GOGOBOT Real Advice from Real Travelers
CHECK THIS OUT!
“We believe planning your trip should be almost as fun as the trip itself
Whether it is a week’s vacation, a business trip or a weekend getaway, we believe planning your trip should be almost as fun as the trip itself. We believe the best advice comes from people you trust – people like you – and not from anonymous strangers on the internet. We believe sharing your experiences should be as simple as touching the screen on your phone. We are passionate about technology and design and their power to reshape our world for the better.”
Gogobot Makes Foursquare and Facebook Check-ins Travel-Worthy
Gogobot is a travel website that makes it easy for people to find and get recommendations from friends about what to do and where to stay while traveling in specific destinations. People can ask a question to their friends on Gogobot or ask all their Facebook friends and Gogobot pulls the answers back and organizes the information into a travel plan, with the addresses, phone numbers and other information about specific attractions, restaurants, hotels, and the like.
Gogobot basically does what services like TripAdvisor should have already been doing–giving you reviews of travel destinations from your trusted friends, rather than having you rely on the advice of strangers. It’s something that Yelp has done for local businesses, though Yelp is not as much a travel service.
Northern Decadence Vermont September 9 & 10, 2011
Celebrating Vermont’s Diversity & Culinary Tourism
Come out for the First Annual Northern Decadence Vermont! Maple syrup, gourmet ice cream, award-winning cheeses, microbrews, wines, sauces and other specialty foods. Beautiful natural scenery, world-class restaurants, family attractions, shopping, entertainment, arts and culture.
Produced by the Vermont Gay Tourism Association, Northern Decadence includes three exciting events, including a:
Culinary Cruise on Lake Champlain on the Spirit of Ethan Allen on September 9th, from 9:00 pm until 12:00 midnight. Dancing, entertainment and delicious foods will be available. The Vermont Gay Social Alternatives (vgsa.com) is partnering with the VGTA to present the cruise. Tickets are $45.
Food Festival and Art Show at the Hilton Burlington on September 10th, 11:00 am until 5:00 pm. The public will be able to sample some of the best specialty foods made in Vermont and New England, plus learn cooking techniques at presentations by noted chefs. A silent auction with items and certificates from restaurants, resorts, inns and other businesses will be held during the day. Tickets are $10 and includes 10 sample tickets. Children 12 and under are free.
Dance Party at the Higher Ground in South Burlington on September 10th, 9:00 pm until 2:00 am. Dance the night away to the latest tracks by the hottest artists today, plus enjoy live entertainment, and an underwear fashion show courtesy of Macy’s. Tickets are $20.
The Vermont Gay Tourism Association, with support from the Vermont Department of Tourism & Marketing, created Northern Decadence to promote Vermont’s tourism, weddings and culinary culture to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) travel market.
Northern Decadence.
Columbus Ohio Rated High As A Travel Destination For LGBT
COLUMBUS, Ohio —
Columbus is widely known as an open and inviting community and a leading Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender destination.
This weekend, 14 leading LGBT travel writers from Canada and around the U.S. toured Columbus for story ideas. – Best Gay Cites was one of them!
Experience Columbus hosted the group of writers who visited local attractions, dining at area restaurants, and checking out the shopping and nightlife. Saturday night, the group was at the Short North Gallery Hop where the arches are lit in rainbow colors to welcome the guests.
“Columbus should be extremely proud of itself for the way that Gay and Lesbian people feel welcomed in this community and city,” said Matt Mills who writes for Extra, a Toronto-based publication. “I would come back any time and would not hesitate to recommend it as a destination to Canadian travelers in the Gay community.”
“It was an amazing fun time and very eye-opening,” said Michael Snell from NewGayTravelGuide.com , “this city has a lot to offer on so many levels and we are so happy to be here.”
Watch for lots of articles in the coming weeks on Gay Columbus Ohio!
Pacifica California Waterfront Lodging Just Minutes South of San Francisco
is perhaps the most beautiful state we have in the US – at least in my opinion.
