05.21.13 | A Handy, Color-Coded Map to Gay Europe
BY OUTTRAVELER EDITORS
Pink, in this case, is less-than ideal.
When gay travelers think of Europe they often think of inclusive places like Sweden or Switzerland. But the continent's far more complex and not nearly as welcoming as many would like to believe.
While some countries embrace their LGBT brethren, others, like Cyprus and Russia, continue to uphold old laws that criminalize same-sex relations or, in Russia's case, pass new laws to limit freedom. Meanwhile, formerly inhospitable nations are showing slight improvement. In Serbia, for example, the Belgrade Court of Appeal ruled that antigay hate speech is not protected by freedom of speech laws and a pride event in that city was allowed to go on without right wing disruption, a notable development in a land with a rich history of homophobia.
Since the political climate of Europe's just as diverse and varied as its topography, the ILGA-Europe's just released their latest annual report on the state of LGBT relations for 45 out of 49 European countries. You can download the entire study and a larger map at ILGA-Europe's website.
05.20.13 | 10 of Europe's Gayest Beaches
BY OUTTRAVELER EDITORS
From Italy to Sweden, this continent has some of the world's best gay beaches—each of them with sensational sand, terrific surf, and plenty of eye-candy.
Bassa Rodona Beach, Sitges, Spain - The beach at this cobble-stoned coastal town (popular with gay European vacationers) is wonderfully scenic, despite the gay section at Bassa Rodona Beach having wall-to-wall chaise lounges covering every grain of sand in high summer. But beyond them you see virgin hills, and just north of the beach a picturesque little church watches over the gay and lesbian sun worshippers.
Brighton Beach, England - This Victorian town is a salty seaside city bursting at the seams with creative queer energy, fish 'n' chip baskets, and carnival rides. "The steampunk movement seems like it grew here," explains Molly Landreth, the Seattle-based photographer behind A Portrait of Queer Life in Brighton. "Brighton developed the largest LGBTQ population in all of England as a result of the sailors who docked there during the war. It’s small enough that I walked to every one of my shoots (with the exception of the Pride day campground at Devils Dyke Farm—I kid you not) and friendly enough that I left with new friends and more than a few beers on the house."
Elia Beach, Mykonos, Greece - Although its next-door neighbor Super Paradise Beach is one of the gayest beaches in the world, we prefer quieter Elia Beach, just over the hill from its more famous sibling. This secluded stretch is home to electric-blue waters that contrast with the rugged Mediterranean landscape dotted with whitewashed Greek homes. You'll want to make like Shirley Valentine and never leave.
Es Cavellet, Ibiza, Spain - Of the more than 80 beaches on Ibiza, the gayest and the most fabulous is most certainly the one at the far end of Es Cavellet. The biggest crowds typically gather at the far end of the beach, near the popular restaurant and bar Chiringay.
Playa Mar Bella, Barcelona, Spain - In a city lined with beaches, Mar Bella is among the most beautiful. Created when the coastline was redeveloped for the 1992 Olympic Games, it has a designated nude area.
Strandbad Wannsee, Germany - Opened in 1907 as a "family pool," the lido at Strandsbad Wannsee is the center of sun-bathing culture in Berlin.
Zandvoort, The Netherlands - Twenty miles west of Amsterdam, Zandvoort is a popular destination for Dutch people of every sexual orientation. The gay section, which includes a clothing-optional area, is outside the Eldorado beach club.
Dune Beach, Italy - One of Italy's most popular gay destinations this beach on Versilia Riveria is full-service destination, with lounge chairs, parasols, beach huts, food, and drink.
Read full article here: http://www.outtraveler.com/best-travel/2013/05/20/10-europes-gayest-beaches
05.06.13 | 5 Ways to Catch Your Flight Attendant's Eye
BY OUTTRAVELER EDITORS
5 right and wrong ways to catch the eye of your flight attendant.
We’ve all, at one time or another (and for one reason or another), wanted to grab the attention of our flight attendant. And now Huffington Post columnist Bobby Laurie has put together a list of five right and wrong ways to do this:
The number one WRONG way: No Touching.
“You shouldn’t poke, slap, or tap them to get their attention,” he writes. “Can you imagine walking through a cabin and having someone at every poke you on either side, on your back, tap your shoulder, or even slap your behind?”
The number one RIGHT way: Be patient.
As one flight attendant tells Laurie: “If I’m helping another passenger or clearly appear to be busy, please just be patient. We are more than willing to assist you and your needs, but we have many duties and many passengers to deal with at the same time.”
Read full list: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bobby-laurie/5-right-and-wrong-ways-to_b_3216249.html?utm_hp_ref=travel
04.27.13 | Maspalomas AxelBeach opens its doors with the red carpet on!
The spanish singer and diva Soraya Arnelas is the ambassador of the new Axel Hotel, which opens in May in Maspalomas, Canary Islands. Soraya will be present at the opening ceremony along with Miguel Herrera: They will be the stars in the cover of the new Axel Magazine, just out of the oven, like Soraya’s new CD, Con Fuego!
With all this glamour, Maspalomas is expecting a lot of fire for this summer!
Property offers Stays4Gays amenities!