Earlier this week Delta Airlines announced two new nonstop routes to Pittsburgh and New Orleans. Flights to Pittsburgh will begin October 1st with two daily round-trip flights. New Orleans service will be seasonal, on Saturdays and Sundays from February 10 – April 1.
By October, Delta will be offering 103 peak-day departures from Boston (20 more departures from a year ago). You can read more about Delta’s new routes by visiting yesterday’s story in USA Today, here.
Photo courtesy of Esja Travel which caters to LGBT travelers
Community Marketing & Insights (CMI) wants to hear from you. They have a new online survey about LGBTQ hotel and travel preferences. The survey takes about 5 minutes to complete.
Everyone who completes the survey can be entered into a drawing to win one of twenty US $50, or if you win you can select a charity to receive the $50.
CMI’s Hotel and Travel Preferences LGBTQ Survey
One survey question asks what (if any) blogs are travel resources for you. Any shout out to BosGuy blog is certainly appreciated.
Last month The Travel Channel posted a quick read on tips to help you book cheap flights, which you can read here. I have included a few of their suggestions and combined them with some of my travel tips. I hope you find these helpful.
1 – Book your flights on Tuesday afternoons between 2PM – 3PM. Rick Sweeney, CEO and co-founder of Farecompare explains that airfares are filed in the evenings each Monday, which allows competing airlines on Tuesday at 10AM to see what fares are being filed and they are given the option of “matching” competitor airfares. This matching process takes a bit of time and that is how / why shopping on Tuesdays (ideally at 2:30PM) is so economical. For more on this watch this video of Rick Sweeney on Business Insider.
2- Shop for flights incognito. Outsmart the internet by searching for airline tickets in private browsing mode or incognito. Since cookies are used when you’re searching regularly in your browser, airline sites can see you repeatedly searched routes and increase the price it quotes you.
Do you enjoy camping? Did you know there is a local group that regularly plans camping trips around New England for gay men only? This group of nearly 500 members recently created a Facebook page that I would like to encourage you to visit and like: www.facebook.com/GayMenCamping.
Gay Men Camping is a social outdoor adventure group for gay men of all ages including singles, couples and friends who appreciate nature, hiking, backpacking and have a passion for exploring the outdoors. This is a non-sexual social group to make new friends of every age. A get-together for singles to meet other singles, for events to do with your gay male friends and for couples looking for a social getaway. No worries if you are a camping novice. All are welcome.
Upcoming camping trips include:
Friday, July 28th: Wompatuck State Park 🌳 Hingham, MA
Friday, August 18th: Harold Parker State Forest 🌳 Andover, MA
Sunday, August 27th: Private Island 🎣 Royalston, MA
Having recently returned from Washington, D.C. for their pride celebration, I thought I’d share findings from Generali Global Assistance which says two-thirds of Americans plan to travel this summer (up 5% from last summer).
Will you be taking time off from work this summer?
Share your destination in the comments section of this post.
The findings from Generali Global Assistance are not LGBTQ-specific and I looked back at CMI’s 21st Annual LGBT Tourism & Hospitality Survey to see if they shared any insight into travel this year as compared to last but didn’t see that information. My hunch is that lesbian and gay singles and couples who don’t have children probably travel more than the general population and the percentage of LGBTQ travelers in general would be higher than Generali Global Assistance findings.
For the third time, last week Jet Blue filed to launch nonstop airline service between Boston and Havana, Cuba. Citing a saturated market, Spirit, Frontier and Silver airways are ending their commercial trips between south Florida and Havana. Jet Blue’s application requests to be able to start service effective November 1 and indicates they would use a 162-seat A320 with weekly service on Saturdays.
I’m off traveling for work until later this week so I thought I’d share a bit of airline humor which is likely lost on all of you who enjoy some level of status with a particular airline.
I will be slower than usual with replying to emails, confirming comments and posting, while I travel for work. Thank you for bearing with me while I’m away.
Earlier this week discount airline, Norwegian Air, rolled out a killer sale for flights from Providence, RI to introduce new flight routes that will begin later this summer from that airport. The new nonstop flights to Scotland and Ireland which start at $65 for a one way fare are now sold out, but Norwegian Air says its long term lowest fares on these routes will remain quite low, with more deals to come with fares starting as low as at $99 one way.
Norwegian’s eye-popping introductory fares show just how much competition there is among European discount airlines which in recent years have set their sights on U.S. airports. Norwegian, along with Icelandic upstart WOW Air, have added multiple new routes between the New England and Europe recently.
New Norwegian Air destinations from Providence
Edinburgh flights begins June 16
Belfast flights begins July 1
Cork flights begins July 1
Dublin flights begins July 2
Shannon flights begins July 3
Following my post on the CMI LGBT travel and tourism survey, I thought it would be fitting to share news about Azore Airlines sale which starts today and runs through February 28th. Their promotion which is valid for trips booked between March 27 – June 19 offer roundtrip flights from Boston to the Azores for $568 (including tax). Passengers can upgrade to Business Class for just a few hundred dollars more each way. Restrictions/blackout may dates apply in some cases. Capacity controlled and subject to availability.
