My Health MD

What are you going to do on vacation this year? Mountain biking can make for a wonderful vacation. You can really explore America by mountain biking. Tours of scenic routes are available through many companies. These tours often come with accommodations. Athletic couples will really appreciate these relaxing but active vacations.

Amazing mountain biking trails can be found in each and every region in the country. Look beyond the major mountain ranges. Mountain bikers will enjoy the adventure of any hilly, scenic, rough trail.

Some of the most popular mountain biking regions include the Pacific Northwest, Southwest, and Southeast. States such as North Carolina have many scenic trails.

The American West Region is known for mountain biking trails, but you don’t need to stop there! The Southwest area has many popular trails as well!

Some of the Southwest trails that I personally recommend are the Piney Canyon Road in Arizona, the Flume Trail in Nevada, and the South Boundary Trail in New Mexico.

While these trails are over 20 miles long, even new mountain bikers will enjoy them. You can ride as much of the trail as you want to. There is no pressure, for example, to complete the 50 miles of rough terrain at Piney Canyon.

Some of my personal favorites are in the Pacific Northwest. Surveyor’s Ridge in Oregon, Mount Tamalpais in California, and the Methow Trail System in Washington are both beautiful and relaxing while offering a challenging workout.

Athletic people will really enjoy mountain biking vacations. You can explore regions at your own pace, and these vacations are usually less expensive than other types of trips. You’ll feel a sense of pride as you complete a trail (even if you choose not to complete the whole trail), and will get the adventure of a lifetime. What a great way for a couple to explore America! Not in a serious relationship right now? No problem – gather a group of your single friends and make it an adventurous group excursion. Imagine the memories you’ll create!

See more writing pieces written by this writer about topics including carpet stretching tools and commercial grade carpet squares.

Cruise ships, retreats and organized tours are wonderful things to consider while trying to establish the details of your vacation. Stepping our of your comfort zone is a must to ensure the success of your travels. Resistances that are not properly dealt with will prove to be an obstacle once you get underway. Prepare yourself to be open and willing to explore new dimensions. Gay vacations have to be inspiring and enriching.

Your drive in the quest for building a dream lifestyle should be rewarded with time to play. Allow your non- serious and playful self to create fascinating play arrangements. Try not to be predictable and discover others areas of excitement in your life. Connecting with foreign lands and the people who cultivate that land will foster new insights. Let your imagination continue to serve you and prepare to be amazed.

Establishing what you need to get out of your travels will help you avoid needing another vacation upon your return. There are a number of resources that will embrace a variety of budgets. Respecting your budget will help keep things into proper perspective and leave you without financial guilt. And, as an added bonus your budget can lead you to discovering a hidden aspiration.

So, why not have everything you want your vacation to be. Identify where you want to go and what you want to do once you arrive. This may be a time to take new risks or ground yourself within the beautiful landscapes of the world. Either way the choices are yours to make – just make them memorable.

Fail proof suggestions that could enhance the diversity of your travels are things like theme parties and other activities to encourage socializing. Your willingness to allow others to participate in building the success of your trip will make a difference. And, mingling with others will create dimension and texture within your experience.

Being in good company is crucial to the experience of releasing tension and creating open space for good energy to prevail. The gifts that come along with meeting people who have shared interest are invaluable. A vacation should appeal to the desire for community – one that laughs and plays together.

The powers of short getaways are so under estimated and it’s ashamed; they are the perfect medicine for managing a balance life. For those end of the work week strains, a weekend surrounded by nature keeps your feet on the ground. It also provides a forum to build inner peace for a healthier mind set. Creating time for self reflection keeps things in their proper place.

Gay vacations are for the adventurous and the bold. New experiences await you and only require you to surrender your entire self. Whether you desire some self reflection time or an entrance into flavorful interactions – seeing it makes it real. Bring your fantasies and the courage to live the journey.

