a group.

    I think some people might prefer a holiday where the destination is a backdrop for the group: that would apply to stag weekends for example.  But it’s not quite me. I would prefer to be in a place that’s fascinating in its own right with the group making it a shared experience. That would strike a better balance.

    3 Guide

    A guide on a group holiday is a necessity. Particularly on a short break. Particularly in unfamiliar places. The main reasons are practical. We’ve all been on tours where the guides have been charming and obliging. However, that is not the essential thing about guides. It’s the time and stress they save you. Of course, you know that you could actually do most of their work for yourself but who wants to spend a holiday navigating a strange city, working everything out by trial and error? I once spent a whole weekend in São Paulo without realising it had a Metro. That’s the sort of thing that can’t happen when you have a guide.

    By the way, when I say a guide I’m not just talking about a knowledgeable person who shows you around ancient monuments.  I mean someone who is part of the group and can resolve any difficulties almost before they happen. That’s especially important when the group members are gay men. There may be information they need and are shy about asking for: where to buy things, where to cruise, local sensitivities or whatever. The guide needs to be well-informed, discreet and ready to help with any of these issues.

    4 Financial security

    Boring I know, but if I’m splashing out on an all-inclusive package then I want the confidence that I’m getting what I’ve paid for. That means an ATOL certificate and the necessary bonding arrangements to ensure that if the operator goes bust I’ll get a similar holiday or my money back. This isn’t negotiable for me. I haven’t heard of cowboys in the gay tourism sector but it’s a rapidly developing market so you can be sure there are a few out there. I like adventures and I like the unexpected but some risks I don’t take. For me, financial security is a red line.

    5 Freedom

    After everything I’ve said about groups and guides and financial security, it may sound a bit rich saying I want to be free on holiday. But I do. Although I’m pretty gregarious but I also like to get away from time to time. I can see myself spending a few hours with just one or two other members of the group or maybe just going off to explore on my own. I’m quite typical of many gay men in that I know how to enjoy my own company. I’ll be frank too. If I’m going to visit a sauna or somewhere like that I don’t necessarily want to be surrounded by people I know.

    From the tour operator’s point of view, giving people freedom means making some excursions optional but it’s also a question of approach. Right from the start, in the marketing, it should be clear that the tours are for people who don’t want to socialise a lot as well as those who do. The attitude of the guide should reinforce this. It’s imperative to avoid people being pressured into more involvement than they want.

    6 Gay means gay

    If a holiday is sold as “gay” then that’s what it should be. “Gay-friendly” doesn’t pass muster. I realise that most of the barriers between gay and straight have come down in recent times, but that makes me more, not less, interested in services that are specifically designed for gay people. Virtually all hotels, restaurants and bars welcome gay customers now but that doesn’t make them particularly gay. It just sends out the reassuring message that they’re homophobia-free which is great but doesn’t make for a gay experience in any positive sense.

    What I would really like to do on holiday is meet other gay people socially. That is not going to happen in a gay-friendly hotel if there don’t happen to be any gay people in it!  I’m not saying I want to time-travel back to a 1970s ghetto where everyone’s a friend of Dorothy and speaks Polari. But I would like to experience things with other gay people so that we can talk about them over dinner in the evening. That sort of relaxed approach increases the possibility of making friends, perhaps even long-term friends. Of course, no tour operator can guarantee that but it ought to be possible to make it a bit more likely. It’s certainly worth a try.

    David Melmoth

    Melmoth Travel

  • You should check yourself for these symptoms after coming back from your holidays

    You should check yourself for these symptoms after coming back from your holidays

    Summer holidays often lead to an increase in unprotected sex and STIs. New experiences and copious amounts of alcohol can often lead to unwise choices.

    (C) BIGSTOCK

    Take proper precautions and always get properly checked when you get back home. To ask for more information on STIs, we spoke to the team at the STI Clinic.

    Symptoms of an STI

    Pain while urinating

    A burning sensation or pain whilst urinating could be a possible sign of an STI. If you notice this, make an appointment to rule out infections such as chlamydia or urethritis.

