Gay Vacations

New Orleans is the home of voodoo, jazz and bohemia. It’s America’s most enigmatic city. It’s also one of America’s most liberal cities. New Orleans has long been a draw for artists and gay people. During February, the Mardi Gras celebrations will be underway. It’s comprised of a series of wild, high camp parties. Every American should go to Mardi Gras in New Orleans at least once in a lifetime.

The cherry blossoms bloom in Japan in March. The pink and white blooms are quite a spectacular sight to see. Japan is packed with culture and history. It cut itself off from the world for much of its history and it was never colonised. Japan’s history has evolved unbroken for many centuries. There’s nowhere on earth quite like it. They even have green kit kats and sell live seafood in vending machines. Japan is defiantly Japanese.

April is a great time to visit Morocco. The weather is temperate but not boiling as it will be at the height of summer. In the middle of the last century, Morocco was the most popular gay vacation spot for westerners, especially the port city of Tangiers. Social attitudes in Tangiers were more liberal than there were in London or New York. How things change. You can also combine Morocco with Spain – it’s just a short ferry ride between the two, taking you from Europe to Africa.

Amsterdam emerges from winter and Keukenhof’s tulips bloom. The Netherlands was the first country to legalise homosexuality and also gay marriage. Amsterdam is a byword for liberal, cosmopolitan values. Heard that one about the super-liberal mayor of Amsterdam? “The mayor noted that Amsterdam was having problems with crime, so he legalised it.” Lol.

Machu Picchu is one of the great bucket list experiences. June is Peru’s dry season so it’s the perfect time to go. Machu Picchu was built by the Incas in the 15th-century. It served as some kind of mountain fortress and royal residence. When Peru fell to the Spanish it was abandoned, only to be “rediscovered” centuries later. The Lost City of the Incas as a sight you have to see once in a lifetime.

A gay vacation in Greece in July is hard to beat. The gay mecca that is Mykonos will be bustling with the international gay jet set. Mykonos and Santorini all but close down out of season, but during the season both islands will be packed. A gay vacation in Greece will give you a bit of everything: great weather, great food, fascinating history and scintillating gay nightlife.

For a gay vacation in August, head to Brazil and experience everything on offer. Start in Rio de Janeiro, one of the most exciting South American cities. Take a trip up Sugar Loaf Mountain and visit the iconic Christ The Redeemer statue. Take a trip to Copacabana beach and see some of the world’s most beautiful people in their natural habitat. Copacabana is also Rio’s biggest gaybourhood. If you have the time, take a trip to the Amazon rainforest and see the mighty Iguazu Falls.

September is one of the best months to visit Barcelona. The Fiesta de la Mercè takes place and there will be parties and parades taking place all over the city. Combining Barcelona with Sitges makes for one of the best European gay vacations. The charming coastal town of Sitges is essentially a gay town. You can get your culture fix in Barcelona and then unwind in the sun in Sitges.

Taipei is a great city and it’s something of a hidden gem. Tokyo and Seoul attract far more visitors. Taiwan’s capital is home to Taoist temples, vast skyscrapers and neon-lit night markets. Taipei hosts the largest gay pride celebration in the whole of Asia. Taiwan was also the first Asian country to legalise gay marriage, making it a perfect choice for a gay vacation in Asia.

For a bouji gay vacation in November, we’d go for South Africa and Mauritius. Start in Cape Town and explore the most cosmopolitan city in Africa. De Waterkant is the gay area – it’s full of bars and it has a charming, bohemian vibe. Take a trip to the Winelands and discover South Africa’s excellent wines. No trip to South Africa is complete without a safari – Kruger National Park is the most popular safari destination. It’s roughly a four-hour flight from Johannesburg to Mauritius. After the excitement of South Africa, you can unwind on a perfect beach. Mauritius is the most glamorous island in the Indian Ocean.

December can be a tricky month. The weather is vile and the prospect of Christmas can fill us with a mix of joy and dread. What’s the solution? A gay vacation in Cancun! The weather averages 28°C. It’s an ideal choice for winter sun. Cancun is more of a resort and relaxation destination. If you’d like some culture then head to Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá.