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Out and proud and looking for a fantastic travel experience? Every couple wants the opportunity to relax, have fun, and be themselves while on vacation, so we’ve compiled a list of some great gay-friendly vacation ideas, from exciting gay and lesbian events like Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras in Sydney, to laid-back, rainbow proud cities like Key West and Provincetown where couples can walk hand in hand along the beach, or enjoy a romantic evening over a candle light dinner in a carefree and accepting atmosphere.

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras

This year, Sydney’s annual fun fest is celebrating it’s 30th anniversary — if you’ve never been to this dizzyingly delightful event, this is the year to get inaugurated! From cabaret to comedy, dance parties to discussion groups, film festivals to fabulous fashion, Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is one of the world’s most joyous and memorable events. Big performers this year include comedian extraordinare, Marget Cho, and pop legend Cyndi Lauper. Celebrations actually get under way in February, with a full month of cultural, social, and musical events, all leading up to the preeminent Mardi Gras parade and party on March 1. Whether you choose to march in the parade, or watch from the sidelines, your sense of pride will skyrocket as thousands of gay and gay-friendly folks gather to celebrate this year’s theme, “Brave New Worlds.” The after-party promises an electrified night of performances by some of the world’s most cutting-edge DJ’s mixing beats inside kaleidescopic light shows. Let the dancing begin!

Tickets and passes for individual events, as well as the main parade and party are going fast, so if you want to be part of one of the greatest gay and lesbian celebrations in the world, start booking as soon as you can. For a list of great hotels to choose from in Sydney, check out Sydney Hotels.

Key West, Florida

In Key West, where the average temperature is just under 80 degrees, gay and lesbian couples will find a fabulous variety of fun in the sun activities. One of the United States’ most gay-friendly cities, Key West is an island paradise where the official motto is “One Human Family.” Any time of year, travelers can enjoy tanning on the beautiful beaches, diving and snorkeling in crystalline waters, biking through the historic district of Old Town Key West, experiencing the vibrant nightlife of Duval Street, stopping to smell the roses at Key West Botanical Forest and Garden, and so much more. Key West is also host to some exciting annual events, such as Gay Spring Break in March, Pridefest in June, and Womenfest in September. Key West’s GLBT Visitor’s Center is a fantastic resource for gay and lesbian travelers, offering information on activities, special coupons, and discount offers.

Ready to soak in a little sun and fun in Key West? Check out Key West Hotels to start planning your trip.

Provincetown, Massachusetts

Voted “Best Gay Resort Town” by OutTraveler in 2005, and then again by PlanetOut in 2006, Provincetown is a mecca of culture, art, and adventure for the gay or lesbian traveler. Strolling past its pleasantly funky architecture, lovely tree-strewn streets, and historic sites (P-town was the first landing site of the Pilgrims and the place where the Mayflower Compact was signed), travelers will see gay couples walking hand in hand, gay parents pushing their children along in strollers, and a myriad of smiling and friendly faces. Located on the tip of Cape Cod, Provincetown is a wonderful destination for whale watching, as RealTravelers Globally Speaking recently discovered:

“It was a perfect whale watch trip…since it had been raining there were very few people on the ship, we could run around at will. We rode out to Stellwagon Bank, a hot feeding ground, and immediately began spotting whales. In total, we saw about 20 humpback whales and over 100 dolphins!” (more…)

For appreciators of the arts, P-town is where it’s at. Dozens of art galleries line popular Commercial Street, and travelers can catch great theatre production here too at wonderful theatres like Provincetown Repertory Theatre (also on Commercial Street), and Provincetown Theatre Company on Bradford Street. Other activities travelers can enjoy include harbor cruises, sailing, dolphin watches, biking, beach swimming, and fishing. Oh, and let’s not forget, if it’s time to make the ultimate commitment to your partner, P-Town will be happy to host your wedding! Check out Provincetown Hotels to begin planning your stay.