Summer 2012
Our preview of sizzling LGBT destinations.
LGBTs Swarm Cape Town for Rest and Relaxation
Cape Town is fast becoming one of the premier destinations in the world for LGBT travellers looking for a stunning location to unwind and enjoy life, often accompanied by their straight female best friends.
Curaçao Hosts 8th Annual "Get Wet" Weekend
"Get Wet" in Curaçao! In celebration of the diverse and gay friendly community, the beautiful island of Curaçao will kick off its eighth annual Get Wet Weekend of gay and straight friendly activities on September 27-30.
Vermont is Out and Proud for Pride Celebrations September 21-22
Mark your calendars and book a room for Vermont’s annual Pride celebration September 21-22, 2012. The festivities will be held in September for the first time in order to better include Vermont’s large student population and foliage tourists.
Annual West Hollywood Bartender Auction Benefits AIDS Project Los Angeles
West Hollywood’s hottest bartenders will be up for bid at The Ninth Annual West Hollywood Bartender Auction, benefiting APLA.
Alison Moyet to Star at Manchester Pride
Former Yazoo star and singing legend Alison Moyet to headline Sunday night Gaydar Main Arena stage as part of the Big Weekend festival.
Ascension 2012: Let’s Have a Kiki
The seventh incarnation of the Fund in the Sun Foundation’s Ascension Beach Party made it abundantly clear that when Fire Island Pines wants to party, they have a full-on kiki on the beach.
An Austrian Adventure: Travels through Burgenland
Burgenland is not the Austria you have in mind. Maria von Trapp will not be traipsing over a mountain range. Nor will you find a gaggle of twentysomethings dressed in lederhosen while devouring Sachertorte.
Miami Beach Calls to Hispanic LGBTs in October
The world-wide Hispanic LGBT community will gather in Miami Beach on October 6th for the Celebrate ORGULLO Festival. The event is the first of its kind in the U.S. and showcases the community during the month of October.
Contemporary Art Takes Over Versailles
From now through September 30, 2012, the Palace of Versailles presents the exhibition Joana Vasconcelos Versailles in the State Apartments and the gardens, creating incredible juxtapositions between the classic opulence of the palace and contemporary art.
France Names New Palace Hotels
In 2011, a new classification system for hotels in France was established, announcing eight hotels in France who were given a new rank of "Palace," distinguishing the very best among five-star hotels.
Divers/Cité Celebrates 20th Birthday in Vieux Montreal
Founded in 1993 on the principles of diversity, solidarity, and openness, Divers/Cité is one of the most beloved of Montreal’s forty annual festivals, a multi-day LGBT music and arts festival with more than fifty hours of free music and performance.
Homes Away from Home :: New England’s Historic Hotels of America
EDGE breaks bread with marketing directors from historic hotels across New England--and beyond. Where will you stay next time you tire of clone-style, nondescript chain hotels? One of these historic gems might be just the thing...
El Portal Sedona Hotel Rocks Girls’ Getaways
If you are planning a girls’ getaway, think outside the box and head to Sedona, AZ for a truly unforgettable experience.
Top Six Skywalks
Fears can be as simple as disliking enclosed places or not wanting to see snakes or spiders, but one of the most common fears held by adults is of heights.
Blueberries and Raspberries for August in Vermont
Come hungry to Vermont, as a dozen Vermont agricultural fairs are showcasing summer veggies like they’re Vermont’s Venus de Milo - and that sweet smell of raspberry pie is around every corner.
Xlsior to Conquer Mykonos for Fourth Annual Gay Festival
XLSIOR MYKONOS is the most exclusive international gay leisure festival, launched in September 2009 on the famous island of Mykonos. It will be held this year for its fourth edition from Wednesday 22 August until Sunday 26 August 2012.
The Ultimate Braincation: Grand Canyon River Rafting
There is no better escape from the stresses of everyday life than a Grand Canyon rafting trip on the Colorado River. Imagine a vacation full of incredible natural wonders, relaxation, reconnection, and a splash (or two) of exhilaration and adventure.
