SteeleTravelpress by Jeff Dorta

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ISSUE #40 | 10/06/11

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by Nathan Lomba Photos Provided Project Publicity

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What is RĂŠveillon?

In Portuguesespeaking countries, it is a designation for the party preceding the New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day.

WIRE COVER: (0 (0 3*0

5IF NVTJD UIF IFBSUCFBU PG UIF DJUZ BOE UIF TIFFS TFYJOFTT PG Cariocas will make your head pop off. Still, I advise packing at least some of your inhibitions. When traveling abroad, you should always be cautious and aware of what is going on around you. How is the weather in early January? Simply superb. It tends to be in the upper 80s and sunny. The great thing about Rio is even when it rains, the parties go on. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the dress code on the beaches of Rio? Dress code is close to nothing.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

How is Buzios different from Rio? A beautiful seaside destination, Buzio is much more tame than Rio. It is the perfect destination to wind down from the parties and rejuvenate before heading back home. There are still terrific nightlife spots, for those that want to continue having fun, but in Buzios, I find it best to simply enjoy the Brazilian summer with water sports, island hopping, and fantastic cuisine.

You will return with a clear mind and maybe a snarky grin on your face.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

What are some of the not to-be-missed destinations in Brazil? 'MPSJBOPQPMJT *MIB (SBOEF BOE 4Ă?P 1BVMP BMM PGGFS VOJRVF FYQFSJFODFT #VU GPS mSTU UJNFST * SFDPNNFOE TUBSUJOH XJUI 3JP BOE #V[JPT 5SVTU NF ZPV XJMM CF CBDL UP FYQMPSF NPSF

â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Dane Steele Green

What are some Brazilian delicacies travelers should experience? Try the Churros filled with caramel, and do not miss a late lunch at Fronteira for their fabulous buffet of fresh meats, salads, and deserts. 'PS B XPSME DMBTT EJOJOH FYQFSJFODF UIF CFBVUJGVM "QSB[JWFM JO 4BOUB Therese is a must. Â Why is it best to travel through a tour company like Steele Luxury Travel? At Steele Travel, we have done our research in Rio for years. Â We have tried the restaurants and hotels and have been to every party. We know the places to go and the places to avoid.

Tips for RĂŠveillon 2012

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#00, :063 3*0 /:& 53*1 /08 STEELELUXURYTRAVEL.COM follow wire on facebook & twitter: visit www.wireweekly.com & click on the icons | wire magazine | 11

Dane Steele Green

First Class All the Gay By Jorge Treviano

If Housewives of NY’s queen of luxury Sonja Morgan There is a trend in destinations defining themselves were a gay travel agent, she would be Dane Steele Green. as gay-friendly. The gay dollar is powerful. During this economic Green’s travel tour company, Steele Luxury Travel, crisis, the gay travel sector is the only one that has specializes in meeting the needs of a high end, remained constant in the industry. Cities would be fabulously gay clientele. He says vacations should be foolish not to open their doors to us. intriguing, inspirational, educational and most of all, indulgent. Tell us your travel philosophy. Our company’s slogan is Live Your Indulgence. His trips are tailored with the gay traveler in mind. When travelling abroad, explore the land the way you Steele’s most popular summer travel experience, like. If you want to taste every type of gelato in Italy, The Mykonos Island Villa Escape, features a sea- do it. If you want to visit every bathhouse around the front villa with live-in chefs, a cleaning staff, and two world, indulge yourself. It’s your time to be free and gorgeous house boys. leave all of life’s stresses behind. Note to Sonja: don’t allow The Countess to plan How did you get into travel? your next trip abroad. Call Dane. He’ll give you the Travel has always been my passion. I worked for extravagantly first class vacation you deserve. several airlines and tour companies before launching my own company. 2B caught up with Mr. Green to discuss Steele Luxury Travel and what makes this handsome young DNA Magazine called you “the luckiest gay entrepreneur tick…. bastard”. My most recent “Oh my God, look where I am” Where are the hot gay destinations this fall? moment was at the Life Ball in Vienna. I was inside Aside from the staples - Rio, Mykonos, Ibiza and the most beautiful palace and I literally got a sense of Barcelona gay men are flocking to more obscure what heaven must be like. destinations around the globe, including South Africa, Courchevel (for winter snowboarding), and Wanna escape Montréal during the cold Winter Asian cities like Hong Kong and Shanghai. months? Book a trip now to Rio de Janeiro for New Year’s at What destination tops your list? Thailand is full of energy, culture and delicious food. http://steeletravel.com/. 26

TRAVEL PROFILE

Mr International Dane Green gets paid to travel the world. Lucky bastard!

DNA: Where will all the hot boys be heading in the next 12 months? Dane Green: Aside form the almost staple gay destinations such as Rio, Mykonos, Ibiza and Barcelona, we will start seeing a trend among the IFCCQs (International First Class Circuit Queens) heading to more adventurous and obscure destinations around the globe while still keeping their gay pride in their itineraries. The most perfect example is South Africa, one of the world’s most wholesome travel experiences, combining a life-changing

– tastefully experiencing the world, one destination at a time. We are also generally gracious guests, excellent tippers and we appreciate fine cultural experiences. What tips would you give to gay boys abroad? Get ready for us and we will be ready for you. The biggest compliment and sense of international gay community is when a gay traveller, single or partnered, is able to travel to a foreign destination and easily meet other members of our small community. The ability to recognise another member of the

“If you want to visit every bathhouse around the world, live your indulgence.” safari and nature experience with the stunning cosmopolitan city of Capetown. Keep Croatia on your radar, as this gorgeous country is certainly drumming up a beat among the gays. In the heart of the Mediterranean, It’s less uptight than the south of France while still very gay-friendly. After a city stay in Dubrovnik, head to the Croatian island of Hvar, which is being coined as the new Mykonos for gay travellers. Nothing beats driving down the Amalfi coast, spending a few days at the La Scalinatella in understated Capri before heading to Viareggio outside Florence. Winter snowboarding in Courchevel, France; summer snowboarding in Bariloche, Argentina. Asia cities are steaming right now: Hong Kong and Shanghai are simply cool. What are your own travel plans? I’m thinking of returning to Thailand. The place is full of energy, culture and delicious food. I will be celebrating my one-year anniversary in the gorgeous city of Vancouver this July with by boyfriend, interior designer Joshua Ingraham. Weekend romantic jaunts to Italy are always in the mix, as it certainly feeds that travel bug. I am also currently planning a trip to India which will include a luxury train ride, six-star resorts and local culture. There’s a really nice trend in ever more gayfriendly destinations opening up. Why do you think that is? The gay dollar is powerful. Destinations almost have no choice but to open their doors to the gay traveller. During the economic crisis, the gay travel sector was the only one that remained constant in the travel industry. That says something about the way gay men and women spend their discretionary income

tribe across a train station is an innate talent for us. To trade eyes with the same man that evening at the local gay bar is something really special. Most places I go, the boys welcome us overzealously. Countless times I’ve had a local take me and my group of friends around to show us the real Sydney or the real Rome. It’s our job to make each other feel comfortable in a foreign land. It’s also fun, sexy and mysterious sometimes. Tell us about the ethos of your company. Our company’s slogan is Live Your Indulgence. When travelling abroad it is your duty to explore a new land in any way you

like, it’s your time to set yourself free and leave all that other garbage behind. If you want to visit every bathhouse around the world, live your indulgence. It’s the same if you want to try every type of gelato in Italy or get plastered on a gay beach. How did you get into this line of work? It is my passion. Travel and the world. I have always wanted to work in the travel industry, but I had to find a way to make it challenging and appealing to myself. I have worked in the marketing departments at various airlines and realised there was a niche market that had a huge void – luxury gay travel services. So I smoked a cigarette and wrote a business plan. You get paid to travel around the world. Do you feel like pinching yourself sometimes to see if you’re dreaming? You never know when you will have that “Oh my God, look where I am!” moment. They just come up and smack you in the back of your head. My most recent moment was when we were at the Life Ball fully dressed in our sexy costumes, partying inside the most beautiful venue I have ever been in. I looked up at the intricately designed ceiling with chandeliers, gold leafing and angels. Rather than pinch myself, I took a shot of vodka and enjoyed it a bit more. What’s your wildest travel story? I am going to write a book one day, a best-seller banned from book stores. Oprah will read it. ( For more visit steeletravel.com

DNA 69

RainbowTimes Year 4, Vol. 9 • September 8, 2011 - October 5, 2011 • www.therainbowtimesnews.com

FREE! PHOTO: T-BESTTALENTAGENCY.COM

The

PHOTO: TODD LAJOIE

PHOTO: GUSTAVO MONROY

PHOTO: ANDREW MACPHERSON/MIRAMAX

The Freshest Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Newspaper in New England

SIR ELTON JOHN:

Newest Movie Ditches Gnomes, takes on Trolls p10

DANE STEELE GREEN:

He’s Making Gay Travel a First Class Operation p31

TRT HERO! BOBBY RODRIGUEZ: Baystate Health’s Chief Diversity Ofﬁcer p7

Inside Out:

Crystal Waters Headlines Rainbow Riverfest p10

RAINBOW RIVERFEST & ALARMING IN RI: Lesbian Domestic Violence Cases on the Rise p21 CT PRIDE GUIDES CT BUSINESS NEWS: CABO receives Highest National LGBT Chamber Honor p26 INSIDE!! SPECIAL LATIN@ PRIDE 2011 SUPPLEMENT INSIDE! pp13-20

www.therainbowtimesnews.com • The Rainbow Times • September 8, 2011 - October 5, 2011 • 31

The OutField: Austin Snyder’s long run Destinations: Traveling First Class All the Gay! By: Dan Woog* /Special for TRT

Q SPORTS

here are three keys to documentary filmmaking: a good subject, a good story line and good luck. Scott Bloom found all three. His goal in making Out for the Long Run – a movie about gay high school athletes – was to go beyond “the regular coming out stories.” Bloom, a former closeted wrestler who had been terrified of being outed, ostracized or beaten up, knew there were “extraordinary individuals” out there. He wanted to highlight their accomplishments, and provide hope to LGBT people of all ages, everywhere. The first problem was finding those young athletes. The second was convincing them – and their parents – to be filmed for a documentary. He asked organizations like GLSEN and PFLAG for help. But although he’d produced one film on Metropolitan Community Church founder Rev. Troy Perry, and another on the “oldest gay organization in the world” (a motorcycle club), he admits he was “an unknown quantity.” The project stalled. Then Bloom saw a Facebook page for gay athletes. With permission from creator Lucas Goodman, a Massachusetts Institute of Technology rower, Bloom asked for volunteers. He got a dozen or two responses. But some of their parents objected. Blurring faces or filming in shadows would undercut the idea of openness. Plus, Bloom hoped to include the parents’ stories too. In the end he settled on four athletes, with a cross-section of experiences. When he began shooting, some of Bloom’s old fears resurfaced. “I worried all over again about being ‘thrown out of the locker room,’” he says. “But everyone was very gentle to me.” He learned that today’s gay youth “have fewer hang-ups than my generation did. They define sexuality more fluidly. That’s refreshing. It gives me hope. I was definitely not as self-aware at that age.” Bloom’s lucky break came when he found Aus-

tin Snyder. The track star was entering his senior year at California’s Berkeley High School. (The other three athletes were already in college.) He had a great, supportive family. He was smart, popular and embraced by his teammates. Snyder’s story would provide a counterpoint to Brenner Green, a Connecticut College runner whose father had a hard time accepting his son’s sexuality, and who stopped being invited to team dinners after coming out in high school; Goodman, who had difficulty coming out to teammates; and Liz Davenport, a soccer player from Maine whose love for sports was undermined by the bullying she endured. (She ended up “probably the most heroic,” Bloom says, “after struggling and maturing the most.”) Snyder, a very articulate teenager, lives through what is in many ways a typical high school year. He desperately hopes to get into Brown University – but an injury causes both physical and emotional stress. The usually self-confident runner wonders if he is being punished for his sexuality. It’s not easy being a senior – especially when you’re gay. “I’m a big romantic,” Snyder says. “High school is all about the guys getting the girls. Running helps take away the hurt of not having someone.” Then Snyder gets the news: He’s into Brown. He goes from “the lowest low to the highest high.” In a scene repeated in homes across the country, he is giddy with excitement. But as graduation approaches, Snyder says, “All my friends are happy and dating. I want that!” He creates a Facebook group for cross country and track athletes heading to Brown. He joins another group for all admitted students where, he says, “all the gay men have found each other.” Suddenly, Snyder finds someone special: a swimmer from North Carolina. Online they flirt, then talk seriously for weeks. Then, in a plot twist that would sound unbelievable in a real movie – except it’s true – Snyder qualifies for a national race. In North Carolina. Bloom films their meeting. It’s a truly sweet scene. Later, his new boyfriend gives him a tender pre-race kiss. To continue this story, please visit us online at: www.therainbowtimesmass.com/2011/09082011/qsports.

To Cook is To Love: A Foodies Journal

Kitchen as Classroom offers Teachable Moments PHOTO: RACHEL POWER

¡MUCHO GUSTO!

By: John Verlinden*/TRT Cuisine Expert o i n g “back to school” at the end of summer vacation is like a second new year’s celebration and ritual for me. No matter how old I get, early September still means a new start, another chance, new resolutions. There is something rejuvenating about it. This year “back to school” is my reminder to get back in touch with the kids in my life. And, there’s no better way to reconnect than to do a project together in the kitchen. Whether it’s baking cookies, grilling fish or chopping vegetables, cooking with kids is an opportunity to talk with them about how the world works and doesn’t—where our dinner was grown, who’s involved in its production, harvesting and processing, how it’s shipped, and what goes into its marketing and sale. Cooking is a great way to reinforce school curriculum – geography, history, science, math; they’re all there. And food also

facilitates thoughtful discussions regarding ethical behavior, geopolitics, social justice and more. I know you’re thinking: “Chef Johnny has really gone off the deep end this time; I haven’t got time for this?” It can be difficult to work with the little darlings – they’ll likely fuss and complain about having to help and they’ll probably make a big mess of your kitchen. But hey, it’s important and it’s worth the investment! You’re not just teaching a valuable life skill – how to cook, you’re sharing your values about some of the most complicated issues in the world around us. There’s also a bonus in it for you. You’ll learn more about what’s going on in your children’s lives in the process. Sometimes gathering even the scantest intelligence regarding what they are up to, even when it is only minutes before they actually do the really bone-headed thing they’ve been planning, can help you avoid a huge disaster. So, you see, this is actually going to save you time in the long run. Until next time – ¡Mucho Gusto!, ¡Muchas Gracias! y ¡Buen Provecho! *Tells us about a teachable moment in your life, share your experience cooking with kids, ask a question or suggest a topic for a future article – contact me: john@muchogusto.com or visit www. muchogusto.com and join our food forum.

By: Jorge Treviano/Special for TRT If Housewives of NY’s queen of luxury Sonja Morgan were a gay travel agent, she would be Dane Steele Green. Green’s travel tour company, Steele Luxury Travel, specializes in meeting the needs of a high end, fabulously gay clientele. He says vacations should be intriguing, inspirational, educational and most of all, indulgent. His trips are tailored with the gay traveler in mind. Steele’s most popular summer travel experience, The Mykonos Island Villa Escape, features a sea-front villa with live-in chefs, a cleaning staff, and two gorgeous house boys. Note to Sonja: don’t allow The Countess to plan your next trip abroad. Call Dane. He’ll give you the extravagantly first class vacation you deserve. The Rainbow Times caught up with Mr. Green to discuss Steele Luxury Travel and what makes this handsome young entrepreneur tick … The Rainbow Times: Where are the hot gay destinations this fall? Dane Steele Green: Aside from the staples - Rio, Mykonos, Ibiza and Barcelona – gay men are flocking to more obscure destinations around the globe, including South Africa, Courchevel (for winter snowboarding), and Asian cities like Hong Kong and Shanghai. TRT: What destination tops your list? DSG: Thailand is full of energy, culture and delicious food. TRT: There is a trend in destinations defining themselves as gay-friendly. DSG: The gay dollar is powerful. During this economic crisis, the gay travel sector is the only one that has remained constant in the industry. Cities would be foolish not to open their doors to us. TRT: Tell us your travel philosophy.

