While eating in Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, last night, a roving bang stopped by our table and commanded our attention. The food was spicy and delicious along with a great entertainment and new friends from the UK and Australia. This is why you travel: A new experience.
For more of Michael’s posts, photos and words of travel advice, click here.
And here’s a word from our sponsor ManAboutWorld!
You can check out our cool, digital gay travel magazine for savvy gay travelers by downloading the ManAboutWorldApp on the iTunes App Store or Google Play. We support iPads, Android tablets, iPhones and Android phones. There are a few free guides in all of the apps, and you can click here to register for a FREE three-month subscription. Go on, what are you waiting for!
A visit to a “Hutong” of Beijing — a narrow lane forming a traditional residential area — is becoming difficulty as the are eliminated to make room for more modern development. Our friends Sebastien and Stefan of the NomadicBoysvisited Beijing during their trek around Asia and brought back this photo of a lively hutong which you can also see on their Facebook page.
Read about their exploration of this hutong and others here.
CHECK OUT MANABOUTWORLD!
You can check out our cool, digital gay travel magazine for savvy gay travelers by downloading the ManAboutWorldApp on the iTunes App Store or Google Play. We support iPads, Android tablets, iPhones and Android phones. There are a few free guides in all of the apps, and you can click here to register for a FREE three-month subscription. Go on, what are you waiting for!
Mendoza deserves a minimum of two days, but I would suggest three or more depending upon how much you like wine. October to December is a fantastic time to visit because you avoid the crowds and the weather is perfect. Please note that most vineyards prefer that you make a booking (your hotel can organize all of this for you) and I would highly suggest it because it will make your experience smooth and lovely.
I have only been to Mendoza once and it was on my most recent trip to Argentina (October 2015). I have never been a fan of tours. In Mendoza, a wine tour, will set you back 260 USD/person or more for one day. I found this shocking and decided to do more research on my own. I highly recommend avoiding most tours here and do some of your own thinking and planning.
Bodega Vistalba is an excellent vineyard to start your day and sample many of their gorgeous wines. If you prefer champagne, then you must book a visit to CRUZAL. Make a reservation for lunch at Ruca Malen for their 5- course degustation that will blow you away from taste to presentation. Do not miss this culinary sensation and visual experience. It is worth it.
After doing all the math on all the different options of hiring your own car versus a driver, versus a tour, the “doing your own thing,” option was the cheapest and most flexible.
Simply take a taxi wherever you wish to go in Mendoza (assuming you are only visiting vineyards and not making trips to the mountains and other sights). The cost of a rental car ( 80 USD/day ) and the concern of driving intoxicated did not even come close the lesser cost of hiring a taxi and having no concerns over who is driving; furthermore, if you are with a group of 3-4 the cost will be dramatically less because the comparison was based upon a couple. If you do like tours: please consider a biking tour. This is an excellent option with good guides. There is a gay wine tour in Mendoza and it is run by the uniquely named Gay Wine Tours.
The cost of a private driver from the airport in Mendoza to the Valley is only 300 pesos approximately. I would highly recommend staying in the valley and avoid the city center of Mendoza. It is much more peaceful and serene to be in the Uco Valley Region. I was very happy at Villa Mansa and staff are so helpful and friendly.
Our correspondent Michael Siebert (right) was in Argentina. Here’s the 2nd of 3 updates which looks at the Bohemian San Telmo, Buenos Aires. (Check out part 1 gay Buenos Aires update.)
As a man of extremes I enjoy having a varied experience during my travels. If this is you too, I suggest a visit to San Telmo and get a little lost, but find this place: Calle Carlos Calvo 471 and order a “choripan” with a red wine. The place has no name and is only open on Wednesday and the weekends.
Michael Siebert
It will be packed with locals and just sit on the street bench and watch the parade of interesting people. Don’t be surprised when your red wine is poured from a used 2-liter bottle and into a glass (high class here only). It does taste good and is just part of the vibe. There is a funky market around the corner from Calle Carlos Calvo 471 that is worth a peek. After getting lost in San Telmo, head east to the Puerto Madero and walk north. Eventually, you will see the Faena Hotel on your right (definitely visit if you have never been). Eventually, make your way toPalacio Duhau and relax in their bar and enjoy a whisky or two. This walk will show you two very different worlds in Buenos Aires. You will love it.
