Are there any specific destinations that are easy on the pocket book?
The best value is Mexico—Cancun, Puerto Vallarta or Cabo San Lucas. This is because the Mexican dollar trades very well against the US dollar, and there are a lot of flight options to Mexico. Also, cruises are a great value because they allow you to see multiple locations without having to pack and unpack, and the cost of the cruise includes your meals. 
 
If travelers wanted to spend under $1,000 for a trip, where could they go?
For $1,000 two people could spend a weekend in Charleston, Savannah, Asheville or Jacksonville.   They can also fly to Chicago, Washington DC, South Beach, Miami, Ft Lauderdale or New Orleans and this would include air and hotel for two.  You can also take a cruise for three to five nights in Key West or Mexico.
 
Are there things someone can do to save money on booking a flight, a car, a hotel, etc.?
Always weigh your luggage before you get to the airport. If you check in online and prepay for your bags you can save a few bucks.  Also it is less expensive to check a second bag rather than to check one bag over 50 pounds. I spoke to one person who only wanted to take one bag; it weighed 70 pounds, which is 20 pounds over the maximum weight. The airline charged him a $175 overweight fee.  Had he checked two bags it would have cost $50. 
 
Are there any travel fees that can be avoided if you plan ahead or know what to watch for?
Yes, online travel agencies charge huge fees to make changes or cancel your reservation; this is because they only get paid if you travel.  Airlines charge huge change fees. Sometimes it is less expensive to just purchase a new ticket.  Beware of hotels that offer a pre-purchase discount; this means they will offer you 5 to 10 percent off if you pay in full the day you make your reservation. However, they also note you cannot change or cancel your reservation, and they mean it. 

Reykjavick, Iceland: Hot Parties, Hot Springs
Prepare to party while visiting the world’s most northerly capital because the locals love to party. After a late night of celebrating, you can soak in the geothermally-heated Blue Lagoon where the mineral-rich waters condition and tone your skin. Did we mention Reykjavick will host the International Gay and Lesbian Aquatics May 29-June 2?

Chile: Active Adventures
Featuring varied and dramatic landscapes, Chile offers a variety of experiences for adventure seekers. Hike in the Atacama Desert or trek on the edge of the Patagonian ice field. If you find the city more appealing, visit the cosmopolitan capital of Santiago. Chile’s hedonistic heart offers hot restaurants and bustling bars. Many of the capital’s gay bars and discos are located in the Barrio Bellavista at the foot of Cerro San Cristobal.

Slovenia: New Old-World Charms
One of Europe’s best-kept secrets, this small country possesses both a modern and traditional culture and offers more diversity than countries many times its size. The Slovenes are welcoming, generous, multilingual and progressive. The country’s largest LGBT community is in Ljubljana, which boasts several gay-friendly clubs and cafes and serves as the site for the annual Pride Parade in June.

Cambodia, Vietnam and the Mekong River: Timeless Wonders
Expect gracious hospitality, fine cuisine, ancient monuments, French colonial capitals, floating markets, dynamic cities and tranquil villages while visiting these neighboring lands and the river that runs through them both. Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh, offers a happening nightlife scene with several gay clubs, including The Blue Chili. In Vietnam, the cities of Saigon and Hanoi both have several mixed bars that attract gay clientele.

Yacht Charter: Island-Hopping Freedom
If you can’t decide which city or country to visit, simply wake up each morning in a different harbor. Sail the seas with your partner or cruise the locals with your friends. Explore a new island or coral reef. Deepen your tan on a secluded beach. As the sun sets, dine on scrumptious cuisine and delve into a local hotspot. After a peaceful night’s sleep to the sounds of the sea, you get to wake up and do it all over again in another location.

Television and film star Charlie David, the host of MTV’S BUMP TV on LOGO, will serve as emcee and host of the weeklong cruise. Paul Gaugin will visit the islands of Raiatea, Bora Bora, Taha’a, Moorea and Tahiti.

Guests can expect exclusive parties, a late night pool party hosted by the NOH8 founders, an invitation to the Charlie David Bloody Mary party, an exclusive group dinner, pillow gifts, Martini Monday & Sail Away parties, a no-host Beach Party, an open bar and a personal NOH8 photo shoot on board. The NOH8 package, which benefits the NOH8 Campaign, also includes roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles to Papeete, Tahiti.

“We are excited about this partnership,” said NOH8 founder and photographer Adam Bouska. “In the true spirit of the campaign, the cruise is open not just to the gay community, but to friends, family and others seeking to make a difference.”

The NOH8 Campaign began in response to the passage of Proposition 8 in California on November 4, 2008. The photographic silent protest has grown significantly to about 13,000 faces since its inception and has gained support from around the world. The campaign uses its proceeds to promote and raise awareness of marriage equality and anti-discrimination.

Keep It Real
I know, I know, you’ve worked so damn hard for your relationship. You two have finally gotten to the point where you’re all moved in together and sharing each others surnames. Well, we all love your overly complicated hyphenated extravaganza, but for this weekend keep it simple for TSA. If you’ve registered under any name other than what is explicitly shown on your photo identification card expect some set backs. The travel industry happens to be very finicky about ensuring everyone is exactly who they say they are.

Look Before You Go
So, you are sitting around on Friday afternoon wishing for a cocktail, some dance music and a gay old time, but you have no idea how to get your fix. Now would not be the time to start searching “Gay bar Mobile Alabama” or “Homosexual establishment Augusta Georgia” on your sister’s, father’s, grandmother’s mac. Please spare the drama and do your research before you head out of town. Print out addresses or directions and you will be good-to-go when the mood strikes.

Your Niece Doesn’t Need to Know
Passcodes for mobile devices are a wondrous tool. They also keep your private life private if little Bethany wants to play angry birds without your permission. You aren’t hiding or denying anything by keeping your phone locked. It will save you a headache in the long run.

Disconnect, Disconnect, Disconnect
There’s something to be said about the quiet stillness while relaxing away from the grind. It’s difficult to get away, but as humans we’re just not made to be wired or wireless all the time. Your email, Gmail, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Grindr, Scruff, Edge, Jack’d, GuySpy, Adam4Adam, Downelink, Bender and GROWLr accounts can wait just a few days. Believe us, where you’re going, you won’t find that many people “on” in a 50 mile radius anyway.

West Hollywood/Los Angeles
If your travel plans include sipping martinis on Santa Monica Blvd or shopping on Melrose then the only place to stay is LeMontrose. Nestled in a quiet neighborhood a block from boy’s town, this is the perfect hotel to pamper both you and your pet. Both cats and dogs are welcome and will only cost a one-time $100 non-refundable fee. Book your room today at www.lemontrose.com

Las Vegas
Planning on taking a trip to the capital of sin? Don’t hesitate to bring your furry-mate. Most of the large casinos don’t offer pet friendly accommodations, but Caesar’s just rolled out the red carpet for our furry buds. They call the new program PetStay which gets our little friends a mat, food, water dishes, waste bags and even tasty treats. Some limitations apply check out www.ceaserspalace.com for the full scoop.

New York City
Theatre lovers rejoice!!! There is a smattering of pet-friendly hotels in Manhattan, but none friendlier than the Muse. This hotel is located in the heart all the fun stuff to do and is just steps from 30 Rock, Bryant Park, MODA and Radio City. They even employ Ginger, a toy Pomeranian, as their director of pet relations. Pets stay free at this swanky hotel. Check them out at www.themusehotel.com

Miami
When you take a trip to South Beach don’t worry about not bringing Fluffy or Fido because there are loads of animal loving hotels. Paris’ kin offer up the Bentley Hotel South Beach located close to all the stuff you need to have a gay old time. Places like MOVA and Twist are short walks while Score and Laundry Bar are just cheap taxi trips. Max weight for the animals is 20lbs and will run you a $150 non-refundable deposit. www.bentleyhotel.com

Peruse
The highlight for any art loving queen will be a quick stop at Belvedere Palace. This place was once home to famed homo Prince Eugene, but it now houses some serious art. The palaces’ collection includes: Egon Schiele’s Nudes and the largest collection of Gustav Klimt paintings complete with his world-famous “Kiss.”

