Gaycation Magazine Issue 11 Nov-Dec 2014 by Gaycation Magazine

Gaycation m a g a z i n e

The Snowy Magic of Reykjavik Leavenworth, A Storybook Holiday

Vienna, The City of Music and Dreams

Nov/Dec 2014 Issue 11

www.gaycationmagazine.com Founder/Editor-in-Chief DJ Doran dj@gaycationmagazine.com Editor/IT/Marketing Joe Morales joe@gaycationmagazine.com Social Media/Circulation Tony Guadagnino @tonyguad tony@gaycationmagazine.com Contributors Rhona Baron Birna Bjornsdottir James Clark Donovan Hall Emily Stewart @BASEDtraveler Sebastian Strozza Advertising Department sales@gaycationmagazine.com Subscription Department subscriptions@gaycationmagazine.com Article and Photo Submissions editor@gaycationamagazine.com General Info travel@gaycationmagazine.com Social Media GaycationMagazine GaycationMag +Gaycationmagazine1 GaycationMag gaycationmagazine gaycationmagazine November/December 2014 Issue 11

About the Cover Photo: The image is a shot of Front Street Park in downtown Leavenworth Washington. Taken right at the early stages of dawn. Leavenworth puts up over half a million lights in downtown and all the lights in the park are now LEDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. For more information on this amaing city, see our Featured Article on Leavenworth and visit www.leavenworth.org Photo courtesy of Brian Munoz

Send address changes and subscription info to: Gaycation Magazine 931W 75th St Suite 137-215 Naperville, IL 60565 4

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Leavenworth, A Storybook Holiday

EVENTS 31 Postcards 42 Gaycation photos from the world over The Snowy Magic of Reykjavik

There’s This Place... Recommendations of unusual LGBT destinations.

Vienna, The City of Music and Dreams 60 What Was I Thinking? 66 Stories submitted by Gaycationers about crazy experiences. Gaycationers 74 Meet some of the incredible people that have become part of our family of The above photo is The Alphorn at the Enzian Inn. Gaycationers. Every day, Bob Johnson or his son, Rob, don their lederhosen and hats and perch atop the balcony rail outside the 4th floor Continental Room to “wake” the village with the low and mellow tones of the famous alphorn. This father and son team built the Enzian Inn, and, as you enjoy your stay here, you will see everywhere around you, evidence of their old-world craftsmanship and talent with wood. Photo courtesy of Brian Munoz

CONTENTS

Letter from the Publisher

Crossword

Advertising Index

UP Next

The Wire 10 LGBT travel news and information, ranging from hotel openings to travel planning tips. Book It! 16 LGBT friendly hotels and resorts. www.gaycationmagazine.com

Gaycation Magazine

Letter from the Publisher

It seems like yesterday that Joe and I were sitting in a hotel room in Las Vegas brainstorming about creating a gay travel magazine that was focused on the real nuances and challenges of what it is like for us as travelers. As the final weeks of 2014 slowly drift toward 2015 I think it is appropriate to reflect on the milestones that shaped us, changed us and motivated us to continue to work hard publishing a gay travel magazine worthy of YOU. However, before I get to far along in penning this letter, I would like to stop and take a moment to personally thank our readers, writers, advertisers, family, and friends for the unending patience, the deep well of encouraging words at just the right time, the unwavering loyalty as we worked to figure things out and most importantly, your unconditional support as we launched Gaycation Magazine and took those tentative first steps. It has been, and will continue to be, our goal to publish a gay travel magazine that is inherently different, edited for a more mature and sophisticated traveler and which can transport our readers through amazing and unique photography to destinations across the globe. I am proud to have worked with some of the finest LGBT travel writers in the field who share our vision of creating a magazine about gay travel that is more than just a directory of where the next party is being held. We will continue to provide content that showcases â&#x20AC;&#x153;off the beaten pathâ&#x20AC;? LGBT 6

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friendly destinations, hotels and resorts that do not often get the spotlight. In this issue we hope you will be inspired to explore the road less traveled and experience the many wonders of the world that only travel can reveal. Discover new friends and challenge yourself to travel beyond the boundries of the mundane. I have learned over the years that even with the best intentions our paths toward success is often littered with the debris of our mistakes. This does not necessarily mean that we should not try, it just reminds us that nothing ever goes according to the best laid plans and sometimes those setbacks and detours are the exact things that make you stronger and wiser and just in time for that unexpected opportunity that suddenly shows up on your doorstep knocking loudly. I look forward to the new opportunities and challenges of 2015 with the same vision and determination that guided us to create Gaycation Magazine. It is our hope that we have, in some small way, helped you to feel the excitement and wonder of travel by transporting you via the vibrant photography and informative articles to many of the wonderful destinations featured within our pages over the last few months. Finally, We look forward to bringing you more destinations, tips and insights on what to wear, what to bring and where to dine when you travel. We will share funny stories of what NOT to do from the first hand experiences of fellow travelers who have gone before you and photography that will inspire and motivate you to explore your world! Happy Holidays! DJ www.gaycationmagazine.com

PROVINCETOWN your vacation just got sexier

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The Wire

LGBT travel news and information, ranging from new hotel/resort openings to cruise itineraries and travel planning tips and products and services that we like

People to People, travel abroad program for students, hosts Keys info sessions By Jill ZIma Borski People to People, a nationally-known teacher-led program for student travel abroad, is organizing a few delegations in the Florida Keys to travel to Australia and Europe in summer 2015. The trips are between two and three weeks long and include artistic, cultural and service-oriented activities. Fourth- through twelfth-graders are eligible to travel in small groups of similarly-aged students. Educational credits are available for high school students. Information sessions are scheduled in Islamorada, Key West and Tavernier Sunday, Oct. 12, through Tuesday, Oct. 14. The Key West People to People program is in its third year, while the Upper Keys program is new. People to People was founded by General and President Dwight d. Eisenhower in 1956 who after World War II wanted to increase world understanding and opportunities for peace. Contact Jill Zima Borski at 305-852-9886 or jzimakeys@aol.com to learn more.

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Today more than two-thirds of African countries have laws criminalising homosexual acts and across the continent the imprisonment, murder and abuse of gays has become part of the fabric of society.

...Cape Town is hoping to usurp Rio, Toronto and Tel Aviv to become the world’s favourite gay destination and win a big slice of the “pink tourism” market which is worth an estimated $80bn ($50bn) worldwide. ...Gay men from all over Africa come... in their home countries they face persecution, violence and even death but here, if only on holiday, they can be free” ...Cape Town, where 10% of all tourists who visit the city are said to be gay, also won status as a worldwide favourite by Out and About magazine. And according to the International Global Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) South Africa, and Cape Town in particular, may soon realise its ambition to become the number one destination in the gay market. ...And today the Rainbow Nation remains the only country on the African continent that accepts same-sex relationships, after gay rights were enshrined in the post-apartheid constitution, drawn up 19 years ago. ...”The popularity of the Rainbow Nation amongst gay travellers is thanks to liberal laws and the fact that this is the only place in Africa where you can be openly gay. www.gaycationmagazine.com

...”We are also attracting gays from all over Africa itself and for those forced to stay in the closet in their home countries, South Africa is liberating.” ...It cited events such as Gay Pride, the Pink Loerie Mardi Gras, the Out in Africa Film Festival, Mother City Queer Projects and Mr Gay South Africa as some of the reasons for its popularity. ...Fanney Tismong, an acclaimed Johannesburg based film-maker who specialises in gay issues and township life, says huge strides have been achieved in South Africa but he agrees deep prejudices still remain in many parts of the country. He explains that lesbian women in South Africa are still targeted for so-called “corrective rape” and many gays in the townships live in fear of sexual assault and murder. ...”We have an established gay film festival, Out in Africa, which allows us to platform samesex couples issues and these matters are now being openly discussed in the media and by mainstream society.

