Category Archives: Travel

  Community, FREE, New York City Information, News and Happenings, Travel, Weekend Fun   No comments

5-6 Million Expected in NYC for WorldPride

Do you have any idea  what 6 million people  are going to look  and feel like  in NYC??  Some people are estimating that number  for   WorldPride 2019!

Pride in New York City is expected to be particularly massive this year, since it is the first time WorldPride will come to the U.S. and the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots that first started the annual gay pride march.

Some 6 million visitors are expected to come to New York City for Pride month this June. A variety of events are slated, culminating with the annual LGBTQ Pride march on June 30.

THERE IS SO  MUCH TO DO ALL MONTH!

I am guessing  it will be  very difficult  to get around the city, Pride  Weekend. There are only so many cabs, ubers and lyfts! – be prepared to do some walking!  AND   Allow  extra  time  to  get places!

 

SAO PAULO  pride  is  the biggest  celebration in  the world  with 4,000,000

Madrid Worldpride in 2017  drew  3,500,000

NYC normally  gets  2,000,000

Chicago gets  1,000,000

So fasten your seat belts, it is going to be a hell of weekend!

 

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  Community, FREE, New York City Information, News and Happenings, Non-Profit News and Events, Travel   No comments

LGBT Welcome Center for WorldPride NYC

GOVERNOR CUOMO ANNOUNCES GRAND OPENING OF WORLDPRIDE WELCOME CENTER IN NEW YORK CITY’S WEST VILLAGE

New Center Will Highlight New York State as a Welcoming Place for the LGBTQ Community and Promote WorldPride Events

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the grand opening of the New York State WorldPride Welcome Center, located at 112 Christopher Street in New York City’s West Village, steps from the Stonewall National Monument. WorldPride, the largest international LGBTQ Pride celebration, is coming to New York this month to coincide with the Stonewall 50 commemorations, marking the first time it has been held in the United States.

“Pride is a special month for the LGBTQ community and for all New Yorkers, and with the Empire State hosting WorldPride this year on the 50th anniversary of Stonewall we have a lot to celebrate and commemorate,” Governor Cuomo said. “From the passage of marriage equality and GENDA to our ongoing fight with the Trump administration over critical protections for transgender individuals, New York has been a national leader in the fight for LGBTQ rights and we will always stand alongside this community that we love so much. As millions of people visit our state this June, the WorldPride Welcome Center will highlight the roots and accomplishments of the LGBTQ rights movement in New York and promote the state as a safe, welcoming destination with no place for hate.”

 

Created in partnership with NYC Pride/Heritage of Pride and The LGBT Community Center, the New York State WorldPride Welcome Center is located just blocks away from the site of the original Stonewall Inn. On June 28, 1969, LGBTQ community members began spontaneous demonstrations at the Stonewall Inn that lasted for six days and are recognized today as the catalyst for the modern LGBTQ rights movement. The Welcome Center showcases New York’s role in the struggle for equality through a timeline gallery from the Mattachine Society and the Daughters of Bilitis in the 1950s, to the Stonewall uprising in the 1960s, to Governor Cuomo signing the state’s Marriage Equality Act into law in the 2010s.

The rainbow pride colors are featured prominently throughout the Welcome Center. Visitors can take a picture at the selfie wall, featuring the I LOVE NY LGBT logo. Overhead, the center’s ceiling showcases a creative deconstructed interpretation of the pride flag, and the rainbow colors are also incorporated into the center’s shelves and lighting.

Senator Brad Hoylman, the only openly LGBTQ member of the New York Senate, said, “The first brick was thrown at Stonewall a half century ago, igniting the global movement for LGBTQ human rights. Since then, our community has been fighting for equality—including this year, when we finally assured equal rights for transgender New Yorkers thanks to the State Legislature and Governor Cuomo. I’m thrilled to see the New York WorldPride Welcome Center open today to mark the beginning of this international celebration of progress on LGBTQ human rights and thank Governor Cuomo and Empire State Development for their efforts.”

