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Ireland has been good for gay vacations at least since the time of Oscar Wilde, although in those days it was not necessarily a friendly country for the LGBT community. Like Wilde, many people were jailed or sent away for hard labor for what was legally termed \”indecency\” and, until 1861, acts of sodomy were even punishable by death, but Ireland has come a long way since these dark days, decriminalizing same-sex sexual behavior in 1993 and legalizing civil unions in 2009.

While these significant legal strides might not mean that every village – or even every larger city – is ready to fully embrace same-sex relationships, Ireland has become a rather welcoming country for the most part and is a wonderful choice for gay travel. Many larger cities, such as Galway, Dublin, Cork and Waterford, have active, visible communities, LGBT-owned and LGBT-friendly establishments, and enough attractions and activities to fill an entire trip; however, whether you travel to Ireland solo or with organized gay tours, you will not want to miss the beautiful Irish countryside or the quaint, small villages that are scattered about the landscape or overlooking awe-inspiring coastal cliffs.

There are now many Irish cities that have LGBT organizations, popular hangouts, annual celebrations and a thriving community, but Dublin remains the unquestionable center of Irish LGBT life, making it an absolute must-see during gay travel to Ireland. The nightlife in Dublin is an interesting blend of upscale clubs with dress codes and a casual LGBT pub scene, which allows those on gay vacations to Ireland to experience different aspects of LGBT life in Dublin. Depending on when you arrive, you may also have the opportunity to take part in one of Dublin\’s annual community events, including the Dublin Lesbian and Gay Film Festival in July, Dublin International LGBTQ Pride in June, and the popular Dublin Gay Theatre Festival, which takes place each May.

There is always something going on in Dublin, on either a small or large scale, so it is a good idea to pick up a copy of GNC, Ireland\’s main community magazine, when you arrive in town. There are many must-see attractions when partaking in gay travel in Dublin, including the Guinness Storehouse, the Old Jameson Distillery, the Hugh Lane Gallery, the Book of Kells, the Oscar Wilde House Museum and Dublin\’s quintessential LGBT bar, The George.

Folks planning gay tours should consider partaking in group gay tours to ensure that they do not miss out on the plethora of historical, cultural and natural attractions that this intriguing, romantic nation has to offer.

Post about Ireland authored by Howie Holben. Spirit Journeys presents gay retreats for gay spiritual singles and couples.

So you want to get the most out of a gay romantic destination and you’re stuck between booking through an agency and going independently. There are benefits to either side of the coin, but deciding your sweet spot might come down to what you want to get from the time away.

Usually, one plans out a gay romance vacation because they want to spend a little time with their significant other without interruption or real responsibilities. Yet sometimes you plan it because your partner has always wanted to go to someplace special. While there are a lot of really great packages available, it’s quite possible that you won’t be able to book your favored destination with a group and therefore will end up striking out on your own.

You can have a lot of fun on your own provided that you did your research. Making sure that the country and its laws are gay friendly is highly recommended and that you get a feel for whether or not you’re likely to be left alone so you can get on with your business. Once you know these things then you can plan out the perfect getaway for the two of you.

What is it that you are looking to gain from this little getaway? What does romance actually mean to the two of you? Are you up for fun, adventure, and daring new events? Or do you prefer room service and a hotel room that doesn’t force you to see the light of day unless you choose to? Maybe you’re looking for a little of both?

Structured packages give you a chance to find some of the most impressive destinations. You can not only find incredibly fun things to do but you will most likely experience the freedom that you just can’t find anywhere else. There is no need to steal glances, remain a respectable distance apart, or refer to each other as “friends.” You get to be completely and totally yourself. You can even explore the different sides of who you are and you can do it without fear. That type of freedom is something very few of us get to live with.

Of course, most of us have heard of gay cruises and we know that those who go come back with some really great adventures under their belt. It is in fact a one of a kind vacation and there is something about doing it that is becoming a rite of passage. It’s definitely a top pick for those who just want some time together and some fun choices.

You can take a safari or you can end up on a romantic island. You can go off exploring other countries and you can find themed vacation for your and your partner. Sometimes making a gay romantic getaway turns into nothing more than the ability to be romantic. Yet you have to admit the scenery can add quite a bit to the romantic ambiance.

In today’s world it is hard enough to plan a gay romantic travel that gives you the privacy and the freedom you’re going to want. Sometimes you want to actually take the romance outside of the hotel room and into the world. Structured gay vacations give you that very simple but extremely valuable option.

Thoughts authored by Howie Holben. Spirit Journeys focuses on gay spirituality and has resources to assist on spiritual journeys.

With its exhilarating nightlife, pristine beaches, multicultural atmosphere, beautiful people and extravagant annual events, such as Carnival, Brazil is a popular vacation destination for both gay and straight travelers. As one of South Americas most accepting and welcoming gay travel destinations, Brazil has quickly become a hotspot for gay vacations for gay men and lesbians in search of a raucous good time, or a tranquil escape to an exotic paradise. Whether your travel preference is a luxury gay vacation at an all-inclusive oceanfront resort or a Brazilian jungle adventure, the diversity of vacation options in Brazil makes this an ideal location for international gay travel.

Among the most well-known Brazilian gay travel destinations is Rio de Janeiro, which offers circuit parties, gay beaches, bathhouses, lesbian and gay clubs, drag shows and a wide variety of shopping, cultural activities, recreation and dining options that lure travelers from around the globe. While Rio de Janeiros gay establishments and culture are weighted more toward gay men, most gay events and establishments welcome lesbians and ladies can enjoy their own lesbian club, as well as womens nights at local gay establishments. Of course, Rio de Janeiro is perhaps most famous for its annual New Years celebrations and the world-renowned Carnival, each of which includes an abundance of parades, parties and activities for gay men and lesbians.

Although Rio de Janeiro may be the most popular gay vacation destination in Brazil, there are many other options throughout the country. Many cities in Brazil, such as Sao Paolo and Belo Horizonte, host annual gay pride festivals and parades and the majority of urban areas have a thriving gay community. For those who may be looking for gay vacations outside of the pride and party scene, gay travel opportunities in Brazil also include organized tours of cultural and historical landmarks and luxury all-inclusive Amazon cruises provided by tour companies dedicated to providing exceptional gay vacations to gay and lesbian travelers.

Brazilian gay vacations provide ample opportunities to partake in once in a lifetime adventures and experience this cosmopolitan culture to the fullest. To ensure a safe, enjoyable vacation, keep in mind that gay travel in Brazil is not unlike gay travel within the United States when it comes to being aware and using your best judgment. Just as gay travelers in the U.S. know that some areas are more accepting and welcoming than others, gay travelers in Brazil should also keep this in mind as they explore Brazil. And, for travelers who may wish to enjoy some of Brazils well-known bathhouses, taking the necessary precautions to play safely is just as necessary as it is back home.

To ensure a fun-filled, relaxing Brazilian gay vacation, your best bet is to work with a travel agency that is familiar with vacation packages, optimal travel dates for your vacation goals, local attractions and the particular information that is of interest to gay and lesbian travelers. Whether your ideal vacation is an adventure into the jungle, a relaxing week at the beach or a wild time in Rio, working with a travel agency dedicated to gay tours will allow you to sit back and relax and have the Brazilian vacation you have always dreamed of.

Spirit Journeys’ Howie Holben wrote this article. Spirit Journeys is a conscious gay travel group. Spirit Journeys has hosted special gay vacations and holidays since 1992. Find out more regarding a conscious gay tour or gay vacation at www.SpiritJourneys.com.