The Holi festival, known as the Festival of Colors, is one of India’s most vibrant and joyous celebrations. Celebrated each year in the spring, Holi marks the triumph of good over evil and the arrival of the new season. While its origins are rooted in Hindu mythology, Holi has become a cultural phenomenon that transcends religious boundaries, drawing people from all walks of life. For travelers and participants, being part of Holi can be a transformative experience that touches the mind, body, and spirit in profound ways. It can truly change your life. The night before Holi, bonfires are lit...
They say a picture can speak a thousand words, and perhaps never is that more accurate than when being on safari. Our recent trip to Kenya and Rwanda delighted our travelers and left me spellbound as well. Many of our travelers took better photos than we could capture ourselves, but here are just a few of our own, to give you an idea of our experience together.
I recently finished a gorilla trek at Virunga National Park in Rwanda, and I was struck as I often am at the uncanny similarities between humans and gorillas. Mountain gorillas, native to the misty forests of Central and East Africa, are not just awe-inspiring due to their size and strength. These gentle giants are so much like us in many ways, offering insight into our shared evolutionary heritage. From their genetic makeup to their social behaviors, studying mountain gorillas reveals just how closely related we are. And visiting them on a mountain trek to their natural environment is vastly different...
International LGBTQ+ travel is a multi-billion dollar industry. Traveling and reaching across cultures is a big part of our lives, yet it does have its unique considerations and challenges. The LGBTQ+ community values safety, inclusivity, and vibrant cultural experiences when planning trips. Here are the ten things that I have noticed seem to matter most to gay travelers when choosing a destination: 1. Safety and LGBTQ+ Acceptance It is no surprise that safety is a top priority for gay travelers. Destinations with progressive LGBTQ+ rights, such as legal protections against discrimination and recognition of same-sex relationships, are preferred. Countries with...
I was recently on a flight to Sardinia (I am actually on one of its beaches writing this article), and met the nicest gay flight attendant. He and I locked eyes, and we immediately knew that we both were gay. You know… you often just know–not that meeting a flight attendant who is gay is any sort of shocking revelation. However, it got me thinking to how often this unspoken camaraderie benefits me as a gay traveler. One of my friends in my group on that same flight was celebrating his birthday, and our flight attendant went up to him...
Traveling when you are a foodie can be quite the adventure, especially if you are the type of foodie with a wide palate. Exploring new destinations through their cuisine allows one to experience diverse cultures and traditions in a deeply satisfying way. From street food markets to high-end dining, the world is full of gastronomic wonders. Here’s a guide to some of the best destinations for food lovers around the globe. Tokyo, Japan A Culinary Capital Tokyo is a haven for food enthusiasts, boasting more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city in the world. The city’s culinary scene is...
As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, travelers are seeking out new and undiscovered destinations to satisfy their wanderlust. Emerging travel destinations offer the allure of authentic experiences, untouched landscapes, and vibrant cultures without the crowds of more popular tourist hotspots. From hidden gems in remote corners of the globe to revitalized cities on the rise, here are ten emerging travel destinations that you may wish to put on your radar. • Georgia (the Country): Nestled between Europe and Asia, Georgia is a treasure trove of natural beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality. From the dramatic landscapes of the Caucasus Mountains...
Recently the U.S. State Department issued a “Worldwide Caution” alert, warning U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution due to “the increased potential for foreign terrorist organization-inspired violence against LGBTQI+ persons and events.” While we certainly do not want to live our lives in fear, there are a few things that we can do to help keep ourselves as safe as possible while we are celebrating Pride around the world. The most important is simply to exercise a heightened awareness of our surroundings when we are out in public. If someone seems to be acting in a peculiar manner, or...
If reports coming out of the country are correct, the world’s oldest living person lives in the Peruvian Andes and was born in 1900, making Marcelino Abad 124 years old. Abad credits his longevity to the fresh mountain air and a diet of local fruits, nuts, lamb meat, and coca leaves, found in the Andes. Having visited Peru over 20 times, I can certainly attest to the fact that life in the Andes just feels, well, good. There is an increased peace and vitality that we always seem to feel when leading this tour. And that’s even with the higher...
Have you ever had that experience where you taste something that instantly transports you to a prior memory? This recently happened to me when I was at the gorgeous One and Only resort in the Maldives. When I tell you that this resort is fabulous, that is a severe understatement. Palm trees galore, crystal clear aqua water, white sand beaches, huge, beautiful accommodations, gorgeous, sexy public spaces, impeccable service, unfathomably delicious food, and entertainment. But I digress… I was at breakfast, drinking a glass of champagne while dining on my favorite things, which are berries and fish (not together), and...