Madeira Island in the Azores is approximately 750 miles southwest of Lisbon off the coast of Africa. Red volcanic cliffs that rise dramatically from the sea characterize Madeira’s fascinating landscape. The islands steep rise creates six unique climate zones, each with its own beautiful flora and fauna that contribute to the comparison of Madeira with Hawaii.
Azores Airlines, part of the SATA Group. For more information about booking flights visit azoresairlines.pt.
Each year Community Marketing Inc. (CMI) share the results of their annual LGBT travel and tourism survey. This past December findings from their 2016 survey were shared after collecting and analyzing responses from more than 4,700 people. The survey focuses on travel in the United States and is of interest to those in the travel industry as well as people like yours truly who is curious to see how LGBT travelers differ from the industry-at-large.
In CMI’s survey they found that LGBT travelers want many of the same things, for example survey respondents indicated rest and relaxation was the most important aspect of their travel but people “relax” differently. In the case of travelers who identify as gay, visiting large cities, LGBT-popular destinations and nightlife were more important than lesbian travelers. More lesbians preferred visiting nature and remaining active outdoors; not much of a surprise.
Source: CMI’s 21st Annual LGBT Travel Survey Report
The most popular destinations in the US for LGBT travelers (this includes for work and leisure) was New York City followed by San Francisco, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Chicago. It was noted on CMI’s webcast (where they explained a lot of their findings) that Boston slipped for the first time out of the top 10, ranking 11th. It was also noted that interest in Seattle has increased and they tied for 8th most visited destination along with San Diego and Fort Lauderdale.
The survey provides more information about demographics, how the LGBT community spend their time and money when they travel. If this is of interest to you check out the link below that I’ve included or Google the survey to download and read all the findings from their 2016 survey.
About Survey Respondents: The majority of respondents identified as single gay men who earn less than $100,000. You can see the full breakdown of the demographics if you download their report if you find this sort of thing interesting: CMI LGBT Travel & Tourism Survey 2016.
Two weeks ago Sergio and I spent a few nights in sunny, warm Miami to forget about winter and relax. Below is my review of the hotel, The Gaythering.
Located one block from Biscayne Bay on Lincoln Road, The Gaythering is a boutique hotel that markets itself as Miami’s only gay hotel. I would describe it as part hotel, part bar and part sauna / spa. The entire property seems to give a nod to the Red Light district with its color palette of blood red, grey and black – not what one typically thinks of for South Beach. The property draws a lot of locals because of the bar and saunas which adds a nice dynamic that was missing at the other property we stayed at on this visit. We had the chance to meet and talk to guys who live in the area and get tips that are hard to come by otherwise if you are a gay traveler unfamiliar with South Beach.
A note and sparkling wine was set up in our room to congratulate us on our anniversary
The property unabashedly serves the gay community and from what I saw during my stay it seems that it is paying off. On the weekends tourists mix with locals who come to the hotel bar to socialize en masse. A local explained to me that while Miami is known for their nightclubs, they have very few gay bars you can go to just hang out, relax and chat.
The back room located to the right of the check-in counter (and shown below) is set up with board games and is host to a titillating library, featuring everything from Bruce Weber to Madonna’s Sex Book. The rooms are clean and room 3100 located in the back where we stayed was surprisingly quiet considering how many people were two levels below us in the courtyard drinking and socializing.
The big negative to this property is its lack of water views, pool or access to the beach, but fortunately, South Beach is an easy 15 minute walk or 5 minute bike ride on Lincoln Road. This hotel is going to appeal to men who wants to be close to a party-like atmosphere and are not bothered by the lack of access to the beach or pool. A big plus for the hotel is their “Crate Share Rooms” which are very affordable for those traveling on a tight budget. Should you go, say hello to the Sergio who works the front desk. He is handsome and helpful and was one of several people we met while staying there who really made us feel welcome.
BosGuy rating: 3 out of 5 stars, Good.
The Gaythering South Beach
1409 Lincoln Road, Miami South Beach
gaythering.com
Below are photos of our room at The Gaythering
Don’t miss the sunset at The Standard Miami Beach. The views are beautiful.
Two weeks ago Sergio and I spent a few nights in sunny, warm Miami to forget about winter and relax. Below is my review of the Standard Miami Beach Hotel.
Originally built as a two-story motor court, the property was sold and rebranded in the early 1960s as the Lido Spa Hotel. It remained as such for the next 40 years until The Standard – a small independent hotel chain with other properties in Manhattan and Los Angeles – purchased the aging property in 2006. The rooms, amenities and grounds have been updated but it is not hard to imagine how it looked some 50 years ago when they first opened as the Lido Spa Hotel. The entire property has a very relaxing tropical vibe with gardens and many rooms outfitted with outdoor soaking tubs on private patios. But it is their amazing pool with views of Miami in the distance that impressed me the most.
The entrance to The Standard Miami spa.
