Packing For an Adventurous Gay Winter Vacation

With the festive season in full swing, it is a perfect moment for you and your same-sex significant other to pack your bags and head for some quality time away from home. Still, before you go, you will have to prepare for the trip in terms of vehicle check-ups and luggage. Though we cannot help you with the former, we can provide you with a few useful tips as to what to pack for a perfect vacation in the lap of Winter Wonderland. If you want to make sure you do not leave behind some valuable gear, glance through the checklist to tick off everything you will need for an idyllic winter holiday.

The down jacket

In the middle of nowhere- and a freezing cold nowhere, what’s more – you will need a smart down jacket to keep you warm. On top of keeping you warm and safe from gusts of strong wind, a trendy down will allow you to communicate your personal style to the rest of the world, so make sure your jacket is as fashionable as it can get. After all, if your first line of defense against the cold weather can be up on the same page as the latest trends and your personal style, you should go for it as the investment will definitely be worth the extra cash.

A carbon wallet

There is no better place to keep your cards than a fashionable carbon wallet. In addition to minimizing the need for space, a trendy carbon wallet will also ward off the snow and keep your cards safely stored. For a neat bonus, your stylish accessory will show to the world that you are on trend, and it will also allow you to bring all the cards you need inside the tiniest of pockets, which is a major plus since the risk of losing your minimalist wallet out in the snow will be negligible.

Scarves and hats

Warm scarves and beanie hats are a must-have for a holiday in the middle of snow and ice. Out there in the snow, your body will be losing heat and your skin will need adequate protection from the elements, which is why scarves and hats are a must even with the warmest of down jackets. For an additional bonus, toting a stylish beanie and scarf will also add interest to your winter getup and allow you to stand out in the crowd, which is another reason not to forget some woolen accessories when packing for your frosty adventure.

Warm Boots

Another must-have for a perfect gay winter vacation, a pair of waterproof boots will make sure your feet are always dry and warm as you conquer cold terrain. Even if you do not have extensive packing space, you still should not forget to take the steps to weatherproof your feet as this part of your body will need all the heat it can get out there on the snow. Unless you pack the right boots for your winter holiday, you might end up with a bad case of cold or flu, which is why you should take footwear seriously if you are to venture out into unchartered snowy territory.

Sun protection

Out there in the snow, your face and lips will be exposed to the elements as much as they are when you are enjoying your summer trips, which is why it would be a good idea to pack lipbalm and sunscreen. While the lipbalm will help prevent your lips from getting chapped in the freezing wind, a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF will make sure your skin does not get burnt by the sun out there in the snow. On top of that, the sun shines brighter against the snow, which is why a pair of sunglasses should also find its way into your luggage. 

Are you ready for your winter gaycation? Be sure to bring along a trendy down jacket, extra socks and warm boots, and do not forget your carbon wallet, lipbalm, sunglasses, and sunscreen. All packed? Your perfect winter trip should be all covered then. Bon voyage, and have fun!

The Impact of New Technologies on the Travel Industry

Technological advancements impact various industries, and hospitality is no exception. They have changed how users search for, book, and experience vacation destinations. 

With high-speed internet connections, virtual reality, and AI-powered voice control, travel experiences have become more intuitive and engaging.

In this article, we discuss how new technologies benefit the hospitality sector.

Cloud Technologies

Cloud computing is the foundation of the technologies mentioned below. According to statistics, about 81% of travel businesses have already invested in cloud computing.

One of the most notable advantages of the cloud is data security. While companies still have numerous cloud-related concerns, these technologies are more reliable than on-premise data storage. From natural disasters to cyberattacks, numerous issues can result in data loss. 

The cloud provides enhanced data security options and makes it easier to comply with data privacy regulations. That is why many hospitality businesses, such as IHG Hotels and Hyatt Hotels, partner with Amazon Web Services.

In a recent guide, SuperAdmins explain that organizations should have a strict compliance strategy before migrating to the cloud. It ensures their cloud computing solutions meet customers’ demands regarding data collection, storage, backups, etc. 

By adopting the cloud strategically and ethically managing customer data, travel and hospitality firms will build trust with their target audiences.

Virtual Reality

Virtual reality refers to highly engaging 360-degree content. Unlike traditional photos and videos, VR is interactive. It immerses a user into the virtual world. 