PHOTO: GUSTAVO MONROY

Dane Steele Green of Steele Luxury Travel

DSG: Our company’s slogan is Live Your Indulgence. When travelling abroad, explore the land the way you like. If you want to taste every type of gelato in Italy, do it. If you want to visit every bathhouse around the world, indulge yourself. It’s your time to be free and leave all of life’s stresses behind. TRT: How did you get into travel? DSG: Travel has always been my passion. I worked for several airlines and tour companies before launching my own company. TRT: DNA Magazine called you “the luckiest gay bastard.” DSG: My most recent “Oh my God, look where I am” moment was at the Life Ball in Vienna. I was inside the most beautiful palace and I literally got a sense of what heaven must be like. Wanna escape New England during the cold winter months? Book a trip now to Rio de Janeiro for New Year’s at http://steeletravel.com/.

jumponmarkslist.com

| 1

The Social Set

International Gay Power Couple In South Beach

By Mike Nelson Dane Steele Green is the gay-cation guru behind Steele Luxury Travel. Joshua Ingraham is a leading interior designer in New York. Together, they are “Joshy and Dane,” a power couple among the international gay social set. The pair trot the globe, attending all the most fabulous gay events including Sydney’s Mardi Gras, Vienna’s Life Ball, and Tel Aviv’s Pride. Their next stop is Miami’s White Party where they will turn Steele to Platinum at South Beach’s Z Hotel.

How did you meet? Joshua: We met on Fire Island, August 30th at 6:48pm. Dane loves to remember the exact time. Dane: We were standing across from each other and locked eyes. There was a pull that drew us together. We’ve been driving each other happily crazy ever since. What makes your relationship work? Dane: We share an obsession of airports, airplanes, and hotels; basically all things travel and design related. Joshua: We tend to fight like cats and dogs but also love each other immensely. What’s the best thing about dating an interior designer, Dane? Dane: When I go away on a business trip, I come home to find my apartment organized, painted, and adorned with fantastic design trinkets. The worst thing is that he tries to make me throw away the stuffed animals on my bed. What’s the best thing about dating a world traveler, Joshua? Joshua: Before I met Dane, I had never left the country! Dane has shown me the world in ways that I could not have dreamed of before. The experiences I’ve enjoyed from our many trips have brought my design to a whole new level. Is there a downside? Joshua: It can be hard to keep up with him. Dane is constantly on the go. A lot of our down time together is on an airplane, where cell phones don’t work and Dane is forced to sit in his assigned seat. Dane, as someone who’s been around the world, what do you love most about South Beach/Ft Lauderdale?

Dane: I love the relaxed vibe and culture; also, their proximity to New York. Joshua, from a design perspective, what are some of the most attractive locations in Miami? Joshua: The W South Beach and The Mondrian Hotel are two of my favorite chill out spots in Miami. I love their modern and timeless design. Now that NY has passed gay marriage, will any wedding bells be ringing soon? Dane: I don’t want to spoil any future surprises but Dane and I have always loved the idea of marriage and we are both anticipating our futures together. It would likely be one spectacular wedding! Joshua: It’s extremely top secret but it will include dance troops, gift bags, popular performers and many other surprises for our guests. Cross your fingers you make the guest list. Have you thought about joining forces to create destination gay weddings where Dane arranges the trip and Joshua designs the ceremony? Dane: The thought of working together makes us want to pull each other’s facial hair out. (Laughs) But, who knows what the future holds for us? We’ve always been able to spark creativity in each other and destination events could be a great new project for us. Thanksgiving weekend is this week, what are you most thankful for? Joshua: I’m thankful for the beautiful life I get to live, filled with love, good health, travel and of course, design. Dane: I am thankful I get the opportunity to discover the world we live in. Have you decided your New Years plans yet? Dane: Steele Luxury Travel is hosting our annual New Year’s trip to Rio and we’ll be there! Learn more about the guys online at joshuaingraham.com and steeletravel.com. jumponmarkslist.com

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Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re Listening. Email all comments to info@evokeonline.com

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2011

eVOKe

FOCUS TRAVEL

FIRST CLASS ALL THE GAY Interview / By Jorge Treviano

If Housewives of NY’s queen of luxury Sonja Morgan were a gay travel agent, she would be Dane Steele Green.

summer travel experience, The Mykonos Island Villa Escape, features a seafront villa with live-in chefs, a cleaning staff, and two gorgeous house boys.

Green’s travel tour company, Steele Luxury Travel, specializes in meeting the needs of a high end, fabulously gay clientele. He says vacations should be intriguing, inspirational, educational and most of all, indulgent.

Note to Sonja: don’t allow The Countess to plan your next trip abroad. Call Dane. He’ll give you the extravagantly first class vacation you deserve.

His trips are tailored with the gay traveler in mind. Steele’s most popular

Where are the hot gay destinations this fall? Aside from the staples - Rio, Mykonos, Ibiza and Barcelona – gay men are flocking to more obscure destinations around the globe, including South Africa, Courchevel (for winter snowboarding), and Asian cities like Hong Kong and Shanghai. What destination tops your list? Thailand is full of energy, culture and delicious food. There is a trend in destinations defining themselves as gay-friendly. The gay dollar is powerful. During this economic crisis, the gay travel sector is the only one that has remained constant in the industry. Cities would be foolish not to open their doors to us. Tell us your travel philosophy. Our company’s slogan is Live Your Indulgence. When travelling abroad, explore the land the way you like. If you want to taste every type of gelato in Italy, do it. If you want to visit every bathhouse around the world, indulge yourself. It’s your time to be free and leave all of life’s stresses behind. How did you get into travel? Travel has always been my passion. I worked for several airlines and tour companies before launching my own company. DNA Magazine called you “the luckiest gay bastard”. My most recent “Oh my God, look where I am” moment was at the Life Ball in Vienna. I was inside the most beautiful palace and I literally got a sense of what heaven must be like.

Wanna escape Dallas for New Years? Book a trip now to Rio de Janeiro for New Year’s at http://steeletravel.com/.

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2011

eVOKe

Evoke caught up with Mr. Green to discuss Steele Luxury Travel and what makes this handsome young entrepreneur tick….

Steele Luxury Travel emphasizes luxury in air travel. However, first class travel is not always an option for everyone. How does a traveler fare it out in Economy Class? Dane Steele Greene offers his tips for getting the best seat on your next coach class flight.

1. Check Seatguru.com. “It is the bible to airline seat selection,” says Greene. “Passengers can view most airlines’ seat maps to see seats offered in every class of service.” The website outlines “good seats”, “poor seats”, and “seats with drawbacks” and shows where the lavatories are on the flight. 2. Avoid bulk head seats. Economy bulk head seats have walls in front of them. That translates into limited leg room, restrictive recline and locked armrests. “Bulk head seats are usually right behind Business or First Class,” adds Greene. “You’ll spend the flight ogling over their silverware and linen.” 3. Grab Emergency exit seats. As with bulk head, recline is restricted and armrests are locked but leg room is often ample in the emergency exit rows. 4. Do not commit to a middle seat. “If only middle seats are available, keep your seat unassigned,” says Greene. “It’s never smart to lock yourself into a middle seat. Space usually opens up at the airport.”

We’re Listening. Email all comments to info@evokeonline.com

RESERVATIONS

High-class Dining The food on first-class flights is going up, up and away. Crave explores the dining options at 35,000 feet.

Cathay Pacific

Qantas Airlines

Cathay Pacific

Text by Kavita Daswani, opening image from British Airways

First class cabins are now offering travellers a variety of fine dining options

ilet mignon so tender it can be sliced with the tines of a silver fork, Sri Lankan fish curry as authentic as anything found in a Colombo home, an aperitif of LaurentPerrier Grand Siecle Champagne at $1,500 a bottle. It sounds like a night out in one of the world’s top restaurants, but this is the sort of fare first-class passengers can expect these days at 35,000 feet. Many airlines are placing increasing emphasis on their menus and wine lists, transforming their luxurious front-end cabins into something resembling airborne Michelinstarred restaurants. This summer, British Airways – which has an ongoing collaboration with threeMichelin-starred celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal – introduced a series of dishes based on umami. Not an unusual Japanese ingredient, umami is the “fifth taste”, a savoury flavor that comes from eating foods rich in amino acids. For Blumenthal, this translates into Iberico ham, chorizo and Cumbre de Trujillo cheese with a tomato and olive dressing, or Berbere spiced lamb stew with chilli-fried okra. These dishes are designed to satisfy the palate and

taste fresh at high-altitude midway through a 10-hour flight. For other airlines, innovations in first-class meals have more to do with giving passengers something familiar. In an initiative that began in November and will run until late January, first-class travellers on select Cathay Pacific flights will be able to enjoy their favourite dishes from Swire Hotels’ restaurants. This includes braised short rib of beef with soft polenta and meaux mustard from Café Gray Deluxe in The Upper House, North Asian delicacies from Bei or Mediterranean lobster salad with vine-ripened tomatoes and lemon chive dressing from Sureno, both at The Opposite House. Other international offerings come from Feast (Food by EAST) at the East Hotel. And there are transformations on the wine front, too Air New Zealand’s wine consultants conduct twice-yearly blind tastings to select the best vintage available. The result of all this effort is not lost on savvy international travellers, who have come to expect the kind of food aboard a plane that they would get at a top restaurant on terra firma. And the copious quantities don’t hurt, either. So what makes frequent fliers’ mouths water?

“The caviar on Lufthansa first class,” says lawyer Ted Marr, who has practices in Hong Kong and Beijing. “Such good caviar, and they are generous with it. Last time I had so much, with Champagne, on departure from Frankfurt that I didn’t need anything else and just went to sleep, happy, all the way to Hong Kong.” Much of the culinary action in first-class cabins can be attributed to other factors in the airline industry. Domestic economyclass air travel within the US has been largely reduced to no-frills services, with passengers buying food – most of it not very good – on board. Some carriers are expanding their business-class sections, or adding premium economy seats. The result, say travel insiders, is a dilution of quality in air travel in general, leaving first class as the last bastion of sumptuous in-flight dining. “The business-class experience is certainly waning on many carriers,” says high-end travel agent Dane Steele Green, president and CEO of New York company Steele Luxury Travel. When it comes to food, he says Asian carriers excel while most American airlines

RESERVATIONS

High-class Dining The food on first-class flights is going up, up and away. Crave explores the dining options at 35,000 feet.

Cathay Pacific

Qantas Airlines

Cathay Pacific

Text by Kavita Daswani, opening image from British Airways

First class cabins are now offering travellers a variety of fine dining options

RESERVATIONS

IS THERE A CHEF ON BOARD? Celebrity chefs are riding a fresh wave of popularity, this time, at 30,000 feet. 1

Recently, American Airlines announced a collaboration with chefs Richard Sandoval (pictured) and Marcus Samuelsson, with featuring entrées such as lemongrassmarinated chicken breast with yucca purée.

Neil Perry (pictured), who designs the menus for Qantas, is one of Australia’s leading chefs. He owns the critically acclaimed Rockpool restaurants in Sydney, Perth and Melbourne.

have less-than-stellar food options, even in first class. He says some of the best first-class dining he has experienced was on a recent Cathay Pacific flight from New York to Vancouver. “How they served the food was like some sort of ceremony, a ritual,” he recalls. “From the bone china and beautiful Asian-inspired porcelain, everything was wonderfully done.” Other carriers that he says do a top-rate job include Austrian Airlines, Emirates and Turkish Airlines, largely because of its affiliation with top international catering company Do & Co, which runs exclusive hotels,

British Airways has Heston Blumenthal (pictured), whose latest initiative is an umami-based menu.

James Beard award-winner Michelle Bernstein (pictured), who beat Bobby Flay in the Iron Chef kitchen, is working with Delta.

Singapore Airlines has a number of chefs on its International Culinary Panel, including Suzanne Goin (above left) from the award-winning Lucques, A.O.C and Tavern in California, Indian TV chef Sanjeev Kapoor and France’s Georges Blanc. Chef Yoshihiro Murata (above right), whose restaurant Kikunoi has three Michelin stars, has created kyo-kaiseki menus with a lavish spread of appetisers, entrées and desserts.

bars, cafes and restaurants in Europe and New York. Andrew Satkowiak, owner of the luxury travel review website bombasticlife.com, singles out an Emirates flight from Dubai to the Maldives as serving the best fish curry he has ever eaten. “It has really stepped up its first-class meals and drink options,” he says. “The wine list has improved greatly and the spirits and digestifs are some of the best in the industry now.” Also memorable for Satkowiak was “killer ice cream” on a Kuwait Airlines flight from Kuwait to Egypt.

His enthusiasm is a recurrent theme among first-class passengers, many of whom recall the delicious meals on board long after they have disembarked. Comedian Dan Nainan, who has performed in Hong Kong, Dubai, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangalore and Dubai this year alone, says Delta’s filet mignon is so “magnificently tender” that he didn’t even need a knife to cut it. Steele recalls an Alitalia flight where he was served authentic primo and secondi dishes, a choice of four pastas, and dolce for dessert. On Australian Airlines, he had warm apple strudel with vanilla sauce that was so good it would “flip your socks”, he said. “It was really special.”

RESERVATIONS

TOP-FLIGHT WINES A common complaint among frequent fliers is that wine and champagne are not handled correctly onboard: red wine served chilled, white wine warm. First-class caterers are hoping to change that perception.

Emirates offers its top-tier passengers Hennessy Paradis, or 21-year-old Glenfiddich single malt whisky.

Air New Zealand pays special attention to flying conditions in selecting wines, taking into account the effects of low humidity and high altitude on the palate, causing the tannin and astringency of wine to taste more pronounced.

Singapore Airlines, which has “air sommeliers”, holds two formal wine tastings a year, sampling up to 1,000 different red and white wines, Champagne and port. Among those to make the cut: Dom Perignon and Krug Grande Cuvee Champagne, and Portuguese port.

British Airways recently announced it was making a “substantial investment” in its on-board Champagne and wine selections, including the $1,500 Grand Siecle by Laurent-Perrier and a Corton Bressandes Grand Cru 2008. The airline this year received an award for offering the sky’s best red wine, Argento Malbec – in economy.

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2. Load up your cellphone with emergency numbers. In addition to the airline reservation line, include the number for the frequent flier representative if you are a member. Those booking agents tend to have more experience in looking for creative itineraries and may be

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helpful in finding an alternative flight. If you booked through a third-party travel site like Expedia or Travelocity, add its customer service line to your roster; it may be able to advocate on your behalf. 3. To make sure you’re not left out in the cold — or on the airport floor — when that snowstorm grounds all flights, add the numbers of some major hotel chains, like Starwood or Marriott, with airport locations. If you are an iPhone user, there are several free apps that offer nearby real-time hotel listings with available rooms, including HotelPal, Hotels.com and Kayak.com.

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4. Set up a flight alert for yourself and anyone who may need to know your whereabouts, like the aunt who offered to pick you up at the airport. These services, offered by most airlines and Web sites like Flightstats.com, let travelers know if a gate or flight time has changed via e-mail or text message. Orbitz.com allows customers to alert up to six people at a time. Knowing about such changes early can give you an edge over the 100-plus other passengers on your plane if there is a cancellation and you need to alter your plans.