The Gay Travel Capitals of the World

By Dane Steele Green Become a fan President and CEO, Steele Luxury Travel

Article originally posted on Huffington Post South Africa is the only country on the continent where gays and lesbians are equal to their heterosexual peers, and in a nice surprise, the competition for gay capital of the continent is pretty brisk. ...But I am going to go with Cape Town this time around, because the crime rate -- which is sky-high in South Africa -- is generally lower in Cape Town than in Jo’burg, and Cape Town actively bills itself as a gay destination. ...That being said, in March, Kyrgyz officials

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introduced a “gay propaganda” law even more restrictive than Russia’s, and in Kazakhstan, an official with the ruling Nur Otan party in 2013 condemned gays as “criminals against humanity.” ...On paper, Judaism is no friendlier to gays than Islam, but Israel is far more progressive in unshackling itself from dogma that might have made sense 3,000 years ago but is anachronistic today. The pride parade in Tel Aviv is the largest march in the city, the city actively promotes itself as a gay destination (it devotes a third of its marketing budget, about $100,000, to LGBTQ tourism), and the country even participates in the Eurovision contest. ...By 2009, pride parades began to crack the cold, Victorian exterior of the world’s largest democracy (kudos to Delhi for taking that first step), and the backbone required for Bollywood to explore the subject in films like Dostana should be rightly praised. ...From a gay tourist perspective, Berlin usually tops the list, but for this blog post, it comes down not only to scene but to legal equality (if such laws exist in the first place). ...This is a city that has definitively made gays part of its identity and history, so to Amsterdam, the town with “XXX” on its flag, my hat is off. ...But unlike the all the countries south of it, Canada has a solid groundwork for gays and lesbians, around 5 percent of its population, to stand eye-to-eye with the other 95 percent; gay marriage became nation-side law in 2005. When members of Canada’s indigenous population, particularly from the native-dominated province of Nunavut, protested that same-sex marriage was an intrusion on their beliefs, Ottawa told them where to get off in no uncertain terms.

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Photo ÂŠ LoggaWiggler

BOOK IT!

Recommendations of LGBT friendly hotels and resorts that help you engage with the identity of a destination.

A Guide to Finding a Place to Stay in London The saying “If you’re tired of London, then you’re tired of life,” implies only one thing. It’s time for you to pack your luggage and hit one of the most exciting cities in the world. Impossible to disappoint, we reckon that you’ll want to return time and time again and with such a cultural and diverse mix of people, you’ll be feeling like a Londoner in no time at all. Soho is the gay place to hang out, with gay bars and pubs, gay cafes and restaurants, gay hairdressers, gay shops and sex shops on every street. You’ll find it difficult to resist spending your time in Soho day or night; the area is lit up and alive round the clock. Soho is within walking distance of Covent Garden, Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus tube stations. I think it good to point out that these are some of the best areas in the city for shopping. As the gay scene in London continued to grow, it had to expand. There was a time when no gay Londoner would have considered going south of the river, it was a snobbery issue, but today Vauxhall Cross is home to the Vauxhall Gay Village. Don’t be confused by the name, it isn’t really a village, but a collection of gay super clubs where men literally party all weekend. It is possible to go into Vauxhall on a Friday and club all the way through to Tuesday, jumping from one venue to the next. Tuesday morning has recently been included into the weekend with Open at Fire. We understand when visiting London it can be a real hassle finding the right accommodation, we all have different requirements and it can be stressful looking through hundreds and sometimes even thousands of the properties available on-line. We want to assist you with the process and help you find the perfect apartment, guesthouse, hotel or 16

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by James Clark

hostel and have handpicked a variety of excellent gay-friendly accommodation options. Whether it’s a business trip, budget weekend, romantic weekend or you simply want to spend the weekend getting it on in Soho and Vauxhall, then this guide is created with you in mind. Conveniently located just north of Soho is FitzBB the gay bed and breakfast in the centre of the city. Rooms are comfortable, have double beds, Wi-Fi, tea and coffee making facilities, a TV and the breakfast waiting for you in the morning isn’t bad either. It has the added bonus of being a short walk to the enticing Charlotte Street restaurants and other hustle and bustle, whilst being on a quiet pedestrian street. Give FitzBB some serious thought if you want to be in the middle of it all and yet still want a good night’s sleep. www.fitzbb.me.uk Central Station in King’s Cross has been on the scene for decades and popular with regulars and tourists alike. Whatever you’re into you’ll be sure to find it here. Central Station has various themed nights so take a look at what’s on offer on the website before you go. They have B&B type rooms available, with shared bathrooms and the full English breakfast included in the price so it shouldn’t be missed. You may like it so much that you spend your weekend here without having to leave, believe us when we say you won’t be the first. www.centralstation.co.uk Another option seriously worth considering is staying in a hostel. London seems to be a bit dry on the gay hostel front at the moment; they closed as more and more good hostels kept popping up. There are plenty of hostels located near Soho and Vauxhall that are popular with gays due to location. In Soho head for Clink78, Clink261 or the Generator Hostel and over the river in Vauxhall try www.gaycationmagazine.com

the Journeys Hostel or London Eye Hostel. If you have problems finding a bed for the night call the London Hostels Association Ltd on 020 7834 9104 for up-to-date information and assistance finding a bed. If you want to stay in the very centre of Soho without spending hundreds of pounds then the Z Hotel Soho could be the one for you. The 85 bedrooms are a little on the small side, but are stylish, central and comfortable and the Z Café serves food that rivals any cuisine that you’ll find at the hundreds of restaurants in the West End. We recommend that you give this place a try. In Stockwell close to the Vauxhall Gay Village are the gay owned Griffin House Holiday Apartments, located in a Georgian town house that dates back to 1790. There are two apartments and both come fully equipped with dishwasher, bathroom with shower, broadband, TV and DVD player. Each apartment can sleep up to six. The proprietors live on site and are happy to help you out with planning your stay. Have you heard of the Gay Homestays global accommodation network? They offer affordable short-term accommodations across most of the major cities in the world. Most of their hosts are gay or lesbian and offer use of a private bedroom in a house or apartment, short-let apartment, gay guesthouse or B&B in a safe environment. The idea behind Gay Homestays is to make you feel right at home. It’s simple to use and you’ll be amazed at the amount of options available for as little as £25 a night, the money that you save can be spent on that wild night out in Soho and Vauxhall instead. www.gayhomestays.com Back in 1995 gay London was crying out for a gay run accommodation agency. Outlet opened its doors on Old Compton Street in Soho and has undoubtedly established itself as the leading gay letting agent. Outlet4Holidays provides an array of good quality and affordable accommodations on a long and short-term basis, mostly around the 18

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Soho and West End areas. And finally if you’d like to splash some cash and fancy something more luxurious then they can also help you with finding rooms in luxury hotels and apartments in the more exclusive parts of the city like Knightsbridge, Covent Garden and Kensington. www.outlet4holidays.com

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James Clark, UK Based travel writer, exploring the world everyday.

