Coco Beach

Coco Beach is Nice’s gay beach that is also clothing optional most of the year. There are usually a number of gay people clustered together on the rocks sunning themselves with still plenty of space to have some room for your self. This beach is a bit secluded but the breathtaking location and views are well worth the journey!

Castel Beach

Home of the Castel Plage beach restaurant, this gorgeous beach is nestled under the Chateau. There's a wide stretch of beach and the water is often calmer than elsewhere on the Baie des Anges so this is an excellent place to catch some rays and waves!

Matisse Museum

Nice is not only a great travel destination, it is also the home of Matisse! The Matisse Museum is situated on the hill of Cimiez, which is near the Franciscan monastery with its Italianate gardens, the Hotel Regina where Matisse used to reside, and the Gallo-Roman ruins. Since 1963 this Museum has been welcoming visitors to its collection of works left by the famous artist and his heirs to the city of Nice where he lived from 1918 until 1954.

Museum of Asian Arts

The Asian Arts museum, built on the lake of the park in Nice, was wished by the General Council of the Alpes Maritimes and realized by the Japanese architect Kenzo Tange. Asian arts and Western culture beautifully mix in this stunning museum. Collections old and new come together under the roof of this not to be missed Nice gem!

Le Blue

Le Blue is a wonderful nightclub for the gay traveler and gay local alike! Get your dance party on in this hip and trendy spot in one of the best cities of France. Nice’s hidden gem will definitely leave you planning your next vacation over.

Le Glam

This hot gay bar and club in Nice is a definitely must-see! Le Glam is a great spot to check out the local drag scene, get your drink on, and take in the local flavor. Great drink specials and a thriving gay scene makes this bar a perfect place to dance the night away while on your next Nice vacation!

Beau Rivage Beach Restaurant

Right across the street from the Beau Rivage Hotel, the Beau Rivage beach restaurant is a nice place to kick back and sip a delicious cocktail under a parasol. This is a great place to relax especially with the nearby public restrooms, showers, and bag storage. This is a great place for grub and fun!

Castro Street

Castro Street in Nice is one of the most popular destinations for the LGBT community that even features darker areas inside for “private mingling” of gay couples. Short of venturing into a sauna or sex club, Castro Street is a great place to visit for your “action” fix while spending time in Nice.

Le Millennium Restaurant

While Le Millennium Restaurant is a family favorite during the day, this intriguing venue belongs to the gay dinner and evening crowd. Here you can find some of the best fondue that you will find not only here but anywhere else in the country as well! Look no further for the good kind of cheesy.

Blue Boy

This small yet thriving location has an industrial look that despite the name, also has quite a large lesbian following. In contrast to the usual east side location of most of the LGBT establishments in Nice, Blue Boy is located west of the downtown area. It is viewed as one of the more stylish gay discos so be sure to pack your dancing shoes!

Read more from our Ask the Expert! 

10.  Bourbon Pub and Parade (New Orleans)

“The Pub” is the heart of the LGBT community in NOLA.  Located on Bourbon Street, the bar is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Gather around the downstairs video bars, dance upstairs or perch on the balcony.  Whenever you visit you’re certain to find friendly locals and sexy out of towners that will make for a memorable experience. 

9.   Bronx Action Bar (Cape Town)

Cape Town’s longest-running gay and lesbian bar remains solidly at the top of most gay nights out. It has a friendly, welcoming vibe, inviting people to bounce to pop music until dawn. The upstairs dance club, Navigaytion, is open Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, featuring the best electronic and house music.

 8.  Club Unity (Montreal)

A staple of Montreal LGBT nightlife, Club Unity offers two dance floors, a rooftop terrace, drag shows and go-go dancers. Friday is college night on Saturday, it’s time to break out the muscles.  The best DJs from around the world perform here and the venue is smack dab in Montreal’s world-class gayborhood.

7.  Blackbird (San Francisco)

Fabulous cocktails and a crowd ranging from 20s to 40s, this is the spot to see and be seen. If you go during the day it is very chill but if you go on the weekend nights be prepared for a crowd, a very well dressed good looking crowd at that. The specialty drink menu is awesome and a great way to start a big night out in the Castro.

6.  Woody’s (Toronto)

Located in the center of Toronto’s Boystown, Woody’s and its brother bar Sailor (located next door) are Toronto’s busiest and hottest gay men’s bars.  It’s a large and cavernous complex with five bars and several nights of the week there are great events.  Woody’s features nightly DJs and men’s contests Thursday through Saturday (Best Chest, Best Ass, Best Legs).  The hot guys aren’t the only great view, Woody’s front windows open up on Church Street providing a terrific look at Canada’s busiest and friendliest gay village.

5.  Twist (Miami)

Twist South Beach is Miami’s largest and oldest gay club.  It is globally known for playing fantastic music, serving up drinks and fun! The “complex” is two-stories and has 7 bars, all of a different decor. The tiki hut in the tropical courtyard is always packed due to the high gage of entertainment and strippers. Many celebrities party here and if you come on the right night, Lady Bunny might stop in to do a show.  If you encounter Pussila the drag queen, be prepared to laugh all night!