Howie Holben is the owner of Spirit Journeys, a gay travel organization that focuses on spiritual travel. Howie has travelled the world learning from indigenous peoples. You can learn more about Howie, his work and gay vacations with a spiritual focus at Spirit Journeys website.

categories: travel,society,vacations,tours,travel tips,gay,advice,education,spirituality,metaphysical,recreation,liesure,health,fitness

Gay lifestyles have always been recognized as existing, but their acceptance is something that has struggled through history. The last example of any sort of gay welcoming culture would be the Greeks and Romans and that was over two thousand years prior, with the world not rushing to recreate that sort of gay prevalence. Today, some countries are extremely welcoming towards gays, for example Canada which allows for same sex unions or places around the world that welcome gay tours.

Around the United States there are many people who have no issue with gays and others who most certainly do and can, unfortunately, incite violence to make their claim. The gray scale acceptance in America is still worlds above some countries, like Iran, in which homosexuals can be sentenced to death.

While everyone wants to debate if being gay is a choice or whether or not it is genetic, those that are gay struggle with their feelings from childhood. Realizing that they are different and surviving puberty which is a time of sexual exploration can be extremely difficult for them as it is for straight teenagers. Staying in the closet to fit in or coming out and being a beacon for your sexuality is a choice that straight teens do not have to struggle with.

Coming to terms with sexuality and a place in the world means finding like minded individuals. Technology, thankfully, has stepped forward and given gays a voice and a community. Lesbian Gay and Transgendered (LGBT) groups have come forward to make gayness a safe and normal state of being that is supported and full of love.

It cannot be underestimated the acceptance that a gay person feels walking into an all gay function. It is something that most straight individuals never have to think about. Getting this alone time with fellow homosexual individuals can feed the soul and so tailoring a vacation to be around other gay people can be the vacation of a lifetime. Gay tours travel all over the world and offer gays the chance to meet and celebrate one another.

Gay tours also work as a great travel template to know where there are areas in which acceptance is high, bringing the overall anxiety level down. These tours can be centered on cruise ships with varying destinations and a very party boat atmosphere or they can be more focused and smaller, like wildlife tours that let you explore the natural wonders of places like Alaska.

There are a variety and number of vacations that will have you surrounded by other gay people and couples. No matter your interests there are tours specific to your desires. Also, the extent in which tours are gay can vary according to your interests be it gays, lesbians, and their friends, gay families, just gay men, and only lesbian women.

Experience the world and let your true personality shine through without fear of being rejected. Gay vacations are a great way to relax and take a moment to be around so many other gay people, a luxury that straight people have every single day. The psychological benefits cannot be discounted.

Howie Holben wrote this commentary about gay vacations help. He is the the force behind Spirit Journeys, a gay spiritual retreat enterprise. Spirit Journeys advances spiritual gay tantra workshops all over the planet.

There is a phenomenal vacation destination, filled with one-of-a-kind adventures and exciting locales. Its cities are urbane and vibrant, perfect for gay tours. It is a land of wonders so diverse, with natural and manmade settings so remarkable, it is almost indescribable. Where? Australia!

Australia offers gay travelers a welcoming destination, brimming with activities to suit the whims of any traveler. And that’s probably the reason that so many gay couples and singles are saying, “G’day, mate,” and making a beeline for this beautiful continent.

When you’re in Australia you are rarely far from experiences that will excite you as never before. For the wine connoisseur, try going to Yarra, Coal River or Swan Valleys. Visit the wineries and their tasting rooms to experience first-hand the contrast between a smooth white and smoky red. Excitement junkies can go diving on the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland or Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia.

Visitors can swim with giant whale sharks at Ningaloo. In the Northern Territory at Darwin Harbor, you can dive World War II shipwrecks. In Tasmania you can hike national parks and ancient rainforests, home to interesting plants and animals.