Honeymoon in Vegas
"I love Vegas," he said, emphasis on the verb, his voice a mixture of awe, enthusiasm - and relief at finding himself (again) in the world’s most spectacular adult playground.
A Luxurious Home on the Eastern & Oriental Express Train
Beads of sweat trickle down my forehead on a muggy night in Bangkok when I realize I’m late for the Eastern & Oriental Express train. I’ve missed the shuttle from my hotel and my baggage bounces over the unevenly paved streets as I run.
Everyone Loves Summer in New York (State)
From the Big Apple Circus and other special events to the latest and greatest hotels to stay in, things to do and places to eat, New York State is booming this summer with openings, new attractions and entertainment.
Divers/Cité Adds The Young Professionals to 20th Anniversary Party
Divers/Cité confirmed the presence of Israel’s sensational formation The Young Professionals for Le Grand Bal on Sunday, August 5th at the Loto-Québec Stage on Jacques-Cartier Pier.
Five Free Things to Do in San Francisco
It’s no secret that you can drop a lot of cash seeing the sights of San Francisco. After all, this is the home of the Gold Rush.But did you know that some of the finest things in the City by the Bay carry the budget-friendly price tag of free?
Toronto Pride 2012: Out, Loud, and Proud
Toronto Pride is a two-time winner of "Best Festival in Canada" and one of the "Top 50 Festivals" in Ontario, as well as one of Toronto’s eight city-designated signature events.
Fans Gear Up for JawsFest on Martha’s Vineyard
Fans of the movie JAWS© across the world are gearing up for JawsFest: The Tribute, taking place August 9-12 on Martha’s Vineyard, aka, "Amity Island."
Cancun Contends for the LGBT Tourist Market
New data reveals that one of Latin America’s strongest contenders to attract the lucrative LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) tourism dollar is the resort city of Cancun, Mexico.
Dipping into the Finger Lakes
With Lake Ontario as its northern border, the Finger Lakes contains 11 lakes, each with its own identity and personality. Seneca Lake, the largest of the bunch, is dotted with wineries and has only frozen over nine times since such recordkeeping began.
Fort Lauderdale’s Gay Virtues
Known as one of the country’s foremost LGBT capitals, Fort Lauderdale definitely offers visitors a plethora of dining, entertainment and cultural options, not to mention miles of pristine beaches perfect for those looking to catch some rays.
Win a Trip to Dallas Pride 2012
This September, the Dallas lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community will celebrate gay Pride with a weekend of activities leading up to the 29th annual Alan Ross Texas Freedom Parade.
"The Light of London" Showcases City at Dawn and Dusk
It was Samuel Johnson who wrote, "By seeing London, I have seen as much of life as the world can show." "The Light of London," the extraordinary photography collection shot by renowned photographer Jean-Michel Berts, captures the city at twilight.
Discover Seven Adirondack Hiking Experiences This Summer
The Adirondack Park in Northern New York is home to more than 2,000 miles of hiking trails - traversing the highest point in New York State, all the way to the southern edges of Lake Champlain. This summer, experience the thrill of discovery.
Destination Same-Sex Weddings in Sayulita, Mexico
Every year, tens of thousands of same-sex couples get married in Mexico... With good reason! Mexico is gorgeous, with glorious scenery, luxurious accommodations and resorts and authentic towns with something for everyone!
Wild and Wonderful Waikiki
Ever since its admission to the United States in 1959, Hawaii has been synonymous with paradise in the American imagination - and Waikiki the definitive manifestation of a lush and luxurious tropical life.
Wild and Wonderful Waikiki: The Photos
On the south shore of Oahu rises the neighborhood of Waikiki. For years favored by the Hawaiian monarchy, the fabled stretch of beach is famous for its luxury resorts, high-end shopping, and exemplary surfing, all of which make for beautiful photos.
Five Free Things to Do in New York City
It’s ironic in a city with some of the most expensive hotels and restaurants in the world, but many of New York’s best attractions are free.
Hollywood Glamour at the Westin Diplomat in Hollywood, Florida
The low-down on The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa in Hollywood, Florida, as it’s grown from a beachy, Rat Pack hideaway to the perfect backdrop for your Bladerunner-themed Facebook pics. There’s a motorcycle riding pastry chef and glass-bottomed pool too.