4.  Boxers NYC (New York City)

If you love sports and drinking with the guys then Boxers NYC is the place to be. With two levels, pool tables, brick oven pizza, beer on tap, a full bar and plasma screens … after work or after the game… it’s a great hotspot in Chelsea.  Boxers NYC offers the best happy hour in Chelsea—the perfect place to go after work and before Splash!  Come check out the outdoor space or chill out around the pool table.

3.  Heaven (London)

The name says it all!  Heaven is London’s biggest gay club and attracts a mixed crowd of gays and lesbians for its regular club nights every week.  The venue is a series of interconnecting rooms and there’s plenty of space to chill out along with two large dance floors.  Heaven is very popular and has some impressive guest DJs playing the best and latest European dance music.

2.  The Week (Rio de Janeiro)

The Week  Club is Brazil’s most world-renowned gay venue.  It completely changed the landscape of the country’s nightlife.  The Week Rio is located in the Historical Center of Rio de Janeiro, set in an old palace style built in the beginning of XIX century.  There are two other clubs in São Paulo and Florianopolis but they all basically have the same layout ... two incredible dance floors, a lush garden, spacious pool, VIP area and fully-stocked bars. 

1.  The Abbey (West Hollywood)

The Abbey Food and Bar, has grown from a small, West Hollywood coffeehouse to one of the most popular hotspots in the country.  This is the premiere SoCal gay destination - the food is exceptional but the drinks (and men who serve them) are phenomenal! Make sure you try LA WATER! From nice cushioned cabanas to outside seating and cozy fireplaces - The Abbey embodies everything a gay venue should be … cocktails to die for, good looking men and irresistible music.

READ ALSO

Jon's Picks: Top 10 GAYEST Travel Movies of All Time

When my luggage weighed in at 62 pounds—some 12 pounds over the limit—on a recent trip to San Diego, I knew that I was in trouble. I understood that there would be a fee—but I was shocked when the ticketing agent charged me $125 for the bag. I wouldn’t be surprised if, in the not-so-distant-future, airlines starts charging overweight passengers a fee for transporting their excess weight. After all, it takes additional jet fuel to transport all that mass.

I understand that airlines are companies and they’re motivated by profits. For them, charging two bucks for earphones or $1 for in-flight TV is a way to expand profit margins. But it leaves passengers feeling nickel and dimed—and it makes the flying experience even less enjoyable.

But my baggage fee was just the tip of the iceberg.
Upon arriving at the gate, I realized that the gate agents were arguing. In front of passengers. As a traveler, you expect a certain degree of professionalism from a company with whom you’re trusting your life. It’s totally unacceptable.

And then there’s the moment when you realize your plane has propellers for engines. It’s 2012. No one wants to feel like they’re flying in an air and space museum exhibit from the 1960s. Though the flight was a short regional connection from Providence to Washington, DC, it was 90 minutes of turbulence, terror and deafening noise. By the time we landed in 25 mile-an-hour winds, I was three shades of green.

On my connecting flight to San Diego, I soon realized that we wouldn’t be receiving meal service. If you wanted a salad or snack pack, you’d have to buy it. It wasn’t a short flight—and the lack of food made everyone just a little more miserable. Most miserable of all, however, were the flight attendants. Without even the slightest smile or friendly banter, they did the bare minimum. Maybe even less.

I don’t mean to paint all flight attendants with the same broad brush. There are friendly, delightful stewards and stewardesses. But, unfortunately, they’re the exception rather than the norm. And, quite frankly, I’d be an irritable flight attendant, too, if I were dealing with unhappy and hungry passengers day in and day out. What came first: The chicken or the egg? Miserable flight attendants or miserable passengers?

And it’s not just a problem with this particular sirline. My friend flew on a different carrier to San Diego, and she had a very similar experience. Instead of helping or assisting passengers, they brushed off requests and even rolled their eyes. I mean, really?

When I fly, I expect to be treated like a human being. Is that really too much to ask?

Davey Wavey

Read more from the Davey Wavey travel blog

Pensacola Beach

Pensacola Beach is one of the most expansive, beautiful and less known white sand beaches on the Gulf of Mexico. This vacation gem is worlds away from the hustle and bustle of Miami. The Pensacola community is laid back, accepting and embraces gay travelers. Pensacola Beach is home to many gay residents and several successful gay business owners, and every Memorial Day weekend tens of thousands of gay and lesbian travelers flock here to party with their toes in the white sand. Our prime Pensacola Beach Memorial Day Event is The Monster Beach, so be sure to check it out!

For a great place to make the best of Memorial Day Weekend, stay at our featured Pensacola destination!

Atlanta

The unofficial capital of the Gay South is an epicenter of business and a shopping haven with plenty to keep the gay traveler busy. This beautiful city is home to the Georgia Aquarium - the world’s largest indoor aquarium - the New World of Coca-Cola, Zoo Atlanta, CNN Headquarters, Piedmont Park and Fox Theater. Atlanta’s climate is more temperate than other southern cities because of its elevation, so it will definitely be an enjoyable place to visit this Memorial Day Weekend. For an especially hot event, check out Mondohomo! 
 