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Another tip: iPhone users can download the FlightTrack or Flight Status app, which offer the status of thousands of flights, as well as arrival gates and baggage carousels, for a onetime $4.99 fee from Apple’s iTunes App Store. 5. Pack smart. Leave the shower gel or anything else you can pick up at your destination. Have gifts shipped ahead so you don’t have to lug them with you. Edit your wardrobe: do you really need three sets of heels for dinner at Grandma’s or will one pair do? A carry-on will also allow you to avoid the scrum at baggage claim and easily move between flights if your itinerary is wrecked by delays. If you must check luggage, you can save $5 at most airlines by prepaying online. (Many airlines now charge $15 to $25 for the first checked bag and $25 to $35 for the second on domestic flights.) United passengers can also pay a $249 annual fee to check up to two bags on each flight, and avoid paying the usual fees. 6. Know your rights. This is critical during busy travel periods when flights are often overbooked and confusion reigns. Travelers can receive up to $400 if they are involuntarily bumped and rebooked on another flight within two hours after their original domestic flight time and within four hours for international flights. They are eligible for up to $800 in cash if they are not rerouted by then. Complaints about airline service other than safety or security issues may be registered with the Department of Transportation’s Aviation Consumer Protection Division . 7. Check in ahead of time online. This may be common sense, but it’s important to arrive at the airport with boarding pass in hand because the last travelers to check in are often the first to be bumped when a flight is oversold. Most airlines allow travelers to check in online as much as 24 hours in advance. 8. Reserve a parking spot. Holidays are also crunch time at airport parking lots, where the best spots fill up fast. You can avoid circling the airport in search of a space by reserving a parking spots at off-airport lots, which offer shuttles to the airport. Services like Park ’n Fly Network and AirportParkingReservations.com allow travelers to search for and reserve a spot by plugging in their departure airport and travel dates. Rates start at about $6 a day, but vary by airport. 9. Know your airport. If your flight is delayed, you may end up spending a lot of time there. Airport Maps, a $2.99 app for the iPhone, shows where gates, airline lounges, restaurants and shops are at more than 60 major North American airports, so you can easily pick up some last-minute gifts at the duty-free store. Another app, iFly Pro, offers details on 350 commercial airports for $6.99. Another tip: through Jan. 15, Google is offering complimentary Wi-Fi in 47 airports across the country, including Las Vegas, Boston, Houston, Seattle and Miami. 10. Be polite. Courtesy definitely gets more results than pushiness. That was the approach that Dane Steele Green, chief executive of Steele Luxury Travel in New York, took last Christmas when his trip from Newark to Zurich was derailed by a series of delays and cancellations. “I was very polite; remember, who wants to be there on Christ- mas Day?” he said, noting how he tried to make the agent feel appreciated and important when explaining his situation. “All of a sudden I hear tickets being printed.” Mr. Steele and his companion, who were initially scheduled to fly in business class on three connecting flights on Swiss International Air Lines, were put on a nonstop all-business class flight on a partner airline, PrivatAir. “It was wonderful,” he said. A version of this article appeared in print on December 20, 2009, on page TR4 of the New York edition with the headline: The Flight Before Christmas.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/20/travel/20pracholiday.html?_r=1&ref=travel

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Voyage to the Land of Milk & Honey; Israel By Mick Sandoval Thousands of suntanned and muscle sculpted Israeli men await you in the Land of Milk and Honey. This June, Steele Luxury Travel embarks on its ten day journey through the state of Israel. Experience white sand beaches, exclusive pride parties with sexy Israeli men, and the country’s first modern design hotel located atop one of the world’s largest craters. The tour begins in the monotheistic capital of Jerusalem. Explore the city’s various religions and cultures. Savor delicious Middle Eastern cuisine including an authentic Jewish Shabbat meal. Then prepare to set off for adventure: indulge in the rejuvenating waters at the Dead Sea. Climb to the ancient community of Masada. Rappel down a mountain. Ride a camel. Hike to the lush oasis of Ein Gedi. Investigate massive underground caves. If all that isn’t hot enough for you, on the final day in the Holy City, Steele Luxury Travel hosts an exclusive all gay fete in the middle of the Negev Desert. The last four days of the Milk & Honey tour take place in Tel Aviv

during the city’s Gay Pride festivities. Celebrate Israel's notorious gay pride with VIP access to the hottest events and parties throughout the city. Steele Luxury Travel offers exclusive airfare packages via Continental Airlines starting at $3,300 roundtrip business class and $950 roundtrip economy. A 3-day extension tour to Jordan is also available. Israel’s Milk & Honey tour Includes: •Roundtrip airport transfers in Israel •Four nights at the luxurious 5-star Mamilla Jerusalem Hotel •One night at the Isrotel Breishit Hotel in Mitzpeh Ramon •Four nights at the Carlton Hotel Tel Aviv •Transportation to destinations aboard first class luxury motor coach •Professional Israeli gay tour guide • 24-hour nightlife manager and concierge •Entrance fees to all sites For information, and to book your Israel gay adventure vacation, visit www.steeletravel.com.

08.04.2011

First Class All the Gay If Housewives of NY’s queen of luxury Sonja Morgan were a gay travel agent, she would be Dane Steele Green. Green’s travel tour company, Steele Luxury Travel, specializes in meeting the needs of a high end, fabulously gay clientele. He says vacations should be intriguing, inspirational, educational and most of all, indulgent. His trips are tailored with the gay traveler in mind. Steele’s most popular summer travel experience, The Mykonos Island Villa Escape, features a sea-front villa with live-in chefs, a cleaning staff, and two gorgeous house boys. Note to Sonja: don’t allow The Countess to plan your next trip abroad. Call Dane. He’ll give you the extravagantly first class vacation you deserve. The Showt recently caught up with Mr. Green to discuss Steele Luxury Travel and what makes this handsome young entrepreneur tick…. Where are the hot gay destinations this season? Aside from the staples Rio, Mykonos, Ibiza and Barcelona – gay men are flocking to more obscure destinations around the globe, including South Africa, Courchevel (for winter snowboarding), and Asian cities like Hong Kong and Shanghai. What destination tops your list? Thailand is full of energy, culture and delicious food. There is a trend in destinations defining themselves as gay-friendly. The gay dollar is powerful. During this economic crisis, the gay travel sector is the only one that has remained constant in the industry. Cities would be foolish not to open their doors to us. Tell us your travel philosophy. Our company’s slogan is Live Your Indulgence. When travelling abroad, explore the land the way you like. If you want to taste every type of gelato in Italy, do it. If you want to visit every bathhouse around the world, indulge yourself. It’s your time to be free and leave all of life’s stresses behind. How did you get into travel? Travel has always been my passion. I worked for several airlines and tour companies before launching my own company. DNA Magazine called you “the luckiest gay bastard”. My most recent “Oh my God, look where I am” moment was at the Life Ball in Vienna. I was inside the most beautiful palace and I literally got a sense of what heaven must be like. Any fun stories to share? My company follows the Las Vegas mantra of ‘what happens on vacation, stays on

vacation’.

Wanna escape NYC during the cold Winter months? Book a trip now to Rio de Janeiro for New Year’s

Hunky Dane Steele Green Sips Vodka Pinneapple with Designer BF and Throws Gay Parties Around the World!

Name: Dane Steele Green Career: President and CEO at Steele Luxury Travel Home: New York City Favorite City: Manhattan. Mykonos and Tel Aviv Relationship Status: In a relationship with the very handsome Joshua Ingraham, interior designer. Current Project/Up Next: Life Ball, May 18 – 23 Spotted on a typical Saturday night: at friend’s apartments drinking vodka pineapple

Hello gorgeous! We hear you are going to the Life Ball The Life Ball is one of the world’s most extravagant events. It is a wonderful event that combines costume party, a modern twist to the traditional Viennese ball, front row European fashion show, masquerade ball, high quality produced concert, and charity benefitting HIV and AID research. I caught a glimpse of this year’s style bible for the ball, Spread the Wings of Tolerance. The Life Ball this year represents one of the earth’s elements. Air is one of life’s essential elements. As it is this year’s theme for the Life Ball, it represents life in a creative way. Taking the theme of air and having all of Life Ball’s guest create unique costumes for this event benefitting HIV and AIDS creates a magical experience. Fighting against HIV and AIDS should be a part of the official gay calendar. If we have a little free time during the Life Ball, where should we go? Vienna is one of the most beautiful and pristine cities in Europe. During the Life Ball Travel Experiences hosted by Steele Luxury Travel, we make sure that there is plenty of free time to enjoy the city. This includes visits to Vienna’s gorgeous government buildings, the Opera House, Parliament, coffee houses, museums and restaurants.

! There are so many amazing coffee houses and bars over there. What are some of your favorites? I really love sitting at the Hotel Sacher and enjoying iced coffee with Sachertorte. Their take on an iced coffee is chilled coffee with heaps of fresh creamy delicious ice cream–wow. Sachetorte is a famously delicious Viennese chocolate cake layered with apricot filling. Simply delicious. Yum! Speaking of delicious…what are Austrian men like? http://www.gaycities.com/outthere/?attachment_ id=135904 Austrian men… Hmmm. Austrian men are always right, never wrong, and will never let you know you are right, even if proven wrong. I love it. Tell me more. They are sexy, confident and cunning. Light eyes, light hair, boasting beautiful lean bodies. The Life Ball is a celebrity magnet. Many celebrities attended last year including Bill Clinton, Rebecca Romijn, Whoopi Goldberg, Kenneth Cole, Diane von Furstenberg, Francisco Costa, Lydia Hearts, Richie Rich, Patti Labelle, Jerry O’Connell, Michel and Ayako Comte, Dita Von Teese. Any rumors about who’s coming this year? Bill Clinton, Janet Jackson, and many others to be confirmed How did you start working in the travel industry? While in college, I interned for Alitalia Airlines in marketing. Then I interned at Jetblue. Once I graduated from NYU, I interviewed with Alitalia for a permanent marketing position. While I worked at Alitalia, I used my flight benefits to attend every major gay circuit party and many international LGBT events around the world. Through my work at Alitalia and through my travels, I realized there was a niche in the travel industry that was undeserved. Hey, Dane, I’ve got to ask… Does all of your traveling put a strain on your relationship? It actually helps my relationship. How so? My boyfriend, Joshua, actually travels with me most of the time. Through our travels, our relationship grows and we experience the world together. He also has the opportunity to see various types of design, art and technique around the world. I heard someone talking about their “travel bucket list” the other day. What’s on your bucket list? Each year I make sure to go to at least two new destinations. Coming up for me will be India, a second visit to Thailand, and more exploration through Asia. I am also very interested in experiencing luxury rail trips and more travel through Africa. The world is my oyster and I plan on cracking it continuously. Check out GayCities brand-new guide to gay Vienna!

First-class fliers frustrated Loyal customers lose patience with airlines' service slashes despite perks BY MARGARET JAWORSKI

must be reaching an all-time low if even first- and business-class airline passengers, among the most pampered customers, have joined the chorus of complainers. Their mounting dissatisfaction concerns a number of issues, including inadequate legroom on long flights, discourteous customer service, pricey tickets and stingy mileage programs. As a result, these big spenders are now more likely to shop around for their flights than stick with an airline because it's the carrier they've always CORPORATE TRAVEL

ICrain's New York Business

flown or they're part of a mileage program, say industry experts. That's bad news for the airlines, which count on these lucrative travelers for more than half of their revenues. "Fliers used to be loyal to a particular airline," saysJeff Clarke, chief executive of Travelport, one of the world's largest travel-service providers. "But now we're seeing that they are willing to switch carriers." Seeing red

the chief operating officer of Story Worldwide, a global marketing agency, the inflight experience is satisfying enough. Butwhat makes him see red is the "unfriendly and inflexible" ticketing experience, particularly when he has to change a flight. The frustration is so great, says Mr. Kelly,who flies every sixweeks between New York and London on British Airways, that he'd switch airlines if he hadn't already accrued so many FOR SIMON KELLY,

I September 22, 2008

frequent-flier miles in BA's Executive Club program. High fuel costs have caused airlines to cut expenses in a myriad of ways that irritate customers, such as downgrading the value of frequentflier miles, tacking on upgrade fees, reducing routes and slashing customer service. Passengers, who pay premium prices for prime real estate on a flight, expect atthe very least to be comfortable. If the carrier doesn't meet their standards, it's a deal-breaker. Dane Steele Green, chief executive of New York-based Steele Luxury Travel, won't be parking his 6 feet 2 inch frame in Delta Air Lines' domestic first-class cabin again soon. When he flew from Los Angeles to New York on the airline in July, the experience left him aggravated. "My knees could literally touch the seat in front of me," he says."Honestly, I don't care if their seats are made out of cloth or leather," he adds. "Give me legroom."

THE LONG HAUL

business class on long-haul flights •viewing 1 LARGER TO 2options EXTRA PERSONAL INCHES TVs of with seat more width EXTENDED seat reclining •• 10 TO 30 INCHES more legroom Perks of flying first class versus SOURCE:

SEATGURU.COM

But legroom doesn't come cheap. The average lowest midweek business-class ticket on American Airlines starts at $4,617, while the price tag for Virgin Atlantic's more legfriendly seats (all of which are business class) is about $7,140. The industry average for a first-class New York-London seat is $10,000. Luxe amenities cushion high fares TO COMPENSATE for some of the

areas of service they're eliminating, airlines are offering over-the-top amenities. Whether it helps the carriers gain back goodwill remains to be seen.

In February, United Airlines installed flatbed sleepers in businessclass for long-haul flights, added menus by celebrity chef Charlie Trotter and made 150 hours of entertainment available for viewing on IS-inch personal screens. On Lufthansa, premium passengers enjoy such extras as sushi boxes. Virgin Atlantic recently eliminated its signature onboard massage and manicure service, but passengers can get haircuts, shaves and massages at the Cowshed spa at the Virgin Clubhouse at London's Heathrow Airport. Upper Class fares on Virgin Atlantic include a complimentary chauffeur-driven car to or from the airport. Business-class travelers on American's Boeing 767 nonstop service from New York to San Francisco, Los Angeles and Miami can now surf the Internet and check e-mail via broadband service onboard. Delta plans to install broadband service in 133 jets this fall, and Virgin America expects to have an Internet system in place by the end of the year. COMMENTS?

cnyb@crainsnewyork.com

D E S T I N AT I O N G U I D E S E R I E S

VIENNA

ELITE GUIDE TO VIENNA HIGHLIGHTS OF VIENNA

ONLY ELITE Elite Traveler has selected the most exclusive VIP experience for your stay in Vienna

CONCIERGE RECOMMENDATIONS We asked one of Vienna’s top concierges to share his personal recommendations

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for the perfect day in the Austrian capital

WHERE TO ± STAY

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± DURING THE NIGHT

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PARTY HARD FOR A GOOD CAUSE WITH THE GREAT AND GOOD AT THE LIFE BALL

HIGHLIGHTS OF VIENNA V

ienna is a beautiful Baroque city of opulent imperial architecture and world-class arts; a capital that has known great emperors and legendary classical composers. Above all, it is a city famous for its music: the Philharmonic Orchestra, considered the best in the world, the magnificent opera company, and the world-famous Staatsoper, which is home to an exceptional calendar of musical and society events. Vienna’s famously exclusive

ball season combines these world-class musical traditions, its panoply of stunning buildings, and its penchant for celebration and spectacle into a series of spectacular dances attended by influential Austrian and international society. These experiences are quintessentially Viennese, and contribute to the city’s considerable grandeur and allure. However, there is a lighter, more relaxed (but no less stylish!) side to the city, which sees the most cutting edge luxury shopping

lining the streets of Kohlmarkt and Graben, bright young things partying in style at U4, unique thermal pampering at the city’s famous hot springs, and vibrant coffee houses packed with poets, artists and delectably good drinks. Whichever way you choose to experience Austria’s sparkling capital, Elite Traveler has distilled the most exciting, exclusive and truly unmissable experiences that Vienna has to offer, so you can sample the very best.

HOFBURG IMPERIAL PALACE

LIFE BALL AT VIENNA’S CITY HALL

HOFBURG IMPERIAL PALACE The grandest of Vienna’s imperial palaces is so much more than a collection of magnificent state rooms and opulent halls (although it has plenty of these). As page14 will tell you, the Hofburg is also a fascinating historical snapshot of the lives and loves of one of Europe’s great imperial dynasties – the Habsburgs. It is a veritable treasure trove of art, artifacts and personal objects, and an immense complex of buildings that once serviced the lavish imperial lifestyle and the business of running an empire. The Hofburg also includes the oldest and most prestigious center of classical dressage in the world – the Spanish Riding School – where spectacular displays of horsemanship continue to thrill visitors some 440 years after its inauguration.

LIFE BALL 2012 VIP PACKAGE (WITH STEELE LUXURY TRAVEL) On page 4 we suggest a way to experience Vienna at its most hip and hedonistic – with exclusive tickets to the fabulous 2012 Life Ball. A night of extravagant partying with the hottest international stars at Vienna’s magnificent city hall, an excuse to swap inhibitions for imagination and dress up (the more flamboyant and creative the better!), and the opportunity to raise vast amounts of money for HIV/AIDS charities, the Life Ball is where you get to support an exceptional cause and have an exceptional time in the process. Steele Luxury Travel’s exclusive package gets you there in style, whisks you around some of Vienna’s top spots, gives you red carpet access at the ball, and treats you to a luxury trip to Prague for good measure.

VIENNA OPERA BALL The Viennese love a ball, the elegant dances, beautiful gowns and spectacular venues, and a number of these sumptuous events take place throughout the year. However, none of them capture both national and international imaginations quite like the spectacular Opera Ball. Arguably the most exclusive society event in the Viennese calendar, the Opera Ball takes the best of the elite experiences that Vienna has to offer, and the best of the ball tradition - breathtaking classical music performed by some of the most accomplished and respected musicians in the world, the beautiful and beloved venue of the State Opera, the ceremony and opulence of the imperial age, and heaps of high society glamour, style and luxury - and combines them all into a spectacular, VIP-packed evening of dancing, fashion and celebration. We give you all the details of this unmissable night on page 17.