Harbor Hotel Provincetown Makes Waves
For years - decades! - I could see only one possible use for that dreary, boxy motel at the far eastern edge of Provincetown: the parking lot lent itself beautifully to last-minute wardrobe adjustments prior to pulling into town.
Fire Island Prepares for Summer Season
Despite the fire that destroyed the Pines’ major disco and bar, there will still be plenty going on in this, the world’s most famous & glamorous gay beach resort.
Atlantic City Celebrates Gay Pride All Year Long
Known as one of America’s most visited resort and entertainment destinations, Atlantic City is quickly becoming one of the top destinations for gay and lesbian travelers.
Gay Beach Getaways
Summer is right around the corner, the perfect time for LGBT travelers on both coasts to leave the stress of city life behind, and hit the beach!
"Forever Marilyn" Sculpture Lands in Palm Springs
Since the 1920s, Palm Springs has been a place for celebrities to escape the hustle and bustle of showbiz, including Marilyn Monroe. The blonde icon returned to Palm Springs in a big way as a 26-foot tall "Forever Marilyn" sculpture.
Find Divine Pride in Baltimore
Baltimore is a friendly and historic city now in the throes of celebrating a fun and raucous summer, with Pride scheduled for June 15-17.
Lords South Beach Hosts NYC Pop-Up Hotel for Pride
Lords South Beach, the first gay boutique hotel in the country and Miamiʼs LGBT social & cultural headquarters, is set to open the first Pride pop-up hotel, Lords New York, when it temporarily takes over the Hotel on Rivington in New York City for Pride.
Chicago’s "Get Up and Go!" NeighborhoodTour Series Begins June 5
This summer, get an insider’s point-of-view on a different Chicago neighborhood each week when Get Up and Go!, a popular series featuring conversations with community experts followed by guided walking tours, returns to the Chicago Cultural Center.
Extended to July: "The Piers: Art and Sex along the New York Waterfront"
"The Piers: Art and Sex along the New York Waterfront" is the first museum exhibition to focus exclusively on the uses of the Hudson River docks by artists and a newly emerging gay subculture.
¡Viva La Mexico! Or What I Learned on Spring Break
In spite of all the warnings from friends and family, I went anyway - to Mexico. And I’m glad that I did, learning a few valuable travel (and life) lessons along the way.
First Gay Culture Festival on Greek Isle of Skiathos in July 2012
The 1st International Gay Culture Festival will be held in 12-15 July 2012 on the cosmopolitan island of Skiathos, Greece.
Prism Toronto Gears Up for Toronto Pride
"Prism 2012 promises to be the festival’s biggest and most exciting year to date, with over 30 DJs and more lavish productions."
Vegas’ Beautiful Aria
One of the newer additions on the busy Las Vegas Strip, the gorgeous 2-year old Aria Resort & Casino is a AAA Five Diamond destination for R&R.
Chile’s Boutique Noi Hotels Introduces LGBT-Specific Vacations
Noi Hotels, with six boutique properties, has been recently included in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2012 "Hot List."
Fifth Annual Pink Lake International Gay Festival
The 5th annual Pink Lake International Gay Festival will take place August 23-26, 2012 on the beautiful Lake Woerthersee, Austria.
Brazil Hosts World’s Largest Gay Pride Parade on June 10, 2012
The Brazilian Tourism Board, Embratur will host the 16th annual São Paulo Gay Pride Parade on Sunday, June 10th, 2012, which is the world’s largest gay pride parade.
A Mid-Century Modern Marvel: The Palm Springs Art Museum
Palm Springs is the quintessential incubator for all things mid-century modern. It permeates the architectural landscape and the laid back yet avant-garde vibe of the city. The result is a desert gem where art and culture collide for an experience.
Wining and Dining Through Chile’s Wine Country
Nearly 500 years after wine grapes arrived in the 16th century, Chile has become a wine connoisseur’s destination.
