A gay time at the Olympics

PRIDE house, with locations in the Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre and Vancouver, made its debut at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. LGBT athletes, coaches, trainers, celebrities and fans are receiving a warm welcome in its rainbow-decorated pavilions. If you're in the Vancouver/Whistler area, stop in and enjoy this pivotal moment in sporting history. The Pride house is open for the Olympics (through Feb. 28), GayWhistler's WinterPride (March 1-8) and the Paralympic Winter Games (March 12-21).

Check out video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlw777Ir6CM

Win a Trip to the IceHotel and Visit Gay Sweden and Stockholm

TWICE AS COOL - CHILL OUT AT
THE ICEHOTEL, JUKKASJÄRVI AND
MELT INTO THE CITY LIGHTS OF STOCKHOLM!

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Enter to win a 7 days trip that will evoke all your senses, a trip that will unlock the doors to new exciting experiences from our saturated heritage and culture to really cool activities in Stockholm and Jukkasjärvi. The participating hotels are the world-renowned Nordic Light Hotel - ICEHOTEL and Grand Hotel so you are in for a treat!

Grand Prize:
2 Trans Atlantic Roundtrip Economy tickets with Scandinavian Airlines from any of SAS' US gateways; New York (Newark), Chicago, Washington DC to Stockholm and 2 return Economy tickets Stockholm to Kiruna.http://www.flysas.com/en/flight-to/gay/LGBT-Stockholm

Click here for more information and to enter to win:

http://www.passportmagazine.com/ICE/?rand=1

Visiting IGLTA Members at Iguazu Falls, Argentina

Devil's Throat from Argentina Side of the Falls

 Photos and Story By Roy Heale

             One of Mother Nature's great works can be found on the Iguazu River creating the natural frontier between Argentina and Brazil. Discovering the site of 275 waterfalls---dropping over eight-two metres---it soon becomes apparent to any observer that the Iguazu Falls must be one of the great wonders of the world. Set in a spectacular National Park of sub-tropical rain forest, these cascading falls are complemented by natural flora, fauna, wildlife, and a colorful array of butterflies.

             The falls are strung out along the rim of a crescent-shaped cliff about 2.5 miles long dropping into the gorge below. But perhaps the most impressive distinction for this majestic tourist attraction is the fact that it remains undeveloped and unspoiled by commercialism. There are no revolving restaurants atop concrete towers, or souvenir shopping malls, or wax museums, and nowhere to satisfy a Big-Mac attack. These wondrous sights can be witnessed close-up, in their natural environment, either from a Zodiac dinghy---with a refreshingly cool drenching---on the Iguazu River, or the miles of hiking trails and wooden catwalks.

             
             On the Argentine side of the Falls the town of Puerto Iguazu is about ten miles from the site with regular bus service or taxis to the National Park entrance. In Brazil the city of Foz do Iguaçu is the town closest to the Falls and offers many amenities including the region's only gay-friendly bar named Space Night Club. Both towns offer a wide variety of accommodations, restaurants, cafes, bars, and shopping boutiques plus local crafts markets.

Panoramic Hotel Pool at Sunset

               However, in Puerto Iguazu there are two extremely gay-friendly hotels which are also members of IGLTA. Recently I had the opportunity to spend a few days at each property and I soon realized they have already been discovered by many gay tourists! While I toured the region I found myself mesmerized by the magic and romance of the Falls clearly understanding its new found popularity as a gay vacation destination for anniversaries, romantic escapes, family vacations, and much more. One fact is for certain---this region is deserving of much more than just a quick day trip to see the falls.

               The Panoramic Hotel is located on a hill overlooking the confluence of the Iguazu and Parana Rivers where the incomparable vista includes the three frontiers of Paraguay, Brazil, and Argentina. It is the only five-star boutique hotel in the area and is just a short five minute walk into the town of Puerto Iguazu. Built in the 1940s it has been an icon in the town's history and after closing in the 1980s it re-opened in 2007 after extensive renovations which have preserved the original character. The property is set amidst tropical gardens and includes restaurants, bars, cafes, and all amenities plus an extremely large swimming pool and solarium with a spectacular view---especially at sunset---and bar service. The rooms with stylish décor are spacious and comfortable with all the necessary accoutrements. The business center, TV Lounge, spa, and casino (currency in pesos) complete the perfect amenities for any vacation.

Iguazu Grand Hotel Outdoor Pools

                       For those looking for a different experience the Iguazu Grand Resort Spa and Casino is located on the edge of town close to the Brazil border crossing. Here you can enjoy distinguished architectural style, exclusive décor, which includes authentic paintings by renowned artists. Plus three bars, two fine-dining restaurants, live stage shows in Cafe Magic, and one of the most sophisticated casinos (currency US Dollars) in Latin America for a guaranteed unforgettable visit. This is a twenty-one acre property with seventeen acres dedicated to lush gardens, waterfalls, three outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, a spa (with indoor pool), gymnasium, and family-friendly supervised Playland. The talented Executive Chef even has his own spice and vegetable garden to ensure his exquisite culinary creations are fresh and complete with local flavors. The rooms are extremely large and proffer every imaginable luxury including jetted tubs and large shower stalls for two. This is truly a resort worthy of any gay vacation for adults or the entire family.