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VIENNA STATE OPERA, THE ANNUAL OPERA BALL’S ICONIC VENUE

ONLY ELITE Elite Traveler has selected the most exclusive VIP experience for your stay in Vienna

culminating in the Life Ball 2012 on the Saturday evening. Expect the flamboyant opening outside the majestic city hall to include a starpacked fashion show, showcasing the hottest names on the international couture scene. Expect outrageous costumes (the 2012 theme is â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Fire â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Fight the Flames of Ignorance!â&#x20AC;&#x2122;, and ball-goers have no qualms about being as glitzy and ostentatious as possible), performances from musical legends, a glamorous international star compĂ¨re (past hosts have included Janet Jackson), and the sight of VIPs as diverse as Bill Clinton and Whoopi Goldberg getting down to some serious partying. Your ticket will include red carpet access, as well as the option to purchase all the hottest VIP extras, such as a ticket to an exclusive pre-Life-Ball dinner hosted by President Clinton â&#x20AC;&#x201C; whose charitable foundation is one of the fundraiserâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beneficiaries.

LIFE BALL 2012 VIP PACKAGE (WITH STEELE LUXURY TRAVEL) VIP contact: Dane Steele Green Phone: +1 646 688 2274 Email: dane@steeletravel.con Website: www.steeletravel.com/lifeball One of the most exclusive and high-profile charity events on the international social scene, the Life Ball is an extravagant, flamboyant and wildly popular annual event, supported and attended by statesmen and superstars, all in aid of raising money and awareness for HIV/AIDS sufferers and campaigns. To date the Life Ball has raised more than $21 million, helping an important cause via a lavish and glamorous evening of music, drinks and dancing, lit up by a megawattage of star power. The only way to arrive at this exclusive party â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a mere 3,780 tickets for which are released each year â&#x20AC;&#x201C; is in true VIP style, courtesy of Steele Luxury Travelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s elite package.

Your Life Ball experience is rounded off with an indulgent morning-after brunch party at one of the hippest spots in the city â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not all. If you still have an appetite for stylish travel and fun after the previous nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s revelry, Dane Steele will whisk you to Prague â&#x20AC;&#x201C; one of the most romantic and beautiful cities in Europe â&#x20AC;&#x201C; for two nights at an exclusive five-star hotel, and three days of luxury, fine dining and wonderful sightseeing. And as Steele Luxury Travel specialises in truly bespoke experiences, your trip ends when you say it does; Dane can assist with arranging further European adventures after Vienna and Prague, or you can jet home in style for some well-earned rest.

Those in the US will enjoy business class flights to Vienna, which include an on-board private chef and speciality Viennese coffee tastings; alternatively guests can choose to travel in their own jets and meet up with Steele once in the city. Upon arrival, guests transfer in style to their base at the luxury boutique Ring Hotel, and are whisked off for two quintessential Viennese days of coffee and pastry tasting, dinner at stylish gourmet restaurants, a city tour and drinks at glamorous bars,

THE RED CARPET OUTSIDE VIENNAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CITY HALL, AT LIFE BALL 2011

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CONCIERGE RECOMMENDATIONS We asked one of Vienna’s top concierges to share his personal recommendations for the perfect day in the Austrian capital

WOLFGANG BUCHMANN CHIEF CONCIERGE, HOTEL SACHER Phone: +43 1 5145 6780 Email: portier.wien@sacher.com Website: www.sacher.com “I am truly Viennese, and I love the city. In fact, I cannot think of a better place to live! This city has so much to offer in terms of music, culture, entertainment, dining, shopping – the list is almost endless. Assuming that you do not have as much time as I do, I have prepared this insider list with all of my personal and “subjectively biased” favorite places.” BEST RESTAURANTS Schweizerhaus Cuisine: Viennese Address: Prater 116, 1020 “This beer garden on the Prater is famous for authentic Viennese Food (Stelze!) and beer served in a very casual setting. There’s a great outdoor sitting area under shady old trees! My favorites on the menu are the handmade potato chips called ‘Rohscheiben’.”

THOMAS KNAPPE, A MEMBER OF THE DEDICATED SACHER CONCIERGE TEAM

BEST SHOPPING Horn For: Luxury leather goods Address: Mahlerstraße 5, 1010 “An excellent Viennese leather manufacturer designing great handbags and purses, as well as very elegant briefcases for the modern businesswoman.“

Procacci Cuisine: Italian Address: Goettweihergasse 2, 1010 “Italian style in the Austrian capital, excellent food with traditional Italian specialities. A place to see and to be seen!”

Muehlbauer Headwear For: Chic headgear and fashion Address: Seilergasse 10, 1010 “A family company founded more than a hundred years ago. Very stylish hats and clothing.”

THE GLAMOROUS BLAUE BAR AT HOTEL SACHER

NOT TO MISS Museumsquartier Address: Museumsplatz 1-5, 1070 “The Musemsquartier is a place of diversity. To begin with, it is an art space with a lot of programs for different movements and styles. Renowned museums and exhibition halls are located in close proximity to small cultural initiatives; modern classics meet young artists of the new millennium.” Karmelitermarkt Address: Leopoldsgasse & Hollandstrasse, 1020 “This marketplace is one of the oldest in Vienna, located in the 2nd district (where I grew up). Interesting food, outlandish fashion and contemporary art are transforming the Karmelitermarkt district into one of Vienna’s most exciting neighborhoods. Very busy on Saturday with local farmers who sell their excellent produce.” SPECIAL SUMMER TIP Old Danube “The Viennese recreation area close to the city center. We use it to relax, play and enjoy sports, or to spend pleasurable hours at beach cafes, bars and restaurants. Plenty of fun outdoor dining with a Caribbean feel.”

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WHERE TO STAY Whether a sumptuous bed, a spectacular view or service beyond compare – choose from our stunning selection HOTEL IMPERIAL WIEN © HOTEL IMPERIAL WIEN

ROYAL SUITE © HOTEL IMPERIAL WIEN

BAR MARIA THERESIA © HOTEL IMPERIAL WIEN

HOTEL IMPERIAL WIEN VIP contact: Klaus Christandl, General Manager Phone: +43 1 501 100 Email: hotel.imperial@luxurycollection.com Address: Kärntner Ring 16, 1015 Website: www.hotelimperialvienna.com The most famous palace hotel in the city, the Hotel Imperial Wien is a luxury institution in the heart of Vienna, providing an opulent city base for royalty in the 19th century, and today offering a world of discreet, exclusive comfort and magnificence for the elite traveler’s stay in Vienna. The Imperial is close to all of the capital’s premier attractions and bursting with gourmet and entertainment delights to complement the breathtaking glamour of its 138 rooms and suites – in addition to outstanding around-the-clock service.

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TOP SUITE ROYAL SUITE Square footage: 1,720 Nightly rate: $3,760 (low season) to $7,235 (high season) Why we love it: This sumptuous, inviting suite boasts a wealth of gorgeous features and amenities to ensure your Vienna stay is the height of opulence and comfort. Exquisite chandeliers sparkle from 23 foot stucco-decorated ceilings, and silk furnishings abound, while in-suite services include an open bar, pre-dinner cocktails, and exclusive, discreet Imperial Butler Service.

WHERE TO STAY GRAND HOTEL WIEN

THE RING HOTEL’S RESTAURANT AT EIGHT © RING HOTEL

VIP contact: Carl-Peter Echtermeijer, Assistant General Manager Phone: +43 1 515 801 851 Email: cpechtermeijer@jjwhotels.com Address: Kaerntner Ring 9, 1010 Website: www.grandhotelwien.com Vienna’s original luxury hotel had its grand opening in 1870, and gained rapturous acclaim from royalty and nobility for its stunning AustroHungarian grandeur, prime location in the heart of the capital, and unsurpassed VIP service. Today, the Grand Hotel Wien continues to be the standard bearer for classic, impeccable Viennese luxury, and has been extensively refurbished to incorporate state-of-the-art modern conveniences and amenities in its 205 lavish rooms and suites. Superstars and dignitaries as diverse as U2 and Paul McCartney, His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin have enjoyed the modern Grand Hotel Wien experience, which includes exquisite gourmet dining with sensational views.

TOP SUITE PRESIDENTIAL SUITE Square footage: 2,370 to 3,015 Nightly rate: $4,550 Why we love it: This sumptuously furnished suite is a feast for the eyes as well as pure comfort and luxury for the soul. An enormous sleeping space and beautiful balcony with views across the Ringstraße are complemented by a lavish dining area with a fireplace – perfect for stylish entertaining – and a sleek marble bathroom complete with an indulgent whirlpool. For the ultimate Presidential experience, your suite can be connected to another, providing even more space and luxury for a truly VIP Vienna visit.

RING HOTEL VIP contact: Carl-Peter Echtermeijer, Assistant General Manager Phone: +43 1 515 801 851 Email: cpechtermeijer@jjwhotels.com Address: Kärntner Ring 8, 1010 Website: www.theringhotel.com The Ring Hotel is cool, and it knows it. With its confident slogan of ‘Vienna’s Casual Luxury Hotel’, it announces its laid-back yet classy presence on the Viennese luxury scene. Forget standing on ceremony here, the vibe is chic and cheerful, with all the warmth and charm of “laid-back luxe”. Attracting a smart art and fashion crowd, the Ring’s 68 rooms and suites feature sharp, contemporary design with historical features and an ambiance of playful energy and style. Sleeping spaces are blissfully, impeccably indulgent and the hotel’s day spa is famed for its magical views and extensive list of therapeutic treatments.

LOBBY OF THE GRAND HOTEL WIEN

TOP SUITE RING SUITE Square footage: 1,290 Nightly rate: $4,050 Why we love it: Enormous, exuberantly colorful, and stylish, the Ring Suite offers exemplary accommodation for the discerning elite traveler. Striking art-laden walls, the latest entertainment facilities and an exceptional spa-style bathroom all make for glamorous, elite living, while in-suite business facilities can help you host the perfect mini-conference or intimate corporate lunch.

DESTINATION GUIDE SERIES

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WHERE TO STAY BASTEIGARTEN RESTAURANT AT PALAIS COBURG © PALAIS COBURG / FRANZ ZWICKL

NEW WORLD WINE CELLAR © PALAIS COBURG / HERBERT LEHMANN

VICTORIA IMPERIAL SUITE © PALAIS COBURG / CLAUDIO ALESSANDRI

PALAIS COBURG VIP contact: Gabriele Frei, General Manager Phone: +43 1 518 180 Email: hotel.residenz@palais-coburg.com Address: Coburgbastei 4, 1010 Website: www.coburg.at Palais Coburg is a restored 18th century mansion, promising sumptuous classic luxury with the occasional twist of contemporary flair – visible in the sleek cutting-edge feel of the Modern and City suites – blending Vienna’s grand imperial heritage with the ambitious, cosmopolitan style of the modern luxury scene. The hotel’s exceptional 24/7 concierge service, which extends to a dedicated Palais Coburg VIP Salon at Vienna Airport, ensures star treatment throughout your stay.

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TOP SUITE VICTORIA IMPERIAL SUITE Square footage: 1,465 (+ 226 square foot private terrace) Nightly rate: $3,895 Why we love it: Palais Coburg’s beautiful Imperial Suites are located in the original mansion’s opulent Ceremonial Rooms, and the Victoria Suite is its crown jewel, offering unrivalled space and grandeur, as well as an enormous, lavishly furnished terrace – the perfect private spot to relax, entertain and soak up grand views of the Palais gardens, the City Park and the Ringstraße.

WHERE TO STAY HOTEL SACHER

MAGIC FLUTE PRESIDENTIAL SUITE AT HOTEL SACHER

VIP contact: Reiner Heilmann, General Manager Phone: +43 1 514 560 Email: rheilmann@sacher.com Address: Philharmonikerstraße 4, 1010 Website: www.sacher.com Sacher is one of the most exclusive hotels in Vienna, and every aspect of a stay here exudes stylish elegance and pure class. From lavish, beautiful rooms and suites individually designed to blend classic and contemporary styles, to show-stopping views of Vienna, and world-class attentive yet discreet service, the Hotel Sacher is in a class of its own. There’s plenty for the elite traveler’s palate to enjoy too, with gourmet restaurants and an excellent bar, as well as the legendary Café Sacher, were you can indulge in the famous Viennese chocolcate cake and coffee. When it’s time to relax you’re in for a treat – the hotel’s 3,800 square foot spa is one of the best in Vienna, offering indulgent luxury chocolate treatments, that are highly exclusive and promise pure sumptuous bliss. Oh and how could we forget? This is the hotel where John Lennon and Yoko Ono held their famous Viennese press conference, to mark the end of their first honeymoon ‘bed-in‘ for world peace.

TOP SUITE MAGIC FLUTE PRESIDENTIAL SUITE Square footage: 1,800  Nightly rate: $6,300 Why we love it: The sublime views from the Magic Flute Presidential Suite are quintessentially Viennese, surveying the majestic Opera House and the bustle of the city below. As the dignitaries and artists who have stayed here have discovered, there’s much to enjoy inside too, with rare and beautiful antique pieces, two lavish sleeping areas, three opulent marble bathrooms, and state-of-the-art modern amenities which add a note of up-to-the-minute contemporary luxury.

DAS TRIEST VIP contact: Manfred Stallmajer, General Manager Phone: +43 1 589 180 Email: office@dastriest.at Address: Wiedner Hauptstraße 12, 1040 Website: www.dastriest.at One of the hippest boutique hotels in the city, Das Triest is a sleek dose of ultra-modish chic, redesigned by the legendary Terence Conran to add a welcome note of variety to the Viennese luxury scene. Located in downtown Vienna near the Karlsplatz, Das Triest is the perfect destination for those who prefer something more intimate and contemporary to the lavish old-world grandeur on offer elsewhere in the city. Discerning guests will enjoy the gourmet northern Italian specialities at Das Triest’s own award-winning restaurant Collio.

TOP SUITE BUSINESS SUITE Square footage: 1,075 Nightly rate: $855 Why we love it: Das Triest’s elegant, spacious Business Suite sports cutting edge designer fittings and furniture, as well as the latest in luxury technology for chic and glamorous sleeping, eating, relaxing and entertaining. Design aficionados will appreciate the tables by B&B Italia, a Wittmann sofa, lounge chairs and table by Minotti, ‘Miss K’ table lamps by Philippe Starck, a 65” plasma screen and hifi/audio in Dolby Surround by Bang & Olufsen. A stylish terrace offers private access to the hotel’s blissful garden area.

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STYLISH DRINKS AT HOTEL SACHER

WHERE TO DINE S

trong local food traditions jostle with sophisticated international fusion on Vienna’s vibrant culinary scene. The city’s elegant, Michelin-lauded restaurants and warm, charming bistros offer world-class gourmet dining at its most refined, and the home-from-home delights of intimate, family-run eateries. Both are food experiences to be treasured in this city of contrasts, which so effortlessly blends the contemporary and the classic, the innovative and the traditional, the intimate and the spectacular.

STYLISH NIGHT PANORAMA OF STEIRERECK © STEIRERECK

TOP CHOICE RESTAURANT STEIRERECK Chef: Heinz Reitbauer Phone: +43 1 713 3168 Email: wien@steirereck.at Address: Am Heumarkt 2A, 1030 Website: www.steirereck.at Cuisine: Local / International Style / Ambiance: Vienna’s only double-Michelin-starred restaurant, an intimate and charming spot within the Stadtpark, serves classic Viennese dishes alongside contemporary Austrian and international cuisine, complemented by wines from an exceptional cellar of 35,000 bottles. A smart, elegant main dining space gives way to a classy smoking area known as the ‘Red Saloon’, while exclusive private dinners can be accommodated in the 25-person ‘Theater’.

STEIRERECK © STEIRERECK

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FABIOS Owner: Fabio Giacobello Phone: +43 1 532 2222 Email: fabios@fabios.at Address: Tuchlauben 4-6, 1010 Website: www.fabios.at Cuisine: Mediterranean Style / Ambiance: A much-loved destination restaurant offering innovative Mediterranean fine dining, Fabios’s mouth-watering, creative interpretations of classic dishes have helped it forge a reputation as one of the finest gourmet experiences in Vienna. A light-filled elegant contemporary interior of wood and leather adds style and comfort to a chic and memorable dining experience.