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Un rendez-vous élégant L’escale française par excellence, que ce soit pour des vacances ou un voyage d’affaires. Dans le confort luxueux d’une demeure historique située en plein centre-ville de Saint-Pierre, à 200 mètres du traversier. Une expérience exquise vous attend.

For a holiday, getaway or business trip... NSP is the quintessential French experience. Indulge yourself in modern luxuries. In the centre of town and a mere 200 meters from the ferry terminal our heritage building is a haven of elegance. An exquisite experience awaits you.

À Nuits Saint-Pierre le petit déjeûner est inclus At Nuits Saint-Pierre, breakfast is included

orial du To rrit

isme ur

Prix Te

Une petite faim? Besoin d’un cadeau ou d’un souvenir? A tad hungry? Need a gift or a souvenir? Rendez-vous au rez-de-chaussée de l’hôtel aux Délices de Joséphine Visit Les Délices de Joséphine on the main floor of the hotel

10 rue du Général Leclerc, BP 4445, 97500 Saint-Pierre et Miquelon 011 508 41 20 27 | 011 508 55 59 82 (cell)

nuitssaintpierre.com info@nuitssaintpierre.com

vos hôtes

The other kind of gay cruising. Caribbean Windjammer

INTIMATE Our private charter is host to just 24 guests, not 2,400 passengers. And our crew of ten is always ready to attend to your needs.

RELAXING Kick off your shoes while you feel the warmth of the Caribbean sea breezes. Leave the world-class DJ behind and enjoy the sounds of island tranquility.

INCLUSIVE Surrounded by like-minded gay men, let the camaraderie fuel your sense of adventure with breathtaking hikes on the islands of Nevus and St. Barths, snorkeling the crystal clear waters of St. Kitts or floating on a noodle in the shadows of our ship. And itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all included, no sticker shock bar tab at the end of the week! Pricing includes all onboard meals and snacks, beverages, beer and wine, snorkel gear, guided hikes, taxes and port charges.

Inaugural Sailing October 19-25, 2014 From $1,699 per person OutingsAndAdventures.com or call 727.776.5213 for more information

Photo courtesy of Brian Munoz Let’s just say you won’t find yourself in Kansas anymore this holiday season. On the other hand, you might think you’ve landed in an Oz-like fantasy when you arrive in Leavenworth. Leavenworth, Washington that is—a Bavarian themed village that Distractify recently listed as one of the thirty most beautiful small towns on the planet. Leavenworth nestles against the flanks of the Cascade Mountains on the eastern side of Washington State. The Wenatchee River flows along one side of town and the surrounding valley spreads like a jewel filled with green space and wildlife. That same proximity to natural resources gave the town its start in the early 1900’s but, like many towns in the west, by the mid 1960’s mining, timber and the railroad were running dry. At that point a group of local women stepped forward with a radical plan. They proposed that the whole community “Go Bavarian,” with surrounding mountains that looked just like Bavaria 22

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and an historic main street ripe for a makeover. By the 1980’s the transformation had taken hold, right down to the appearance of alpen horns, glockenspiel and lederhosen. Today, with a population of 2600, Washington’s Bavarian Village is home to a fascinating mix of friendly shopkeepers, restaurateurs and German immigrants as well as a vibrant community of outdoor enthusiasts. Millions of people visit annually from around the world. What you won’t find is a typical landscape filled with franchises. Leavenworth remains refreshingly local, with shops, restaurants, events and holiday cheer all crafted by the people who live in the area. Through five decades of focus and hard work, the townsfolk have mastered a unique blend of Bavarian charm and Pacific Northwest hospitality, meaning that Leavenworth does “Amazing Mountain Destination” very, very well--especially during the holidays. Good Morning America films live from the main street www.gaycationmagazine.com

Leavenworth, A Storybook Holiday by Rhona Baron

during December’s Christmas Lighting Festivals, snow drifting across the camera lens. In 2011, A & E named Leavenworth the Ultimate Holiday Town, USA. Head into the heart of the village in November and December and discover why. For starters, neon is a village no-no. A city ordinance mandates an old world, hand done, richly decorated feel for the buildings and streets, meaning Bavarian touches greet travelers at every turn. Embellished up several notches for the holidays, painted windows, decorations and hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights festoon the village. Main Street and the enchanting side streets are a ten-block walkway of anything you might anticipate in a holiday town. A large well-stocked year-around Christmas shop contains holiday décor and notions that boggle the imagination. Artisan sausage shops, bakeries, gift and clothing stores nestle beside lodging and wine tasting rooms. Recently, the wine industry has blossomed in North www.gaycationmagazine.com

Central Washington, meaning there are plenty of uber-local tasting rooms, award-winning varieties, and labels to choose from too. A local brewery anchors the end of the shopping district, right next to the Fest Hall, home to winter theater productions from the fastest growing theater company in the state. During the holiday season, there are special features like horse-drawn carriages piled with blankets, an outdoor Christkindlmarkt over the Thanksgiving weekend, and glowing burn barrels for warmth on icy days. The days and nights do get cold by the end of November when snow typically flies, transforming the village into nothing so much as a twirling snow globe. If you have a hankering for winter sports, the Leavenworth area provides many opportunities outside the village proper. Less than ten minutes from downtown, Cross country skiing takes off from multiple trailheads in the valley and there’s full-on downhill skiing at Steven’s Pass Gaycation Magazine

Photo courtesy of Brian Munoz

Photo courtesy of

about 45 minutes away. Winter sports and the Leavenworth valley have a long history, harkening back to the 1920’s when an enthusiastic group of locals built wooden ski jumps on a hill above town. The road that leads to the jumps is now named Ski Hill Drive. Today you can drive up Ski Hill to find a winter recreation area with two rope tows, cross-country ski trails, a tubing park and an historic log lodge where locals and visitors gather around a roaring fire après ski. From the lodge, keen eyes will spot the weathered, grey planks of the historic jumps cantilevering out above the big hill. Sipping hot cocoa it’s easy to imagine the North American Ski Jump distance records that were set in the 1960’s as well as the childhood adventures of two Winter Olympic athletes who grew up on these slopes. www.skileavenworth.com With the recent addition of an Amtrak stop, flight service to nearby Pangborn Airport in Wenatchee and two highways that lead to town, there is no 26

