Zoom Vacations® Gay Travel Blog

January 30, 2011: Brazil: Crime is Down and Prices are up

May 28, 2010: Top Ten HOTTEST Gay Travel Destinations

May 17, 2010: Zooming Through India: Part 6: Heaven on Earth in Udaipur

April 15, 2010: Zooming Through India: Part 5: Maidens, Marriage, and Mirrors

March 10, 2010: Zooming Through India: Part 4: Visiting the World's Greatest Testament to Love

February 19, 2010: Zooming Through India: Part 3: Plains, Trains, and Rickshaws

January 16, 2010: Zooming Through India: Part 2: The True Meaning of Faith

December 12, 2009: Zooming Through India: Part 1: Dahl, Devotion, and Diwali

April 30, 2009: Stay Healthy with These Ten Essentials for your Travel Bag

January 28, 2009: Top Ten Reasons to Visit China Now

January 6, 2008: Making the Most of a Weak Dollar

August 23, 2007: Rio's Carnival Welcomes Gay Travelers

August 9, 2007: Top 10 Reasons to Visit Buenos Aires Now!

May 1, 2007: Our Favorite 10 Travel Tips

February 1, 2007: 10 Reasons to Visit South America Now

October 19, 2006: Avoiding the Travel Bug

September 27, 2006: 10 Tips For Getting Along with you Friends while Traveling

February 7, 2006: Guatemala’s Gay Sensibility

February 1, 2006: What's Hot in Chicago, in Time for the Gay Games

September 29, 2005: Does Weather Really Make or Break a Vacation?

March 8, 2005: Costa Rica: A Gay Tropical Paradise

January 15, 2005: "Jet Lag: Reclaim Your Rhythm and Avoid the Blues"

December 9, 2004: "Physical Fitness: An Essential Part of Your Vacation"

October 23, 2004: "Gay Friendly Peru Beckons You"

July 22, 2004: "Rio de Janeiro: The New “South Beach” for New Years"

January 30, 2011: Brazil Crime is Down and Prices are up

Few countries have received the positive attention that Brazil has over the past few years. Clearly its day has come. Recently electing its first female president has certainly given Brazil some recent notoriety, but this is only one of the many accomplishments which have put it on the world’s center stage. Brazil is hosting the MIss Universe Pageant in 2011, Military Olympics in 2012, the FIFA World Cup in 2014, and of course, the Olympic Games in 2016.

All of these things have raised the world’s interest in South America’s largest country, but that isn’t the only thing going up. Prices for almost any good, especially tourist commodities, are going up.

Six years ago, when Zoom Vacations http://www.zoomvacations.com conducted our first tour of Rio, the exchange rate was three Brazilian reals to one US dollar. Now it’s about one and a half reals to the Dollar. So, if something cost 100 reals six years ago, this was only about $33 US. Now that same item is about $60. Not only is the exchange rate up, but the cost per item, in reals is also up.

For example, let’s look at something near and dear to all of our hearts: caipirinhas, Brazil’s national drink. Caipirinas on the beach in Rio were 3 reals seven years ago, or $1 US. Now caipirinas are 8 reals, which is about $4.50. Of course, the same caipirihna at one of the best 5 star hotels will set you back $14. Dinner at a good restaurant in Rio will cost you about $90, just about the same as in the States. A drink at a dance club will cost about $12, and a small 1.5 ounce bag of potato chips at the local supermarket costs $2. A one-way 25 minute taxi fare from the international airport to Ipanema costs $60. Needless to say, the days when everything in Rio seemed to be "free" are over. But, don't be dismayed. Overall, Brazil remains a good value because it provides experiences unlike anywhere else. Shall we say, Rio is priceless, even if it's no longer on discount.

If you’re thinking you should have gone to Rio ten years ago, you may be right. If you are thinking you should wait a few years until the prices get better again, you couldn’t be more wrong. No matter what your home currency does, the Brazilian Real is going up, and prices for every day items are raising so high that even local Brazilians are looking outside of the big cities, and even outside of Brazil to buy the things they used to readily and easily afford. Brazilians are now traveling to the States on a regular basis to buy electronics like computers, designer jeans, sneakers, and purses. Even workout supplements are cheaper in the States than in Brazil. A common joke is that steroids are cheaper and easier to come by than protein powder. If anything, it does explain the chiseled, muscle-bound bodies you see at the beach.

While a tourist can expect to find this all over Brazil, one will see it most in the big cities. Cities like Rio know that they have made it to a prominent position among global tourists, who will arrive in throngs and will pay regardless; that largely explains the hike in prices.

However, some would argue that right now is the absolute best time to come to Brazil. Yes, prices are higher than they were years ago, yet the social climate in Brazil is safer than ever, and the big cities like Rio and Sao Paulo are enjoying a kind of renaissance. Graffiti is disappearing, new restaurants and cafes are dotting the streets, and everything just seems, well, cleaner. Even Brazil’s shanty towns, or, favelas, whose seedy underbellies were widely considered impossible to cleanse are experiencing a rebirth as residents take back their communities from the drug lords. It is happening quicker than many would have imagined.

Tourists visiting the Brazil of today enjoy a safer, cleaner, in many ways more sophisticated experience, but that comes with a price… a higher price.

May 28, 2010: Top Ten HOTTEST Gay Travel Destinations

Anyone who has been bit by the travel bug is dying to take their next adventure. But where do they start? As Board Chair of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA), and owner of Zoom Vacations®, an international gay tour company, I often seem to be talking with colleagues and friends about the top destinations we've seen pop up. And, it's no coincidence that many of these destinations are reflected in Zoom's tour offerings. From my time spent at cocktail parties and conventions, the following is my list of the top ten HOTTEST travel destinations that are appealing most to gay travelers.

1. Rio de Janeiro with its Christ the Redeemer statue, gorgeous beaches, and equally beautiful locals is very popular always, and now more than ever, since winning the Olympic Bid for 2016!

2. Shanghai is swiftly becoming one the most modern, sophisticated cities in the world. It is especially in the limelight now because of the World Expo.

3. Machu Picchu is officially my favorite place I have ever been, and it is currently receiving lots of press about how you have to see Machu Picchu now before they limit visitors. The recent landslides are almost cleaned up, and trains to Machu PIcchu should be using the tracks again in a matter of months.

4. While India hasn't been a hugely popular destination for American tourists, the success of "Slumdog Millionaire" has made the country very intriguing and certainly talked about. The main attraction within India remains the Taj Mahal.

5. Berlin is hot, hot, hot at the moment. Streets that had grown somber and desolate during the days of the Berlin Wall are now alive with artistic expression. Berlin offers so much to its tourists, from its vibrant nightlife to its innovative artistic scene.

6. Beijing is still of great interest because of Olympics, which were arguably the most ground-breaking of all time. Visitors come to Beijing to see the Bird's nest, but the stay to visit the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and countless sensational restaurants.

7. Hollywood loves Las Vegas, and it remains a talked about and much visited destination globally. The biggest buzz about Vegas is that you don't have to love gambling to love the city, and it's cultural and culinary offerings have something for everyone.

8. Buenos Aires is often called the "Paris" of South America and it enjoys its reputation as one of the world's best bang-for-your-buck cities. Argentineans take great pride in everything they produce, and this is reflected in the wine, food, leather, and steak (this is the land of beef) coming out of the country.

9. Cape Town for years has enjoyed a kind of exotic lore, and it owes it's current popularity to the approaching World Cup and the accessibility to safaris and new hotels opening, like the Taj and One-and-Only.

10. Sydney, Australia is a perennial favorite....with frendly locals, beach culture, good restaurants, great hotels, lots of unique excursions and activities, it has it all. Adventure seekers can't top the bridge climb, and whether you love performing arts or not, it is pretty tough to not be impressed by the Sydney Opera House.

If I could pick an 11th, I would choose Paris. Based on the buzz I hear as I travel, Paris remains one of the world's leading tourist destinations. It's one of those places that when you tell people you are going there, they are instantly jealous.

There are plenty of incredible places to visit that do not receive the attention they deserve, so never limit your travel to simply the places you hear about. For instance, I love bringing people to Guatemala, because once guests arrive, you hear "wow" more than almost any other destination. Check out the ruins of Tikal, Antigua, Lake Atitlan, and Chichicastenango.

May 17, 2010: Zooming Through India
Part 6: Heaven on Earth in Udaipur

We sadly left Jaipur and all of its beauty:  the Amber Fort, our dazzling hotel, and the stunning palaces, and boarded our flight to Udaipur, the Venice of the east.

As a tour leader, one of my favorite things is these moments when you know your travelers are about to experience something truly special.  Udaipur, with its seven manmade lakes, tremendous palaces, lush parks, shopping, and charming streets is my favorite city in India.  As we drove into town, we all noticed immediately how it just felt somehow different than the rest of India—the eclectic chaos was minimized.  Cows were replaced by mopeds. Streets were freshly paved, and even the sunlight seemed to be just a little bit softer.

Driving through Udaipur, one could almost feel each of us growing more in love with the city as we drew nearer to its center, but nothing could prepare us what we would experience at the Lake Palace, our final hotel of our journey through India. 

The all white Lake Palace was built in the middle of the lake, and the water comes right up to its walls.  It is so magnificent that it was chosen as the site for Octopussy’s lair in the James Bond classic, “Octopussy.”  And like I always say, if it is good enough for Octopussy, it’s good enough for me.

We reached the shores of the lake and at sunset and were greeted by friendly Lake Palace staff who escorted us through a metal detector and on to an iron gazebo-lined platform to board the boat to our home for the next two nights.  As we approached the Lake Palace, a man in an elaborate regal Indian uniform came down steps with a colorful cloth umbrella to shade us from the sun. By this time the sun had gone down completely, but I need all the help I can get against premature aging, so I was psyched.

We neared the grand entrance to the palace and more staff came out to greet us.  Suddenly we noticed red satin flakes of some sort falling down around us, and we looked up to see a man on the palace roof with a basket full of rose petals, which he was gracefully tossing over us in large handfuls.  Immediately a beautiful woman came out with a silver tray of rosewater juice, and while we sipped our juice, another woman in a bright white dress laden with brass beads began dancing for us to the music of a nearby guitarist, with the backdrop of the city palace beneath the glowing violate sky.   We were all truly and uniquely spellbound.

We checked into our beautiful rooms, and in a short time proceeded to the top of the palace for a private outdoor dinner overlooking the lake and the City Palace.

The next day we satisfied more of our shopping urges and toured the sensational City Palace, one of the largest and most beautiful palaces in India, known for its collection of miniature paintings.  Miniature doesn’t describe the size of the painting nor canvas, but rather the intricate detail of these watercolor works of art.  After a great lunch in the palace, we took to the street markets and marveled at the bright colors of local produce, fabrics, and everything in between. Me met more locals whose personalities were as warm and colorful as the bright clothing.

My last night is India was spent doing one of my favorite things: I wandered the palace, allowing myself to get safely lost as I discovered small halls, gardens, and intricately carved columns and arches.  I had heard the expression “Heaven on Earth” a dozen times in my life, but this was the first time I think I had actually experienced it. Hundreds of people took years to create this architectural work of art, and tonight it was my fortunate job to enjoy it.

The next day, we departed India for our flights home, but we were not the same group of inquisitive, self-aware gay men who had arrived in India two weeks before.  We were somehow more relaxed, and not just from the days of pampering.  We had learned so much: about India, about spirituality, and about ourselves.  Things we worried about before the trip just didn’t seem to matter anymore.  We’d been given a glimpse into what it truly means to appreciate what you have.  And we realized that as technology shrinks our world, and distances us from human interaction that traveling and encountering new cultures is the one thing that can truly keep us grounded to what’s important in life.

April 15, 2010: Zooming Through India
Part 5: Maidens, Marriage, and Mirrors

Just outside of Agra lies the Abandoned red sandstone city, Fatehpur Sikri, which was abandoned after 12 years, likely because the city didn’t have a great enough water supply.  It was the brainchild of the great diplomatic King, Akbar, who was in many ways a wise king, and certainly one of India's greatest.  Perhaps his best feet of diplomacy was achieved by his marriages:  one wife was Hindu, another was Muslim, and one was Christian from the Indian Southern town of Goa, a Portuguese Settlement.

