Gay And Lesbian Destinations In Europe
When is the best time for gays and lesbians to travel to Europe?
Traveling to Europe, the best time to me is going to depend upon what you want to do. If you're going on an active vacation - you're going bicycling in the south of France or in Italy - you really do need to go when the weather is appropriate, and that is going to be from May through September, otherwise it's going to be too cold. If you're not going on an active vacation and need to be outside, I believe that January and February, especially right after January 1st is most suitable. This is because the students aren't traveling. They have to be back in school, and so you will have less people to compete with when you're traveling.
What are popular gay and lesbian destinations in the UK?
What are popular gay and lesbian destinations in Spain?
Again, I'm going to show my age here. I went to Spain the first time in 1974, when Francisco Franco was still the dictator of Spain. If you flash-forward thirty-three years, Spain is still a great value, and if people want to go, Barcelona. Barcelona is an amazing place, and they have also done an exceptional job of creating a gay and lesbian destination. Madrid is not as exciting as Barcelona, but the museum, the Prado, if you really love art, it's great. There are some dynamic, great restaurants in Madrid. The other great destination in Spain is going to be the island of Ibiza. It is its own self, has wonderful gay and lesbian small hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, and a great gay beach.
What are popular gay and lesbian destinations in France?
What are popular gay and lesbian destinations in Germany?
As far as popular German destinations, Berlin will always be on the top of the list. It was a safe haven. It was surrounded by Communism and so the city itself, when it was separated out, really developed a night life that is second to none in Europe. Since the fall, they are really levelling a lot of what was East Berlin, and people should go in the next couple of years so that you can still see that difference between what was East Berlin and West Berlin, because it's somewhat shocking. They've restored a lot of buildings, and the museums are open. Munich will always be just a fun destination. And Hamburg, people often overlook Hamburg. The city has lakes and rivers and bike paths. They are restoring the old warehouse district along it, and there's some really great gay night life.
What are popular gay and lesbian destinations in Italy?
There are some new popular gay destinations in Italy, right outside of Livorno. They are creating a gay Riviera and there are some interesting little hotels and a great gay beach scene. Florence will always be Florence. You do have to go, as a gay male, to see the David statue and everything else that is great about Florence. The shopping in Florence; if you like leather and fine leather, there's no place like Florence. A destination that people often forget though is Rome. Rome is a great city to walk around in. They have got a great gay night life and even if you don't go to the gay bars, to just sit out in Rome and watch the Romans go by. There's no place like it. Right now, one of the new destinations that people often overlook is Sicily. It has all of these nuances, but the beaches in Sicily are great, as are some of the roman ruins, and the food. I would really recommend Sicily.
What are popular gay and lesbian destinations in Ireland?
What are popular gay and lesbian beach destinations?
As far as beach destinations in Europe, you've got Ibiza, which is one of the top beach destinations in the world. Mykonos - the island of Mykonos is it's own world. If you have the ability to go to Mykonos, everybody needs to make that journey one time, just to sit there on the gay beach in Mykonos and look out at this diverse humanity. It is a very special feeling. Late at night, midnight, when you're just sitting down to have dinner in Mykonos, in the center of town, there are very few places as romantic as Mykonos. Those are going to be two of the biggest gay beach destinations in Europe.
What are some money-saving tips for gays and lesbians traveling through Europe?
Right now, as far as money-saving tips for Europe go, I say this lightly, but don't go. It's just not the time to go right now, because of the dollar exchange. It's gone down almost 70% in the last six years. If you do really want to go, go off-season. Don't go around the holidays. Don't go in the summer. Go in November. Go in January. A lot of hotels will run offers that will guarantee prices in US dollars before you go. If you can do that, it's a good thing.
What are some safety tips for gays and lesbians traveling through Europe?
As far as safety tips, a lot of it is going to be common sense. Italy is notorious for pickpockets, and you need to be aware of that. Whatever you can leave in your hotel, especially if they have a safe deposit box, try to do that. Always have somebody that has access to a photocopy of your passport, in case it is stolen. In that case, it can be faxed to the closest US consulate or embassy so that you can get back into the country. Don't carry a lot of cash and don't wear a lot of jewelry, especially in southern Europe, because it is going to be a target. You are going to be a target. In any big city avoid late nights. If you are going to be out in the bars and you are coming out at four in the morning, take a taxi.
What are some lesser-known European gay and lesbian destinations?
As far as lesser-known destinations, what's funny is those former Eastern European countries. Those might be difficult, but there are some hidden jewels there as well. The Czech Republic, Prague, is a good destination to go to. Some are opening up, but you have to be somewhat careful. Bulgaria and Romania are fascinating destinations, and are going through transformations. However, you have to be a little careful when going there. On the other hand, if you want to be the first one on your block, Bulgaria and Romania are interesting places to go, and you can find some great values when you go there.
What European cites should gays and lesbians avoid?
Since the fall of Communism and what were the Eastern European countries, Poland right now is going through a very difficult time on gay and lesbian issues. The Catholic church is against gay and lesbians. I don't think you're going to be harassed. I don't think you're necessarily going to feel welcomed. Some of the countries of the former Yugoslavia are not going to be prime destinations. Slovakia is a little more difficult, on the other hand the Czech Republic is a great destination to go to. It is something you want to do your research on. Traditionally, the Western European countries, you're not going to have an issue. Scandinavia is a wonderful, welcoming destination.