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need to click your heels to claim your holiday cheer in Washington’s Bavarian Village. Simply choose your travel time based on village events. The month of November is best for a quieter feel, a skiff of snow, an anticipatory mood as the holidays approach. You may find deals during the month of November and an utterly charming, low-key destination for holiday shopping, informal wine tasting with your friends, or a nestle-in with your favorite people. The first three weekends in December offer something completely different. Approximately ten thousand people pack the town square for the official Christmas Lighting Festival, which gets underway at twilight on Saturday and Sunday nights. The central Gazebo glows warmly, filled with carolers, callers, and characters that lead visitors in a countdown to illumination. As a rush of voices count down from ten to one, half a million lights twinkle to life over and around the village. It’s a magical moment to share and remember. Grab a www.gaycationmagazine.com

bag of roasted chestnuts on the street and wander with your new, wacky holiday hat and jingle bells for old-fashioned fun and cheer, gently reminiscent of ‘the day” when bright lights, tech and urbanity were the exception, not the norm. Not to say the village amenities are old fashioned. Leavenworth combines contemporary Northwest amenities with more rustic Bavarian charm. Multiple lodging, dining, tasting, recreation, entertainment, shopping and beverage options are available. There is even a Nutcracker Museum featuring one of the finest collections in the world. If you are in the mood for more of an escape, specialty lodging can be found away from the downtown core. B and B’s with breathtaking views, a large resort filled with culture and art, a luxury hilltop retreat accessible only by snow cat are just some of the possibilities. Watch for winter ski and stay packages on Leavenworth’s visitor site. There are many ways to picture yourself, your friends and family in Leavenworth this holiday season. Cruising the ski slopes, cozying up in a horse drawn sleigh, relaxing by a crackling fire, joining festivities on Main Street, sleuthing out the

perfect holiday gifts. Use your imagination. It’s a fairy tale get-away waiting for you in the Pacific Northwest. To learn more, visit www.leavenworth.org. Rhona Baron is a multidisciplinary artist and communicator who’s made Leavenworth her home since 1984. Rhona puts her talents to use in many ways. Visitors might find her artwork in the woods on signs about flora and fauna or turn on the radio to hear her mellifluous voice. From directing and performing in Christmas shows to leading a local choir or organizing a community group for the betterment of young women, Rhona is immersed in sustaining the Leavenworth community. Her business, Northwest Fresh Marketing, provides brand development and multi-media communications for businesses or organizations that offer amazing food and drink destinations. www.northwestfreshmarketing.com

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EVENTS

Here are the events and shows Gaycation Magazine will be attending or will have a presence. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re always adding more and looking for that special event for us to be at. If you would like us to attend your event, please let us know at travel@gaycationmagazine.com SEE YOU SOON!

Dec 30, 2014 to Jan 1, 2015

Evolve Vegas NYE www.evolvevegasnye.com

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Discover Ogunquit... in all seasons

Beautiful Place by the Sea ance to win a

ch Email us for a

OGUNQUIT F O T IF G 0 $10 ATE GIFT CEnR@TogIFunIC quit.org. at gaycatio in subject line. Put gaycation

Experience miles of beautiful sandy beaches, quaint seaport cove, fine dining, superior accommodations and a selection of unique shops and businesses in one convenient location.

2014 EVENT CALENDAR MAY 24-26 ~ NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt Display JUNE ~ Chamber Music Festival, Lifeguard Dash JULY 4 ~ Independence Day Fireworks! AUGUST 21 ~ Annual Sidewalk Art Show & Sale AUGUST 30 ~ Annual Labor Day Weekend Sidewalk Sale SEPTEMBER ~ Festival of Kites, Lobster Dash OCTOBER 24-26 ~ Annual OgunquitFest NOVEMBER 9 ~ Celebrations by the Sea Wedding Expo Photo Credits: Robert Dennis, David Sullivan and Ogunquit Beach Inn

ur Sign up for o at E-Newslettergr ogunquit.o

DECEMBER 12-14 ~ Annual Christmas by the Sea Celebration

OGUNQUIT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 36 Main Street (US Rt 1), Ogunquit, ME 03907

207-646-2939 ogunquit.org visitogunquit.org

Summer in Salem! Go Out Loud Ushers Summer Sea Cruise Events For EVERYONE This Summer! For the latest events, merch, news & tickets :

GoOutLoud.com

Happy Thanksgiving! May you receive all you desire!

Photo Courtesy of George Grimmhowell

Photo Â© Nemo at Pixabay

Photo Â© Geralt at Pixabay

Enter to win 5 nights in the Caribbean at the Floris Suite Hotel in Curacao Sponsored by:

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No Purchase necessary. Hotel accommodations only. Contest ends April 1, 2015 Visit www.purpleroofs.com/contest.html for additional contest details.

MIAMI’S LGBT VOICE

We warmly welcome you to the LGBT Visitor Center, the proud voice of all things gay in Miami and the Beaches. We’re located in Old City Hall in the heart of South Beach at 1130 Washington Ave., Suite 100, Miami Beach, FL 33139. To plan your next vacation in fabulous Miami Beach, go to GoGayMiami.com or call us at 305/397-8914. MAR Winter Party

APR Miami Beach Gay Pride Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival

MAY Aqua Girl Sizzle Miami

JUN Out in the Tropics

JUL Miami Beach Bruthaz Conference

OCT Orgullo

LGBT VISITOR CENTER •1130 WASHINGTON AVENUE, 1ST FLOOR, MIAMI BEACH • GoGayMiami.com This ad made possible through the support of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau. For a complete listing of events, please visit GoGayMiami.com Additional support generously provided by:

NOV White Party

Postcards

Show off your Gaycation by sending us your photos and we might put `em here!

G’day Australia! Waiting at the blowhole in Bicheno, Tasmania, for the sun to come up

Dawn to dusk. The blowhole in Bicheno is THE place to capture “break o’ day” shots - and sunsets. The photos in the Postcards section are courtesy of Dee Farrell, Editor of Rainbow Tourism. She and her partner were on Gaycation and thought these photos would go great with the winter issue since the cold and snow has begun setting in on most of us. I have to say, as I put these together, I was just a tad bit jealous. Especially since I have packed away my summer clothes and am now sporting socks in addition to a heavy jacket! Thanks Dee! I believe we’re all enjoying your Dee-touring!

The girls carried the sun home on their boards on Nusa Lembongan.

Halloween sunset at Blue Corner on Lembongan Island

Picture postcard spot above Lembongan Beach asleep at 7 am.