With the help of these technologies, users can travel to the most distant corners of the globe without leaving their homes. Via physical sensations like sounds or images, they can move around the digital environment and interact with it.

The VR uses in the travel sector are multiple. Some of them are:

  • Providing virtual hotel tours: VR allows hospitality businesses to host virtual tours of hotels and rooms. That way, users can experience what the place looks like before booking it. 
  • Offering an immersive booking interface: Instead of filling out annoying website forms, users can book hotel rooms or tours via a VR headset. 
  • Promoting the hottest vacation destinations: For example, a hotel in Reykjavik may offer a virtual experience of the Northern Lights.

The Internet of Things

Simply put, the Internet of Things is the network of devices that use sensors and other technologies to exchange data with other systems via the internet. 

In the travel industry, IoT involves the integration of users’ smartphones with sensor-powered devices. 

Delivering Customizable User Experiences

The Internet of Things enables a higher level of user experience personalization. 

For example, some hotels power their rooms with sensors. Via a mobile app, users can switch the lights on/off or control the thermostat. 

On planes, sensors allow users to control the air conditioner or adjust the temperature of the seat.

Enabling Smoother Travelling 

IoT technologies improve user experiences at every touchpoint. 

Smart airports use sensors to provide passengers with real-time messages. For example, the mobile app can notify a user about the location of their baggage so they can easily find it. 

Ensuring Faster Maintenance

In factories, the IoT is an essential part of the equipment maintenance process. Sensors identify the performance problems and send alerts to the IT staff. That saves them time since they do not need to look for machinery failure causes manually. 

These technologies play a fundamental role in the travel industry, too. For example, if a light bulb stops working, the sensor activates and sends notifications to the hotel staff. 

5G Network

5G stands for the fifth-generation wireless technology. It provides users with high-speed internet connections and decreased latency. These networks change how we communicate and exchange data. 

As such, they are essential to the travel industry. Namely, 5G perfectly matches VR or the Internet of Things. 

For example, 5G can provide immersive cultural experiences. Fast internet connections allow travelers to use VR or AR to explore new places.

Smart airports equipped with sensors also use these technologies. They provide passengers with beacons that let them navigate their terminals more successfully. 

Voice Control

Over the past few years, voice control has revolutionized the travel industry. In the mobile-first era, a growing number of customers perform searches via smartphone voice assistants. According to Google’s research studies, nearly 70% of Google voice searches use natural language. These conversational technologies make people more comfortable interacting with search engines. Above all, they simplify the customer journey.

Statistics show that tech-savvy users rely on these technologies to:

  • Look for hotels
  • Learn about in-destination activities
  • Search for flights
  • Request information on destination
  • Get vacation ideas

For businesses in the hospitality sector, that is the opportunity to provide faster and more engaging user experiences. First, the goal is to optimize website experiences for voice searches. For example, why not let a user book airline tickets or hotel rooms via their voice assistant?

Voice control and the IoT are a match made in heaven. Guests can use voice assistants in hotel rooms. For instance, they can control lighting and heating. They can even use voice search for self-service. They can obtain accurate tourist information from the voice assistant without having to speak to the hotel staff.

Over to You

New technologies have revolutionized the travel industry. 

For example, cloud computing has accelerated the digitization of this sector. It promises seamless user experiences and higher data security standards. 

Virtual reality, voice assistants, and the IoT go hand in hand with the fast 5G network. Together, they provide immersive, exciting, and personalized user experiences. 

When observing these trends, we can conclude that the travel sector will become more user-oriented in the years to come. 

Travel Influencer – Keys to Success in Travel Business

Travel businesses seemed indestructible until the pandemic, almost two years ago now. Luckily, things are slowly going back to normal, which is a perfect way for travel influencers to get back into the game. Therefore, if you’re thinking about changing a career, or you’re an influencer who wants to take a different path, it’s important to know how to do it the right way. Here are some tips that will help you succeed in the travel business as a blogger or influencer.

