Author: Peter Minkoff

Peter Minkoff is a gay travel and lifestyle writer. Besides writing, he worked as a travel journalist for many publications in Australia and the UK. Follow Peter on Facebook and Twitter for more tips. Peter Minkoff ist ein schwuler Reise- und Lifestyle-Autor. Er arbeitete als Reisejournalist für viele Publikationen in Australien und Großbritannien. Folge Peter auf Facebook und Twitter für weitere Tipps.

A Gay Man’s Guide to Spring Break Packing

Ah, it’s that time again. No, we’re talking about the Game of Thrones time of the year, but spring, and the time to make all the necessary plans for our spring break gaycation! Now, this year you may have chosen a killer destination such as the Bahamas, or perhaps a more authentic one like Italy, but be that as it may, you really need to pay attention to what you’re bringing with you. Spring breaks might seem as holidays which you don’t really have to think a lot about, but the truth is different. You will most likely forget something important, so in order not to experience that feeling, take a look at some of the essentials, write them down and may it serve as a checklist!

Handsome during the day

In order to be look your best in the daylight, you need to pack all the best outfits that you will rock in the streets of your destination. These don’t have to be sexy (but if they are, so what), but don’t bring any old-fashioned clothes either. So, think casual. Bring some shorts, a pair of jeans, tees and shirts. You should also make sure to bring something long-sleeved as nights can be a bit chilly out there, but of course everything depends on the destination that you opt for. Think of all the outfits in advance, imagine them and pack accordingly. You will definitely need some extra space in your suitcase.

Sexy during the night

You can play this in two ways. As far as partying is concerned, you might choose to wear your daywear options and still look super cute, but you can also go a bit bolder. Opting for body harnesses is, for example, a very interesting move, but it’s not for the faint-hearted. Bottom line – you’re visiting a new place, so wear whatever makes you feel sexy and desirable. This is why you should always be ready to dress to impress, so pack your favorite party clothes and dancing shoes.

Be prepared for anything

What is your main goal this spring break? To Grindr your days out, or to try something new? The latter one is always a great option, because after all, it would be an excellent idea to try a new activity and experience something for the first time. If you’re visiting a coastal town, check if there’s any scuba diving equipment that you need to prepare in advance, as going scuba diving is always a wonderful experience. On the other hand, if you’re going to a place where safari’s very popular, also try to see if there’s anything that you could take from home as some things might be cheaper at your current location.  

Skin is glowing

This might not be your priority for the spring break, but packing all of your skincare routine essentials is very much advisable. First of all, you’re changing locations, which means that the weather is definitely going to be different, and it can take its toll on your skin. Bring your moisturizer and your cleanser, as you should still use them on a daily basis. Next, pack the masks or other products that you use in order to make your face so damn pretty!

The funsies

Once you pack your suitcase with the cosmetics, shoes and clothes, it’s time to think about the fun things that you might need there. First of all, bring books or Bluetooth speakers – anything that will make your trip and stay there more comfortable. Next, think about your lube and condoms. Even though you might be able to buy these wherever you’re going, it’s always better to bring them from home just to be sure you have them.

And the checklist is done! As you can see, it’s not difficult to pack your essentials, but you really need to make a list beforehand just so as not to forget anything. Also, bear in mind that the first things you need to pack are your passport, plane tickets and booking confirmation. Have everything you need? Have a great trip!

How to Stay Fit on Your Gaycation

Going on a vacation is a joyous occasion that will help you relax and take your mind off everyday stress. However, if you’re an active person who loves nothing more than staying in shape, you can’t spend your time doing nothing but eating all day long. You need to keep your body fit, lose some weight, and boost your strength, even though you’re supposed to be taking it easy. So, if you too are part of the gay community and wish to stay fit on your vacation, here’s what you need to do.

Eat healthy food

No matter what kind of vacation you’re going on – a cruise, a road trip, a visit to a foreign country, or something else – eating healthy food is essential. You can prepare your food yourself or rely on local restaurants, but insisting on eating three healthy meals a day is what’s ultimately going to make you fitter than ever.

This might not be easy, especially if you’re surrounded by tasty street food options people generally love when they’re far away from home, but it’s still doable. You just have to get organized, know when your meals are and what you’re going to eat – keep in mind that eating healthy food means you can try out new recipes and ingredients you don’t usually use, and as long as you stick to healthy food, you can eat as much as you want.

Hit the gym

Yes, being on vacation means you’re supposed to relax and do something you don’t usually do at home, but that doesn’t prevent you from hitting the gym every once in a while. Most modern hotels are equipped with a gym, and you usually don’t have to pay for it if you’re staying in there, so there’s no reason why you shouldn’t do that.