You can travel from Northern to Southern and see so many spectacular areas. San Francisco is often rated one of the most popular tourist destinations for both straight and gay travelers. And one of my favorite trips is fly into SF, stay a couple days, then rent a car and drive down the coast stopping in various cities along the way!
Courtney Conlon, CEO of the Pacifica Chamber of Commerce announced today the launch of the new Visit Pacifica website (Visitpacifica.com), as the seaside community embarks on a marketing plan to promote Pacifica as a destination for travelers.
Seeking to increase tourism, business and residential opportunities, Pacifica provides the only waterfront lodging opportunities in the immediate San Francisco area and a plethora of affordable and outdoor activities suited to visitors near and far.
“We are so pleased to get the word out to a broader audience about Pacifica, said Conlon. “We are a true coastal gem located just 15 minutes south of San Francisco and the airport, yet our visitors say they feel worlds away and right at home when they are here. We like to think of ourselves as the first doorway to serenity from San Francisco, with so many outdoor adventures – from hiking and biking to surfing, and golfing, making us a destination for visitors of all ages and interests.”
With the “staycation” trend in travel and tourism continuing to rise, Pacifica provides a home away from home for Bay Area residents and visitors alike. Its rich cultural heritage and bohemian-esque personality make it an original destination worth uncovering. Pacifica’s vibrant and unique offerings and natural beauty make it a haven for locals and travelers alike. Its diverse and affordable lodging, dining and entertaining options offer a wonderful opportunity to travelers considering a serene locale to relax and spend time with family and friends.
“We are really pleased to share Pacifica’s message with the larger community, and let more people know about our wonderful city,” said Mayor Mary Ann Nihart. “We hope to share the natural beauty and our wonderful community with many visitors and potential businesses and residents.”
The new branding campaign will promote all the elements that make Pacifica a special destination for visitors near and far. Along with the launch of the Visit Pacifica website, the Chamber employed Mana Brand Marketing to create the unique personification of a mermaid as its new logo, beckoning travelers to this ethereal enclave. The logo reflects Pacifica’s historic identity and calls travelers to enjoy the beauty of its seaside location. The mermaid has been utilized since the 1950’s to promote the town’s local Fog Festival, and throughout its history.
Pacifica’s rich history began
Whether taking in the view from an oceanfront room in Pacifica’s beachside hotels, watching the sun set over a candlelit dinner or experiencing the vast beauty of the area from atop one of Pacifica’s many cliffs, there are many unforgettable experiences, historical treasures and spectacular walking and hiking trails to explore. With delicious restaurants and cafes, comfortable hotels and unique shops, there is something for everyone in Pacifica.
** San Francisco has a Gay Bowling League – and according to their Facebook page, bowl at Sea Bowl in Pacifica, CA at 7:30 PM on Monday nights!
BestGayCities.com
CURACAO’S KNIP BEACH MAKES ANOTHER GAY TOP LIST
We’ve been telling you about Curacao for the last year – now Passport Magazine has crowned their Knip Beach, as one of the top 25 BEST BEACHES IN THE WORLD.
Curacao has been gaining popularity for the last couple years and now Gay honeymooners in search of a romantic, Caribbean destination, look no further than Curaçao!
Curaçao, known to be famously gay-friendly amongst the Caribbean islands, was the only Caribbean destination featured on Passport Magazine’s short list that included unique, global locales such as Vietnam, Cuba, Hawaii, Spain and Tahiti, among others.
The island’s Knip Beach, locally known as Kenepa Beach, is a picture-perfect Caribbean strand, with sugary white sands shaded by the lush green surrounding hillside. Popular with local Curaçaoans as well as tourists, Knip Beach is one of the largest and most scenic beaches on the island, featuring a cliffside lookout point ideal for snapping pictures. Visitors can head here for a quiet day during the week, or stop by on the weekends for a bite at the snack bar and plenty of fun in the sun.