One last comment for my leather queens. If you want to outshine all the other men at the next party in NYC or Chicago, upon arrival to Buenos Aires, you better visit Jorge, at La Casa de Las Botas, located at Paraquay 5062, for you next pair of custom made leather boots. Place your order on day one of your trip and your boots should be ready a week later (in low season). He has generous hours and the boots will set you back about 400 USD (after you convert that in pesos on the blue market); otherwise, you are looking at 600 USD. You will not be disappointed and they are sexy and “lindo” (beautiful) as hell.
NOTE: If you do not know about the blue peso market, make sure you read this: Blue Peso Information. Before you visit and bring lots of USD. You may find it difficult to extract money from local ATMs; furthermore, if it wise to know about xoom.com. Xoom allows for you to wire money to yourself from the USA to Buenos Aires in case you have trouble with ATMs. Xoom does require that you have a US-based bank account. This does not work for any other countries at the moment.
ManAboutWorld contributing writer Michael Siebert (photo below right) recently toured Argentina with stops in gay Buenos AiresMichael and Mendoza. Here’s the first of three updates from his visit.
Everyone likes to call Buenos Aires, the Paris of South America. Let’s be frank, it is nothing like Paris; in fact, it looks like Madrid. There is dog shit everywhere and the sidewalks are a wreck so you have to look down at all times. If you look at the sky or a hot guy, you will find yourself in pile of dog shit or in the hospital with a brace. However, Buenos Aires is a city full of life, very late night life, but full of life and excitement. I plan to give you all the best tips after three visits to this amazing city, the lovely and gay Buenos Aires.
I like to start the day with coffee. Since living in Australia, I have become a coffee snob. At least the Australians know I can be trusted. Here are the best choices:
COFFEE.
Full City Coffee House, Thames 1535, in Palermo. The staff is lovely and they make the best macchiato in town. The coffee issmooth and rich. In addition, they roast their own beans in another location in the city. LAB, located at Humbolt 1542, Palermo, is also a barista school; however, I found their coffee bitter and the espresso was overly tamped and it was brewed automatically. It is a nice, new lovely atmosphere.
Lattente Cafe on Thames 1891 in Palermo provides excellent coffee; however, no wifi, no newspapers, no other drinks, just good coffee. It is always packed.
GYMS.
Most gyms here have outdated equipment in Buenos Aires. You are in Buenos Aires, so, behave like a local and hit the pavement and make your way to a park. The best park to exercise at is Libertador Park, which is in the eastern part of the city; however, there are parks everywhere in the city. This is a very noisy area of the city; so, you may want to stay nearby, but make a housing choice west of Av. Santa Fe. Anything east of Av. Santa Fe you better bring your earplugs. For those diabetics in the gay community, you can even get your blood pressure and blood sugar checked in the park. Yes. It is true. If you really want a gym, then consider Always Gym (a monthly membership is 650 pesos) or Megatlon. The 24-hour thing has not caught on here besides partying all night long.
Cafes/Restaurants
Brandon, located at Fitz Roy 1722, is a gorgeous place to hang out and have a coffee, food or a strong Gante, artsenal Belgian beer. The best part is this: it is open all day long unlike most cafes. If you are hungry, want a beer, coffee or anything, this is your signature spot.
The Steve, El Salvador 4968, Palermo, is a cool hip tapas bar with a very unassuming entrance. You can easily miss it. You will be surprised what is behind the boring black door. A reservation is suggested.
Heisenburger has two locations. Clearly, the burger craze, has caught on in Buenos Aires. This place has many choices and delicious unique burgers.
On Tap is for beer lovers and anyone who loves “chips”. Being an “Aussie” now, I am no longer allowed to say “french fries.“ In addition, you will be presented with six different dipping sauces.
La Carniceria Parrilla and Ahumados. Make a reservation! I repeat, make a reservation. Do not miss this opportunity to eat well in Buenos Aires. Trust me. This is a small intimate venue with amazing food; then, go dance it all off at 2 AM somewhere.
NIGHTLIFE
Alsina, Adolfo Alsina 940, is a monthly dance party (be sure to check dates) and definitely worth a visit. More information here.
Crobar/Rheo, Av del Libertador 3886. Rheo and Crobar are the same, just depends on the day that you choose to go. Friday and Saturday nights are for dancing here.