We visited Fatehpur Sikri on our four hour drive from Agra to Jaipur, and the journey flew by. We were constantly entertained by the village scenes we passed on the way. There were men riding camels and elephants hauling carts full of building supplies. Four seated cars carried 10 to 12 people. Speeding, Jam-packed buses hauled 30 to 40 people precariously on their roofs, temples sprouted up here and there, and of course, women in bright tangerine, fuchsia, or teal-colored saris carried everything from large jugs of water to huge bags of rice on their heads.

The women in India amaze me more than anything, and even though I am a gay man, I am borderline obsessed with them.  Watch a woman speed by you on a motorcycle, her face wrapped in a bright scarf, and her colorful sari trailing behind her in the wind, and you'll begin to see what I mean.  The women in India do it all, and you'll often even see them in the fields elegantly dressed doing back-breaking work. They would certainly be more comfortable wearing something else, but custom and faith frowns upon it.

In fact, centuries-faith practices in India are often at odds with the modern world.  For example it is law in India that the driver of a motorcycle must wear a helmet, and it is common to see a family of five on one bike, and only the father wearing the helmet.  This law is a problem for the Sict religious sect, whose spiritual practice of wearing large turbans at all times in public and not cutting their hair  makes the helmet law impossible.  So, they are exempt.  Faith and spiritual practices make a lot of things possible that would be illegal in other countries such as throwing the departed into public rivers or having multiple wives (the latter is only an exception for one religious group).

Yet, other laws and social rules are stricter in India than in most other countries.  For instance, arranged marriages still account for 98 percent of all marriages in India.

We arrived in Jaipur and to one of the world’s most beautiful properties, the Oberoi Rajvillas, built around a lotus pond, enfolding a 18th century Hindu temple. Pristine Villas dot the sprawling grounds, and architecturally it’s what you would expect if the Mogul empire meets Disneyland, meets

Tonight we grabbed a glass of wine and strolled the grounds at sunset, admiring the changing light’s effect on the buildings and paths throughout the property.  Our stroll took us the Rajvillas restaurant where we enjoyed traditional Indian dancing and music along with our dinner.   Afterwards it was right to bed—we had a busy day ahead of us that would start with an elephant ride to an ancient fortress.

After an enormous breakfast along a babbling stream teaming with coy, we ventured out to meet our fat, hairy dates for our morning adventure.  Clearly trying to impress us, our powerful pacaderms  wore bright makeup in gorgeous designs on their faces.  Each elephant had a trainer whose job it was to take two people at a time, side-saddle up the steep terrain to the top of the Amber Fort.  Riding the elephant was easy, but taking photos at the same time as almost impossible, as it wasn’t the smoothest ride.

The last time I had done this two years ago, our elephant sneezed all over my friend riding next to me.  You would think that an elephant sneeze would yield quite a healthy spray. You’d be right.  He was covered, and good friend that I am, I laughed so hard I almost fell off.

Today’s ride yielded more beautiful scenery and a mild ab workout, as we used our oblique muscles to keep us in the rhythm of our elephant’s march.  We entered the gates to the Amber Fort, dismounted our ride, and proceeded inside the Palace’s golden-colored walls.

We ventured inside a white marble temple, covered in elaborate carvings and received a blessing from the monk inside, who presented each of us with a fresh floral necklace and placed a bit of red paint on our foreheads, where our zone of knowledge is said to be located.  At this time in the trip, we had been presented with red forehead paint a dozen times, and we were beginning to become connisuers.  Then, the monk offered us ceremonial water from a bowl and we gazed in shock and horror as out guide poured it in his hand and drank.  It had been drilled into our heads so much to avoid the water in India that watching him do that was like watching someone ingest poison. Instantly he kind of became our hero.

Other highlights included a hall covered in tiny decorative mirrors, most of them no bigger than a silver dollar. 

March 10, 2010: Zooming Through India
Part 4: Visiting the World's Greatest Testament to Love

Car pollution is damaging the macarana marble of the Taj Mahal, so cars are not allowed near the entrance.  Instead, we take golf carts from our hotel, which is 600 meters from the monument.  

Photos of the Taj Mahal do not do justice to the structure, grounds, and overall experience of visiting it in person.  One of the best times to come is at sunset, when in soft, warm light it is perhaps more romantic than ever, so we arrive at the entrance gates just as the sun is going down.

There are thousands of people here, mostly Indian.  Before our group even enters the compound, we are delayed by taking photos of the spectacular sandstone entrance gate buildings themselves. If the Taj Mahal were not here, these buildings alone would be the attraction, but that is not the
case.

Upon entering the gates, the Taj Mahal reveals herself, perfectly framed in the gate's arches.  The affect is as if she is coming towards you.

Our guide tells us that Sheha Jahad built this tomb for his wife, who died in labor during her 14th pregnancy.  The story takes an even sadder turn when we learn that jahad's 3rd son later imprisoned him in the Agra Fort, in a marble room with the best views of the Taj Mahal.  Upon his death, his
daughter buried him in part of the Taj so that the two could be reunited in death.

the gardens surrounding the Taj are exquisite, made even more lovely by the bright, colorful saris of local female tourists.  Structurally, the Taj Mahal was intelligently designed.  The four minarets are angled slightly outward so that if they were ever to fall, they wouldn't harm the mausoleum. The letters of the  words that frame the arches gradually get larger as they go up, so that even though they are further away, they appear the same size.  Oh, and the words are not painted, in fact there is no paint on the Taj Mahal.  They are created from inlaid onyx, and they are perfect.  As you get closer to the Taj Mahal, you see that it isn't just a large white building. Instead, it is covered by multicolored, unbelievably intricate floral designs.  Again, these are not painted patterns, but rather inlaid semi-precious gems like cornelian, lapus lazeri, and coral.  Cornelian is especially unique because it glows brightly when light is beamed into it.

We stayed on the grounds for over an hour, bewitched by her beauty, marveling at how her color changed with each passing minute.  As it got darker, we reluctantly left the Taj Mahal, and as we gazed back, she glowed flashed a bright smile back at us, glowing from inside.  This glow was truthfully caused by the flashlights of various tour guides, illuminating the floral Corenelia stones for their travelers.  What could be better than sunset at the Taj Mahal?  As we found out the next morning, sunrise.

As hard as it was to wake up at 5 am and head to the Taj at daybreak, we rallied and once again boarded our golf cart.

Monkeys greeted us at the entrance, causing us to think the expression, "early bird" should really be "early monkey", their charms working on many of the tourists.

There are several benefits to arriving at sunrise, but by far the biggest is that there are much fewer tourists here, and the grounds are so large that you feel you have the whole place to yourself.

Her white marble changes colors even more at sunrise than at sunset, gradually adopting a pink hue as the sun rises above her, and the sky becomes more blue.  Then something truly magical happens.  the rising sun ignites the flower-shaped gems of her walls, and they begin to sparkle like dazzling crystals.  

I walked into the Taj and was immediately struck with a blood-drunk thirst for photos in every angle possible of the romantically beautiful building.  I lost all recognition of my footing, and if I was about to walk into a decorative pot or step off a ledge.

Then, one of my travelers said my name, and when I turned around he had a strange, perhaps disapproving look on his face.  immediately I knew I must have for minutes been in the way of every photo he was trying to take.
"I'm sorry," I said, and crouched down for him to shoot over me.

"No," he said, "you have bird poop on your shoulder."

Sure enough, there was an ample mound of poo on my shoulder. Angel that he was he freed me from most of my burden with a piece of paper and tossed it in the trash.  My guide smiled broadly and said, "ah, that is good luck!". Apparently I was VERY lucky.  This was so typical of the India outlook on life.  They turn lemons into lemonade and in my case, fowl feces into fortune.

Spending a morning surrounded by extreme beauty really works up an appetite. We bade a final farewell to the Taj Mahal and retreated to our hotel for a well-earned breakfast.  Mission accomplished.

February 19, 2010: Zooming Through India
Part 3: Planes, Trains, and Rickshaws

We flew from Varnasi to Delhi and proceeded to the stunning Imperial Hotel. As you approach this architectural masterpiece, the scent of jasmine fills the air, and you are greeted by men and women in British Colonial costumes offering the most friendly welcome.  The hotel is massive, but because of its interesting eclectic layout feels much smaller, and every detail of this old property is crisp, flawless, and immaculate. Original artwork adorns the walls, and the interior marble floors and lush gardens are masterpieces in their own right.  In other words, I love this place.

We reluctantly leave this oasis for dinner at Bhukarra, one of the best restaurants in town and are rewarded with an utterly delicious feast of perfectly seasoned tandoori meats and terrifically flavorful dal (lentils). After some extensive overeating, we came back to the hotel and sank into our plush duvets. 

It’s amazing how easy it is to wake up after you’ve had such a great night’s sleep.  Of course, it’s downright effortless to get out of bed when you know you have a huge breakfast and exciting day ahead of you.  We enjoyed an exquisite array of Indian and British morning pastries, meats, cereals, eggs, and just about everything we could ask for. My group and I were seriously getting used to this at this point.

Our tour started with the Jama Mosque, one of the world’s largest.  After taking our fill of obligatory photos, including many of the beautiful childeren at the Mosque, we took to the Rickshaws as we had in Varanasi, this time zooming through the narrow lanes of Old Delhi, occasionally stopping at the small craft stalls and shops that caught our interest. The turban shop was an especially big hit. Can you really go to Delhi and not try on a bright orange turban? I don't think so.

Our highlights for the day included the Ghandi Memorial, with its stunning garden, packed with symbolism and significance, and finally Humayum’s tomb.  This mogul’s tomb was a kind of precursor to the Taj Mahal, influencing its creation and design.  It was important for us to see Humayum’s tomb today, as it set the stage for tomorrow’s adventure: visiting the legendary Taj Mahal.

The next morning, our train was almost two hours late leaving Delhi, and I had to channel everything I learned in India about peace and patience so that I wouldn’t go out of my skin like I would if I were back home.  We finally started moving, and in about 30 minutes, another train passed us coming the opposite direction, and it was packed full of people.  Actually, it was more than just packed.  Men were literally bulging out of the train in the openings between the cars.  Any could have fallen off quite easily, but that wasn’t what shocked us.  What caught our attention were the smiles and laughter displayed on the faces of all these men.  They waived happily at our train, their arms around each other, supporting their friends to stay on, as morning sunlight beet down on their bright faces.  How typical of India to once again provide me with a subtle lesson about attitude and acceptance.

As our train moved along, we realized that India’s cell phone industry is thriving.  Most of those who were not sleeping were on their mobiles, and of the dozen ring tones we heard on our journey, no two were the same.  Phones rang simultaneously from all over the train car creating a kind of mobile symphony that entertained us on our way to Agra.

January 16, 2010: Zooming Through India
Part 2: The True Meaning of Faith

It's so difficult to describe what our group experienced in the holy city of Varanasi.  Let me put things into perspective.

Imagine you are walking up 8th avenue in Manhattan, and the buildings have been stripped of their facades, revealing coarse brick, mortar, and cinder block.  Now give them all a nice coating of gray dust with an additional half inch of dust on the street, blurring any hint of lane lines.  Fill 8th avenue full of people, none over 5 and a half feet tall, and add a cow or two every 50 feet, plus some stray dogs and goats. small cars and larger trucks dart in every direction, as motorcycles and rickshaws dodge in and out of traffic, avoiding the crowds of pedestrians.  All you hear is the honking of horns and the calling out of vendors selling fruit, crafts, dinner, and unidentifiable items from make-shift stalls that line the avenue.

Women in brightly colored Saris dot the otherwise gray canvas, and their beauty takes your mind off the smells of gasoline, food, livestock, and occasionally urine.  One thing illuminates the scene; the bright eyes and smiles of all you pass on your way to the Ganges.  And in this foreign, strange city where little is familiar and expectations are constantly questioned, there is one thing we have come to expect:  if you offer anyone here...I mean ANYone a friendly smile or hello, you are met with the most humbling, sincere, beautiful greeting in return. 

