The capital of Arizona Phoenix was not more than a desert frontier settlement less than 100 years ago. Today, it’s rapidly grown to transform into one of the most exciting and dynamic cities in the American West. It might be surprising to many, but this desert valley with more than 300 days of sunshine is…
Tucked on the Jersey Shore overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Asbury Park has long been a gay mecca. Initially hailed as the “Duchess of the Jersey Shore,” the town is now pretty much the queen of the Jersey Shore! A small and nondescript place until the 2000s, the years later on, saw the entry and growth…
Hawaii is synonymous with paradise, and it’s easy to see why. With craggy volcanoes, lush jungles, coral reefs, and turquoise waves hitting the white-sand beaches, it’s no wonder this place is a haven for beach-loving travelers. What’s more, Hawaii even has a history of being super gay-friendly, having legalized homosexuality way back in 1973. In…
The Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Tobago, or T&T, are everything you’d expect from a Caribbean destination; and everything you wouldn’t. Rainforested hills and lush mangrove swamps sit beside industrial estates, and yet you also have pristine white-sand beaches fringed by palm trees and turquoise waters. Nevertheless, the islands remain a magnet even today, especially…
Tucked at the northern tip of Cape Cod, Provincetown in Massachusetts is famous for where the Mayflower landed in 1620. The former Portuguese fishing village once had a sign on one of its entryways, “Provincetown Either Way.” The sign might have been directional, but it was also a metaphor for the open-mindedness of this tiny…
Maui in Hawaii has always been one of the most popular island getaways. The gorgeous island stands out for its stunning reefs, lovely sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and lush green mountains. What’s more, with the “Aloha!” state having made same-sex marriage legal years earlier, Maui has become the go-to place for destination weddings and honeymoons.…
Tranquil, yet trendy, the capital of Taiwan, Taipei is an alluring blend of Chinese, Southeast Asian, Japanese, and American cultures. This 300-year-old city is akin to a living museum; think Japanese-era mansions, Taoist temples, and delectable fusion cuisine. However, you’ll be most surprised to know that Taipei, staid as it might seem, is one of…
The city of Eternal Spring Medellin might be slightly rough around the edges, but it’s transformed into one of Latin America’s most progressive cities. Whether it’s gastronomy, social awareness, or innovation, the city is now an exciting and buzzing metropolis. Despite being largely conservative due to a Catholic population, Medellin is extremely gay-friendly as well.…
White Cycladic houses sitting on sheer and craggy cliffs that rise above a turquoise sea – it’s hard not to fall in love with sun-kissed Santorini. Sitting at the cusp of the Aegean Sea and the Sea of Crete, this Greek hideaway is a playground for everything hedonistic. After all, Santorini is the land of…
Costa Rica is a place where the only limit is your return date! Whether you want to zipline, climb volcanic peaks, descend into caves or enjoy the turquoise sea waters, Costa Rica has it all. What’s more, it was one of Central America’s first countries to recognize LGBTQ relationships. Even today, it’s considered one of the…
Calgary lies just east of the Canadian Rockies and is the ultimate basecamp for outdoor adventures in the country. At the same time, the city is full of excellent restaurants and boutiques that radiate small-town urban charm. No matter what you’re here for, Calgary cherishes its diversity in the usual warm-hearted Canadian fashion. What’s more,…
Affectionately called a “mini-Berlin by the seaside,” coastal Valparaiso overlooking the waters of the South Pacific Ocean is one of the most vibrant of Chile’s cities. What’s more, Valparaiso and its neighboring Viña del Mar are amongst the gayest places on the continent! Santiago might be home to a larger gay scene, but it’s Valpo,…
When Christopher Columbus first made landfall on the American continent, it was the Bahamas where he landed. The tropical islands, which lie at the northeastern edge of the Caribbean islands, are home to some of its most picture-perfect beaches. It might come as a surprise to many that the laws of the country are actually…
The towns of Clearwater and Clearwater Beach on Florida’s Gulf of Mexico coast are some of the most charming beach destinations in the state. They’re part of the Tampa Bay area, which includes the cities of Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater itself. In fact, this area is one of the gay-friendliest regions in the United…
Captivating Cartagena is one glorious mess of historic grandeur on cobbled alleys, vibrant structures and plazas, and bougainvillea-covered balconies. What’s more, the old town, Cartagena de Indias, boasts 13 km of centuries-old colonial stone walls! It’s no wonder that it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. What’s more, Cartagena is the undisputed gay-friendly queen of Colombia’s Caribbean coast.…
Nicknamed the ‘Helen’ of the West Indies, Saint Lucia might as well as have been named the ‘Pearl of the Caribbean.’ Lush forests and plantations, pristine white-sand beaches, and tons of luxurious resorts and villas dot this island. Whether you’re a nature lover or a water bum, there’s something for everyone on this island. And,…
The Central American country of Belize could very well be the melting pot of the Caribbean. In fact, its residents belong to widely disparate groups such as Creoles, Garifuna, Mennonites, East Indian, Mestizos, and Mayan! Brilliant white-sand beaches, some of the world’s best beaches, lush national parks, and some of the world’s most spectacular reefs.…
Cosmopolitan Martinique is one of the most sophisticated islands in the Caribbean. This is an overseas region of France, so the island’s culture is a distinctive blend of the Caribbean and French influences. What’s more, in terms of laws and general sentiment, Martinique is very gay-friendly as well. In fact, it’s one of the more…
Afternoon teas, castle-like homes, and a decidedly British flavor are what Victoria is known for. Exuding a veritable old-world charm, the city sits on the waters of the Salish Sea right across from the state of Washington. What’s more, it boasts excellent seafood, wine, decadent dining, and some of the west coast’s best microbreweries. Aside…
Dallas is perhaps the most mythologized city in Texas. Surrounded, literally by five picturesque lakes, the city has outgrown from its “cheerleaders and cowboys” fame to a modern, bustling metropolis. Its distinctiveness and accepting nature are also what make the city so gay-friendly, and there are numerous hotels to prove the same. Gay hotels in…