Moms Travel TipsTravel Tips and Vacation Ideas for the Whole Family

Most people who engage in a lot of pleasure or business travel do not do not concern themselves with whether they will be welcomed at traditional travel destinations. Generally, places tourists frequent usually want to attract anyone who is willing to pay for the available products or services. However, for sexual minorities, including gay men, some locations range from an absence of an “open arms greeting” to outright hostility. Consequently, some gay travel destinations are more welcoming than others.

For example, both Berlin and Prague have a long history of welcoming gay visitors. Germany and the Czech Republic may be more socially conservative than, say, Sweden, the capital cities of both nations have large gay populations and many neighborhoods in which gay men can openly hold hands without experiencing so much as a surprised look. Prague has been friendly to gay men since even before the fall of the iron curtain, while Berlin has been open to gay travelers since the early decades of the 20th century, although there was obviously hostility toward sexual minorities during the Nazi era.

Most of Latin America is quite different, although it never suffered the horrors of Nazi oppression of homosexuals. The tradition of machismo is prevalent. Generally gay men should abide by the customs of the community in order to assure their personal safety. In other words, just because you see straight people behaving a certain way, don’t assume that a gay couple could follow course. Of course sexual minorities are at least as prevalent in Latin America as in any other part of the world, but it is assumed that the minorities will demonstrate considerable discretion. However, in locations that rely economically upon tourists, like in Puerto Vallarta and Cancun, the conventions of western Europe are more likely to appear. Mexico City is gay friendly to tourists only in certain areas of the city, despite being much more cosmopolitan in other ways.

The United States is a bit of a mish-mash. There are still a large number of extreme bigots throughout the U.S. However, there are an increasing number of places in the country where gay civil rights are proudly protected. It’s a good idea for gay travelers to obtain information about the local social climate, however.

Among the most popular gay vacation spots include Key West, Palm Springs and South Beach (Miami). While they are all warm weather destinations, they have their significant differences.

The world is diverse, and there are still places where gay men are persecuted. To maximize your enjoyment of your destination, understand the local customs and culture.

San Francisco is an ideal destination for any traveler. It is one of the favorite spots for a gay vacation, or for enthusiasts of the “local food” movement and for anyone who appreciates diversity in life.

What are the first things you think of any time anybody says the name San Francisco? Maybe the hills. Or the Golden Gate Bridge. Or the world’s crookedest street. But the city by the bay has so much more to offer the visitor. You’ll find plenty to do and see during your visit to this magnificent city.

San Francisco is an ideal city for walking. The climate is never really too cold or too warm for wandering outside and the city is so pretty; a stroll is a great way to check out all that “The City” (as it is known to the natives) has to offer. And, should your limbs begin to feel a little sore from walking, you merely have to hitch a ride on one of San Francisco’s famous cable cars until you arrive at your next point of interest. The cable car is unique to San Francisco, the city where the trolley originated, and is a perfect way to put yourself right into the city’s special culture.

While in San Fran, Fisherman’s Wharf is a must see for your itinerary. Stop by Pier 39 for a good time. Pier 39 is famous for its great shopping center, which is filled with shops, arcades, and street performers. And if you’re feeling adventurous, salute the other local inhabitants of the docks—sea lions!—easily glimpsed just off the pier. Fisherman’s Wharf is also the place for great seafood. While there are dozens of great restaurants to be found, be sure to grab a meal at Boudin’s restaurant and try their famous sourdough bread (you can even see the chef in action!) and clam chowder. Fisherman’s Wharf is simply swimming with excitement; don’t miss this must-see!

The local neighborhoods of San Francisco are another must-see if you want to experience the diversity of San Francisco culture. From North Beach to Chinatown, each neighborhood offers a life of its own that you won’t find anywhere else. The neighborhood of Haight-Ashbury is an extremely exciting neighborhood of San Francisco. Considered the Bohemian center of the city, this neighborhood is the birthplace of such legendaries as the Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, and Janis Joplin. The spirit of these artists and their music still lives on in this district. Haight-Ashbury also boasts of some small but great local restaurants, bars and shops, including Amoeba Music, a bowling alley that was converted into a record store. Here you will find almost any type of music you can think of, with a huge variety of vinyl. And just a short distance from this district you will find the Golden Gate Park—a large, gorgeous park that rivals New York City’s Central Park.

Also near Haight-Ashbury and the downtown area, you will find Castro, the gay mecca of San Francisco. This district is the place for great restaurants, clubs, bars, and shops as well as the the best of San Francisco nightlife. Don’t forget to catch a flick at the historic Castro theatre and take it easy at one of the great bed and breakfasts the district has to offer. And if you plan your visit carefully, you can catch one of the great San Fran festivals such as the Castro Street Fair in October, or Pink Saturday in June.

Lesbian and gay tourists in San Francisco may be drawn to the Castro area to visit the sites and enjoy the camaraderie, but you will find the whole of the city is accepting of all kinds of people. Enjoy all of it!

So when you plan your San Francisco vacation, don’t get stuck playing tourist. The city offers adventures everywhere you turn. Immerse yourself in the culture of the city to get the most out of your trip!