World Travel News Gay and Lesbian Travel

Out and proud and looking for a fantastic travel experience? Every couple wants the opportunity to relax, have fun, and be themselves while on vacation, so we’ve compiled a list of some great gay-friendly vacation ideas, from exciting gay and lesbian events like Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras in Sydney, to laid-back, rainbow proud cities like Key West and Provincetown where couples can walk hand in hand along the beach, or enjoy a romantic evening over a candle light dinner in a carefree and accepting atmosphere.

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras

This year, Sydney’s annual fun fest is celebrating it’s 30th anniversary — if you’ve never been to this dizzyingly delightful event, this is the year to get inaugurated! From cabaret to comedy, dance parties to discussion groups, film festivals to fabulous fashion, Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is one of the world’s most joyous and memorable events. Big performers this year include comedian extraordinare, Marget Cho, and pop legend Cyndi Lauper. Celebrations actually get under way in February, with a full month of cultural, social, and musical events, all leading up to the preeminent Mardi Gras parade and party on March 1. Whether you choose to march in the parade, or watch from the sidelines, your sense of pride will skyrocket as thousands of gay and gay-friendly folks gather to celebrate this year’s theme, “Brave New Worlds.” The after-party promises an electrified night of performances by some of the world’s most cutting-edge DJ’s mixing beats inside kaleidescopic light shows. Let the dancing begin!

Tickets and passes for individual events, as well as the main parade and party are going fast, so if you want to be part of one of the greatest gay and lesbian celebrations in the world, start booking as soon as you can. For a list of great hotels to choose from in Sydney, check out Sydney Hotels.

Key West, Florida

In Key West, where the average temperature is just under 80 degrees, gay and lesbian couples will find a fabulous variety of fun in the sun activities. One of the United States’ most gay-friendly cities, Key West is an island paradise where the official motto is “One Human Family.” Any time of year, travelers can enjoy tanning on the beautiful beaches, diving and snorkeling in crystalline waters, biking through the historic district of Old Town Key West, experiencing the vibrant nightlife of Duval Street, stopping to smell the roses at Key West Botanical Forest and Garden, and so much more. Key West is also host to some exciting annual events, such as Gay Spring Break in March, Pridefest in June, and Womenfest in September. Key West’s GLBT Visitor’s Center is a fantastic resource for gay and lesbian travelers, offering information on activities, special coupons, and discount offers. Read the rest of this entry »

World Travel News Hawaii Vacations

Seeing as how our theme here at RealTravel this week is couple’s travel, I felt we would be remiss if we didn’t mention that one place, which quite possibly inspires more thoughts of relaxation and romance than anywhere else in the United States. I am, of course, talking about Hawaii. For couples around the world, a visit to this tiny archipelago in the central Pacific Ocean has long been the stuff of wistful dreams and fond memories, whether for vacations, honeymoons, anniversaries, or a simple romantic getaway.

Comprised of eight main islands, there really is something for every couple to experience in the Aloha State, from the ruggedness of camping to the ease of resort life. Regardless of your traveling preferences, however, one thing is absolutely certain: it will be beautiful and it will be memorable. Brightly colored exotic flowers, lush green ferns, sandy beaches in white, black and even green, and warm, blue waters are just the beginning. Of the state’s eight main islands, each has their own character, charm and attractions that make each a unique destination in and of themselves, but the three most visited are Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii (also known as the Big Island).

Oahu

Known as the Gathering Isle, Oahu contains the thriving metropolis of Honolulu, home to a vast majority of the state’s population. The third largest island in the chain, it is also by far the most popular destination for travelers, who flock to visit the famous, and often extremely crowded, Waikiki neighborhood. If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of this more popular tourist hangout, try taking a trip to Oahu’s North Shore, which has some of the best places to surf in the world. Other attractions on the island include Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay and the Polynesian Cultural Center. Read the rest of this entry »

Traveling in Retirement

Traveling the world isn’t just reserved for young college kids, and this truth is no better demonstrated than by our many Realtravelers who have used their retirement years to take trips to every corner of the world.

The Surrey Skiers are one good example: a retired police officer and retired nurse, they created the acronym for their title “Skiers,” otherwise known as “Spending the kids’ inheritance.” Their travel style is as bold as their name, taking them through Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and more.

In their blog, they share tips for tips for other travelers about Beijing, Hong Kong, or Shanghai Hotels, or on attractions like the following: Read the rest of this entry »

Romantic Getaways Monterey Getaways

Monterey, California, is a spectacular beach destination in Northern California. It can be a great weekend or day trip from San Francisco. There you can visit one of the largest aquariums, Monterey Bay Aquarium. This aquarium has all sorts of animals to see and interact with, from penguins, to sharks, to a huge kelp forest. After the aquarium you can enjoy the town of Monterey. Read the rest of this entry »

Historical Sites in Peru

Tasty pachamancas, alpaca ponchos and flashy folk dances are not the only lingering reminders of Peru’s fascinating past. The country also boasts a number of spectacular ruins that are sure to blow any history buff’s mind and dazzle every visitor passing through. The presence of the Incan culture can be seen all around its different regions, ranging from Machu Picchu in the Andean cloud forest to the ancient city of Caral near the central coast.

Machu Picchu is probably the most famous symbol of the Incan Empire and was built in the mid 15th century. Due to its secluded location it was forgotten for hundreds of years until it was rediscovered in 1911 by American historian Hiram Bingham. RealTravlers Cass and Worth traveled to this marvel last February and were mesmerized by its beauty.

“With eyes still at half-mast we boarded the bus to see the sun rise behind a thick fog. For the first 30 or so minutes in the ruins, we had no idea which way to look through the fog. However, as the mist slowly parted, the timid rationing of the ruin’s appearance made its final unveiling all the more impressive. A deserving member of the 7 Ancient Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu is not only a marvel of architectural greatness, but also an example of a deep admiration for the natural world. The stunning temples, citadels and terracing act only to deepen the beauty of the surrounding piercing peaks.” Read the rest of this entry »