Mumbai

Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, is one of India’s richest and most popular cities. It is a cosmopolitan metropolis that serves as India’s commercial capital. Mumbai has seven districts, with each neighborhood having been built in successive waves of immigration. Because of its rich diversity, Mumbai has a thriving LGBT scene that is supported both socially and politically. The rich diversity here makes Mumbai one of India’s most liberal. This Memorial Day Weekend kicks off the Mumbai International Film Festival- which films will YOU be seeing?!

Albuquerque

Ready for a hot vacation in the Southwest sun? Well, Gay Albuquerque is the place to be. There are many places for the gay traveler to explore in this pueblo backdropped by the majestic Sandia Mountains. Whether you want to travel back in time and see the Spanish style architecture of Old Town Albuquerque, be in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Downtown, or get back to nature and explore the gorgeous dormant volcanoes of the West Side, Alburquerque is a great place to adventure this Memorial Day weekend! For an especially great time, check out the Albuquerque Wine Festival that kicks off this weekend.

Las Vegas

A flashy, glitzy, decadent mirage in the middle of the desert, Las Vegas is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.  Whether you’re coming to catch a show, gamble or just lounge by the pool at one of the world-class hotels, ‘Sin City’ is the perfect LGBT getaway for Memorial Day Weekend.  With a number of gay clubs on the Strip and in the Fruit Loop (the ‘gayborhood’), there’s a great time to be had while celebrating the beginning of summer! The highlight event on the Strip is Matinee Las Vegas, so be sure to check it out!

Heat up the Sin-City strip at our featured Las Vegas accommodation.
 

Chicago

Chicago is an LGBT hotspot famous for culturally and architecturally rich neighborhoods and stunning parks. Landmark skyscrapers and theater marquees loom over the downtown Loop and Near North sections, while countless boutiques and cafes thrive in the hip and gay-popular Lakeview and Andersonville districts, inviting you to ogle store-window displays and pass the hours sipping frothy espressos. And in few major cities in the world is the beach so close at hand; in Chicago, several lakefront spots typically teem with gay and lesbian sun-worshipers. The hottest Chi-town event for this Memorial Day season is International Mr. Leather so be sure to pack your leathery goods!

For the best of Chi-town, check out our featured Chicago accommodation. 

Washington D.C.

Washington, DC, is not only the nation’s capitol but is also its cultural capitol. An abundance of museums, many of which are free, contribute mightily to the sense of history that is imbued at every turn in this bustling government center. Dupont Circle is the predominant “gayborhood” in Washington D.C. and is readily accessible from the Metro; 17th Street is where you can find a mix of great LGBT bars, restaurants and other businesses. The best place to celebrate Memorial Day this year is at Chocolate City Pride and D.C. Black Pride, both of which should be totally hoppin’!

Celebrate Memorial Day in style at our featured Washington D.C. accommodation!

Miami

Miami, the “Gay Riviera” is a place like no other.  Enjoy a margarita and soak up the sun at Miami’s gay beach near Ocean Drive.  When night falls, dance the night away at one of the city’s amazing gay and lesbian nightclubs. South Beach or SoBe is the heart of Gay Miami. The gayborhood is flanked by the ocean on one side and a rainbow of pastel-colored hotels, restaurants and bars on the other side. South Beach is home to the largest concentration of gay-friendly businesses and hotels, and is the hotspot for nightlife and fabulous dining. Swanky meets sexy on the sun-splashed playground. There is no better place to spend your Memorial Day!

Stay in the center of this hotspot at our featured Miami accommodation.

West Hollywood

West Hollywood is proud to be the hip and happening center of gay and lesbian life in Los Angeles. Since its incorporation in 1984, the City of West Hollywood has continued to be recognized as a leading community in gay and lesbian rights. Visitors are assured of unique & welcoming gay friendly hotels, hip restaurants and gay bars, exciting Memorial Day specials and the “living forward” atmosphere of a progressive city. The 1.9 square mile city offers an enticing selection of renovated hotels, trend-setting dining, tantalizing spas, boutique shopping and bustling nightlife hotspots that continue to re-invent the city. For a glitzy and glamorous Memorial Day, look no further than West Hollywood. 

Orlando

More than 35 million people a year visit Gay Orlando, the theme park capital of the United States, enjoying the many attractions, beaches, and events that make Central Florida a great place to check out. It is, to say the least, a real tourism hot-spot. Memorial Day kicks off Gay Days at Walt Disney World, so there is no better time to visit this Floridian hotspot! Gay Days is the perfect venue for friends from different backgrounds to vacation together - whether male, female, or transgender, bi, gay, lesbian, or just keen on hanging out with a bunch of queer buddies. So grab your Mickey Mouse cap and start planning! 

Kick back and relax at our featured Orlando accommodation.

Read more from our Ask the Expert!

They’re talking real cruisers…not park cruisers! Gay men seem to love cruise travel, but not all of us want to take an “all gay cruise.” Still, many gay cruise passengers enjoy meeting other gays on board, and if you’re one of them, the unique site MeetMeOnBoard.com helps you do it. And with over 5,000 frequent cruisers, it's easy to meet others on your upcoming cruise.

Gay cruise passengers use MeetMeOnBoard.com in many ways—the site’s main functionality is to connect gays who love to cruise—either before, during, or after a cruise. To do this, you simply join the site and create a profile. You list your upcoming cruises, and then people can search for you by that cruise, and you can search for others the same way.