Purchase
Vienna, like all great gay vacation destinations, has a wide variety of ways for us to spend our hard earned cash. Boys looking to rack-up some debt need to head over to what locals call the “Golden U”. This area of the city caters to people looking for famed fashions from the likes of: Armani, Boss, Cartier, Prada and of course Louis. Rustic men will enjoy picking through flea market finds at Naschmarkt.

Partake
Coffee lovers can enjoy some real Viennese java at Café Berg. The first LGBT daytime café in Vienna boasts a cozy vibe and is the only place to do Sunday brunch. Diners looking for a cool place to sup will love Motto. This joint is where people go to watch all the beautiful people nibble, sip and dish.

Play
Vienna is a great place for gents who like to play on vacay. The city offers up Aufshclag Wien, the largest gay and lesbian sports society in Austria. They have volleyball and badminton courts. Rugged outdoor types will dig the open-air paradise that is Danube Island. The island is a great place to skate, bike or hike.

Party
The gay nightlife scene offers a little something for everybody. Drag aficionados can have an experience at Heaven Vienna. Disco queens can get their fever on at Why Not. Boys who like the beats will love queer:beat and its two dance floors. Leather lovers can get their fetish fix at Vienna’s own Eagle.

Now that you are primed and ready to go why not check out the Fabulous Vienna packages from Atlanta-based Austrian Airlines Vacation Center. The favorite package offers you roundtrip airfare from Atlanta, three nights at the four-star Hotel NH Wein, a sightseeing tour and a ticket to the Belvedere Palace. Upgrades and extensions are available. The best part? AAVC will donate part of the proceeds for the sales of this package to Chris Kids.

Feed Your Body

Blow Your Wad ($$$)
Brennan’s
417 Royal Street
New Orleans, LA 70130

Authentic Tourism ($$)
Café Maspero
601 Decatur St
New Orleans, LA 70130

Down and Dirty ($)
Clover Grill
900 Bourbon St
New Orleans, LA 70116

Rest Your Body

Modern Southern Comfort ($$$)
W Hotel – French Quarter
316 Chartres St
New Orleans, LA 70130

Classic Southern Decadence ($$)
Hotel Royal
1006 Rue Royal
New Orleans, LA 70116

No Frills Southern Charm ($)
Villa Convento
616 Ursuline Ave
New Orleans, LA 70116

Move Your Body

A new revolution is quietly brewing in Havana, Cuba which could make it the next great gay travel destination. Only two hours from Atlanta, the gay scene in Havana is beginning to sizzle after years of repression. Raul Castro’s daughter, Mariela, has even participated in a gay rights march and Brokeback Mountain has been seen on government television.

While gay life is still largely underground, one of the most amazing scenes occurs every night in Havana starting at about 11:00 pm where La Rampa Street and the Malecon, an ocean front walk, intersect. On weekends you’ll see hundreds of guys strolling, chatting, and playing guitars all night until the sun rises. Talk to the right people and you’ll get an invitation to one of the private home parties that pop up in different locations throughout the week.

If you would like a small splurge, head over to the basement of the National Theatre on a Friday or Saturday night for their cabaret/dance party. You’ll see hundreds of young Cuban men looking as if they had just stepped out on a runway. If you are a foreigner, you’ll pay five dollars to enter while Cubans pay much less as is common all over Cuba. Just a short walk from the gay scene on La Rampa takes you to La Zorra z el Cuervo, a jazz club with top national acts going until late in the morning. Eleven dollars gets you in and buys you two drinks once inside. This is an intimate club not to be missed!

When you are ready to recover from the nightlife, only thirty minutes from Havana is a beautiful gay white sand beach. You can rent a lounge chair and umbrella to catch up on lost sleep. While not easy to find, you may need to make a Cuban friend who will show you the way, but this shouldn’t be difficult.

Havana is a great walking city and a photographer’s paradise. The architecture is stunning. There is a wide diversity of art, music and museums which could take weeks to explore.

Cuban restaurants have traditionally been dismal, however this is changing rapidly. You can expect to pay eight to fifteen dollars for an entree and not much more than three dollars for a drink in an upscale restaurant.

