by David Cohen
Colors, adventure and energy… these are some of the qualities one encounters when visiting South Africa. From incredible wildlife and astounding scenery to thriving cities, South Africa has it all. South Africa’s complexity emerged from Dutch and British colonial history, internal warfare, and decades of struggle to become a modern democracy. In 1652, Jan Riebeeck arrived in the Cape to establish a station for the powerful Dutch East India Company, importers of slaves from all parts of Africa.

Years later riots and violence against the colonial rule caused the weakening of the Dutch power and finally, the British seized the Cape in 1795. In 1994 after decades of apartheid rule, Nelson Mandela become the first president of a fully democratic South Africa. Eight journalists left New York City on a direct flight to Johannesburg on South Africa Airlines, and although we were excited about the trip, the airline’s economy class is intolerable for a 15-hour flight. Our first stop was Sun City, two-and-a-half hours outside Johannesburg. This over-the-top resort, with its Las Vegas-style entertainment and man-made beach, is the entertainment capital of the Northwest province.

At Sun City we stayed at the Palace, a luxurious 5 star hotel with overly lavish accommodations–we would have preferred something a bit more subtle.The Pilanesberg Game Reserve, adjacent to Sun City, lies in an extinct volcanic mountain and is the largest game reserve in South Africa and the best place to witness the most spectacular wildlife in the region. Wild animals seen frolicking here include white and black rhinos, giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, elephants, lions, water buffaloes, hippopotamuses, and many bird species. But the day’s highlight was only ten minutes away from the hotel at the Sundown Ranch, where we held a lion cub–one of the trip’s most unforgettable moments.

The safari continued with a visit to Makweti & Metsi lodges in the Welgevonden area (both Welgevonden and Pilanesberg are malaria-free). Only three hours away from Sun City, these lodges are elegant and beautifully designed and maintained. Our friendly and knowledgeable ranger, Wayne, made our stay memorable. In his open Land Rover we drove up and down rocky hills and over creeks, experiencing the flora and fauna of mother Africa. Here we searched for lions and enjoyed a night safari. To add to the ambience of the evening, the crew surprised us with a picnic in the wilderness, where we witnessed a colorful sunset. Sipping champagne and eating hors d’oeuvres in the wild was an unforgettable treat–and hearing the sounds of animals nearby made the experience even more exhilarating.

From Makweti & Metsi Lodges the tour continued northeast toward the famous Kruger National Park, where heat and humidity are as common as the blue sky. At this prime attraction you can sit and watch the wildlife from the privacy of your own room. Imagine watching the first unsteady steps of a lion cub or listening to the joyful calls of birds seeking mates or watching monkeys fighting among themselves– all from the luxury of your personal lodge. Here you’ll be pampered with every comfort imaginable and have the finest cuisine delivered to your doorstep or prepared and served for you in the wild.

At Mala Mala and Singita Game Reserves located inside the Sabi Sand Reserve near Kruger National Park, miracles really do came true. These resorts are first-class and offer luxury accommodations with a distinctly African style. One night at Mala Mala we tracked a family of leopards that seemed unconcerned by our proximity.

After a week on safari we flew to Cape Town, the gay mecca of South Africa. This hot destination is one of the most visited spots in South Africa, even when the sun isn’t shining. Cradled between the mountains and the sea, Cape Town attractions include beautiful sandy beaches, wine country, botanical gardens, museums, shopping, and more. A cable ride to the top of  Table Mountain is a must. Named for its flat top, this mountain dominates the city’s skyline. From the top you can witness some of the best views of Cape Town and the peninsula. Visiting wine country is also required.

Over the past 10 years South Africa’s wine industry has experienced a renaissance, and their wines are among the most popular in the New World. A full day trip to wine country is recommended.Other places to visit are Cape Point, a cruise to Seal Island (a seal preserve), a trip to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for over 25 years, and the Castle of Good Hope.