Out and About Pub Crawl. On my last Saturday in Buenos Aires, I decided to sign up for the local gay pub crawl. It happens every Saturday and the locations may vary; in addition, it may include free entry into Crobar/Rheo. Leo, our guide, was excellent and I made several new lovely friends (from all over the world) along the way. Don’t miss out on this one. A fantastic way to meet and make new friends in Buenos Aires.
Peuteo, Gurruchaga 1867, is a local small gay gay with excellent and attractive bartenders. Peuteo was one of the bars on the Out and About Pub Crawl.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Please stay for one week or two. It is a sin to spend less time here.
BY Argentina is great service that I have used two times and have been very happy with their service. Reliable. Responsible. Easy. You can book online; however, you must pay in USD upon arrival in full. This is normal here. Choose your area wisely online. Remember what I said about noise. Stay away from the big avenues.
Hotels. All hotels listed are in great quiet locations (Palermo area) and convenient to many locations that I have discussed in this article.
Hotel 1828, Fray Justo Sta. Maria de Oro 182. Small boutique hotel with a lovely pool and very comfortable beds.
Hotel Nuss, El Salvador 4916. An old Spanish convent converted into a small trendy hotel.
Hotel Mine, Gorriti 4770. Small boutique “green” hotel in with excellent staff.
WE’LL PUBLISH MORE BUENOS AIRES INFORMATION ON THIS SITE IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS INCLUDING MICHAEL’S EXPLORATION OF SAN TELMO AND A VISIT TO THE WINE-SOAKED MENDOZA REGION. BE SURE TO CHECK BACK!
To mark the five-year anniversary one of the World’s largest apps connecting gay men worldwide, SCRUFF announced new features to keep you safe while traveling and to help you travel better. Reported by ManAboutWorldcorrespondent Jeff Guaracino.
Gay men are travelers, so it is no surprise that SCRUFF launched SCRUFF Venture, a groundbreaking feature that redefined the “hook up” app space helping to distinguish SCRUFF apart from Grindr, Tinder, Daddy Hunt and other mobile apps. SCRUFF set out to create a connection for gay men who travel. In the first week, 20,000 trips were created, dozens of premier events listed, and hundreds of Airbnb listings. 24 destinations and counting are now featured.
“Travel has been a core use of SCRUFF,” said Eric Silverberg, one of the co-founders of Scruff. “To meet local people when you arrive in town to get advice, to hook up, to make friends in a city on an event weekend. It was very early on that people started describing how they were using scruff while they travel.”
Silverberg tells a story of a friend who went on a whirlwind global trip. He was in India, Cambodia, Jordon, and Great Britain. He used Scruff –especially in Jordon and Cambodia–before he even arrived. He found guys to talk to on Scruff so when he landed he had someone ready to meet up to take him around. He went to gay bars to house parties and a tour of the desert for four days. (Be careful who you meet online! They are still strangers).
Whether you like the sexy Warwick Rowers expose or finding out why OUT Magazine honored President Obama & the Congressional Cemetery honored the preeminent LGBTIQ movement leader Frank Kameny in Washington on Veterans Day, you can find all the best LGBTIQ travel news & views in this week’s brief. Travel to Berlin and use Two Bad Tourist’s Gay Guide to Europe’s most popular city or take one last glimpse at Seattle’s Gum Wall before it’s washed away.
Plus information about OutRight’s December OutSummit, engaging with global activists in New York and this weekend’s Trevor Project Fall Fete benefit.
A vital resource for LGBTIQ travelers, focusing on news, vacation insights, advocacy and current events in major cities around the globe, the GAYography brief is published every Thursday. This brief is brought to you by ManAboutWorld global correspondent and all around good guy, Ashton Giese.
Get all your gay travel questions answered in manaboutworld which includes an “ask the expert” section along with page after page of answers to questions you didn’t even know you had. Ask the expert is your opportunity to have your gay travel questions answered by well-traveled passionate globetrotters. ASK YOUR QUESTION HERE.
QUESTION: My partner and I live outside of Boston and are looking for a quick but dependably warm-weather getaway for New Years. We don’t have much time but we already anticipate needing to escape the gray and cold of New England in late December.
