5 Ultimate Gay & Lesbian Hideaways: Exotic Gay Travel Destinations

Every person has said, "I wish I could drop off the face of the Earth," at least once in his or her lifetime. Sky diving is the only conceivable solution for the dropping bit. However, there are places on Earth that allow privacy and seclusion. Although the Top 5 hideaways are secluded, some contain a host of local gay and lesbian activities. The geography of other gay travel locations permit visitors to briefly enter familiar cities and return to their citadels. This is the real secret to an incognito, gay travel lifestyle.

1) Phuket, Thailand
Even if your family or employers detected your location, they would be awfully afraid to pronounce it - Phuket. Phuket is the largest island in Thailand. Mainstream tourists immediately recall Bangkok when they think of Thailand, but it is a one-hour flight away. Spend the day hiking among Thai, shoreline temples or attend an exhilirating gay dance party. The Phuket Gay Festival occurs every February and November. Alternatively, remain in one of the gay friendly resorts in the off season. International travel magazines such as Gay Times consistently rank Phuket as a top gay travel destination.

2) Granada, Spain
Gay travel plans often overlook Granada for Barcelona and Cordoba. It is located in the hilly province of Andalucia, which contains an array of Moorish architecture and attractions. Seasoned gay travel agents may suggest a vacation cottage or villa in the countryside. Hire a car to reach the city for errands and partying. People who absolutely must have one night of boozing in their gay travel itinerary will find a sufficient amount of small bars in Granada. However, fewer people speak English in Andalucia. Brush up on your Spanish in order to score the goodie bag at the end of the evening.

3) Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland is a lot closer to Europe and North America than it might appear on a map. It is in close proximity to two major gay travel meccas: New York and London. Iceland is a 6 hour flight from NYC and 3 hours from London. Even in the winter, it is visually tantalizing. The earliest bears in recorded history, Vikings, gave it an "ice" pseudonym to divert explorers. Hopefully, it will have the same effect on people you know. Today, Reykjavik contains an exciting gay community. It is quite a hospitable and rejuvenating place for solo gay travel. Hot mineral springs, geysers and thermal resorts will soothe away your tensions.

4) Cape Town, South Africa
South Africa is practically on the edge of the Earth and is a scenic, gay travel destination. Wild animals run across the sub-saharan plain and a quaint, European village contrasts against the mammoth Table Mountain. The recent civil union proclamation was like a green light for gay and lesbian travelers. Since Cape Town is so far away, no one will be able to snap pictures of you on the nude beach or in a gay guest house.

5) St. Moritz, Switzerland
Frolick in one of the smallest, cosmopolitan cities in the world. St. Moritz in the Alps is alive during every season. The sleek, Via Maistras is a shopaholics dream and the high altitude, lakeside mountains are perfect for every outdoor activity imaginable. The majority of gay travelers arrive during the winter ski months and keep warm by going to Milan. It is 3 hours away on the Eurail. Milan and St. Moritz is a little known, but ritzy gay travel locale.