Little in life has ever been accomplished on an empty stomach. And perhaps lots of satisfied bellies is a key contributing factor as to why Spain has become one of the most progressive countries in the world; cuisine is given center stage in Spanish culture – so much so that your average Spaniard eats 4-5 times a day and lunchtime is a leisurely affair, stretched out over the better part of two hours. This laidback attitude to food epitomizes the Spanish attitude to life in general – they like to relax, take it easy and welcome everyone to the table, metaphorical and otherwise. LGBTQ+ rights ..read more

They say what you wear says a lot about you. And, in the case of the average gay beach or Pride/Circuit pool party, perhaps what you AREN’T wearing can say just as much. In other words, how much you want to show of yourself while showing off your best summer swimwear.  Picking that right speedo, brief, trunks or even thong for the summer may seem like a trivial thing, but making the right choice can really provide a welcome boost to anyone’s self-confidence – insert the mandatory joke about also boosting your package here. Gay focused swimwear isn’t just for the muscle hunks or athletic ..read more

There are two kinds of vacations that attract two kinds of people. First, there’s the “lay on the beach and tan while sipping a cocktail” vacationer. Then there’s the active “grab a backpack and climb a mountain” type of traveler – of course, you could also always be versatile though! Relaxing vacations are nice, but the great thing about an active adventure is that it's good for the mind, body and soul. Aside from the obvious benefits of exercise, the ascent up a mountain is a rewarding experience. Getting drunk on the beach is fun, but it really can’t compare to testing the limits of your b ..read more

A good beach ignites all the senses: the feel of the warm sun caressing your skin with the golden sand beneath your toes, the gentle lull of the waves serenading your ears, and – with any luck –some tanned eye candy lying nearby. Clothes – even your best speedos – can only get in the way.  Not to mention, swimming in the ocean naked just feels right – if you can get over the irrational fear a big fish might take a bite of your tackle that is. Just like bodies, naked gay beaches come in all shapes and sizes, as well as different levels of seclusion. We look at an eclectic mix of ten of th ..read more

Europe is easily the most tolerant and accepting region in the world and there are many cities across the continent where you can let your true colors shine without fear of judgment or harassment. Places like Amsterdam, Berlin or Barcelona are well known for being gay friendly, tolerant and having a large community of LGBTQ+ residents. Still, we think Madrid is perhaps the contender for the number one spot on our list of the best gay destinations in Europe. Certainly, there are a handful of cities that compete for this title, but with the mix of its size, gay scene, events and overall vibe, w ..read more

Key West isn't just a city; it's a state of mind, where every sunset is celebrated, and love knows no bounds. “One human family” is the island city’s motto – an easy sentiment for the LGBTQ+ community to get behind. Just 90 miles from Cuba, Key West is the perfect blend of Caribbean flair and American spirit. Nestled at the southernmost tip of the United States and surrounded by the shimmering waters of the Atlantic on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other, the tropical island is the perfect backdrop for a gaytopia. After all, how can such a tranquil setting be anything but liberal! Bu ..read more

Going on a VACAYA cruise is one of the most enjoyable and relaxing vacations you can take. The entire ship is full of LGBTQ+ guests and all staff have been extensively trained to provide you with a welcoming and gay-friendly experience. It’s a very open environment and one where you can relax both mentally and physically. The environment is friendly with a great social atmosphere and there is great entertainment throughout the trip. About VACAYA VACAYA was founded and created by a small group of tourism and travel industry executives with more than 100 years of combined experience in entertai ..read more

Choosing where to stay is one of the most important decisions you make when planning your trip. The options are limitless, and your choice ranges from large resorts and hotel chains to small, boutique hotels or apartment rentals. You can also find gay-owned hotels in some places or even hotels designed for the LGBTQ+ community like gay-themed hotels or gay resorts. While the concept of a gay hotel varies a bit depending on the destination and property owner, the one thing they all have in common is a vision of creating a safe space where LGBTQ+ people can be themselves in the company of other ..read more

Gran Via is Madrid’s answer to Broadway! The emblematic street is the hub of Madrid’s urban life and stretches the length of the city’s center all the way from Plaza de Cibeles – near the famous Retiro Park – to the epic spectacle of Plaza España, where you’ll find a towering monument to the legendary Spanish writer Cervantes. The architecture of Gran Via’s buildings is reminiscent of London’s Oxford Street, being an impressive mix of 20th century revival architecture topped with statues of Roman gods and angels, who seem to humble the crowds going about their city business below. On Gran Via ..read more

Choosing where to stay is one of the most important decisions you make when planning your trip. The options are limitless, and your choice ranges from large resorts and hotel chains to small, boutique hotels or apartment rentals. Many travelers are choosing home rentals over hotels these days and it’s no surprise why. They get a more comfortable, cost-effective stay and personal attention from their host instead of the impersonal offerings of an outdated, overpriced hotel room. Nowadays travelers even have a selection of several home sharing sites to choose from. If you’re a gay traveler, the ..read more