                   Many tours and excursions are available in the region with the gay-friendly Aguas Grandes tour company. They can arrange adventure tours, canopy tours, Parques Nacionales excursions, or customize your own outdoor adventure. Or you can also contact IGLTA member  Brazil Ecojourneys who have a great deal of experience at Iguazu Falls for group and individual tours to the region.

                   The year-round tropical climate provides hot days with the occasional cooling thunderstorm--- usually at night---making this an ideal destination at any time of year.

Viewing Platform and Falls on Argentina Side

                 During my visit I met a lesbian couple from Paris, a retired gay man from San Francisco, a young twenty-something same-sex couple from New York city, and a gay married couple from Canada with their two young children. These travelers clearly demonstrate how the discerning LGBT traveler has already discovered this natural wonderland.

                    Perhaps Eleanor Roosevelt said it best upon her first visit to the Iguazu Falls when she exclaimed “ Oh, Poor Niagara!”.

                    If you are planning a South American vacation be sure to do some research on this popular and gay-friendly option for a memorable experience.

For more information visit: http://www.aguasgrandes.com/, http://www.iguazugrand.com/, http://www.panoramic-hoteliguazu.com/, or http://www.brazilecojourneys.com/

For more travel stories by Roy Heale visit: http://www.royheale.blogspot.com/

Australia's Gay Gold Coast Beckons...beaches, mountains, events

When gay vacationers envision travel to Australia, they naturally think of Sydney. After all, it's been the people's top choice for the best international gay travel destination for many years - and not just for Mardi Gras, but all seasons and reasons.

Maybe for their second downunder visit, they think of the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsunday Islands, or the tropical rainforest resorts in Cairns and other parts of Far North Queensland.

In 2010, savvy lesbian and gay travellers will visit Australia's most vibrant and most gay-friendly tourism region - The Gold Coast. It's the other end of Queensland, close to the state capital of Brisbane and a quick drive from the international airport. You no longer have to hassle with Sydney International Airport if you want to see the "other" Australia.

Two years ago Gold Coast Tourism became the first new IGLTA member from Queensland in eons, and this year five more gay-welcoming tourism operators have signed up with IGLTA's Ambassador for Australia, Mark Proffit. He says, "Several more will follow in 2010 as word spreads about the very gay Gold Coast and about the first annual Screaming Queens Day at Dreamworld."

Besides the leading theme park, Dreamworld, the other new IGLTA members are Tiger Moth Joy Rides, the highest thrill on the coast, Hard Rock Cafe in the heart of Surfers Paradise, and two accommodations, the Watermark Hotel & Spa which is just steps from Surfers Paradise beach, and Breakers North Apartments on private beachfront.

If my hunch is correct, the very large Gold Coast Region - with so much to see and do from the mountains to the hinterland to the world-famous beaches and theme parks -will be on everyone's Top Gay Travel Destinations must-visit list.

It's not just Australia's top vacation destination any more. The Gay Gold Coast is beckoning everyone.

Auckland's Premier Queer Event on Valentine's Day

Blending a celebration of diversity with safe sex messages is central to the Get it On! Big Gay Out, an annual event sponsored by Get it On.

Originally started to provide a safe and supportive social environment for people of diverse sexualities and gender, Big Gay Out has become a celebration and an opportunity for the New Zealand AIDS Foundation (NZAF) to deliver safe sex messaging to around 10,000 attendees.

Performers & Politicians

Annie Crummer will headline Big Gay Out 2010. Annie C is a New Zealander who has toured with lesbian icon KD Lang, and performed in both Rent and as Killer Queen in We Will Rock You. Also, Pop sensation Will C Barling will be joined onstage by sexy DJ Stevolicious.

The Get it On! Big Gay Out has extensive political support; Prime Ministers, Mayors and Opposition Leaders and MPs have all attended New Zealand’s biggest gay festival.

Follow the BGO Festival on Facebook. "If you happen to be visiting New Zealand and close to Auckland in February, you should add this festival to your itinerary," says IGLTA Ambassador Mark Proffit (a Kiwi himself).

Mendoza---Argentina's Wine Capital and Much More......

By Roy Heale

Nestled in the foothills of the Andes, about 1000 meters above sea level, is the charming city of Mendoza. Known largely for being the capital of Argentina's wine making industry----especially the renowned Malbecs---Mendoza is also the center for skiing in the higher Andes peaks during July, August, and September. Plus the year-round natural hot springs just a short drive from town along with the beautiful parks and lakes in the city are fashioning Mendoza as a popular new vacation destination especially for budget-conscious travelers.

