Ed Salvato is the Travel Editor for Gay.com, PlanetOut and the award-winning OUT&ABOUT; TravelGuides. Ed speaks often as a gay-travel expert and is frequently quoted in the press. He writes a monthly syndicated travel column and appears regularly on radio and TV.
Ed knows gay travel, and he proves it by answering your questions.
Looking for the perfect romantic gay honeymoon? How about budget recommendations, gay-friendly guesthouses or the best gay nude beaches on earth? Worried about an unfriendly reception in an anti-American country, or wondering about incidents of gay-bashing or the gay- or lesbian-friendliness of a Caribbean island?
Go ahead: Ask Ed! Bookmark this page and return for the answers. (Note: Depending on the volume, he may not be able to respond to every question.)
Dear Ed -- My girlfriend and I want to get married in Hawaii and I am having trouble finding the right package deal. I'm looking for something that includes airfare and hotel, with a marriage package. There are many for straight couples. I want everything to be perfect. She would like to get married by the end of this year, so if you can help me, I would appriciate it. Thank you,
Starr, via Internet
Starr -- We have covered that topic in various Hawaii articles and guides in the past, including our Maui TravelGuide. Here's an excerpt from that:
Be Married on Maui (2162 Kaho'okele Street, Wailuku; 808/244-7400; www.bemarriedonmaui.com) is a same-sex marriage business run by the Rev. Linda Stephens. Ceremonies come in many forms, from "minister only" to "all the frills." Taking advantage of Maui's extraordinary beaches as a natural setting, there's also a wide choice of services, and Susan's personal touches to make them unique.
Also, here's a link to a recent general gay Hawaii article, just FYI.
Dear Ed -- I would like to visit Istanbul in November. I am wondering if it is safe for gay Americans to travel to Turkey. And is this a good time to travel to Turkey as far as the weather is concerned? -- Glenn, via Internet
Glenn -- We've heard no reports of any violence directed against gay travelers in Turkey. It remains a fantastic and fabulous destination to visit -- a real must-see for any Western traveler.
There are cautions to be taken in any country that has undergone terrorist attacks. Please consult the State Department's warnings by clicking here.
I wasn't sure about the weather, so I asked Jeeves! The results show that the weather starts getting cool in November.
Dear Ed -- My parents and I would like to go away to someplace warm and exotic over the Christmas holidays. I suggested that we might pick someplace "gay friendly" or find a gay-friendly travel agent or reputable Web site. What we are looking for is someplace where they will feel comfortable and not out of place, but also someplace where I (single, 33, and an only child who is traveling with them and no one else) could perhaps experience a little nightlife, beach-body browsing or just find someone to pal around with when I am not spending quality time with them. We have been to Mexico and much enjoyed it, but the resort was very out of the way and no social bonanza for me. Please help! -- Seth, Montana
What a great question! So many of us who are out and comfortable with our families and other straight folks have the same dilemma when deciding on a vacation option with them.
A few warm, exotic destinations that are both straight and gay friendly come to mind. You mentioned Mexico, but have you thought of Puerto Vallarta? Sophisticated and fun for your parents, beach for both of you and a really fun gay presence for you.
We did an article on Puerto Vallarta recently. Click here.
The Caribbean can be great, but it's mostly straight, with the exception of Puerto Rico. Maybe a few days there or in Vieques, which is an island off Puerto Rico, is just what the gay doctor ordered. Check out our article on Vieques by clicking here.
If you are on the West Coast, you may want to try Hawaii But note that the only real fun gay presence is in Honolulu (on Oahu).
Destinations
Listings
