Social Networking Survey

Social-networking tools such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn have gained huge amounts of momentum in recent years and are a great way to promote your travel-related business. By posting articles, pictures, or updates, you can keep in regular contact with your customers who connect with you online. More importantly, your updates will be seen by an even larger audience: by people whose searches match your information or by friends-of-friends who see your information when it is reposted or commented.

The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce posted the results of an online survey asking partcipants how they used social-networking tools. 100% of respondents used the tools for networking, 94% for marketing, and 61% for contacting customers. Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter were the most popular tools.

OutAdvisor regularly updates our tools with the latest travel-related deals, articles, reviews, tips, and more! Here are some free resources:

• twitter.com/outadvisor
• outadvisor.com/facebook
• outadvisor.com/linkedin
• outadvisor.com/blog
  

Shanghai Surprise 上海驚奇

“Communist China” – not the type of place you'd expect to find a thriving gay scene. But China today is about as Communist as the Old Party is Grand (though Republicans ARE old and getting even older). Shanghai today is a brash, flashy, neon-percolating city of excess, and out to party like there's no tomorrow. I was there during the week of the longest solar eclipse of the century, and I can assure you that the parade of celestial bodies wasn't only in the sky.

Shanghai Eclipsed

Nowadays, as long as you don't criticize the government and shy away from politics, it seems like anything goes in China, especially if you're trying to get people to spend money. And gays . . . spend . . .money. So naturally gay bars and night clubs have started sprouting up all over the city. That's actually a problem, in that the two most popular gay nightspots are on opposite sides of town (well, opposite sides of the older inner city – Shanghai is a megalopolis of 20 million people).

One cluster of bars is located in the so-called “gay triangle” on the western edge of the old French Concession district of the city. The closest subway station is the Henshan station on the number 2 line, but it's still a bit of a walk, so a taxi would probably still be the better bet (and taxis are cheap – only 11 to 14 RMB (around US$2) for the first 3 kilometers). It took me a good 10 to 15 minutes to walk the distance from the metro station, and that was speaking Chinese and asking for directions twice.

I visited two of the more frequented watering holes – Eddy's and Shanghai Studio. Though both of them have addresses stating they're on Huaihai Road, they're both actually just off the Road at a major, but quiet, intersection where several streets meet. Eddy's red sign is visible looking down one of the intersecting streets, while Shanghai Studio is especially well hidden down a wide alleyway (walk down and look to your right). The décor color of choice in Chinese clubs, it seems, is red. Red glowing lights, red glowing bars, and red stylized posters of Mao – all very chic and Sex and the City a la chinois.

Eddy's is a smart, but small bar, and was packed. Dress code – summer casual. Drinks – beers and tonics. Boys – Asian with a sprinkle of White. More “scenic” than cruisy, it seems to be one of the must-stops for expats and tourists in Shanghai.

Eddy's

Shanghai Studio was a little more unique. After entering at ground level, you descend down a long, warmly lit, twisting art gallery passageway until you reach a warren of chambers. Here you have a bar, there you have a dance floor, here you have a lounge, there you have another bar, oh wait, here you have an underwear store, oh, and then another bar . . . It's an intimate and cozy affair, but with the maze of rooms, you can easily lose yourself in the crowd.

Shanghai Studio

After drinks and cigarettes (yes, they do smoke a lot in the Middle Kingdom – so Europeans, make yourself at home), it seems that half the gay triangle clientele up and treks across town to D2 – THE place to be on Saturday nights. In the renovated “Cool Docks” (or “Lao Ma Tou” (Old Docks) in Chinese) retail/shopping complex on the Huangpu River, it is a thumping, giant warehouse style dance club that could easily be at home in London or New York.

D2 (Thanks to Im Stone for the pic)

With a typical large dance floor flanked by a floor length balcony and topped with a giant bar lounge, this is the place to be for shirtless, Asian beefcake sightings (even though a sign at front prohibits “shirtlessness” in public areas).

Celestial Body (Thanks to Im Stone for the pic)

Standing in the midst of all the colored lights; flashing strobes; gyrating, muscled bodies; and thumping music with drink in hand, I couldn't help but wonder what Mao would have made of all this. A Cultural Revolution indeed. 上海同志们万岁万万岁！

Travel Destination: Antigua, Guatemala

With 37 volcanoes, 23 separate languages, 19 different ecosystems and countless Mayan and Colonial ruins, it is no surprise that Guatemala - a country no bigger than Tennessee - is mentioned four times in the #1 Bestseller, 1,000 Places to See Before You Die.

Antigua, Guatemala's most beautiful and historic city, is rapidly becoming a favorite destination for GLBT travelers because it is like having a little bit of Europe, just south of the border, but at a fraction of the cost.

Nestled between three dramatic volcanoes in Central America, Antigua, Guatemala is one of the world's oldest and most beautiful colonial cities. This majestic, 400 year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site is the most visited city in Central America and its popularity only continues to grow as recently underscored by its winning “TOP City” at the recent Wanderlust’s 2009 Travel Awards, beating out more than 600 other popular world destinations.

In Antigua you can explore the ruins, museums, art galleries, restaurants and shops that are dotted throughout the famous cobblestone streets of this former capital of Guatemala. Centrally located, Antigua is also the perfect base from which to take short trips to other popular destinations like Lake Atitlan, the Pacific Coast and the world famous Mayan Temples of Tikal. Known as the "land of the eternal spring", Antigua has a humidity-free average temperature of 75 degrees all year round, so there is never a bad time to visit.