The Snowy Magic of Reykjavik

By Birna Hronn Bjornsdottir

December

is a magical month in Iceland. The average temperature hovers around zero degrees, not too cold, not too hot. The perfect conditions for adding a bit of snowy magic to the already enchanting old town of Reykjavík. During Iceland’s long winters its inhabitants do what they can to brighten their surroundings and lift their spirits. Never is it more obvious than during those few weeks leading up to Christmas. Reykjavik is charming and welcoming on any given day but during the holiday season its inhabitants, store owners and the city itself put a lot of effort in creating a truly magical h o l i d a y ex p e r i e n c e . Around the holidays the beauty of winter is on full display with snow adorning the trees, holiday lights in almost every w i n d o w , lamp-post and tree. Live music, mixed with the hustle and bustle of passers-by and Christmas songs chiming out of every store on Reykjavík’s main shopping street echo through the air. The brisk, fresh air, mixed with hints of hot chocolate and cinnamon is invigorating and the mood is festive. When Mother Nature feels like it The Reykjavik Pond freezes over allowing us to admire and, occasionally, laugh at ice skaters, some of whom are taking their first steps on the ice and others displaying wonderful talent after years of practice on the “Tjörnin” – the pond. If you want to get a taste of what the locals enjoy on a typical day in December, this is what www.gaycationmagazine.com

I recommend: First, pack a swimsuit, we‘ll explain later. Take a stroll down Laugavegur and up Skólavörðustígur, two of the city centre‘s main shopping streets where locals and visitors alike come to shop for presents for their loved ones. These are not your typical ‘high streets’ but much rather a collection of apartment buildings whose ground floors have been made into shops. You’ll see no Louis Vuitton but instead plenty of high fashion from local designers, often using Icelandic nature and materials as inspiration for their designs. Stop at one of the numerous cafés and try to find a seat by the window to enjoy some serious people-watching, made all the more special when sprinkled with a bit of holiday cheer. There are no Starbucks in Iceland but the downtown is littered with small artisan coffee houses. After your coffee, continue your journey to the top of Skólavörðurstígur where, on a small hill the tall and mighty Hallgrímskirkja church reaches for the sky in front of you. Hallgrímskirkja is Reykjavik‘s most famous landmark and a great place for a see Reykjavik from above, it really is the best spot to view all the colourful houses and rooftops that Reykjavik is best known for. During your walk around the city you might notice shoes placed in the windows of homes. There is a perfectly logical explanation for this. Children place a shoe in the window in the hope of the Icelandic Yule lads (the Icelandic version of Father Christmas/Santa Claus) will leave them a Gaycation Magazine

little present in the shoe during the night. This goes on for thirteen nights as the Yule lads are thirteen in total. Seeing as I consider myself a bit of a kid, at heart anyway, I still put my shoe in the window. My girlfriend, who seems to be in contact with the Yule lads facilitates the gift-giving process, despite me having recently hit my thirties which is about 20 years off the cut-off point for the Yule Lad’s gift giving. Of course the same rules apply to me as everyone else so if I‘ve been naughty I get a potato in my shoe. To catch up on the latest gossip (assuming you understand Icelandic) go to one of the numerous geothermal pools in Reykjavik where you’ll meet locals (here’s where the swimsuits come in handy). My favorite pool is Sundhöllin which name could be translated as the Swimming Palace. It’s a beautiful ‘art deco meets modernism’ building with an indoor pool, and outdoor hot tubs. After a dip in the pool it’s become tradition to get some ice cream or treat yourself to a hot dog. I say - do both! If you walk from Sundhöllin down to the sea you can follow the beautiful seaside with overlooking the Faxaflói bay, the mountains and the magical Harpa Conference and Concert Centre. The worlds most famous Icelandic hot dog stand is just a stone’s throw away from Harpa where you should treat yourself to a “one with everything”, trust me on this. I can’t really talk about Reykjavik without mentioning it‘s amazing neighbour. You may have heard the expression “Reykjavik lives next door to nature” and in my mind truer words have never been spoken. This comes in handy when visiting this charismatic capitol in the North as it can take you less than an hour to experience out of this world natural phenomena such as The Thingvellir National Park, the founding site of Iceland‘s parliament where, incidentally, the tectonic plates of North America and Eurasia are tearing the country apart allowing guests to walk or even dive between the continents, how amazing is that? Not far Þingvellir park you can visit the Geysir area (yes, we invented the word), and experience first 50

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hand what an erupting hot spring looks like and as if that wasn’t enough one of the world’s most impressive waterfalls is close-by and if you’re lucky you’ll catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights on your way back to Reykjavik. This is Pink Iceland’s favourite time of year and we hope to share the joy with more people during what we call PINK DECEMBER. We organize a series of events, big and small, planned and spontaneous, for every single day in December giving people the freedom to come whenever it suits them and plug into whatever is going on during their stay. Of course we still offer all our regular tours as well, including a Northern Lights Hunt which includes dinner and a visit to a hot tub in the middle of nowhere. The cherry on top of our December fun is the aptly named: Bubbly, Bonfire, Fireworks and Party Extravaganza Tour where our guests experience a New Years Eve the way we’ve done it since coming of age. When we created this tour we decided to make it a part of our own celebrations, making sure our guests really get to experience what it feels like being a local on this incredibly special night. All photos courtesy of Pink Iceland. For more information visit www.pinkiceland.is

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What was I thinking?: Stories submitted by Gaycationers about crazy experiences that left them scratching their heads and opining, “What was I thinking?”

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Book It!: Recommendations of LGBT friendly hotels and resorts that help you engage with the identity of a destination.

Feast: An in-depth exploration of a traditional local dish and how it connects tot he culture, with recipes and recommendations where to eat.

There’s This Place: Where to go next? Gaycation Magazine’s recommendations of unusual LGBT destinations off the beaten path.

Threads: The latest style trends, insights and tips from our fashion experts for the world traveler in all of us.

Postcards (Photo Section): Photos of Experiential LGBT travel moments captured by Gaycationers worldwide. Gaycationers: Photos of real LGBT travelers and explorers who have gone before you providing insights and resources which inspire you to pursue your personal travel passion.

The Wire: Brief LGBT travel news and information about new hotel/resort openings, cruise itineraries, travel planning tips, and products and services. Found It!: Short description of “must have” travel items for everyone from the novice weekender to the seasoned globetrotter.

Any articles, photos or information submitted to Gaycation Magazine become the sole property of Gaycation Magazine. The views and opinions stated throughout the magazine are not necessarily the view and opinion of Gaycation Magazine. Gaycation Magazine and its affiliates will not knowingly publish or advertise information, which is fraudulent or misleading. The Publisher reserves the right to edit, limit, revise, or reject any submission without cause. Gaycation and its affiliates assue no financial responsibility for typographical errors. If any arrors are found, please notify Gaycation Magazine immediately. Materials in this publication may not be reproduced in any form without written permission from the Publisher. Pay rates can be found on our website. Please send images in hi-res and articles to editor@gaycationmagazine.com

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s This Place The End of the World by Sebastian Strozza

Finally

after a long wait and a 3 ½ hour flight from Buenos Aires, Argentina, I had the chance to visit the End of the World. I arrived to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world and the gateway to Antarctic cruises during the summer season. In the Yamana tongue (the Yamanas were the Indians that lived in the Tierra del Fuego Province during the 18th and the beginning of 20th centuries) Ushuaia means “bay looking onto the west.” Situated on the shores of Beagle Channel, the city offers breathtaking sceneries. The day I arrived it was sunny, around 65 F during the afternoon but when the sun went down it was very cold. Luckily the sun did not disappear until 11 pm. I woke up one day in the middle of summer to snow because of the polar winds that came from Antarctica! So be prepared for the unexpected. www.gaycationmagazine.com