We arrive by rickshaw to grand, ancient stone steps leading into the Ganges, amidst throngs of people, the smell of smoke filling the air, and gentle chanting heard in the distance.

Boarding our small boat, we sailed the tranquil waters just 15 minutes upstream to witness the cremation funeral Pyres, where families come to ceremonially burn their deceased.

We were allowed to take photos for a while, until we were right next to the pyres on the banks.  Seven pyres could be easily seen but there were surely more, and without much imagination we could see the outlines of cremated bodies on the piles of wood.  So why didn't it seem in any way morbid? Why did it instill in all of those in our group a peaceful, beautiful silence?  Varanasi, in all of its multi-sensory chaos and strangeness was somehow silencing our cynical minds and opening our hearts.  This was fortunate for us, because tomorrow would challenge everything we thought we knew about faith, healing, spirituality, and ourselves.

Normally waking up before 7 am fills me with such dread that I subtly pout the night before.  But today, I have woken at 4:30 am, and I am so excited for today's events that I have morning energy I've never experienced. Today we once again descend to the Ganges, this time to view the morning Hindu rituals as the sun rises above the river, opposite the city.

We see things today that challenge our every notion of life, death, right, and wrong.  In our morning showers at the hotel, if a drop of water falls in our mouths it ignites a panic, yet here, in the same sacred waters that receive the ashes of the dead, as well as garbage and even livestock passage, are people bathing and drinking.  They swallow mouthfuls of the Ganges in large gulps, while others around them burn small fires on the banks and chant prayers.  Flowers and candles adorn the steps in exotic designs.  Women in bright saris of pinks, blues, oranges, and yellows hover on the steps preparing their rituals and then submerging themselves fully clothed into the ashy Ganges, like a newborn baptism.

Then we see something that again challenges our ideas of faith, and the power that this mystic river holds for its inhabitants. A partially submerged dead body floats past our boat, bumping the oar, and then vanishes again into the murky waters.  This is no more than 10 feet from where the living are bathing.

Our guide brushes it off that the owner of the body was merely in the deepest of sleeps.  He explains that some families cannot afford the pricey cremation prices (roughly 500 rupees--about $12) and their faith draws them here to deliver their deceased loved ones in the mystic waters in any way possible.  Bodies are bound with weights to take them to the river bottom, but sometimes they come loose.

Our cruise down the Ganges passes various temples and now-smoldering funeral pyres, and eventually drops us off on the banks to make our way through the small streets and allies of Varanasi, toward our hotel.  Fifteen minutes after we leave our boat, I realize I have left my bag with my favorite sunglasses and some other random items on the boat.  I tell our guide, who promises to contact the captain, but I know I will never see my bag again.  It's OK, I decide, because whomever ends up with my bag needs the contents more than I ever could.

Street merchants are everywhere selling fruit, camera memory cards, cigarettes made from leaves, and silver paint to anoint our foreheads.  My friend Mike finally succumbs to a young, adorable boy in ragged clothes  selling the silver paint and agrees to a sale which comes to about 2 dollars.  The boy doesn't have change so Mike tells him he can keep it.

"No, sir" the boy says, "I will bring to you".

We proceed through the city streets and just when we had completely forgotten about the boy, he miraculously finds us and presents Mike with his change, some of which is coins.  Mike tells him to please keep the coins, and the boy responds, "no, please, sir, give them to the poor people."

We are humbled to our core.

We eventually arrive at our van which will take us the short distance to our hotel, and I can't believe what I see on the front seat.  It is my bag that I thought was lost forever.  The owner of the boat, upon hearing I had left my bag, found the captain and then tracked us through town to deliver it to its owner.

I have been to so many places where myself or my friends forget our belongings and never see them again.  But this isn't those places.  This is India.

December 12, 2010: Zooming Through India
Part 1: Dahl, Devotion, and Diwali

When I told people I was going to India , I was met with reactions ranging from, "why do you want to go there?" to, "Why, do you have a problem with your laptop?"

Travel Magazines and television programming love nothing more than to show their audiences images of sad but beautiful Indian children, medical staff in crisp white garments juxtaposed with the gray squalor of the slums they are serving, and livestock living under the same roofs and often the same beds as their masters.

 While these elements undeniably exist in India , this country is so much more than this.  Amidst the grit is unfathomable glamour.  Among the splendor is spirituality. And everywhere the greedy minority are outnumbered by the gracious.

For me the question was never "Why would I want to go to India" but rather, "How can I have the pampering vacation my mind and body crave while opening my heart to let my time in India nourish my soul?" The answer evolved with each passing day of the trip.

Our tour of India started in its famous seaside city, Mumbai, formerly Bombay .

After a delicious Indian breakfast, consisting of a multitude of indiscernible, yet tasty dishes like dahl, nan, and more , we boarded a rustic boat for a tranquil one hour cruise bound for Elephanta island.  Upon arrival, we boarded an even more rustic small train, which resembled a down-on-its-luck roller coaster to the steps of the 6th century Hindu worship site, Elephanta Caves .

The mammoth caves were hand-chiseled out of the mountain, and enormous, carved columns were placed throughout, purely for decoration, not for structural value.  Elaborate carvings of Shiva adorn the walls of the caves, telling stories of Shiva's strength, power, wisdom, and benevolence.

When the Portuguese invaded the caves a few hundred years ago, they fired their guns into the caves, chipping away at the once perfect statues and carvings.  Once a spiritual Hindu statue has been damaged, it is no longer sacred, and thus the Elephanta caves could no longer be used as a formal site for worship.

We left the caves and ran into some young male locals of the rustic island, who seemed to have found a new object for worship, namely the body of our hunky traveler, Mike Ruiz.  They crowded around him with amazed and curious eyes, not unlike our own wonderment of the caves just minutes before.  You don’t see a lot of big, muscled men in India , and Mike was very popular.  With a fond farewell to his fans, Mike and the rest of us boarded our boat for our return trip to Mumbai, and to the Diwali celebration that was just beginning.

Diwali is kind of a cross between Christmas and New Years, and its origins may not make a lot of sense to the foreign observer.  It stems from the tale of a banished prince who returns from his 14 years in the forest to reclaim his thrown from his step brother and illuminate the path for his kingdom's recovery.  Diwali is therefore celebrated with prayer, the lighting of special candles, and setting off the loudest firecrackers you've ever seen. 

All around our hotel, and really the whole city, and to be honest, the whole country one can see and hear fireworks igniting the sky.  Brightly decorated horse-drawn carriages could be summoned for a small fee to take passengers on a joy ride along the bay, to enjoy the festivities in style.

Having a busy day ahead of us tomorrow, we called it a somewhat early night, and after a delicious Indian seafood dinner, went to sleep to the soft sound of firecrackers in the distance.

April 30, 2009: Stay Healthy with These Ten Essentials for your Travel Bag

The recent swine flu outbreak has pushed personal health to the forefront on the minds of many travelers. Whether you are concerned or not about this particular virus, it’s a good wake-up call to make sure you have the tools you need to stay healthy while traveling.

Most avid travelers have a special medicine "goody" bag that they won't leave home without. The bag is comprised of those essential vitamins, medicine, and other medicine cabinet items whose services they have needed time and again on their travels. The following is a list of the ten most important medicine cabinet items that should accompany you on all foreign travels, whether you're staying in five star Accommodations, or spending $10 a night roughing it in a tent site.

Probiotics: Probiotics are dietary supplements, and live microorganisms containing potentially bacteria or yeasts, which promote intestinal health and functioning. Probiotics encourage intestinal microflora balance, and promote the healthy functioning of the intestinal system. So, they can be especially beneficial in the digestion of unfamiliar foods.

Antibiotics. Antibiotics can be essential in healing intestinal Infections, but you will need to consult your doctor for an antibiotic prescription. The use of prophylactic antibiotics is not recommended for simple cases of traveler's diarrhea, since they are often ineffective in preventing traveler's diarrhea and there are potential side effects such as allergic reactions and the possibility of developing resistance.

Ibuprofen: Ibuprofen doesn't just numb the pain. It actually decreases inflammation, and thus can assist in healing as well as providing long term relief of sun burns, head or muscle aches, a sore throat, etc. It's inexpensive, non-addictive, and easy to obtain.

Multivitamin: Each of the 13 essential vitamins (A, C, D, E, K, B12, and the 7 B-complex vitamins) provides the regulation of a crucial bodily functions, and if we are deficient in any of these, we can become ill. Since travel puts a degree of stress and strain on our bodies, and our diets can change dramatically while in foreign destinations, it is even more important that we do not rely solely on the foods we eat for the vitamins we need.

Antibacterial Gels: Using antibacterial or sanitizer gels reduces the chance of coming down with a gastrointestinal illness. However, using them is not as effective as washing your hands for at least ten seconds with soap and water. These gels or wipes are ideal for times when soap and water simply aren't available.

Antacid: Antacids are used to help with heartburn, upset stomach, acid indigestion, and sour stomach, because they counteract the effects of extra stomach acid. That spicy enchilada and fifth margarita sounds like a good idea until your stomach can't handle it, and then you'll be glad you brought your Tums

Antihistamine: Antihistamines are very useful for reducing allergic reactions and inflammation, and their uses stem beyond alleviating traditional allergies. Especially when traveling, you never know when you will encounter something new to which you are allergic, or when you will develop a reaction to something common, like the sun! Antihistamines can also alleviate the symptoms associated with insect bites, stings, and sunburns. 

Diarrhea medicine: Diarrhea medicine can feel like a life saver, and there is debate on whether one should take it, since some believe your body needs to expel whatever is in the body. However, diarrhea can also lead to dehydration, and most would agree that stopping diarrhea is vital to stopping dehydration. Diarrhea medicine can also alleviate the feelings of dizziness and stomachaches associated with traveler’s diarrhea.

Tweezers: Tweezers are one of the many things we take for granted in our medicine cabinets at home, but as soon as you have a painful splinter or ingrown hair, you'll wish you had them with you. They take up virtually no room nor weight in your bag, so there is no reason to leave on a trip without a pair.

Sleeping Aid: If you have difficulty sleeping at home, this may be magnified while trying to sleep on planes and foreign hotel beds. Perhaps nothing is more frustrating, nor makes you feel more haggard, than enduring a long flight when you simply cannot sleep. Consult your doctor for one that is right for you. As an alternative to hard core sleep aids, three to five milligrams of Melatonin may be all you need to kick start your sleep. Melatonin is naturally found in the body and has other health benefits as well; for instance, it even helps your body acclimate faster to new time zones.

January 28, 2009: Top Ten Reasons to Visit China Now

Most people would consider China to be a vast and extraordinary country encompassing thousands of miles, with a unique history spanning thousands of years.  Yet China has recently emerged as one of the stars of the world’s stage, and it’s easy to see why.  Architecture buffs can’t ignore China’s developing cities. Epicureans are swiftly taking notice of the gastronomic creations of Master Chef Zhao Renliang from Shanghai or Master Chef Zheng Xinmin from Xian. 

As if this wasn’t enough to create excitement over China, just think about the number of things you may have purchased for your home recently that say Made in China.  In many ways, China is all around us.  Of course there is no better way to enjoy and appreciate this exciting country than to see it firsthand, and no better time than now.  China, after all, is so very now.  The following are ten reasons to visit China that you just can’t ignore.

1.  The 2008 Olympics in Beijing set the bar for future Olympic celebrations in architectural scale and technological advancements. Many world-renown architects contributed their best design efforts to the Olympic buildings.

2.  The Great Wall of China was recently listed as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.  It stretches over 4,000 miles, and while the latest construction occurred after 1368 during the Ming Dynasty, construction of the Great Wall began over 2,000 years ago.  It was built to link existing fortifications into a united defense system and better keep invading Mongol tribes out of China. Without question, thousands of people must have given their lives to build the wall, which is the largest man-made monument ever to have been built.  It is even visible from space.

3. Shanghai is the biggest and the most important economic center of China.  Swiftly becoming a culinary capital, visitors also delight in the city’s Innovative architecture and fascinating history.

4. The Terracotta Warriors were buried with the first emperor of the Qin dynasty in 210 BCE.  They were forgotten for over two thousand years until 1974 when a local farmer discovered them as he was digging a well.  Imagine his surprise as he beheld thousands of life-size figures with individually unique faces, hair and uniforms appropriate to their rank.