We stayed at the Table Bay Hotel, a 5-star hotel on the stunning waterfront that is only minutes away from the gay village, Cape Town’s Boystown. The De Waterkant Village apartments–a complex of 60 beautiful restored historic cottages in the heart of the gay village–is another place where you can enjoy the privacy of home. Within walking distance to clubs, bars, bathhouses, restaurants, and shops, this village is the place where people meet to play day and night.Planning to explore the nightlife? We recommend some of the following spots. If dancing is what you want, then 55 is the stop for you–this club opens late and has a friendly crowd. Bronx is the most popular bar in the village, and is mixed, crowded and interesting. If a sophisticated atmosphere is important then Manhattan Café and Bar is the place to go. For steamy action go to the Hothouse or Steamers. Both bathhouses are open 24 hours on the weekends. Another spot to check out, especially on Sundays, is Clifton 3rd–the gay beach where you can mingle with locals.

DavidTours arranged dinner at Rozenhof restaurant where we dined with many of David Rubin’s (the owner of DavidTours) friends. We also were invited to a Sunday afternoon cocktail party at his friends’ mountaintop home, where the view of the peninsula was spectacular. Due to Cape Town’s high crime rate, caution is highly recommended here, and taking a taxi from one spot to another is a way of life. Make sure to call a taxi from inside an establishment, and never pick up a cab at the street corner.

From Cape Town we flew to Zambia to visit Victoria Falls–one of the world’s largest and most beautiful waterfalls. Nearby, at the Royal Livingston Hotel we treated ourselves to massages and were able to enjoy some rest and relaxation. At night we cruised the Zambezi River aboard the African Queen, where we witnessed a remarkable sunset with colors that reminded me of a Gaugin painting. The river was crowded with hippopotamuses and crocodiles. The following day we took a helicopter ride to see breathtaking Victoria Falls from above–Incredible! Unfortunately, three years of drought made the walking tour of the falls a bit disappointing.

From Zambia the tour traveled to Johannesburg. At night we dined with Rubin’s friends again. After dinner we visited the Heartland, a complex of gay bars which lacked the energy of metropolitan clubs and discos in the United States and Europe. After spending the final night of the tour at the Grace Hotel in Rosebank, an affluent suburb, we spent our last day bargain hunting at the Mall at Rosebank–the Mall’s African craft market has all your gift and souvenir needs.

South Africa’s diverse population, wonderful wildlife, and rich culture offer the traveler an unforgettable experience. Many thanks to DavidTours the organizer, and to our tour guide Christian who made our trip memorable.

To learn more about Africa call DavidTours at (888) 723-0699 or visit their website at www.DavidTours.com.

 ents from the top bar.

Sunday, May 22nd, 2011

More than 35,000 LGBT customers have signed letter asking them to stop advertising on Fox News; thousands are flocking to Orbitz’s Facebook wall vowing to boycott the online travel agency.

Orbitz may end up losing thousands of customers and revenue because they refuse to stop advertising on Fox News, progressive grassroots organization Courage Campaign said today.In less than four days, more than 35,000 individuals have signed a letter to Orbitz CEO Barney Harford asking him to stop placing travel ads on the anti-gay television network. As of this press release, 1,352 customers have also taken to Orbitz’s Facebook wall to inform them that they will not be using Orbitz to book their travel until they stop.The Courage Campaign, along with Media Matters for America, GLAAD and Equality Matters, launched the campaign on Monday. Orbitz’s travel site, which previously was a strong supporter of and marketer to the LGBT community, has generated strong business growth for Orbitz. “It’s hypocritical to cater to our community, take our money and then turn around and give it to Fox so the network can broadcast lies about LGBT people and our issues,” said Adam Bink, Director of Online Programs for the Courage Campaign. “If Orbitz wants to maintain a gay-friendly image and keep their loyal customers, they should reconsider where they are buying ads because as you can see by some of these Facebook posts, folks are very angry that their money is being used to promote hate. “If you have a ‘strict policy of tolerance and non-discrimination’ then why advertise on a network that blatantly and regularly attacks the gay community?” Rick Jacobs, founder and chair of the Courage Campaign, asked of Orbitz. 
An average of 52 messages per hour are being posted on Orbitz’s Facebook page. Adiva Wayne, a national and international traveler who’s been a longtime Orbitz customer, posted on Facebook: “I will no longer be using Orbitz for bookings. If Orbitz wishes to choose Fox “News” hatred over previously loyal customers (while portraying itself as an LGTB-friendly company, considering other adverts), it can stand to lose the millions of dollars in business. ”David B. Karpf, another former loyal customer in Maryland, said: “I will not use Orbitz in the future as long as they advertise on the Fox News Network, and their advertising dollars support the bigoted, racist, homophobic views and outright lies and pandering espoused by most of the Fox commentators.”The Courage Campaign is taking these actions because we are frankly tired of this station’s history of destructive anti-gay language and actions, including: 
1. Giving Mike Huckabee his own show despite Huckabee’s history of comparing homosexuality to drug abuse, incest, pedophilia, and necrophilia. Huckabee has repeatedly used his Fox platform to campaign against gay marriage, and he has suggested that marriage equality poses a threat to stable society. 
2. Bill O’ Reilly repeatedly using his popular prime time show to warn against the “dangers” of allowing gay people near children, to assert that same-sex marriage could lead to polygamy, nuptials with turtles, ducks or dolphins, and to claim that implementing a hate crimes bill could protect pedophiles. 
3. Perpetuating the claim that repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” would impact troop readiness and morale, despite multiple reports — including the Pentagon’s — to the contrary.It’s time Orbitz paid attention to what they are hurting.