Invest in good visuals 

When it comes to traveling, the visual aspect matters the most. So, as a travel influencer/blogger it’s your job to create a visual presentation that will entice people to visit that exact same place. Therefore, hire a professional photographer, who’ll be able to create stunning images for your website and all social media profiles. Also, in order to boost the appeal of your content, consider using a professional online video intro maker that will make everything look exciting and presentable in a short form. Good visuals matter more than the articles/captions, especially when it comes to traveling. People want to see gorgeous beaches, luxury rooms, and exquisite services that you’re experiencing, so make sure to capitalize on that. 

Know your audience

If you’re just starting out in the world of travel blogging/influencing, then it’s important to know your audience. College-aged people are most likely less affluent, so in that case, it would be better to advertise co-working spaces in Bali, rather than luxury hotels in Paris. 

On the other hand, if your audience is mostly comprised of middle-aged professionals who earn well, then you’ll have more room to accept different gigs and advertise more expensive brands, hotels, restaurants, or products. 

Be transparent and honest with your followers

Sure, using some filters and facetuning your body is the norm in the world of social media. But, when it comes to advertising a hotel, or a resort, it’s important to be transparent with your followers, so they’ll know what to expect if they ever decide to make a reservation. If there’s no sauna, then be sure to mention that, especially if you get asked about it. Honesty and integrity play a huge role because they paint you in a good light. Plus, make sure to be genuine, consistent, and patient, especially when it comes to growing your authentic following. Buying followers might seem like a nifty idea, but that might backfire, so rather than obsessing over numbers, try to be happy and embrace the role of a micro-influencer as that might be a great career path for you.

Be professional and well-behaved

Some travel influencers get a bad rep because they expect everything for free. Of course, that is possible to achieve, but before that, you should invest time and effort to create a personal brand that the businesses will want to work with. In that case, a killer media kit speaks volumes about you. Also, begging for freebies, such as free stay or extra services isn’t the best idea: many travel businesses have it hard as it is, so always remember to be kind and considerate. Getting things for free is amazing, but you shouldn’t rely on that only, especially if you’re new in the world of influencing. Professionalism speaks a thousand languages, so be sure to behave and be polite at all times.

Work when you feel motivated and energized

Flying long distances can be stressful and tiring, often resulting in jet lags. So, it’s important to remain focused and energized while traveling. Also, once you arrive, make sure to get some rest first, because working when tired can only yield sub-par results. So rather than doing things just because you have to, give yourself a few hours off to relax and regain your energy. 

Conclusion

The world of influencing might seem saturated, but if you’re unique and create engaging content, you’ll have a chance of making it big. Travel bloggers and influencers do live exciting lives, so if you’re toying with the idea of becoming one, then these tips will help you achieve that, as long as you’re focused, professional and hard-working. 

Summer Vacation Skincare Essentials

Skincare is not a new thing in the queer community, and gay men have always cared about their appearance. However, since we were trapped in our homes for a year and now we can finally travel, it’s easy to throw your skincare routine out the window when you’re on the road. But don’t let a nasty breakout ruin your hot gay summer and pack these skincare essentials in your carryon: 

Load up on sunscreen

Don’t worry, you will get nicely tanned even when you’re wearing sunscreen. What you won’t get though, is sunburns and nasty skin peels. You don’t want to look like a lobster with a skin condition while you’re at a beach full of hot guys! So sunscreen is a must for many reasons: no sunburns, no peeling, reduced risk of melanoma, better complexion in the future, etc. And you will always have a reason to have your boo touch your back and chest to reapply your sun protection! When you’re all fresh out of the shower from the beach, apply a light after-sun lotion to help your skin cool down, hydrate and heal any damage. 

Exfoliate

If you’re a macho gay, you might refuse to participate in exfoliation because it might not be the manliest activity, but it only shows that you’re insecure in your sexuality and don’t care about your aesthetics and health. So make sure to pack a light exfoliation cream that will remove dead skin cells from your face, as well as stubborn dirt and oils. You only need a tiny pack of exfoliant because it’s a beauty step performed just once or twice a week. 

Keep it clean

If you’re traveling somewhere humid like Korea, China or any Southeast Asian country, you will notice that humidity affects your skin, opens up your pores and makes it more susceptible to dirt and thus breakouts. To stay on top of humidity, you can follow a few Korean beauty tricks and pay special attention to skin cleansing. A gentle cleanser will remove all dirt and oil from your skin after a long day of sweating, and even give it some additional hydration. You will look and feel fresh and have a clean face as a base for your makeup if you use it. 