5. Few places in the world can you see such splendor as exists in Beijing’s Forbidden City, called Gu Gong in Chinese. It was the imperial palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties and is now known as the Palace Museum, the largest palace complex in the world. Listed by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 1987, the Palace Museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions world-wide. UNESCO also lists it as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world. In addition to seeing traditional architecture up close, there is also a stunning collection of treasures from the imperial family and its court.

6. The culinary scene in China is as exciting as any other place in the world, as master chefs blend age-old techniques and recipes with modern flavors, and even science. Styles vary from city to city.  Shanghai, Beijing, Xian all have their own delicious cuisine, and every new city brings with it a gastronomic exploration.

7. Some of the best 5 star hotels in the world are in China.  The hotels Zoom Vacations® will be calling our homes away from home, the Regent in Beijing and the Le Meridien Shanghai are rated top 20 in all of Asia where the competition is fierce among hotels for the top billing. In addition, service in China is truly an art form.

8. Shopping in China is thrilling for bargain shoppers as well as name brand fashionistas. Just about anything you buy in your home country you can purchase or have made in China at a fraction of the cost.  Imagine having a fine custom made suit for less than $200.

9. China’s cities have a lot to offer leisure travelers. Conde Nast Traveler recently named Shanghai and Beijing as two of the world’s Top TEN Cities to Visit.

10. Since China is the world’s fastest growing economy, everything is booming.  Walking through its streets by day or night, the excitement is palpable.

As if 10 reasons weren't enough reasons to beckon gay travelers to hop on a plane, China's emerging gay scene is picking up speed, especially in cities like Beijing and Shanghai. You'll find gay-owned business and restaurants, campy gay bars, chic gay lounges, and even rocking gay clubs with a mix of patrons thumping to the latest music. You'll soon see that gay China is not the dishes you inherited from your grandmother.

January 6, 2008: Making the Most of a Weak Dollar

Any American who has traveled internationally over the past few years would agree that the dollar just doesn’t go as far as it used to. It has been steadily declining while currency from other countries is soaring. While this isn’t the best news for international travelers, traveling smarter can help soften the blow of a poor exchange rate. The following tips will give you the tools you need to travel well without breaking the bank.

Get Travel Quotes in US Dollars
Since it doesn’t appear that the dollar is going to make strong gains any time soon, it is wise to get services quoted in US dollars whenever possible. This safeguards you from being locked into a price that could be rising before your eyes. It also makes it much easier for you in planning a trip budget, as you will not have to switch back and forth between currencies.

Go to the Right Destinations
There are many destinations worldwide that still offer an exceptional value for American tourists. The most notable is Argentina . One can easily find a delicious bottle of wine for under $10—one so good that it will taste like you paid $40. Getting around is easy too, and it’s almost impossible to spend more than $6 on a cab ride, no matter where you are going in the city. While prices for the best hotels are rising, they are about half of what you would pay for equivalent Accommodations in another city.

South Africa also still offers an exceptional value, and cities like Cape Town and Knysna are more beautiful than ever. The most costly component of your stay in South Africa will be your hotel, especially if you opt for one of the country’s ultra-luxury 5 star safari lodges, which can run upwards of $1,000 per person per night.

Do as the Locals Do
Stay in areas known to be safe for tourists, but avoid tourist traps. In countries with weaker economies one will often find gouged prices for those goods and services catering to tourists. The expression, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do” takes on new meaning—if you do what the locals do and dine where the locals dine, you may avoid paying tourist upcharges.

Cash in Miles
It’s always tough to know when to use one’s miles, or when to hold onto them for something better. If you are choosing to visit a particularly expensive destination, it may be wise to use miles for the flight to offset the cost of the trip.

Travel With a Group
Traveling with an organized group can provide you with a well-designed trip while allowing you to take advantage of group discounts. You can have experiences that wouldn’t be practical or a good value if done on your own, such as renting a unique venue for a private event or taking a tour with a private guide. As long as you use a company you trust, you can leave the details to them, and use the time you save to be as prepared as possible for your trip.

The most important thing to keep in mind is that you don’t let a weak exchange rate stop you from having the incredible, life-changing experiences that international travel can offer. It is interesting to note that over the past five years, even though the dollar is weaker, international travel has actually grown faster than domestic travel.

August 23, 2007: Carnival in Rio Welcomes Gay Travelers

Every year thousands of people zoom to Rio to celebrate the world’s greatest celebration of dance, culture, good times, and good will. It’s the standard against which all other carnivals are compared. Never ones to miss a good party, it is no wonder that thousands of these tourists are gay.

However, this is definitely a time and place where the lines between straight and gay are blurred. It would not be uncommon to see a man and woman walking hand in hand through a street parade and then see them suddenly in a three-way lip-lock with someone from the crowd. In fact many of the locals say that during Carnival (Carnaval in Portuguese) everyone is “a little bit gay”.

The specific dates change every year, but the 2008 Carnaval festivities officially start on Saturday, February 2nd and end on Fat Tuesday, February 5th..

Throughout Carnaval, the streets of Rio have a spirit and vigor which has everyone enraptured for four days of infectious dancing and indomitable partying. At any given moment multiple street parties are taking place in various parts of the city. For gay travelers, there are two gay parades (bandas) that meander through the streets of Rio’s gay area in Ipanema, plus a massive nightly block party that consumes the street, Rua Farme Amoedo. These are perhaps the most popular unofficial parades in the city, with music, dancing, drinks, food, and above all, people having the time of their lives. This is in addition to the elaborate circuit-like dance club raves that take place late into the night and into the next afternoon.

One would think that with so many drunk, dancing, partiers on the streets that drama would inevitably ensue. However, the opposite is true. It is a time when differences are forgotten, and when what makes each of us unique is celebrated. Experiencing Rio’s Carnaval is like entering an altered reality in which all the inhabitants have two goals: to make each other happy and to have fun. Carnaval’s gay travelers seem to appreciate this more than anyone.

Of course the week’s main celebration takes place at the Sambadrome, the samba dance parade competition televised to hundreds of countries and viewed by millions of people worldwide. Fourteen samba schools prepare all year, each creating as many as 30 elaborate floats and 1000s of spectacular multi-colored costumes. The result is an unparalleled two night parade and dance party. It is the type of over-the-top splendor and artistry that one must see to believe, and certainly something everyone should see in their lifetime.

August 9, 2007: Top 10 Reasons to Visit Buenos Aires Now!

Now is the time to visit Buenos Aires and Iguacu Falls, and Zoom has organized a fantastic trip this November. There are too many reasons to visit now, but here are our 10 favorites.

1. Make a steal! The US Dollar goes a long way - but this won't last long. The economy is getting stronger and soon you may be paying big city prices just like the Buenos Aires of the mid nineties.

2. Spring into action. Our trip falls during spring in Buenos Aires and the best time to visit! November in Buenos Aires offers mild temperatures and blossoming trees and flowers all over the city. The city is radiant this time of year.

3. Shop until you drop in the trendy one-of-a-kind boutiques of Palermo Soho

4. Make new friends. Argentinean people are not only some of the most stylish, but also some of the nicest people you will ever meet! This trip features several excursions designed to help you come away with many new friends.

5. Be your own gay self! In gay-friendly Buenos Aires, the LGBT community is respected – the Buenos Aires Province Government offers LGBT people the right to marry and to receive same sex couples benefits.

7. Meat your destiny? Beef in Argentina is considered some of the best in the world.

9. Dance the night away. Buenos Aires is well-known for its sensational nightlife. Whether you seek cultural Tango experiences or gay night clubs with the hottest DJs, Buenos Aires has a little something for everyone.

Click here to read more about our trip to Buenos Aires and Iguacu Falls, or call 1 866 966-6822.

May 1, 2007: 10 Favorite Travel Tips

The world of travel has seen dramatic changes in the past 10 years. In some ways travel is better than ever, and in other ways it is more difficult. Taking into consideration recent travel restrictions as well as advancements Zoom Vacations® has compiled our list of our favorite things you can do to make sure that your next trip goes as smoothly as possible.

1. Secure your bag with TSA approved locks. These are especially handy to use in your hotel room, when room safes aren’t big enough to hold your laptop or other electronics. Simply put them in your luggage and lock it up. It’s a lot more difficult for someone to get out of the hotel with your large travel bag.
2. Buy water after you pass security and right before you get on the plane. Most airlines do not give you enough water on the plane, and dehydration will leave you feeling tired, achy, ect. Please note that this will not be possible for some international flights, such as when leaving Brazil, since they do an additional baggage check as you board the plane and you will be forced to discard any liquids you have.
3. Pack protein bars and other snacks. These are perfect for the plane or when you are touring and just need a quick snack but don’t want to sit down to a long meal.
4. If you have a laptop and plan on working or watching movies during a long flight, pack an auto/air adapter plug. This can be plugged directly into the airplane’s in-seat power receptacle, and will power your laptop for as long as you need it.
5. Buy a noise-canceling headset. Not only do they help keep things quiet, allowing you to relax, but they also enhance your video and audio experience. Especially if you spend a lot of time on the plane, these are a great investment.
6. Bring a candle. Most of us have favorite candles that adorn our coffee tables and bathroom counters at home, so why not bring this same ambience and warm aroma to your hotel room! This is an easy, inexpensive way to dress up and personalize your Accommodations.
7. Bring movies. When traveling in the States, you can bring your Netflix.com or Blockbuster.com movies with you, and after you watch them on the plane or in your room, you can simply pop them into your nearest mailbox, and there may be a new movie waiting for you at home.
8. Use a travel agent or travel planner to design your vacation, especially one who has been to the destination where you are heading. Just as interior designers, real estate agents, and electricians are experts in their field, expert professional travel planners, such as Zoom Vacations®, will use their expertise to plan the perfect vacation for you, and will often have “insider” advantages and tips that you very possibly wouldn’t find on your own.
9. Bring a ball point pen with you on your flights, especially when traveling internationally. You will always need one to fill out necessary customs forms.
10. Use your ATM card for obtaining foreign currency when traveling abroad. Your US account will be debited at the official bank exchange rate. Your local bank may or may not charge a withdrawal fee. But that will be less than the commissions charged by local banks for exchanging US Dollars into local currency.

February 1, 2007: Top 10 reasons to Visit South America Now

1. It’s affordable. Been to Europe lately? Cities like London , Paris , and Berlin , have become insanely expensive, especially for American travelers, who aren’t enjoying the best exchange rate right now. Even in the smaller villages, you order a latte and you don’t know whether to drink it or put it in a safe. In South America , on the other hand the dollar is still strong, and you can enjoy a relaxed vacation without worrying about money.

2. Sensational climate. On average, South America is warmer than North America , and since North America ’s winter is their summer, it makes the perfect getaway during our winter months. It’s much easier to face months like January and February when you’ve got a killer tan!

3. It’s sexy. Let’s be honest, is there such thing as an unattractive Argentinean or Brazilian? Perhaps it is the sun-kissed skin, fitness focused lifestyle, and the blending of multiple cultures that makes them some of the most beautiful people on the planet. The kicker is that for some reason, many of them think the same thing about Americans, and that all-American look goes pretty far in South America ! You come back the States feeling like the celebrity you are. Truthfully, Rio de Janeiro is the plastic surgery capital of the world, so being beautiful is something of an art and an obsession—not that anyone’s complaining.

4. It’s down-to-earth, yet fabulous. South America ’s biggest cities, such as Buenos Aires , Rio , Lima , and Sao Paulo are chic and sophisticated, with their fingers on the pulse of fashion and design. However, explore the nightlife of these cities and you will meet the nicest, most down-to-earth people, many of whom speak English or at least will try. Did I mention they love Americans?

5. South America is a leader in design, with modern museums like the Museum of Niteroi in Brazil , and ultra cool hotels such as the Faena Hotel and Universe in Buenos Aires and the Hotel Unique in Sao Paulo , Brazil . Just stepping into these places makes you feel cool.