Source: http://www.couragecampaign. org/testimony.

Thursday, April 14th, 2011
Keynote Competitive Research, the industry analysis research group announced the results of Industry Study examining U.S. Hotel Reservation Websites. In the 2011 U.S. Hotel Reservation Sites study, Hotels.com took first place for Best Overall Customer Experience and Marriott.com came in first for Best Overall Technical Quality for their websites.  

Key findings include: Hotels.com, Expedia, and Orbitz are the top-tier sites for Conversion. Tor Customer Satisfaction it is the Hilton Hotels. Hotels.com is considered the most “convenient” and “friendly,” while Expedia is the most “helpful.” Hotels.com is deemed most “flexible & accommodating to customer requests," and Orbitz is considered the most “fun.”

“Based on our analysts’ observations and interviews with our panel of actual users, the study of US hotel reservation websites revealed that when booking hotel reservations online trust, security, customer support and the booking process are the top determining factors of a positive customer experience,” said Christopher Musto, general manager of Keynote.

In addition to evaluating customer experience with its panel of actual users, the study also examined two broad aspects of technical quality: responsiveness and reliability. Based on the thousands of transactions monitored over the course of the study, Marriott.com is ranked first in All Overall Technical Quality. In the two components of ‘Technical Quality,’ Sheraton set the standard for responsiveness (or speed), while Marriott led the group in reliability and was third in responsiveness.

Source: Press release from Keynote Competitive Research.

Friday, February 25th, 2011
photos and story by Ed Walsh

Torremolinos, one of the many famed municipalities composing Spain’s autonomous “sunny coast” community of Andalusia, may be the gayest city you never heard of. Located on the southwest corner of the country, this city has more than three dozen gay bars and nightclubs. Locals claim Torremolinos has the most gay venues of any Spanish city outside of Madrid and Barcelona. This gay playground is also the only town in Europe with a major airport. The Malaga, the third busiest airport in Spain, is just 10 minutes away from the heart of Torremolinos.
This area’s always-abounding nightlife is comparable to Costa del Sol’s annual climate, which averages 324 days of sunshine per year. Mild winters, warm springs, warm falls and hot summers complement this paradise known for being a major destination of the rich and famous.

MALAGA 
The first stop for most visitors to Costa de Sol is Malaga. With a population of nearly 600,000, it is the largest city in the region and best known as the birthplace of Spain’s most acclaimed artist Pablo Picasso. Packed with the prolific painter’s works, the Museo La Casa Picasso is one of the most visited attractions on the coast. Malaga’s Cathedral is known best for having just one steeple. After 250 years, the construction ended in 1782. The second steeple was never completed, but today Malagans are happy with their distinctive landmark nonetheless.

