I’ve decided to whet your appetite with a list of Hot Spots for the Gay community. Of course we are well aware that Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro are great locations for the gay traveller, however I suggest you check out some less typical destinations that are also a little lighter on the wallet.  I present to you my top 5 alternatively-light wallet Gay vacation destinations.

5. New York City, New York:
One of the world’s most electric cities is certainly one of the gay traveller’s best resources for around-the-clock partying and cultural stimulation. New York City is beautiful when the snow falls, especially during the holiday season, as lights seem to glow through the entire island of Manhattan. Home to arguably one of the worlds most exciting gay club scenes, there are many options to choose from such as trendy lounges, artful coffee shops, casual bars, concert halls and creative dining options. New York is an art lover’s dream with countless art galleries, museums, live theatre and of course Broadway – the sky’s the limit here!

4. Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Florida:
The last week of November usually culminates in this city’s biggest party known as White Party Week (Nov. 22-27). All proceeds raised benefit the charitable foundation Care Resource and everyone who participates wears white from head to toe at every event. Usually Miami is a party haven any time of year, with a very large gay community spread out all over the beach and beyond. If you want rest and relaxation then Fort Lauderdale is more your speed.
This city has undergone a major tourism facelift over the last ten years.  In fact the local government promises to “roll out the rainbow carpet” for its guests. Fort Lauderdale offers a nice alternative to nearby Miami because the vibe is far more relaxed. It has been described by many travellers as being gentler and less intimidating than Miami however, if you’re in the need to ogle some very beautiful people or just have a festive evening full of craziness, then the 45 minute cab ride is worth it. Gay citizens account for one fifth the local population in Fort Lauderdale which is why you can find gay themed bars, lounges, nightclubs, restaurants and beaches, very easily.

3. Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic:
One of the best islands for gay couples to visit for its relaxed attitude and splendid year long weather, the Dominican Republic is gaining more ground every year as a rejuvenating getaway. The capital city of Santo Domingo sits right on the beach and offers many options for gay friendly nightlife, dining and accommodations. It is also full of history, making it the perfect spot for exploration with the comforts of a modern metropolis of course.  

2. Whistler, British Columbia:
Just a short 2-hour drive from the metropolitan city of Vancouver, Whistler receives over 2 million snow and mountain lovers who come for the incredible British Columbian alpine skiing and snowboarding.  Whistler is a resort community which caters to sports lovers year round. With this in mind, you’ll find some lavish resorts, spas and facilities coupled with the famous Canadian hospitality and social freedoms.
February is a great time to take that ski trip to Whistler as Gay Whistler Ski Week is in full effect (February 5th – 12th). The festivities include guided ski tours, ‘after snow’ chalet parties, concerts, masquerade balls and more…

1. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico:
Every year Puerto Vallarta seems to become more popular as the best gay vacation spot in all of Mexico. With its consistently warm and sunny climate, beautiful ocean bay (Bahia de Banderas), white sandy beaches, mountainous backdrop and lush tropical jungle surroundings – it’s hard to compete with this former fishing village. There are countless options for gay-centric accommodations as well as bars/lounges, nightclubs, shopping, restaurants, beaches and much more. The city as a whole is open to all and remains very relaxed no matter who you are and what you do, as long as you’re ready to unwind and party away!!

Romantic Getaway #1: Lofoten, Norway why it’s green?                                                                                               It has low tourism, unspoiled, traditional way of life.
Not everybody’s idea of a romantic getaway involves the tropics. In fact, some folks prefer their climate a little chilly so that they have to spend a good portion of their time snuggled under a warm blanket together. The winter months of Norway just happen to be one of the best kept secrets in Europe. Norway’s tourism dies down after the summer season leaving inspiring visions of the Northern Lights, cozy fishermen’s cabins near the harbour, and spectacular mountain scenery. For more info: VisitNorway.com

Romantic Getaway #5: Torres Del Paine National Park (Eco-camp), Patagonia, Chile why its green?                    It’s unspoiled, hydro turbine, solar energy, composting toilets.
Whoever said that having a romantic first-rate suite means that you have to be stuck up in some stuffy eco-unfriendly hotel. Eco-camp offers all the splendours of outdoor camping with the amenities of a four-star hotel. Each room consists of an open-plan, movable geodesic dome, private bathroom with composting toilets, comfortable bed, modern low-emission wood stove, micro hydro turbine, and solar panels, allowing each couple to live among mother nature’s breathtaking scenery in full comfort without disturbing her delicate balance. Read more: EcoCamp.Travel

Romantic Getaway #7: Faroe Islands, Denmark Why green?                                                                                           It’s unspoiled, minimal industrial development, low tourism.  These Islands rated number one this past year on the National Geographic Traveler’s list of unspoiled islands. The magazine makes its top choices based on environmental and ecological quality, social and cultural integrity, and condition of historic buildings, overall aesthetic appeal, and the responsible management of its landscape. If your idea of romance is a remote tropical island with breathtaking harbours and beautiful waterfalls, then this is without a doubt the place for you. The architecture of the area is quite unique and historical, consisting of quaint homes with grass rooftops and stone walls. Faroe Islands, Denmark is almost completely free from overcrowding, but shhh; let’s keep that between us so that it might have a chance to stay that way. Read more: FaroeIslands.com

1. San Francisco

SLEEP
Luxurious lodging in the Castro comes courtesy of the recently immaculately restored Parker House ($119-199; gay and lesbian), an elegant mini-mansion. Lounge in the extensive sun-saturated grounds or under down comforters, sip local vintages at the wine social or slip away for a warm time in the on-site steam room.

