Travelers in search of a gay vacations destination offering a variety of historical, spiritual and cultural sites, welcoming residents and a plethora of things to see and do, should consider Bali for their next vacation.

Whether on individual gay vacations, or visiting with gay tours, LGBT travelers will find that Bali has much to offer, including beautiful beaches, exceptional shopping, delicious cuisine, temples, volcanoes, picturesque terraces of rice fields and even an LGBT scene in some cities. From trendy boutiques and upscale hotels, to rural countryside with villages offering handmade crafts, Bali is a diverse, intriguing island nation just waiting to be explored.

Kuta, Seminyak and Legian each has an array of clubs, spas, restaurants and bars from which to choose, providing a variety of nighttime entertainment opportunities for LGBT travelers looking for a night out on the town. Drag shows are very popular in Bali and there are several clubs that offer shows throughout the week. The most popular of these is Hulu Caf, which is well-known for being Bali's original drag club and hosts performers six nights each week, often with internationally-known drag performers.

Travelers on gay vacations to Bali may also want to check out some of Bali's beachfront and garden restaurant and spa establishments, which offer food, drinks, massage and other spa services in a natural setting. Bonita's and Callego Caf & Spa, located in Seminyak, are the most popular. The Callego Caf & Spa is a very popular community hangout located on Petitenget Beach.

There is a cruisy wooded area nearby and Petitenget, along with Ganesha Beach in Seminyak and Blue Ocean Beach in Kata, is one of the beaches well-visited by the community. There is also a popular Italian restaurant in Petitenget Beach, La Lucciola, which offers an upscale dining experience with an all-male staff.

Whether you wish to partake in gay travel to Bali to experience the community there, or for an excursion based on spiritual growth and renewal, you are sure to find just what you are looking for in this beautiful country that has much to offer.

By taking part in a well-organized group tour, you will be able to focus on your overall goals or intention for the trip, ensure that you do not miss out on some of Bali's most important historical and cultural sites - as well as hidden treasures, and avoid dealing with having to plan the logistical aspects of your vacation. Bali tours organized by travel professionals with experience organizing gay vacations are the best way to take in all that Bali has to offer, make new friends and create lifelong memories.

Recommendations regarding gay vacations in Bali. Spirit Journeys creates exotic gay vacation travel opportunities. Article penned by Howie Holben.

Gay travelers take vacations for a number of reasons, including the opportunity to meet new people, experience new cultures, see exotic places, take a break from the stresses of everyday life and to spend time with people that are special in their lives. Each vacation has some purpose, even if the purpose might simply be to lounge on a sandy beach and take some time away from the cares and worries back home.

In the realm of purposeful travel, gay spirituality vacations are one option that includes the desire to rejuvenate and relax, but goes beyond that to include specific awareness and intentions. Vacations are most often taken with the intent of getting away from it all; however, travelers who opt for spiritual travel actually plan on truly arriving in their destination and partaking in a mutually beneficial exchange with the people, land and energy in the area.

Gay travel can include couple's retreats that focus on parallel growth and reconnection, conscious travel that is undertaken alone, or spiritual journeys in the company of like-minded travelers as part of an organized group to destinations around the world, such as Mexico, the American Southwest, Egypt, Peru, Thailand, India or New Zealand.

While traveling alone on gay spiritual vacations is certainly an option, choosing to partake in organized conscious travel opportunities with a group can significantly enhance your experience and the spiritual awakening or growth that can occur. Professional tour organizers that specifically arrange spiritual journeys have the experience and know-how to provide a truly meaningful, remarkable trip that will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you will never forget.

Gay group vacations that are organized around conscious travel provide amazing group activities, travel to sacred sites and have the benefit of professionals taking care of the trip's logistics, allowing participants to focus on the intentions they bring for their personal journey. Travel group organizers also forge relationships with the communities in the travel destinations, which provides unique opportunities for group participants to visit places and have experiences that are not readily available to those on conventional vacations.

Participants in group spiritual travel have the distinct opportunity to connect with like-minded travelers that are also seeking a spiritual awakening, renewal or reconnection. This allows you to participate in shared group activities, learn from each other's experiences, share your story with people who have a deeper understanding and ability to relate, discuss experiences that you are having while on this specific journey and forge new friendships that will last a lifetime.

Anyone seeking a truly meaningful journey with a focus on partaking in a unique travel experience with the intention of spiritual centering and personal growth should consider undertaking spiritual travel as they begin to consider options for their next vacation. Partaking in a spiritual journey is the pinnacle of self care and allows you to take the opportunity to refocus on the people and things that are important in your life, reset your priorities and return home centered and refreshed.

Treat yourself to the opportunity to partake in a personal voyage focused on reflecting on your past experiences, learning to live in the moment and discovering ways to nourish your soul for a centered spiritual life. Participating in intentional travel is a fulfilling experience that can change your life and allows you to return home with the tools and intention of living every day centered, focused and aware.