Taking an hour or two out of your busy vacation schedule might mean more than you can imagine, and this is an idea that really goes a long way, especially if you already have an established gym routine and know what you’re doing. Just a few exercises and thirty minutes on the treadmill will be enough, and then you can go back to enjoying your time away from home.

Try out new exercises

Working out in a new gym and a new environment means you can try out new exercises and routines you don’t have time for back home. Even if you’re the biggest fan of working out in the world, there must be a few things you haven’t tried yet, and hitting the gym on your vacation might be the perfect opportunity to do that. Whether it’s lifting weights, trying out new cardio equipment, or pushing your boundaries further than before, just stop thinking about it and start actually doing it!

Of course, you’re going to need some help, so talk to personal trainers in your hotel gym and ask them to give you a hand, show you around, and help you reach your full potential. If you’re planning on lifting weights, for instance, you might want to consider packing some comfortable bodybuilding clothing that will help you look good and give you that extra push you’re looking for. You need to do this beforehand, though, so start packing as soon as possible.

Go for a run

Running is probably the healthiest and easiest way to stay in shape, not just at home, but on your vacation as well. Therefore, you need to find time for a quick run in the morning or evening, and you won’t believe how much this will help you stay in shape.

Running in an unknown town could seem strange at first, but it’s one of the best ways to check out the place you’re visiting and get familiar with its parks, beaches, forests, and other outdoor locations suitable for running. In the end, this will get you energized and pumped up, and you’re going to enjoy your vacation more than ever before.

Staying fit on your gaycation isn’t easy, but it’s not impossible either. All you need to do is get organized, stay active and find ways to eat healthy food – these are the things that won’t just prevent you from gaining weight, but will actually help you lose some in the process as well.

5 Sex Tips for Young Gay Couples

Yes, when you first started dating, everything was sexy, just looking at your boyfriend made you want to rip his clothes off and have him right there and then. Perhaps there were even times when you couldn’t even control yourself and you would just do it in a bathroom at a friend’s party. However, this ‘hot and heavy’ stage always fizzles out. No one knows exactly why – perhaps you become too comfortable with each other, you become too secure in your relationship and the knowledge that you can have sex whenever you want actually leads to a lack of sex, or at least adventurous sex, which is actually kind of paradoxical if you think about it. Well, whichever the reason, the lesson we must all remember at all times is that, in a relationship, you have to work at keeping the fires of passion and adventure alive. Great sex doesn’t just happen, and sometimes you have to work at it either to rekindle the fires or keep the flame alive even before it dies. So, what can you do to improve your sex life? Stay tuned and find out. Spoiler alert: it’s not difficult.

Sleep naked

According to a survey published in the Huffington Post sleeping naked with your partner doesn’t only make you sleep better but can actually improve your sex life. The reason is simple: just being in close proximity to your partner and not be ‘separated’ by layers of clothing will entice and excite you. This in turn could actually lead to a lack of sleep (if you know what we mean), because once you caress your boyfriend’s skin, you won’t be able to help yourself and you’ll want them immediately. We have oxytocin, the ‘love hormone’ to thank for this. When you sleep naked together higher levels of this hormone are released and you’ll feel not only aroused but also more connected to your partner.

Time to play

Even straight couples have discovered the benefits of bringing sex toys into the boudoir, and we all know that when it comes to sex, gays are always ahead of the straights. So, even if the levels of pleasure are at a satisfactory level, introducing some pleasure enhancers is never a bad idea. There is a huge number of toys you can play with that will make sex an unforgettable experience, such as a prostate massager, a butt plug and a cock ring (these are plain amazing). Once you’ve included toys into your sex life, there will never be a dull moment in bed ever again, and your toy collection will just become bigger until you have to replace the ‘goodie drawer’ with a ‘goodie closet’.

When out of ideas

If you think you’ve tried it all and you’re fresh out of ideas as to what new thing to do – watching pornography is a great way to get some inspiration. Perhaps you’ll discover some new positions to try, but above all else, watching to guys (or more if that’s your kind of thing) being all hot and heavy will instantly arouse you to the point of eruption and you won’t be able to contain yourself. Just like when you were hot and heavy at the very beginning and couldn’t get to the end of a ‘regular’ movie, you won’t be able to finish this one either.

Talk about it

Once you’re in the ‘relationship’ stage as opposed to just casually dating and you are comfortable enough with your boyfriend to tell him all about your childhood memories and perhaps even share some emotional scars, you can be comfortable enough to talk about your fantasies. Fantasies are a healthy for a relationship, and in addition to that, if you go along with one or all of them, you might find unknown levels of pleasure. You may actually discover that you enjoy being tied up or are aroused by a certain fetish or role play that never crossed your mind before.

