Five Destinations Cool With Same-Sex Marriage

Despite the overturn of Prop 8 yesterday, same-sex marriages are still on hold in California for a little while longer. However there are other places around the world where same-sex couples are clearly welcomed. This post on SFGate today talks about five such destinations. Be sure to read the reader comments for other ideas as well.

Happy San Francisco Pride 2009!

39 Years of Pride in the City
A special welcome to the half a million attendees expected at this years San Francisco LGBT parade this year - many of whom have travelled thousands of miles for the fun and excitement, and to share in pride and celebration. Wishing everyone a safe and happy celebration this weekend.

-SF Pride 2009 official website. Read about the history of the parade, a guide to weekend activities, anticipated road closures, and how you can support equality for LGBT people.

Other Pride events around the world.

The Glam of the Pink Flight Returns

Air New Zealand is again featuring the Pink Flight to Sydney Mardi Gras. Unlike last year when the flight operated direct from San Francisco, this year the plane will dart over from Air New Zealand's Auckland hub, allowing party-goers from all around the world to connect to the pink plane to Sydney.

Flights are currently available from $978+ per person from San Francisco, including an optional stopover in Auckland at no additional charge. The Pink Flight itself departs Auckland on March 6th and is a 3.5 hour journey over to Sydney. Click here for more information on the Pink Flight.

Click here to register for your chance to win (2) tickets from SF/LAX to Sydney - including seats on the Pink Plane, and a three night stay at the Travelodge Sydney.

Gay Travel Expo Returns to San Francisco

The Gay Travel Expo returns to San Francisco once again. The traveling expo takes place each Fall in different cities throughout the United States and Canada. This year, it arrives in San Francisco on October 28th. You can expect between 500 and 1000 GLBT travelers and travel professionals in attendance. In years past, exhibitors included well-known hotels, airlines and tour agencies familiar to the GLBT community.

When: Monday October 28th. (Time is not stated - but it is usually in the late afternoon/evening)

Where: Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason Street

More information: http://www.gaytravelexpo.com/, including free admission tickets.

Gay Pride San Francisco 2008

San Francisco Pride Weekend
June 28-June 29, 2008

Travel Sponsors Include: Virgin America, Air New Zealand, Mark Hopkins Intercontinental, The Handlery, Joie de Vivre Hotels, Hotel Whitcomb, Renoir Hotel, AAA, and Enterprise Rent-A-Car.

Click here for pride weekend information.

Attitude Hotels: A Collection of Gay Friendly Stays

The official launch of Attitude Hotels took place last week in Berlin during the ITB International Tourism Fair. Attitude represents unique hotels, Inn's and B&B's from around the world that identify as friendly and accommodating to gays and lesbians.

The founder of Attitude, Pedro Castro, says the Attitude brand will guarantee service and quality standards that make for a "gay natural" experience. Castro asserts a need for higher standards than simply a"gay friendly" approach used by larger hotel chains.

Attitude Hotels has 3-defined categories of hotels:
-Attitude Premium : luxurious accommodation; exceptional ambiance and unparalleled service. e.g. Royal Palms, Berns Hotel, Masia Casanova
-Attitude Comfort : superior accommodation; sophisticated ambiance and gracious service. e.g. Legends Hotel, Haus Romeo, Hotel Königshof
-Attitude Value : attractively priced; casual ambiance and practical service. e.g. Stars Guesthouse, Liberty Hotel, Connection Guesthouse

Currently 25 properties throughout Europe and one property in the United States are available. Castro has aspirations to expand to over 100 hotels worldwide by next year.

For more information visit http://www.attitudehotels.com/