In recent decades, many parts of the world have become more accommodating to GLBT travel. In the Western Hemisphere, Canada, Mexico, and Argentina now all permit gay unions and host flourishing GLBT communities. Larger cities in these countries, like Buenos Aires and Montreal, often have GLBT-client based hotels, nightlife scenes, special events, and trips. Similarly in the Eastern Hemisphere, many Western European countries, including Sweden, Spain, and Iceland, have legalized gay unions. In fact despite varying statuses on the legalization of same-sex unions, many Western European countries have worked to develop GLBT resources, venues, and events. Madrid, Spain hosts an annual gay pride parade to raise awareness of gay rights and pride. Several cities, like Antwerp, Belgium, have annual GLBT sports tournaments, and Zurich, Switzerland hosts ski weeks for GLBT travelers. Many of these cities, like Paris and its fourth Arrondissement Marais, have GLBT-centered neighborhoods that are home to GLBT communities, bars, cafes, and shops.

Although Central and Eastern Europe lag behind Western Europe overall, select cities do much to accommodate GLBT travelers. Berlin, Germany is home to a vibrant GLBT community and provides an inviting space both as a home and as a travel venue. With GLBT-specific hostels and hotels and events like parades and party weeks, Berlin has become a hotspot for GLBT travel. Berlin publicizes many of its events with GLBT-specific newspapers with events and happenings in the city, and provides support hotlines in case of emergency. Prague, Czech Republic, allows same-sex partnerships and has many of the same kind of GLBT-based events and venues as Berlin other European cities. Budapest, Hungary is also known for being relatively GLBT friendly with gay bars and other venues.

Despite the increasing acceptance of GLBT travelers and members of the community, caution should still be taken when traveling. Even in the most accepting cities, some neighborhoods are not as welcoming as others. Also, many countries have yet to readily accept GLBT life and culture into their communities. In contrast to Europe, Middle Eastern countries like Morocco lack GLBT-specific clubs or venues despite increases in modernism and tourism. Many cities in the United States and Latin American countries also lack public GLBT events and meeting places. Some Asian countries, like Thailand and Japan, work with their GLBT communities without actively accepting them, while other countries have more underground GLBT scenes due to lack of government and community support. However, many of these places are still quite safe to travel in. Even with ranging support for the GLBT community across the globe, acceptance and the rise of GLBT travel opportunities is generally upward.

What is covered in hair and spits farther than you can throw? No, not your Uncle Louis. Man’s best friend in the sand and Morocco’s most high-performing 4x4: that’s right, your friendly neighborhood camel.

Between the mix of French and Arabic, it can be sometimes confusing to decipher a menu in Morocco. Here are the basic foods that you can order without your stomach punishing you.

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In the summer, the sun can feel like its melting your skin. It’s a little uncomfortable, especially if you can’t find any way to cool off. Now that you’re reading this though, that won’t happen. Here are the best ways to stay cool, even if you think you’re already cool.

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1. See Granada bathed in gold from the Alhambra at dusk.

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