Gay Friendly or All-Gay: How to Choose Between Gay Vacation Offerings

Gay and lesbian travel refers to travel that is gay friendly. Arguably, it also refers to travel that caters to gay, lesbian, or queer clientele. Before booking a hotel, cruise, or other gay vacation, consider your options:

1. Reflect Upon Your Own Behavior

Some gays and lesbians solely associate with straight friends. Others stay within their local gay, lesbian, or mixed cultural enclaves. If you do not like gay sporting events or being around all gay people, then you may not care for an all- gay destination. Unless you plan to expand your horizon, think about how you might feel primarily surrounded with gay and queer people.

2. Consider Your Comfort Zone

Your own feelings determine the comfort zone. People who have recently come out or are not used to being out in a public venue should especially explore this step. These trips are amazingly enjoyable, but many travelers at public attractions will guess your orientation. A little nervousness may be okay since an all-gay trip would be a new experience. However, people who worry until oblivion may not be ready for an all-gay trip.

3. Measure Your Heteronormative Tolerance

Gay and lesbian travelers who book a gay friendly instead of an all-gay vacation will be traveling among straight couples. As a gay couple or single person, this will expose you to their lifestyle. Be prepared to be around higher numbers of heterosexual romance and family activities. If you often feel left out as the "token" gay or lesbian, a gay friendly vacation may not be right for you. Cities with gay neighborhoods are exceptions to this rule.

4. Think About the Goals of the Vacation

Gay tours and vacations rely more greatly upon group participation. Cruises schedule various activites throughout the day and resorts host several meeting times. Travelers who desire an abundance of individual time or couples who wish to remain alone should possibly consider a gay friendly vacation. On the other hand, travelers who want sex or to play matchmaker could immensely enjoy an all-gay vacation.

5. Take the Costs into Account

Cost is of the lowest priority. It is better to save for a trip that is enriching rather than pay for one that is mediocre. All-gay destinations are generally more expensive. Corporations knowingly inflate costs for their "wealthy" gay and lesbian consumer profiles. It could be cheaper to drive and split the cost of a Vermont ski lodge with friends than book an all gay tour. However, this will limit the possibility of meeting new friends and local people.

6. Stand Firm with Your Decision

A vacation choice based upon the preferences of friends may compel you to change trajectories. You know yourself best. Do not allow the others to affect your decision. A vacation is an investment. Memories, feelings, and photographs are the few elements that survive the investment. These elements should be gratifying and uplift your spirits on a quiet day.