If you are looking for an alternative to your usual gay oriented vacation this year, you may well find a gay cruise is just what you have been looking for. Once the preserve of the retired; cruises have been dragged kicking and screaming into modernity. There are many types to choose from, though the preferred options tend to center around two.

The first type of cruise available, often referred to as a gay cruise,  may seem like the best option for many. These cruises are often booked by tour  operators, whereby an entire cruise liner is booked to create a completely gay  environment.

With a full-on party atmosphere, entertainment from some of the world’s leading stars, games, events, parties and shows; these really are not for the shy! For many, this is just what is needed; a chance to just go crazy knowing that there is no one around to take offence, get upset or spoil your fun!

On such a cruise, you are guaranteed of a fantastic atmosphere and the parties and shows often see appearances by the leading stars of the gay entertainment scene, whilst on a large vessel, you can party with thousands of others; just like you.

If all this seems just a little full on for an extended time; you may prefer the more serene atmosphere hosted by joining a group aboard a mainstream liner. For obvious reasons, these are tamer affairs whilst still allowing you to chill with people just like you.

As would be expected, the entertainment offered is targeted to a straighter, more mainstream clientele. Increasingly though, some nights in certain bars and restaurants are specifically tailored to the gay scene, and there is always the time onshore to arrange events.

Many people actually enjoy these cruises, as it allows them time to also spend time  with a straight crowd and have a little down time, which the constant partying onboard  most Gay Environment cruises rarely offer.

There are other types of gay cruise available, and new and more outrageous ideas coming online all the time. Your choice is not easy, and that is before you decide which islands or coasts to cruise around!

A popular destination for many a year, Brazil has been able to call upon its beautiful beaches and beautiful people, as well as rely upon its carnival atmosphere which peaks throughout the night. Because of its multicultural attitude, a gay vacation to Rio de Janeiro in particular continues to be a destination of choice.

Though Rio may be widest recognized gay locale  in Brazil, there are a host of other opportunities for adventure and fun across the country however. Whilst the annual pride festivals and parades do center in the city, huge celebrations are also to be found in Sao Paolo, Belo Horizonte and other major cities.

Many of the lesser known cities throughout Brazil also have a well established and exciting gay nightlife, so you shouldn’t only limit your gay travel to Rio de Janeiro. Research what other options are open to you, ask friends that have been before, and check out reviews online to really plan a memorable trip.

You should at least spend some time in Rio of course; no vacation to Brazil seems complete without taking in the metropolis. With specialized beaches and bath houses for gay travelers, the city is more than well set up for day time activities as well as the nightlife.

Of course, it will likely be the buzzing nightlife that will remain the major draw. And it is easy to understand why; with bars, clubs, drag shows, restaurants, parties and a host of other events always going on in the city. Just take it easy(ish) or you will miss out on those beaches as you recover!

And then of course we have the Carnival. If there is one thought that people immediately conjure if Rio is mentioned to them, it will be this. And there is no doubt that, if you can, you should go to at least two days of this party to beat all parties. Chances are, you will not just go the once either.

The vast majority of travel to Brazil goes off perfectly smoothly of course, and this is particularly true of gay travel to Rio de Janeiro. However, there still remain the small minded fraternities that may get a little aggressive. Just plan your trip well and let people know where you are indeed, treat it much as you would a visit to a new city back home, and you should be A okay.

It may surprise you to learn that Puerto Rico is a gay travel destination that is quite happy to welcome all to their island.

Puerto Rico is one of the most enchanting Caribbean islands that one can visit. It is an unincorporated territory of the United States. This means that US citizens can travel to this island without the extra hassle of obtaining visa and immigration documents. It is one of the few areas in the world to legalize gay partnerships. Due to the tolerant outlook of the government, this island is known to be a safe haven for gay couples who want to spend quality time together.

This fascinating island has a rich and varied history, and has a wondrously blended culture. The two main ethnic groups on this island are descendents of the Arawak Indians and of the colonist Spaniards. The people of this island are friendly and tolerant to all visitors and extend a cordial hand to all travelers. Tourism is a very important part of the economy for these people, and tourists have many facilities provided.

The best way to experience Puerto Rico as a gay travel enthusiast is to stay in one of the numerous lodgings along the beach and to soak in the activity and culture of the place. The gentle pace of the beaches belies the passionate zeal of the people of this island.

San Juan one of the oldest and most important cities on the island has a host of hotels and accommodations for the inveterate tourist. There is a wide range offered from the basic facilities at cheap prices to expensive luxury hotels. This city is best experienced with waves lapping at ones feet on the beach, or by walking past old churches along narrow, winding cobblestoned pathways.

The beachside hotels are simple places with basic facilities and come at a reasonable price. But for a more comfortable stay there are a range of luxury and boutique hotels that have opened up here. Some of them are the Hotel El Convento, a fully restored convent dating back form the 1700’s, the Water Club, a luxury hotel right on the beach, and Tangerine its opulent restaurant and bar.

Another natural wonder of Puerto Rico is the Rio Camuy Cave Park. It is a complex network of subterranean caves with magnificent stalactite formations, called the Cathedral Caves. An underground river runs through these caves and has hewn these distinct caverns over millennia.

It is supposed to be one of the most awe inspiring adventures to go swimming in these glowing waters at night. El Yunque is the tropical rainforest that spreads across most of this island. It is one of the few spots where one can trek through hiking trials that run parallel to streams and waterfalls. To experience a bit of tropical paradise people flock to the Puerto Rican province and soak in the warm sunshine and generous hospitality.