6. Incredible Food. During Zoom Vacations®’ last trip to Buenos Aires , everyone in our group kept saying, “You just can’t get a bad meal in this city.” Especially if you like red wine and red meat, you will be in heaven in South America . Arguably the best food, however, is found in Peru . Peru ’s climate is suitable for growing virtually everything. In the sacred valley of the Incas alone, you will find over 70 varieties of corn, each unique and complex. Combine that with the fact that Peru is a huge melting pot of cultures and you get fusion food that is inventive, savory, healthy, and high quality. In one meal, you can taste elements from Japan , France , Italy , Mexico , Spain , Turkey , and more.

7. World-Renowned Site-seeing. South America has dozens of Unesco World Heritage sites, and it is home to one of the seven natural wonders of the world, Guanabana Bay in Rio de Janeiro , which is often described as a perfect bay, with a surface like glass. In addition to this, South America ’s most visited sites include mystical Machu Picchu , the Galapagos Islands , Patagonia , the Amazon rainforest, Easter Island , the Nazca Lines, Iguacu Falls , Lake Titicaca , and Brazil ’s beaches and islands. This is in addition to gorgeous cities and countless charming villages where you will find rich culture and beautiful surroundings.

8. Well-Developed Tourism Infrastructure. Tourists have been coming to South America for years, and local governments have capitalized on this, investing millions of dollars to show their guests a good time and to make sure they tell their friends to visit as well. From small, unique, boutique hotels called posadas, to luxurious 5 star resorts, to historical palaces and monasteries-turned hotels, South America offers a little something for everyone. For instance, the Monasterio in Cuzco Peru is an early 16th century monastery, which has been converted by Orient Express hotels into a sensational 5 star property, offering culture, luxury, history, and breathtaking beauty under one roof. Travelers can also depart Cuzco for Machu Picchu in ultimate luxury, aboard the Orient Express Hiram Bingham 5 star dining train. Other unique Accommodations include the Ariau Towers in Brazil’s Amazon jungle, where guests enjoy tree-top views of the rainforest, the Posadas of Paraty, Brazil, where travelers will fee like they have stepped back in time 300 years, and glamorous hotels in Buenos Aires, embodying the look and feel of Paris, at a third of the price!

9. It’s safe. You may have noticed that you haven’t heard much about South America in the news lately. Terrorism as well as natural and manmade disasters have largely moved on to other parts of the world, leaving South American relatively unscathed. Armed only with common sense, travelers can enjoy South America in safety and comfort. The incidences of theft and violence that you do hear about are often exaggerated, and generally and relegated to non touristy areas.

10. It’s home to incredible global events! South America is a land of celebrations and culture, many of which attract global attention year after year. The most notable, of course, is Rio ’s Carnaval, a 5 day celebration of life, love, and humanity, which culminates in a massive parade competition between 13 samba schools. New Years Eve in Rio is equally magical, as over two million locals and tourists, clad all in white, descend on Copacabana beach to watch the night’s sky ignite with fireworks. They will bring with them flower offerings for the African Sea Goddess, Yemanja, in order to clense their sins for the past year.

October 16, 2006: Avoiding the Travel Bug

You’ve waited for months in anticipation of your vacation. You’ve caught up on all your work, got the OK from your boss, and hired the perfect vacation company like Zoom Vacations® to plan a flawless vacation for you. Now before you take the first sip of your margarita, observe these 10 health guidelines, or the only excursions you’ll be taking are multiple trips to the bathroom.

1. Wash your hands often and thoroughly. Airports and airplanes, like all public spaces, are like fabulous 5 star resorts for germs. Washing your hands after spending time in these areas and especially before eating will help you from becoming their next vacation destination.

2. Avoid touching your face with your hands. Your eyes, ears, nose, and mouth are the main ports of entry for germs, so don’t give them access.

3. Get a lot of rest. Perhaps the best way to keep your immune system strong is by getting plenty of sleep. Many people use travel as their time to stay out late, partying all night long. This is fantastic, and absolutely advisable, unless you have an early morning of siteseeing scheduled for the next day.

4. Drink a lot of water. Flying dehydrates you, as does dancing the night away in Rio de Janeiro or hiking the ruins of Machu Picchu . Oftentimes fatigue, headaches, and even mild stomach pains are signs that you haven’t had enough water. If you experience any of these symptoms, drinking eight ounces of bottled water will most likely make you feel better right away.

5. Don’t drink water from the tap. Bottled water is never very expensive, and it’s always worth it. It’s also easy to bring with you as you head out for a day of touring. Also, when you are ordering drinks at a bar or restaurant, make sure that the ice has come from filtered water, and not just frozen tapwater.

6. Trust your instincts. If you’re eating something that smells, tastes, or looks as if it has gone bad, don’t eat it. Some people will actually eat spoiled food because they don’t want to waste money. If you eat something that makes you sick, the money you will spend on medicine and doctor visits will far outway the cost of what you were eating. Remember what mom told you, “when in doubt, throw it out”.

7. Eat well-cooked, freshly prepared dishes that are steaming hot. Avoid raw or undercooked meat and seafood, salads, uncooked vegetables and fruits (unless they can be peeled). You may also wish to stay away from unpasteurized milk, cheese and anything that contains custard or mayonnaise. No matter how delicious street vendor food looks and smells, avoid it at all costs. Those lamb kabobs really aren’t that tasty anyway. Raw seafood (including shellfish) as well as undercooked meats are no-nos. And nix the street vendors and wilted buffets.

8. Do not take antibiotics in anticipation of a trip. This will only compromise your immune system and increase the chances of you really getting sick. Instead, pack an over the counter anti-diarrhea medicine such as Imodium or Pepto-Bismol in case you have stomach issues. In most cases, this will take care of having eaten something that did not agree with you.

9. Avoid overexposure to the sun. We all want to come back from a vacation with a killer tan, but going out and baking yourself is one of the worst things you can do. You don't want to get so burned the first day of your trip that you have to skip out on several days of activities, seeing only your hotel room until your sun burn and sun poisoning subsides. Ease into your tan, and remember that the sun may be stronger in other parts of the world than where you live. Bring sun protection with you every time you head out during the day.

10. Ask for assistance when lifting heavy bags. You may spend hours at the gym every week, but this won’t save you from pulling a muscle while removing a heavy bag from the overhead. In fact, it’s usually during these unsuspecting moments when strains and sprains occur.

Bryan Herb is a former personal trainer and is co-owner of Zoom Vacations®, a US company that creates stylish international private events and gay group vacations to the world’s hottest destinations. Learn more about them at www.zoomvacations.com or call 866 966-6822.

September 27, 2006: 10 Tips for Getting the Most out of Your Vacation with Your Friends

Vacations provide the perfect opportunity for reconnecting with your friends, and to enjoy their company without the hassles and complications of the “real” world. The following 10 tips will help you and your buddies get the most out of your time together, without getting under each other’s skin. These same tips a great to bear in mind when traveling with your boyfriend or girlfriend as well.

1. Get a good night’s rest before the trip and as much as possible during the trip. Children aren’t the only ones who get cranky when they’re tired.
2. Allow plenty of time to get to the airport. Flying can be a bit stressful, and this is magnified if you’re running late. The more stress you have, the more likely you are to take it out on each other.
3. Keep your hotel room clean and organized, especially the bathroom. This is a big challenge because you are living temporarily in an unfamiliar space, and you have to quickly develop a plan for where things should go. However, doing so will help limit how much you are in each other’s space.
4. Don’t feel that since you are on vacation together that you have to be at each other’s side at all times. There may be times when you each want to pursue different interests, and doing so is very healthy. When you reconvene, you have much more to share and talk about at the end of the day.
5. Be flexible, and focus on having fun, not worrying that you have diverted from your original itinerary.
6. If one of you needs to sleep in, let him. If one of you is having that extra piece of cake, don’t make a comment about it. Allow your friend to vacation the way he or she wants to.
7. Bring something to read or something to do so that if you find yourself waiting for your friend, you can entertain yourself and not get agitated.
8. If you are the type of person who is always late, remember that this is their vacation as well, and you should plan accordingly in order to minimize his or her waiting. Most of us do not have as much vacation time as we would like, and the last thing we want to do is spend it waiting for someone while he or she tries on jeans.
9. Stay fed and don’t let yourself or your travel companion get hungry. Nothing leads to crankiness as fast as hunger! If you are the type who needs to eat every few hours, pack a box of protein bars and carry one with you whenever you leave the hotel room for touring. You never know when your plans may change and a meal gets postponed.
10. Take this vacation time to tell and show your friend how much you appreciate him or her. Do something nice, like scheduling a spa treatment or some activity that focuses on his or her interests.

February 7, 2006: Guatemala’s Gay Sensibility

Few countries are as culturally intact as Guatemala, and it is i m bued with a gay sensibility that is appreciated by even the most critical of travelers. While no city in Guatemala offers a huge gay community, evidence suggests that gay hands have been at work here over the centuries, shaping Guatemala into a traveler’s paradise.

Take, for instance, the grand city of Antigua, once the center of life in the Americas. Over the centuries, the city has been destroyed by several earthquakes, fires, and wars, leaving colossal ruins which tell its history and colonial heritage. Lucky for current travelers, these ruins were not bulldozed to pave way for modern pre-fabricated structures. Rather, someone early on studied the regal marble and stone edifices, the intricate carvings and painstaking masonry, now home to colorful birds and wisps of plant life, and saw it for what is was and still is: beautiful and romantic. Thus these buildings, along with Antigua’s history were preserved. Now, you just know gay people had their hand in that.

And apparently they still do. Antigua boasts fabulous restaurants featuring cuisine that is at once inventive and traditional, housed in buildings that retain their original identities. Its many stylish hotels are for m er convents, colonial homes, and governmental buildings, which fit in perfectly with their surroundings.

Antigua has a small gay community of its own, and while it doesn’t have an exclusively gay bar or restaurant, its best clubs have a very mixed clientele where all are welcome.

Antigua isn’t the only city that seems to have been under gay aesthetic influence. Drive three hours and you will arrive at Lake Atitlan, one of the world’s most beautiful lakes, enclosed by three volcanoes (Guatemala has 33 volcanoes in total). Crystal clear water and rustic, stylish hotels with picturesque gardens beckon you to extend your stay. Santiago, one of the small towns that borders the lake has a homeopathic wellness community, famous worldwide for its alternative m edicines.

On the way to Lake Atitlan, you cannot resist a stop at the outdoor market town of Chichicastenango. You would be hard pressed to find a town that sounds more ethnic, and you may never find one with as many quality craft and décor items. Interior designers take note, as hand-crafted textiles purchased for $100 at Chichi’s outdoor market can be sold for over $1000 back in the States. This town can bring out the shopper in anyone.

Of course no mention of Guatemala would be complete without discussing its largest city with by far its largest gay community, Guatemala City. Guatemala City also offers more 5 star hotels and restaurants than any other city in the country. Visitors are heard exclaiming, “I can’t believe this is Guatemala” as they pass though this city’s sensational hotel lobbies.

Guatemala City offers more by night than by day, and after dining at one of Guatemala City’s many gourmet restaurants, it will be time to explore the gay scene. Guatemala is a gay-friendly country, but Guatemala City ’s gay scene is not located in the safest area, so it is recommended that you do not go out alone. Given the size of the city, it has a surprisingly large gay community, and you m ay suddenly find yourself dancing the night away.

After exploring Guatemala’s gay nightlife, you may wish to end your stay with what just may be Guatemala's most famous attraction, the ruins of Tikal. If you ever dreamed of being Indiana Jones discovering lost worlds and rare, priceless artifacts, then this is your chance to live out your dreams.

Tikal is an ancient Mayan citadel comprised of numerous pyramids and stone buildings, nested within lush tropical rainforest. Mayan inhabitants departed this magnificent city hundreds of years ago in 899 AD, and currently its most famous residents are howler monkeys. One visit to Tikal and you will instantly see why they get their name.

From the top of any of the pyramids, one can look out over the tropical rainforest and see the tops of the other pyramids peering out over a dense field of green. Tikal is the stuff from Hollywood legend, and walking among its ruins you expect one of the stone walls to magically open, triggered by a branch you tripped over, or for arrows to mysteriously fly towards you, or for a massive bolder to barrow down at you from a nearby ruin. It’s truly mystical.

