You be the judge: It’s the largest gay pride in Europe, with roughly 1.5 million (In fact, Madrid hosted WorldPride in 2017.) There are theme parties at all the city’s best venues. (And these are some fairly fantastic venues.) They host Mr. Gay Spain. Madrid (Spain’s capital, for those who flunked geography) has a vibrant…
Going on safari in Tanzania is like driving a jeep through the world’s most heavily populated zoo. Except there are no walls or glass enclosures or churro stands. In some countries within Africa, there can be great viewing of a particular species or two – say, elephants and rhinos – but in Tanzania’s Serengeti, there…
Terraced vineyards on mountainsides. Moorish alleyways. Portuguese guys who look like they just stepped out of a Dolce & Gabbana underwear ad. It’s kinda hard not to love Portugal. Between the scenery – which includes some of the most breathtaking vistas in Europe – and the culture of wine and music, there’s something for every…
When most of us think of Europe, we picture frescoes, ruins and hot guys with accents. So, who knew you could get a dose of incredible nature on the Danube? Most people take Danube cruises because of the sophisticated, world-class cities that line the river, like Vienna and Budapest. But there’s another great reason: just…
The Amazon is a lot more than creepy crawlies and humidity. It’s incredibly lush, it features a staggering amount of wildlife (monkeys, jaguars, dolphins, macaws, etc), and most importantly – since we are gay, after all – you can travel there in luxury. ‘Cause let’s face it, it’s a lot more fun watching wild apes…
Many people think India isn’t much more than the Taj Mahal and poor people selling Chiclets. But this country of 35 UNESCO World Heritage sites (the U.S., by comparison, has 23), is a continent of extraordinary sightseeing. And thanks to an amazing exchange rate, you can see it all in 5-star luxury, for prices comparable…
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…
Europe, with its many small countries strung together, is like a giant theme park – chock full of E-ticket attractions in some of the most picturesque cities on the planet. And the cities lining the Danube are among the most spectacular of all. You won’t find many costume characters or churro booths, but they’ll wow…
Amsterdam’s gay pride is probably the most famous – and most unique – in the world, for one special reason: it FLOATS. Their fabulous parade glides through a 4-mile stretch of canals, beginning in the Oosterdok and winding through (among others) the Nieuwe Herengracht, Amstel, Prisengracht and Westerdok canals. This long parade route provides plenty…
Think the Taj Mahal is the only cool thing to see in India? Think again. India has 35 – count ‘em, 35 – UNESCO World Heritage sites. (The U.S., by comparison, only has 23, Australia just 19.) So the Taj is just the tip of the iceberg. And with British and French influences – Britain…
As an avid traveler and eater, Vietnam is hands down my favorite food destination. No trip to Vietnam is complete without a hearty bowl of beef noodle soup, pho (pronounced “fuh”). Among all the Vietnamese dishes, pho is considered as the national dish of Vietnam, and it has captured the fascination of so many people because…
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…
Miss Conception is the celebrated female delusionist who headlines many Brand g cruises and performs encores in crew quarters. Canada’s chanteuse extraordinaire, she entertains around the globe, including a residency each winter in Puerto Vallarta. As befits the whirlwind life of a superstar, we got together with the sequined siren at a popular local motel.…
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…
Americans generally think of Machu Picchu as one of two things. Either: A crazy Incan Disneyland with barefoot costume characters dressed as monks Or A sacred site that rewards the people who endure the nosebleed altitude with mystical enlightenment and Bewitched-like powers Regardless of your spiritual or secular view of the place, it really is…
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…
Check Out Our New Piece in Passport Magazine: MEKONG RIVER CRUISE: CULTURE SHOCK & AWE Are you ready to cruise the Mekong River? Southeast Asia is a place of incredible contradictions. Urban megalopolises like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, with their stunning French architecture and millions of motorcycles exist in a sort of awkward…
Asian Invasion: Celebrity Chef Michael Bao Huynh Helms the Cuisine for Brand g’s Jewels of Vietnam and Cambodia Cruises Michelin Awards. Iron Chef. Nearly a dozen restaurants in New York, California and Vietnam. Michael Bao Huynh is Vietnam’s gastronomic ambassador and one of the premier Asian celebrity chefs. And – hold onto your culinary panties –…
Let’s face it – we’re gay. There’s a reason we like Downton Abbey. I mean, who hasn’t dreamed of dining like that, on sumptuous meals fit for royalty? And that’s one of the reasons we love river cruising. You can enjoy wonderful, multi-course meals served by uniformed wait staff, without having to own a drafty…
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…
In past years, with oil at $100+/barrel, airfares for high season travel to places around the globe were akin to a prostate exam: it felt like someone was violating you, and under highly unflattering lighting. But with the drop in oil prices over the past year (now hovering around a delightful $50/barrel), airfares have dropped…
Neil Grungras, ORAM – There are countless affluent places to see in the world, many of them exotic and luxurious. Why travel to an impoverished, struggling country – particularly one where LGBT rights are not recognized? For one thing, our visit can be crucially empowering for the people and places we see. For another, our…
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…