Never skip on foreplay

Sometimes the sheer anticipation of a touch is enough to get you going. Never forget to take your time, kiss like there’s no tomorrow, touch, play and tease one another to the point where you just can’t stand it anymore, and then tease each other some more. Sometimes there is nothing better than delayed gratification.

Peters Guide durch Sydney

Während meines ersten Stopps in Sydney konnte ich sofort sagen, dass es eine Stadt ist, in die ich mich leicht verlieben könnte. Mit meinen ständigen Reisen um die Welt ist es schwer, einen Ort zu finden, an dem man wirklich sein Zuhause findet oder zumindest den bevorzugten Ruhepunkt vor dem nächsten großen Abenteuer.

Das Kleinod von New South Wales ist die größte Stadt Australiens, voller Leben und einer Kultur, die so vielfältig und großartig ist, dass jeder seinen Platz in seinem von Naturelementen und künstlerischen Entwürfen durchsetzten Beton-Dschungel findet. Hier gebe ich euch meine Tipps, um Sydney wie ein Einwohner und nicht nur wie ein Tourist zu erleben. Damit wird es euch gelingen, Geist, Körper und Seele mit der zeitlosen Kultur dieser Stadt zu erfüllen.

Werde Teil der Kunstszene

Wenn es um Kunst und Kultur geht, ist Sydney eine Stadt wie keine andere. Abgesehen davon, dass jeder Stadtteil eine eigene ‘Kunstinstallation’ ist, bei der beliebte Graffitikünstler ihre Gebäudefassaden prägen und zahlreiche Maler, Musiker und Künstler ihr künstlerisches Talent in der Nähe der berühmten Touristenattraktionen der Stadt zeigen, gibt es eine Reihe von Möglichkeiten, die dynamische Kunstszene von Sydney selbst zu erleben.

Sydney bietet dir neben renommierten Theatern wie dem Sydney Opera House und der Sydney Lyric in Pyrmont auch abgelegenere Orte wie dem Glen Street Theatre in Newtown und dem Ensemble Theatre in Kirribilli. Wenn du Musik liebst, vergiss nicht, auch die City Recital Hall zu besuchen.

Entdecke die Architektur

Fest steht, dass Sydney ein architektonisches Wunder ist. Während du durch die großen Boulevards aber auch kleinen Gassen läufst, die geprägt sind von einem vergessenen viktorianischen Ambiente, führt dich die Stadt auf eine Reise durch die Jahrhunderte. Du wirst alle Typen architektonischer Meisterwerke finden, welche Sydney zu bieten hat – vom Sydney Tower Eye über die Sydney Harbour Bridge bis zum Monument of Lysicrates und vielen anderen Denkmälern, Sehenswürdigkeiten und architektonischen Wunderwerken. Nimm’ dir einfach einen Stadtplan und beginne mit der Entdeckungsreise durch die Jahrhunderte.

Entspannen wie ein Einheimischer

Wenn es um Freizeit geht, egal ob du in entspannter Atmosphäre neue Freunde treffen willst oder mit einem eiskalten Craft Beer vom Laptop aus arbeiten möchtest, gibt es zahlreiche Möglichkeiten, die du erkunden kanst. Mein absoluter Lieblingsort für jeden Nachmittag (,weil ich weiß, dass ich dort für eine Weile bleiben werde) befindet sich im Stadtteil Darlinghurst.

Falls du es noch nicht wusstest, Darlinghurst ist einer der lebendigsten Bezirke der Stadt, wenn du so willst, ein ‘perfekts’ LGBT-Paradies. Ich gehe hier am liebsten ist das Della Hyde. Dort gibt es alles, ich meine wirklich alles, um dich wie ein echter Aussie zu fühlen – australisches Essen, australisches Craft Beer, australische Cocktails … und noch viel mehr. Tagsüber ist das Ambiente entspannt und gediegen; mit einem Hauch von echtem australischen Spirit in jedem Gebräu und jedem Detail. In der Nacht verwandelt sich die Bar in eine echte Partylocation mit Live-Musik oder Djs und tanzenden Menschen, die den pulsierenden Raum mit Energie, guter Stimmung und einer Prise von dem, was kommen wird, füllen. Es ist der perfekte Ort, um tagsüber zu arbeiten und am Abend einfach auf eine Party zu gehen.

