Since being named a runner-up in National Geographic Traveller (UK)'s travel writing competition in 2013 Ian has contributed to two Bradt travel anthologies, and a range of major websites, newspapers, and magazines including Adventure Travel. He has discussed his life in adventure to a wide range of enthusiastic audiences, from schools and travel groups to the Royal Geographical Society's London headquarters.
As New Zealand’s largest metropolis and the world’s largest Polynesian city, Auckland has long been proud of the diversity of its 1.4 million residents. To access this content, you must purchase City Guides subscription.
Budapest, UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts more than 100 museums and galleries, as well as a nightlife scene regarded as one of the continent’s finest, whether you’re straight or gay. To access this content, you must purchase City Guides subscription.
Despite occupying a stunning location on the Gulf of Finland, Helsinki is often overlooked in favour of better-known Baltic capitals such as Stockholm and Tallinn. But short of being the dull capital Helsinki is actually one of Europe’s hottest destinations. To access this content, you must purchase City Guides subscription.
Conservative and orthodox Jerusalem may be, but it’s also vibrant and liberal, with democracy and civil rights as important as the souqs and coffee houses. To access this content, you must purchase City Guides subscription.
Marseille is a port city with a sublime location on the Mediterranean Provencal coast, an abundance of natural wonders, a plethora of new museums, and a history that stretches back to ancient Greece. To access this content, you must purchase City Guides subscription.
Between the glitzy bay-side skyscrapers and the kaleidoscope of neighbourhoods brimming with street art and busy cafes, there are always a huge number of things to do in Melbourne. To access this content, you must purchase City Guides subscription.
Moscow isn’t particularly LGBTQ-friendly but the vast majority of visits remain trouble-free, even for visitors who frequent the city’s less-than-secret gay bar and club scene. To access this content, you must purchase City Guides subscription.
Munich is replete with Lederhosen, oompah bands, and the giant Bierhallen of the annual Oktoberfest celebrations—the world’s largest folk festival—aplenty. To access this content, you must purchase City Guides subscription.
Welcome to Mykonos, where every summer, sculpted bronze bodies contrast with the dazzling whitewashed buildings that house chic café-bars. To access this content, you must purchase City Guides subscription.
Naples has it all – layer upon layer of history, dedicated fashionistas cruising on Vespas through sun-drenched piazzas, simple but sublime cuisine, and, of course, UNESCO certification as the birthplace of pizza. To access this content, you must purchase City Guides subscription.
Beyond its museums and parkland, Oslo is the capital of one of the world’s most liberal nations, this scene is so accepting that gay and straight party together without the need for an explicit gaybourhood. To access this content, you must purchase City Guides subscription.
One of the oldest cities in the United States – founded in 1682 by William Penn – Philadelphia marries a rich history with a charm usually reserved for small towns. To access this content, you must purchase City Guides subscription.
Prague’s Old Town is a beguiling mix of Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance architecture located in one of central Europe’s most liberal nations. To access this content, you must purchase City Guides subscription.
Sydney has come a long way from the mass arrests at the first annual Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade a generation ago, which has since become a world-famous event attracting hundreds of thousands of participants, To access this content, you must purchase City Guides subscription.
While there’s no defined gay quarter, its famed month-long carnival is surely one of the campest events on the planet, and this ancient trading city has a long tradition of ‘live and let live’. To access this content, you must purchase City Guides subscription.
Warsaw displays unexpected joie de vivre best represented by its stunningly beautiful and entirely reconstructed Old Town, the heart of the city’s tourist attractions. To access this content, you must purchase City Guides subscription.
There’s a reason a vacation in Italy is a bucket list experience. Nowhere else do world-renowned ancient structures sit among stunning landscapes of mountains and seas, the cities ooze romance and interest, and the warm climate provides the perfect excuse for yet another scoop of creamy gelato.
Japan is a nation of contrasts – where thousand-year-old temples stand in the shadow of twenty-first-century towers, and where natural beauty garners deep respect from old and young alike. Sophisticated, authentically traditional, and yet also somehow futuristic, there’s nowhere quite like the land of the rising sun.
The beaches of the Algarve may be well known – and still must-visit places to see in Portugal – but beyond their sands, you’ll also find picturesque villages, scintillating cities, and a rich cultural life that’s also shockingly good value for money.
Greece has a lot going for it: spectacular ruins, warm sunny skies, beach-clad islands speckled in turquoise shallows, and elaborate meze platters served in small tavernas smelling of ouzo and retsina.
Boasting dramatic scenery, incredible gastronomy, and an incredible history, Provence is a jewel in Europe’s crown, as our carefully curated Provence itinerary 5 days will soon testify.
Beguiling, evocative Spain. Where tables spill out onto ageless village squares from tiny bodegas, snow-capped mountains soar in echo of the grandest works of architecture, and the city streets positively fizz with energy. Rugged yet charming – just like its men – a tour of Spain will have all your senses set to maximum in no time!
The smiling heart of South East Asia, Thailand is a fantastic destination whether you’re a hardened traveller or nervous first-timer. The warm air wraps around you like a hug, while a diverse array of attractions are easily accessible even during a 10 day trip.
Most of the top gay bars in Mexico City are located in the historic heart of the city or neighbouring Zona Rosa area, meaning bar hopping isn’t the trauma of taxis and metro systems it can be in other big cities.
Without a doubt London’s trendiest district, Shoreditch has the hotels to match, besides incredible works of graffiti on the historic brown brick warehouses.
London’s evolution into a twenty-four-hour metropolis has resulted in a clutch of rooftop bars which sparkle any day of the week, whatever the weather.
Lush rainforest runs from central mountains to epic clifftops, fine tropical beaches, and attractive rice paddy. In between, you’ll find ancient temples, luxurious high-end stays, and awesome nightlife.
Glaciers creep down to the island’s shores from among wondrous peaks, while an industrious population set about challenging all the preconceptions that might crop up around this nature-lovers’ paradise.
What could be better than 7 days in Ireland? That’s 7 days to explore the Irish Republic’s stunning natural landscapes, evocative castles, thriving cities and quaint fishing villages.
The country’s long list of attractions means vacations in Peru are sure to become mainstream any time now. Get there first with our 10 day Peru itinerary.
While gay Guadalajara can still be described as centring around Calle Prisciliano Sánchez, a new batch of LGBT+ venues are steadily spreading their rainbow wings right across the ‘San Francisco of Mexico’.
The beaches and natural diversity of the Canary’s island aren’t sole attractions for gay visitors. Gran Canaria is tolerant of all ‘alternative lifestyles’.
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