Another popular feature is the site’s Gay Cruise Calendar – which lists many gay group cruises (large and small), and all-gay cruises. If you’re planning a group cruise, it’s possible to list it there and help grow your group!

The site was started by real guys, Mark and Dale, of Phoenix, who love cruising and wanted to meet other gay cruisers. “I had no idea it would turn into something this big,” Mark says. “But I love ‘meeting’ so many other gay cruisers, both electronically and on ships!’”

So cruise on over and check out our friends at MeetMeOnBoard.com. See you on a cruise soon?

Read more from Gaycations

Bathhouses, like libraries and newspapers, are a dying breed in this part of the world. The Internet is killing them. It’s not a quick and easy death; instead, it’s slow, painful and drawn out. Indeed, it’s much easier to browse profiles of eligible men from the comfort of your own home—or even on your iPhone or iPad. And so, as more and more gay men turn to the Internet for dating and fun, time is running out for the bathhouses.

When Matt and I arrived at the bathhouse, we were quite certain that the address must be wrong. From the outside, the building was unassuming. But that’s the whole point; discretion is key. A security officer guarded the front entrance and directed us to the elevator.

From behind bulletproof glass, the shadowy bathhouse attendant asked us for the $40 cover charge. As it turns out, visiting the bathhouse can be an expensive habit. We emptied our belongings into tin trays for safekeeping, and were directed down a dark hallway to our lockers.

After disrobing at the lockers, we adorned ourselves in traditional bathhouse attire: a sole white towel wrapped around the waist. And thus, we nervously set out to explore the facility.

When walking the dim halls of the bathhouse, one can’t help but feel like they’re visiting a haunted house at some low-budget amusement park. You’re never sure what you’ll see around the next corner. And in either situation, one is equally likely to be accosted by groping hands with sinister intent.

While walking through the snaking hallways, we came across a number of men. Some were sitting in small rooms. Some were just standing and waiting. A few, mostly behind closed (or half-opened) doors, were in the throws of passion. Most of the men were in their 60s, and almost all of them were married.

Matt and I talked with a few of the men. They told us about their lives—their jobs, their wives and children. For them, being open about their sexuality wasn’t an option. And so, they did what was expected of them and started families. Visiting the bathhouse, for many of these men, was their escape. “When I’m here, I’m free,” one man told me.

Being 28, it’s easy to forget that only 30 or 40 years separate me from these men. And it’s equally easy to forget that today’s more accepting world has come on the backs, sacrifices, blood, sweat and tears of the generations before us. All of us are indebted to the men and women that have made our journeys easier.

More than a bang, I lost my bathhouse virginity with a whimper. Though not nearly as tantalizing as I had hoped, visiting the bathhouse was a learning experience. And, as it is part of our culture, I’d encourage every gay man to make at least one pilgrimage.

But the clock is ticking, so you better hurry.

Want to share your bathhouse story? Leave us a comment below, and let's remember to keep it clean :)

What makes FilmOutSD stand out among similar LGBT film festivals?

"This year we are especially lucky to stand out because we are having our festival before both Outfest and Frameline. We have 3 World Premiere Films, including our Closing Night Film "Nate & Margaret,” which is a fantastic film about a 19 year old gay man and his friendship with a 52 year old straight woman directed by Nathan Adloff. Also, we have 3 U.S. Premiere’s including Todd Verow’s very sexy, raw, gritty and controversial film “The Endless Possibility of Sky” which stars Michael Vaccaro and Brad Hallowell. We also have a film direct from Sundance directed by Carrie Preston (True Blood) called “That’s What She Said which is executive produced by local, well respected San Diego filmmaker/writer/producers James Vasquez and Mark Holmes. We also have 14 West Coast Premiere’s. Our Opening Night film stars Oscar Winners Olympia Dukakis and Brenda Fricker – which is an outstanding road movie from acclaimed director Thom Fitzgerald called “Cloudburst”. Overall, there are nearly 40 films playing over the 5 day film festival – representing over 10 countries!"

What should guests expect from this years events?

"We will have filmmakers and talent from the majority of the films screened this year, plus our Opening Night Party at Sunset Temple and Closing Night Party at West Coast Tavern. Additionally, we have Dixie Longate coming into town for an hour of outrageous standup. Dixie will also play hostess to the Del Shores Lifetime Achievement Award that same night. We will then screen his already cult classic film, “Sordid Lives” with actors from the film there to salute Del and participate in a Q&A. This night of comedy and film will be an audience favorite, so I encourage people to get tickets NOW!"

What can you tell us about the growth of the festival?

"The festival is in its 14th year and is now a filmmaker festival destination. Filmmakers/Actors truly dig our film festival. We are accommodating, low key, supportive and our proud to be present their art to the San Diego (and beyond) communities. This year, we hope to have over 7500 people attend the film festival."

What can you tell us about the historic Birch North Park Theatre?