While visiting Sergio and I indulged, spending an afternoon at the spa which is coed and free for hotel guests to use as much as they like. The spa includes a Turkish-style hamam, aroma steam room, hot tub, Finnish sauna, treatment baths, mud lounge and their salt water infinity pool that I referenced previously. I found the experience very relaxing and the perfect way to spend the first few hours in Miami.
Perhaps the biggest selling point for us is that nobody under the age of 18 is allowed to stay at the hotel, making it paradise for adults who want to be able to relax. As a result, the hotel attracts a large number of gay travelers and during our stay I would guess that approximately 25% of the guests were gay couples or friends, which made Sergio and I feel very comfortable staying here.
Be sure to enjoy at least one of the hotel’s signature cocktail, The F’rosé.
Although the hotel has a snack shop and a restaurant, an easy 10-minute walk over the Venetian Way to Purdy Ave and Bay Road gives you many more dining options. But before walking over the bridge for dinner, enjoy the beautiful sunset views during happy hour from 4-7PM where you can sip the hotel’s deliciously refreshing signature cocktail the F’rosé – part vodka and part rosé.
The only drawback with the hotel property situated on Belle Island is that for those who love the beach the hotel is a 20 minute walk or quick ride to the beach. This didn’t bother us because of the views of the water, downtown Miami and their beautiful pool but for beach bums take note of the distance to South Beach.
BosGuy rating: 5 out of 5 stars, Wicked Awesome.
The Standard Miami
40 Island Avenue, Miami South Beach
standardhotels.com/miami
Below are photos of our room at The Standard Miami
Last week Azores Airlines announced that starting June 1, 2017 they will provide service from Boston to the Cape Verde Islands with one stop in the Azores before landing in the capital city of Praia (the word means beach in Portuguese) on Santiago Island. A special fare of $704 round trip including taxes and fees is currently on sale until February 28, 2017 for flights booked between June 1 to June 30, 2017 and September 1 to December 8, 2017. Flights are twice a week: Sundays and Thursdays – Boston/Ponta Delgada/Praia.
Cape Verde is volcanic archipelago off the Northwest coast of Africa best known for sandy beaches, Creole Portuguese/African culture and sunny weather. Its largest island, Santiago, is home to the capital, Praia (population estimated at 130,000), a cliff top city overlooking the sea with many beachfront hotels.
If you are looking for an exotic destination for later this year, Cape Verde, which is off the coast of Africa may be perfect for you. The weather is low 80s year round and sunny. For more information about booking a trip visit azoresairlines.pt or call 800-762-9995.
Sergio and I typically go somewhere warm at the end of January to give us something to look forward to after the holidays and to break up the winter months, which can be pretty bleak in Boston. This year we decided to take a break from our routine of going to The Caribbean and visit Miami. I’ve never been to Miami, and I’m curious to see what all the hype is about.
Sergio and I are staying at two different hotels: The Standard and The Gaythering. Aside from plans to connect with friends and enjoy the warm weather, we have little else planned. For those who like Miami, share some suggestions on what you think we should do / places we should go while there.
In years past I’ve written posts for newcomers to Boston who may not be familiar with New England winters. One of my suggestions is to try and learn to embrace what winter offers. Never has that been more fun with gay ski weekends and weeks here locally and out West to tempt you.
Below are a few such events you may want to consider. The price of tickets out West varies widely by destination and carrier but you can use a locally developed app called Hopper to alert you to last minute airfares and price reductions.
Gay Aspen Ski Week (January 15 – 22, 2017) is the longest running and perhaps largest event of the season. It kicks off this Sunday but most of the fun is reserved for the second half of the week. Shown above is last year’s Ultimate Après Ski Party sponsored by Logo. For more information gayskiweek.com.
Winter Rendezvous (January 18 – 22, 2017) is one of the largest gay ski events happening in New England. The party at Stowe Mountain in Vermont is also only a 3 hour drive making it logistically a lot easier and more affordable option. For more information winterrendezvous.com.
Whistler Pride Ski Festival (January 22 – 29, 2017) turns 25 this year and the winter pride festival is filled with fun events including a visit from one of my favorite drag queens, Pam Ann. For more information gaywhistler.com.
White Out Weekend – WOW (February 3 – 5, 2017) is an annual event hosted by The Welcoming Committee (TWC) and is the perfect opportunity for those who do not want include the hassle or expense of airfare or take off time from work. TWC will even take care of transportation for you up to Sunday River in Maine. For more information thewelcomingcommittee.com.
Elevation Utah 2017 (February 23 – 26, 2017) is celebrating its seventh annual party at Park City, Utah. For more information utahgayskiweek.com.
Telluride Gay Ski Week (February 25 – March 4, 2017) is the last big gay ski week of the 2017 winter season in North America, bringing the gay ski season full circle back to beautiful Colorado. For more information telluridegayski.com.
Boston’s OutRyders Gay Ski Club
If getting away for one of these trips is not going to work, but you’d like to ski, consider joining Boston’s Gay ski / snowboarding club, OutRyders. The group has monthly socials and plans numerous day trips and overnights to mountains here in New England and out west. For more information outryders.org.
BosGuy 