San Martin Avenue is the main street in Ushuaia and at the end you have the Prison of the End of the World (everything here is called the End of the World). The prison was moved from Isla de los Estados (Staten Island) to Ushuaia in 1902 because it was compromised by strong winds. All the bad boys from that time went there, and now prison has been converted into the Museo Maritimo de Ushuaia (Maritime Museum of Ushuaia) where you can know more about the prisoners that inhabited the prison. On the upper floor you have information about the first Antarctic explorations departing from Ushuaia. If you enjoy hiking, you have to go to Tierra del Fuego National Park. National Route number 3 ends there in Lapataia Bay (you are 3079 km from Buenos Aires and only 16,000 km from Alaska!) Inside the National Park you have different circuits for hiking. You can go hiking until the Argentine/ Gaycation Magazine

Chilean border on Milestone XXIV. Also you have a train inside the national park leaving from the end of the world train station! ) that the prisoners used when the prison was open in town. Another option to hike near town (outside the national park) is Martial Glacier, where you have nice views of town year round. The Glacier lies 1050 meters above sea level and it is the most important source of fresh water in Ushuaia. It has been named after French explorer Luis Alberto Martial, chief of the French expedition that reached the area in 1883. If you are a not fan of sports and just want to relax you can take half a day’s tour boat ride to watch sea lions and penguins and enjoy the Les Eclaireus Lighthouse. In the middle of Tierra del Fuego province you can enjoy a full day tour to Lake Escondido (Hidden) and Lake Fagnano where you feel like you are inside a Game of Thrones Chapter. If you are fan of winter sports you can go to Castor Mount around 30 km outside town. You have 26 different trails with different degrees of difficulties, crossing lenga forest and ideal for snowboarding and ski. Generally ski season runs from the middle of June until about the middle of October. After a long day you are going to feel hungry. King crab, seafood and lamb are good options in town. It is difficult to choose only one. I feel like home in “Almacen de Ramos Generales” on Maipu Street. It’s a restaurant museum and you can taste good sandwiches, good pastries (after a bite of chocolate you’ll want to eat a dozen!) or apple pie with a good coffee or tea during the afternoon. Other options are Kaupe Restaurant where I enjoy an excellent fish tasting menu or Chez Manu, I like the onion soup and bought some smoked products. I was very sad when I had to return to Buenos Aires. Arriving at the airport I was very depressed because it was the first time I wanted to spend more time in a city. After the check inn and waiting at the gate for boarding, the airline employee asked for volunteering passengers because the flight was overbooked. I did not think twice and stayed one 58

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more day and I had a big smile on my face (not to mention I had a free hotel and free dinner!) Information: Aerolineas Argentinas flies daily from Buenos Aires, El Calafate (year round) seasonal from Rio Gallegos , and Trelew. Lan Argentina flies Buenos Aires and Calafate. When you leave you have to pay an airport tax (check prices with the airline). Restaurants: Almacen de Ramos Generales: Maipu 749 Chez Manu: Av Fernando Martial 2135. Kaupe Restaurant: Roca 470. Prison at the end of the world: Yaganes y Gobernador Paz

Sebastian Strozza is travel agent and director of Heima Tours, a GLBT travel agency based in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Sebastian speaks Spanish, English, some French and Portuguese and loves to travel and eat! If you are in Argentina, or planning on a trip, contact him and he can help you during your travel. You can follow him on Facebook at Heima Arg, visit his website www.heimatours.com. ar or E-mail him at sebastian@heimatours.com.ar

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Vienna, The City of Music and Dreams By Donovan Hall

The former center of the Hapsburg Empire and current capital of Austria, Vienna (or Wien as you’ll see it spelled in German) is a city rich in history, culture and beauty; but hardly ever talked about to the same extent as Paris, Barcelona or even Berlin. That gives this city an advantage though, because when you do finally make this central European metropolis, you’ll be able to approach the city without expectation, leaving you open to all the fun things it has to offer. There is much to explore and experience, especially for queer travelers. So let’s examine what exactly is so cool about this Central European city. For starters, let’s just take a moment to mention how nice this city looks. Thanks to its imperial history and regal standards; this city is lavishly styled with pristine white baroque buildings, decorated in gold being the norm. Majestic palaces, capital buildings and gardens display themselves across the cityscape, reminding you of the region’s former glory and present success. Just like in Paris, a tourist can spend an entire day just wandering the streets, taking in the atmosphere. As in most major European cities, there are free walking tours available to give you a well-rounded exploration of the city streets. The time of year you visit a city always affects the experience, and if you happen to jump up and buy a plane ticket right after reading this article, you’ll need to brace yourself for windy, overcast, and somewhat rainy conditions. You’ll probably want to dress warmly. Regardless of when you chose to visit, you’re going to want to bring some formal evening attire as well as a friend you’d like to be seen with. Vienna is nothing if not classy. Vienna is a big city, but it lacks a lot internationally renowned monuments or tourist attractions beyond 60

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its opera houses, but that doesn’t mean they don’t exist! Beyond just aimlessly wandering, there are a few specific places to see when you take your first day to just explore the city such as the splendid Volksgarten, Schonbrunn Palace, and the monuments on Graben Street. When you travel via subway, it’s important to remember that Austria, as well as most other Germanic countries, use the honor system when it comes to buying your subway ticket. There are no ticket gates or turnstiles in the Viennese subway system, which means you could, hypothetically get on the trains for free, but if you’re so unlucky as to be stopped by a random ticket checker, you best play up that ‘stupid American tourist’ card, or get ready to be slapped with a heavy fine that’ll probably call an end to your trip. It’s not worth it. Do you like opera, theater, or classical music? I hope so; otherwise you probably should have picked another destination. Vienna is the world capital for operas, classical music, and fancy balls. This is the city of Mozart, Haydn, Schubert, and Beethoven, and the city will remind you of that fact constantly in its gift stores and by its tour guides. Some major theaters to check out are the Burgtheater and Volkstheater. The most famous and prestigious of the Viennese opera houses are the Staatsoper, Theater an der Wien, and the Volksoper. Even if you have the thinnest of shoestring budgets, standing room tickets in the Staatsoper (State Opera) won’t cost you more than a few Euros, and they’ll put you right in front of the stage. If you do get a ticket for a seat though, and the theater isn’t full, you’re free to move closer during intermission to any other open seat. It’s key to remember that these opera and theater shows will usually be in German, and almost never in www.gaycationmagazine.com

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English. That being said, you’ll just have to pay attention more closely to figure out what’s going on. Don’t worry, it won’t be hard. Another fun fact is that the famous psychologist Sigmund Freud was from Vienna. A mainstay of Viennese culture is their balls, and no, not those balls, I mean the balls like in Cinderella. Large formal dance and socializing events that happen throughout the year, but the most relevant ball for our readership has to be the Viennese Rainbow Ball (Regenbogenball). It’s a classic 19th century style ball for gays, lesbians and their allies, not to mention one of the most prominent balls in all of Austria! The next one will be held on January 31st, 2015. Formal evening attire for the balls is required, and for the operas and theaters it’s recommended. As you could probably guess by now, Vienna

has a very prominent queer scene, and even in its history there were rulers known to prefer the company of other men. The main gay village in the city is called Rosa Lila Villa, and the majority of gay bars are within that vicinity. Socializing with the locals shouldn’t be too much of a problem, as many Viennese are familiar with at least some basic English and they’re usually considered a polite group of folks. Even if you try to talk to them in German, they’ll probably just reply in English once they notice your accent. On a side note, no matter how well you’re able to speak German, or any other language for that matter, a local will always be able to mark you as foreigner when you ask for the ‘bathroom’ in that language when you really mean ‘toilet.’ Only in America do the two words seem to be synonymous. Anyplace else and they’ll have to assume you’re American lest you’re

Photo: ÂŠ Advertising Austria / Gerhard Weinkirn

asking to take a bath in the middle of a restaurant. With this information under your belt youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be able to plan a much deserved trip to regal Vienna. See a play, enjoy an opera, dance at a ball and maybe even get a little piano-shaped music box to take back home as souvenir. Long story short, this city is European opulence at its finest, preserved in time, yet simultaneously progressive. I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t recommend it enough.