New York City Council Speaker Corey Johnson said, “50 years ago, the Stonewall Uprising in Greenwich Village sparked a movement for LGBTQ rights that spread throughout the world, so it’s fitting that this year’s WorldPride is in New York. I’m proud that this welcome center, which is located blocks from the Stonewall Inn and in my Council district, will help visitors for WorldPride navigate Greenwich Village and all the wonders of New York.”

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  Art, Community, Gay Marriage, News and Happenings, Travel   No comments

Gay New York Subway Art

Metropolitan Transit Authority
The 72nd Street mural by Vik Muniz
28 December 2016
by David Hudson  @ Gay Star News

A new subway line in New York, features a gay couple on a mosaic mural at one of its stations.

The mural will feature at 72nd Street station, on the platform for the new Second Avenue subway line.

The mural has been created by artist Vik Muniz, and shows real-life couple Thor Stockman and Patrick Kellogg. They are included as part of the Brazilian-born artist’s ‘Perfect Strangers’ mural project.

A statement from the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) described the project: ‘For 72nd Street, Vik Muniz photographed more than three dozen “characters” who represent all of the unique and quirky kinds of people one encounters on the subway.

‘These photographs have been re-created in mosaic and installed throughout the mezzanine and entrance areas, populating the station with colorful New Yorkers of all stripes.’

Muniz told Associated Press about his use of the gay couple: ‘They are just people you would expect to see … You would expect to see men holding hands.’  READ  MORE  ABOUT  IT  HERE!

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  Deals, FREE, News and Happenings, Outside the City, Travel   No comments

Free Contest – PUERTO VALLARTA

The start of ­­­­winter in Puerto Vallarta is cause for celebration as December marks the beginning of the whale watching season, traditional pilgrimages in honor of the Virgin of Guadalupe, free daily guided Artwalks in historic downtown, culinary treats all around town, the International Pro Am golf tournament, the release of baby sea turtles, perfect weather with temperatures in the low 80’s and a calendar full of holiday festivities and free activities.

The Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board is inviting everyone to join in the celebration with the launch of a mega “12 DAYS OF WINTER” (#12DaysOfWinter) promotion and participate for a chance to win daily prizes during the first 12 days of December, including artworks, bottles of tequila and raicilla and trip getaways, with the top prize being a 12-day all-expense paid vacation for two in Puerto Vallarta.

To participate register at visitpuertovallarta.com/12daysofwinter and tell the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board what you would do on a 12-day all-expense paid holiday for two in the destination. All registrants will have a chance to win one of 12 prizes. Drawings will take place every day from December 1st to 12th. Following are the details of the prizes that will be awarded:

 

 

Winners of the getaway prizes to be awarded between December 5th through 12th will also receive a choice of 2 activities in Puerto Vallarta courtesy of Vallarta Adventures and Dolphin Discovery.

 

ENTER!

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  Men, News and Happenings, Travel   No comments

Gay Palm Springs Getaway

Just in time to book a warm winter getaway, JetBlue Airways has announced it will begin a seasonal flight schedule to include the return of a nonstop flight from JFK to PSP starting January 14, 2016.

The new flight will operate five times a week, Thursday through Monday until May 1, 2016. Seats are on sale today with introductory fares of $99 one way. This is the ninth destination in California for JetBlue.

 

“The City of Palm Springs continues to experience a tremendous renaissance and we are delighted to welcome JetBlue to Palm Springs International Airport,” said Mayor Steve Pougnet. “Their arrival is just more proof that Palm Springs is the premiere resort destination in Southern California and beyond.”

 

This sun drenched desert oasis vacation destination is returning to its glory days as a Hollywood playground, a central gathering spot for modern architectural design aficionados, musicians and artists drawn by nature’s inspiration, and an increasing crowd of cool-seekers.