"This is our 6th year at the historic, completely renovated, 731 seat Birch North Park Theatre. We love this venue. Joe, Wes, Brian, James, Mike, Gio and the rest of the staff/volunteers all go above and beyond to support FilmOut. We can attribute our success by having our festival at this event which rivals houses in San Francisco and Los Angeles with its grandeur, class and sophistication. Also, West Coast Tavern is attached via lobby to the Birch and audience members are actually allowed to drink alcohol in the theatre, drink in the hip bar or enjoy an incredible meal in the restaurant as well! Thanks to West Coast Taverners David and Bobby for being so supportive of FilmOut. With our Monthly Screenings, Special Event Screenings and annual film festival, we are proud to call the Birch the home of FilmOut."

Can you give us some history on FilmOut SD?

"FilmOut started as a thesis project for my good friend and founder of FilmOut, Joe Ferrelli. This project started in the early 1990’s and has snowballed as one of the best LGBT film festivals in the U.S. Since Joe moved to the East Coast several years ago, we have kept the festival alive with his vision and integrity and will continue to grow and keep LGBT film (along with genre cinema) alive in San Diego!"

Is there anything else you would like to add?

"FilmOut would not be successful if it were not for Executive Director Kaleb James, Board President Rick Goldenstein and my Co-Programmer Ana Pines. We are also fortunate enough to have a dedicated and resourceful Board of Directors who truly believe in FilmOut! Lastly, we would not be here without the support of our loyal Sponsors, enthusiastic Volunteers and above all, are wonderful audience members!"

You can see the extended details about the festival on their website. 

Read the full story and hear the disgraceful segment first hand, check out the Boy Butter blog! 

AIDS Walk teams are comprised of walkers representing a variety of companies, schools, churches, or organizations in the tri-state area. There are also many friends and family teams that participate, some of whom walk in memory of those they have lost. Teams can range in size from two to more than 1,000 walkers. Check out the Grindr team fundraiser taking place onThursday May 10th at Boxers in Hell's Kitchen, NYC where they will be selling shots and raffle tickets. Better yet- join Grindr's New York AIDS Walk team and help raise money, or just make a donation to their team and help us make a difference. Proceeds go to benefit GMHC and 40 other AIDS service organizations in the city. For more information, visit the Grindr AIDS Walk team website!  

Traveling alone is a wonderful thing. You get to do, see and eat what you want, when you want to do it. You can travel at your own pace, and spend as much or as little time as you want at any destination. But truth be told, nothing beats a little companionship—and a good experience becomes a great experience when you can share it with a friend.

There’s a great Will Rogers quote that says, “Strangers are just friends I haven’t met yet.” And whether you are traveling alone by choice, by default or even for business—applying Rogers’ mentality can be a very rewarding thing.

So, what are some of the best or most effective ways to connect with friends-to-be while in a strange or unfamiliar land? Put these tips to the test:

1.     Grindr. Yes, Grindr is an infamous gay meeting application, but it’s also a great way to connect with people in your geographic vicinity. The free app is location based, and you’ll be able to check out the nearest 100 gay men. It’s popular all over the world, including London, NYC, Sydney, Tokyo, Paris and Melbourne. Grindr is available for Android phones, BlackBerries, the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. There’s even a straight and lesbian version!

2.     Smile. There’s nothing fancy or high-tech about it. A little smile goes a long way—it will make you infinitely more approachable (and even a bit sexier, too). It takes only a few seconds to put one on, but it’s a friend magnet like no other.

3.     Use the Internets. Like Grindr, not everyone online is looking for a fling. Find out which gay website is popular in your destination, and post a profile a few weeks before you travel. Make your intentions clear, and watch the bites come in. Moreover, connecting with locals is one of the best ways to travel off the beaten tourist path and get a real feel for the city. Of course, be careful!

4.     Hostels. You might think you’re a bit too fancy to kick it in a hostel, but… they are teaming with other travelers and possible acquaintances. Moreover, many hostels offer privates rooms—so you can still mingle with other travelers while maintaining your own space. And yes, there are even gay hostels. Even if you don’t want to spend your whole trip in a hostel, try booking just a night or two to meet some new friends.

5.     Volunteer. Search online (or ask around) for volunteer opportunities. When in Toronto, I saw a Craigslist post for a soup kitchen in need of a few extra hands. They didn’t care that I was just passing through—they were happy to have the help. And I was able to make a few really amazing, open-minded friends in the process. Plus, it’s totally good for the soul.

6.     Talk. If you’re looking to make friends, shy isn’t going to cut it. Engage people in conversation (most people love talking about themselves) even if it means breaking out of your shell, and see where it goes. Visit some of the local gay hangouts, pubs or coffee houses and chat it up. Don’t be afraid to ask someone if they want to grab a meal—the worst thing that can happen is that they’ll say no. The best thing is that you’ll make a new friend. The risk is definitely worth the return.

7.     Take a tour. If you’re concerned about not knowing anyone in a strange land, packaged tours are great options. Making new friends with your companions is inevitable, and there are a number of tours that cater to gay (or gay-friendly) clientele.

Wherever you are in the world, I’m sure you’re just a smile or click away from making a new best friend. So instead of spending the night downloading episodes of Glee, get off your butt and put these tips to the test!

Grindr XTRA membership – this is so she can continue the search for a man who is good enouhg for her baby boy. Oh and so she can see where you are at all times. (take our advice…BLOCK her!)