Finding a place to sleep can be dicey. Hotels in all price ranges can be found. To experience the real Cuba try staying in a casa particular, which is a family run bed and breakfast. Try your hand at an internet search, you’ll be amazed at the plentiful options. We like Hotel Habana Paseo located at Calle 17, esq A. This beautiful newly renovated 30 room mansion is still working out the kinks but provides great value and location. Single including full breakfast, $34.

There are many great restaurants in Cuba, but the one you must try when you go is Sociedad Asturiana Castropol located at Malecon 107 e/Genio y Crespo. This is possibly the best restaurant in Cuba. Ask to be seated upstairs and hope for a table on the balcony overlooking the Caribbean. They have a wonderful variety of seafood.

• Call motels and inns directly. While booking online is super convenient, it’s always helpful to talk to a real person directly. They will also know of any last-minute cancellations or special discounts—which will increase your chance of finding a room in your budget.
• Travel off-peak. Our motel room was just $87 on a Thursday night. Come Friday—during any major holiday—that same room goes for $150. We saved $63 by taking our trip on an off-peak travel day.
• Don’t be taken advantage by high airfare costs. Instead be a savvy travelor and compare all your options by using websites like kayak.com and lastminute.com. You can even find good deals directly on sites like airtran.com and delta.com. If you aren’t constrained by dates, sometimes the cheapest way to travel is to use a flexible date search option. Being in Atlanta we have access to one of the busiest airports in the world which can get us great prices when we fly.
• Use your feet. While Provincetown has some convenient paid parking lots, we were able to find a free parking spot a short walk from downtown for a $10 savings. Some destinations also offer great public transit options—it’s an affordable and fun way to experience a city or town and meet new people.
• Take advantage of the free stuff. The best things that Provincetown has to offer are free. Like the sights, sounds and incredible landscape. The beaches and nature trails are free—and absolutely breathtaking. Hanging out in the sand and getting a little sun charges the soul and doesn’t break the bank.
• Pack your own beverages. Once we arrived, for less than $10, we filled my backpack up with bottled water and beverages. Even better, bring along a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and help save the environment. Cheers!
• Take advantage of free food. Our motel offered a free continental breakfast. It wasn’t super fancy, but it was a free meal. Before booking your room, ask about any included meals—it can be a real money saver.
• Ask locals. I always try to befriend locals wherever I go. Friendly locals can be a tremendous resource—they are full of great recommendations and often know of free events (i.e., concerts, festivals, etc). Be friendly and wear your smile.
• It all comes down to honest, good old fashioned American ingenuity. No, not the break-your-back great-grandpa type, the gay money-savvy type. You don’t have to spend a lot of cash to have a wonderful and amazing vacation adventure.

The first stop, wanting to experience the feel of historic Cape Town when it was rough and ready filled with plenty of romance and brawny men, I opted to follow the cobblestones to the quaint De Waterkant Village. A period village that transports the occupants to the historic past while offering modern entertainments such as tapas bars, spas, art galleries, and boutique hotels. Cape Town dressed and pressed itself in preparation for the recent Football World Series. The extra amenities are still available and ready to be enjoyed.

When you’re in the mood for a light lunch nothing can compare to Vanilla’s for fresh sushi. The contemporary décor gleams in the warm Cape Town sun.

For a romantic dining experience, Anatolia’s Turkish restaurant offers savory tastings of Turkish mezze and lamb dishes. The authenticity of Turkey is evident with the friendly waitstaff, flaming shish kabobs, and enchanting belly dancers. Rosewater infused chocolate hot pot will wrap up the evening on a sweet note.

When you’re ready to hit the nightlife scene, the Bronx Action Bar in De Waterkant village is a gay-friendly dance club. Moving body and soul, this popular club provides the latest sounds and beats. For a more laid-back atmosphere, Cafe’ Manhattan offers fine wines and creative cocktails, along with art exhibitions and live music on Thursdays.

For day trips away from the city, I recommend the Aquila Game Preserve. Located only two hours from Cape Town, it offers a true safari feel with all the usual lions and alligators and zebras, oh my. For those of us interested in more calorie burning activities on the preserve try everything from horseback riding to trout fishing to cherry picking.