It could be the surge of super hip (and becoming super large) events like the Palm Springs International Film Festival, Modernism Week, and Coachella and Stagecoach Music Festivals. Or the openings of incredibly unique museums such as the Architecture and Design Center in downtown Palm Springs, or nearby Sunnylands, with an public garden and walking paths inspired by Vincent Van Gogh’s paintings.

Perhaps it’s the parties… pool parties in the summer, cocktail parties by the pool in winter. Mai Tais at tiki bars. S’mores by firepits in the evening under the stars. Bachelorette parties abound. This is where people get away to.

Maybe it’s the Hollywood glitz and glamour. The Rat Pack lived, loved and played here…it doesn’t get any better than that. Stars such as Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope and Lucille Ball all built homes here (that you can now rent!), adding a touch of stardust. Wearing a favorite vintage outfit, shopping for midcentury modern treasures in Uptown Design District, dining alfresco in downtown bistros under the warm sun…now that’s a vacation.

But frantic and hurried it is not. The pace is relaxed, the colors are saturated by the warm desert light, and the living is easy. Nestled at the base of the majestic San Jacinto Mountains, the City of Palm Springs is the ancestral home of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. The streets, lined with palm trees, are perfect for exploring boutique shops, art galleries and museums while soaking up the warm sunshine.

 

WHERE TO STAY?

INNdulge, of course!

Our favorite place to stay in Palm Springs! Whether you want to socialize with friends or spend time with someone special – we love this place!

Book now for the winter and grab a $99 a night room special!

  • 24 Poolside Rooms & Garden Suites
  • Complimentary Continental Breakfast
  • Large Heated 24-hr Pool
  • Pool chiller during summer months
  • In room DVD Players
  • DVD Library
  • 12 Man 24-hr Jacuzzi
  • Wi-Fi Property Wide
  • Full Kitchens in all Suites
  • Microwaves
  • King Sized Beds
  • Refrigerators
  • Coffee Makers
  • Hair Dryers
  • On Site Gym

 

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  Travel   No comments

Winter is Coming to New York City…Think Palm Springs

Holidays and Winter
IN GAY PALM SPRINGS!  
 
Looking for a break from Winter weather (and all the stresses of the holiday season)? Look no further! Sunny Palm Springs, California, is the perfect choice for December and January Getaways! 

After all, who needs to deal with snow and ice, when you can bask by the pool in the Palm Springs sun instead! Palm Springs always delivers sunshine (more than 330 days each year).

And that’s not all. You can also count on an incredible list of December special events and activities, great dining options, and enough shopping options to satisfy even the most extreme shop-a-holic! 

 

So much to do!

(Photo-INNdulge  Palm Springs Courtyard)

 

 

 

In Palm Springs, December fun starts early with the Annual Festival of Lights Parade on December 4th. Historic Palm Canyon Drive comes alive with dozens of floats covered with tiny lights, marching bands, singers, and holiday entertainers to get you in the Holiday mood.  The fun continues on December 9th with the Walk of the Inns, a free walking tour of the Old Spanish and Mid-Century Modern boutique hotels and Inns in the Tennis Club neighborhood – complete with cookies and apple cider. 

Holiday Entertainment!

The month of December is filled with a variety of entertainment options!  Coyote Stageworks presents “A Tuna Christmas” December 2nd through the 19th in downtown Palm Springs, Kathy Griffin performs at the McCallum Theatre. The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies present their annual Christmas Show. The Judds bring their Reunion Tour to The Show in Rancho Mirage, The Palm Springs Cultural Center presents The Young Americans in the Magic of Christmas December 17th, 18th and 19th at the Palm Springs Convention Center, Andy Williams (Yes, he is still alive) does his Christmas Show at the Agua Caliente Casino, and the Desert Winds Freedon Band performs at the Palm Springs Art Museum’s Annenberg Theater. More? There is more! Believe it or not, this is just a sampling of the entertainment options available in and around Palm Springs in December! You can find information and ticket links on all these and many other events are listed on Palm Springs Gay Info . Check them out!

Shop til you drop!