Subscription to your favorite gay mag – Who are you kidding this would totally be for you to check out the hotties BUT you may find her something great in the ads! Most likely you won’t but isn’t your happiness enough gift for her?!

iPad3 from Apple- This way she can FaceTime with you, get Facebook updates in a timely manner, and most importantly she can see Grindr better! Not to mention when you are spending that long weekend at Mom’s place on the next holiday you don’t have to bring yours.

The entire series of Sex and the City- Mainly this is so you don’t have to keep filling her in every time you say something like “I’m a try-sexual, I’ll try anything once.”

Wine Club Membership- Of course she has to drink, she raised you, didn’t she?!? But for real, almost any mom out there would love this gift!

A Gift Card- I don’t care what anyone says about the thoughtfulness behind a gift card, in my humble opinion it’s ALWAYS a good option!  If I had a gift card to replace every bad gift I have ever received I would be swimming in plastic!

Tell us what you're getting your Mom for Mother's Day?

In 2010, gaytravel.com searched for and crowned the first Gay Travel Guru. Throughout 2011,
winner Nick Vivion traveled to the hottest destinations in North America, sharing his experiences
with gaytravel.com network followers around the world.

Gay Travel Guru's second season will begin this summer and is expected to be even more
extensive than Season One, with exotic, international locations added to the Guru's itinerary.
To help find the next Guru, gaytravel.com is looking to Grindr's nearly 1.5 million users in the
United States for assistance with the search, and will also look to their 3.5 million global users
for support during the Guru's travels around the world.

"We’re thrilled to be teaming up with gaytravel.com for Season Two of Gay Travel Guru," says
Joey Hernandez, community relations director for Grindr, LLC. "As the world’s largest gay
social network, Grindr is the natural partner for gay travel. From tapping our global network for
the best guru applicants to hosting events at local destinations with the winner, we look forward
to connecting our global community of savvy travelers with the Gay Travel Guru campaign."

"Gaytravel.com is delighted to have Grindr as the presenting sponsor for Season Two of Gay
Travel Guru," says Steve Rohrlick, CEO of gaytravel.com. "This partnership is an opportunity
for this fantastic competition to attract even more attention, participants and rewards throughout
North America and across the globe."

"We've been working with Grindr for about six months on some great giveaways and
promotions which have all been wildly successful," added Joey Konecek, community director
for gaytravel.com. "We have no doubt that the inclusion of Grindr for the next season of Gay
Travel Guru will catapult this year's campaign to the next level, driving even more traffic to the Guru pages of the site and opening the door to many more applicants."

About gaytravel.com
gaytravel.com has been connecting LGBT travelers with gay-friendly destinations, hotels,
cruises, tours and hot deals throughout the world for over 15 years. Their mission is to serve the
community as an invaluable resource for its travel needs and provide their site visitors with the
most comprehensive and accurate information available, to ensure that every vacation is both
pleasurable and comfortable. For more information, go to http://www.gaytravel.com.

About Grindr
Launched in 2009, Grindr is the premier all-male geo-social networking app. Grindr uses
location-based technologies in smartphones to connect a global community of more than 3.5
million users in 192 countries. Since first launching on Apple iOS devices, Grindr has created
versions for iPad, Android and select Blackberry models. For more information, visit http://
grindr.com.

Pre Registration has started, apply to be the Guru today! 

What makes Cape Town so appealing is the combination of a well-developed infrastructure, amazing climate and natural beauty. Several popular tourist attractions are located in “The Mother City,” including Table Mountain National Park and Boulders Beach. Whether you enjoy gazing at bronzed hotties on the beach, crave an ideal wine tasting experience or have a penchant for adventure and want to bungee jump or shark-cage dive, you’ll love this city!

Cape Town has a lot to offer LGBT travelers. There are gay beaches, gayborhoods and several LGBT-friendly hotels and businesses. Tourism is a major industry and many business-owners are happy to accept the coveted pink dollar.

Most of Cape Town’s gay scene is divided between the Waterkant and Sea Point neighborhoods. Waterkant, situated northwest of downtown, is a haven for young queer professionals and a great place to find hip, eclectic restaurants, cafes and nightclubs. Many of the most popular gay clubs can be found on Somerset Road. Bronx is always a blast if you love to dance and watch hot go-go boys.

Beaulah, also on Somerset, is known as a lesbian bar, but it also attracts a lot of gay men. In addition to great music and dancing, the venue also offers regular comedy nights and other live performances. If you’re into leather, head down to Bar Code on Cobern Street. This joint enforces a strict dress code, so if you’re not weather leather, rubber, a uniform or jeans, you won’t get in.

Cape Town is a melting pot and the ideal destination if you want to experience diverse and exotic cuisine. There’s a variety of gay-friendly restaurants sprinkled throughout the city. In Waterkant, Cafe Manhattan is a staple of LGBT life. The restaurant was established in 1994, the same year South Africa adopted its democratic constitution. Highlights include mouth-watering burgers, a full bar and live entertainment. Andiamo is a popular venue offering a Mediterranean/California-influenced menu. There’s also a deli if you want to take a dish to go.

City Bowl is also a great area to grab a bite. Savoy Cabbage is an upscale, bistro-style restaurant where it’s common to see affectionate gay couples sharing a meal. The vegetarian and seasonal entrees are out of this world.