EAT
Much loved Tallula ($17-23), in the heart of the Castro, fuses Indian flavors with Californian ingredients and French cooking techniques. Try to reserve in advance for a perfectly romantic dinner.
PLAY/MEET
Birds do it. Bees do it. Consider joining the intriguing San Francisco Zoo Valentine’s Day Sex Tour (www.sfzoo.org), offered on several dates throughout February every year. Romantic refreshments are included in this three-hour educational excursion. Find loads more gay-specific discounts and offers at the Web site of the San Francisco Convention and Visitors Bureau.

2. Provincetown
Provincetown is located at the very tip of Cape Cod, famous for its Atlantic beaches and great sand dunes. With a distinctly New England feel, enhanced by fresh ocean breezes and namesake Cape Cod architecture, off-season “P-town” is ideal for the romantic isolation you’ve dreamed of.
SLEEP
Brass Key ($115-465; gay and lesbian) is a luxury gay resort without equal with extensive grounds that include hot tub, infinity-edge pool, landscaped brick pool deck, and all-around fabulous atmosphere. Choose one of their fireplace rooms.
EAT
The Red Inn ($21-40) delights diners with breathtaking harbor views and elegant, romantic interior.
PLAY/MEET
Get a beach fire permit. Buy something to grill, or just some sandwiches and a thermos full of lemonade or sangria. Bring your own firewood, and as the sun sets on nearly-deserted Race Point Beach, hug someone tight and enjoy one of the most magical evenings you’ll ever have. Permits are given out in limited numbers on a first-come basis, but usually aren’t hard to get because so few people know about them.

3. Venice
SLEEP
High-rollers in the know choose the Gritti Palace (278-1,058 EUR) for 16th-century canal side grandeur and fine service. Now owned by Sheraton, it’s the perfect place to make the most of an airline or hotel award (Sheraton has four other options here, including the Danieli and Excelsior).
Though unfortunately not open in February, Hotel Cipriani (EUR625-1300; closed October through March) is the epitome of luxury. Some rooms feature private balconies and Jacuzzi. Its sister property, Palazzo Vendramin, only closes January and February. Stay in either one any time of the year they are open: magnificent!
EAT
With suitably low lighting and delicious dishes, gay-owned Avogaria (EUR14-16) offers a different take on Venice. Stop by to sample its sleek, postmodern décor and cool, understated style.
PLAY/MEET
Cruise across the Venetian lagoon to Burano — an island/ fishing town where the reflections of primary color-pained houses and fishing boats in the canals create a kaleidoscopic effect.

4. Paris
The heart-stirringly beautiful capital city of romance, Paris, trumps all other world capitals with its style, grace and chic splendor.
SLEEP
The understated entrance to the sleekly designed Park Hyatt Paris Vendôme (410-560 EUR) leads to a rich collection of thought-provoking original art and rooms amply stocked with mirrors, closet space, sinfully comfy beds and capacious bathrooms with heated floors.
EAT
Get close at candle-lit Aux 3 Petites Cochons (25-27 EUR), a small and enticing room, where reservations are essential for really good and reasonably priced, traditional French cuisine.
PLAY/MEET
Whether you choose to ice skate, hand in hand, at the Hotel de Ville (4eme; +33-1/42-76-40-40; until February 26; free) or emulate a scene from countless movies and take an evening stroll through Paris with a special friend, this city is effortlessly romantic.

5. Vancouver
The breathtaking North Shore Mountains create a stunning backdrop for this gay getaway hotspot, setting for many a same-sex marriage. Vancouver woos its visitors whether illuminated by moody light drifting in from the Georgia Strait or backlit by the afternoon sun glowing pink on the peaks.
SLEEP
The luscious Opus ($189-419) adds boutique chic to already hip Yaletown, mere steps from downtown shopping and the gay West End. Choose from several enticing packages, including ones with late checkouts and breakfast in bed.
EAT
Reserve an intimate curtained booth in gay-adored Delilah’s (prix-fixe options: C$26.50 for 2 courses, C$38 for 4 courses), where splendid array of martinis complements the delicious dining experience.
PLAY/MEET
Incongruously set off hectic Granville Street Bridge, is the luscious Miraj Hammam. Lie adjacent to your lover in low-mist, high-intensity steam chambers, before experiencing, in turn, invigorating full-body gommage scrubs on slabs of Jerusalem gold marble.