Sunday, January 24, 2010

Germany For Gay Travel

By Howie Holben

Germany is well-known for its thriving LGBT culture and for having large communities in each of its larger cities. One of the many reasons that gay travel packages to top LGBT hotspots like Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, Hamburg and Cologne are favorites with tourists from all over the world. As home to many world-famous Pride festivals, particularly in Cologne and Berlin, Germany is exceptional for gay travel and provides a welcoming environment for a wonderful trip. As is the case elsewhere, city residents are generally more accepting than rural village inhabitants; however, those planning a gay vacation will find Germany to be a safe, welcoming destination.

Cologne is a fantastic choice for gay trips to Germany and is often referred to as the LGBT capital of the country. Cologne is picturesquely positioned on the Rhine River and is the oldest large city in Germany. It is the home of the famous Cologne Cathedral, Kolsch beer, and a vibrant arts and culture scene that draw travelers from all over the world to experience this grand city's rich history and jovial residents. If anyone looks askance at a same-sex couple showing affection in public, it will very likely be a tourist, since this warm, welcoming city has a huge LGBT population that is fully integrated and well-established.

Cologne is also the proud host of the 2010 Gay Games, has a very visible, well-established LGBT community and is quite comfortable with all types of couples holding hands or showing affection in public. As another way to show just how welcoming Cologne truly is, visitors can purchase a Pink WelcomeCard from the KolnTourismus Service Centre, which is good for free public transportation, discounts on museums, theater, opera and river cruises, and great discounts for local LBGT establishments, including saunas, bars, clubs and shops.

Berlin also has a well-established LGBT community and a wide variety of bars, clubs and establishments. Prospective visitors considering gay tours in Berlin might want to consider traveling during Pride season to enjoy Europes largest Gay and Lesbian City Festival, Lesbisch-Schwules Stadtfest, which is hosted in Berlin the weekend before the huge Berlin Gay Pride Parade and Christopher Street Day Festival, attended by hundreds of thousands of LGBT folks, and friends and supporters of the community, making this a perfect time for gay vacations to Germany.

Whether you are going to Germany alone or traveling with a group of friends, gay travel destinations in Germany will surely be filled with opportunities to learn about Germany's LGBT community, meet new friends and make lifelong memories. To get as much as you can out of your travels, you may want to participate in gay tours with a travel agency with experience arranging Germany gay vacations.

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