India is a diverse country with a lot to offer to all types of travelers. With both sun-drenched, sandy beaches and the snowcapped Himalayas, and plenty of incredible, beautiful terrain in between, gay trips to India are filled with opportunities for relaxation or various outdoor adventures. Long-held as a center of spirituality and nature-based healing methods, an India gay vacation is an excellent choice for travelers in search of opportunities to reprioritize, refocus on the important things in life and reawaken their spiritual self.

India is also an ideal spot for gay vacations for those who love history, culture, visiting important sites, shopping at both old-world bazaars and modern, high-end boutiques, dining on exceptional Indian cuisine, trekking through the wilderness or immersing themselves in rural village life.

Those who take a gay vacation to India will find that it is very difficult to find a noticeable LGBT community, even in urban areas. In 2009, the Delhi High Court took an important step towards decriminalizing same-sex relations when it voted to overturn a–8-year-old law still on the books from when India was a British colony. This antiquated law, which is no longer upheld in Delhi, but is still enforced in the rest of the country, prohibits “carnal intercourse against the order of nature” and includes same-sex intercourse, as well as some heterosexual sexual acts.

While activists are fervently working to change this law throughout the country, folks who take a gay trip to India should be aware that both gay and straight people can still be prosecuted under this law, which can result in fines and imprisonment, including life sentences. Nonetheless, there are still some hangouts that can be identified, as well as cruising areas, which can be found in most countries, regardless of conservative laws or beliefs. Both the government and Indian society have mixed feelings about LGBT people, but a continued movement towards acceptance continues to make India an even better destination for gay tours.

Same-sex relationships may still hold a taboo status in much of India, but this has not stopped this beautiful, diverse country from being a highly popular destination for gay holidays, and LGBT travelers typically report no issues during their gay travel. One way to ensure that your India gay vacation is a fulfilling, safe, remarkable trip is to arrange to take part in a tour organized by a trustworthy, well-established company that is experienced in providing exceptional trips and tours catering to LGBT folks. When you choose to take part in an organized tour group, you are taking an important step in ensuring that your trip to India will be full of opportunities to take in the country’s most amazing attractions, awaken your spirituality at important sacred sites, experience life-changing moments and create lifelong memories.

Spread about India composed by Howie Holben. Spirit Journeys produces gay getaways for gay travel groups and singles.

The diverse geography and culture of New Zealand has always made it a hotspot as a destination for gay adventure travel, due in part to the accepting, open mindset of the locals and important laws that forbid discrimination against LGBT community members, as well as the country’s natural allure and numerous adventures and activities available in every region of this awe-inspiring nation.

Those looking for gay vacations in New Zealand will find that they can choose between snow skiing at several popular resorts, lounging on pristine beaches, exploring unspoiled wilderness or taking part in a lively, cosmopolitan local scene in several different New Zealand cities. Whether folks are looking for community LGBT Pride events, mountain adventures, cultural immersion or a quiet family vacation in a seaside resort, New Zealand is an ideal choice for gay vacations of any kind.

Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch and Hamilton are just a few of the cities of New Zealand where you will find visible, large LGBT communities, Pride celebrations and a wide variety of clubs, businesses, pubs and restaurants all catering to the community. Those interested in a city gay vacation will find that these metro areas provide numerous options that are sure to please travelers interested in a lively nightlife and a plethora of entertainment, dining and shopping options from which to choose. If you want to include skiing or snowboarding into your gay travel plans, you will be pleased to know that there are various ski resorts on South Island and North Island, which makes it easy to take a day trip to the mountains between sightseeing tours, cultural events or visiting New Zealand’s smaller islands.

A gay vacation to New Zealand can be focused on spiritual renewal, beach-going and fun in the sun, skiing and snowboarding, or amazing outdoor adventures for couples, friends or families. With so much to choose from, and so many things to see, it is impossible to fit it all in a single trip; however, partaking in a gay vacation that has been organized by a professional tour company is one way to ensure that you will not miss out on some of the greatest things that New Zealand has to offer.

For folks who would rather travel solo, planning your trip through a gay vacations agency is the best way to stay up to date on the latest LGBT goings-on, as well as current information that is helpful to the members of the LGBT community when traveling in New Zealand.

Piece by Howie Holben for New Zealand gay tours and gay vacations for singles.