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 Travel & Outdoors | February 2008 
Five Hot Gay Travel Bargains
 Duane Wells - gaywired.com
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| | Gay friendly with generally spectacular weather year round, Puerto Vallarta is stellar destination for gays on a budget. | | |
It’s official. The U.S. economy is on the ropes and most analysts are predicting that a recession is almost inevitable. Now, while that may mean bad news all around, it’s not the end of the world because history has taught us that these things are always cyclical. More importantly, if there’s one thing we gays know well, it’s the art of turning lemons into lemonade.
So, though a recession may necessarily impact the travel plans of American gays and lesbians over the course of the next year or two, the following five popular gay travel destinations will likely continue to attract scads and scads of pink dollars because they represent both great value and good times.
Puerto Vallarta
Gay friendly with generally spectacular weather year round, Puerto Vallarta is stellar destination for gays on a budget.
On the accommodations front travelers can expect to find gay-owned or gay friendly properties in Puerto Vallarta starting for as little as $75 per night along with bargains a plenty on the cobblestone covered streets of Old Town which is essentially the heart of Puerto Vallarta’ gay scene.
Finally, because Puerto Vallarta is also such a popular destination, it’s not difficult to find cheap fares (sometimes even at the last minute) if you keep an eye out for them. Can you say muy bien?
Fort Lauderdale
Despite having a homophobic mayor in Jim Naugle, Fort Lauderdale remains a top destination for gay travelers.
With over one hundred gay-owned businesses, including numerous gay hotels and B&Bs, Fort Lauderdale is one of the most gay-friendly cities in North America. While comfortable accommodation in Fort Lauderdale in the $100 - $150 per night range is plentiful, many domestic airlines offer cost-effective special fares to Fort Lauderdale International Airport, which makes it significantly cheaper to travel in and out of than neighboring Miami International.
Car rentals also tend to be more reasonable in Fort Lauderdale, so taking a trip down to Miami or exploring nearby Palm Beach is also an option for those who grow weary of Fort Lauderdale’s balmy beachside scene.
Montréal, Québec
So even though the value of the US dollar may be falling faster than a speeding comet these days, Montreal is still a great deal for gay and lesbian travelers.
Drinks in this, the most European of destinations in North Americ,a cost far less than those fashionably served in big cities like New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco just as hearty bistro style meals are available for a fraction of what one might expect in a major American metropolis (think around $15). Oh and forget about exorbitant cover charges at happening watering holes. You’ll not often be asked for $20 entrance fees in this locale. Mais non!
In fact, the only thing about a visit to Montreal that might bust your budget is the frisky strip bars where sexy, scantily clad (sometimes nude) Quebecois dancers collect cash for private dances. After all, fun does have its price.
Palm Springs
If you avoid major holidays and gay circuit events, like The White Party and Dinah Shore Weekend, Palm Springs offers all kinds of bargains.
The key is traveling mid-week during the high season or booking during the off-season or the shoulder season. You’ll be amazed to discover the deals resorts in Palm Spring serve up year round to ensure full capacity.
Another treat that often accompanies a visit to Palm Springs is the great shopping that abounds in the city’s quaint downtown area, as well as at the Desert Hills Premium Outlets in neighboring Cabazon, where some of the best discount shopping in Southern California awaits travelers.
Also, only two hours or so by car from Los Angeles and San Diego, Palm Springs is an inexpensive and relaxing addendum to any visit to the Southern Cali.
Provincetown
There’s never a bad time to visit P-Town, but off season when the crowds have faded away is undoubtedly one of the best and least costly times to visit the gay mecca.
Whether it’s an escape with a significant other, a little piece and quiet, a respite from the cares of the world or just a change of scenery you’re looking for, Provincetown is a destination beloved by gay and lesbian travelers who flock to guesthouses for getaways that can cost less than a $100 per night in the off-season.
A relatively short drive or a ferry ride from Boston plus a few hundred pink dollars and an escape can be had that won’t leave your wallet smarting for weeks and months to come.
Now how bad can that be? |
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