There are many travel destinations around the world that accept, and even encourage, openly gay partners to visit. There are also a range of tour operators and websites that specialize in romantic getaways for same-sex couples, allowing you to construct your perfect vacation whether you prefer idyllic countryside hideaways or luxurious beach resorts.
Palm Springs, California, has been dubbed "America's Gay Oasis." The town’s tourism board is a member of the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association. The area offers stunning mid-century architecture, hiking to scenic waterfalls, gorges and natural streams as well as luxury golf courses. There are even male-only clothing-optional resorts for the more adventurous. The best time to visit Palm Springs is between December and May. It is best to avoid visiting in the summer months as the area reaches extreme temperatures, with many businesses closing for two months to avoid the heat.
Brighton is a seaside town located on the Southern coast of England. It is known as the gay capital of the country and boasts a range of bars, businesses and resorts that cater to all facets of the LGBT community. You can relax on the beach, go mackerel fishing or explore “the Lanes,” a series of quaint winding streets packed full of quirky independent shops and cafes. For culture, check out the Royal Pavilion with its resplendent Asian-style architecture. The surrounding East Sussex countryside holds a range of traditional English villages, including Lewes, where you and your partner can enjoy the world famous Glyndebourne opera. Brighton is easily accessible from London via a high-speed train link that takes approximately 50 minutes.
Fast becoming India's capital of gay entertainment Mumbai was nominated for Best Breakout Destination in the 2009 TripOut Gay Travel awards. Situated on the west coast of India, Mumbai offers good weather as well as resplendent beaches, luxury resorts and limitless entertainment, via the city's world famous Bollywood industry. For couples interested in music, the Banganga Festival in January is well worth a visit. This two-day event is hosted in the beautiful Malabar Hills and attracts top-name artists from all over India. If you want to get away from the bright lights, Mumbai is also the start and end point for luxury train journeys, including the Deccan Odyssey, an eight-day trip that takes guests on a journey to Goa's beaches, the grand forts and palaces of the Marathas as well as to the historic sites of Ajanta and Ellora.
