About: True to its name, Spirit Journeys strives to not only provide memorable trips to exotic locales, but also to create opportunities for mental, emotional, and spiritual growth. The company offers gay travel adventures lasting 12 to 16 days that are filled with visits to off-the-beaten-path parts of the destination, and weeklong retreats or workshops that focus on creating a community within the group, with the tour guides acting as teachers. In addition to soul searching and yoga, there are also ample opportunities for poolside tanning and shopping.
Price range: $995-4,095
Upcoming trips: "Together" is the first retreat for gay male couples, set for April 24-May 1, 2010 on beautiful, secluded Thatch Caye Island off the south-central coast of Belize. The goal of the 10-couple retreat is "to connect deeper with the man you love, as well as a chance for relaxation and play." Days are filled with outdoor activities such as fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking (daily and other trips included in package); there are also daily exploratory group sessions dealing with the subjects of unconditional love, acceptance, etc. You have the choice of staying in one of the five Thatch Cabanas or one of the five elevated Thatch Casitas (little homes); the group is taking over the island in its entirety.
Deals and steals: When you register early for any of the trips offered by Spirit Journeys, you will save $100. Deadlines vary by trip. Register for the featured couples retreat by November 1, 2009 and you'll pay as little as $1,595.
About:Sea Kayak Adventures has been going strong since 1993, offering sea kayaking trips and wildlife encounters for the outdoor-minded adventurer. The carbon-neutral, locally guided trips range from four- to ten-day stays in Baja, the Galapagos Islands, or Vancouver Island, B.C. Gourmet meals are served and all needed equipment is provided.
Price range: $895-3,690
Upcoming trips:The Johnstone Strait trip has start dates in July and August (some tours end early September) with four-day, five-day or six-day options. Prices range from $995-1,295; those under 18 receive a 10% discount (minimum age is 15). The Canadian expedition, which needs at least eight bookings to depart, leaves from Telegraph Cove in northeastern Vancouver Island, the heart of orca territory. Camps are made on the surrounding beaches, including a private island owned by the indigenous First Nations people. There are also opportunities for spotting humpback whales, Dall's porpoises, or harbor seals, as well as hiking, exploration of tide pools, and just lounging on the beach.
Deals and steals: Book by June 15 and mention Out Traveler to get $100 off on any of Sea Kayak Adventures' Vancouver Island summer tours. No prior kayak experience necessary. Orcas guaranteed in Johnstone Strait July 19-Aug. 30.
A 10-day trip to South Africa can be a daunting adventure to plan well. Tack on looking for gay nightlife, day trips to the country's famed vineyards, and a few days escape to Zambia's thundering Victoria Falls and well...you'll be a travel expert by the time you get home!
If, however, you'd rather let a tried-and-true gay traveller take over the heavy lifting, there are a bunch of gay tour operators out there with great Africa packages. Created and run by Jeffrey Ward, who earned his travel expert stripes as an executive at gay-friendly American Airlines, the Savvy Navigator has put together a fun-looking trip for this May (and other in November).
Centering around Cape Town with an optional four-day add-on to Victoria Falls, Savvy Navigator specializes in small groups (no more than 12) and intimate luxury experiences. More than other gay tour operators to the area, Savvy Navigator will focus as much on culinary and cultural luxury as on, say, trips to vineyards and a safari -- both of which are included, too.
The trip starts at $5,995 for 10 days, plus $1,995 for the Zambian add-on. Airfare is included in and out of South Africa with a few restrictions. (Contact Savvy Navigator directly with questions.) Of course, you'll have to reach deep in these uncertain economic times, but with Ward at the helm, there doesn't seem to be any doubt you'll have an experience worth every penny.
Steele Luxury Travel has been busy this past year -- it seems as if they're offering a new trip we want to go on every time we check their website. Impressive as their trips are, though, we were still surprised they had landed the gig as the exclusive North American operator for Vienna's 17th Annual Life Ball (May 2009)!
Life Ball, after all, is one of the most spectacular events in the gay year, rolling a massive HIV/AIDS charity drive together with a ball extravagant enough for Marie Antoinette (drag look-a-likes are not uncommonly sighted). Surprising, then, not because it's Steele (a small company offering the highest quality trips), but because a event the size and prestige of Life Ball would go exclusive!
The moral of the story is that the costumes at Life Ball get more fabulous each year and tickets get harder and
harder to come by, so letting Steele take care of the planning could be a good move here. At $1,999 Euro a person, guests can count not only on an elusive ticket to Life Ball, but also on being well-taken care of through out the stay in Vienna. The trips to and from Vienna -- aboard an luxe Austrian Air jetliner reconfigured to provide extra room per passenger -- aren't shabby either!
Ed Salvato, our Editor-in-Chief is currently sailing somewhere in the Caribbean on the Freedom of the Seas Cruise as presented by Atlantis (one of our featured tour operators). On Friday, January 30, Ed will be speaking about new steals and deals, cool trips, and travel in general.
If you took our advice and got yourself a spot on this cruise, stop by the Viking Crown Lounge at 2 pm to meet the editor!
About:Adam and Steve Travel is a small company operating out of the U.K. that offers exclusive guided tours for LGBT travelers. Italy is their specialty -- upcoming trips visit Venice and Verona -- but they also jump across the pond to hotspots like Palm Springs, Calif. With a focus on group dynamics, the splendor of Europe can be enjoyed with friends or become the perfect romantic getaway. For extra reassurance, all of the tours are ATOL (Air Travel Organisers Licensing) protected.