GOURMET TREATS AT STEIRERECK © STEIRERECK

WHERE TO DINE LOCAL CUISINE GLACIS BEISL General Manager: Christian Mureny Phone: +43 1 526 5660 Email: mail@glacisbeisl.at Address: Museumsquartier, Zugang Breitegasse 4, Museumsplatz 1, 1070 Website: www.glacisbeisl.at Cuisine: Local Style / Ambiance: A fabulous little bistro serving cleverly interpreted Austrian fare, in an historic location at the old city walls, Glacis Beisl is Vienna old and new. Redesigned with a dash of contemporary flair for a young, modern crowd, the décor is elegant and inviting, the food classic and creative, and fragrant gardens promise relaxed alfresco dining at its best.

STYLISH

LOCAL CUISINE

NOVELLI Chef: Constantine Filippou Phone: +43 1 513 4200 Email: novelli@haslauer.at Address: Bräunerstrasse 11, 1010 Website: www.novelli.at Cuisine: Mediterranean Style / Ambiance: Award-winning, Michelin-starred Novelli prides itself on using the freshest ingredients for its authentic Mediterranean fare, served with a contemporary twist, all enjoyed in a sleek, on-trend interior space that is the very definition of high-class dining. Novelli promises to make your night even more special by inviting you to a world-class wine tasting with top sommeliers, or tailoring an exclusive menu to suit you and your guests.

THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF VIENNA, ONE OF THE MANY FASCINATING HISTORICAL ATTRACTIONS NEAR GLACIS BEISL RESTAURANT

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WALTER BAUER Owner: Walter Bauer Phone: +43 1 512 9871 Email: restaurant.walter.bauer@aon.at Address: Sonnenfelsgasse 17, 1010 Cuisine: Local Style / Ambiance: Nestled in one of Vienna’s quiet, curving lanes this charming family run restaurant has earned itself a Michelin star for its consistently excellent traditional dishes, elevated to contemporary standards with invention and flair, and perfected over 20 years on the Viennese gourmet landscape. Its cellars are stocked with the best Austrian wines, and Walter Bauer, the owner, is a well-loved figure on the country’s culinary scene; warm, welcoming and exceedingly talented.

WHERE TO BE PAMPERED

RELAXATION BLISS AT SO SPA & SO FIT

SO SPA & SO FIT (AT SOFITEL VIENNA STEPHANSDOM) Phone: +43 1 906 169 406 Email: h6599-th@sofitel.com Address: Sofitel Vienna Stephansdom, Praterstraße 1,1020 Website: www.sofitel-vienna.com Treatments & facilities: Occupying the whole fifth floor of the exclusive Sofitel Vienna Stephansdom this 8,070 square foot pampering mecca is equipped with nourishing whirlpools, hamams and five treatment rooms providing guests with private, luxurious pampering bliss. A dedicated fitness center offers the perfect opportunity to let off some steam with a bracing workout. And when you’re finished toning up and getting fit, you’ll find refined holistic treatments from the renowned ‘So’ brand, influenced by therapeutic traditions from across the world, which aim to nourish and reinvigorate even the weariest body and soul. Best of all, a stylish lounge for postpamper unwinding comes with a magical view of the city. What better way to see Vienna, reinvigorated and glowing, than from this exclusive world-class spa?

THERME WIEN Phone: +43 1 680 099 600 Email: info@thermewien.at Address: Kurbadstraße 14-16, 1100 Website: www.thermewien.at Treatments & facilities: Vienna’s mineralrich thermal springs have been enjoyed since ancient times, and elite travelers can experience them today at Therme Wien, the capital’s top urban spa and health complex. Though it is firmly within the city, visiting Therme Wien feels like getting away from it all – not only is it close to one of Vienna’s generous, verdant park areas, inside it is an enormous, immersive experience promising, according to your needs, relaxation, adventure, escape and fun. Nourishing, sulphur-infused pools beckon with the promise of natural rejuvenation and relaxation, alongside blissful sauna and steam rooms, top-of-the-range massage options, and a state-of-the-art fitness center – perfect for an exhilarating, pre-spa fitness session.

VENDOME SPA (AT RADISSON BLU PALAIS HOTEL) Phone: +43 1 515 178 888 Email: vendome.vienna@radissonsas.com Address: Radisson Blu Palais Hotel, Parkring 16, 1010 Website: www.vendomespa.at Treatments & facilities: Vienna’s five-star Radisson Blu Hotel offers this luxurious spa haven to guests and non-guests alike, and its extensive range of therapeutic massages (including Ayurvedic, Lomi Lomi and Shiatsu) and beauty treatments offer a welcome break from the bustle of central Vienna. However, the Vendome Spa’s main attraction is its indulgent floatarium: a warm, bath-style pool enriched with minerals, where guests can lie back and enjoy the pure bliss of weightlessness and relaxation, surrounded by candlelight and soft music. Both body and mind are nourished by this experience, as the rich salt and warm water caress and rejuvenate the skin, and the gentle bliss of floating calms the mind. This intimate, invigorating treatment can be enjoyed alone, or as a romantic treat with someone special. JACUZZI AT SO SPA & SO FIT

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WHAT TO DO ± DURING THE DAY W

ith majestic palaces, centuries of history, and some of the world’s greatest art and music, Vienna is a true cultural feast, bursting with spectacle and beauty at every turn. And when you’ve had your fill of Baroque magnificence and beautiful

symphonies there are other delights too – daredevil adventures and equestrian thrills, stylish bars and sizzling dancefloors. Enjoy luxury, culture, beauty, adventure and style, with our selection of day and night-time activities in the Austrian capital.

CAFÉ SACHER

RELAXING CAFÉ MOZART Phone: +43 1 2410 0200 Email: mozart@cafe-wien.at Address: Albertinaplatz 2, 1010 Website: www.cafe-mozart.at THE GREAT GALLERY AT SCHÖNBRUNN PALACE © SCHLOSS SCHÖNBRUNN KULTUR- UND BETRIEBSGESMBH / G. TRUMLER

CAFÉ SACHER Phone: +43 1 514 560 Email: wien@sacher.com Address: Philharmonikerstraße 4, 1010 Website: www.sacher.com Vienna is renowned for having some of the most exceptional coffee houses in the world, and its strong tradition of coffee and cake is one that absolutely must be sampled. The city is brimming with charming, elegant and historic spots to partake of this delectable heritage, but a couple deserve particular mention. The site occupied by Café Mozart has hosted a café for some 200 years, but first became known in the 19th century as a meeting place for the great artists and thinkers of the day, in a prime artistic location opposite the Albertina Museum, and close to the opera house. A resplendent, welcoming interior, all gleaming wood, winking chandeliers and cozy private booths, evokes the irresistible allure of classic, old-world Vienna. The delicious coffee and sweet treats on the menu complete what is a quintessential Viennese experience. Meanwhile, a trip to Vienna is incomplete until you have visited Café Sacher. The café that served the original Sacher-Torte is one of the most celebrated coffee houses in the city. Part of classic luxury haven Hotel Sacher, the café’s beautiful interior is as elegant and glamorous as the rest of the hotel, and it offers a stunning garden and summer terrace, crowned with magnificent views of the opera house.

CULTURE SCHÖNBRUNN PALACE Phone: +43 1 8111 3239 Email: info@schoenbrunn.at Address: Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Website: www.schoenbrunn.at Proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996, Schönbrunn Palace is one of Austria’s most celebrated and beloved monuments, and one of the most iconic relics of Habsburg Austria. A glamorous summer residence for the emperors set within vast green acres of imperial hunting grounds, Schönbrunn brims with wide, vast halls, precious antiques and imposing royal portraits, as well as idyllic landscaped gardens, neo-classical sculptures and even the world’s first zoo. A truly exclusive experience of this breathtaking palace complex can be enjoyed with a private, after-hours tour, or even a private event. The Schönbrunn can accommodate a lavish formal dinner for up to 150 guests in one of its many stunning rooms, a truly spectacular way to treat your guests to the ultimate in corporate or personal hospitality.

SCHÖNBRUNN BY NIGHT © SCHLOSS SCHÖNBRUNN KULTUR- UND BETRIEBSGESMBH / A. KOLLER

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THE ORIGINAL SACHER-TORTE AT CAFÉ SACHER

WHAT TO DO ± DURING THE DAY HOFBURG IMPERIAL PALACE BY NIGHT

MASTERFUL SCULTPURE AT THE KUNSTHISTORISCHES MUSEUM

CULTURE

HOFBURG IMPERIAL PALACE Phone: +43 1 533 7570 Email: info@hofburg-wien.at Address: Michaelerkuppel, 1010 Website: www.hofburg-wien.at The Hofburg Palace is the jewel in the crown of Austria’s imperial heritage. This vast, magnificent residence has housed extravagant emperors and powerful generals since the 13th century, and today is home to the President of Austria. Each year the Hofburg Palace receives thousands of visitors, who marvel at its majestic halls, opulent Imperial Apartments, grand Imperial Silver Collection and the fascinating Sisi Museum, dedicated to the life of Empress Elisabeth. Highly recommended for both its historical interest and sheer, epic beauty, the Hofburg is a must-visit on any trip to Vienna. Private and evening tours outside regular opening hours are available, so you can enjoy all of its grandeur and splendor in true VIP style. Also situated within the Hofburg complex is the world-famous Spanish Riding School, one of the most esteemed equestrian institutes in the world, where elite Lipizzaner stallions and their riders give spectacular dressage performances in a stunning Baroque environment. Traditionally, the School was also the venue for magnificent events hosted by the imperial court, and has lately revived this tradition with the annual, summertime Fête Impériale, an elite and exclusive addition to the Viennese ball season.

KUNSTHISTORISCHES MUSEUM Phone: +43 1 525 244 031 Address: Burgring 5, 1010 Website: www.khm.at One of the largest and most important art museums in Europe, the Kunsthistoriches Museum is an art-lover’s paradise: an enormous, palatial building with a breathtaking interior, designed to house and display the vast art collection of Austria’s Habsburg emperors. The display includes striking portraits of members of the dynasty, as well as masterworks from Renaissance painters such as Titian, Caravaggio and Raphael. In addition visitors can see a hoard of Ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman treasures, from statues and ceramics to coins and sculpture. Do not miss the chance to experience this fascinating blend of contrasts and human creativity, the fruits of millenia of epic history, at one of the most respected and impressive museums in the world.

THE SPANISH RIDING SCHOOL AT THE HOFBURG IMPERIAL PALACE

KUNSTHISTORISCHES MUSEUM

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WHAT TO DO ± DURING THE DAY INTERIOR OF THE BELVEDERE

THE BELVEDERE BY NIGHT

CULTURE

SPORT / SOMETHING DIFFERENT

THE BELVEDERE Phone: +43 1 795 570 Email: info@belvedere.at Address: Prinz-Eugen-Straße 27, 1030 Website: www.belvedere.at A spectacular taste of the art and splendor of Baroque Vienna can be found at the city’s world-famous Belvedere complex. The Upper and Lower Belvedere, two impressive 18th century palaces, are located in stunning gardens and offer splendid views of the city. What really sets the Belvedere apart in a city full of Baroque magnificence, however, is its collection of Gustav Klimt paintings – the largest in the world. Klimt fans will find the vaulted environs of the Upper Belvedere the perfect foil and setting for many of the artist’s most famous masterpieces – including the iconic The Kiss. Art lovers will also enjoy the impressive collection of miscellaneous Austrian art from the Middle Ages to the present day, some of which is displayed in the former palace stables.

BUNGEE JUMPING FROM THE DANUBE TOWER Phone: +43 820 220 211 Email: info@jochen-schweizer.de Address: Donauturmstraße 4, 1220 Website: www.bungee.de Vienna’s tallest structure is the Danube Tower (Donauturm), an immense, 827-foot-tall column which juts dramatically out of the landscape, defining the Vienna cityscape. Inside, it is a magical spot from which to soak up the city, with a viewing platform and two revolving restaurants where visitors can enjoy gourmet food and marvel at the city’s aerial panorama in style. However, those in the mood for more dramatic thrills can bungee jump from the tower, with experienced adrenaline sports company Jochen Schweizer GmbH. This is a great way to see Vienna for extreme sports fans, thrill-seekers, or those looking to try something different on their Austrian getaway. And to make this lifelong memory truly elite, why not enjoy an exclusive private bungee event at the tower? Cutting edge fun with bags of VIP style.

BUNGEE JUMPING OVER VIENNA FROM THE DANUBE TOWER © JOCHEN SCHWEIZER GMBH/ WWW.JOCHEN-SCHWEIZER.DE

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WHAT TO DO ± DURING THE NIGHT VIENNA STATE OPERA

INSIDE THE OPERA HOUSE

ARTS an immensely talented opera company that regularly performs the world’s best operatic repertoire, and the Vienna Philharmonic – the world-famous orchestra which accompanies performances – and holds its own magnificent classical concerts. In this city of music the opera company and the orchestra regularly hold performances in public squares, but there is nothing like enjoying a performance in the Staatsoper itself, where you can soak up some of the greatest music ever written surrounded by the grand, splendid beauty of classic Vienna.

VIENNA STATE OPERA Phone: +43 1 514 442 250 Address: Opernring 2, 1010 Website: www.wiener-staatsoper.at No visit to Vienna is complete without attending an opera or concert, and the Vienna State Opera House is the best place to immerse yourself in the city’s immense musical pedigree. One of the busiest and most famous opera houses in the world, the Staatsoper has everything: breathtaking grandeur, BAR

CLUB

SKY BAR Phone: +43 1 513 1712 Email: office@skybox.at Address: Steffi Department Store, Kärntnerstraße 19, 1010 Website: www.skybar.at Sky Bar’s irresistible lure is all down to its truly stunning panorama and a vast list of sublimely good cocktails – more than 350, in fact. For a relaxed, elegant night out in Vienna with the finest drinks and the finest views, Sky Bar is the perfect destination for the elite traveler who enjoys pre- or post-dinner drinks in a stylish and spectacular setting.

U4 Phone: +43 1 8171 1920 Address: Schönbrunner Straße 222-228, 1120 Website: www.u-4.at A legendary mainstay of Vienna’s club scene, wildly popular U4 is the place to go when your dancing shoes are firmly on, and you’re ready to party all night. A celeb favorite, U4 is all about energy and style, and there’s something for everyone on the dance floor, with a different genre of music played each night – from classic rock to 80s house – occasional live bands, and a fun, flamboyant crowd all set to dance ‘til dawn.

BAR / CLUB

BAR

AUX GAZELLES Phone: +43 1 585 6645 Email: office@auxgazelles.at Address: Rahlgasse 5, 1060 Website: www.auxgazelles.at A hammam, beauty salon, caviar and oyster bar, club and stylish restaurant rolled into one, Aux Gazelles is a unique oasis of pleasure in the heart of Vienna, providing food for the stomach and soul. As well as music and excellent drinks, visitors have the chance to detox and rejuvenate right alongside the invitation to indulge in the sensory pleasures of champagne, caviar, oysters and hookah. We particularly recommend Aux Gazelles for a night out – the bar’s lavish Bedouin-style surroundings and choice of irresistible Middle Eastern rhythms for the dancefloor are perfect for stylish, intimate drinks, or a glamorous night’s partying with friends.

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LOOS AMERICAN BAR Phone: +43 1 512 3283 Email: office@loosbar.at Address: Kärntner Durchgang 10, 1010 Website: www.loosbar.at This beautiful Viennese bar is also known as the Loos Bar, after the legendary Austrian architect who designed it in 1908. Marble, wood and mirrors add warmth and atmosphere, and give this cozy bar the feel of a private gentlemen’s club, which was its former incarnation. Today a smart, young and chic arts and media crowd meets here to sip cocktails, discuss projects, look pretty, see and be seen, while visiting celebrities drop in for a quick cigar and a whiskey. Both the atmosphere and the cocktails here are exceptional; settle down for a few martinis and kick off your night in style.