Manchester Pride Announces Dates for 22nd B’day Celebration
The Charity that organises Manchester Pride has confirmed that the award-winning LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) festival will light up the streets of Manchester from 17 - 27 August 2012.
Stay Gay and Play in Greater Fort Lauderdale
The secret is out of the closet: the Gay-borhood is getting a facelift and a shot of BOTOX too. Major renovations are taking place at gay-owned and gay-friendly guesthouses in Greater Fort Lauderdale.
San Francisco’s Leather Fetish Events Benefit Local Charities
Net proceeds from five key San Francisco leather and fetish events (Bay of Pigs™, Up Your Alley®, Magnitude®, Folsom Street Fair®, and DEVIANTS™) will be donated to local charities working in public health, human services, and the arts.
Starck’s Mama Shelter to Land in Marseille
Mama Shelter is landing... in Marseille. After the successful opening of Philippe Starck’s trendy Mama Shelter hotel in Paris in 2009, a new Mama Shelter will open in Marseille on April 12, boasting contemporary and avant-garde style.
Walk’N Roll in West Hollywood for Gay For Good
The Andaz West Hollywood, the Sunset Strip’s historic hotel, has been the setting for a number of memorable rock ’n’ roll moments, from Jim Morrison taking up residence in 1966 to Robert Plant shouting "I’m a golden god!" from the balcony.
Philly Debuts Three New LGBT Trip Tips
The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) recently debuted content on Foursquare, Foodspotting and Pinterest for LGBT travelers planning a trip to Philadelphia or residents who want to get to know their city better.
Gay Men Of Color Getaway To Palm Springs
California’s largest gay and bisexual men of color vacation getaway is gearing up for its 6th Annual event in Palm Springs, California, May 4-6, 2012, during the Cinco De Mayo weekend.
The Charms of Taiwan: The Photos
As the Chinese proverb has it, "Don’t listen to what they say. Go see." The Portuguese rechristened Taiwan "Formosa," meaning "beautiful island." Check out these photos of some of Taiwan’s charms.
The Tasty Charms of Taiwan
One of Asia’s most progressive countries for LGBT rights, Taiwan hosts the largest LGBT event in Asia. A country in rapid transition, what you see today will be vastly different in another ten years. Or as the motto has it: "The time for Taiwan is now."
Culinary Indulgence, Belgian Style
Nobody does chocolate, waffles and beer better than Belgium; a gastronomic tour of Wallonia and Brussels.
Great Danes: Copenhagen’s Gastronomic Renaissance
Denmark has long held a fascination for gay people, thanks to timeless interior design alongside LGBT civil rights - and now that Copenhagen is the foodie mecca of Northern Europe, the Danes are welcoming LGBT people from all over the globe.
Great Danes! Copenhagen’s Gastronomic Renaissance :: Photo Album
Ever since Copenhagen’s Noma has been repeatedly named "Best Restaurant in the World," the city has become a foodie mecca - and when combined with a history of timeless design, Copenhagen is a true haven for gays who love everything related to good taste.
¡Muy Bonita! The Westin Playa Bonita Opens in Panama
Ranked as the number one travel destination for 2012 by the New York Times, Panama beckons visitors with the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal, stunning landscapes, and indigenous cultures.
San Francisco’s Ongoing Culinary Evolution
San Franciscans live with an abundance of food harvested fresh near their doorsteps year around. Come along for a gastronomical adventure that begins at Ferry Plaza.
Tel Aviv: Israel’s Party-Loving Beachfront Metropolis
With a gay scene that compares favorably to gay capitals around the globe, an amazing beach, warm weather, great food and hot men, it’s no surprise that the IGLTA rated Tel Aviv the best gay destination in the world.
Adventure Awaits Gays Down Under
Larger than life, gay and lesbian Australians offer a warm "G’day, mate," to their LGBT American counterparts as well as a variety of adventures and experiences for queer travelers.
Argentina: Celebrating Life, History, Beauty and LGBT Friendliness
When I first received an invitation to visit Argentina, I really didn’t know what to expect. It’s seemingly always been overshadowed in the media by neighboring Brazil, so I really had to do my research to see exactly what I was going to experience.
