Out in the Square - 28 February 2009

Out in the Square is Wellington's Gay and Lesbian Fair.  The date for the 

next fair has now been announced - mark 28 February 2009 on your 

calendar (as well as 7 March which will be our rain date).

Out in the Square showcases professional performers from the talented

rainbow (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender)  community and wider, 

features quality merchandise, fabulous food and sumptuous wine.  It’s an 

event for all ages of the community, a whole day of fun and frivolity set  against some great music in a great location!

Website: Out in the Square

Check our the Rainbow Tourism Wellington page for accommodation and more. If you need any travel assistance contact the Rainbow Tourism Concierge.

Big Apple Events as World AIDS Day Turns 20

If you happen toi be in New York this holiday weekend - where the Harvey MILK movie is selling out every showing - you may want to join the local community in noting World AIDS Day, Dec. 1st. Candlelight ceremony, viewing of the AIDS quilt, reading of the names, and moving words from re- representatives of the Keith Herring Foundation and the American Run for the End of AIDS (AREA).

Miami Beach runs up the rainbow flag

November 12, 2008:
As if South Beach weren’t already gay enough, the rainbow flag now flies over Miami Beach City Hall.

Mayor Matti Herrera Bower raised the flag on Monday, reversing a policy that had specifically forbidden the multi-colored banner. “I think that this is just another step to making a whole city, a city that really welcomes gays and lesbians,” she said.

Herrera said the gay flag will fly intermittently over government buildings, while businesses will likely keep it up year-round. The city commission hopes the largely symbolic gesture will be adopted by other jurisdictions in South Florida.

See the new South Florida section on Rainbow Tourism's portal if you want to head down to see the historic flag yourself. I recall Miami once had a gay mayor, about 25 years ago. He's probably smiling down on the city now. - Rainbow Dee

Spring Fling 2008 almost here - Sydney

Only a few days left until SPRING FLING 2008 and the online ticket price is now $30. Huh?

There are only a few days left until SPRING FLING @ The Polo Lounge & Supper Club (the Oxford Hotel, Darlinghurst) / Sunday 30 November 2008. And get this! We have dropped the single online price to $30 plus small booking fee.

But we didn’t stop there. We are determined to make this a huge success for the Luncheon Club as they will benefit greatly from a packed event. So here are the full savings if you buy 1 or more tickets.

BUY 1 x TICKET online for $30+bf (save $10 from door price)

BUY 2 x TICKETS online for $55+bf (save $25 from door price)

BUY 4 x TICKETS online for $100+bf (save $60 from door price)

These special offers are only available online at www.springfling.com.au NOW until the

event. 

WARNING!!!!! If you don’t buy online, you may have to pay full price on the door or even worse  SHOCK HORROR - miss out getting in the door!!!!

SPRING FLING will feature non-stop entertainment from 3pm this Sunday. The strong line up of DJs and other performers guarantees one hell of an afternoon to see out the Spring and welcome in the Summer. Make sure you’re there to check out the DJs that include -

Beefy Boy, Ian Spicer, Kate Monroe, Luke Leal, Guy Hornsey, Justin Scott, Mark Loasby, Stryker, Sandi Hotrod, Troy Cox, Mark Alsop, Jayson Forbes, Jimmy Dee, Scott Tanner and Jake Kilby, with the hot percussion styles of Rob Morrish. If that’s not enough, you’ll also experience new vocal sensations Tarina and Donne, with the super diva styles of Kaye Gordon. Ande Kindryd will get you laughing and J Bear and the J Cubs and The Aussie Pole Boys will delight and excite.

We urge you to "spring" in to action and get your tickets online right now at these incredible special online ticket prices. Goto www.springfling.com.au - buy one for you and one for your friend. Then buy one for another friend. Secure your tickets online now to avoid disappointment at the door.

Website & tickets www.springfling.com.au

So Spring into action - get to Oxford Street, Sydney this Sunday 30th November.

Gay Family Travel Alternatives

Taking our families to meet their families...

Canadian based OUT Adventures today announced 8 new Family trips which are dedicated to LGBT parents with children above the age of 6. Trips will operate in Thailand, Vietnam, India, China, South Africa, Spain and Italy with a maximum of 14 passengers per departure.

“We recognized that LGBT parents are very interested in introducing their children to new cultures around the world,” says Co-Founder Robert Sharp. Robert’s partner and Co-Founder Steven Larkin adds “As well, we really wanted to offer gay and lesbian parents affordable travel options outside of traditional resort or cruise packages.”