After completing college, Donovan Hall proceeded to backpack across Europe for two months, visiting twelve countries including: Ireland, The U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Austria, Hungary, Germany, The Netherlands, and others. He has taken advantage of every new technology, social media, and quite a bit of oldfashioned luck and ingenuity, to see the world on less than a luxurious budget, proving that now more than ever, the world is accessible to those who have the desire and fortitude to see it.

What Was I Thinking?

Stories submitted by Gaycationers about crazy experiences that left them scratching their heads and opining, “What was I thinking?”

A Layover in the Blue Lagoon

I’m sputtering

, a goopy mixture sludge pouring from my orifices. “Are you alright?” a British woman queries. Struggling to breathe, I wag my head vigorously. “I think I fell asleep...” I mumble. In fact, I was half-submerged in the cloudy Blue Lagoon (www.bluelagoon.com) geothermal spring and spa in Iceland due to a missed flight and layover from Denver, Colorado to my new home in the UK. My face was comically covered in white mineral goop scooped from the bottom of the lagoon. Until it has drooped forward into the water, nearly drowning me, that is. “Actually,” the onlooker quipped, “we weren’t sure if you were asleep or unconscious. We were trying to decide if we should try to wake you.” After assuring fellow floaters I was capable of cavorting around Iceland’s springs without assistance, I try casually float away. Instead, I slither like a creep: I refuse to rise above shoulderheight in the water and expose myself to the chilly Icelandic air. The straight British couples eye me until I escape past the glass-plated floating bar. Paddling/waddling, I locate another slab of dark rock. Laying luxuriously in a patch of sunlight, wearing gym clothes instead of a swimsuit and chuckling at every narrow glance, I wonder: What the hell am I doing here? True, the $500 flight from Denver to London via Icelandair struck me grossly underpriced. My Dad’s knowing opinion was: “I heard the flights are so cheap because they ‘accidentally’ get stuck in Reky-whatever-kavik, forcing the tourists to spend money.” A few blogs affirmed his theory. Because 66

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by Emily Stewart

I consider myself a lucky, flexible, and curious traveler, I booked anyway. So when we land in Reykjavik after a four-hour delay at DIA, I muse upon my Dad’s foreshadow. He’s always right. The compassionate flight attendants explains the unfortunate circumstance: every passenger missed our connecting flights and must now wait 6-8 hours at Reykjavik International. But wait! For just 3,782.99ISK we can commandeer a bus directly to Iceland’s premier attraction, the Blue Lagoon. This geothermal spa, set within enchanting Icelandic geography, bursts of detoxifying algae and mineral “silica” proven to cleanse achy interflight bods. Alternatively, we can sit in the airport, imbibing stale coffee and kitsch chocolates. My choice is obvious. As the phantasmal landscapes pass the bus windows, I realize my carry-on contains neither swimwear nor towels. My pragmatically chosen in-flight wardrobe consists of my heaviest, most valuable, and favorite clothing. I wear: a “Colorado” trucker hat; American flag tank top; organic knit pajamas; fabulous vintage Polish cashmere-lined trench; Harley Davidson steel-toed biker boots; and lux jewelry. The nearest thing to a swimsuit in my Technicolor carry-on is a pair of spandex capris and a sports bra. Intake at the Blue Lagoon is a well-scripted moneymaking machine. Prices are in ISK. As any first-world traveler knows, being asked to compute currencies with greater than three number places is like telling an alcoholic it’s last call: the response: “To Hell with it, give me one of everything!” To help travelers deal with confusion, staff straps www.gaycationmagazine.com

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wrists with a magic white band linked to the visitors’ credit cards. Simply wave your wrist in front of the nearest payment counter to purchase anything you want to eat, own, or experience. A constant YMCA reel of tourists waves their arms delightedly as staff responds with juices, massages, and smoked salmon. Alas, I succumb. Under my flannel “towel” I laze through the spa. I enjoy green juice and succulently fishy “traditional” salad things. I stalk the couples around me, listening to accents and noting I am the ONLY single person in a communal bath. Sufficiently pruned, I end my journey slurping Icelandic brews in the sun-filled cafe. When I finally arrive in England a day later, I feel clam and maybe coy. Until I look at my receipts. On my Icelandic foray, I spent nearly $125 in ISK. Damn those sexy, market-savvy flight attendants! Yet, I not that Icelandair offer the cheapest rates for my return journey next year. In fact, they’re about $125 cheaper. Maybe lounging around the Blue Lagoon again wouldn’t be so bad...

Emily Stewart is the Founder and Creative Director of BASEDtraveler Books & Media, a lifestyles and travel guide for expatriaties living in “crap” garrison cities. Through musings, travel guides, and silly asides, she writes guidebooks that help the curious and confused to find bemusing adventures every day. Obviously, this makes her a gay-scene junkie. Follow Emily @BASEDtraveler, visit her website (www.BASEDtraveler.com), or find BASEDtraveler on Facebook.

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From all of us, to all of you,

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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Gaycationers

Meet some of the incredible people that have become part of our family of Gaycationers. They can usually be spotted pretty easily by their warm smiles and willing to help attitude when you arrive in their towns or cities. Here are just a few that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen. Have you seen any lately? If so send a photo to editor@gaycationmagazine.com

Top Left: Lembongan by bike. No cars on the island, so its by foot, by scooter or by bike. Top Right: Dee Farrell dives into her gaycation on Nusa Lembongan, one of the finest diving destinations in Indonesia. Bottom Left: Coco NUTS

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Because we couldn’t get enough of Dee and her partner Noni, we thought we’d show a few more shots of their gaycation over in Lombok and Bali! While we’re at it, make sure you check out her article in January’s issue when she talks more about Lombok Bali. Of course she’s going to share more photos of their adventures. More importantly, she’ll be giving us some insight on what to do and see while visiting the part of paradise! Stay tuned and stay warm!

Top Left: Dee, the IGLTA Ambassador! Bottom Right: “Viceroy View” Chillaxing at the ultra luxurious Viceroy Bali Resort, as one of the world’s secret tropical hideaways.

