LGBT Friendly Travel

Toronto - Come See for Yourself what the Whole World is Talking About

Hi All! Clark Daugherty from Dreams Ahoy Travel here again to talk a bit about another great location for LGBT Friendly Travel! Our Neighbors to the North, Toronto!!! Toronto is well known for unparalleled hospitality, creativity, vibrancy, progressive spirit, openness and freedom of expression, it is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. Toronto was ranked as one of the ‘Best Places to Go’ by Condé Nast Traveler and as a top international travel destination by Travel and Leisure Magazine. It is also home to Canada’s largest gay community. Toronto’s unique pulse, panache and progressive spirit attract people from every country, making it one  of the world’s most multicultural cities with an amazing selection of accommodations, restaurants, fashion, entertainment, culture, arts, shopping, attractions, events, festivals, neighborhoods and architecture. 

Energy, Passion and Opportunity – Welcome to The Village!

Nestled in the downtown core, at the intersection of Church and Wellesley Streets, is The Gay Village, or “The Village” as the locals call it. The Village is packed with cafés, restaurants, gay-oriented shops, services and a wide array of hot bars and sizzling nightspots filled with hot boys and hot girls. Hot spots include Woody’s and Sailor, Crews and Tangos (it is well known for some of the best drag shows in the city), Fly, Pegasus, Zipperz/Cellblock, Black Eagle (geared towards leather/denim lovers and bears), CHURCH on Church and O’Grady’s on Church. The Village Home to one of the largest annual Gay Pride celebrations in the world. 

Progressive, With a Decidedly Countercultural Bent - West Village

LGBT nightlife in Toronto stretches far beyond the Village. “Are they or aren’t they?” is irrelevant as you party with open-minded, mixed crowds at bars throughout the city. You’ll find an edginess and funkiness in West Village and a rich mix of populations, gay and straight, young and old. More of an attitude than an identity – it’s new and radical with a thriving underground gay scene. Hot Spots include the Gladstone Hotel, Wrongbar, The Beaver, Bovine Sex Club (don’t let the name throw you off), El Convento Rico and The Henhouse (for the ladies). 

Culture - Bravo Toronto!

Toronto ranks as one of the top cities in the world to experience arts and culture. Galleries, museums, theatres, festivals and cultural wonders abound. Toronto features hundreds of cultural attractions, exhibits and contemporary Canadian works that just can’t be found anywhere else. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, the world’s longest running and largest queer theatre promotes LGBT Canadian culture. Opera and ballet at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts and great theatre and entertainment venues in the Entertainment District are all just within a few blocks.

Toronto International Film Festival

Stars and celebrities descend on the city with their entourages as the Toronto International Film Festival takes over Toronto each year for 10 days in September. It is the most successful public film festival in the world amd is comprised of world premieres, galas, associated schmoozes and parties packed with the who’s who of international cinema. 

Food... Fabulous Food and Drink

Toronto’s food scene is one of the best in Canada. You have a multitude of choices from upscale gourmet to home-cooked comfort foods from nearly every corner of the globe. Experience Toronto’s diversity on a plate. Boasting over 9,000 restaurants, Toronto’s culinary options are pretty unlimited. Talking about fabulous food, Toronto is also home to St. Lawrence Market, ranked as the number 1 market in the world by National Geographic. 

Shopping

Toronto’s shopping experience is amazing. The retail world includes over 21,000 specialty shops, boutiques and department stores whose diversity boggles the mind. From expansive malls to intimate kiosks, designer outlets to high-end haute couture, every neighborhood bursts with one-of-a-kind shopping. While many areas embrace luxury, the shopping district of Yorkville – with nearby Holt Renfrew and the chic shops of Hazelton Lanes – is the quintessential home of style and design, including fashion stalwarts Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Hermès, Tiffany and Chanel. 

Just Down the Road… Fabulous Day Trip Options

If you want to explore more of Canada outside Toronto, you can extend your visit for a day or two and enjoy some fabulous day-trip options just a short drive from the city featuring Niagara Falls, Ontario’s “wine country” (with over 120 wineries), picturesque villages, theatre festivals and casinos. 

As always, feel free to contact me at clark.daugherty@cruiseplanners.com for more info. Or call me anytime at 609-556-9066. HAPPY TRAVELS!!! Next stop MONTREAL!!!