— Bart W., via email
ANSWER: Check out the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club in Bermuda. It’s located in Hamilton so you don’t really need a car if you stay just for a couple of nights. It’s a direct 1.5-hour inexpensive flight from Logan Airport. Marcus, the new eponymous restaurant by chef Marcus Samuelsson, is fabulous. And we checked availability at the hotel. It’s pricey but not as expensive as some of the equivalent resorts in St. Barths and other tony Caribbean locales which are a lot farther and more difficult and expensive to fly to. For more information about Bermuda, download our May 2013 issue. Note that at this time of year, the temperatures are really nice for outdoors activities (70 degrees Fahrenheit) but not ocean-swimming weather!
QUESTION: A little bit of long-range planning. I’m planning to travel next summer or fall on my own for the first time since my partner of 26 years died. I would like to be among fellow gay men though not in a huge crowd of them, and I’m not necessarily looking to hook up or meet a new potential boyfriend. I’m really just looking for camaraderie. Do you have any recommendations for travel opportunities that are single-person friendly? Any other advice for a newly solo traveler?
— Dennis F. in-person question
ANSWER: One of the most satisfying tours I took as a solo traveler recently was on a Source Eventscruise aboard the Star Clipper, a five-masted luxury yacht along the Dalmatian Coast (Montenegro and Croatia). It was manageably small though not too small: 250 passengers. I found everyone friendly and approachable. It was my second Source cruise and the vibe was the same both times so I’m confident you’ll be very comfortable. I spoke to so many men who say that this is one of the prime sources of meeting new friends and maintaining friendships. One note: Cabins and pricing is based on double occupancy so you’ll have to ask to be placed with a cabin mate or pay the “single supplement,” the additional price for traveling alone.
We don’t mind the unseasonably warm weather enveloping most of the U.S. as we go to press, but it’s not helping us mentally prepare for winter ahead. Where nature fails, ManAboutWorld gay travel magazine delivers though with our insider-y guide to Miami, an easily accessed, LGBT-popular destination that’s undergoing an exciting evolution.
Download ManAboutWorld to discover a city bursting well beyond gay-centric South Beach. Wynwood is home to some of the most exciting galleries on the planet, especially at this moment when they’re preparing for next month’s Art Basel, which we also cover this month. Brickell feels like the capital of Latin America, filled with dining, drinking and hobnobbing. And discover some of the most exciting new hotels in the country that have recently opened their doors, a number of them located in Miami’s newly emerging Mid-Beach district.
In winter, not everyone flees to warm-weather destinations. Some people actually run towards the cold. Gleefully. For you we present a
Aspen gay ski week
hot list of cool snowy events encircling the globe. Aspen Gay Ski week is still the daddy of all gay winter events, and it seems to be getting better with a reinvigorated leadership and truly welcoming vibe. We’re proud to be media partners with this event which benefits a number of worthy LGBT community organizations.
Have you seen our new Radar section? These are discoveries around the globe sent in by our correspondents and friends. We encourage you, dear readers, to send us your discoveries, which you may see included in an upcoming issue. Use our “Contact us” page on the blog.
NomadicBoys appear skeptical about their 1st vegan meal
Our wandering and adventurous travel bloggers Sébestien and Stephan (aka the NomadicBoys) journeyed around Asia, including a stop in Ubud where they lost their vegan virginity:
During our travels on Bali island in Indonesia in September 2015, we visited Fresh, a vegan restaurant in Ubud. Our favourite was the avocado tartare starter (peppers, coriander leaves and cashew cream cheese) and the Living Lasagne (zucchini, sundried tomato, marinara, almond pesto, mixed with citrus salad). Fresh is a newly opened vegan restaurant, where everything is made from raw vegetables. As vegan virgins, we were concerned we’d leave hungry and unsatisfied. We were extremely surprised, leaving with full bellies and really excited to discover a new way of eating. Everything we tried was bursting with flavour.
I guess they liked it!
Read out ManAboutWorld: You can check out our cool, digital gay travel magazine for savvy gay travelers by downloading the ManAboutWorldApp on the iTunes App Store or Google Play. We support iPads, Android tablets, iPhones and Android phones. There are a few free guides in all of the apps, and you can click here to register for a FREE three-month subscription. Go on, what are you waiting for!
smooth and rich. In addition, they roast their own beans in another location in the city. 
QUESTION: My partner and I live outside of Boston and are looking for a quick but dependably warm-weather getaway for New Years. We don’t have much time but we already anticipate needing to escape the gray and cold of New England in late December.
The LGBTQ Travel Expert. Educator. Speaker. Author. 