Looking back at 2011? Did you travel enough? Are you carrying over vacation days to 2012 or did you lose days because you didn't take enough time off? As you make your New Year's resolution list, how about adding traveling more to your list?
With two long holiday weekends coming up in January and February—Martin Luther King and President's Day—now is a fabulous time to ask for to start the New Year off right by planning a winter getaway. You can choose between a close-by or sun destination and you can customize a trip to fit any budget large or small. Here are six ideas just to get you thinking!
1. Tan in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.: Three days on the fabulous Fort Lauderdale beach is just the right amount of time to get that summer glow back. The Grand Resort and Spa is celebrating 11 years as the largest men's resort and spa. The resort offers a variety of packages, including the "Quick Chill" hotel package that includes three nights and two spa services. ( www.grandresort.net ) Check out the Grand's new pool. There are many great hotels along the beach, including the Westin and W Hotels. Airfares tend to be lower earlier in the week compared to weekend travel. Be sure to shop around for great airfares. There is also last-minute availability on Atlantis Events' Allure of the Seas cruise that departs from Fort Lauderdale Jan. 29.
2. Unwind in Key West, Fla.: Go a little further south to Key West and you will find that the island culture immediately puts you in vacation mode. It's not too early to plan your own spring break. There is a reason why the Island House in Key West has won international awards because the place is that fabulous. The resort, like most men's resorts in Key West, is clothing-optional. Owned by Jon Allen and Martin Kay, together they have created the friendliest, most luxurious island escape ( www.islandhousekeywest.com ) . For the ladies, check out Pearl's Key West. This resort, too, is clothing-optional but tops only ( www.pearlsrainbow.com ) . ( Why is everyone wanting to get naked in Key West? )
3. Party in Miami: While some may argue that the gay scene has moved up to Fort Lauderdale, Miami Beach is famous for shopping, star-watching and, of course, nightlife. Join 10,000 people from all over the world for the Winter Party Festival, Feb. 29-March 5, 2012 ( www.winterparty.com ) . The Lords South Beach Hotel is celebrating one year of catering to the chic LGBT traveler. This hip South Beach hot spot has nightly events and parties ( www.lordssouthbeach.com ) .
4. Vacation in Maui, Hawaii: The natural beauty of Hawaii and the Hawaiian culture make a vacation here the perfect gift. Stay on Ka'anapali Beach near Black Rock, the famous cliff-diving spot. There, you can snorkel with fish and turtles right from the beach. Stay at the Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa ( www.sheraton-maui.com ) or pick the ultra-fabulous Westin Maui Resort and Spa ( www.westinmaui.com ) . Be sure to check out the Westin's outdoor morning spin class with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
5. Fly to Philadelphia, spend a few nights exploring the history and gay nightlife and then drive to Atlantic City, New Jersey. Headquarter your Atlantic City weekend at the Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa. Depending on your mood, choose your own experiential weekend "Romance", "Rejuvenation" or "Up All Night" hotel package. Check out the headliners at any of the casinos, spend the day at the spa or dance at Borgata's Mur Mur nightclub. Choose between "worth-the-splurge" Izakaya or classic Wolfgang Puck American Grille, but absolutely don't miss Sea Blue ( www.theborgata.com ) . Within close distance to the Borgata is Harrah's and within a short drive are the casinos along the boardwalk, including Resorts, home to Pro Bar Atlantic City's gay nightclub ( www.resortsac.com ) .
6. Fly to New York City for an evening of Broadway: Catch classics like Chicago and Wicked or new hits The Book of Mormon and Priscilla Queen of the Desert ( www.broadway.com ) . Make it a night and stay on Central Park at the iconic Jumeirah Essex Hotel ( www.jumeirah.com ) . Take a romantic walk through the park, visit MoMa or browse the after Christmas sale racks on Fifth Avenue.
Jeff Guaracino is a vice president of the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation and the author of Gay and Lesbian Tourism: The Essential Guide for Marketing. He is also vice chair of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association. Jeff has learned to how to find the best deals and travel resources out there for our community.