Most of the locals are warm and welcoming but it must be noted that crime is still a major issue in Cape Town. If you use common sense, you shouldn’t have a problem. Don’t wear a camera or other valuables slung around your neck or strapped to your waist. Also, avoid traveling alone on deserted city streets at night. If you plan on visiting one of the townships, do so during daylight hours on a guided tour. These are areas where you’ll find the most extreme poverty and where tourists are the most vulnerable.

Visiting a gay beach is a must-do when you’re in Cape Town. Sandy Bay is the most popular, located about a half-hour away from downtown. It’s clothing-optional but if you want to swim keep in mind the water is very cold most of the year. If you’re planning a trip to Sandy Bay, head there early because parking is extremely limited. Clifton 3rd is less windy than Sandy Day and attracts a mostly gay crowd. If you’re looking to experience a beautiful sunset, this is an ideal spot.

There are many similarities between Cape Town and California, and they don’t begin and end at the beautiful beaches. Looking for another great day excursion? Go wine tasting in Stellenbosch. The towering mountains serve as the perfect backdrop for a glorious day in the vineyards. This is also a great spot to go horseback riding or hiking.

There are great LGBT events happening no matter what time of year you plan to visit. Cape Town Pride takes place at the end of February and lasts until early March. Pink Loerie, which is held in April, is the only Mardi Gras event in Africa. There are several highlights during Pink Loerie including the Mardi Gras Street Parade, which draws thousands of revelers. The event was first held more than a decade ago and serves as a fundraiser for HIV/AIDS charities. Free HIV testing is also offered during Pride and Pink Loerie.

Cape Town is a place like no other on earth! It’s a city of extremes where the ridiculously wealthy live a stone’s throw away from the most destitute. Unspoiled natural beauty can be found next to state-of-the-art buildings and luxury hotels. It’s the contradictions, as well as the blending of cultures that make the jewel of South Africa the most intriguing, alluring city on the continent.

By February, I usually find myself in the mood for a little ‘pick-me-up’ vacation, and so I hopped on a plane and headed to the gay daddy Mecca that is Palm Springs, California.

Even beyond the beautiful and warm weather, there are so many reasons to love California. The tacos are delicious. The palm trees are innumerable. And, most recently, a federal appeals court ruled that California’s gay marriage ban (known as proposition 8) is unconstitutional. Though the marriage fight is far from over, it’s a sure step in the right direction.

During this year’s visit to Palm Springs, I decided to push my own boundaries and stay at a clothing optional resort called Escape. Palm Springs is, in fact, quite famous for the plethora of gay men’s nude resorts. Some are rather calm and tame, while others are very sexually charged. In the salsa bar of naked resorts, Escape would be considered quite mild.

Despite Escape’s friendly atmosphere and my proclivity toward nudism in the comfort of my own home, it’s another thing entirely to do it in front of an audience. In all my travels, adventures and even visits to nude beaches, I’ve yet to get fully naked in public. I just can’t get myself to do it.
Turns out, things were a bit different for me this year.

On my first day, I decided to go poolside in a red Speedo. Truth be told, the Speedo really didn’t leave much to the imagination; it’s was so ridiculously small that I might as well have been naked. But for me, like the recent ruling on Proposition 8, it was a step in the right direction. Hanging by the pool for an hour, I chatted with the other guests and soaked in some sun.

Later in the afternoon, I returned to my room. As I walked by the hallway mirror, I stopped to admire my newly acquired tan. It was only then that I realized, unbeknownst to me, that I had been experiencing a wardrobe malfunction. My left (beep), presumably for the entire time, had popped out of my Speedo. And it wasn’t just a little peek; it was literally hanging there—bright red and fully sunburned—for the entire world to see.

Oy vey.

- Davey

Read more from the Davey Wavey travel blog

Enter to win a trip for two to Gay Wine Weekend!

Read the full story at Carlos Melia's blog. 

Boston LGBT Film Festival, Boston

May 3-13- Founded in 1984, The Boston LGBT Film Festival is the longest running Gay media event in New England. This year, more than 100 films from around the world will be screened. The festival will be opening at the Institute of Contemporary Art on the Boston Waterfront.

Purple Party, Dallas

May 4-7- A great event for a great cause, the Purple Party attracts thousands of partygoers and high-profile DJs. This year proceeds will benefit AIDS Services of Dallas.

BeachBear Weekend, Fort Lauderdale

May 10-16- Bears get their bronze on at the beach, then head to the clubs to find cubs at night. Events include a Tea Dance, Under-Bear party and the Bear-BQ Fest. Don’t miss out on the fun, get wet and wild in Fort Lauderdale with the hottest bears from all around the world.

Paradise Festival, Hawaii

May 10- More than 10,000 hotties from around the world converge in paradise to raise money for the Hawaiian LGBT community. More than 20 DJs will supply the sounds, including Joe Gauthreaux and Kimberly S.

Memorial Day Weekend, Pensacola, FL

May 26-30- If it’s Memorial Day Weekend, it’s time for the biggest Pride Event in the Panhandle. Thousands of the hottest gays and lesbians gather at the beach to cruise and relax. At night, hang with locals and out of towners at Emerald City and the other popular gay bars downtown.