MARBELLA AND PUERTO BANÚS
What began as a small fishing village in the 1940’s, Marbella since blossomed into one of the most popular resort destinations of the international jet set. The super-rich lifestlyes of which are clearly evoked in neighboring Puerto Banús, where an ultra-chic array of shops showcase wares on par with that of the multimillion-dollar yachts docked in the adjacent luxury marina.
However, the Old Town distrcict is wonderful window into Marbella’s less extravagent past. With narrow streets and white buildings, designed to minimize the sun and the heat during the hot summer months this old city is a great palce to spend a  few hours in the early evening.
For gourmet food, and one of the best restaurants in Costa del Sol, make a reservation at La Meridiana. Regarded as Marbella’s finest dining, the restaurant is set in a Moorish/Arabian style building surrounded by a garden and a decorative pool. This eatery offers outstaning dishes all prepared with the freshest local ingredients available.

RONDA AND MIJAS
Ronda is another Costa del Sol treasure not to be missed. It is one of Spain’s oldest towns. It is on a mountainside nearly 2500 feet above sea level and has a population of 40,000. It takes about 45 minutes to drive the winding road into town from Torremolinos. The views along the way are of spectacular– white Andalucían villages, the signature of this region. The town’s emblematic symbol is the bridge over the gorge that separates the two sides of the city. (It is a mini-version of the Grand Canyon).
Eleven miles west of Torremolinos, the charming city of Mijas lies in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Known for its Sunday Bullfights, this town has the best and most spectacular views of the coast. A visit to the Mijas Wine Museum will reveal the wine history of the region. A quick stop at the historic circa building from1839 for tapas and drinks is recommended.

WHAT TO SEE
Travelers opting to tour the coast via a morning Mediterrranean sailboat cruise, will not only be afforded breathtaking views of The Rock of Gibralter (on a clear day), but may also find themselves making port in a different culture on a different continent. Being able to reach Morocco in under an hour, visitors can spend the day sight-seeing in Casablanca—the city where Bogart’s Blaine told Berman’s Lund, “Here’s looking at you, Kid.”— and make it back to Spain in time for dinner.

WHERE TO STAY
Located in the heart of Malaga, minutes away from the city’s gay nightlife, Room Mate Lola Hotel is a good place to hang your sombrero. It is also Spain’s first gay-friendly hotel chain.
The Marbella Club Hotel and the Hotel Puente Romano are among the finest resort hotels in Europe. They are situated along the “Golden Mile” of Marbella, between the Old Town and Puerto Banús. Unlike most European hotels, the rooms are quite spacious and most include balconies or patios overlooking the ocean. Amenities include tennis courts, pools, a gym and aspa. Rates starts at $200.
If you really want to splurge, stay at the Villa Padierna Hotel, part of the Ritz-Carton chain. Rates start at $280. Fifteen minutes from downtown Marbella, the Melia La Quinta Hotel offers luxury stay at bargain rates. Starting at $144 per night, this gay-friendly eatable; isment is one of the best deals in town. For about $40 more, guests get two hours in the spa plus lunch.
Located next to gorge’s arched bridge, the Paradore Hotel in Ronda is one of the best in the Paradores chain. Rates run from $175 per night. Guests can save some dinero by staying at the Hostal Guadalupe in Torremolinos. Rates start at just $45, and it’s the only gay hotel in Costa del Sol.

GAY NIGHTLIFE 
With more than two dozen gay bars, nightclubs and a few saunas, the gay village known as Nogalera claims controll over 80% of Torremolinos’ nightlife. Everything here gets moving after 1a.m., and Home nightclub is the hotest spot in town. For those looking to get frisky, an expansive dark room is on site. Another late-night mega club is Passion, with room for over 2,000 club goers. The early set can check out El Gato Lounge, which opens at 7 p.m. and touts the “biggest gay terrace” in Torremolinos.Café El Atrio opens daily at 8 p.m and is mixed with gay guys and girls. Bear bar Bacchus is open daily from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., and Anfora is the lesbian place to be, only on weekends from 10 p.m.- 2:30 a.m. Malaga also supports active gay life. The Elarmen bar is busy earlier in the evening. It attracts mostly gay men and some lesbians. The Reinas bar hosts a late-night, gay-male crowd and it’s open all night.

GAY BEACHES
There are three gay beaches in Costa del Sol. The most popular is Cabopino Beach. It’s in a nature reserve, near the five-star Don Carlos Hotel between Marbella and Calahonda. Gays tend to hang out in the far end of the clothing-optional beach below bushes overlooking the shore that attract an adventurous crowd. The Poseidon Beach is a nude beach, about a 15-minute’s drive from Cabopino Beach and right in the center of town. The Guadalmar Beach is located between Torremolinos and Malaga. It is also clothing-optional. Overall, Cabopino has an older crowd. The crowd tends to skew younger at Poseidon and Guadalmar tends to be more mixed.