Sweden is one of the most LGBT friendly countries in the world. The annual Stockholm Pride week is a perfect time to build a visit to Europe around. Stockholm is welcoming, open, diverse, and fun. Over the last few years, Stockholm has emerged as one of the world’s brightest LGBT destinations, winning global awards and topping “Where to Go” lists across the planet. We’ve always known that the Swedish capital’s uniquely great combo of beauty, style, culture, warmth, fun and tradition makes it a very special place. And now the LGBT community from Miami to Melbourne are falling in love with it too. Stockholm is spread over 14 gorgeous islands, and you’ll find LGBT welcoming areas all over town – in a city as open as this, there’s never been a need for just one LGBT neighborhood. It’s been said that if ever there was a capital designed by LGBT people for LGBT people, Stockholm is it. They have had marriage equality for years. Stockholm has EuroPride three times over the recent years. Whether you want to bask in the glow of the bright summertime sun or snuggle up in Sweden’s magical winter, Stockholm makes a great destination any time of year. Stockholm is blessed with a pantheon of outstanding hotels, all brimming with Scandinavian warmth and style, and just waiting to welcome you to your new Stockhome. Whether you’re young or experienced, single or coupled, mainstream or subcultured, Stockholm has a wealth of gay delights up its sleeve just for you. Feel free to reach out to me at clark.daugherty@cruiseplanners.com for further details on traveling to Sweden. TUNE IN NEXT TIME FOR MORE LGBT FRIENDLY DESTINATIONS WHEN WE JUMP ACROSS THE POND TO NORTH AMERICA!!!

Hi all! Clark Daugherty here again with the next installation of LGBT Friendly Travel!!!!

This week we are going to Denmark!!!

Follow the Rainbow to Copenhagen and discover what the fuss is all about! Known as one of the most welcoming destinations in Europe. Denmark was one of the first countries to legalize same-sex marriage, and the first to establish a National Association for Gays and Lesbians (LGBT Denmark).  Denmark’s capital city, Copenhagen, is also home to an array of sparkling cultural attractions as well as an inviting nightlife and club scene. You’ll also find a city renowned for its history and unpretentious hip and cool atmosphere featuring an abundance of bars, restaurants and hotels including numerous LGBT events throughout the year. Copenhagen is an image of cool and laid-back mentality, and is historically renowned for its vibrant pulse and relaxed way of life. The first gay bar, Centralhjørnet, opened more than 80 years ago, and the city boasts its very own gay radio station, Radio Rosa. The gay scene flourishes in Copenhagen, and nearly every entertainment is within a half square mile in the city’s “SoHo” like area in the Latin Quarter. In 2014, Denmark celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the world’s first country to recognize registered partnerships for same-sex couples. Copenhagen is a popular destination for trendsetters world-wide, and is a perfect mix of old-world charm and innovative charm. Marvel at the fairytale land of Kings and Queens of all kinds. Explore castles and palaces alongside cool and quaint districts bustling with trendy and avant-garde fashion boutiques and lively cafes. Copenhagen flourishes in exciting new art venues, chic design cafes, bars and exclusive nightclubs. Explore the Danish Design Centre and check out the architecture of the new waterfront buildings. New Nordic Cuisine is here to stay and no more so than in Copenhagen. Spearheading the movement, chefs in Copenhagen have a focus on using local and organic ingredients with a throwback to traditional cuisine native to Denmark – all re-introduced with an innovative twist. Copenhagen boasts a total of 15 Michelin-rated restaurants including the 3-times winner of World’s best restaurant, noma.  

There are numerous LGBT events in Denmark each year. Any of them would be great to build a vacation around. Here are a couple of examples: 

Copenhagen Pride

Every year in August, Copenhagen Pride offers activities where LGBT issues are at the centre of attention. It is both festive, colorful, and political with awards, parties, concerts, films and other kinds of entertainment. During Copenhagen Pride Week there are plenty of activities around Copenhagen, with City Hall Square - renamed Pride Square - as the focal point of action. Access to the square and all events there are free to attend. However you can show your support for the Pride by buying the official Pride bracelet - on sale at the square. The parade always ends on Pride Square aka Copenhagen City Hall Square, and is followed by a live show and an after party.

Aarhus Pride

Aarhus Pride is a celebration of diversity in Aarhus. The purpose of Aarhus Pride is to contribute to the respect for and acceptance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people (also known as LGBT people) and make the LGBT culture visible in Aarhus. Come and be a part of the parade or watch it when it comes through central Aarhus and ends in a festival at Officerspladsen under the rainbow of ARoS Aarhus Art Museum. Everyone is welcome to join Aarhus Pride – regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, ethnicity, religious or political beliefs. You can join the parade or watch it when it comes through town with music and joy.

Feel free to reach out to me at clark.daugherty@cruiseplanners.com to learn more about travel to Denmark.

DON’T FORGET TO STAY TUNED FOR OUR NEXT DESTINATION – SWEDEN!!!!!

My name is Clark Daugherty, Owner of Dreams Ahoy Travel, LLC. I have recently joined NJGayLife as an advertiser. One of my objectives when I joined was to be a source of information for LGBT Friendly Travel. In pursuit of that objective, I wanted to start and develop this blog on subjects and issues that would be of interest to the LGBT Traveler.

There are a myriad of topics to cover. But I thought I would start with some of the best destinations for travel. I will introduce many destinations one at a time. Let’s start with Europe. Europe is a fantastic destination for any traveler, but is especially so for the LGBT Traveler. We will explore Europe over the next few Blog entries, but will start with one of the most popular destinations, Germany. 