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Cruising Corner

An Interview with Cruise Planners by DJ Doran

Gaycation Magazine recently had a chance to sit down with Vicky Garcia, the COO and Co-Owner of Cruise Planners and an American Express Travel Representative to discuss the current state of LGBT cruising and what new and innovative changes are on the horizon in the cruising industry. We also asked Vicky what cruise lines are doing specifically to attract more ethnically diverse LGBT passengers and how they are protecting their LGBT passengers from unwelcoming ports of call. Here is what she had to say:

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GM: What is the current state of LGBT cruising in your opinion? CP: It is evolving and more destinations, resorts and cruise lines are welcoming the LGBT community, which I am proud of. Â There is also a focus on LGBT weddings, ceremonies (both domestically and aboard) depending of course, on the local political climate in certain areas.Â Overall, cruising is a great way for LGBT travelers to get out and see the world with other people since there is some insulation and protection.

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Cruise fares listed are for cruise and cruisetour only in U.S. dollars, per person and fares/discount offers are based on double occupancy. Fares are subject to availability and are part of Cruise Planners Group Pricing. Viking reserves the right to correct errors and to change any and all fares, fees and surcharges at any time. Additional terms and conditions apply; see Passenger Ticket Contract. CST#2052644-40. Cruise Planners, an American Express Travel Representative, is merely a selling agent for the cruise line and makes no warranty expressed or implied. We are not responsible for errors and omissions. CST #2034468-50. FST #ST39068.

GM: How are cruise lines specifically targeting their marketing to the LGBT traveling community? CP: In many ways – They are creating very “inclusive” marketing materials, which are threaded throughout their own overall marketing, and also have specific campaigns directly targeting the segment. The cruise lines see that the LGBT community is perfect for them, and some, such as Celebrity Cruises are very eager to welcome us onboard. I am seeing them at more and more LGBT events, such as PRIDE and others in local communities. It’s really a great fit!

classes and so much more to even mention. There are tons of sporting activities too; not to mention on Royal Caribbean International’s new Quantum of the Seas where there will be many new innovations including RipCord by iFly, North Star, SeaPlex, Bionic Bar and interior “virtual balcony” cabins.

GM: How are cruise lines protecting LGBT passengers from unwelcoming ports of call? CP: Some islands in the Caribbean are not LGBTfriendly unfortunately, so it’s important to work with a travel agent who can help identify the best itineraries that would create a fun and inclusive GM: Which cruises welcome LGBT families? vacation experience for you. Awareness is key CP: I really think all the major cruise lines do. here. At Cruise Planners, we work very closely Obviously, Royal Caribbean International, Disney with the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Cruise Line, Carnival Cruises & Norwegian Cruise Association (IGLTA) and train our travel advisors Line target families very strongly overall. However, on these destinations. again, I call out Celebrity Cruises here in that they are not perceived as for kids, however, they are GM: When is the best time to book a cruise? great for affluent families. Those that are generally CP: Now! You will always get the best deals used to taking their kids to fine restaurants, really when you book early. Typically “Wave Season” have found a great fit onboard the ships. It’s not which is January to April is when most cruisers one-choice any more, LGBT people have lots to book, but don’t wait until then - work with a travel choose from based on their interests and don’t agent to find the best deals. Also, if you can get a have to book a cruise ship just based on if the line group of your friends and family to cruise with you, is LGBT-friendly. there may be added amenities if you have a group of at least 8 cabins. GM: What have the cruise lines done to attract more ethnically diverse passengers? GM: Which cruise lines cater to LGBT passengers CP: The cruise lines have evolved their overall and their needs best? fingerprint of their consumer. They have diversified CP: There are some incredible River Cruise extensively in not only HOW they present their companies that do a great job, like Viking River marketing assets, but include visuals that consistently Cruises and AMA Waterways, but in the mainstream weave diversity throughout. I find it refreshing that market, Celebrity Cruises is at the forefront of it’s not just some separate marketing assets that LGBT cruising. For example, they not only just hold are LGBT, but rather much more inclusive in that mixers for “Friends of Dorothy,” they actually call “cruising is for everyone.” it the “LGBT Cocktail Party,” etc. GM: Is this reflected in their onboard itineraries? GM: Are all LGBT cruises party boats? CP: There is a plethora of onboard activities CP: No, not all LGBT cruises are party boats. to choose from including cooking demonstrations, Just like everything within the LGBT community, comedy classes, wine tastings, to DJ training, dance there is something for everyone. For more upscale 82

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travelers, there are LGBT-welcoming cruise lines focused on culinary cruises, wine cruises, cultural cruises and more. For those who want to party, enjoy drag shows or concerts, there are cruises that specialize in that. Again, there are so many more options. GM: Which is the best port to depart from? East coast or West coast? CP: It depends on your desired itinerary. For first-time cruisers, we recommend looking for the cruise line that you want to sail, then look for the itinerary that includes destinations you want to visit and find an LGBT-friendly travel agent who can help you along the way. GM: Are those cruise ship excursions worth the money? CP: Excursions in ports of call can truly enhance your overall vacation and take it from just a cruise, to a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I strongly encourage people to work with an experienced www.gaycationmagazine.com

travel advisor who knows the destinations and/or has the resources to vet the best experiences that cater to YOUR interests.Â For example, if visiting Alaska, you might prefer a helicopter ride to a glacier or a historical tour of Skagway.Â Not all excursions are expensive and they have excursions that cater to all budgets. Again, your travel advisor is there to help you create and customize the perfect experience for you. In closing, it is exciting to hear from LGBT cruise experts like Vicky Garcia who represent the cruising industry and are working with cruise lines to develop onboard ship programs that not only appeal to LGBT passengers, but also to its more ethnically diverse LGBT passengers. Gaycation Magazine looks forward to showcasing cruise lines and cruise related travel agencies like our friends at Cruise Planners, which foster and promote a culture of acceptance and inclusion to an evolving and growing segment of LGBT cruisers seeking a memorable gaycation experience. Gaycation Magazine

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Crossword for November/December

Solution can be found on page 86

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Advertising Index Here’s a list of FABULOUS people that want you to visit. So much so, they wanted to be in Gaycation Magazine! If you’re interested in reaching a fiercely loyal audience, then contact us at sales@gaycationmagazine.com. We’re sure you won’t be sorry. Atlantic Escapes

Maui Sunseeker Resort

Come Out Travel

Mayan Explorer

Cruise Planners

MedCallAssist 58

Evolve 2015

Miami LGBT Center

Floris Suite Hotel

Moose Meadow Lodge

FunMaps 53

Nuits St. Pierre

Gay Key West

2,3

Ogunquit Chamber of Commerce

Gay Tours Ibiza

Go Out Loud

Outings and Adventures

Guys World Travel

Pink Banana Media

IGLTA 14

Prism Werks

Island House Resort

Provincetown

Purple Roofs

Solution to Crossword on page 85

OutClique 15

Trip Out 88 Zenbiz Travel

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UP NEXT Tropical Gaycations January 2015 Issue 12 Tropical Gaycations to get through the winter: Grand Bahamas Lombok Bali Manila and the Phillipines www.gaycationmagazine.com

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Travel series “Trip Out” Showcasing Luxurious Destinations & Events for the LGBT Community

Hosted By: Kristin R. Thomas