I belong to tons of communities. So does my sis. She has a biz selling oil for dry facial skin and other skincare products with no parabens.   (read more)

Public Transport - is - great. I do like Berlin for its navigation there's just a few things to be aware of: 1 - ticket machines only accept cards or coins. So go to a shop if you only habe notes! 2 - S bahn means overground or train 3 - U bahn means underground train. S and U are a little confusing but once you get used to the difference in location you'll be well away 4 - Berlin has made a few rearrangements to the tube, make sure you get a recent tube map, double check or ask a friendl... (read more)

Hi, did you know that the guys from Baystay B&B (the only owned and operated B&B in Paihia, New Zealand) extended with campervans, (rv's) check it out on www.boicampervans.co.nz your pink rv in New Zealand! (read more)

Getting tired of this long miserable winter? Fancy a perk up with a quick trip away but short of cash and holiday leave? Then our weekend City breaks are just the job! Madrid from £216pp Spain’s cultural capital welcomes you with an eclectic mix of art galleries and museums, architecture and shopping and a vibrant gay scene in the Chueca district off the Gran Via. Stay in trendy hip hotels many with roof top pools and bars offering fabulous views of the city. Just what you need f... (read more)

Purchases and Tax If you are planning on exporting anything from the country of a value of 4,000krona+ make sure you keep the receipt. You can claim 22% tax back, which can mean a sneaky beer before boarding the plan or a small deposit towards a 66 North jacket!   Food Prices truly vary and it is worth doing a good shop around on your initial tours. You can get reasonable priced takeaways, or you can find that restaurants will charge ridiculous prices. There are, however, some excell... (read more)

Drinking Iceland is still establishing itself in the drinking culture, for over 75 years there was a complete ban on beer in the country. In 1989 the ban was lifted and now the country celebrates this annually on 1 March by consuming as much beer as is possible (sorta). The country is now producing its own beer using water direct from the fresh water springs, these are available for 600 – 1000 krona (£3 – £5) a pint.   One thing to be aware of – night... (read more)

Outdoor activities There are a whole host of activities you can do from scuba diving, to rock-climbing, mountaineering, kayaking, Whale watching, Puffin viewing, glacial hiking, snow scooters, river rafting. The best way to do as much of this as possible is to subscribe with the local tour operator (there’s only too Icelandic Tours and Reykjavik Tours) or grab a car and take yourself around the island.   (read more)

Horseback Riding One of the more popular activities while in Iceland for a few days is taking a ride on a unique animal specimen – the Icelandic horse. Its genetic make-up is entirely different and has been bred in isolation for over 1000 years. The herd is so protected that once it leaves the country it can never return. It is an expert across the rugged landscapes both in agility and speed, for which you will find these dotted all across the country.   (read more)

The Golden Circle This is the reason you visit Iceland; with hardly any large cities, no history and very little culture you can be sure to experience some of the most incredible natural sites in the world. Covered in Ice for much of the year and if you’re lucky enough to see it covered in snow you’ll soon fill your memory card. Over 30 volcanic eruptions have occurred in the past two centuries with one leaving a lava field stretching 56km2; the country living on the Mid-Atla... (read more)

Blue Lagoon The Blue Lagoon is a necessity trip for visiting Iceland; you can do this on the way to the airport on your return journey home. At a responsible 5,500krona (about £20 - £25) you get airport transfers and full entry to the lagoon. The drive will expose you to the green pillow moss-topped lava fields; the cold outdoor temperatures will publicise your closeness to the lagoon as steam billows on the horizon.   The blue milky water – unlike any clear swim... (read more)

Northern Lights One of the most unique natural sights for any country and Iceland is proud to be one of the global destinations to have it. The Northern Lights, otherwise known as aurora borealis, caused by electrically charged particles emitted by the sun and interacting with the Earth’s magnetic field. Totally nature, these particles are accelerated towards the earth colliding with the upper atmosphere at very great speeds causing air to glow in beautiful colours.   You mu... (read more)

Iceland has lived off only fishing and aluminium in the past 100 years; the only other item it produces is geothermal power – as yet they are still optimising its performance for the 300,000 in the country. The economy is a bit of a sticking point both for its neighbours and financiers, it actually made money from the World Wars plus received Marshall help, yet squandered all this in a few years.  A look at the little potted history shows that Iceland lived off strict economic rest... (read more)

Iceland is one of the coolest countries in the world with 11% of its surface covered in glaciers. The 16th largest island of the globe and fourth largest single state, behind Britain, Madagascar and Cuba for a country that has had settlers for over 1000 years its population is still in its infancy at 320,000 – with 75% living in or surrounding the capital Reykjavík.   There’s nothing strange in the name Iceland, for part of the year it is indeed covered in Ice &n... (read more)

Just came accross this in the IGLTA newsletter. Thought it is worth sharing.... WASHINGTON, D.C. – Breakings news from IGLTA member Destination D.C.: the largest gay wedding in history is scheduled for Saturday, 20 March in Washington, D.C. Up to 400 couples will exchange vows, breaking the current Guinness World Record. The celebration is part of an all-day series of events called Our Time Has Come, a title chosen to signify the long road that many couples have traveled to marria... (read more)

With most travel agents offering only limited Greek destinations for gay and lesbian travel, those who want to avoid the tourist traps of Lesvos and Mykonos will need to go independent to visit the other islands. Crete the largest Greek island holds a wealth of sights and sounds to enchant the gay or lesbian traveller seeking a rest from the hectic 'gay clubbing' lifestyle. The Greeks will tell you that when the gods created the world, they apportioned all the dry land out to each race... (read more)