A touch of concealer 

When you’re traveling, you don’t get to rest much. You’re always either at the beach, exploring or partying with new friends—there’s not much time for proper hydration or beauty sleep. This often results in those pesky under-eye bags and dark circles that add about 10 years to your look. But don’t worry when you have this summer tip up your sleeve, with a touch of concealer you will look fresh and rested even after a party and after-party combo! 

Love your lips

Traveling takes a huge toll on your lips. All that sun, wind, saltwater and making out can damage your lips and make them look crispy and gross. Luckily, you can always have chapstick in your backpack to protect your kisser. Also, a light lip exfoliation during your trip might be a good idea that will ensure your lips are kissable and not cracked and bleeding—no one wants to see that, let alone kiss that! 

Face masks

There always comes a time when you have to pack your bags and return home. On your flight back, make sure to use the time wisely and grab a sheet mask. These masks are paper-thin and fit into every carry-on, easy to apply and pleasant for every face. And they feel so amazing in that dry cabin air, especially after a week of wild parties, sun and physical activity. Grab a hydrating face mask that matches your skin type, apply once you take off and keep it on as you travel. When you land, your skin will hide all the evidence of a wild travel lifestyle and you’ll be ready to go back to work and look dashing. 

These few skincare items will not take up too much space in your suitcase or take up too much time when you’re traveling. However, they will allow you to serve face and body wherever you go! 

How to Keep Your Focus When Traveling

If you’re traveling, no matter if for work or pleasure, it’s easy to get distracted and neglect your daily tasks and obligations. Your brain is in vacation mode, plus you have limited resources, irregular schedules, different diet, jet lag, little exercise and a little bit of nostalgia. However, it’s possible to stay focused and productive with these pro-traveler tips: 

Do your research

If you don’t want to waste any time on your trip, make sure to do your research and find all things necessary for a smooth trip in your vicinity. For instance, locate in advance grocery stores, conference halls, cafés, client’s offices and other things you will need to visit. This move saves you time and allows you to hit the ground running when you arrive. 

Plan ahead

You probably know you’ll be hungry on the plane or right when you arrive. Instead of wasting time and money on airport cinnamon buns and sketchy sandwiches, you can stay on track with a healthy trail mix, string cheese and some fresh fruit. Or make sure to pack a travel charger or a power bank so you can do some work at the airport or on the plane. 

Take advantage of your resources

You might not have your regular gym at your disposal or your company’s conference hall, but check if your hotel has a fitness center or meeting rooms you can use. If you’re having an outdoor adventure with camping, find a branch to do pull-ups, a bench for push-ups and some rocks to use as weights. Be creative and use whatever you have at hand. 

Stay hydrated

Make sure to always have a bottle of some sort of liquid (non-alcoholic) at hand when traveling. Staying hydrated will keep you focused, strong, sharp and healthy. When you’re traveling, you’re usually walking and talking more than usual, so you will need to replenish your lost water. If you need an extra push, you can grab a can of nootropic drink that will additionally boost your focus and alertness, improve memory, enhance learning and support mental energy—all you need for a busy day of business travel or exploration. Stay hydrated to maintain sharpness, but also prevent headaches, haziness and other health issues. 

Take it easy with alcohol

If you’re traveling for fun, you will probably grab a few cocktails at the beach to relax, but make sure to keep it moderate to prevent feeling useless the next day (you don’t want to waste precious vacation time on hangovers). If you’re traveling for work, you will probably do some business over dinner and drinks, but make sure to be responsible and professional. A drunken tweet just takes a moment, but remember that they last forever and everyone present at the bar will have a camera to record your irresponsible and disrespectable behavior. 

Maintain daily routines

How do you usually start your day? Is it with a light jog, meditation or shower and skincare regimen? Try your best to maintain these practices when you travel as well. You might not want to introduce new habits to your routine while you’re traveling, but make sure to keep up with the practices you’re used to. Maintaining your daily routines will put you in the right mind-frame. 

Think about all the things you do that make you feel stable, productive and focused like reading, good diet, meditation, working out and other smaller rituals. Allow these habits to ground you no matter where you are, and you will get to enjoy clarity and comfort without getting distracted by a new pace of life. And expect to achieve all the travel goals you set before you. 