Archeologists have spent years meticulously excavating the Ruins of Tikal since the mid 1800s. However, the most incredible thing about Tikal may be what isn’t excavated, For many of us, it is hard to imagine how a city can simply go missing, hidden for so many years, and at Tikal, one understands immediately. On several open fields huge pyramids have been excavated. A few hundred yards away, across the field, one notices a large hill. Suddenly, it is clear that the mountain and the pyramid are the same size and general shape, and about that time your guide tells you that the tree and foliage covered hill you are looking at is not a hill at all, but an enormous pyramid that has not yet been excavated.

From ancient Mayan ruins to preserved colonial towns to exquisite cuisine, Guatemala’s treasures are sure to surprise, delight, and impress. While other countries may have larger gay communities, few offer such a gay aesthetic ideal as Guatemala City. Travels to Guatemala are multi-sensory, embracing visitors with culture, history, luxury, and style.

February 1, 2006: Gay Chicago

A Gay Guide to What's Hot in the WindyCity

If Chicago has been on your mind lately, there are a number of reasons why. If you are a sports fan, you know that the Chicago White Sox just won the World Series. If you follow art and architecture trends, you know that Chicago ’s award winning Millennium Park recently opened, receiving worldwide praise.

And if you’re gay, you know that this summer Chicago is hosting the Gay Games, July 15-22, 2006 . The seventh quadrennial Gay Games Sports and Cultural Festival will feature 12,000 participants from over 70 countries, competing in 30 sports. In addition, there will be a week-long arts festival, evening parties, entertainment, and more to make this an unforgettable celebration!

"Year-end campaigns designed to increase the number of registrations in team sports were wildly successful and the pace hasn’t slowed much since January 1," said Brian McGuinness, Gay Games executive director. "Our registration rates to date are ahead of expectations and we may exceed our forecast of 12,000 participating athletes and artists in Chicago next July."

There are several things that make Chicago an excellent host for the Games, and the perfect place to spend a week or weekend getaway. While Chicago may get a bad wrap for its winter weather, its summers more than make up for it. Chicagoans enjoy warm sunny days and gentle breezes in one of the nation’s greenest cities. Most restaurants open outdoor seating to take advantage of the fabulous natural light and fresh air that blows off Lake Michigan . The lake, with its sung-ignited aqua and turquoise hues is perhaps Chicago’s biggest attraction in the summertime.

Tracy Baim , co vice chair of the Gay Games board and publisher of Windy City Times said, “The great transportation systems, the gorgeous Lakefront, the beautiful stadiums for opening and Closing ceremonies (Soldier and Wrigley Fields), and a very friendly, hard-working, midwestern attitude all make Chicago an excellent choice for host of the Gay Games. Come for the sports, but enjoy all the great culture Chicago has to offer.”

Of course, many people would consider Chicago’s best feature to be the people who call it home. Famous for their friendliness and charm , Chicagoans love their fair city, and welcome tourists with open arms. This isn’t one of those places where locals snarl with distrusting sneers at the out-of-towners. Rather, Chicagoans desire nothing more than for visitors to love their city as m uch as they do. This attitude finds itself into gay bars and restaurants as well, where you will find little, well, attitude.

Chicago is a city that is constantly reinventing itself, and similarly, its gay scene is constantly evolving and changing.

Chicago has a thriving nightlife, located in two main areas: Boys Town and Andersonville. The most concentrated section of gay bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and gyms can be found on two parallel streets, Halsted and Broadway, between Belmont and Grace Street. No matter what you’re into, Chicago offers a little something for everyone.

One of the newest establishments in Boys Town is XO (pronounced X-O). This upscale tapas restaurant and bar has received incredible reviews by Chicago’s food critics, but the gay boys and girls mainly come here for its sexy lounge and bar. In the summertime the outdoor patio opens, which doubles the space, and XO becomes more than ever the perfect place to start a wild evening on Chicago’s gay strip, Halsted Street .

The city recently passed a no smoking ordinance which limits smoking only to bars and to restaurants that have bars. Apparently smokers have two years to quit, because at that time a widespread no smoking policy goes into effect. However, until then, those who detest smoke-filled air can find safe haven in the new trendy yet small, Minibar. Minibar draws a slightly younger crowd and is an easy place to pop in and out of during your nightlife tour. Just steps away the next stop for most on the bar-hopping circuit is Sidetrack (pronounced Sidetracks by almost everyone).

Sidetrack is Chicago’s largest gay bar, featuring fantastic music and comedy videos displayed on large TV screens throughout the club. There several large rooms, including the glass bar which is nonsmoking, and roof top terrace. Sidetrack can be a lot of fun, and it can also be a “stand and pose” bar. A visit to Chicago ’s gay scene isn’t really complete without popping into Sidetrack for bit. However, if it’s go-go boys you want, you’ll have to go next door to Cocktail. Here you’ll find a laid back atmosphere and sexy dancers on Tuesday, Thursdays, and Fridays. Like most bars of this nature, some of the guys can actually dance, which is great, and some of them can’t, which is even better.

Across the street from Cocktail, you’ll find another large and popular bar, Roscoe’s, located on the corner of Roscoe and Halsted. Roscoes features a dance floor in the back, and attracts a more eclectic clientele than other gay bars in Chicago .

If it’s a Friday and Saturday night and you are in the mood for dancing, you have several options. Hydrate, located down the street fro m Roscoe’s, is a bar and dance club that attracts incredible DJs fro m Ralphi Rosario to DJ Abel, a m ong others. The dance floor is sm all, but the music more than makes up for it. Get there by 11:30 PM to avoid long lines.

Just down the street fro m Hydrate is Circuit, which has a large dance floor and has a large Latino following. Go-go boys dance in cages alongside the dance floor, and celebrity DJs include Lady Miss Kier (formally of Dee Lite) and Circuit Mom .

Just beyond the North outskirts of Boys Town, you will find Charlie’s, one of the most unique dance clubs in the city. Before 2:00 AM, the atmosphere is that of a country western bar, or at least a scene from Brokeback Mountain. At exactly 2:00 AM, the country music changes to your favorite old school techno and modern dance hits, and dancing cowboys are instantly replaced on the dance floor with club boys. Get there by 1:30 AM to avoid huge lines, and so you don’t miss the changeover.

On Select Sundays, Crobar opens its doors to a gay audience. Crobar certainly features one of the finest dance spaces in the city (certainly the Sunday of the Gay Games this will be the case). This, coupled with great m usic, relatively cheap drinks, and cute boys make this the perfect way to end a wild weekend. The club really gets going by midnight .

If none of these bars or clubs have what your looking for, Chicago doesn’t disappoint. The best girl bar is located in Boys Town, and is called The Closet. Gay male friends are also welcome, and you will find a good mix of men and women sharing drinks and laughs at the bar.

The best place to see the hottest go-go boys is Madrigal’s, located in Andersonville. Madrigal’s gets very packed on Fridays and Saturdays and make no mistake, it’s all about the boys on stage.

If you’re looking for the best place to hear your favorite show tunes sung by a talented pianist, Gentry is your place. There are two locations: one in Boys Town and one downtown.

Crew Bar and Grill, located just north of Boys Town will be especially popular this summer. This gay sports bar features huge flat screen TVs playing all the important games, plus great food and a wide selection of beers and other drinks.

Lastly, Chicago’s premier gay sauna, Steamworks has been providing men 18 years & older with a clean, comfortable and stylish place to meet other men, relax, workout and play 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for 30 years.

Chicago’s gay nightlife is outstanding, but it is not a city that never sleeps. Especially in the summertime, Chicagoans wouldn’t want to risk sleeping away the best part of the day. Whether they’re window shopping, dining in outdoor cafes, or exercising along Chicago ’s lake shore, Chicagoans know how to make the most of a beautiful day.

If you’re gay, this definitely includes a visit to Hollywood Beach. Located off Lakeshore Drive to the North of the city at Hollywood Avenue, Chicago’s gay community swarms here in the summertime to escape the mild humidity and to gaze at turquoise waters and the man candy that abounds on the beach. Most people arrive here by bike, but you can also drive, or even take a cab. The beach has a private feel, and there is a concession stand at the top of the beach where one can buy ice cream, burgers, nachos, etc.

However, you will not want to spoil your appetite, because at 4:00 PM the beach begins to clear, and the gay boys walk or bike to Big Chicks bar for vodka lemonade and free grilled burgers, salads, hot dogs and more. You would think that since the food is free, it couldn’t be very good, and you’d be wrong—it’s delicious, and well worth the long line that amasses as the day goes on. This is the perfect post beach hang out!

If the beach isn’t your scene, there is much shopping to be done right in Boys Town, and you can still always head to Buck’s Saloon in Boys Town to enjoy their backyard courtyard, more free burgers, and cheap drinks.

In addition to life in the gay scene, Chicago has so much to offer to help you round out your stay: some of the world’s best museums, riverboat architectural tours, world class theatre, outdoor recreation, and more abound.

One of Chicago ’s most highly acclaimed attractions is Millennium Park . Chicago’s newest park has impressed even the most scrutinizing of Chicagoans. This award-winning center for art, m usic, architecture and landscape design features the work of world-renowned architects, planners, artists and designers on 24.5 beautiful acres in down town Chicago.

Just down Michigan Avenue from Millennium Park, you’ll find one of the city’s treasures, the Art Institute of Chicago. The Art Institute is one of the world's most famous art museums, particularly known for its collection of French Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings by artists like Monet, Renoir, Seurat and Caillebotte. It’s permanent collection is magnificent, and traveling exhibits keep the museum’s atmosphere fresh and exciting.

As you continue less than a mile South on Michigan Avenue, you will arrive at the Field Museum. Part of Chicago's Museum Campus, the Field Museum’s most famous resident is Sue, the world's largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex dinosaur skeleton. The Field Museum also delights visitors by bringing in exhibits about nature and culture, prehistoric to present.

From May. 26, 2006 to Jan. 1, 2007, visitors will enjoy the Tutankha men and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs exhibit, in which you may view 50 ancient artifacts excavated from the tomb of Egypt's "boy king," plus 70 artifacts from other royal graves.

If you are in the mood for a little more culture, Chicago’s Theatre and dance scene is not to be missed, and it includes so much more than the improve at Second City, made famous by Saturday Night Live. It is said that you can see a different show every day for a year in Chicago, and still not see everything! Currently, the show getting most attention is “Wicked”, and theater-goers have been enjoying sold out performances for months.

Not far from the theatre district is Chicago’s most famous street, Michigan Avenue. Commonly referred to as The Magnificent Mile, this tree-lined street (and it’s side streets) has abundant shopping at your favorite stores. You’ll find Barney’s, Hugo Boss, Kenneth Cole, Louis Vuitton, Diesel, Puma and much more. To break up a busy day of shopping, check out the fabulous RL restaurant next to Ralph Lauren for lunch, but be sure to make reservations.

Speaking of restaurants, when in Chicago you will not suffer from a lack of delicious food. Old favorites like MK continue to please patrons with consistently mouth-watering American Cuisine. Tru continues its reign as the trendiest upscale eatery, while Japonais gives it a run for its money, with sumptuous sushi creations.

If you’re looking for something in the gay-borhood, XO or Ping Pong are you best bets. Ping Pong is very small, and in the summer its sidewalk patio more than double its size. This BYOB restaurant is a great place to see and be seen, while dining on delicious, inexpensive pan Asian cuisine. However, whatever time the host tells you your table will be ready, double or triple it, and you will have a more accurate wait time.

Of course, if you want something quick and easy, you can go where the Chicago boys often go for a post workout bite: Chipotle. At the Belmont and Broadway location, you can grab a seat at the table facing the window, and people watch while you enjoy your healthy lunch.

For something quick, less healthy, and totally satisfying, you can’t leave Chicago without trying its famous deep dish pizza. It’s hard to get a bad piece of pizza in this city, and two of the best pizzerias are Gino’s East and Pizzeria Uno. Founder Ike Sewell, now deceased, introduced Chicago to deep-dish pizza when he opened Pizzeria Uno in 1943.

