Gay Vacations For Singles And The USA
May 4th, 2010 by Howie Holben, under Travel and Leisure. 1 Comment
While most individuals are welcome in most areas of the United States, there are definitely areas which are more accepting of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered community than others. So, when such individuals travel, there is often more planning and research involved in choosing such a destination. To this end, there have been a number of travel guides published in relation to gay travel in the USA and beyond.
One such place is that of the cape off the coast of Massachusetts, as is reflected in a number of gay related tour guides and other information. In addition, areas such as Key West, FL are also more accepting and tend to host a predominately gay crowd when it comes to an area in which to celebrate marriage or visit while on Spring Break or for a Summer vacation. Therefore, it is possible for such individuals to feel quite at home in these two locations as well as many others which can also be found both online and in a variety of travel guides relating to same.
For, although the gay community has come along way in relation to gaining worldwide acceptance, there are still many roads to travel before such an accomplishment can be reached, if ever. This is because there are still several countries which do not welcome and some, who even have laws, related to homosexual lifestyles and behaviour. One such place being Morocco where one can be jailed simply for looking at someone of the same sex in a sexual way.
Regardless as to whether one buys travel guides or looks for such information online, there are a number of destinations which are more gay friendly than others. Although, one may want to call or e-mail businesses listed in such guides to be sure one is still in business. For, while most are successful, there are others which have had to close, especially during the recent economic downturn.
So, if one plans accordingly, based on knowledge about such a business, one can avoid any surprises which may be waiting at a preferred destination of choice. By doing so, one can also plan ahead with regards activities and lodging in the area along with finding a number of restaurants which not only cater to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered community but which also offer foods which one may require in relation to any dietary restrictions.
While the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered community has come along way, not only in the United States, but around the world, there is still a great deal more to be done before individuals can find true equality. Therefore, as one might envision, the States within the United States which honor and recognize gay marriage have some of the highest rates with regards to tourism. Something States such as California and others, currently striving to offset deficits may also want to consider before allowing such discrimination to continue.
However, if the States were smart, the States would pass laws applying the same equal rights with relation to gay marriage as others have done. For, in doing so, the States can increase their levels of tourism by promoting equality and acceptance for all. Something, States which have passed gay marriage laws have seen through an increase in associated tourism. To this end, many individuals seeking to go on vacation, often focus on the States which now have the option of gay marriage available on a legal basis, regardless as to whether one desires to get married on such a vacation or not.
Therefore, it is essential for safety during travel for individuals desiring to go on gay tours in the USA to do their research with regards to such travel. This is because if one knows the best and most welcoming areas which to visit, one can save oneself a great deal of frustration and possibly grief in the process. However, if one does such research and visits places which are openly welcoming of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered community, then one can have an outstanding vacation which can possibly offer more fun than one believes one can have in a lifetime.
Howie Holben, the author, is the owner of Spirit Journeys, a gay travel organization that focuses on spiritual travel. Howie has travelled the world learning from indigenous peoples. You can learn more about Howie, his work and gay trips with a spiritual concentration at Spirit Journeys website.
ella on May 7th, 2010
Nice Article!
good to hear that there are lots of gay vacation places today, or simply places where LGBT are welcomed very much. And one(1) of those places is Hawaii. Actually, we’ve been there for a gay vacation, a retreat themed “gay travel hawaii“. She said it was great there, so why not give a try?