For more information visit www.spain.info

Friday, February 4th, 2011
by David Cohen

Atlantis Events, Inc., the world’s largest company specializing in all gay/lesbian cruises and resort vacations, announces its embarking onboard the largest gay cruise ever. This Sunday, February 6, Royal Caribbean International’s Allure of the Seas leaves port with nearly 5,400 gay and lesbian guests.

Celebrating the line’s 20th anniversary cruise, the voyage departs from Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. and promises a lineup of the best gay and lesbian talent. From comedians to cabaret stars and seven of the world’s top DJs taking the boat’s signature stages–this pleasure cruise stands to set sail as possibly the biggest production Atlantis has ever orchestrated in its 20-year history.

“Our guest response was incredible,” said Rich Campbell, CEO of Atlantis.  “Our guests always want the newest and most exciting experiences in the world. We knew they would love this cruise, but had no idea just how strong the response would be. So much of what we are creating onboard is the culmination of 20 years of experience and getting to know what our guests really love.”

The company also confirms that Allure of the Seas is booked for next year. The 2012 cruise will depart  from Ft. Lauderdale on January 29, 2012, with stops in Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico and Labadee in Haiti.

Other cruises planned for this year are the Southern Caribbean cruise in March, the 20th anniversary Mediterranean cruise this summer,  and The Mexican Riviera cruise on the Oosterdam in October, 2011.

For reservations call Atlantis at 1-800-6-ATLANTIS.  For detailed information visit www.atlantisevents.com.

Thursday, October 14th, 2010

The Tourist Office of Spain in Chicago hosted dozens of travel, media and sales professionals in the lower ballroom and conference center at the city’s Park Hyatt Hotel Wednesday, October 13, 2010.  In celebration of “It & Me” 2010’s Motivation Show—an annual convention featuring programs geared toward the incentive, recognition, loyalty and motivational meetings industry—The Tourist Office of Spain showcased an evening of mingling, dining and dancing.

The night’s highlights featured an open bar and a buffet of Spanish delicacies, such as seafood paella, two carving stations and an individual conference room filled with dessert. A live band, performing native songs as well as mainstream favorites, took the stage while couples in attendance (some wearing boots as exotic as the Spanish-themed backdrop) enjoyed the adjacent dance floor.

The Tourist Offices of Spain are the representatives abroad of the Instituto de Turismo de España (TURESPAÑA), which is the Administrative unit of the Central Government of Spain in charge of promoting Spain abroad as a tourism destination. Their website offers visitors a comprehensive look at the culture, cuisine and attractions available to those traveling to Spain. www.spain.info/index.html?l=en_US

Pictured above, left to right: Live band sings esoteric Spanish songs, carver cuts esoteric ham and attendees wear esoteric shoes.

Tuesday, September 21st, 2010

Per the American Airlines corporate communications office in Fort Worth, Texas—As people around the world prepare for Oktoberfest merriment, AA is showcasing Germany as its featured destination by celebrating the country’s culture with the new Leder Posin’ photo contest, currently highlighted on the company’s AAdvantage® MilestonesTM online travel guide.

The Leder Posin’ photo contest, which runs from Septempter15-October 15, encourages customers to submit photos of people dressed in lederhosen or any traditional German attire at Oktoberfest celebrations or other global tourist attractions for a chance to win a grand prize of 275,000 AAdvantage miles. After the submission period, ten finalists will be chosen to each receive 25,000 miles. Milestones visitors will then be able to vote for their favorite photo, which will award the grand prize winner an additional 250,000 miles. Photos can be uploaded to the Leder Posin’ photos gallery at www.aa.com/milestones.

In addition to the photo contest, customers who visit the Milestones online travel guide and vote for their favorite photos will be entered in a sweepstakes for a chance to win 100,000 AAdvantage miles. Voting runs from November 1-30. For more information on the AAdvantage program, including a list of participating companies, visit www.aa.com/aadvantage.