gay group tours

Gay people who want to have a great vacation in South America now have a lot more destinations to choose from. The continent has a massive variety of places to go and things to do and increasingly vocal gay rights movements have ensured that it is safer than ever. There are lots of companies now offering gay vacations to South America.

Brazil is still the top gay destination in South America. Rio has long been popular with gay travelers as has Sao Paulo the two largest cities in the country. Now there are more destinations north of the cities, along the coast from Salvador to Fortaleza so gay travelers can get out of the cities and explore.

Buenos Aires has been an increasingly popular gay destination for some time and no wonder. This most European of South American cities has tons of gay bars, clubs and cafes. Palermo has some very chic gay friendly hotels and a wealth of top quality shopping and eating opportunities. San Telmo, the neighborhood for tango is also a great place to hang out and you can even take a gay tango class. The residents of Buenos Aires like to think of themselves as modern and liberal and it is possible to have a same sex civil union in the city.

Bogota, the exciting capital of Colombia is no longer associated with drug lords and terrorists and is a safe destination for anyone. Colombia is a rising travel destination and thanks to some recent laws same sex couples have the same rights as straight couples. There is a gay neighborhood in Bogota called Chapinero Alto which is full of bars, clubs and some hotels. In June, Bogota hosts a growing gay pride event. All in all Bogota is a great destination for gay travelers looking for a great time. Colombians are friendly folk who like to have a good time and these days anyone can join them.

Santiago is the other rising destination in South America. There are some great places to stay and some opportunities for a top night out. The country is moving towards legalization of gay marriage thanks to a vociferous LGBT movement. Outside the capital there is an amazing array of things to do in Chile. The natural beauty and changing landscapes are unique and you can travel from desert in the north, through the central valleys of vineyards through the Lake District to the fjords and ice fields in the south. The country also has some great ski resorts.

Other South American countries offer travel which is a bit more off the beaten path. This does not mean that gay travelers cannot find great trips to Peru, Bolivia or Ecuador. All the capitals have gay friendly places although not established scenes. However the real appeal of these countries is more adventurous pursuits such as jungle exploration, climbing, trekking, ancient ruins, traditional cultures and unique landscapes.

There are now many travel agents organizing trips for gay people to South America. Some are dedicated to gay travelers but other mainstream travel agencies are realizing the opportunities and providing gay trips.

If you want a trip full of adventure and variety check out gay travel to South America. You will find places with friendly people and amazing opportunities.

Howie Holben is the owner of Spirit Journeys, a gay tours organization that focuses on spiritual travel. Spirit Journeys has offered unique gay tours since 1992. Howie has travelled the world for over thirty years learning spiritual teachings, traditions and practices from indigenous peoples. He takes great pleasure assisting others on their own spiritual path and in introducing them to practices, sacred ways and cultures to help them "step outside their box". He is a Reiki/Karuna Ki Master and also a Quantum Touch and Breathwork Practioner. His goal is to help others uncover their potential by setting their hearts and minds free.

gay group tours

villa a vendre a javea

Are you planning to visit Javea for your holidays this year? Or perhaps you live in the Costa Blanca and are planning a trip. Javea has many different options from traditional Spanish Cuisine to English, Indian, Italian, Chinese and many more European and Oriental restaurants.

If you've visited Javea before you will know the bars on the sea front offer a good standard of food and drinks, but, can often have inflated prices for the sea view. I've chosen various restaurants in and around Javea where you can get excellent quality food at very reasonable prices. The restaurants I have chosen all provide lunch or dinner for less than 30 euros a couple.

Traditional Spanish

Negros - This restaurant is located between the Arenal Beach and the Port. It is on the main seafront road, with great views of the med. The menu has a wide selection at varying prices. The paella for two, which is excellent quality, will set you back apx 10 euros per head. Perfect for enjoying that Spanish holiday or living the Spanish life.