WHAT TO DO ± FEATURED EVENTS V

ienna is one of the most attractive city locations in Europe. Its glorious

Baroque setting and celebration of grandeur and spectacle offer myriad

VIENNA OPERA BALL February 16, 2012 VIP contact: Eva Dintsis Phone: +43 1 514 442 606 Email: opernball@wiener-staatsoper.at Address: Opernring 2, 1010 Website: www.viennaoperaball.com At the peak of the Austro-Hungarian empire, Vienna was a mecca of oldworld grandeur and high-society glamour, and to this day puts on a series of flamboyant dances during its ‘ball season’. These are magnificent, highly exclusive events which re-capture the imperial era in opulent style. The pinnacle of the ball season is the Opera Ball, which is held at the spectacular Opera House, and is attended by a galaxy of stars and society figures, a-glitter with jewelry and fine gowns, and crammed with photographers and reporters vying for the latest VIP news. The spectacular opening ceremony features opera and ballet performances, (rent an eight-person box for the best seats in the house), and 160 couples dance the opening number in front of the President of Austria, before the floor is opened to all. Guests, shimmering in their finest, whirl their partners to the waltz, the children of dukes mingle with socialites and superstars, and the Opera House rustles, tinkles and soars with the sound of swishing gowns, clinking glasses and timeless music. The Opera Ball is a wonderful chance to experience classic Vienna in all its grandeur, style and love of celebration – a not-to-be-missed event during your stay in the capital.

VIENNA ICE DREAM 2011 © STADT WIEN MARKETING

VIENNA ICE DREAM January-March 2012 Phone: +43 1 409 0040 Email: info@wienereistraum.com Address: Rathaus, 1080 Website: www.wienereistraum.com Vienna is nothing if not romantic, and that fairytale sparkle of possibility and magic comes truly alive in the cold month of January, when the square in front of the city hall is transformed into a vast, gleaming ice rink. At night, colored lights illuminate the glittering ice and the magnificent Rathaus, and skaters are accompanied by waltz tunes as they sweep and curve and twirl their partners across the frosted square. The ice rink stays open until early March and is a spectacularly romantic way to spend an evening in this beautiful city.

THE MUSIKVEREIN, VENUE OF THE ICONIC PHILHARMONIC NEW YEAR’S CONCERTS

VIENNA PHILHARMONIC NEW YEAR’S CONCERTS December 30, 2011 - January 1, 2012 Phone: +43 1 505 6525 Address: Musikverein, Bösendorferstraße 1010 Website: www.wienerphilharmoniker.at Every year in the city that inspired Strauss, Schubert, Mozart and many other musical legends, the Vienna Philharmonic – widely regarded as one of the finest orchestras in the world – plays three traditional New Year’s concerts: on New Year’s Eve, on New Year’s Day, and a preview on December 30. These wonderful concerts take place at the beautiful Musikverein, one of the most magnificent concert halls in the city, and are dedicated to the spectacular repertoire of Johann Strauss, his family and contemporaries.

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opportunities to enjoy the music and romance it is famous for.

WHAT TO DO ± SHOPPING S

tarting at the Hofburg, the prestigious streets of Kohlmarkt, Graben and Kärntner Straße form what is known locally as the ‘Golden U‘, a

hub of elite luxury shopping. Once the traditional home of court jewelers and tailors, the area today is a mecca of chic boutiques and palatial flagship stores.

Elite travelers will discover the latest in haute couture and exquisite designer jewelry, at some of the most exclusive addresses in the city.

SCHULLIN VIP contact: Herbert Schullin, Owner Phone: +43 1 533 9007 Email: shop@schullin.com Address: Kohlmarkt 7, 1010 Website: www.schullin.com Located in a striking store designed by an award-winning architect, on one of the prettiest streets in Vienna, is the unique and beautiful jewelry of Schullin – a name synonymous with impeccable craftsmanship and playful luxury. Owner and master jeweler Herbert Schullin is fascinated by the bold colors of gemstones and crystals, and sees jewelry as a unique statement of individuality and identity. His quirky yet masterful pieces, featuring sumptuous color and rare stones, are at the cutting edge of bespoke fashion jewelry. They make for highly exclusive and individual mementos of Vienna for the true jewelry lover, as well as adding the wow-factor to any outfit – perfect for your next party.

KNIZE & COMP © KNIZE & COMP

AQUAMARINE DIAMOND RING BY SCHULLIN

KNIZE & COMP Phone: +43 1 512 2119 Email: office@knize.at Address: Graben 13, 1010 Website: www.knize.at Timeless rather than trendy, Knize has been tailoring smart, stylish menswear since the 19th century, when it was the official tailor to the imperial court. It later branded itself as the first international male fashion label, representing sleek sartorial luxury for gentlemen based on the best quality materials, attention to detail and a dedication to classic elegance over passing fads. A visit to Knize & Comp is a dose of pure old-world luxury: a world of gentlemen’s clubs, curling cigar smoke and the best whiskey, where everyone is turned out in sharp, timeless style. As the Knize website confidently asserts, “The unavoidable question of style begins with the overcoming of fashion.” – the philosophy of the bold, impeccably selfassured modern gentleman. Why not express and carry this attitude with you with Knize’s exclusive tailoring, or its classic range of men’s fragrances, popular with the well-heeled and well-dressed for more than 80 years.

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WHAT TO DO ± SHOPPING BRANDS

AGENT PROVOCATEUR

GIORGIO ARMANI

MISSONI

Phone: +43 1 890 4192 Address: Tuchlauben 14, 1010 Website: www.agentprovocateur.com

Phone: +43 1 535 2470 Address: Kohlmarkt 3, 1010 Website: www.armanistores.com

Phone: +43 1 513 5556 Address: Rauehensteingasse 4, 1010 Website: www.missoni.com

BURBERRY

GUCCI

PRADA

Phone: +43 1 532 2820 Address: Kohlmarkt 2, 1010 Website: www.burberry.com

Phone: +43 1 532 4088 Address: Kohlmarkt 5, 1010 Website: www.gucci.com

Phone: +43 1 513 6165 Address: Weihburggaße 9, 1010 Website: www.prada.com

CARTIER

HERMÈS

TIFFANY & CO.

Phone: +43 1 5332 2460 Address: Kohlmarkt 1, 1010 Website: www.cartier.com

Phone: +43 1 532 5656 Address: Graben 22, 1010 Website: www.hermes.com

Phone: +43 1 535 3950 Address: Kohlmarkt 8-10, 1010 Website: www.tiffany.com

CHANEL

LOUIS VUITTON

VALENTINO

Phone: +43 1 536 18 Address: Kohlmarkt 5, 1010 Website: www.chanel.com

Phone: +43 1 533 6151 Address: Kohlmarkt 6, 1010 Website: www.louisvuitton.com

Phone: +43 1 533 7902 Address: Michaelerplatz 3, 1010 Website: www.valentino.com

DOLCE & GABBANA

MONTBLANC

VERSACE

Phone: +43 1 5323 0000 Address: Kohlmarkt 8-10, 1010 Website: www.dolcegabbana.it

Phone: +43 1 532 3330 Address: Graben 15, 1010 Website: www.montblanc.com

Phone: +43 1 533 2531 Address: Graben Trattnerhof 1, 1010 Website: www.versace.com

BELVEDERE PALACE

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NEED TO KNOW

PRIVATE JET TERMINALS / EXCLUSIVE TRANSPORT

PRIVATE JET TERMINALS

EXCLUSIVE TRANSPORT

VIENNA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT â&#x20AC;&#x201C; VIENNA AIRCRAFT HANDLING Phone: +43 1 700 722 204 Email: vah@viennaairport.com Address: Objekt 140, Steinriegelweg, Vienna International Airport, 1300 Website: www.viennaaircrafthandling.com Vienna Aircraft Handling, an all-purpose travel agency and handler for private and corporate jets, can take care of every aspect of a private jet flight to and from Vienna International Airport. From state-of-the-art fueling, repair and maintenance services to providing stylish VIP relaxation lounges for passengers, services for crew, luxury limousine transfer to your Vienna destination, and spacious, elegant conference facilities for immediate business needs. Should you encounter any last minute changes or problems with your travel arrangements, the company is able to use its extensive contacts to help, for example, arranging a fast, top-of-the-range private jet charter to ensure you reach your destination on time, and in style.

AUSTRIAN BUSINESS CARS & VIP SIGHTSEEING Phone: +43 1 606 0737 Email: office@abc.or.at Address: Boerhaavegasse 8a, 1030 Website: www.abc.or.at Austrian Business Cars & VIP Sightseeing offers highly exclusive luxury transport for business and leisure visitors to Austria. From basic airport transfers in the supreme comfort and style of the latest Mercedes models, to bespoke tours of Vienna, Salzburg, the Danube Valley and further afield to Prague, Bratislava and more â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all with specialist, multilingual guides. Larger groups can be accommodated in style, and sumptuous stretch limousines are available for that extra touch of VIP glamour to and from special events. TOP ALLIANCE LIMOUSINE AND AIRCRAFT SERVICE Phone: +43 5 7300 2105 Email: info@top-alliance.at Address: Getreidemarkt 14, 1010 Website: www.top-alliance.at An innovative company with extensive experience of providing complex services for VIP travelers, Top Alliance addresses corporate and luxury travel needs with top-of-the-range helicopters, jets and cars (or any combination of the three), flexibility and impeccable service. Bespoke arrangements according your needs go the extra mile in both style and service, with a focus on ensuring smooth and luxurious travel, minus disruptions or waiting time. An absolute must for business travelers to Vienna, Top Alliance also has much to offer those in Vienna for pleasure, with bespoke tours designed to provide an exclusive insight into the city beyond what the everyday tourist trail can offer.

SMOOTH AND STYLISH TRAVEL WITH VIENNA AIRCRAFT HANDLING

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NEED TO KNOW

USEFUL INFORMATION

WHEN BEST TO GO / LOCAL CUSTOMS Vienna has a mild climate, with temperatures peaking in June, July and August. Drivers should note that it is compulsory for vehicles to be driven with their lights on throughout the year. Smoking is not allowed in many public places.

EMBASSY CONTACTS Embassy of the United States, Vienna Phone: +43 1 313 390 Email: embassy@usembassy.at Address: Boltzmanngasse 16, 1090 Website: austria.usembassy.gov

BUSINESS HOURS Shops typically open from 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday, and from 8am to 12pm on Saturdays. Banks generally open from 8am to 3pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, and from 8am to 5.30pm on Thursday. Some branches close between 12.30 and 1.30pm.

The British Embassy in Vienna Phone: +43 1 716 130 Address: Jauresgasse 12, 1030 Website: ukinaustria.fco.gov.uk

TIME ZONE GMT +1

RELIGIOUS DEMOGRAPHIC Roman Catholic

LANGUAGE German

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS January 1 - (New Year) January 6 - (Twelfth Night) Easter Monday May 1 - (Labor Day) Ascension Whitmonday Corpus Christi August 15 - (Mary Ascension) October 26 - (National Holiday) November 1 - (All Saints’ Day) December 8 - (Immaculate Conception) – stores are open December 25 - (Christmas Day) December 26 - (Boxing Day, St. Stephen’s Day)

CURRENCY EURO EXCHANGE RATE $1 = €0.73 £1 = €1.17 24 HOUR EMERGENCY CONTACT Ambulance: 144 Fire services: 122 Police: 133 Europe-wide general emergency number: 112

POPULATION 1.7 million

Mean temperature (°C)

Total rainfall (mm)

Number of rainy days

2.9

37.2

7.3

-0.9

5.1

39.4

7.6

March

2.4

10.3

46.1

8.30

April

5.8

15.2

51.7

7.5

May

10.5

20.5

61.8

8.5

June

13.5

23.4

70.2

9.1

July

15.4

25.6

68.2

9.0

August

15.3

25.4

57.8

8.0

September

11.7

20.3

53.5

7.0

October

7.0

14.2

40.0

6.0

November

2.4

7.5

50.0

8.3

December

-0.5

4.0

44.4

8.2

Month

Daily minimum

Daily maximum

January

-2.0

February

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DESTINATION GUIDE SERIES

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8 Thriving Travel Markets Now's the perfect time to get in on these hot specialty opportunities. BY CHARLENE DAVIS Like

June 19, 2009 |

This article has been excerpted from Design and Launch an Online Travel Business in a Week by Entrepreneur Press and Charlene Davis, available from Entrepreneurpress.com.

Many types of online businesses come and go in the blink of an eye. But the trillion-dollar travel industry continues to grow by leaps and bounds, creating a big demand for specialized services. Here are a few of today's hottest specialty travel opportunities:

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Adventure Travel and Outdoor Excursions Adventure means different things to different people. For some it might be sailing or snorkeling in the crystal indigo waters off the coast of Cancun, Mexico; others might get a thrill from petting a shark or climbing 4,000 feet in the cockpit of a Soviet jet trainer. It certainly means a lot of fun for a

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lot of people. Statistics provided by the Travel Industry Association (TIA) show that during the past five years, 98 million adults have taken an adventure trip--rock climbing, mountain hiking, whitewater rafting, spelunking, parasailing, skydiving and other activities. "Soft adventure"

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vacations are milder and may feature walking, bicycling, fishing, camping or horseback riding. Many adventure and eco-tour operators have developed their niche because of a desire to share their passion and experience with others. Jennifer Sage, owner of Viva Travels, plans custom guided and self-guided bicycle tours in France and Italy. "I love to share my love of traveling by bicycle with others," she says. "I firmly believe there is no better way to see a country!"

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Last year when James Hills was helping his wife, Heather, launch Chick Vacations, he discovered the field of guys getaways was virtually nonexistent online. "A lot of buzz was starting to generate, and we knew this was going to be a good subject," he says. "We took some of the same philosophy from Heather's site and applied it to the Man Tripping site to show that guys' getaways

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don't need to be booze-soaked orgies. There is a lot more to being a guy than sex and drinking, so

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I am looking forward to exploring and promoting that angle."

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Mancations provide the opportunity for men to get together and bond with guys from work or old friends from college. Although golf outings, sports events and fishing trips are the mainstays of

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male bonding, some of the fellas are branching out with high-velocity adventures like skydiving and bungee jumping, while others opt to kick back with spa treatments and back waxes.

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Honeymooners Couples who are deeply immersed in wedding plans are often more than happy to turn over the reins of planning a honeymoon package to a travel professional. The couple generally knows where they want to go and may sometimes have a vague idea of what to do when they get there, but the rest may be up to you. Once you have a sense of their likes and dislikes you can then make some recommendations-whether it's cruising in the Bahamas, kanoodling in Hawaii or camping in the Rockies. Upon their arrival, surprise them with a spa treatment basket, champagne on ice or tickets to a special attraction. Unique personal touches and attention to details will increase the odds you'll be recommended to family and friends. Grandtravel "Grandtravel" is a specialized niche that is one of the fastest growing travel trends, representing more than 21 percent of all trips taken with children last year, according to the TIA. Grandparents today are not like grandparents of yesterday; greater numbers are more energetic, active, and adventurous. They don't want to stay home and look after the grandkids. Instead, they want to

Featured Advertiser Links Salesforce.com costs up to 65% more than Microsoft Dynamics CRM. Calculate Low Cost Franchise Opportunities, Find a Business to start today. Need a Business Plan? Get Entrepreneur's Business Plan Pro, Learn More. Create the life you want. Use your retirement funds to finance a business or franchise.

pack the kids up and take them along on fun-filled vacations, while leaving the parents at home to take a breather. Because geography separates many families, special trips bring grandparents and grandchildren together to strengthen bonds and create lasting memories. As an added bonus, most of the time senior and children's discounts can be factored into the package for added savings. Disabled Travelers Travelers with disabilities have more opportunities than ever to explore the world with the assistance of hi-tech support and creative planning. A study done by the Open Doors Organization, the TIA, and the Society for Accessible Travel and Hospital (SATH) indicates that disabled travelers currently spend approximately $3.3 million a year on travel. "Dialysis cruises" using portable dialysis equipment are planned for patients and their families; road trips are taken with wheelchair accessible vans and buses; and transportable nebulizers and oxygen cylinders are made available for travelers with respiratory problems. When planning a tour for those with physical limitations, consider the accessibility of the facilities http://www.entrepreneur.com/startingabusiness/businessideas/article202350.html

Page 2 of 4

8 Thriving Travel Markets - Travel opportunities | Entrepreneur.com

1/19/12 11:37 AM

on your itinerary. Are there steps that will need to be navigated? Even one step could be a problem for someone in a wheelchair or using a walker. Does the museum have elevators large enough to accommodate wheelchairs? Are the restrooms in the basilica handicapped accessible? Are aisles and walkways at the quaint little antique village wide enough for wheelchairs and scooters? Are the sidewalks in the town rough and uneven? As each country has its own standards, disabled clients traveling abroad may face additional challenges regarding transportation and accessibility. Advance research and planning are a necessity so your clients can have a safe and enjoyable trip. Travelers with Pets Traveling with pets is a very specialized niche that is growing quickly as demand increases and resources expand. According to TIA, more than 29 million Americans traveled with their favorite canines and kitties during the last three years. Pet lovers cross all economic spectrums, but luxury and business travelers are more likely to spend the extra cash and make the necessary arrangements to bring their beloved companions with them. Loews Hotels was the first national hotel brand to welcome pets with their "Loews Loves Pets" program. Fido and FiFi even have their own room service menu with recipes prepared from scratch. Since then, many vacation resorts and hotels have added "pet-friendly" to their list of amenities because they realize animal lovers who travel with their pets usually have money to spend. Focusing on this particular trend has given them a distinctive edge over the competition that you can take advantage of. There are many ways to segue into this niche. For example, you can be a pet travel concierge like Puppy Travel or a subscription-based site that provides up-to-date information for its members at Pets on the GoT. When planning trips for pet lovers you will want to map out dog-walking routes, pet-friendly restaurants, pet shops, groomers and find information about local veterinarians and other services for the discriminating pet owner. Interested in more opportunities? Click here to view the full chapter on Travel Specialties from Design and Launch an Online Travel Business in a Week. Charlene Davis is an accomplished writer specializing in business, retail, e-commerce, and food. In addition to numerous articles and ghostwritten publications, she is the author of Start Your Own Photography Business, Start Your Own Clothing Store, and How to Sell Clothing, Shoes, & Accessories on eBay.