ANTIGUA, GUATEMALA RESOURCES & ACCOMMODATION

• George’s Travel Club of Guatemala – A trip to Guatemala can be a world-class vacation experience full of amazing places to see and unique things to do. For the average tourist, however, travel in Guatemala can also be very confusing and even dangerous. GLBT Travelers can relax and simply enjoy their experience in Guatemala by using the Gay Travel Services of George’s Travel Club of Guatemala. With George ALL your the trip details are taken care of - thus ensuring your safety and ensuring that they see and do only the best that this amazing country has to offer.

• One of the most beautiful and distinctive features of Antigua are the spectacular 400-year-old ruins that can be found on nearly every corner of this enchanting, centuries-old city. Many of these ruins can actually be rented for various private events – making any party, meeting, ceremony or wedding uniquely memorable.

• Casa Santa Domingo, a 5-Star Hotel which is built right into the ruins, is Antigua’s most famous and impressive hotel. This hotel warrants serious consideration from anyone planning a trip to Antigua.

• For those seeking a more “natural, outdoor garden” experience – check out the beautiful and serene Quinta de Las Flores.

• Black & White Bar is the largest gay bar and disco in nearby Guatemala City.

This article was written in cooperation with George Sansoucy, George’s Travel Club of Guatemala.

Save some time at the security line

Flying has become increasingly complicated in recent years due to heightened security and poor airline finances. One dreaded hurdle is the security check-in line. The line speed and length varies with each airport, and you won't know what it's like until you get there. Since not everyone is a frequent flier and familiar with the security process, be patient. You can't hurry them through the line, but here are some tips to get yourself through a little faster.

1. Give yourself extra time to get through the line. Then you can relax in the gate areas while avoiding the stress of coming up short on time. Pull out your book or magazine and start your vacation early!
2. Watch the security videos while you're waiting. It'll pass the time, give you a few tips, and possibly remind you of something you've forgotten.
3. Unlace your shoes and remove your belt and sweater or jacket before you reach the bins.
4. Take two bins, because most likely you will need them. Remember that laptops go in their own bins; bags go on the belt.
5. Remember the 3-1-1 rule for liquids, and be sure the bag is easily accessible when it's time to put it in the bin.
6. You must empty your water bottle before you go through the line. But do take a reusable bottle so you have it on the flight and all through the vacation; you'll also avoid unnecessary trash and lower your carbon footprint.
7. Scan the lines ahead and avoid ones with families or travelers who don't look prepared to go through the line--it's likely they will require extra time.
8. Bring an extra plastic bag for your change, cell phone, keys, and other items you'll need to remove from your pockets. Sweatshirt pockets also work great!
9. Keep your boarding pass in hand until you are through the line! But put your I.D. away after the initial check.
10. After you've made it through the line, move your possessions to a nearby bench. You'll be less harried to put things back together and will make it easier for everyone else to come through.

For more information on What to Know Before You Go:
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/index.shtm

TSA: Wait Time Calculator (under construction)
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/waittime.shtm

Pride in the Nation's Capital!

God loves the Gays! On June 14th, she sent a burst of sunshine and zephyr winds to usher in the 2009 Capital Pride Festival in Washington D.C. For the first time among the Capitol and other neoclassical monuments of downtown D.C. was Outadvisor's own temple to gay travel.


The festival, in its 34th year, attracted over 250,000 attendees, many of whom were happily saved from travel confusion and enlightened in the ways of convenient gay travel research at the Outadvisor.com tent. We managed to snag a prime spot -- just a few meters down from the Nuwear underwear pavillion. The crowds were overflowing and the scenery couldn't be beat -- gorgeous . . . if not a little distracting! :)

Hundreds upon hundreds of attendees, including Candace Gingrich and Deacon Maccubbin (founder of iconic local DC GLBT bookstore Lambda Rising) , stopped by to be educated on the 7,000+ worldwide listings of GLBT owned or friendly hotels, B&B's, bars, clubs, restaurants, etc. at Outadvisor.com -- as well as enter into a raffle for a Southwest Airlines gift card (Congrats, Bryan!). And a heartfelt thanks to our Outadvisor Boy, Steve, who worked it all afternoon to make sure that everyone passing within a radius of 50 feet was aware of us.


DC is our hometown and we were so filled with Pride to be able to participate in the festival for the first time this year! As RuPaul (who closed out the festival) advised - you better work! We did, and we had fun at it, too - you can check out our video of the festival below!

Outadvisor at Capital Pride 2009 in Washington, D.C.

Destination: Playa del Carmen, Mexico

This time of year in the Riviera Maya, the coastal area south of Cancun which includes the popular destination of Playa Del Carmen, the ocean is at its best. With the sudden slowdown in travel to Mexico, there are some great deals to be found with lower prices, more freedom, and less crowds.

Playa Del Carmen is one of the top tourist destinations in the Americas, which lends to its eclectic and multicultural feel. The highlights of the area are the miles of white sandy beaches and turquoise waters of the Mexican Caribbean. Diving, fishing, snorkeling, sailing and swimming are some of the many activities that vacationers choose to participate in. Mayan Ruins throughout the region provide a great avenue for those interested in this vast history. And the nightlife compares to many international cities, if not better.

If you are going to the area here are some great leads of gay-friendly hotels and restaurants

Hotel Tropical CasaBlanca This is an oasis in the middle of town, close to all amenities, and across the street from the beach. The hotel is gay friendly and will support exchange of vows ceremonies in their private cenote.

Cocina 38 A cannot be missed restaurant away from the popular La Quinta. The Guatemalan chef has trained in Madrid, London and Mexico and creates some of the most exotic dishes this side of the globe. Cocina 38 is located on 5th Avenue between 38th and 40th Streets in Playa del Carmen.

Playa 69 A gay bar in the middle of town that is not public. Though difficult to find, ask locals and they can tell you where it is located. Playa 69 is located on 5th Avenue between Calles 4 and 6.

Written in cooperation with Hotel Tropical CasaBlanca