Trips are tailored to meet the needs of families with children and all trips will have a strong focus on responsible travel by using locally owned hotels, restaurants and also interaction with local communities, both LGBT and mainstream.

The company is also leading this niche market by operating in a manner that contributes to the well being of the planet – from using green power in the OUT Adventures head office to including carbon emission off-setting in the cost of approximately 15% of its trips in its first year and in all trips by 2010.

In order to provide the best itineraries at the most affordable prices, OUT Adventures has partnered with one of the world’s leading adventure tour operators, Intrepid Travel which will allow OUT to contract with a global network of destination management companies under the Intrepid brand.

Trips are available directly through the OUT Adventures website at www.out-adventures.com and through its affiliate www.rainbowtourism.com. For more information please contact the Rainbow Concierge, who is personally familiar with OUT Adventures' tours.

Getting Away: Good Gay Travel Books Make Great Gifts

Tis the season to give - or buy one of these for yourself!  

Wonderlands: Good Gay Travel Writing or Big Trips: More Good Gay Travel Writing

 

by Raphael Kadushin, editor, plus A-List gay authors

Both for under $40!

I suffer from wanderlust myself, so this collection of travel tales written by several authors with the same affliction is a must-have stocking stuffer. Guess I'll buy a few copies, one for me and the rest  for those friends who vicarously travel from their comfy armchair.  Some reviewers have given these books *****.  How can you go wrong with good travel writing that also contains GLBT matter?!  

Happy Reading, Rainbow Concierge

P.S.  It's easy to order here from Amazon or Lambda Rising bookstore.

Grecian Odyssey - Mykonos, Santorini & Athens

Greek Gods. Greek Temples. Sizzling Beaches and Sunets. Gay Nightlife.

A Perfect Comfort Week in Greece.

DAY 1 Athens-Mykonos (flight)
Arrive at Athens airport. Upon your arrival you will be met by our host to receive your documentation. You will then be directed to your flight to Mykonos. Arrive in Mykonos and transfer to your hotel. Stay overnight in Mykonos.

DAY 2 Mykonos

A day at leisure to laze on one of the island’s endless sandy beaches, wander the winding streets of Mykonos town or take an optional excursion to Delos. In the evening, join the exciting and world famous night life that attracts visitors from all over the world. Stay overnight in Mykonos.

DAY 3 Mykonos

Free day in Mykonos. Stay overnight in Mykonos.

DAY 4 Mykonos

Free day in Mykonos. Wander up to the Windmills, enjoy a great meal in one of the many cafes lining the old port in town and coffee afterwards in Little Venice. Overnight in Mykonos.

DAY 5 Mykonos – Santorini (ferry)

Transfer to the port for your ferry to Santorini. Arrive in Santorini and transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Santorini.

DAY 6 Santorini

All day free on this enchanting island to revel in the breathtaking views, sizzling black beaches and glorious sunsets. Stay overnight in Santorini.

DAY 7 Santorini

A day at leisure to discover the many villages of Santorini. Overnight in Santorini.

DAY 8 Santorini - Athens (flight) & departure

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Athens. Arrive at the airport ready for your departure flight. End of our services.

INCLUDED SERVICES

7 nights in 3 star hotel accommodation including breakfast (3 nights in Santorini, 4 nights in Mykonos).
All ferry tickets mentioned in the itinerary.
Domestic flight ticket from Santorini to Athens.
All transfers mentioned in the itinerary.
All local taxes.

2009 PRICES IN EURO (per person)

3 Star Accommodation

2009 Prices - Period
01/04 – 31/05 S: 1290 D: 875 T: 855
01/06 – 30/06 S: 1225 D: 960 T: 915
01/07 – 31/08 S: 1870 D: 1185 T: 1090
01/09 – 30/09 S: 1670 D: 1065 T: 1010
01/10 – 31/10 S: 1290 D: 875 T: 855


Central Hotel in Athens
Mill Houses in Santorini
Marios Hotel in Mykonos
Or Similar

Departs everyday from April to October based on ferry & flight availability. For availability outside this period or for first class and deluxe accommodation upgrades please contact us.

For more tour options click here.