    Penis discharge

    Any discharge from the tip of the penis could be a symptom of an STI. Cloudy, white, yellow, or green discharge is a possible sign that something is wrong. If you experience any unusual discharge, visit a doctor to get checked as soon as possible – it could be a symptom of chlamydia, gonorrhea, or urethritis.

    Pain in testicles

    Pain of any kind is usually an indicator of a problem in the body. Pain in the testicles can be a sign of an STI. You might experience the pain whilst urinating, during sex, or just throughout your daily life. Book an appointment to get checked if you experience pain, as it can be a sign of either gonorrhoea or chlamydia.

    No symptoms at all

    Alarmingly, many STIs do not show their symptoms for a very long time. It can take weeks, months, or years for any signs of infection to show up – so, just because you don’t have symptoms it doesn’t mean you’re not infected. Take proper precautions and get regular check-ups.

    Chlamydia has been termed the “silent epidemic” because of its lack of obvious symptoms. Around 70% of women and 50% of men experience no symptoms at all when they are infected with the disease. HIV is even more elusive – often not showing signs for years, and sometimes not showing signs at all.

    (C) BIGSTOCK

    Getting tested

    Never hesitate to get tested if you think there’s a chance you have an STI. Even if it’s unlikely, it’s best to get tested as soon as possible. Don’t risk waiting for your symptoms to appear.

    Most tests can be done in a doctor’s surgery, at a local GUM clinic, and some can be done through the post. Most are done through providing a urine sample or a urethral swab.

    Getting treated

    (C) BIGSTOCK

    Don’t panic if you find out that you have an STI because most can be completely cured or controlled with medical attention.

    Gonorrhoea

    There are now only a few antibiotics left that still treat gonorrhoea, as it has developed a resistance to the drugs that were first used to treat it. An intra-muscular injection is the most common form of treatment.

    The symptoms of gonorrhoea usually take around 2-3 days to disappear after treatment. Make sure you are tested again 2 weeks after treatment and avoid having sex for at least a week afterwards.

    Chlamydia

    Chlamydia is treated with a course of antibiotics. Both you and your partner should take the antibiotics at the same time, and refrain from intercourse throughout your treatment (even with a condom).

    Someone who has been infected multiple times is much more likely to suffer from long-term complications. If you contract chlamydia, be extra careful not to get it again.

    (C) BIGSTOCK

    If you are in any doubt, it’s best to get tested. It’s never been easier to get tested for STIs, and the sooner an STI is caught, the easier it is to control and treat.

    Advice given by Dr Elizabeth Kershaw-Yates, GP and one of the medical team at The STI Clinic: https://www.thesticlinic.com/ 

  • What’s the best way to get from Heathrow into central London?

    What’s the best way to get from Heathrow into central London?

    If you’re flying into Heathrow and travelling into central London there are several options for you ranging in price and convenience.

    The cheapest option

    The cheapest option to travel from Heathrow to central London is by what the locals affectionately call The Tube. Heathrow is right at the end (or start depending on how you look at it) of the Piccadilly Line (the dark blue line). It serves all the terminals at London’s Heathrow airport.

    What’s brilliant about the Piccadilly Line is that it also serves most of London’s touristic areas, such as Leicester Square (one of the closest stations to London’s gay scene), Covent Garden and Knightsbridge.

    The trains run frequently and within the operating hours of Heathrow. The travel time from Heathrow Terminal 5 to say Leicester Square is around 54 minutes. You don’t need to make any changes and because Heathrow is at the beginning of the line you are almost certainly guaranteed a seat.

    Make sure you get an end seat so you can store your luggage in the little space provided at the end of the row. Don’t bring your luggage further into the carriage. The aisles are not big and your baggage will cause an obstruction.

    Getting on and off London’s Tube is super easy, especially if you have a contactless debit or credit card or you can buy an Oyster Card and top it up and pay as you go. Travelling with an Oyster or Contactless payment card means you’ll always pay the right fee and it has a daily cap, so you’ll never spend more than a traditional travel card.