If all this eating has left you feeling like a fatty-patty, Chicago has a number of great gyms where you can get your workout on. In Boys Town, Quads is your choice for a serious, no thrills workout experience. Quads is industrial and a bit dark with a lot of equipment, including some things you may not have seen before. Multiplex is your Boys Town Alternative and is perhaps a little more upscale, and a bit less serious. Multiplex has a large gay following.

Cheetah Gym in Andersonville offers a beautiful environment, and great equipment, and is a popular gay gym for both men and women. Xsport gym offers several locations and the two with the most gay clientele are the one at North Avenue and the one at Ashland and Bellmont. Chicago’s newest gym is the hip and cool, David Barton Gym, located downtown. It features the latest equipment, great classes, and stunning locker rooms with fine bath products and huge, elegant steam rooms. It is a true spa experience to end a great workout.

Few cities offer gay travelers such a modern, well-rounded experience, and there is no better time to be in Chicago than the summertime. With the Gay Games coming up July 15-22, and Boys Town’s weekend festival, the Halsted Street Fair taking place August 6th and 7th, make sure your summer vacation plans include Chicago.

Zoom Vacations®, an international gay tour provider, known for personalized service and for creating lavish, chic international events can design the perfect Chicago Vacation to accompany the Gay Games. Contact Zoom Vacations® at 773 935-1728 or visit them on the web at www.zoomvacations.com. Zoom Vacations® is a Chicago based, gay owned and operated.

Getting there

Flying into O’Hare InternationalAirport

Every day, more than 200,000 travelers pass through the nearly 7,700-acre, 172-gate airport, which claims to offer more flights to more cities, more often than any other in the world. In 1999, more than 813,000 flights (representing more than 62 million passengers) passed through O'Hare.

The CTA's Blue Line, located at the lowest level of the m ain parking garage, may be the best option for getting downtown, especially if you are arriving during rush hour. Trains depart every 10 minutes. Traveling on the Blue Line will take you 45 minutes to get downtown. Cabs are also accessible, but be prepared for a possible wait, depending on the time you arrive, and will take about 25 minutes to reach the city.

Flying into MidwayInternationalAirport

If you are having trouble finding the flight you want in or out of O’Hare, you should check out Chicago’s second busiest airport, Midway. The CTA’s Orange Line will take you were you want to go, including downtown in only about 25 m inutes. Driving without traffic delays will take about 15 minutes.

September 29, 2005: Does weather really make or break a vacation?

You can travel to the perfect destination, stay in the best hotel, and reserve the best restaurants and excursions, and still find your good efforts may be affected by something you can’t control: weather.

After the recent tragedies of hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Mother Nature is perhaps on the minds of most of us more than ever, and her popularity has plummeted.

But you have to admit the ol’ girl has a tough job. The same people begging her for sunshine during New Years vacations in Rio are cursing her warm sunny rays just a month later at Whistler’s gay ski week. Gay pride parade viewers in Amsterdam run under awnings at the merest sprinkle, while hot springs bathers in Costa Rica hope for a cool rain to add the perfect refreshing element to the experience.

So how do you plan a vacation that will not be “dampened” by inclement weather? Here are five things to keep in mind.

Play the hemispheres. Northern hemisphere’s winter is the Southern hemisphere’s summer and vice versa. Escape the cold by traveling to the opposite end of the world!

1. However, remember that depending on what your interests are, hotter is not always better. For instance, Buenos Aires is a notoriously stunning city, but you may enjoy it most when it is at the beginning of the season when the weather is temperate versus being in the city when it reaches the high 90s. This is true for most city vacations.
2. Always be sure to research the weather of your destination. Look at the 10 day forecast surrounding the dates of your trip, and even pull up the weather records for those dates in the years prior.
3. When you’re traveling “off season” so that you can take advantage of lower rates, remember that the particular season is “off” for a reason, and it’s usually because that time of year enjoys the least favorable weather conditions. So, bare this in mind and structure you activities accordingly.
4. Structure your days and excursions so that they are not all weather dependent, and have alternative activities in mind. Too many people travel to a destination famed for its sunshine and then don’t know what to do when the weather doesn’t cooperate.

Bad weather only ruins a vacation if you let it. Especially if you’re going on a group trip designed by professional travel planners, like the people at Zoom Vacations®, then your vacation will be peppered with options to keep you having fun no matter what Mother Nature brings your way.

March 8, 2005: Costa Rica: A Gay Tropical Paradise

We’ve all heard the radical right expression, “God created Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve.” Well, anyone who has been to Costa Rica lately can tell you that in this tropical paradise, “Adam and Steves” are everywhere, and welcomed with open arms!

In the past ten years Costa Rica has emerged as one of the world’s premier vacation hot spots. And in disproportionate numbers, gay travelers have descended upon this eco-friendly destination with full force.

New Yorkers are abandoning The Rambles and embracing the jungle. San Franciscans are finding new uses for their old harnesses—Zooming through the trees on a canopy safari. And South Beach Boys are exchanging Lincoln Road cruising, for a little cruising on a white-water rafting adventure.

Unless you despise nature, it’s hard to have a bad time in Costa Rica . But why has this country become such a haven for the gay tourist?

Is it the gay man’s ever-present desire for beauty that leads us to the pristine land of Costa Rica , where 25% of the country is designated as protected wilderness? Are we trying to prove our masculinity through rugged rafting and volcano trekking adventures? Do we yearn for intellectual conversations with locals whose country boasts the highest literacy rate of any Latin American country? Or, perhaps we simply feel safer in a country that has no military! Whatever the case, gay people love them some Costa Rica !

This is a rare country where you don’t have to flock to the main cities to experience a “gay scene.” In fact, while San Jose certainly has a vibrant gay nightlife with hip, happening bars and discos, most travelers would agree that San Jose is not Costa Rica ’s best feature. In a country known for its lush beauty, San Jose falls pretty short of the mark.

However, it is making positive strides, and every year witnesses the birth of new fabulous restaurants and hotels. The city could still use a bath and a healthy coat of paint. Perhaps the best reason to stay a night in San Jose is actually its close proximity (2 hours) to the Pacuare River, considered one the top 5 white-water rafting rivers in the world!

No matter where you go in Costa Rica , you’re going to run into many gay tourists. However if you’re looking for that “gay ghetto” feeling, seek no further than the area known as Manuel Antonio, not far from the costal town of Quepos. The area boasts a stunning, secluded gay beach called La Playita (the little beach) and gay bars such as the Bar Tutu with a fantastic roof deck, and the stylish Bar Tutu, both with excellent views of the Pacific Ocean. For those with more eclectic tastes, you may wish to try the Bat Cave; a small, funky bar that resembles its name.

Virtually every hotel in the area is gay friendly, and most feature views of the ocean or rainforest. Surrounding activities include nature-trekking through the preserve of Manuel Antonio, white-water rafting, and numerous canopy safaris. Canopy safaris are to Costa Rica what Baseball is to America . Essentially, you are strapped into a harness (already sounds interesting) which is hooked to a pulley. That pulley is hung on a wire that is suspending high above the ground among the jungle canopy, and you zoom from platform to platform like Indian Jones.

North of Quepos is the beach town of Guanacaste, more secluded and less developed perhaps than other Costa Rica beaches, and it is most easily accessible from Liberia Airport , just under an hour away.

Also on the coast, and not far from San Jose is the surfing town of Jaco, which also boasts several resorts and a few very stylish hotels. While still gay friendly, neither Guanacaste nor Jaco have that “gay enclave” feel like Quepos and Manuel Antonio.

One of the things for which Costa Rica is best known is its active volcanoes! Arguably the best is the Arenal Volcano, located about 3 hours from San Jose amongst dense rainforest. It has been constantly active since it erupted in 1967 and destroyed the small village of Tabacon , killing almost 150 people. Today it is one of Costa Rica’s most popular tourist destinations, and thousands flock to the area’s abundant hot springs to relax and listen to the Arenal volcano grumble in the distance. On clear nights, one can actually watch lava bubble down the side of its peak.

Besides igniting the sky, Costa Rica can certainly help heat up one’s love life, and many gay couples come to Costa Rica for romantic getaways. From costal interludes to escapades in the cloud forest of Mount Verde , gay couples can travel openly with as little or as much privacy as they desire.

No mention of Costa Rica is complete without talking about its most famous expression is “pura vida” (pure life) and it is its national slogan as well as a greeting, farewell, and expression of gratitude. It is generally hollered, not simply spoken.

January 15, 2005: Jet Lag: Reclaim Your Rhythm and Avoid the Blues

Ideally, you should come back from a vacation feeling refreshed, even invigorated, but no matter how much you rest while away, one thing can get in the way of your good intentions: jet lag. Jet lag is the feeling of fatigue, disorientation, and irritability you may experience after a long flight. Understanding its causes, preventions, and treatments will get you up and running much faster the next time you fly.

While there are many factors that contribute to jet lag, such as drinking alcohol while flying and adjusting to cabin pressure, the main cause is crossing time zones. The more you cross during your flight, the longer you will experience jet lag after you land. And, the more inflexible you are with your daily routine, the more you will be affected by this disruption of your body’s Circadian Rhythms.

Circadian Rhythms control the timing, quantity and quality of hormones, chemicals and neurotransmitters in your body. These elements determine how you feel, and control your sleep patterns, appetite, sex drive and other sleep and mood related issues.

According to NASA, you need one day for every one-hour time zone crossed to regain normal rhythm and energy levels. So a 7-hour time difference means it will take seven days for you to feel back to normal again.

Most of us can’t afford a day of disorientation, let alone seven, and there are several things you can do to help lesson the impact of jet lag.

1. Drink water: lots of it! The air on board an airplane is very dry, which leads to soar throats, dry skin, chapped lips, etc. In addition to making you look haggard as you de-board, dehydration compounds the effects of jet lag. Drinking water will help, and coupled with the application of your favorite lotion, you’ll be looking and smelling better than those around you—especially if you’ve kept them up with frequent trips to the bathroom.
2. Avoid booze and coffee while on board. Let's be honest, airplane coffee never tastes that good anyway.
3. Exercise any way possible while on board. Be creative: rotate your ankles, flex your buttocks while seated, do small stretches while waiting in line for the restroom, or even use exercise as your excuse for frequent visits to that cute guy sitting in seat 31A. Note: heightened security measures onboard make joining the mile high club an unadvisable exercise option.
4. Get plenty of sleep the night before your flight, and don’t fool yourself into thinking that you’ll catch up on sleep while on the plane: this doesn’t happen.
5. Hit the showers! If you have a connection where showers are available, by all means take one. This will freshen you up and help with circulation. When you arrive to your destination, put “take a refreshing shower” at the top of your to-do list.
6. Spend some time every day outdoors.
7. Set your watch to local time, and eat and sleep according to local time. We’ve all traveled with those people who seem constantly fixated on “what time it is back home.” These people have a tough time adapting their sleeping and eating schedules to the local time.
8. Do not underestimate the effects of jet lag. It can make you feel uncomfortably sluggish and perhaps even a bit depressed. Keep yourself busy and active during the day, and at night make yourself as comfortable as possible and do your best to get 8 hours of sleep.

In addition to these suggestions, there are various medicinal products available that claim to reduce jet lag, such as No-Jet-Lag®, which costs about $10 for 32 tablets. Many people also swear that taking Melatonin will re-establish normal schedules and rhythms but there is much debate over whether melatonin helps or hinders jet lag recovery.

December 9, 2004: Physical Fitness: An Essential Part of Your Vacation

One of the greatest gifts of traveling is the ability to leave our every day stresses miles away and for a short time enter a land of make-believe. For many of us, our vacation truly ends and reality sets in the moment we jump on the scale back home. Yikes! Suddenly, our happy vacation memories are replaced with guilt, and all that we can remember in the moment is how much we ate, and how little we exercised.

The fact is it can be very difficult to stick to our fitness regimen while we travel. We have an entirely new schedule, our sleeping patterns change, and we’re busy having fun and eating everything in sight. And the real challenge is who wants to travel to the world’s most beautiful places, only to spend hours of your day in the gym?