Did you say you needed to do a bit of shopping? When it comes to shopping, Palm Springs has something for everyone! Downtown Palm Springs is filled with boutique and specialty shops with unique gifts, one of a kind collectibles, chic clothing boutiques, and more! Sprinkled among them are great some options that are especially suited to LGBT shoppers – R&R Menswear, Don Vincent, Just Fabulous, the Palm Springs Aloe People, GayMart, Gear Leather, BearWear, Palm Springs Piercing, and Q-Trading to name a few!

Just a bit North on Palm Canyon Drive, there’s an entirely different shopping experience. Uptown Palm Springs is filled with an incredible collection of art galleries, antique dealers, and furniture stores. Oh, and did we mention Trina Turk’s exclusive boutique? Don’t miss it on your next visit!

How about designer Out Mall Shopping?? The Desert Hills Premium Outlets, just 15 minutes away, offer some of the very best bargains on name brand clothing and other gifts.  (think Armani, Gucci, Hugo Boss, and Dolce Gabanna).  It’s one of the largest outlet malls in all of Southern California, and it’s right on our doorstep!

 
Here for the Holidays and beyond!

The weeks of Christmas and New Years are always packed in Palm Springs. People come from all over the world to enjoy the Holidays – Palm Springs Style! The LGBT Hotels, Resorts and Inns are decorated and festive, and many of them have special holiday activities planned for guests! The bars and clubs are busy, with nightly specials and events leading up to New Year’s Eve  Be sure to book early at your favorite hotel and restaurants, though. After the 25th, the hotels are almost all sold out, so book early if you are coming in late December!

FYI – Insiders Travel Tip –  January offers lots to do also. The Palm Springs International Film Festival  January 6-17. This is a really big event!  PLUS, Martin Luther King Weekend January 14-17.  This is always a sellout.
 
Great Getaways and Super Savings!

Although the Holidays themselves tend to be busy, early December is a great time to snag a discount rate at many of the Palm Springs LGBT Hotels and Inns; making the idea of a Winter Getaway even more attractive!  INNdulge Palm Springs is offering an exciting December and January Special of $99 this year! 

Noted for its Mid-Century architecture, the award wining INNdulge epotimizes that popular Mid-Century vibe that has made Palm Springs the favorite of architectural entheusiasts and gay travelers.  December is a fabulous time to enjoy these very special rates, as the weather is sunny most of the time, and the evenings cool down just enough to wear your favorite resort appareal.  All rooms feature extra large king beds and pool views.  New furnishings and large flat screen televisions add to the package.  Don’t miss this very special rate!  Certian holiday periods are exlcuded, and larger rooms are slightly more expensive.  Call 1-800-833-5675 for details or visit the INNdulge  website.

For more information, visit Palm Springs Gay Info  –  the official website of the Desert Gay Tourism Guild, a non-profit organization of LGBT and LGBT friendly hotels, restaurants, bars and shops in the Greater Palm Springs area, and throughout the Coachella Valley. 

New Gay Travel Guides
Best Gay Cities
Best Gay Palm Springs

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  Movers and Shakers, Travel   No comments

Help Michael Snell Get a Job With GayTravel.com

 

OK, so I have a BIG FAVOR to ask.

 

 

 

 

 

I have applied for a very cool job with GayTravel.com

Out of hundreds of applications, after the first cut last week, they have narrowed it down to 54 finalists. And I have made it to the top 54!

From here, on August 1st, they will pick their top 8 finalists to go to New York City for the final selection of the winner.

The winner gets a 6 month paid job with GayTavel.com and will fly all over the US helping them build their brand with Social Media and blogging and Networking!

So here is my favor. I am asking to PLEASE go to GayTravel.com and sign up for a free profile/account for yourself. It just takes a minute.

THE VOTING HAS JUST BEGUN! And runs for 2 weeks. Till July 30th.

Look for MICHAEL – Scoll down and vote 5 STARS~!

Any help you can give me, would be GREATLY appreciated!!!

Michael Snell
America’s Next Top GAY TRAVEL GURU!

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