“Curaçao is delighted to be recognized as one of the world’s best beach destinations for GLBT travelers,” says Curaçao Tourist Board Marketing Manager North America André Rojer. “Our 35 uncrowded beaches are some of our best-kept secrets, each distinctly unique. This recent accolade is timed perfectly with the passage of the gay marriage law in New York and previously other states, when locals are looking to take a gay-friendly, Caribbean honeymoon.”
Curaçao welcomes gay and lesbian travelers to visit the island and experience the ‘Live and Let Live’ atmosphere year round. The island holds the largest IGLTA membership in the Caribbean, with 17 proud members, including various hotels and island operators. Curaçao hosts an annual GLBT Get Wet Weekend, September 30-October 2, including cocktail, beach and boat parties galore! For more information on Curaçao’s gay-friendly experience, please visit GayCuracao.com.
Passport writes about Knip Beach, “You might see young men diving from the rocks or, especially during the week, it might be just you, that vast expanse of incredible water, the manzanilla trees framing a view of rugged cliffs and blue/green seas, with perhaps a tiny fisherman’s boat out in the water. Descend to the beach, where the sand is white as sugar, the water that aqua-emerald-who-knows-what-color-to-call-it-but-it’s-amazing hue that you’ll find only in the Caribbean.” Read the full story on Curacao!
About Curaçao
Selected as one of the ‘Top 21 Places We’re Going in 2011’ by Fodor’s, one of the ‘Hottest Destinations for 2011’ by AOL Travel and one of the ‘Destinations to Watch in 2011’ by SmarterTravel, Curaçao is a unique Caribbean island paradise, boasting 35 uncrowded beaches, and an eclectic mix of history and culture.
Explore the vibrant, culturally diverse capital city of Willemstad – a UNESCO World Heritage site – with its distinctive architecture, museums, monuments and world-class shopping. Indulge in Curaçao’s vast selection of flavorful restaurants, with a mix of sophisticated international and tasty local cuisines. Discover Curaçao’s abundant natural beauty, pristine dive sites and spectacular snorkeling at secluded beaches – including Cas Abao Beach, selected as one of the ‘Top 10 Beach Destinations for 2011’ by SmarterTravel. Curaçao offers idyllic weather, situated on the fringe of the Hurricane Belt. To learn more about the island of Curaçao visit Curacao.com. Get a FREE Curaçao information package or call toll free 1.800.328.7222.
June is Past, But Gay Pride Celebrations Continue
San Diego Pride… July 15-17
Amsterdam Pride.. July 30 – Aug 7, 2011
Vancouver Pride…. July 31
Montreal Pride…… Aug 9 – 14
Prague Pride Aug. 10-14
Copenhagen Pride. Aug 17 – 21
Capital Pride Ottawa Pride Aug 19-28
Honolulu Pride…… Sep 15 – 17
Las Vegas NV Pride…. Sep 16 -17
Gay Days Disneyland Anaheim, CA Sept 30-Oct 2
Atlanta GA Pride……… Oct 8 – 9, 2011
Demise of the Gay Neighborhoods? LGBT folks Assimilating More
From the Castro to Chelsea, Greetings From the Gayborhood, celebrates twelve traditionally gay neighborhoods in America, past and present. Featuring archival images along with nostalgic and sometimes kitschy ephemera (bar ads, event programs, matchbooks, flyers, and more) this scrapbook-style collection is the perfect souvenir for where the boys are and were.
Donald F. Reuter has chronicled the evolution of gay neighborhoods in twelve cities—Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York City, Philadelphia, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington DC—and studied how gentrification has affected them and their role in the greater community. Greetings From the Gayborhood is a spirited and sexy time capsule that celebrates the history, creativity, and longevity of gay America.
According to the gay-oriented travel guide Damron’s, the number of self-described gay bars and clubs in the U.S. has dropped 13 percent since 2005.
The reason is that as gay people report feeling more accepted by society, many feel less need to self-segregate…but also, there are more of us now!
There was also a recent article on REDISTRICTING and how we will affect that.
I think we will always have gay neighborhoods, but as more and more gays people come out, more and more of us blend and assimilate. WE ARE EVERYWHERE!