We travel to sultry cities like Rio , immersing ourselves in foreign delicacies (especially food) promising that we’ll work out when we get home. However, this is flawed logic. While it is good to take “time off” from our workouts, we still need to burn the calories we consume, or our bodies store it as fat, fooled into thinking that we’re eating in preparation for a long winter. And remember, fat comes on a lot easier than it comes off!

Traveling Realities

We eat and drink more when we travel, and we do not only eat more, we eat the wrong kinds of things. We crowd into the best restaurants, inhaling things we normally wouldn’t —desserts at every meal, copious amounts of alcohol, and meals consumed late at night. What this means is that you need a little exercise more than ever. But be realistic, and don’t expect to “enjoy” the same level of intensity in your workouts as you do back home.

Push ups and crunches are your friends.

These two “stand bys” can provide instant fitness gratification by allowing you to tone muscles and burn calories in a safe and easy way. You don’t need any equipment, but you will need motivation, and that’s the hard part. The trick is to make it as fun and interesting as possible, and hit the floor the second you get inspired so that you don’t talk yourself out of it. If you are in your hotel room, put on some music. Many hotels around the world offer the Fashion TV channel, which always plays great, sexy background music. Besides, watching skinny little things working the runway may be just the inspiration you need.

If the weather is nice and you are in a beautiful setting, take it outside! Find a quiet spot on the beach with a gentle breeze, and knock out as many pushups as you can. There is a reason that the military swears by push-ups, and talk about party pumps; there’s nothing better!

Make it part of the vacation experience.

Many of the world’s hottest destinations, including major cities have outdoor fitness areas where you can have a great workout, perhaps better than you might have in a gym. So many times I hear people say, “Oh, I can only work out in a gym.” Really? Who made that rule?

One of my favorite things about Rio de Janeiro , for instance, is the outdoor fitness area located on the beach between Copacabana and Ipanema. It is filled with chin up bars, rustic free weights, and some of the hottest people you’ve ever seen in your life, often working out in swim wear. Talk about fitness inspiration!

The best time to come is during sunset, when the ocean’s cool, sweet breeze replaces the heat of the day, and you work out to the sounds of waves crashing against the cliff below, while pink and orange hues ignite the sky.

In fitness oriented cities like Cape Town, South Africa and New York City, working out in one of the local gyms is one of the best ways to experience part of the city’s life and culture, and it serves as a great place to meet dates—I mean, friends. Then, when you go out to the clubs later, it gives you a great pick up line, “Hey, didn’t I see you at the gym today?” Which definitely works better than “Hey man, my friend thinks you’re hot.”

In natural settings such as Machu Picchu in Peru , you have two options: Mosey around, observing the beauty from a distance, or grab a few bottles of water and head out for a full day hike to “lesser known” areas that the average tourist doesn’t get to see. However, be mindful of the high altitude which will affect your breathing and stamina.

In Central America , one can spend a relaxing day at the Ruins of Tical in Guatemala , or climb to the top of the pyramids and enjoy unbelievable views of the surrounding rainforest, while getting a great workout at the same time. Your Costa Rica vacation can consist solely of sitting on the beach, or you can take advantage of some of the best white-water rafting in the world or enjoy a canopy safari—both excellent forms of exercise.

If your vacation takes you to a tropical beach, it may be hard to fit exercise into a busy sun-bathing schedule, but it will be well worth it. And, one of the best workouts you can have is right there at your feet. Jogging on the beach is much better on your knees than even your fitness center treadmills, and it works your calf muscles in different ways than what you may be used to. Plus, the sand serves as an excellent exfoliate-- you emerge from your jog with toned legs, a healthier heart, and sexy toes. Who doesn’t want that?

One of the best and easiest ways that one can take in a bit of exercise while traveling is to do yoga. It can be done virtually anywhere, from a hotel room to a sandy beach, or if you’re into exhibitionist yoga—from the middle of Red Square in Moscow . One can easily perform an hour of yoga positions by following the simple directions from one of the many yoga books out there, such as Rodney Yee’s, “Yoga: The Poetry of the Body.” You will be amazed at how great you will feel afterwards, and you will have increased energy and stamina to enjoy your vacation.

Eat wisely

One of the joys of vacationing is experiencing new and wonderful international cuisine. While you shouldn’t deprive yourself of the experience, you should throw some common sense into the mix. If you’re dying for sweets, try consuming them earlier in the day, when you have a full day to burn off the calories. Try everything you want, but take smaller portions. Avoid eating within three hours before bedtime, and if you must eat, have a little protein and stay away from carbs. You’re not going to burn many of those carbs while you sleep, and your body will have no problem storing them for you. Also, avoid sugary drinks, especially late at night.

Turn the challenge into a positive.

Changing your fitness patterns for a short time is one of the best things you can do to overcome plateaus and actually spice up your workouts back home. When you travel, you are often forced to pursue other forms of exercise than what you are used to, and this may actually shock your muscles into growth. It also forces you to be a bit creative, and you may bring back home an innovative new workout in addition to an awesome tan.

Bryan Herb is a former personal trainer and is co-owner of Zoom Vacations®, a US company that creates stylish international private events and gay group vacations to the world’s hottest destinations. Learn more about them at www.zoomvacations.com or call 866 966-6822.

October 23, 2004: Gay-Friendly Peru Beckons You

For thousands of years, Peru's extraordinary beauty has been both the backdrop of incredible cultural and spiritual expression and a pallet for architectural artists. Today, it has become one of the world’s most welcoming and enticing destinations for gay travelers.

In fact, one can find more rainbow flags in Peru than perhaps anywhere on Earth. This same symbol of gay pride today has been a major symbol of the Inca people for centuries. Rainbow flags adorn governmental buildings, hotels, and of course flag poles throughout the country. While it is not intended as an official welcome to gay travelers, one can always pretend.

A typical journey will take you through the cultural heart of Lima, charming Cusco, and the Valley of the Incas (all UNESCO World Heritage sights). But perhaps what will impress and inspire you most is a visit to one of the world's most important archeological sights: the ancient mystical city of Machu Picchu.

Many visitors to Machu Picchu report a strange energy they felt, walking among the ruins. Perhaps it's simply the beauty of the Inca's mass stone structures set atop high mountains over the winding Urubamba River below. Or, perhaps it is the leftover blessings of an ancient Inca Priest. Whatever it may be, nothing can truly prepare oneself for the "magic" of Machu Picchu.

On your way to Machu Picchu, you will encounter the enchanting city of Cusco, which is as rich in Incan ruins and Spanish colonial buildings as it is in fine restaurants and wonderful Accommodations. Most notable is the Orient-Express Hotel Monasterio, a gay-friendly, luxurious, lovingly restored monastery-turned-hotel, whose staff will cater to your every need. They will even pump oxygen into your room to compensate for the high elevation. Of course, chewing the native coca leaf or drinking coca tea will also assuage the travel weary.

Whether you choose to hike the Inca trail, or take the lavish Orient-Express Hiram Bingham train from Cusco to Machu Picchu, it will be an experience you will never forget. Round out your stay with a journey to the scenic Sacred Valley of the Incas, and a visit to Peru’s vibrant gay-friendly capital, Lima.

Lima’s cosmopolitan atmosphere affects all aspects of the city, from art, to culture, to cuisine, making it a tourist’s delight. Spanish, Japanese, Italian, Portuguese, and native influences are apparent everywhere, inspiring unique architecture as well as a fusion cuisine unlike anywhere else in the world.

Only in Lima can you have an authentic lunch in South America’s oldest inhabited mansion, just a few miles away from where you will enjoy a gourmet dinner in one of the world’s best restaurants, nestled against a 2000 year old ruin.

While many of the world’s larger cities may have a more vibrant gay scene than Lima, Peru’s largest city shines with stylish gay-friendly and gay-owned restaurants, and bars that are more balanced and mixed than one might find anywhere.

Lima enjoys unusual, yet wonderful weather conditions—it rains literally only a few days a year. However, its proximity on the coast, amidst gentle waters flowing to the ocean, makes it surprisingly lush and green.

July 22, 2004: Rio de Janeiro: The New “South Beach” for New Years

Each year, more and more gay men seeking a sexy, exciting New Years vacation are trading in their “Cosmos” for “Caipirinhas,” and heading to Rio de Janeiro, leaving the usual winter get-aways like South Beach behind. This year, Zoom Vacations® can bring you to the heart of the action.

“Rio today reminds me of what South Beach was like 10 years ago,” said Joel Cabrera, the owner of Zoom Vacations®, a gay vacation company based in the US, “The beaches are loaded with eye candy as far as the eye can see, and the night scene explodes with some of the best venues and music in the world.”

The center of Rio’s gay scene is Ipanema, with its huge gay beach, trendy restaurants, and unique gay bars.

“Everyone wants to stay in Ipanema,” said Cabrera, “It’s unlike any place I’ve ever been, and you do things you probably would never do back home, like walk around town, go shopping, and go for lunch wearing nothing but a Speedo and flip-flops. But, everyone does it, and it’s totally normal…and sexy to boot.”

A typical day in Rio starts with a huge Brazilian breakfast buffet at your hotel with fresh exotic fruits and juices, freshly baked breads, and incredible meats and cheeses. After breakfast, Zoom Vacations® suggests you try your hand at tandem hang-gliding, which takes you over Rio’s beautiful beaches and tropical jungle.

Or, they can take you on a professionally guided tour of one of the favelas, the small settlements of jerry-built shacks that cover the hills around Rio. Favelas form much of Rio’s culture and are credited with creating the Samba, and a visit will provide an unparalleled understanding of Rio’s culture.

On other days you may do a little morning shopping or perhaps take a trip to Corcovado, where the famous Christ Statue, Christo Redento stands watching over the city.

Whatever you decide, at some point everyone flocks to the beach to mingle, reconnect with people met at a club the night before, and drink caipirinhas (a Brazilian drink made from fresh lime juice, tons of sugar, and a strong liquor called cachaca).

After a few hours basking in the sun, it’s time for a late lunch at a Brazilian Bar B Q, called a churrascaria, or perhaps an outside café where you can enjoy a sandwich and a chopp (a draft beer). One thing for sure, you won’t leave Rio without taking in a lot of meat, pun intended.

Your Rio vacation reaches its climax on December 31st, where you will see everything you’ve been missing all these years spending New Years back in the States.

On New Years Eve in Rio, everyone from the tourists to cariocas (the name given to the locals of Rio de Janeiro) dress in white, and walk into the water to cleanse their past year’s sins by giving an offering to the sea goddess, Yemanja. Millions of people flock to Copacabana Beach to hear live music and watch the world-famous fireworks display.

It is truly a destination of beauty and contrast. Everyone is sun-kissed from a week of beach parties, hang-gliding, and touring this sensual city, and dressed all in white, the contrast makes even the once-pale tourists look beautifully exotic.

However, the most unique dichotomy is the week of partying contrasted with the spiritual “cleansing” of New Years Eve in Rio.

Zoom Vacations®’ New Years package in Rio provides an insider’s edge to everything the city has to offer, including Accommodations at the highly sought-after Ipanema Plaza Hotel, private beach parties, a phenomenal helicopter tour of the city, free cell phones for the week, and more. They even can hook you up with optional activities such as hang-gliding, and unforgettable tours of the Tijuca Forest, favelas, and even the world-famous samba schools.

Rio de Janeiro in English is River of January, and Zoom Vacations® will show you that there is no better time to be there!

John Sarley of LA who joined Zoom Vacations® last New Years said, “Exploring Rio with the Zoom boys doubles the fun and cuts the hassles in half. Four thumbs up!"

Jerry Davis of Chicago said, " Rio is a magical place to be for New Years....the sun is blazing, the energy in the streets is electric, and the personalized service of the Zoom staff is second to none....I look forward to coming back for years to come!"

Jay Deratany of Chicago said, "Rio and Zoom Vacations® are both hot, hot, hot! We so enjoyed the excursions, the beaches, the wonderful meals and mostly the gracious hospitality of the Zoom group. Without a doubt, I can say that you haven't been on a vacation until you have been on a Zoom Vacation!"

Franco Castiglione of NYC says the best things about Rio for New Years are "Fabulous beaches and hot spots, gorgeous guys, and it’s so cheap!"

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