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Israel’s Competing Gay Tours By Michael Kaminer Published April 07, 2010, issue of April 16, 2010.

Tel Aviv has become the destination du jour for gay and lesbian travelers. So hot has the White City become that, as The New York Observer reported on March 26, rival gay tour promoters are fighting it out with competing spring trips. In one corner: Michael Lucas, the world’s leading Zionist gay pornographer, whose groundbreaking 2009 adult film, “Men of Israel,” may have singlehandedly sparked global gay Jew-philia. Along with a nude beach and dinner with porn stars, his itinerary promises — really — a serious, thoughtful Holy Land experience. In the opposite corner: Veteran New York party producer Josh Wood, who teamed up with an outfit called Steele Luxury Travel on a 10-day excursion called, ahem, “Milk and Honey.” Wood’s Israel adventure includes a Sabbath dinner, Kabbalah class, winery tour, Ein Gedi hike and kibbutz visit, with the posh Mamilla Hotel in Jerusalem as a home base — and VIP access to gay pride parties as a bonus. Ratcheting up the competition is the fact that Wood’s trip had originally “starred” Lucas himself. “Steele & Wood are thrilled to announce that superstar Michael Lucas of Lucas Entertainment will be a guest host on the trip,” Steele’s blog crowed last December. But when Lucas made his sudden foray into the travel business, the relationship collapsed. Not coincidentally, Lucas planned his trip for May 26 to June 8; Wood’s tour takes place from June 4 to June 13. Lucas, whom the Forward profiled in September, told the Observer that “once I did the numbers, I just realized they needed me more than I needed them.” But in an e-mail on April 5, he sounded a less contentious note. “I’m not competing with Josh Wood (or anyone else),” he wrote. “People trust that I know Israel, as I visit a couple times a year and I’ve filmed many big movies there…” Wood, in an e-mail, explained, “Our trip to Israel and extension to Jordan is the most luxurious LGBT [lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender] operated trip offered in the industry.” With all the heat surrounding Tel Aviv, how does the reality measure up? I asked David Kaufman, the journalist who wrote the Observer piece and has covered Israel for many publications. Salivating gay tourists might want to hear him out before booking. “Tel Aviv is many things, but a sex-dripping, extreme-clubbing, neo-Ibiza it is not,” he wrote in an e-mail. “The men are certainly sexy and alluring, but Tel Aviv’s small size and relative homogeneity may leave many truly sophisticated travelers disappointed. On the other hand, Israel’s lack of formality translates into locals who are warm, welcoming and anything but uptight. This — far more than their appearances — is what makes Israelis great. The sex bit is just the window dressing.”

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Matthew Tharrett Summertime is right around the corner, and we’ve all got Pride on the mind. As gay men, it’s our duty to unearth the short-shorts on the first warm day of the season and let Manhattan know we’re serious about the next four months. Years ago, the changing weather was our cue to transform the city into a gay playground—but several decades of sticky subway rides have become a sweaty reminder to book a flight and vote ourselves off the island. We could easily hop on a plane and be in Rio or Barcelona by morning, but gaggles of gays have started packing up and are heading to Tel Aviv—a sister city to New York since the mid-’90s. Capitalizing on new gay interest in the city, legendary porn producer Michael Lucas and nightlife impresario Josh Wood have created travel groups to spread the gay wealth across “the Big Orange.” Touring the scenic landscape, cruising the hottest beaches and partying at some of the sickest clubs, both tours make stops not just in the epicenter of Middle Eastern gay life, but also through the historic haunts of the Old City of Jerusalem. In a country where many view the Middle East as a war-torn religious battleground, why the hell are gay New Yorker’s simply dying to get there? Although its skyscrapers and mega clubs would argue the fact, Israel is still very much a developing nation. It’s one of the oldest parts of the world, but its vibe is surprisingly unrefined and raw. In a country used to being on the brink of war, the locals live every day knowing it could be their last, and their appreciation for life is the foundation of a unified live-for-today attitude that makes each day less inhibited and more visceral—a sensual and carefree attitude that New York thrives on, but has largely lost. Think of Tel Aviv as New York’s older gay sibling (despite actually being centuries younger), its most impressive quality being the openly gay atmosphere. Pro-tolerant since its beginnings, Israel began culturally accepting its gay citizens long before the U.S., practicing non-discrimination of consensual gay sex since the ’50s and enacting an extensive list of gay rights beginning in the ’80s, including legally recognizing gay marriage in 2006 . Social acceptance flourishes in the streets of Tel Aviv (though not other parts of the country); it’s not uncommon to see two men holding hands in public, making out in a coffee shop or enjoying a summer “fling” on a soaked beach towel. The integration of gay lifestyles into straight culture is hard to imagine, but the straight community in Tel Aviv is entirely vested in the well-being of its homo counterpart. Going to a gay club and dancing in the middle of a horny crowd isn’t an uncommon way for a straight Israeli to spend the evening—and the ’mos certainly aren’t complaining. In fact, it was largely the straight community led by Israel’s President Peres and Prime Minister Netanyahu that rallied to publicly condemn one of the first gay-related hate crimes, a fatal shooting, in Israel last summer. Yoav Schlezinger, an Israeli expat living in New York, shared frustrations with most of the population after the attack. “The whole straight community was really upset by what had happened. There was just an overall feeling of sadness amongst the people. The police force wasn’t prepared for a hate crime in Tel Aviv because it was just unimaginable,” he recalls. The annual Pride parade in Tel Aviv even merges with supportive straight undertones. Scott Piro, an American transplant now living in Tel Aviv, had the opportunity to volunteer at the celebration and says, “Israelis are like Italians. They’re http://www.nextmagazine.com/feature-article/live-tel-aviv

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Live For Tel Aviv | Next Magazine

1/19/12 11:35 AM

loving; they have a lot of emotions. The straight people here realize that the gays just want to have fun. We’re wonderful partiers, and they know how much more boring it would be if everyone were the same.” On the flip side, gay travelers in Tel Aviv always attest to the ease of having fun in public. There is a constant military presence, but “the authorities have bigger fish to fry,” says Dane Steele, CEO of Steele Luxury Travel, the agency coordinating Milk & Honey, Josh Woods’ trip to Israel. Laws are very relaxed; there’s no open-container policy, and you can definitely get away with things that you’d most likely be arrested for in Fire Island. It seems like the authorities are more apt to enjoy the gays than harass them. Michael Lucas recalls that Israeli customs officers were completely unfazed by a suitcase full of dildos, and even a moment when a police helicopter had hovered over Gaash Beach to watch the production of one of his movies. According to Lucas, Israel is the easiest country to have sex in. “No one cares that you are making a movie or having sex on the beach; they’re more concerned with whether or not anyone is getting hurt in the process.” Aside from all of the daytime hustle and bustle, Tel Aviv has no shortcomings when it comes to nightlife. An international party boy himself, Josh Wood holds Tel Aviv’s nightlife in high regard. Both Steele and Wood claim that the party scene is absolutely wild. “Every night, there is a different party at a different club,” says Steele. The parties never get too tired or worn out; they’re changing venues constantly and the gays just follow. Although the non-centric scene hops around nightly, the clubs in Tel Aviv are far above anything New York currently has to offer because they are inherently on a different playing field. It’s impossible to conceive of any true New York club comparison because those that saw equal success had largely died out by the early to mid ’90s. Patrons of the scene are decidedly not fans of the dive bar; the clubs that dot the metro area are true mega clubs, spaces and experiences Steele believes to be more comparable to the Roxy or The Tunnel. “In New York, everyone is in bed by 2am because they have to work the next morning. In Tel Aviv, 2am is when people just start going out. They’re all about staying up and having a good time,” he says. Schlezinger agrees, remembering a clubbing experience that is extremely European. He recounts, “Plans just create themselves. You usually have coffee around 8pm, eat dinner afterward and head out to a club after midnight.” When all is said and done, the men in Tel Aviv reign supreme as the main attraction. It’s true that Israeli men have, more often than not, a stunning physique. Spending a mandatory three years in the military after high school graduation, Israeli men are toned, beautiful and mature by the time they come out to play. Home to plenty of public cruising parks and two of the hottest gay beaches in the world, the city is certainly a prime location for man hunting. “I remember going to Hilton Beach last summer,” Piro tells me. “The water looked like gay soup. There were just hundreds of shirtless men bobbing in the waves.” What makes the gay soup even better is the fact that it’s yearning for American ingredients. Traditionally American characteristics become “exotic” in the Middle East— Israeli men are enthralled with Americans and taking someone home from the bar isn’t far fetched. No stranger to the “gay soup” phenomenon, Schlezinger confesses, “It’s no secret that gay men are sluts. We all have this fantasy that an American boy is going to come to Tel Aviv and take us back to America with them.” This would-be fairy tale is only made better by the city’s growing ass-crack-on-display trend, and both Piro and Schlezinger explain that Tel Aviv’s bottom-cleavage epidemic is the result of Israeli men being very in tune with their sexuality. With so much freedom and sexiness in its reputation, it’s no coincidence that both Michael Lucas and Josh Wood decided to organize group travel packages to Tel Aviv this summer. A good host city for the two men needed to boast plenty of hot weather, hot boys and hot nightlife. A surprising surplus of all three is what makes Tel Aviv so badass. And on top of that, the city’s live-for-today mentality, accepting culture and hedonistic sexual energy is what ultimately keeps New Yorkers running back. More definitively illustrating our cultural similarities, Jayson Littman, founder of the New York’s own gay Jewish organization, HeBro (HeBro.org), affirms the lack of anxiety in the city’s streets. “Although there’s a visible military presence, you don’t feel any tension in Tel Aviv. We share a lot of the same mentalities that gay Israelis do. It’s very much a part of our culture.” Most of all, New Yorkers travel to Israel—and especially to Tel Aviv—because they realize what they’re missing in their hometown. With so much to offer, Tel Aviv’s positive vigor makes us reminiscent of a time when New York was our own. “New York will never get [its carefree days] back,” Piro says. “[It’s] is a wonderful place, but it’s matured too much.” The natural progression of a city’s life cycle means that it’s hard to bring back the good times once they’ve been swept under the rug along with the riffraff. Our seedy city has become gentrified; our schedules have become packed. And if we can’t devolve our city to its gay nightlife heyday, our trips to Tel Aviv can only be taken on a positive note, like a long-distance wake-up call from the other side of the world. We haven’t lost our hot boys, riotous demeanor or our mega clubs—they’ve only been stifled as a result of the city’s polishing. Maybe if we cleared up our schedules and lost our inhibitions, we wouldn’t have to board an 11-hour flight in search of the New York we once enjoyed.

Visit LucasEntertainment.com/travel_with_michael/and SteeleLuxuryTravel.com for more info. 04/02/2010

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Steele a luxury travel trip to Turkey - San Diego Travel | Examiner.com

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A summer travel offering comes our way to pass along to you courtesy of Steele Luxury Travel -its specialty is catering to the gay community.

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Steele a luxury travel trip to Turkey

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Photo courtesy: Steele Luxury Travel Am told their first offering -- Sail Sardinia and Corsica, July 18 - July 25 -- has been sold out for some time and has a waiting list going.

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If such news leaves one a tad less happy, am told that good seats are still available on an upcoming seven-day sojourn through Turkey, August 24 – August 30 they've dubbed The Turkish Delight. The Turkish tour includes four days in the capital of Istanbul, experiencing the "sights, sounds, and spices" there. The second leg of the trip takes participants to Bodrum (ancient Halicarnassos), on the Aegean Sea, which Steele is touting as the new “it” summer destination comparable to St. Tropez. Luxury hotels, restaurants, and nightclubs are all a part of the "rich yet relaxed itinerary," with packages starting at $3,450 per person.

For more info: SteeleTravel.com | 646-688-2274

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Three Summer Luxury Gay Travel Packages from Steele Travel!! June 16, 2009! New York– Summer is here ladies and gentleman! This means only one thing: time to RELAX. This past winter was certainly interesting for everyone. However, as the spring slowly blends into the beautiful summer months, its time to start planning to Live Your Indulgence…once again! Many travelers worldwide select an end-ofsummer vacation destination. Many times, the destination of choice is a sexy international beach in Europe where people from all over the world come together to celebrate life in a serene and beautiful setting. Usually this type of vacation consists of handsome men in designer bikini bathing suits, a fresh chicken salad with a cold glass of white wine for lunch, and a nightlife that will leave you wanting more for the next 6 days of your carefully planned summer jaunt. This year, one specific leading gay travel company, Steele Luxury Travel, has done all the planning for you. This coming summer, Steele is offering 3 absolutely brilliant summer travel experiences. Their first trip, which has been sold out for quite some time, is Sail Sardinia and Corsica, July 18 – July 25. A luxurious sail yacht becomes home to 18 guests through the seas of Corsica and Sardinia for 8 days. Their following two trips are where Steele Travel has taken summer vacationing to a new level. The Turkish Delight, August 24 – August 30, Brings you on a magical 7-day journey through Turkey. Guests first experience the capital of Istanbul, absorbing all of the sights, sounds, and spices of this historic and culturally rich middle-eastern destination. After 4 days in the city, the “Steele Travelers” jet down to the sexy and ultra luxurious Turkish summer destination, Bodrum, located on the Aegean Sea. Many consider Bodrum to be the new “it” summer destination, coining it the St. Tropez of the Mediterranean. The ultimate level of luxury is presented through the selection of hotels, restaurants, and nightclubs, all worked into the rich yet relaxed itinerary. Packages start at $3,450 per person.! Directly following the Turkish Delight, Steele offers the Mykonos Island Villa Escape. Steele Travel has taken the “ultimate gay summer destination” of Mykonos and added a luxurious twist. Steele has hand selected a gorgeous compound which will host 21 guests for 8 days and 7 nights. The villa, made up of 3 Mykonian homes, offers superior luxury in one residence. The beautiful estate boasts amenities including a swimming pool, outdoor verandas off each suite, and Etro bathroom amenities. The Steele villa comes complete with a personal chef preparing daily brunch, twice daily maid service, and a 24-hour oncall concierge. Dinners in Mykonos town and cocktail parties are some other included Steele Travel perks. Packages start at just $2,450 per person! Guests also have the opportunity to combine both Turkey and Mykonos travel experiences for a two week summer getaway. Steele Luxury Travel is a new travel concept designed to offer an alternative to traditional vacationing. Steele Travelers experience the ultimate in first-class lodging, excursions, and exclusive event access. Live Your Indulgence.

October 16, 2008!

If the innovative experiences created by Steele Luxury Travel -- a recent entry into the gay luxury travel game -- continue as successfully as their recent South Africa trip, we may run out of puns to write about them with! Thankfully, Steele Luxury Travel has recently announced a new 'cruise' itinerary for July 18-25th, 2009, giving us one more pun to play with. For this trip, Steele is treating guests to the Mediterranean island gems of Corsica and Sardinia, longtime faves for Euro nobles to "rough it". Steelers will "rough it" in a similarly luxurious way, enjoying the sparkling waters and stark, beautiful rock shores from a mega-yacht with all the fixings. Also coming up from Steele next year are two additional, innovative experiences. With a finger firmly on the pulse of young European taste-makers, the Turkish Delight trip (August 24-31, 2009) will acclimatize travelers in Instanbul before jetting down to Bodrum, Turkey's luxe seaside playground. Last but not least, August 31-September 7, 209 will find Steele in Mykonos, long the gay favorite for summer parties, easy crystal waters and relaxingly picturesque rows of white houses. This one is already selling out, and no wonder! Like Steele, Out Traveler also just come back from South Africa!