Mr. Gay Greece Contest Scheduled for Summer
The Mr. Gay Greece Foundation announces the yearly contest will be organised again in Athens.
Ten Reasons to Visit Nantucket in 2012
Grey skies, slushy streets, and a lack of Vitamin D can leave even the most cold-tolerant of us feeling the winter blues. Luckily, thoughts of a spring visit to Nantucket can brighten the dreariest of days.
Rocky Mountaineer to Increase Popular SilverLeaf Service in 2012
Award-winning Rocky Mountaineer announced that after the successful introduction of its new SilverLeaf Service during the 2011 season, it will include SilverLeaf Service departures on all its First Passage to the West itineraries.
Booming Beach - Fort Lauderdale’s Fabulous Beach
In part two of our feature on Fort Lauderdale’s Fabulous Beach, we explore the various attractions, upcoming events plus established and new businesses that make this area the exceptional gay mecca it is today.
Richmond’s Gay-Owned Hostelry Honored in 2012 TripAdvisor Awards
Gay-owned Richmond Virginia bed and breakfast Maury Place at Monument was chosen as a winner in the category Top 25 B&Bs and Inns in the United States by TripAdvisor in its 2012 Travellers’ Choice® awards.
W Opéra Hotel Debuts in Paris
W Hotels Worldwide will mark its debut in France on February 14, 2012 with the new W Paris Opéra hotel. Owned by Barcelona-based Meridia Capital, the hotel is set inside an elegant 1870s Haussman-era heritage building.
Ho’olei at Grand Wailea Celebrates Hawaii Civil Unions
In celebration of Hawaii legalizing same-sex civil unions, luxury vacation-rental on Maui, Ho’olei at Grand Wailea, is giving away three nights of accommodations for up to six people.
Grand Canyon’s Historic Red Horse Cabin Reopens for Overnight Guests
Grand Canyon National Park has completed restoration and rehabilitation of the "Red Horse Cabin," the oldest building at the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. The two-bedroom cabin is now available to overnight guests.
Aruba: Island Indulgence
Look no further than Aruba for a Caribbean getaway filled with sun, sandy beaches, and local flavors. You’ll be shouting "Mi stima Aruba!" (I love Aruba) in no time.
Dream and Night Hotels to Expand to India with Fifty-Two Hotel Openings
Hampshire Hotels & Resorts, unveiled an aggressive brand building initiative in India with the announcement of a five year plan to launch fifty-two hotels (forty Night hotels and twelve Dream hotels) in India.
Grand Canyon Promotes Trains and Two-Legged Modes of Transport
Ditching the car and exploring Arizona’s Grand Canyon National Park using alternative forms of transportation - including two-legged, four-legged and wheeled modes - is easy and affordable.
California Wine Country Getaways for Two
You like chocolate. You like warm baths. But are you ready for a milk chocolate bath for two?That’s just one of the options available in California wine country.
Diamond Jubilee Heralds London Celebrations All Year Long
As details of the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant - one of the largest public events ever held in London - are announced, VisitEngland looks at other Jubilee celebrations scheduled across the country.
Experience the Romance of Canada Via Luxury Rail
Glide through Canada’s winter wonderland free of weather delays and flight cancellations on board the signature Canadian, a four-day journey originating in either Toronto or Vancouver.
Celebrate Twenty Years of Life at Vienna’s Life Ball
Steele Luxury Travel recently announced that it will be the exclusive USA-base tour operator for the Life Ball for the fourth year in a row. This glittering event is Europe’s biggest HIV/AIDS benefit gala and one of the largest in the world.
Travel Channel Host Selects Taiwan as One of Top 5 Worldwide Destinations
Travel Channel TV host Andrew Zimmern revealed during his guest appearance at the Taiwan exhibit stage that Taiwan is one of his top 5 travel destinations in the world.
Luxurious Blue Train Traverses Scenic South Africa
There is perhaps no finer example of opulent traveling five-star (plus) accommodations than the world-famous Blue Train, which travels across the magically scenic landscape of South Africa.