International Mr. Leather, Chicago

May 27-30- International Mr. Leather celebrates its 32nd anniversary this Memorial Day Weekend. The contest brings the sexy men in, but the parties, events and overall fun weekend is what makes them stay.

Gay Days Disney, Orlando

May 29-June 4- This magical weeklong celebration is one of the most popular events at Walt Disney World in Orlando. By day, explore the parks and pool parties. At night, it’s all about the dance parties at various venues.

GLAAD Media Awards, San Francisco

June 2- There’s no star-studded party like the GLAAD Media Awards. More than 5,000 attendees turn out for this celebration of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community.

PrideFest, Key West

June 6-10- Key West’s motto is One Human Family and the city welcomes partygoers from around the world for the always amazing PrideFest. Parades, street fairs and dance parties … there’s no shortage of opportunities to show your pride and wear your rainbow proudly.

Folsom Street West, New York City

June 17- All the fun from the Bay in the Big Apple. Folsom Street East is the largest outdoor fetish street festival on the East Coast, drawing thousands of kinksers who want to celebrate sexual diversity and expression.

Read more from our Ask the Expert!

Read the full story at Examiner.com!

It’s only when we push ourselves beyond our boundaries—and outside our comfort zone—that we invite the excitement, zest and vigor that comes from new experiences and personal growth into our lives. This is the magic—and it doesn’t come from doing more of the same.

When I reflect on my own life, I know this to be true. I was terrified to spend a week in Provence this past summer. I didn’t know the language, was with a group of strangers and wasn’t sure what to expect. But it was the most amazing and delightful trip that I’ve ever had. Spending a month in Buenos Aires was even scarier. The language barrier was enormous, the poverty was overwhelming and I knew very little about the Argentinean culture. But it was one of the most eye-opening experiences of my life—and something that I’ll cherish always.

So why don’t we spend more time where all the magic happens? Why don’t we inject some excitement into our lives and take that dream vacation to Europe, the African safari about which we fantasize or trip to Australia? We know that vacations need not be expensive—there are plenty of ways to travel cheap. We know where to go and what to see. We know what to pack and even where to stay. With no good excuses to fall back on, what’s holding us back?

For most of us, the answer is fear. We stay within our comfort zone because it’s so damn comfortable. In fact, knowing what to expect resonates with us at an instinctual and evolutionary level. Knowing what to expect—and having those expectations met—was, at one point in early human history, a matter of survival. But times have changed, and living within our comfort zone can result in a watered down experience of life.

As we start the new year, perhaps it’s a good time to renew our commitment to living with a little more adventure. The last calendar year went by in a blur—and 2012 promises to go by even faster. Whether it’s fulfilling our travel goals or anything else in life, we can’t let fear paralyze us from living our dreams.

Here’s to 2012 being a year of magic for all of us.

-Davey

Please leave me your comments below.

A- Athens, Greece (History and relaxtion all in one vacation!)
B- Buenos Aires, Argentina (Check out Carlos Melia's latest blogs about this Latin American hot spot!)
C- Cape Town, South Africa (Only place gays can marry in Africa!)
D- Dominical, Costa Rica (Excellent getaway spot)
E- Edinburgh, Scotland (Can't beat that accent!)
F- Follies (For all of our theater-lovers!)
G- Gay Wine Weekend (Soak up the sun - and the booze - while touring beautiful Sonoma)
H- Hong Kong, China (Land of the biggest, longest, and tallest!)
I- Ibiza, Spain (An island of non-stop partying? Yes please!)
J- Jersey Pride (Guidos aren't the only ones who know how to get attention!)
K- Kashish Mumbai International Queer Film Festival (Helping improve India's view of the LGBT community through film)
L- Las Vegas, Nevada (See you there for Gay Days!)
M- Manchester, England (It's called MANchester for a reason!)
N- New Delhi, India (But save your trip here until the winter, summers can be killer!)
O- Orlando Black Gay Pride (First week in June! Mark your calendars!)
P- Pensacola, Florida (Place to be this Memorial Day Weekend!)
Q- Queenstown, New Zealand (Just the place for all you queens!)
R- Riviera Maya, Mexico (Want a Mexican vacation without all the tourists? This is the place for you!)
S- San Diego, California (Duhh! We live here!)
T- Toronto, Ontario (They have Pride too!)
U- Uruguay, South America (Hit up Punta del Este for a paradise vacation!)
V- Venice, Italy (From the canals to the clothes, this place is all culture!)
W- Whistler, British Colombia (Perfect for the outdoor gay!)
X- XLSIOR Festival (located in Greece, this is the second biggest gay festival in the world!)
Y- nYc, New York (Ok, so we couldn't think of anything for Y, give us a break!)
Z- Zurich, Switzerland (Their Pride is coming up in the middle of June!)

And here are the six blogs we love and think are ABC worthy that haven't yet been recognized! You guys are all great!

1. BreakTheIllusion.com 
2. Unicornbooty.com 
3. UpUpandAGay
4. SinCityTimes.com 
5. BoyButterBlog
6. HonestOmissions 

Thanks again Carlos for nominating us, and be sure to check out these wonderful bloggers, and be sure to keep up with our blog, Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook posts!