Feiern wie ein Rockstar

Und wenn wir gerade vom Feiern sprechen, was wäre Sydney ohne sein Nachtleben? Eine so große und lebhafte Umgebung ist die Heimat eines Nachtlebens mit unzähligen Möglichkeiten entweder mit deinen Freunden eine Kneipennacht zu verbringen oder in einem Club tanzen zu gehen.

Du kannst eine wilde Nacht mit ‘pre-club drinks’ in Darlinghurst beginnen und anschließend eine Tour durch die coolen Clubs in der George Street machen. Vergiss’ dabei nicht die Chinese Laundry und das ARQ. Und wenn du die ganze Nacht lang feiern willst, schlage ich dir das Pacha Sydney vor.

Egal wohin du in Sydney gehst, es gibt immer etwas, zu entdecken. Es gibt keinen Mangel an wilden, rihungen, innovativen und genussvollen Erlebnissen in der größten Stadt von Down Under. Also nutze meine Tipps, um dich bei deiner nächsten Reise nach Sydney wie ein echter Aussie zu fühlen.

Übrigens, was ich auf keinen Fall vergessen darf: die diesjährige Mardi Gras Party wird in die Geschichtsbücher eingehen! Alle rund um Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras freuen sich, dass der Pop-Superstar und die LGBTQI-Ikone CHER im Rampenlicht der offiziellen 2018 Mardi Gras Party am Samstag, den 3. März 2018, stehen wird.

Peter’s Guide Through Sydney

The first time I touched down in Sydney, I could tell right away that it was a city I could easily fall in love with. With my constant travels around the world, it’s tough to find a place you can really call your home, or at least your preferred rest stop before the next big adventure.

The gem of New South Wales is the largest city in Australia, full of life and a culture so diverse and magnificent that anyone and everyone is bound to find their place in its concrete jungle riddled with natural elements and artistic designs. Here is my guide to experiencing Sydney like a traveller rather than a mere tourist, and imbuing your mind, body, and soul with its timeless culture.

Follow the art scene

When it comes to art and culture, Sydney is a city like no other. Aside from the fact that every district is an art installation on its own, with popular graffiti artists leaving their marks on building facades and numerous painters, musicians and performers showcasing their artistic talents near the city’s famous tourist sites, there are a number of ways in which you can experience the vibrant Sydney art scene.

You want to visit everything from renowned theatre centres such as the Sydney Opera House and  Sydney Lyric in Pyrmont, to the more secluded places like the Glen Street Theatre in Newtown and Ensemble Theatre in Kirribilli. Additionally, if you’re into music, don’t forget to visit the City Recital Hall as well.

Experience the architecture

There is not much to say about Sydney except that it is an architectural wonderland. It will take you on a journey through the ages as you walk down its vast boulevards and little alleyways that will lead you through a forgotten Victorian setting. You can find all sorts of architectural masterpieces in Sydney, from the Sydney Tower Eye, through the Sydney Harbour Bridge, to the Monument of Lysicrates and many, many other monuments, landmarks and architectural wonders. Just grab a map and get moving.

Relax like a local

Now, when it comes to leisure, no matter whether you are looking to meet some new friends in a relaxed setting or work from your laptop while sipping on an ice-cold craft beer, there are numerous options to explore. My absolute favourite place to be on any given afternoon (because I know I’m going to stay there for a while) is an adorable not-so-little place in the middle of Darlinghurst.

In case you didn’t know, Darlinghurst is one of the most vibrant districts in the city, a LGBT paradise if you will. My place of choice there is Della Hyde. Now, this place has got it all, Australian food, Australian craft beer, Australian cocktails… I mean everything. The ambience is relaxed and comfortable during the day, with a touch of true Aussie spirit with every brew and every detail. At night, the bar turns into a proper party venue, with live music and enthusiastic groups of people imbuing the vibrant space with energy, positivity and a dash of what’s to come. It is the perfect place to work during the day and easily transition into a party in the evening.

Party like a rockstar

And speaking of partying, what’s Sydney without its nightlife? Such a vast and vivid environment is home to numerous off the hook nightlife experiences, and whether you’re up for a pub night with your friends or you feel like dancing in a club, you can find it all.

You can easily start your wild night with pre-club drinks at Darlinghurst and then move on to the clubs at George Street. Be sure to visit the Chinese Laundry and ARQ, and if you’re up for partying all night long, hit the Pacha Sydney for a night of pure ecstasy.

No matter where you go in Sydney, there’s always something to knock your boots off. There is no shortage of wild, tame, innovative and pleasurable experiences in the biggest city of the Land Down Under, so make sure you follow this guide to an Aussie adventure of a lifetime.