Gay Travel to Egypt, Tunisia and the Maldives, BEWARE!
Countries where homosexual acts are a criminal offence are to be added to Germany’s list of travel warnings for tourists, the government told parliament Tuesday.
The Foreign Ministry said there were 55 nations where visitors potentially faced prosecution for homosexual acts.
These include popular tourist destinations such as Egypt, Tunisia and the Maldives. It said travel advisories would be revised to take account of those laws.
China, Iran and Saudi Arabia were also on the list.
The ministry said German nationals had been arrested on suspicion of homosexual acts in Morocco, Gambia, Ghana and Lebanon since 2007, and four had received prison terms in Morocco.
Some countries, such as Australia and Brazil, actively advertise to gay tourists, promoting themselves as destinations for same-sex romance.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO! You don’t want to be arrested in foreign lands, trust me!
GAY HAWAII…..Maui SunSeeker Expands
Most resort destinations really have two gay communities, and Maui is no different. The local community tends to socialize in their own ‘family’ in private homes, informal groups or a weekly excursion to the beach. Although the local community is typically low-key, there are fundraisers and social events happening often, and visitors are always welcome.
The other gay group on Maui is made up of vacationing singles or couples, many of whom return to the island every year. The scene on Maui isn’t focused so much on high energy or heavy cruising but more on enjoying the incredible beauty found here.
Whichever group you identify with, you’ll find lots of opportunities to have fun, participate in activities and mix with the locals. Information on current local gay activities can be found online at Mauigayinfo.com.
From its heavenly beaches to its scenic natural wonders, there are plenty of reasons why Maui has been voted “Best Island” by readers of Conde Nast Traveler for more than a dozen years.
The second largest island in the Hawaiian chain, Maui is 48 miles long and 26 miles across with a land area of 729 square miles. But into that space is packed long, sandy beaches, tropical rainforests, rolling green pasture lands, dryland forests, and spectacular rocky cliffs.
Maui’s average temperature is between 75 and 85 degrees. In one day you can huddle at the top of Haleakala Crater watching a sunrise in 40 degree weather, sit on the sand at Kihei enjoying the tradewinds at noon, and watch the sun set in the west in the cooler evenings.
Maui Sunseeker LGBT Resort is the place on Maui where you can feel free to be yourself. Welcoming all, but catering primarily to the gay and lesbian traveler, we are the largest gay owned and operated hotel in Hawaii serving the gay and lesbian market.
Located in Kihei, on Maui’s beautiful south shore, Maui Sunseeker is the perfect place for gorgeous Pacific Ocean views, seasonal whale watching and magical Maui Sunsets.
Currently in an expansion plan to grow the resort from 17 guests rooms to 30 rooms during 2011. “We have exciting plans for the two new properties we have acquired that are adjacent to the current resort and one comes complete with a swimming pool.”
Come enjoy the view from your lanai or from their rooftop tanning deck. Take a moonlit stroll or early morning walk along four mile long Mai Poina ‘Oe La’u Beach, just steps from your door at Maui Sunseeker LGBT Resort!
IF YOU ARE AROUND THIS WEEKEND…..
They are celebrating the Grand Opening of the New Sugar Beach Building 600! Poolside full suites and more!
Want to convince yourself to get to Maui?
Check out the Maui SunSeeker webcam!
Installed by Bump Networks, the HD technology is amazing. Not only can you control the camera for 2 minutes at a time by clicking on ‘Control’, you can move the tabs at the top to swing the camera left and right.
Find out why readers of Conde Nast Traveler, keep voting MAUI, Best Island, for more than a dozen years!
Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah
On any given day, there are about 1,700 dogs, cats and other animals living at the Best Friends sanctuary, in Kanab UTAH. This is the nation’s largest animal sanctuary. Everything from bunnies and parrots to horses and pigs! They come for special care from shelters and rescue groups all across the country. Many of them just need a few weeks of special care before they’re ready to go to good new homes with loving families.