Berlin in 2012: A Blizzard of Events and Celebrations
Boasting over 1,500 events daily, the German capital promises an exciting event program all year long, from museum nights, and design festivals to symphonies, sports events, and outdoor fairs.
¡Viva Vallarta!
With its sandy beaches, quaint white washed buildings and bustling nightlife, Puerto Vallarta certainly lives up to its reputation as one of the world’s friendliest cities. And the locals strive to keep it that way!
Absolute Travel Picks Top LGBT "I Do" Destinations
Absolute Travel has been circling the globe for years to find the most welcoming destinations and properties for gay travelers. Their top picks - Argentina and South Africa - have already recognized same-sex marriage.
San Francisco’s Revived LGBT Scene for 2012
As a true gay mecca, San Francisco can sometimes overwhelm visitors with its vast number of activities which appeal to the LGBT community. Check out this breakdown of the best LGBT events.
Twelve Reasons to See India in 2012
"As a travel company that originated in India over 250 years ago, Cox & Kings is thrilled to offer travelers more value for venturing to this amazing destination," said Thomas Stanley, head of Cox & Kings, The Americas.
Gourmet Capitals Berlin and Hamburg Awarded 27 Michelin Stars
Northern Germany’s top chefs in Berlin and Hamburg continue to rack up Michelin stars, firmly establishing the two cities at the top of the country’s gourmet food chain.
Celebrate Cape Town’s 2012 Gay Pride Week on an 8-Day Safari
Extraordinary Journeys Africa, specialists in bespoke customized safaris to Africa, is offering an 8-day safari in honor of Cape Town’s Gay Pride Week that will take place February 27-March 4, 2012.
LAN Airlines Launches New LGBT Website
LAN’s new LGBT microsite features a host of information and resources for the prospective traveler to South America. It includes detailed descriptions of key South American destinations with information of interest to gay and lesbian travelers.
Easy Livin’ in the Big Easy: New Orleans Photo Album
One of the top ten most-visited cities in the US, New Orleans was recently ranked second in the nation for gay friendliness. The city that gave birth to the first cocktail, as well as to jazz, is a haven of good things that LGBT people love.
Easy Livin’ in the Big Easy: New Orleans Anew
One of the top ten most-visited cities in the US, New Orleans was recently ranked second in the nation for gay friendliness. As our guide, Miss Jeanie, told us upon our return to the Crescent City, "You love New Orleans - and she’ll love you right back."
Luxury Travel Network Predicts Top Travel Destinations for 2012
As 2012 draws near, luxury travel network Virtuoso® turned to its expert travel advisors to get the inside scoop on where those ’in the know’ will be venturing in the year ahead. One thing is for sure: 2012 is the year to travel.
Jules et Jim Hotel: The Most Chic Hotel in Gay Paris
After five years of research and construction kept under wraps, the new 23-room "straight-friendly" Jules et Jim hotel opened December 19, 2011 in the heart of Paris, a five minute walk from the Georges Pompidou Center.
First Hotel in San Francisco’s Presidio to Open in April 2012
Inn at the Presidio, the first hotel in the Presidio of San Francisco, and the only new hotel to open in San Francisco in 2012, will welcome the public beginning in April.
Curacao: The Best Gay Destination in the Caribbean. Period
This tiny Dutch island is an oasis of gay friendliness in the Caribbean, a paradise of varied topography, hotels, restaurants, charming locals, all far from the usual tourist traps & cliches of the region.
Angsana Opens Flagship Resort in Phuket
Nestled within Bang Tao Bay at Laguna Phuket - Asia’s first integrated resort - Angsana Laguna Phuket occupies the site of the former Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket.
Weekend in West Hollywood
Recently on the West Coast, a certain rainbow-flagged jurisdiction considered a resolution for "Go-Go Dancer Appreciation Day" - because the mayor was fearful that the city was becoming a little too sanitized. Where else but West Hollywood?
The Music in Montréal’s Soul
As the locals like to joke, Montreal is a city of two seasons: festivals - and winter. Fortunately, the city hosts more than forty annual festivals, including Divers/Cite, the weeklong summer music festival - and Black & Blue, now celebrating 21 years.