Navigating Your First Gay Cruise: A Roadmap | Trip Out Travel

1/19/12 11:36 AM

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Happy to be headed out on your first cruise? We’ve got some tips to make it worth cheering about. Photo courtesy of Atlantis Events.

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Think of a gay cruise as a floating version of Provincetown with its huge range of visitors, activities, restaurants, and entertainment, and you start to have an idea of what to look forward to on a gay cruise. In fact, on many of today’s gigantic, modern ships, with deck upon deck of lounges, bars, theaters, restaurants, fitness centers, and spas, there are even more options at sea than there are at many landbased resorts, including surfing simulators, rock-climbing walls, and even an ice-skating rink. Still, from the variety of destinations visited to working out during heavy seas and lifeboat drills there are aspects of life at sea that are unlike any other vacation you’ve ever taken. Some awareness of these will help you enjoy your upcoming cruise even more. Know before you go You won’t have a lot of storage space in your cabin so don’t overpack and use soft-sided or collapsible luggage. Pack plenty of personal items — sunscreen, personal lubricant, condoms, motion discomfort medication pills, etc. Though they’re available on board, the selection may be limited and the prices high, as are other necessities such as memory cards, and batteries. Pack a travel alarm clock (most cabins don’t have one) and a portable music player. Cabins have TVs but usually no source of music. If budget permits, book a cabin with balcony. Having a quiet place to escape to — especially if you have a cabin mate — can really make a great vacation that much nicer.

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Read through the cruise itinerary for special events and parties like the “White Party,” “Mardi Gras Party,” or “Undersea Party.” Pack items corresponding to these themes. You may think it seems silly, but pretty much everyone dresses up for every event whether it’s a simple strand of Mardi Gras beads or an elaborate costume. You may feel left out if you’re not participating. That said, remember the cabin’s limited closet space so pack efficiently. Ask yourself if you really need two pairs of cowboy boots! Check out the ship’s deck plan on the website of the cruise provider, the cruise ship or even of one of the may cruise websites for consumers, like CruiseCritic to get familiar with the stunning array of features and amenities on board.

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Navigating Your First Gay Cruise: A Roadmap | Trip Out Travel

1/19/12 11:36 AM

If you have medications that need refrigeration, ask about the availability of a refrigerator in your room, or bring a small cooler with you — there is plenty of ice on board. Pack some water, and pick some up at each port. It can be expensive on board. You will likely read some very strict warnings about bringing or using illegal drugs aboard ship. Heed them. That said, people do it. You’re not likely to be searched getting on the ship (although luggage is Xrayed and drug-sniffing dogs often patrol the boarding area), but you can be put off the ship if you’re caught using drugs. Your cabin is also subject to search by customs officials at any port. This has happened, and passengers have been fined. Finally, there is always a chance you will be searched by U.S. Customs disembarking a ship at a U.S. port. Don’t ever risk taking illicit substances back into the United States with you. Read up on the destinations you will be visiting. There is usually one stop on major gay cruises in the Caribbean that’s for the exclusive use of the cruise ship or cruise line. In addition though you’ll visit other ports where you are free to travel on your own or on an organized excursion. While excursions can be an easy (though sometimes pricey) way to discover a new destination, if you feel adventurous, it can be fun to explore on your own. CruiseCritic is also a great source of information on activities besides those sold as cruise excursions on board. Have business cards made up with your picture, cabin number, cell phone number, Manhunt handle, email address, and hometown. With gay cruises becoming bigger and bigger, it’s more and more difficult to keep track of new friends on board and more and more likely you may never see that hottie you spied at the “Sail Away” party. If you see someone, introduce yourself and hand him your card. Carpe diem. Chances are much better that you’ll be able to find him later in the cruise. FIRST-TIME CRUISER TIP: Buy travel insurance, especially if you live in a cold climate or going overseas, and double check that your health insurance will be good in foreign countries. If not, not consider purchasing travel guard health insurance, you never know when you will break a heel. Do call your credit card company in advance to check on foreign transaction fees and other fees for using your credit card outside the country in a port. -Jeff G., Philadelphia

"Yup, It's Paradise!" Fairmont Orchid Hawaii Kohala Coast, HI

***** (of 5 stars) Everyone says this place is the best, and at first, I thought maybe it was a little overrated. But as we settled into our stay, the subtleties of what make this property great became increasingly apparent. You don't have to leave - ever - well, maybe for some food. You have ocean, pool, activities, tennis, golf. The resort was thankfully NOT crowded; it seemed incredibly peaceful. Staff was always helpful and friendly. I'm already trying to book another trip back! Reviewer: lovin' the orchid, Berkeley, CA

Beware of cell phone roaming charges. More and more ships are offering cellular phone service at sea, but sometime they assess roaming charges or tack other fees on to your bill. Be sure to check with your particular cruise line before you sail. -Steve R., Los Angeles

All aboard! Ships usually board between noon and 4 p.m. on the day of departure. If you don’t want to wait in a long line to check in, you should arrive shortly after halfway through the boarding. That said, it’s really fun to board early. With gay cruises, the minute passengers step foot on board, they are on holiday, ready to socialize, interact, and meet future ex-boyfriends. The earlier you get there, the more time you have to relax, eat, drink, meet others, and explore the ship. Pack anything vital (medicines, cameras, wallet) in your carry-on luggage, as well as anything that might make your first few hours more comfortable, such as shorts or a sweatshirt, depending on the weather. FIRST-TIME CRUISER TIP: Pack everything you need for your first 8 hours on ship in your carry-on. It’s possible your luggage won’t be delivered until after dinner. Go ahead and take your over 3 oz toiletries from your airline checked luggage and move them to your carry-on before you recheck the luggage with the cruise line. -Billy K., New York If you’re not in a suite, most cruise lines have liquid soap/shampoo dispensers in the bathroom. Throw in a bar of soap and a small bottle of your favorite shampoo. -Gregg K., New York

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Navigating Your First Gay Cruise: A Roadmap | Trip Out Travel

1/19/12 11:36 AM

Orientation First things first: Grab the ship map available in your cabin or at the front desk and take a walking tour of the public areas of the ship. Many cruisers are surprised to learn about all the features and amenities onboard. There’s usually a movie cinema; a library where you can check out books and pick up a daily news extract; a fitness center; a clothing-optional sunbathing area; a business center; a cigar lounge; lots of intimate off-the-beaten path nooks to drink and socialize or read in calm; and much more. You’ll feel more oriented and confident once you tour through the entire ship. FIRST-TIME CRUISER TIPS: On the Solstice by Celebrity Cruises (being used by Atlantis Events), there is an interactive display in the ship’s library that is an amazing overview of the ship. Check this out as soon as you can at the beginning of the cruise. -Justin G, San Francisco. You can’t possibly do everything so it is important to identify a few things you might like to do each day. Then, always be prepared to just go with the flow and possibly changes plans. -Art R., Boston

There are a few details you should take care of as soon as you get on board: Spa and beauty treatment appointments book up quickly; if you want to schedule a massage, haircut, or manicure, do it now. The spa treatments can be expensive but, hey, this is your vacation, and you want to look and feel your best. Many specialty restaurants also require advance booking, often they have a supplemental charge of $10 to 20 or more per person but they are usually well worth it for the better selection of food, more intimate setting and more personalized service. These are also a great place to impress a business client or date. FIRST-TIME CRUISER TIP: Book your outings as early as possible. We missed out on a couple good snorkeling excursions and long kayak trips because they were full. -Johnny O., Ft. Lauderdale

If you bring your laptop, splurge for the no-limit Internet usage program. Most of today’s ships have wireless coverage across much of the ship. The no-limit program seems pricey but you’ll be surprised at how quickly minutes click by on the pay-per-minute plans. Plus Internet access at sea can be very tricky with the signal unavailable at times and the service very slow at peak times. FIRST-TIME CRUISER TIP: On the first day, you are required to don the giant orange life vests that otherwise will remain stuffed in the back of your cabin’s closet and assemble for the mandatory fire drill. Take your camera. It’s an important drill but it really is funny seeing everyone in these puffy orange vests. -Eddie O., Paris, France

Photo courtesty of Atlantis Events.

Who’s who Be sure to go to the first “Sail Away,” which is the perfect time to start scouting out for potential dates. You may be surprised at the diversity in age and body types on most gay men’s cruises given the ads depicting mostly lean, buff young men. There are plenty of these, of course, but you’ll find folks from 21 to 90 of all races; folks who love to party; others who prefer peace and quiet and everything in between. FIRST-TIME CRUISER TIP: Get that body fit and trim. You’ll be surrounded by thousands of men. There is no better way to enjoy a vacation than to feel the best you can. So, hit the gym and get your body into the best shape you can. http://www.tripouttravel.com/navigating-your-first-gay-cruise-a-roadmap/

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Navigating Your First Gay Cruise: A Roadmap | Trip Out Travel

1/19/12 11:36 AM

-Dane S., New York

Among the major gay cruise companies, Atlantis and RSVP cruises welcome women and you often get a small percentage of them (straight and lesbian) on board. And they’re fun. Olivia is all women and only women. While Sweet welcomes men, there are very few on board. R Family Vacations caters primarily to gay and lesbian families and their straight friends and family. FIRST-TIME CRUISER TIP: Pack 3×5 index cards. Trying to communicate on the ship is one of the 7 levels of hell. Index cards are stiff enough to slip under cabin doors and allow for quick notes back and forth to help coordinate between members of a group. And they slip easily into purses and pockets. -Leyla F., Los Angeles

Eating out Onboard dining continues to expand and evolve on most cruise ships, especially the most modern and up-to-date vessels. Atlantis offers their signature open seating and no dress code for dining, which many frequent cruisers find to be a refreshing change from the formality found on many mainstream cruises. FIRST-TIME CRUISER TIPS: Try all the food venues on the ship and pick the few where you feel most comfortable. (It’s nice to have at least one thing seem cozy and predictable.) -Johnny O., Ft. Lauderdale Book a specialty restaurant the first night of your cruise: they usually have a special on the first night of the cruise (2 for 1 sometimes!) -Gregg K., New York

On some cruises the primary dining rooms may have early or late seating options in which case dinner is served in two shifts, and on some sailings you are assigned to one of them for the duration of your cruise. Take the plunge and opt for a big table, which usually has eight seats. It’s more fun. You can always change your table later if you don’t like the company. Most entertainment is also done in two shifts, with an early and late performance to match your dining option. Seating assignments (main or late) really affect dinner only, since breakfast and lunch in the dining rooms are sparsely attended. Most ships also offer at least one alternate dining option, such as a casual buffet that you can eat at almost any hour of the day. If there’s an appetizer, entrée, or dessert you really like, don’t be ashamed to ask for seconds. And if someone at your table is enjoying something you think you’d like better, go ahead and ask for a replacement. Your waiter will be happy to comply. Don’t forget too that most ships offer late or even all-night cabin service that’s usually free. So, binge away! (There’s also a great gym on board so you can burn off the calories later.) FIRST-TIME CRUISER TIP: The first few days are always intense with every dirty dog smelling each other and that cruising energy is overwhelming. I say smile, and say hello to everyone, and it all will get easier to deal with. Many people are dying to engage in conversation and to have others join them at their dining table -Art R., Boston

Photo courtesy of RSVP Vacations.

What to wear Dress is very casual most of the time on ship, and at the ports of call. According to recent first-time cruiser Jeff G., “You will spend most of your time in bathing suit and casual wear.” At night on some cruises, you may be expected to dress up a little (long pants and a collared shirt for men and something equally neat for women). Only a few passengers dress up beyond that. Some cruises still offer formal nights, and about half of the ship will really dress up on those nights. Bring a sweater or sweatshirt (it can be cool at night even in the Caribbean or Hawaii), a lightweight rain jacket, and plenty of shorts, swimsuits, and T-shirts and a small backpack. Some cruise companies offer guests a complimentary bag (with the company’s logo), which you can use during the cruise. Working out Most modern cruise ships have extraordinarily well-equipped and spacious gyms with all the latest cardio equipment and plenty of dumbbells and barbells and even classes (spinning, aerobics, and yoga, etc.) The gym is usually very crowded at the beginning of the cruise and gets less and less so as the week progresses. Dedicated fitness enthusiasts should go early in the morning before the late-ish morning crowd appears. Beware lifting weights during heavy seas as the weights can be very difficult to control. Motion discomfort The good news is that it’s not something most people have to worry about, if you take the right precautions. Motion discomfort is caused when the fluid in your inner ear and your eyes send conflicting messages to your brain about which way is up. Modern ships have stabilizers, which help minimize the pitching and rolling that can cause the problem in the first place. Experts recommend getting out on deck and watching the horizon to stave off impending sickness. Sea-Bands are elastic and plastic http://www.tripouttravel.com/navigating-your-first-gay-cruise-a-roadmap/

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Navigating Your First Gay Cruise: A Roadmap | Trip Out Travel

1/19/12 11:36 AM

wristbands that use an acupressure point to prevent seasickness. You have to have them on before you start feeling ill for them to work, however. If you’re prone to motion discomfort, you should consider medication as well. Over-the-counter medications Dramamine and Bonine both work reliably, although some Dramamine formulas cause drowsiness (which, if you’re already sick, can sometimes be a blessed relief). The Scopolamine patch is still an option best left for those who know they will get sick, or who know they can tolerate it. The side effects can be significant. Hooking up If getting laid is important to you, you shouldn’t need much help on an all-gay cruise, but here are a few tips. Many of these ships are big, and you can go for days without seeing someone. If you’re interested in someone, seize the moment. The pool decks tend to attract more of the younger, party crowd, and things tend to get friskier after dark. Now we don’t want to seem prudish here, and we like sex al fresco as much as anyone, but more than a modicum of discretion is appropriate here. (What would happen if everyone tried to get it on in a lifeboat?) Have a great time, but have consideration for your fellow passengers and the crew. For those of you who are worried that there’s going to be too much sex going on around you, don’t. The atmosphere on these trips can be sexually charged, but rarely overtly sexual. That’s really not what these cruises are about. Sadly bidding farewell The end of the cruise is a series of harsh realities, although there are a few ways to ease your transition. Your charge privileges generally end the night before your cruise (so carry your wallet), and a final accounting will be delivered to your room. This is when you find out how quickly those bar bills add up! Luggage to be carried off by the porters must be packed, properly tagged with the color-coded tags you are given by the cruise company, and placed outside your cabin door, generally by midnight. On large ships, when it’s time to disembark, you will generally be assigned to a holding area on the ship based on your luggage tag color, and will have to wait until your color is called to disembark. Count on sitting for an hour, maybe longer. If you’re impatient, you can carry your own luggage and walk off when you feel like it. Some cruises are moving toward a hotel-style checkout. As you disembark, first-time cruisers are always shocked to see how many people they see for the first time as they are leaving. This underscores how important it is to seize the moment during the cruise. If you see someone you think you’d like to get to know, hand them your cabin card, and be sure to write down their cabin.

See you on the cruise. All of these folks will be waiting! Photo courtesy of RSVP Vacations.

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ella / 05/05/10 at 12:30 pm Thanks! thanks for the information and tips. this tips will help me a lot specially this incoming vacation in Hawaii. My friend invited me on a retreat themed “gay travel hawaii“. I don’t know the exact place but i think i can use the tips.

Brad / 02/26/10 at 11:47 am Re: Doug – “Gay cruises run about $300 more than regular cruises and they usually sell out so there are no specials.” You are correct. There are ZERO specials for gay cruises. Just like you pay more at the gay bar, or most gay-oriented places, you WILL pay more for an Atlantis Events cruise. In fact, I just compared the 7-day Mexican Riviera cruise on the Mariner of the Seas through Atlantis Events to the cruise my boyfriend and I just took this month on the same trip as a “breeder cruise” (LOL). The price per person for Atlantis is the total cost we spent for BOTH of us. So $300 more? More like DOUBLE! We met friends through the Friends of Dorothy meeting and still had a blast through every port. But we don’t require spending double just to be around a bunch of other gays and lesbians. Plus it says there are http://www.tripouttravel.com/navigating-your-first-gay-cruise-a-roadmap/

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