No gay traveler can miss Melbourne, the second-largest city in Australia. This is a multi-cultural metropolis where Victorian and contemporary architecture blend seemlessly. In this very gay friendly city, you can spend time with the sculptures in Werrebee Park, shop to you drop at high-end shops or less expensive boutiques, go to first class theater productions, and then end your day with a visit to one of Melbourne’s hot clubs! Perfect for a gay romantic getaway too.

For gay travelers who enjoy driving, consider embarking on the Pacific Coast Touring Route and take in the lush and quaint scenery. But remember, Australians drive on the left side of the road! If that sounds too sedate, you can get your heart pumping during various water sports, such as river rafting or kayaking.

Australia is located in the Southern Hemisphere, its seasons are upside down from those of the Northern Hemisphere. Summer in Australia takes place December through February. Australia is a very big continent, so check with your travel agent for weather information about your particular time of travel and your destination.

Australia has a very wide range of accommodations. From hostels to small inns for romantic holidays, to high end spa retreats and everything in between, making a gay adventure travel to Australia affordable, no matter what you budget might be.

Thoughts about Australia written by Howie Holben. Spirit Journeys list of gay guides is amazing. Their gay travel in 2010 is well rounded.

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.

One example of travel with a purpose is going on gay spirituality vacations that go beyond the quest to relax on the beach and are undertaken with a purposeful intention and awareness. Most people take vacations with the common goal of getting away from it all, but those who choose a spiritual vacation begin their voyage with the intent to really arrive in their chosen, specific location and to connect with the energy, people and land in their chosen destination.

A gay spiritual vacation can be a solo pilgrimage, a retreat focused on assisting couples in reconnecting and growing, or conscious travel undertaken with a group of travelers with similar intentions organized by a professional travel agency catering to those who wish to partake in a spiritual journey to a variety of locations across the globe, including Thailand, Egypt, India, New Zealand, Peru, Mexico or the American Southwest.

Individual pilgrimages are one option for spiritual vacations, but there are several benefits that come with choosing professionally organized conscious travel with a group of fellow seekers who can significantly influence the positive experience and spiritual growth you achieve during your joint journey. Professional companies that provide opportunities for spiritual travel have the information and experience needed to create powerful, meaningful personal voyages that will result in remarkable experiences that stay with the participants for the remainder of their lives.

Conscious travel tours visit sacred sites, provide organized group activities and manage logistical aspects of the trip to allow you to focus on your personal journey and growth. Professional tour groups also have ongoing relationships with locals in each destination, which provides participants with opportunities to see and experience things that are unavailable to solo travelers on conventional vacations.

Participants in gay 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.

Info post originated by Howie Holben. Spirit Journeys suggests gay retreats and is a place for gay spiritual singles.

categories: gay spirituality,spirituality,metaphysical,spiritual,spiritual travel,travel,vacations,tours,gay,self help,inspiration,motivation,health,wellness

Spain is among the first countries in the world to allow same-sex couples to freely enjoy the legal rights of marriage, to adopt children openly and to be treated as equals on a level that the American LGBT community is still struggling to achieve. So it is a great country for gay tours. Because of this wide acceptance and legal equality, Spain is among the top choices for safe, enjoyable gay vacations. From the sexually-charged scene in Madrid, to the higher-brow LGBT culture of Sitges, there is a thriving community in every major city and many of the smaller towns throughout this country that offers breathtaking scenery, stunning architecture, rich culture and history, and wonderful year-round weather that makes any time a good time for gay vacations to Spain.

Some of Spain’s most welcoming towns, cities and islands include Sitges, Valencia, Torremolinos, Ibiza, Gran Canaria, Barcelona and Benidorm, each of which is very popular with LGBT visitors. Many of these must-see locales have exceptional beaches and all of them offer a vibrant community and active nightlife for gay holidays. For travelers in search of a lively scene, Madrid is the ideal choice and will not disappoint; however, those looking for a laidback vacation on the beach may prefer Ibiza or Gran Canaria, while travelers who prefer a mix of bars and beaches might best enjoy Torremolinos or Valencia.