    This journey will cost you £5.10 (PEAK) and £3.10 (OFF PEAK) with an Oyster or Contactless card. With cash it will cost you £6.00.

    The quickest option

    TfL Image - New Tube for London Interior

    The quickest way to get from Heathrow into central London is by the Heathrow Express which terminates at Paddington. Paddington offers great connections to all areas of London via the Tube.

    Heathrow Express runs every 15 minutes and the journey time takes just 15 minutes.

    A one-way ticket costs £25 ($33, €28) during peak hours ( 6:30 AM – 9:30 AM and 4 PM – 7 PM) or £22 ($29, €25) off-peak. Returns are charged at £37 ($49, €42). You can buy tickets as cheap as £5.50 if you book online, for the weekend, and in advance.

    Tickets can be bought online, at the station, at a ticket machine or via the Heathrow Express app. If you buy your ticket on board the train you will be charged more £30 (Peak) or £27 (off-peak) a return is charged at £42.

    The most comfortable

    Uber, Minicab, London’s Black Cabs

    The most comfortable way to travel from Heathrow with no stops or changes will be by private hire car, but watch out for the prices. You could end up with an expensive bill. The most expensive option is the iconic London black taxi which could cost up to £90 ($118, €101) and take 60 minutes. The taxis stop at the taxi ranks located outside each of Heathrow’s arrivals’ halls. All of London’s Black Cabs have wheelchair access.

    The cheaper of the options is to order an Uber direct from your smartphone.

    All taxis pick up passengers from the Taxi ranks.

    The Coach

    There is a coach service that runs all day with up to 51 departures per dat. It’s run by National Express. They depart from every terminal and arrive at London’s Victoria Station, 300 metres from the Tube. Prices are from £6 per ticket.

    The most freedom

    As you’d expect all the major car hire companies have a desk at Heathrow and are all located in the Arrivals’ hall in each of Heathrow’s terminals.

    Remember in the UK we drive on the left.

    Looking for great deals on Car rental in London? Check out Rentals.com for the latest prices.

    There aren’t many toll rolls, but be warned we do have the daily congestion charge in central London (operates from 7:00 AM until 6:00PM). Any car (non-electric) that enters the zone will be charged a daily £11.50 fee, which you have to pay by midnight or the fee increases to £14 up until the midnight on the following day. After that you’ll be slapped with a hefty fine. You can pay over the phone or online.

     

    Looking for great deals on Hotels while staying in London? Check out Hotels.com for the best deals.

    Created July 2018

  • Top 10 gay things to do in Key West for free

    Top 10 gay things to do in Key West for free

    Making a trip to Key West? Here are some of the must-see, free things to do while on the gay-friendly island.

    free things to do in Key West, USA

    Big gay road trip

    Firstly getting to Key West can be one big gay affair with your very own big gay road trip. Key West is by far one of the most friendly areas for gay travellers in the United States outside San Francisco or New York.

    Travelling by car to any of the keys is definitely the most impressive way to see all the keys and their different styles. Simply slap on some Shania Twain, Britney and Kylie and sing your heart out in a convertible for mile after mile.

    Gay Key West Visitors Centre

    Want to find out more about what’s gay in Key West the helpful Gay Key West Visitors’ Centre should be your first stop.

    Hot tub it at a gay guest house

    Bourbon has an all-male guest house called New Orleans House (724 Duval Street). You don’t need to be a guest to use their facilities, but drinks and foods are chargeable. So why not take a dip in one of their pools and feel free to shed some clothes as the resort is clothing optional.

    Pan Am’s birthplace

    Pan Am was an iconic airline which can trace its roots to Key West. Pan Am was seen as one of the world’s finest airlines. It introduced the world to the Jumbo Jet, was the first airline to space (in film anyway, thanks to 2001: A Space Odessey) and its camp but classic uniforms have been copied and revered countless times, including in the Britney Spears’ music video for ‘Toxic’. As far as we know, Pan Am is the only airline that has a drag queen named after it, Pam Ann.

    Photograph yourself with an icon

    Fancy getting up and close to a true icon. Outside the Tropic cinema, there’s a life-size model of Marilyn Monroe. Make sure you see the cinema at night when the neon lights shine brightly making the independent cinema complex a must-see on the island.