To book and for more questions please contact the Rainbow Tourism Concierge

Gay Greece: 9 Days Around Athens, Santorini & Mykonos

Glorious Greece. Suave Santorini.It's been a while since I visited - way before the Olympics in 2004 - but the call is still strong to return and see what I missed long ago. Lesbos, Delos, Crete and oh so many more temples - like the ones in this affordable adventure. Santorini and Mykonos should be gay-ly explored, of course.


-Rainbow Dee




DAY 1 Athens arrival

Upon your arrival to Athens airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Stay overnight in Athens.

DAY 2 Athens

Free day in Athens. Stay overnight in Athens.

OPTIONAL EXCURSION – HALF DAY ATHENS SIGHTSEEING TOUR

Pick up from your hotel and depart for Temple of Olympian Zeus (visit). Proceed to Panathinaiko Stadium cradle of the first Olympic Games took place in 1896 (short stop). Pass by the Prime's Ministers residence, Ex Royal Palace, (guarded by colourful Evzones) Zappion (Conference and Exhibition Hall), National Garden, Hadrian's Arc, St. Paul's Church, Parliament, Tomb of the Unknown soldier, Schlieman's House (Nomismatic Museum), Catholic Cathedral, Academy, University, National Library, Old Parliament, Constitution Square ,Russian Orthodox Church, Acropolis (visit Propylaea, Temple of Athena Nike, Parthenon, Erechtheion and Museum of the Acropolis ). Transfer back to your hotel.

Price: 52 Euro per person.

DAY 3 Athens – Santorini (ferry)

Transfer to the port for the ferry to Santorini. Arrive in Santorini and transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Santorini

DAY 4 Santorini

All day free on this enchanting island to revel in the breathtaking views, sizzling black beaches and glorious sunsets. Stay overnight in Santorini.

DAY 5 Santorini

A day at leisure to discover the many villages of Santorini. Overnight in Santorini.

DAY 6 Santorini – Mykonos (ferry)

Transfer to the port for your ferry to Mykonos. Arrive in Mykonos and transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Mykonos.

DAY 7 Mykonos

A day at leisure to laze on one of the island’s endless sandy beaches, wander the winding streets of Mykonos town or take an optional excursion to Delos. In the evening, join the exciting and world famous night life that attracts visitors from all over the world. Stay overnight in Mykonos.

DAY 8 Mykonos

Free day in Mykonos. Wander up to the Windmills, enjoy a great meal in one of the many cafes lining the old port in town and coffee afterwards in Little Venice. Overnight in Mykonos.

DAY 9 Mykonos - Athens (flight) & departure

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Athens. Arrive at the airport ready for your departure flight. End of our services.

INCLUDED SERVICES
8 nights in 3 star hotel accommodation including breakfast (2 nights in Athens, 3 nights in Santorini, 3 nights in Mykonos).
All ferry tickets mentioned in the itinerary (Santorini-Mykonos).
Domestic flight ticket from Mykonos to Athens.
All transfers mentioned in the itinerary.
All local taxes.

2009 PRICES IN EURO (per person)

3 Star Accommodation
2009 Prices - Period
01/04 – 31/05 S: 1490 D: 965 T: 905
01/06 – 30/06 S: 1635 D: 1030 T: 970
01/07 – 31/08 S: 1925 D: 1195 T: 1085
01/09 – 30/09 S: 1825 D: 1130 T: 1045
01/10 – 31/10 S: 1490 D: 965 T: 905


Central Hotel in Athens
Mill Houses in Santorini
Marios Hotel in Mykonos

Or Similar

Departs everyday from April to October based on ferry & flight availability. For availability outside this period or for first class and deluxe accommodation upgrades please contact us.

For more tour options click here.

To book and for more questions please contact the Rainbow Tourism Concierge

Manila Pride March - 6 December 2008

If you are in Manila on December 6th why not check out the Pride March. This is a local event organised by the local gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities in Manila.

The Philippines is an interesting country to visit with some of the most beautiful beaches e.g. Boracay Beach and many islands to explore and the people are generally helpful and friendly.

The Philippines is a very friendly country for English speaking tourists - you will have no difficulty communicating with the local population. While there is always reported risks in travelling in the Philippines if one follows some basic precautions then you should have an enjoyable and inexpensive holiday.

Manila metropolitan area itself is a very congested (and polluted - which is why the sunsets are so fantastic) with modern high rises and shopping complexes and areas of poorer housing and redevelopment.

Manila Pride Website: www.manilapride2008.com and Facebook

If you need any travel assistance then please contact the Rainbow Tourism Concierge