Employ technology

Today, technology is small enough to follow you wherever you go. You can do a lot of work tasks on your smartphone or tablet while traveling or relaxing in your hotel room. Just make sure to always pack the right chargers and consider investing in a power bank. This way, you will have the technology to rely on and save yourself a lot of time. 

Being on the road brings a change of pace for all travelers, but it’s not impossible to stay focused and productive. Make sure to follow your daily routines, practise healthy habits and rely on preparation and technology to keep you on track. You will come home fresh, fit, healthy and with a planner full of finished tasks. 

Easy Tips for Getting in Shape for a Summer Gaycation

We’ve all let ourselves go a bit in quarantine, but since the situation with the pandemic is getting better all over the world, we might be looking at a summer of our lives. But what can you do about that winter belly? Now is the right time to start your journey towards getting in shape for your summer gaycation and being the top attraction at any beach. 

Make a plan

If you’re serious about getting your body back in shape, make sure to be organized. A clear plan of everything you want to achieve and everything you need to give up will put you one step closer to your perfect summer body. However, don’t set goals that are too high—not seeing the results you set for yourself will just ruin your motivation. Also, make a schedule of your workouts and rest days that will help you stay organized and focused. 

Find a personal trainer

First of all, make sure to pick a good trainer, but not something that will be too distracting if you know what we mean. The key to progress is staying focused, so don’t mix work and pleasure. Anyway, make sure the gym you pick and the trainer has the necessary equipment and knowledge to show you what you need to do, when and how much. With a bit of mentoring, you will only make gains and stay on your path for much longer. 

Start with your diet

Any person with abs will tell you that a flat belly is made in the kitchen, not at the gym, so you will need to leave your quarantine diet behind you and start focusing on healthy and nutritious food. If you want to put on some muscle, don’t restrict your calories too much, just load your body with good foods like proteins, good fats and good carbs. If you hate to cook or don’t have time for those extensive meal preps, you can sign up for a meal plan delivery service and get fresh and nutritious food every week. The best thing about this program is that you can opt for a weight loss plan, sculpt plan, performance plan or gain plan, depending on your goals, which greatly simplifies your eating schedule. 

Ditch sugars 

No matter how much you try to kill every workout at the gym, sugary drinks and other sweets can ruin your progress completely. So make sure to ditch all those carbonated drinks and replace them with natural hydration. If you miss sweet foods, you can look up easy and zero-sugar treats you can make at home. 

Stay hydrated

Staying hydrated is key to a healthy and sexy body, so make sure to always have a bottle of water or a cup of green tea with you. We know it’s hard to survive without iced coffee from Starbucks, but these are full of calories. On the other hand, water and green tea have zero calories, yet they support metabolic rate, cause your body to burn more calories and make a huge change to your mood and energy levels.

Don’t run from supplementation

Supplements get a bad reputation, but if taken responsibly, they can boost your productivity and performance and allow you to reach your goals faster. A quality protein powder can be your best friend while you’re working out. Drink it every time after a workout and you’ll replenish your energy, feed your muscles and boost recovery. However, make sure to choose a protein powder that matches your weight goals. When it comes to other supplements, it’s best to consult a personal trainer or a workout specialist who will tell you what and how to take for the best results. 

There you have it, a simple plan on how you can get that Greek god body (or at least something that won’t embarrass you at the beach). No one will be able to resist your sun-kissed guns as you stroll the beach! It all sounds a bit harsh, but pretty hurts! If you stay consistent, you will have your sexy body ready for a gaycation of a lifetime. 

5 Best LGBTQ Honeymoon Destinations in 2021

The concept of traveling and enjoying your honeymoon has changed drastically in 2020, and it’s safe to say that 2021 won’t be too different. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a great time on your honeymoon. On the contrary, if you find the perfect LGBTQ-friendly destination, you’ll surely end up having the time of your life. So, here are five places you should definitely consider when planning your honeymoon.

Italy

It doesn’t matter if you’ve already been to Italy before or not – visiting this amazing place is one of the best things you’ll ever do in life! Planning a great LGBT honeymoon in Italy sounds like a lot of work, but it’s actually easier than you can imagine, as long as you know what to do and what to expect.