The restaurant Calima in the port offers a lot of sophistication and their lunchtime menu, although small portions is delicious. The Restaurant has a wonderful setting over looking the port. This is a lunchtime budget place, evening meals will cost around 40/50 euros a head! Always look out for expensive restaurant´s menu of the day at lunchtimes, you can often get great food for a fraction of the price.

Jose's - In the old town, behind the post office (correos) offer a huge selection of tapas, with a warm friendly service, it's owner speaks fluent English. They also offer a menu del dia that again will cost less than 10 euros a head. There are several similar tapas bars and set menu bars in the old town. There are some very good ones around the church area. If you are on holiday and are worried about the language, don't be, as most restaurant owners and staff speak English, although, being rude and raising your voice to be understood will not endear you. Say "buenos dias" or "buenos tardes" followed by "hablar ingles" (good day or good afternoon/evening do you speak English). The response you will probably get will be un poco (a little), which you'll probably find means they can speak it very well in comparison to your Spanish. The Spanish have a similar sense of humour to the English, although sometimes it's a bit Benny Hill-ish, so don't be shy have a laugh and a joke with them.

The restaurant El Faisan on the main road in the Arenal area has an all day menu, the price depends on the main course you order, with that you get a starter and pudding included.

English

If you ´re not into experimenting and prefer your standard British fair there are many cheap English bars that offer pie, burger, sausages, full English and chips. Digby´s in the Javea Park area, although not in the best surroundings, is the best breakfast in town, the cook Jan is known by all as Mrs Breakfast and has cooked breakfast in the town for as many years as most can remember. Mono Loco on the road just behind the Arenal beach offers a great value set menu, 3 courses for apx 5 euros. A salad starter, a choice of traditional British main courses and a pudding. Both these bars also have reasonable drink prices.

The An Shebeen Irish bar is a little bit more expensive, but their menu of the day is huge and at apx 10 euros a head is great value. Watch out though because their drinks and evening meals are expensive.

Anyone who's ever visited Javea will know of Scallops, a ridiculously cheap restaurant on the beach front. I myself do not rate it, but many others swear by it.

If you have a car and want to venture outside of Javea, you can try one of the many restaurants on the Jesus Pobre road. This road runs parallel to the N332 out of Javea old town. The 121, The Montgo and Las Brisas are 3 English run restaurants that all offer daily menus, The Montgo is the cheapest and always extremely busy. The 121 and Las Brisas are bit more expensive, but if you choose carefully can get a meal for 2 for 30 euros.

Indian

There are 5 Indian Restaurants in Javea. The Indian Palace in the Arenal and the Ghurkha Palace in the port are great, but expensive, on an evening you can quite easily spend 50 euros a couple, but, they both offer lunchtime menus that you can take advantage of. If you are looking for a reasonable Indian all day then the restaurant called the Traditional Indian in a small road in the Port offers a choice of 3 different courses and a starter for apx 10 euros a head day and evening. Which isn't bad quality, I've had it a few times and enjoyed it.

Chinese

Where do I start! There are many, many Chinese restaurants, but, most are Mono Sodium Glutamated (MSG) up to the hilt! All Chinese's are cheap, I would never expect to pay more than 30 euros a couple and this would be very expensive. The popular one for locals is the Shanghai, on the main road in the Arenal, which has a really good menu between 5 and 10 euros. My favourite Chinese is in Benitachell, called the Asia, their crispy duck is huge and only costs 10 euros for a half duck. You will need a car to get to this one. Another one that I like in the Arenal area is the Indo - Chinese, I'm never quite sure of its name, but, it's on the opposite corner to the BBVA bank and has a deep blue sign.

Pizza

My favourite Pizza restaurant is run by Germans and not Italians. It's called the Grotto and is located on the Arenal to Port road just up from the Parador Hotel. The pizzas and pastas are all home made. Although, it can be expensive if you order starters and main courses other than pizza and pasta. Their pizzas range from 6-10 euros.

There are several hundred restaurants in and around Javea, you will always find something you like, but I hope you are not disappointed with my budget selection.

villa a vendre a javea