Clientele: 100% gay; 60% men; 40% singles
Price range: $500-815
Upcoming trips:Venice will be resplendent as the annual Carnivale comes to town from Feb. 13-24. Wine, revelry, magnificent costumes, a gondola ride through the canals, and accommodations at Hotels Danieli and Rialto must be experienced in person to be believed. Group sizes are small.
Deals and steals: When you mention Out Traveler during booking, save about $70 per person. For example, the U.S. tour price without flights for the Verona trip is approximately $800/per person, per week, including food and wine.
About: RSVP was the first company to offer “gay environment” travel and for the last 20 years RSVP has organized cruises for thousands of travelers. Every trip offers countless activities, both on board and on shore, a welcoming environment, and experienced staff. There is never dull moment, if you've got the energy for it, and nothing but relaxation, if you'd rather lounge in the sun all day. "RSVP is growing, and we're stronger than ever before," said Charlie
Rounds, president of RSVP Vacations. "In 2009, we're pleased to be
offering five different all-gay and lesbian cruises on four different
and exciting ships with an emphasis on variety, choice and value.
Returning guests will find all the best elements of the RSVP vacations
that they came to know and love, along with a few fun, new surprises,"
he said.
Upcoming trips: Departing from Los Angeles April 18th 2009, the upcoming Mexican Riviera cruise, seven days of relaxation, will be one of the company's signature "Freestyle Cruising." The Norwegian Star cruise liner (capacity: 2,240 passengers) will take you to the most popular beach cities of Mexico's
Pacific Coast. With a late stay in the gay-friendly Puerto Vallarta,
you can relax and enjoy the city's nightlife, while onboard, you can
choose from ten diverse restaurants, swim in the pool, or sun on the
large outdoor deck.
Deals and steals: The Mexican Riviera cruise has
staterooms available for just $799 per person based on double
occupancy, RSVP's lowest prices in years on this cruise. And the
LA departure makes it a very cost effective trip.
UPDATE: There's been some confusion over the difference between Atlantis and RSVP.
They're both cruise operators, they're owned by the same company, so
what's the difference (besides the name)? Well, we're glad you asked,
here's the run-down:
"Atlantis and RSVP both provide high quality all-gay and lesbian
vacation experiences with an emphasis on friendship, camaraderie,
relaxation, entertainment, adventure and fun," said Oscar Yuan,
Atlantis' Vice President of Sales & Marketing.
About: Founded by Aaron Kampfe and his partner David Heinzen in 1995, OutWest unites the hardiness of hiking and trekking over mountains with urban luxury of four-star hotels and good food. Balancing activity with relaxation, each trip promises a workout as well as breathtaking sights and the local flavor. The guides will teach all skills required for a safe and happy adventure and each trip is rated from easy to challenging so that you can decide for yourself whether the trip is for you.
Clientele: 98% gay; 90% men; 60% singles
Price range: $ 1,345-3,495
Upcoming trips: From May 23-June 2 2009, OutWest will be adventuring in Peru, with a focus on the legendary Machu Picchu and the Amazon, the largest river in the world. The tour will be full of highlights, touching down on all the distinctive tourist spots such as the city of Lima as well as leading an exploration Machu Picchu with an added bonus of a climb up Huayna Picchu. Prepare to raft through the Sacred Valley of the Incas and to peacefully float down the Amazon. Group size will be between 12-18 travelers.
Deals and steals: Mention Out Traveler when you book your trip before January 31st 2009 and receive $100 off any Fall 2009 trip. That includes Israel, Jordan, Baja, Mexico, or South Africa.
Our Editor in Chief, Ed Salvato, appeared on XM Radio on HRC's the Agenda with Joe Solmonese and Mary Breslauer. He discussed warm-weather getaways, new travel resources, steals and deals and much more!
About:R Family Vacations is the first company to offer vacations for gay and lesbians, as well as their friends and families (kids included!) The company was founded by travel entrepreneur Gregg Kaminsky and Kelli O’Donnell. This is the most inclusive gay cruises ever offered with something for everyone, for travelers of all ages and persuasions. The vacations include some of the best entertainment at sea. Past performers have included Melissa Etheridge, Gloria Estefan, Kathy Griffin, Joy Behar, Erasure, Sheena Easton, and Rosie O’Donnell as well as some of Broadway’s biggest and brightest stars.
Clientele: Adult Guests: 45% lesbian; 40% gay; 15% Straight Friends & Family / 4-500 kids of all ages
Price range: $ 849-11,499
Upcoming trips: Sail from gay–friendly Seattle to the beautiful state of Alaska. We can’t promise that you’ll see Russia from here but we know you will leave the cruise with new lifelong friends. 2200 friends – 7 amazing nights – one incredible ship (the Norwegian Star). With 13 choices of cuisine, whether you're craving French or Chinese, you won't have to step on land to get a taste of delicious food while being entertained by a great band.
Deals and steals: Mention Out Traveler when you book a 2009 Alaska summer cruise on or before March 1st and receive R Family Alaska T-Shirts for your entire stateroom. Early Bird Rates still apply.
Out Traveler G.P.S offers dispatches from the ever-expanding field of gay and lesbian travel -- as soon as we know, you know. Check back frequently for updates, insider information, advice, and offers brought to you by our ever-roving band of gay travel experts and by readers just like you.
OutTraveler.com Editor in Chief Ed Salvato and his team travel the world for you. Occasionally we miss something. If you don’t see your favorite destination, tip or deal featured here, tell us about it!
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