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The majority of travelers that journey to Iceland each year do so to experience its unique, diverse natural beauty that is unlike anything you will find on gay vacations in other countries. From volcanoes and Europe’s largest glacier, to the Northern Lights and the sparsely populated island of Grimsey on the Arctic Circle, Iceland offers unmatched opportunities to experience the outdoors in a whole new way. Kayaking, hiking, rafting, ice climbing, bird watching, whale watching and ocean fishing are all popular activities throughout the country and are ideal for inclusion in adventurous gay tours.

Folks who might prefer a more urban journey will also find what they are looking for in Iceland, particularly in Reykjavik, the nation’s capital, where solo travelers and participants in gay tours will enjoy numerous historical and cultural attractions, a vibrant nightlife, plenty of shopping and dining options, an expansive waterfront and museums.

Birdwatchers and nature lovers will also want to take a side trip to the small island of Grimsey, just 25 miles to the north. There is just one town on Grimsey, Sandvik, which is the northernmost settlement of Iceland and has a population of 150. The island is best known for the steep cliffs lining its shore and its abundance of bird colonies, both of which are popular draws for folks on gay vacations to Iceland. Lucky visitors might also catch a glimpse of polar bears, which sometimes show up on the shores of Grimsey after drifting on ice from Greenland.

Whether travelers come to Grimsey on gay tours or on individual treks, they will not want to forget to get a certificate stating that they have crossed the Arctic Circle while they are there. Those looking for outdoor gay travel adventures might also want to venture to Vatnajokull, Europe’s largest glacier, or one of the other glaciers that cover more than 10% of Iceland, for ice climbing and plenty of photo opportunities.

Other sightseeing and hiking opportunities abound as well, including numerous waterfalls, picturesque cliffs and historic Videy Island, which is just a few minutes offshore and home to Iceland’s oldest stone building, as well as several pieces of sculptural art.

Gay vacations to Iceland require particular consideration when it comes to which time of year you should go. This is because there are three distinct natural phenomena that happen at different times of the year: the Midnight Sun, Polar Nights and Northern Lights.

Regardless of the time of year, there is one must-do activity that no gay travel to Iceland can be complete without: taking a dip in the Blue Lagoon. This mineral-rich, geothermal seawater pool is located just 45 minutes from Reykjavik and treats visitors to a unique experience with fluorescent blue waters surrounded by black lava rocks.

Trips to Iceland ideas penned by Howie Holben. His company, Spirit Journeys, is a gay spirit journeys firm. Spirit Journeys proposes spiritual gay tantric yoga world wide.

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Germany has long been a LGBT stronghold, with thriving communities in all of Germany’s metropolitan areas. This is one reason why gay travelto some of Germany’s LGBT hotspots, such as Cologne, Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt and Hamburg are well known with travelers from around the world. Germany is home to several Pride festivals of world-renown and offers accepting gay tours throughout the country. Like in any country, city dwellers are often more accepting than rural villagers; however, as a whole, Germany is a safe, accepting destination for a gay vacation.

Cologne is a fantastic choice for gay trips to Germany and is often referred to as the LGBT capital of the country. Cologne is picturesquely positioned on the Rhine River and is the oldest large city in Germany. It is the home of the famous Cologne Cathedral, Kolsch beer, and a vibrant arts and culture scene that draw travelers from all over the world to experience this grand city’s rich history and jovial residents. If anyone looks askance at a same-sex couple showing affection in public, it will very likely be a tourist, since this warm, welcoming city has a huge LGBT population that is fully integrated and well-established.

Cologne is also the proud host of the 2010 Gay Games, has a very visible, well-established LGBT community and is quite comfortable with all types of couples holding hands or showing affection in public. As another way to show just how welcoming Cologne truly is, visitors can purchase a Pink WelcomeCard from the KolnTourismus Service Centre, which is good for free public transportation, discounts on museums, theater, opera and river cruises, and great discounts for local LBGT establishments, including saunas, bars, clubs and shops.

The welcoming city of Berlin also has a vibrant, very visible LGBT community and a wide array of establishments spread throughout the city. Party goers planning Berlin gay holidays may want to consider planning their arrival during Pride season when Berlin becomes a virtual LGBT mecca for two consecutive weekends. First, Berlin hosts Europes largest LGBT city festival, the Lebisch-Schwules Stadtfest, followed by the world-renowned Berlin Gay Pride Parade and Christopher Street Day festival which are attended by hundreds of thousands of LGBT folks, friends and supporters, making this an ideal choice for summer gay vacations to Germany.

No matter how you travel to Germany, alone or in a group, Germany gay tours will undoubtedly be full of many wonderful experiences. In order to make the most of your Germany vacation, consider exploring this intriguing country as part of a professionally arranged gay travel tour or planning your trip through a travel agency well-versed in gay vacations to Germany.

Piece by Howie Holben for Germany gay tours and gay vacations for singles.

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For many, the best gay travel — in it’s most basic and simple form — is merely a way to put regular life on hold while you take off for a week or two in order to melt the stress of your day-to-day, recharge and participate in experiences that you normally wouldn’t be part of if you never left home. What if your next vacation went deeper?

Some people want to move toward more balance in their life. They want more than just a quick, temporary release from life’s stresses. They want to be more in touch with their spirit and their heart. If this is what you seek, try spiritual journeys to magical Peru’s Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu for your next vacation.

Nestled in the Andes Mountains, this area of Peru is know for it’s spiritual connection to the Earth. The area is filled with ruins from the Inca Empire. To touch walls that were built with such precision such a long time ago, can be a very moving experience. An exeperience you will not forget.

The Kamaquen Retreat Center is known to be wonderful place to stay while visiting the Sacred Valley. The staff at Kamaquen is adept at brining their guests close to the Andean people, spirit and culture. The center’s goal is to their guests find a bit of themselves while exploring the Sacred Valley.

Of course, no visit to Peru would be complete without visiting Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu is a short train ride from the Sacred Valley and well worth the trip. Once you enter the grounds of Machu Picchu you immediately feel the energy of this very special place. The views are magnificent and the sacredness of this place is self evident.

At the summit, there are also many temples you can visit for that perfect meditation spot and you can take part in ceremonies designed to honor the sacred landscape. The journey aspect of gay spirituality tours to Peru can yield incredible personal benefits that can also positively affect all other components of your life.

A Peru article containing hints about gay vacations to Peru by Howie Holben. Spirit Journeys assembles an incedible gay vacation and they offer special gay vacation packages as well.

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