The city is the perfect place to call home while taking short excursions, day trips, or even overnight journeys to explore the numerous different vacation activities in this diverse region. Filled with tree-lined avenues, beautiful plazas, historic architecture, and artisan markets Mendoza offers a relaxed pace of life in a bustling urban environment. The heart of the city pulses in the main square called Plaza Independencia, while the Parque San Martin offers a multitude of relaxing outdoor activities in a lush green environment, and the Area Fundacional is a trip back in time to the city's early settlement days. And of course the annual “la Fiesta de la Vendimia” in March is the wine festival for which Mendoza is now renowned worldwide.

Finding accommodations in Mendoza can be challenging with a multitude of options and price ranges. Every style and size of hotel is available from major brand name chains to small independent pensionnes with everything in between. But the gay-owned and operated Deptosmendoza offers two alternatives for suite rentals in the heart of the city at reasonable rates with a variety of styles and sizes to match with every holiday budget. The Modigliani Art and Design Suites are eleven modern contemporary, comfortable, spacious apartments with complete facilities and a Galeria de Arte on the top floor. Coupled with the Dot Suites---a boutique resort, with only five unique units, minimalist design, with an emphasis on architecture, art, design and lighting---any vacation requirements and budgets can be accommodated by Deptosmendoza. The English speaking staff are extremely friendly and knowledgeable about the whole region and can assist with all holiday plans for time in the city or excursions around the region. A surprisingly “big-city” gay welcome and experience awaits the smart gay traveler in this cozy mountain retreat town.

The dry desert-like climate almost guarantees hot sunny days for enjoying outdoor activities coupled with warm nights where outdoor dining is the perfect end to a high-altitude day.

A sophisticated local culture blends with a simpler, unhurried lifestyle for a perfectly relaxing vacation. Great sights and experiences by day plus restaurants, bars, and cafes offer a multitude of nightlife entertainment options including gay and gay-friendly establishments. Late at night the Aristides Villanueva is the street for dining out and of course the action starts at about 10PM as with all Argentine dinners. Here you will find a festive atmosphere with large patios full of locals and tourists indulging themselves at restaurants offering every International culinary delight imaginable plus, of course, the renowned Argentine Parillas, where beef is a heavenly delight especially when accompanied by a local Mendoza vintage red wine. All at prices lower than almost any other major vacation destination in the world today!

After dinner a leisurely stroll, perhaps some refreshingly cool Crema Helada---ice cream---and a visit to a local gay bar will be the perfect end to a fun-filled day. Either Queen or La Reserva Pub---the major LGBT bars in town---located in the heart of downtown Mendoza will be open and waiting to entertain you until dawn, or perhaps even later. On the weekends the city is very much alive at sunrise and as some people end their day almost as many vacationers are making an early start to theirs!

It's easy to understand why so many smart gay travelers are including a visit to Mendoza on their South American holiday adventures. Suddenly it's being recognized for much more than just the annual wine festival in March.

For More Information Visit: http://www.deptosmendoza.com.ar/ or http://www.welcometomendoza.com/
For More Travel Stories By Roy Heale Visit: http://www.royheale.blogspot.com/

Gay South Pacific Paradise Discovered

IGLTA Ambassador to Australia and the South Pacific Mark Proffit, sent his Rainbow Tourism colleague Dee Farrell to New Caledonia. She discovered a warm gay community and welcoming tourism industry on this seductive island off the coast of Australia.

The terms "South Pacific Islands" and "French Polynesia" usually draw to mind Tahiti, Fiji, Vanuatu and Bali.

Overlooked no more should be the Melanesian island paradise of New Calendonia. Nouvelle Caledonie is the closest international destination to Australia's east coast capital cities and the north island of New Zealand. More and more Kiwis and Aussies are outnumbering European visitors, though Korean and Japanese visitors are a mainstay.

I encountered French and German tourists, of course, but was surprised to learn about Japanese lesbians who favor the romantic resorts that have their own wedding chapel! I arrived by ferry the day before a wedding and preparations were underway in the seaside church, and extra champagne chilling in the restaurant's well stocked cooler. (I was impressed to find an '05 Pinot Noir from Alsace region as well as an extensive range of the real thing from Champagne region. A foodie paradise on a remote marine reserve with gay and lesbian staff, I was in heaven!)

Besides romance and honeymoons, New Caledonia has great appeal for the adrenalin crowd with beaches exclusively for jet ski and kite surfing enthusiasts. It's easy to get away from the commotion by taking a water taxi to one of the many islets and marine reserves that fill the world's largest and most beautiful lagoon. It surrounds Grand Terre, the main island, and is now on the World Heritage list.

Once a property, tour operator, airline or tourism board from New Caledonia joins IGLTA, I will profile the ones I inspected for gay welcome mat.

--Rainbow Tourism Concierge Dee Farrell