Do you yearn to expand your horizons beyond the usual homo holiday hangouts? Do you crave new travel experiences? Are you looking for the next big thing on the gay travel scene? Well, we might just have some ideas for you to ponder.

So here’s the scenario; you turn up - as you do every year - in Mykonos, rock up to Pierro’s only to be greeted with a warm, friendly smile from the barman who can remember not only your name and what you drink, but also the brand of vodka you prefer. Perhaps you could do a bar crawl of Sitges blindfolded, or maybe you could draw a map of the gay bars in Ibiza from memory, perhaps you also know which party is best on which particular night of the week?

While we all like to have a little familiarity in our surroundings and are all creatures of habit, variety is most definitely the spice of life! Never before have there been so many destinations where the gay tourist is more welcome, so it might be time to ditch the time share on the Costa del Sol and head for pastures new.

There are loads of exciting and fresh destinations, all shiny and new just waiting for us in the big gay yonder. So, to give you some inspiration we take a look at a few hip new destinations that are certainly worth your attention.
 
Buenos Aires
This, the most liberal and European of all South American cities has really put itself on the gay map over the last few years. The recent recognition of civil unions for same sex partners, the liberal attitude of the locals, the beauty of the city and the burgeoning gay scene have all made this increasingly popular with gay tourists from all over the world. Don’t let the fabulous architecture and European ambience of the city fool you, underneath this beautiful, but thin veneer lies a pure Latin beast

Read our guide to Beunos Aires.

Puerto Vallarta
A firm favourite with our North American gay cousins, this charming and unspoilt beach resort is the number one gay destination in Mexico. The town retains much of its original old world charm and character with the tropical setting, gorgeous beaches, year round sunshine and friendly atmosphere just some of the other reasons to visit. Plenty of gay bars, cafes, clubs and restaurants are clustered around the old town were there are also several gay guesthouses, which you should book early to avoid disappointment.

Croatia
Once again on the tourist map this unblemished jewel of the Mediterranean gives us a glimpse of the past splendour which has been lost in other coastal areas of the Med. Although the city offers little in the way of venues for the gay tourist, the many islands and beaches - many of which are naturist - are frequented with local gays and lesbians as well as tourists from across Europe. Unspoilt and charming, Croatia’s miles of beautiful coastline have been undamaged by the ravages of mass tourism, but you better get your skates on if you want to catch it before it’s too late.

Read our guide to Croatia.

Budapest
Situated on either side of the Danube River the towns of Buda and Pest have long been a hub of gay activity in Eastern Europe. As well as the usual venues there’s also a strong gay social network of gay and lesbian groups which provide an infrastructure for the gay community. The city has a unique and somewhat mysterious flavour for Western European visitors due to the Eastern influence in everything from the architecture to the cuisine. Many fine buildings are worth visiting in the city and the famous baths, which are dotted all over the city, are a great way to meet the very upfront and friendly locals.

Read our Budapest travel guide.

Netherland Antilles
The Caribbean is not generally accepting of out gay tourists with attitudes ranging from disapproving to downright hostility, however, there are some exceptions to this generalisation. The most notable would have to be the Curacao Tourist Board who has teamed up with 11 local hotels and resorts, five of which were already members of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association, to launch www.gaycuracao.com. As it says on the site, “We are committed to welcoming all visitors to the island and hope that this new integrated tool will help spread the word to the gay and lesbian community worldwide.”

Cuba
Cuba’s socialist government treated the gay community harshly in the past which resulted in the burgeoning scene remaining largely underground. Although public displays of homosexuality are illegal, homosexuality is generally tolerated by the general public so as long as tourists are discreet they should encounter no problems with the authorities. Mariela Castro, Fidel’s niece is a very vocal supporter of LGBT rights and a campaigner for AIDS prevention, which reflects the changing face of Cuba into a more tolerant society.

Read more in our guide to Cuba.

Costa Rica
This small Central American country is an oasis of calm and stability in this sometimes tumultuous region which has seen the number of gay and lesbian tourists coming here increase rapidly in the last few years. A nature lovers paradise, with coastlines on both the Caribbean and Pacific Oceans, the interior has some of the most untouched and well preserved jungle habitats in the world. There are a number of exclusively gay resorts here with the capital of San Jose and Quepos / Manuel Antonio being the most favoured areas with the local gay community.

Punta Del Este
Uruguay’s equivalent of St Tropez sees high rollers from all over South America flock here from December until March to take advantage of this gorgeous little town. Miles of unspoilt beaches, beautiful scenery, luxury nightlife and fantastic hotels all make this a great alternative to the glitzier and brasher coastal resorts of Brazil. A great location for a romantic getaway with your partner, the scene here is low key but dreamy. Perfect as an add-on to the equally fantastic Buenos Aires as these two destinations complement each other flawlessly.

Melbourne
Australia’s second largest city often plays second fiddle to the rather louder and more outlandish Sydney. However, with its Victorian architecture, tree lined streets, excellent dining, trams and thriving café culture the most European City in Australia makes an enchanting and unique alternative for the gay tourist to Oz. A thriving gay scene makes its home here and the beautiful Victoria countryside that surrounds the city contains some of Australia’s most beautiful landscapes.

Read our city guide to Melbourne.

Hamburg
Hugely underrated as a gay destination Hamburg is Germany’s second largest city and also Europe’s wealthiest. This picturesque city is squeezed between two scenic lakes, lies on the river Elbe and is Germany’s largest port. The Reeperbahn, or red light district, is a relic to its maritime past and is where you can find the distinctive gay scene. Hedonistic and vibrant there is much to see in this varied and interesting city.


Find out all the latest gay travel information by buying the 2006 Spartacus International Gay Guide. Get it online and save some money to put towards the other Bruno Gmunder guides - Hotel and Restaurant Guide and Sauna Guide.