Travelers looking for remarkable architecture, art and culture in a welcoming environment will not want to miss Barcelona, home to more community establishments, restaurants, bars, bathhouses and clubs than anywhere else in the country. Many of the establishments are located in the LEixample neighborhood, making this area a favorite among LGBT tourists and locals alike. As one of the most welcoming, cosmopolitan cities in Europe, Barcelona has everything you need from bars to beaches and boasts a lively LGBT community that is active and visible. During gay trips to Barcelona, another LGBT hotspot that is worth a visit is the seaside community of Sitges, just 35 kilometers to the south.

To get the most out of your gay vacations, you may want to consider visiting Spain with a professionally organized tour group offered through a company that specializes in a gay vacation. Partaking in a tour to Spain will allow you to discover the captivating landscapes and enticing adventures Spain has to offer while forging new friendships that will last a lifetime.

If you prefer to explore alone, or with your partner or a small group friends, consider arranging your trip through a professional travel agency that is accustomed to organizing gay tours to Spain. This will help ensure that you have a great travel experience that is safe and enjoyable.

Piece by Howie Holben for Spain gay tours and gay vacations for singles.

categories: gay,travel,vacations,tours,tourism,leisure,health,fitness,recreation,advice

Greece offers an array of opportunities for fantastic gay tours or couples experience. Gay travel to Greece will naturally include amazing sunrises, relaxing on white, sandy beaches, trekking to historical sites to explore ancient ruins, and ferrying between several of Greece’s breathtakingly beautiful islands. Whether you dream of a gay vacation that includes family fun like picking olives and exploring museums, a restful respite in a seaside resort with your partner, or a rowdy week of taking in the Athens nightlife with a group of friends, Greece will undoubtedly prove to be an ideal setting for your gay vacation.

Athens has several gay bars and clubs, as well as coffee shops and cafes that are gay-owned or gay-friendly. And, of course, there are saunas for gay men interested in the bathhouse scene during their gay vacation to Greece. Athens Relax is right across the street from a gay club and is a large sauna with mixed-age clientele, while Hera is a smaller sauna with more mature patrons. Limanakia beach, just south of Athens is a popular beach area for gay men that offers a rocky shore, underwater rock formations and swimming.

Mykonos is one of the most welcoming Greek islands for gay vacation travel and has long been a popular gay travel destination. With exquisite beaches, spectacular scenery, a vibrant nightlife, welcoming locals and a cosmopolitan air, Mykonos is a must-see stop on any Greek gay vacation. Gay-friendly lodgings abound on Mykonos, including an adults only lodging option that is gay-owned and caters exclusively to gay travelers. Crete is another vastly popular Greek island for gay travel. While there is no definable gay scene on Crete, there is a bed and breakfast that is gay-owned, a few gay bars and businesses, gay beaches and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, which makes Crete a natural choice for any gay vacation to Greece.

Of course, lesbian travelers will not want to miss Lesvos and the opportunity to explore Sapphos native hometown, Eressos. Lesbian travelers can stroll along beautiful beaches, experience luxurious spa treatments, people watch from romantic cafes and indulge in a delightfully women-centered nightlife while visiting this haven for lesbian travel.

Greece remains a mostly traditional, religious country, but those who visit Greece on gay vacations will find a welcoming environment almost anywhere in the country. One of the best ways to see Greece is to use gay vacations. Another great option is to plan your gay vacation to Greece through a travel agency that regularly plans Greece gay vacations. This will ensure that you will have the opportunity to experience all that Greece has to offer and will return with a lifetime of memories.

Thoughts on Greece authored by Howie Holben. Spirit Journeys offers gay nude yoga and provides gay travel information.

categories: metaphysical,spirituality,self improvement,motivation,inspirational,gay,travel,vacations,tours,tourism,health,fitness,recreation