Time for your annual winter flight from snowy streets and grey skies? Got that list of ultimate destinations whittled down to
some classic favorites? Might I make a suggestion? Instead of trying to “get away” to the exact same location as the rest of the
vacationing world, consider some of the fantastic-but-unknown vacation spots. That’s right, you can get all the perks of a vacation without having to push through the crowds of other vacationers trying to do exactly the same thing as you. That’s right, plan for fun, adventure, and great shopping but don’t plan to be crowded out by other vacationers. And the best part: this great getaway spot is right here in the US. I know what you were thinking—that I was going to send you hiking the Himalayas to vacation in
a remote monastery. Nope, your dream vacation spot is much easier to get to than that. Want a hint? What if I told you that EVERYTHING is bigger in Texas…Ready to learn our secret? Pack your bags for Houston.
Houston is one of the most multicultural cities in the United States. So it is no surprise that Houston takes every opportunity to display the very diverse cultures of its inhabitants. The city is home to many festivals throughout the year. While some festivals celebrate the variety of ethnicities to be found in Houston, others focus on the wonderful variety of lifestyles the city is home to. If you plan your vacation right, you can participate in such events as the Houston Mardi Gras, the Houston Pride Parade and Festival, and
the Houston Hot Sauce festival, among others. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is the city’s largest and longest running festival. This event is of the “once-in-a-lifetime” caliber with such events as bull-riding, barbecue and wine competitions, and steer wrestling. If you like cowboys, you are in for a treat! Each year the festival attracts some of the world’s greatest musical talents such as Beyonce, ZZ Top, and the Rascal Flats. In fact, the Houston Rodeo was the venue of one of the most famous concerts Houston has ever seen: Selena’s concert in the Astrodome. Houston also offers several funky festivals such as their Art Car Parade. No matter what time of the year you visit, you’ll likely to be able to witness one of the city’s great festivals.
Only five minutes out of downtown Houston you will find the bustling center of Houston’s gay community: the diverse and thriving city of Montrose. Montrose abounds with trendy clothing shops, enticing restaurants, romantic B&Bs, and an energetic nightlife. And how could you visit Houston without taking in the many sights that the city has to offer? You’ll have to plan your itinerary well when exploring the largest city in Texas, as there is simply so much to see as you wander among Houston’s amazing skyscrapers (it has the country’s third tallest skyline) and merge with its bustling city life. From museums and operas to dazzling restaurants—offering both casual and gourmet dining—Houston truly is an overlooked jewel in the world of vacation destinations. Houston also boasts many great shopping opportunities—from designer boutiques to flea markets with something for every shopper. And come evening time, be sure to check out the exciting nightlife that the city has to offer with its many happening bars and clubs.
Houston boasts an exciting gay scene complete with a Texas Gay Rodeo, and Pride parades and festivals throughout the year. The hub of gay Houston is the Montrose district, a district bursting with cafes, boutiques, and specialty stores. And, come nightfall, whether it’s country line dancing or rave dancing—or anything in between!—that's your fancy, you’ll find it all in the Montrose area.
But what is the hands-down absolute greatest thing about making Houston your winter vacation destination? Warm weather all year long coupled with the warm and friendly hospitality of the diverse Houstonians. As you begin to plan for your next winter escape, don’t waste your time trying to get to the exact same locale as every other would-be vacationer. Set your sights on Houston and get ready for a real get-away!
Before you make your reservations for Houston, visit www.WorldwideGayTravel.com, your headquarters for all travelers,
particularly specializing in gay travel.
For our travel enthusiasts, you might also think about some of these often frequented
gay destinations:
* Paris
* Ft. Lauderdale
* Miami (South Beach), Florida
* San Francisco
* Sydney, Australia
* Greece
* Madrid
* Singapore
* New Orleans
Greg Scott is a travel consultant for WorldwideGayTravel.com, where you can make arrangement for any kind of travel, including
gay travel to Houston.
