Gay Vacation Packages To The United States Of America

By Howie Holben

While most individuals are welcome in most areas of the United States, there are definitely areas which are more accepting of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered community than others. So, when such individuals travel, there is often more planning and research involved in choosing such a destination. To this end, there have been a number of travel guides published in relation to gay vacations in the USA and beyond.

Of course, with regards to any vacation, if individuals can plan ahead, then one is going to have a much better time. Better still, if one can read a number of associated reviews and assure a place is still in business. Then, one can layout their travel plans accordingly with regards to activities, lodging and travel in relation to getting to a preferred destination.

So, whether going on a gay cruise, spending a weekend at a gay resort, or simply staying at a gay oriented bed and breakfast, generally one can find great accommodations and activities through such guides. In addition to these guides, a number of which are available at local and national booksellers, other listings for a variety of activities directed at the gay community with regards to leisure and vacation can also be found online.

Regardless as to whether one buys travel guides or looks for such information online, there are a number of destinations which are more gay friendly than others. Although, one may want to call or e-mail businesses listed in such guides to be sure one is still in business. For, while most are successful, there are others which have had to close, especially during the recent economic downturn.

So, if one plans accordingly, based on knowledge about such a business, one can avoid any surprises which may be waiting at a preferred destination of choice. By doing so, one can also plan ahead with regards activities and lodging in the area along with finding a number of restaurants which not only cater to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered community but which also offer foods which one may require in relation to any dietary restrictions.

For, while the gay community has made a great deal of progress when it comes to acceptance overall, there are still areas, especially within the United States, which are still bigoted toward both the gay community and other alternative groups. Therefore, doing research with regards to such locations can also help one avoid staying in areas which may not be as safe as others. This is especially true when it comes to individuals who identify as being part of such a community.

However, if the States were smart, the States would pass laws applying the same equal rights with relation to gay marriage as others have done. For, in doing so, the States can increase their levels of tourism by promoting equality and acceptance for all. Something, States which have passed gay marriage laws have seen through an increase in associated tourism. To this end, many individuals seeking to go on vacation, often focus on the States which now have the option of gay marriage available on a legal basis, regardless as to whether one desires to get married on such a vacation or not.

To this end, before embarking upon gay tours in the USA, one may want to check online listings for a variety of bed and breakfasts, cruises, hotels, resorts and other gay related vacation activities. For, this can allow one to save a great deal of time while on vacation if one has done their research before hand. Still, even going on the fly, by picking up a tour guide related to gay travel, one is well on their way to a fun, safe and relaxing vacation regardless.

About the Author:

Article about The United States Of America written by Howie Holben. Howie runs Spirit Journeys, a gay tours organization. Spirit Journeys suggests spiritual gay vacations world wide.

Recovery And The Idea Of A Higher Power

By Emmett Anderson

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is founded on the principle of handing over your life and will to a higher power. The idea is that this higher power will relieve you of the burden of alcoholism, letting you focus on living life sober. Early sobriety is hard enough as it is, but it can be much more difficult if the prospect of drinking hasn't left your mind completely.

For a lot of people, the concept of a higher power is easily represented by their understanding of God. A story you'll often come across in AA meetings is that a person used to believe in God and went to church often, but this changed as the person developed a serious drinking problem. When the person finally quits drinking, they turn once again to the church and to God. And this works for a lot of people.

For others, the question of a higher power isn't so simple. Many people either do not believe in God or are unsure if God exists, making the 12 step program and its dependence on a higher power very difficult for these people. I know this to be true because I was one of these people.

Personally, the question of a higher power gave me a lot of trouble when I first began attending AA meetings. I believed in the possibility of God but deep down I could not fully accept this idea, which made the idea of turning my life and will over to my higher power very difficult. For almost six months, I continued to struggle with this problem and my early sobriety was very hard.

However, after much reflection and thinking, I finally came up with an idea of a higher power that I could fully accept. I called my concept of a higher power "the interconnectedness of the human spirit." For me, this refers to our abilities to inspire and connect with each other.

When I think of this interconnectedness, I often think of music. There are a lot of songs that simply resonate with me, so much so that I can get chills going down the back of my neck when I hear them. Something about the song simply connects with a part of me, deep down. I may have never met the songwriter, but he or she was able to create a piece of music that really connected with me. That's what I mean when I mention the interconnectedness of the human spirit.

This idea of a higher power works for me, and my hope is that by sharing this idea of a higher power with you here, I can hopefully help other people who face a similar struggle with the idea of a higher power.

About the Author:

Some people may tell you that it's not possible, but I am living proof that it is possible to get sober without AA. I have been sober for three years without going to AA meetings, and I want to help you if you share the same doubts. Learn more about the alternatives to AA here.