Start by booking your plane tickets and finding accommodation a few months in advance – this will help you save some money and make your life a lot easier. Also, make sure you’ve packed everything you’ll need when traveling around Italy and try to remain as stylish as possible. Finally, invest some time into learning more about Italy and making a list of places you’re going to visit while you’re there, and you’ll surely have a wonderful time!

Malta

This might seem like a surprising destination at first, but Malta will give you everything you’re going to need on your honeymoon. It’s a rather secluded place that isn’t popular with all tourists, which means you’re going to have all the privacy you’re looking for. All newlyweds are going to appreciate that, especially when we’re talking about LGBTQ couples who like to keep things simple and easy.

On the other hand, Malta is famous for its amazing scenery and some of the best beaches in the world. You just need to spend some time looking for the most secluded spots, but once you find them, you’ll be surprised how amazing and picturesque Malta really is.

Dubrovnik

Every coastal destination in Croatia will give you a chance to feel like a member of the royal family while vacationing there, but Dubrovnik is the prime jewel in this offer. This amazing place has been around for centuries and has always attracted people from all over the world, giving them precisely what they need – even if they don’t know what exactly they’re looking for!

For example, spending your time in the open sea might not seem like the best way to spend your honeymoon, but it’s an exciting idea you simply have to explore. If you like it, you could even think about researching those powerful motor yachts for sale that will take you wherever you need to go and make sure you’re safe and protected at all times!

New York 

This is one of the most exciting places in the entire world, and we all deserve to visit New York at least once in our lives. But, if you’re looking for the best LGBTQ honeymoon destinations out there, you need to keep in mind that New York is better than it sounds.

With so many things to do here, you won’t have a problem finding ways to spend your time. From taking a walk in the park to visiting Broadway – literally whatever you do in New York will be memorable and epic. So, start planning and saving money for your unique NYC honeymoon you’re never going to forget!

Sydney

Here’s another great place to visit, and you’ll be amazed to notice how welcoming and LGBTQ-friendly people in Sydney are. They’ll be happy you’ve chosen their city for your honeymoon and won’t have a problem helping you around and making sure you’re having a great time – and that’s something all newlyweds are going to appreciate!

People who have already visited Sydney claim it’s the perfect honeymoon destination for everyone who’s looking to have a great time and enjoy their trip. There are lots of reasons why that’s the case – wonderful scenery, thrilling attractions, and cool activities – so don’t hesitate any longer and start planning an Aussie honeymoon right now!

Planning an LGBTQ honeymoon is never easy, but if you start on time and respect your spouse’s wishes as well, you’ll surely have a great honeymoon after all!

LGBT Guide: How to Travel Safely in 2020

Visibility and acceptance of the LGBT people grows every day, so travelers have a wider range of options when it comes to exploring the world. Still, being a gay traveler has its dangers, especially if you choose to travel freely out of the closet. Additionally, 2020 surprised us all and made our travel plans even more complicated. All in all, if you’re planning a trip this year and want to ensure you’re safe on all fronts, here’s what to pay attention to. 

See your doctor

Before you even start planning your trip, make sure to see your doctor (about 6 weeks before your trip). Aside from confirming that you’re healthy enough to travel, this will ensure you receive all necessary vaccinations and refill your prescriptions. It’s also a great idea to ask your health practitioner for hygiene trips and the best ways to avoid COVID-19. Just be ready to stock up on masks, wet wipes and hand sanitizer. 

Grab a local SIM card

Sure, you might want to have a small digital detox while on vacation, but staying connected is very important for your personal safety. Once you get to your destination, grab a local SIM card so you can freely use travel apps, contact your family, update your itinerary and call emergency services. It can also be useful for checking articles on your destination’s  LGBT-friendliness. 

Get good insurance

Having good travel insurance is the key to a safe trip. No matter what befalls you—a sprained ankle, stolen possessions or a canceled flight, you will be protected by your travel insurance so you can sleep peacefully. Additionally, if you’re planning a road trip for your next travel adventure, don’t forget to check a few attractive insurance offers that include vehicles. Keeping your car insured will help you stay safe on the road, especially if you grab a deal that includes roadside assistance. Don’t even start your road trip without having a plan on what to do in case your car refuses to cooperate. 