(The city of Kanab, county seat of Kane County, is often called “Little Hollywood” because of its film-making history over the years.
This town of 4,300 sits at the hub of the southwest’s national parks and offers exciting vacation opportunities year round. Kanab is located seven miles north of the Arizona border on U.S. Alternate 89, and is centrally located between Las Vegas, NV, Phoenix, AZ, Albuquerque, NM, Denver, CO and Salt Lake City, UT.)
The animals come to the sanctuary from far and wide. “But once they’re here, we make sure that nothing bad will ever happen to them again.
But there are also those who are the outcasts of society – unwanted, lame, too traumatized by past abuse, or too old, handicapped, or ill. For these lovable, innocent creatures, Best Friends is a unique home and haven. There’s just nothing else like it anywhere. “
PLAN A VISIT, TAKE A TOUR and/or VOLUNTEER!
It’s easy to become a volunteer and takes only a few minutes to sign up. You can volunteer at our beautiful sanctuary in Kanab, Utah; in your community, or right from your own home.
BestFriends.org
Utah Pride Center
OUT GAY ARTIST ARI GOLD on Gay Marriage
As someone who grew up as an orthodox Jew its also great to see other people from religious communities understand that this is not a religious issue but an issue of civil rights.
New York is where gay liberation in this country began so it only makes sense for New York to be one of the first states to make marriage equality a reality. And for this to pass during gay pride—it is truly a day to feel proud of being a New Yorker and American on the right side of history.”
Ari Gold/Singer, Writer, Performer and Gay Activist
Highly accomplished and openly gay pop artist Sir Ari Gold is a buzz worthy, subculture celebrity in his own right, quickly winning over critics far beyond the reach of the LGBT community.
Shortly after the release of his captivating and controversial “Make My Body Rock” single, Ari releases the second single off his fourth studio album Between the Spirit & the Flesh. “Sparkle” emerged with instant interest-catching soul and flavor. The track features Sarah Dash of Labelle (Patti Labelle and Nona Hendrix) to add a powerhouse female vocal that plays well with Ari’s range and strength.
This self-empowerment anthem is a rallying cry against bullies, but most importantly one’s own view of self-worth. The music video is directed by acclaimed visual artist and HIV/AIDS activist Duane Cramer. Making cameo appearances in the “Sparkle” music video are underground NYC superstars, LadyFag, Stephan Keating, Mila Jam, Laverne Cox (from VH-1’s Transform Me) and even Sir Ari’s mother.
As the mainstream catches up to this pioneering recording and performing artist’s future-forward genius, “Sparkle” continues Sir Ari’s unwavering commitment to LGBT rights and equality.
“There are some out gay artists who want to sort of push aside their sexuality,” he continues, “and that makes them more palatable to straight people. You’ve got to deal with the fact that I do actually like to have sex with men. I’m not just some funny, campy entertainer for straight people to laugh at.” (Read more of this interview from 2004.)
The NYU and Yale-educated Gold has been doing the national pride circuit — he is promoting his new album but also celebrating his connection with his gay fans. – This week he is ST PETERSBERG and October in ATLANTA!
SPARKLE video
OFFICIAL Ari Gold
SHERRY VINE – Looking for a Good Time..In a City Near You
from Berlin to Budapest,
international superstar
Sherry Vine has toured the world!
Sherry is one of our favorite NY Divas is back this month with a brand new, all original song – LOOKING FOR A GOOD TIME.
CHECK OUT THE NEW VIDEO
Directed by Francis Legge.
Song by Sherry and DJ Gomi
WATCH FOR SHERRY THIS SUMMER!
Sat June 11 – Boston Gay Pride
Fri & Sat June 17-18 – Zurich Gay Pride
Wed June 22 – Vienna
Sat & Sun June 25-26 – Antwerp Gay Pride
Thurs June 30 – Cabaret Mado, Montreal
Sat July 2 – Toronto
Wed July 6 – Blue Moon, Rehoboth with Joey Arias
Sat July 16 – Jungle Club, Atlanta (tix at