    Gay bar crawl

    It’s quite easy to do a gay bar crawl in Key West, after all, they are, for the most part, on one street, Duval Street. There’s the Bourbon Street Pub, 801, Bobby’s Monkey Bar, Aqua Key West, La Te Da, Saloon1, Garden of Eden. Duval Street is also famous for having the world’s biggest pride flag unravelled along its 1.25 miles.801 Bourbon Bar and Bobbies Monkey Bar provide free Karaoke most days of the week.

     

    Key West Historical Memorial Sculpture Garden

    Key people to Key West are memorialised at the Sculpture Garden, including writer Tennessee Williams who was key to assimilating the LGBT community into Key West. While you’re at you could pop into the Tennessee Williams’ exhibit. He lived in Key West until his death in 1983. It is open daily from 9:30 AM til 4:30 PM (there is an admission charge for the museum).

    Kissing your partner at the southernmost sunset in the USA

    Every night hundreds of people gather at Mallory Square to watch and applaud the setting of the sun. It’s one of the most beautiful sights you’ll see and well worth giving your partner a quick smooch as the sun goes down.

    Holding hands at the southernmost point of the USA

    Hold your partner’s hand at the southernmost point on continental USA.

    Higgs Beach

    Although technically not a “gay beach” Higgs has a poignant AIDS memorial, which informs visitors about gay history. The beach is at the southern end of White St. with Higgs Beach Dog Park on the Westside.

    Find out more about the Keys at the official website

     

  • What’s the best way to get to the Keys in Florida?

    What’s the best way to get to the Keys in Florida?

    The Keys in Florida is a must visit for any gay traveller to the States, but what’s the best way of getting there and which Key should you go to?

    Gay and LGBT things to do in Key West.
    FitzFox / Pixabay

    At the far reaches of the Keys is Key West, which is where you’ll find most of the Keys’ gay life. There are three main ways in which you can arrive to the extremely gay-friendly Key – by car, plane and boat.

    From the latter, you can fly directly into Key West International Airport. Despite its name, you won’t find any direct flights from the UK flying into the airport. There are a number of ways you can make the journey – a standard transatlantic flight (British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, AA and Delta all make these flights) into Miami, Orlando, Ft Lauderdale, Tampa or Atlanta and then getting a connecting flight to Key West International with AA, Delta or Silver Airways.

    One of the most impressive ways to arrive is by car, but be warned the journey is quite long from Miami to Key West (about 4 hours, including comfort and food breaks) and there’s no guarantee of parking once you get there. Space is limited in Key West and there are many resident-only parking spaces. Hotels and resorts in Key West tend not to have their own parking.

    Along the scenic and historic drive, you’ll cross over 42 bridges that connect the islands. One of the most famous is the Seven Mile Bridge, which connects the Knight’s Key and the Little Duck Key. While on the Seven Mile Bridge you’ll be able to see an original bridge built in 1909 – 1912 which is now restricted to cyclists and pedestrians. This was the bridge that was constructed under the direction of Henry Flagler, whose vision of connecting the Islands with an Overseas Railroad ensured the growth of tourism in the region.

    You can also travel by sea. Key West Express operates a high-street ferry from Ft. Myers Beach and Marco Island on the west coast of Florida. It takes three and a half hours.

    Authors tip: When I travelled to Key West (in April time) we managed to find a parking space relatively close to the hotel we were staying at, The Equator Resort. The spaces are marked. Some have “residential” printed on the ground next to them – others do not. We asked a local whether the space in which we had parked was okay – and he told us, “you’ve won the lottery ticket” – meaning that parking spaces are few and far between. During our stay, we didn’t move the car – but opted to get taxis if we decided to leave the Key. However, it should be noted that Key West is not that big and most of the places of interest like the: Southern Most Point, the legendary Pan Am’s birthplace, the gloriously iconic Tropic Cinema and the poignant Key West Historical Memorial Sculpture Garden.

    For more information on the Keys be sure to visit and bookmark the official website.