Back when I took my first few gay vacations, I always referred to the higher cost as the “gay markup” – the extra fee gay tour operators added on because they could. And I would give a big, dramatic gay sigh. (I’m good at those, just ask my husband.) But I wasn’t aware that there…
Who doesn’t love Italian men sightseeing? Naples, on the southern coast, is the gateway to some of Italy’s best, with the world-class historical site of Pompeii and the jet-set island of Capri just a few minutes away. If you’re taking Brand g’s Pearls of the Adriatic cruise in September, we’ll be visiting Naples. And if…
My Wish List: Win the Powerball and go into the Witness Protection Program Accidentally walk in on Channing Tatum taking a shower Go on an African safari Somehow, the third one seems the most attainable. But to be honest, I was never sure what – outside of seeing and photographing big game – an African…
Most of us couldn’t even point out Nepal and Bhutan on a map. But these compact little countries that sit high in the Himalayas (and run along India’s northern border) are voted tops with travelers for their incredible historical sights and extravagant natural beauty. Best of all, given these countries’ remote location, there are still…
When people think of Africa, their minds inevitably go to safaris – which are, of course, one of the ultimate bucket list experiences, right up there with skydiving and making out with Ryan Gosling. But sadly, a safari is all many people go to Africa for. Getting there from the U.S. requires about 24 hours…
Ever wondered how a company like Brand g chooses which cruise lines to charter, and which ships within that line? Not all cruise lines are alike. Trust us. Some look at gay charters as nothing more than a liquor bonanza. They figure they’ll hire a hot bartender and get some extra wheelbarrows for the cash,…
No matter what your taste in nightlife, Vienna has it. Probably the grandest city in all of Europe (and that’s saying something – those European rulers didn’t exactly have restraint), Vienna is glamorous, sexy, and super cool. And Brand g’s Prague and Danube cruise overnights in Vienna, so you can take advantage of all the…
In most U.S. cities, gay pride is celebrated in June to commemorate the Stonewall riots that sparked the modern gay pride movement. But in Europe, the dates vary widely over the summer, from June through mid-August. So if you want to keep the party going – or if you just want to travel to Europe…
Khmer Cool: The Astounding Temples of Angkor Wat & Cambodia Anyone who considers Cambodia nothing more than a great Asian country to fly over is missing some of the most incredible sightseeing – and shopping – in the world. The city of Angkor, with its 154 square miles of temples and monuments is like a 12th…
River Cruising – Put Your Worries and Your Wallet Away, by Eric Poole These days, it seems like everything on an ocean cruise is an additional charge. Drinks. Shore excursions. Dining. Lifeboats. So when my husband and I recently took our first river cruise, from Provence to Burgundy, France, with Brand g Vacations, it was pretty welcome…
If you’ve ever done a gay ocean cruise, you probably have a certain image of that experience: Thousands of people Dance parties that can turn into public sexy time The need for a steamer trunk of costumes Having to drag yourself out of bed after a late night party to go sightseeing (since that’s sort…
If you’re interested in Brand g, you’re probably somebody who values unique travel experiences and learning about other cultures – am I right? But you’re probably also someone who would like to LEAVE that culture behind at night and come back to a 5-star river cruise ship or land resort. I mean, come on! Seeing…
Wanna hear all the inside scoop on river cruises right from the horse’s mouth? (Hmmm, bad metaphor. Or maybe not.) Brand g’s Brian Van Wey talks all things River Cruise on the latest episode of the River Cruise Radio podcast! Listen here: or download from iTunes. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/river-cruise-radio/id1157582589?mt=2
Many of you have been on gay ocean cruises. But if you haven’t joined us on a Brand g vacation, you might be wondering what a gay RIVER cruise is like. In July, my husband and I took our first Brand g cruise, and we became immediate converts to the river cruise way of traveling.…
Cruising has gained tremendous popularity over the past few decades and as a result the cruising options have grown. On the “Wow, that’s huge” extreme, the newest luxury cruise mega-ship to hit the scene in 2016 can hold 6,780 passengers and 2,100 crew members. On the opposite end of the cruising spectrum, small ship cruises…
Few European cities have such a rich history as the Austrian capital of Vienna. As the former home of the Habsburg court and its various empires, the city still has the look and feel of the imperial capital of its day. Artists and composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Strauss, and Gustav Klimt found inspiration…
We’re off to southern California later this month where we’re throwing a few parties to thank our alumni and meet new friends who have an interest in lgbt travel. With a bit of a lull in our trip schedule it’ll be good to get out from behind our computers to reconnect with our guests in…
What do we look for in planning a vacation? Sightseeing, experiencing cultures, making new friends… and MEMORIES! My recent Sound of Music excursion hit all these notes. First a little back story. I have always been a huge fan of The Sound of Music. The movie came out when I was just 7 and I…
Are you a nature enthusiast? Love animals? Curious about evolution? Like soft adventure? Those of us in the gay community who are into this sort of thing, or at least admit we’re into this sort of thing, are somewhat a rare breed. Mention the idea of going to a place like the Galapagos to see…
Brand g Vacations Treasures of Golden Myanmar School Donation Minneapolis, MN, December 29, 2015– On their tour in November, a group of tourists with Brand g Vacations opened their pockets generously to support a school in rural Myanmar. It is often easiest to give to organizations with which we identify, and which support causes that…
Discover why Ashton calls Myanmar his most unique experience in Asia! Guest-blogger, Ashton Giese, the GAYographer, looks to expose gay travelers to true cultural experiences with custom tours abroad as well as advocate for LGBT rights with his blog and travel news brief, GAYography. Want to go somewhere unique and developing, yet functional and relatively safe? Check out the magical…
LGBT tour operator Brand g Vacations today released an updated itinerary for its February 2015 trip to Cuba, expanding its unique People to People Exchange. Founded in 2011 as “the next generation in gay travel,” Brand g Vacations aims to capture the growing numbers of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender (LGBT) travelers, along with…
Brand g Vacations is teaming up with the leaders of Prague Pride for our second Danube River cruise. We’re working with local LGBT organizations in Prague to provide guests with optional activities that stray from the conventional. Our pre-cruise stay in Prague will coincide with the 2014 Prague Pride Festival – August 12-18. We have…
By Susan Cogger, LGBT rights activist The Vietnam LGBT community is celebrating Pride this month with parades in eight cities. The government is considering legalizing same-sex marriage with the Justice and Health Ministries having publicly supported the move. If approved, Vietnam would be the first Asian nation to legalize same-sex marriage. There is no question…