Namaste,

Howie Holben
www.SpiritJourneys.com

Whether traveling to France on a trip across Europe, or visiting this popular country as your vacation destination, travelers will find magnificent beaches, alpine resorts, breathtaking countryside with quaint villages and medieval castles, world-renowned art collections, the glorious French Riviera and the truly unique, exceptional city of Paris.

While travelers partaking in a gay vacation often plan their trip around Paris and its vibrant LGBT community, cultural and historical landmarks and accepting cosmopolitan environment, visitors will find that throughout France there is plenty to do and see, as well as many LGBT establishments and a welcoming atmosphere. Laws outlawing sodomy were abolished over 200 years ago and France's LGBT community has enjoyed civil unions for the last decade. With legal protections in place and a general laissez-faire attitude that is common among the French, visitors will find that France provides an accepting, safe haven for gay vacations.

Numerous community events take place across the country throughout the year, including several pride festivals and a very well-attended pride parade and festival and gay and lesbian film festival in Paris. Some unique establishments to check out while in Paris on a gay vacation include the Marais district LGBT-owned bakery, Legay Choc; the ArtMenParis exhibit of all-male images; and Madame Arthur, L'Artishow and Chez Michou, three cabarets with female impersonators and drag shows. Paris nightlife is lively, with bars open from afternoon until 2am and clubs opening at midnight, and often staying open until noon.

For men who are interested in experiencing the bawdier side of Parisian life, sex clubs, cruising spots and bars with backrooms are easy to find for visitors on gay vacations. Paris is also home to a plethora of saunas, also known as bathhouses, which are popular attractions for both locals and visitors. Saunas are not open 24-hours in France and do not have private rooms to rent. For privacy, visitors can enjoy relaxation cubicles and out-of-towners should keep in mind that going to a sauna is a primarily afternoon activity in Paris, with Sunday afternoons being the most crowded.

While most gay travel destinations cater largely to men, women will find that Paris has a lively lesbian scene that includes everything from a lesbian walking group to a sex shop just for the girls. The Marais district is the center of LGBT life in Paris, and women will find a distinct Sapphic presence there, with bars and clubs that are located mostly at the south end. Ladies will also find several venues sprinkled throughout other neighborhoods, such as the Halles-Beaubourg, Palais Royal, Grands Boulevards and Saint Germain des Pres districts. There is also a bookshop in the Bastille-Republique district and one of the oldest lesbian bars in the city is located in the Palais Royal area.

Although Paris might be the most visited place in France, many other gay destinations are available throughout the country, including Avignon in Provence, Montpellier and Nice on the Mediterranian coast, Annecy in the Alps, Nantes in Brittany and the nude community beaches of Camargue. For those who hope to rub elbows with the rich and famous, Saint Tropez on the French Riviera should not be missed, while those looking for a romantic retreat might opt for an LGBT-owned B & B outside of Bourdeaux. With so many gay travel options to choose from, France is truly an ideal setting for a gay vacation.

The diverse geography and culture of New Zealand has always made it a hotspot as a destination for a gay vacation, due in part to the accepting, open mindset of the locals and important laws that forbid discrimination against LGBT community members, as well as the country's natural allure and numerous adventures and activities available in every region of this awe-inspiring nation.

Folks in search of gay travel experiences in New Zealand will find that there is no end to the possibilities, including relaxing on gorgeous beaches, skiing and snowboarding at several resorts, trekking through expanses of wilderness or partaking in the lively nightlife of many of New Zealand's cosmopolitan cities. Whether you are in search of a laidback family vacation on the shore, or a wild week of LGBT Pride celebrations, New Zealand is an exceptional option for gay vacations of all types.

Auckland, Wellington, Hamilton and Christchurch are a few of New Zealand's larger cities that are home to thriving LGBT populations, a variety of Pride events and an array of pubs, clubs, restaurants and businesses that welcome the community. For travelers interested in a city-based gay vacation, these cities are great options that are sure to delight visitors looking for an exciting nightlife and numerous dining, entertainment and shopping opportunities. Travelers looking to fit a bit of snowboarding or skiing into their trip will be happy to know that both South Island and North Island have ski resorts, which allows for day trips to the snow in between touring historical sites, going to cultural events or traveling to some of the smaller islands of New Zealand.

New Zealand gay vacations can be centered around spiritual awakening or renewal, spending long days at beautiful beaches, snowboarding and skiing, or partaking in enticing adventures that appeal to families, groups of friends or couples. While there is simply too much to see and do to manage to fit it all into just one trip, planning to partake in a gay vacation with an organized tour group is one of the best ways to make sure you do not miss some of the best sights and experiences that New Zealand offers.

For folks who would rather travel solo, planning your trip through a gay travel agency is the best way to stay up to date on the latest LGBT goings-on, as well as current information that is helpful to the members of the LGBT community when traveling in New Zealand.

You can learn more about gay spiritual travel, Spirit Journeys and Howie at http://www.SpiritJourneys.com.