Situated in the heart of Europe, Germany is the center of gay Europe and is a perfect “Jumping Off Point” for your European Vacation. The LGBT community in Germany is an important part of society and enjoys some of Europe’s most advanced rights for gays and lesbians. Well-organized and lively LGBT communities are common in all major and many small-sized cities and numerous gay events take place throughout the year, peaking with the annual pride parades (in Germany known as Christopher Street Day Parades). In Germany, the gay traveler gets to experience a wide variety of cultural attractions, vibrant cities, natural beauty and a well-integrated LGBT scene.

Berlin The German capital is one of the largest gay metropolises in Europe. The dynamic and diverse LGBT scene contributes to the city’s culture and vitality. The neighborhoods Schöneberg, Kreuzberg, Prenzlauer Berg and Friedrichshain have become trendy and hip not only with gays and lesbians but with artists, young and creative people. The majority of gay hotels, bars, cafés and shops, as well as a legendary club scene are located in the Schöneberg district. Enjoy LGBT parties, street festivals and events throughout the year. While the architecture clearly indicates a change to modernity, the creative and inventive climate is what characterizes Berlin best. Art can be seen everywhere, on walls, in galleries and in alternative centers. Some of Berlin’s main attractions should not be missed, such as the Brandenburg Gate, the TV tower on Alexanderplatz, the Memorial Church, Gendarmenmarkt Square, the dome of the Reichstag and the Museum Island.

Cologne The historic city on the river Rhine, known for its Cathedral (UNESCO World Heritage Site), has its very own joie de vivre. Though Alter Markt and Rudolfplatz, are known as the gay neighborhoods, gays are part of this cosmopolitan, gay-friendly city and are regarded as an integral part of Cologne’s society. The city is made up of cosy cafes and bars, where Kölsch, the local Cologne beer, flows constantly. Locals enjoy clubs, bars, restaurants and lounges in the quarters of Kwartier Latäng, Friesenviertel, Belgisches Viertel, Südstadt and Ehrenfeld. They are communicative, optimistic and tolerant and most of all: they love their city. You can sense this especially during the carnival season when the whole city celebrates and has fun! Enjoy Cologne’s many museums, the Art Cologne exhibition and the lively art and music scene. Aside from Christopher Street Day, the highlight of the city's event calendar is the WomenPride festival. Both are part of the annual Cologne Pride festival, one of Germany’s biggest gay pride parades.

Munich The LGBT community in Munich is very active and the event calendar stretches from a Rose Monday gay ball to the Gay Sunday during Oktoberfest, before all gays and lesbians get together for Pink Christmas in the Glockenbachviertel – the heart of LGBT Munich. Most of the gay cafes, bars and shops are located here. The annual celebration has party after party, including a blowout at the historic city hall and a parade through the gay neighborhood and a street festival at Marienplatz. The international art and culture metropolis is situated close to the Alps in the South of Germany and a good starting point for skiing, excursions and visiting many historic castles. There are plenty of options for recreation and outdoor activities along the Isar river and in the foothills of the Alps. The beer gardens, open from spring to fall, are a common part of Munich’s lifestyle.

Frankfurt Frankfurt, Germany’s financial capital, is often called “Mainhattan” due to the adjacent river Main and the skyscraper skyline that reminds viewers of Manhattan. The city is multi-cultural and international due to the high density of international businesses and offers fine dining, shopping and impressive galleries. The Römerberg Square and the old town hall are the center of historic Frankfurt. Get up the Main Tower to get the best panorama of the city. Frankfurt’s LGBT scene concentrates around the “Bermuda Dreieck” (Bermuda Triangle), north of Konstablerwache, with Frankfurt’s most popular gay bars, coffee places and clubs. Several cultural places are worth a visit such as “Frankfurt’s Angel” at Klaus-Mann Square, Germany’s first memorial to gay and lesbian victims of National Socialism.

Hamburg “Live and let live” is the motto in Hamburg. With its 800 year-old harbor, which is perfect for strolls and sightseeing by boat, Hamburg offers a mix of old and new, modern and traditional. The natives love Hamburg for its abundance of water and the freedom that this implies. Hamburg is a very open-minded city which is why everybody feels welcome. The quarter of St. Georg with its many cafes and bars is the gay hotspot in Hamburg and the city is also famous for its Christopher Street Day and leather convention. A highlight for nightlife in Hamburg is the “Reeperbahn” with numerous clubs, shows and guided tours by Germany’s most famous drag queen Olivia Jones.

This is but a small taste of what awaits the LGBT traveler in Germany. There are many more adventures to be had there, including River Cruises, Guided tours, Etc. If you are interested in learning more about Germany, feel free to reach out to me at clark.daugherty@cruiseplanners.com or 609-556-9066.

Stay Tuned for our next destination, Denmark!!!