Get an Uber

If you’re not taking your own car, you’ll probably need to catch some sort of transportation, usually a taxi. However, make sure to always choose a licensed taxi, especially at airports since they are notorious for taking advantage of tourists. For instance, an illegal taxi driver might deliberately deceive you and take you somewhere else if you’re not careful. One of the best ways to remove a lot of stress out of your trip is to download Uber where everything is done via an app, from taking care of payments to checking out the route. Also, the fair is calculated per distance, so you’ll always get a good price. 

Download Google Maps

Another great app that can ensure you’re safe while traveling is Google Maps. It’s one of the best ways to ensure you get from point A to point B safely and efficiently. You can use it to calculate the distance between places, help you plan your trip better, find the nearest bank, ATM, supermarket and such. Also, it contains a lot of useful public transport information that will ensure you take the right route and stay safe. 

Don’t flaunt what you have

If you love your lux Rolex or your diamond engagement rings, it’s best to leave them safely locked away in your hotel room. Having valuables with you will not only boost the chance of getting them accidentally lost, but also make you a target for muggers. 

Prepare for safe sex

You’re probably going to have a lot of sexy fun on your vacation, so make sure to bring plenty of protection. Depending on where you’re going, you might find it hard to acquire condoms or lube, especially the quality kind, so come prepared.

Avoid excess alcohol and drug use

When you’re away from home on your fun vacation, you might be more inclined to drink or take drugs. While there’s nothing wrong with going a little wild in coffeeshops in Amsterdam or ordering special 2for1 deals in Sydney, you need to understand how these substances will affect your body and your mind. Also, when heading out, always stay with a trusted travel buddy so you can keep each other safe. Plus, partying with a friend or SO is always more fun! 

If you plan your trip well and follow these safety tips, every LGBT traveler can have a blast and come back home full of nothing but positive vibes and good memories. 

Improving Your Diet on Vacation

Are you tired of COVID-19 and quarantine and just want to take a fun and relaxing vacation? Don’t worry, going away for a while doesn’t mean you’ll ruin your hard work when it comes to dieting and exercise. While it might be tricky, you can stay on your healthy eating and workout habits. Here are some tricks that will help you improve your diet on vacation. 

Stick to your exercise regime

Set a goal when it comes to running, lifting or doing HIIT and stick to it. Don’t go overboard (you need to have enough energy to enjoy your vacation) and aim for two or three workouts per week. If you need help with staying accountable, track your vacation workouts and post on social media. You can’t lift or run? Walking is a great vacation activity, so try to do all your exploring on foot. To make it fun, track your daily steps and see how much you walked when you come home. 

Use the kitchen

If you have a room with a kitchen, stock up on your favorite healthy food options and try cooking at least once a day. This trick will save you money and allow you to control your calorie intake. When cooking, try to experiment with healthy recipes with your travel buddies and prepare something local and full of nutrients. It’s a great way to experience your destination and fill your plate with healthy and filling foods. 

Focus on protein

If you’re looking for a way to fill up your stomach, stay away from heavy carbs and opt for protein instead. These macromolecules are great energy sources that also build and repair muscles, so they are essential for fitness. If you can’t find the time to eat a lot of protein, you can pack your favorite protein powder. Pick out the best whey protein for daily protein intake necessary for building, rebuilding and maintaining lean muscle. These protein powders produce delicious drinks that will also satisfy your sweet tooth so it’s a win-win situation. 

Eat more fruits and veggies

Adding veggies and fruits to your vacation meals is easy. You can introduce them to your snacks, put them in your morning sandwich or omelet or choose a healthy smoothie. When hitting the beach, pack an assortment of fruits and veggies to have as a healthy and delicious snack. 

Fill up on water

You might be indulging in a little bit more alcohol when on vacation and that’s totally understandable. However, all alcoholic drinks, especially cocktails, have high-calorie content, so make sure to limit your intake if you want to stay healthy. Alcohol even triggers some people to eat more and make bad food choices! So, strive to drink more water, especially if you spend a lot of time in the sun, and use alcohol as a treat. 

Set limits

While you want to enjoy your vacation and all the amazing foods you can find at your destination, try to resist some things and set reasonable limits. For instance, set a limit of one restaurant meal a day, two ice creams per week and one fast-food cheat meal per vacation. When eating out, examine the menu and decide between a dessert and cocktails. 

Use a food tracker

This can be a great way to stay accountable and conscious of your vacation eating habits. Letting go of your food journal completely is a slippery slope and going back to your regular eating habits when you come back might be extra hard. So, don’t hesitate to track your food—even partial food tracking will allow you to maintain your weight and form. For instance, you can just track your water intake, your workouts or your dinner. 

Sleep in

Sleep is very important for fitness, just as much as diet and exercise. Researchers realized that sleep deprivation makes the brain more sensitive to taste and the pleasure food brings which can lead to cravings and binge eating. So, unless you want to stop for ice cream at every parlor you pass, make sure to get a good eight hours of sleep every night. Sleep is also great for muscle recovery, so your workouts will be more powerful and effective. 

You don’t have to come back from your vacation with extra weight and muscle loss. These diet and workout tips will help you stay on track with your fitness schedule while you enjoy your time off. 

Best Tips for an LGBT Road Trip

Going on a road trip is one of the most adventurous things in the world, especially if you’re doing it with your close friends. Still, getting in a car and hitting the road is simply impossible to do unless you plan everything first. Investing your time and energy into details such as your destination, accommodation, food, budget, and activities might take a while, but this is ultimately going to take your road trip from average to amazing. If you too are planning a road trip adventure as well, here are a few gay-friendly road trip tips that might end up going a really long way.

Choose your destination

This is probably the most important decision you’re going to make during this entire process, but there’s a problem when you’re choosing a destination for an LGBT road trip – not all destinations are as LGBT-friendly as you may expect. Even though we’re living in the 21st century and consider people to act friendly towards tourists, you’d be surprised to hear about the problems LGBT tourists are facing when they’re on vacation.

Therefore, picking a destination is something you need to do very carefully. Take your time, look into some of the most LGBT-friendly places in the world, and pick a spot where you’ll feel welcomed, safe, and good. Also, be sure to talk to your travel companions and hear them out – they might recommend a destination you didn’t think of or vice versa, so take their wishes into consideration too.

Pick your companions

Speaking of your travel companions, this is another issue you need to address carefully. While most people think that who you’re traveling with isn’t as important as where you’re going, that’s actually not the case. Just imagine being stuck in a car with three or four people you hate for a week or two – yes, not going in the first place is much better than that!

Your companions should be the people you know for a while and who you’re comfortable around. These people will share every waking moment of your time with you, so you need to feel relaxed enough to behave naturally instead of having to pretend you’re someone else. It’s not about your sex or sexuality – after all, your companions don’t necessarily have to belong to the LGBT community at all – but about spending time with someone you generally love spending time with.

Fix your car

Just because you’re going on a road trip doesn’t mean you should be left stranded in the middle of the road. Still, this definitely happens more often than you can imagine, and it will certainly happen to you as well unless you’re traveling in a car that’s properly maintained and ready for such a journey. Doing these things isn’t easy, but it’s just something you have to do if you want to be able to get home from your road trip.

Maintaining your car regularly means checking the engine, inspecting the fluids, changing the oil, and replacing the tyres. The latter might easily be the most important thing of them all, so looking into those reliable 4wd tyres could end up saving your life. Having the wrong tyres might ruin your trip quite easily, so replacing them before hitting the road is definitely a great idea. 

Pack your essentials

One of the benefits of traveling by car is being able to bring as much luggage with you as you want. Unlike airplanes, cars give you an option to pack literally all your essentials, so make sure you’ve packed everything you’re going to need on your road trip. This might not be easy, but dedicating some time to this issue is way better than realizing you don’t have some of your stuff while you’re in the middle of nowhere.

Packing for your perfect LGBT summer road trip means packing a number of crucial items – from your documents and your clothes to your formal wear and your skin products. In the end, you need to pack your less formal clothes as well – after all, finding a lover is just the thing all single young people are hoping for on their road trip.

Going on a road trip is always fun and exciting, but if you’re going on an LGBT road trip this summer, you can be sure you’re going to have the time of your life! Being surrounded by others who are just as fun and wild and free as yourself will make this road trip an occasion you’re going to remember forever.