European Short Breaks: Gay short breaks

Picture: Image Bank

In a survey conducted by London-based market research company ID Research in 2002, statistics proved that gays and lesbians are inclined to take more holidays than your average Brit. With no children, a higher income and a generally higher standard of living, the gay community jets away on average five to six times a year – even during periods of slow growth in the industry. The gay community loves a good bargain. Whether it's a weekend away with a long-term partner or a two-week jolly in search of an encounter or two, there are a number of getaway suggestions perfect for the pink traveller, and all within four hours' flight from the UK.

Best for culture

 

Where? Prague.

 

Why? ever since the Berlin wall came down, the gay community of Prague has been unshackling itself from years of oppression. The Czech government is surprisingly supportive of gay politics – for Eastern Europe that is. While they may be light years away from the inclusive policies of Canada and the Netherlands, their bars aren't being raided anymore and the police have a largely ‘live and let live' policy. In their opinion, the lager louts transported down for a booze-filled stag night pose more of a problem than a couple of homosexuals. Combine this atmosphere with Prague's staggeringly romantic architecture, cheap food and beverage costs and friendly locals – and you have the perfect romantic getaway.

 

Sample product: Man Around, the UK's largest gay and lesbian tour operator, offers three nights from £310 per person twin-share, with three-star accommodation and breakfast.

 

See also: Berlin. The German capital is a positive boomtown when it comes to gay options. This is, after all, the town that brought us Marlene Dietrich, Liza Minnelli's Cabaret and countless other gay icons who have stood the test of time.

 

Best for lone travellers

 

Where? Sardinia.

 

Why? Gay travellers are more likely to travel on their own than your average holidaymaker. A holiday provides a chance to broaden their circle of friends. Alternative Holidays offers the perfect suggestion in the form of its annual Summer Fun in the Sun event. Sold out every year, the festivities are a heady mix of entertainment, sporting activities, clubbing and relaxation in a private resort reserved for gays and lesbians. This year's resort is located on a private island off the coast of Sardinia that is also home to a garrison of 5,000 hunky US Marines. You do the maths.

 

Sample product: Alternative Holidays offers seven nights' accommodation-only from £425 per person all-inclusive.

 

See also: the Alternative Holidays Winter Ski Event. As above but with snow and in an extremely jolly ski resort. Next year is the 10th anniversary bash, so the itinerary is bound to be special.

 

Best for the total gay experience

 

Where? Gran Canaria.

 

Why? You want some sun, but your partner wants to go clubbing every night. Meanwhile, your neighbours Joe and Simon want to be in a completely gay-positive environment at all times.

 

The solution? Gran Canaria. Probably Europe's largest gay resort, Gran Canaria is the biggest-selling destination booked by gay British travellers.

 

In addition to almost guaranteed sun, it's one of the only locations that offers hotels big enough to cater to large groups. There's even an entire shopping centre (The Yumbo Centre) dedicated to the world of gay.

 

Sample product: Sensations offers seven nights from £321 per person twin-share including flights, transfers and a welcome reception.

 

See also: Mykonos. A gay favourite, much to the pleasure of local business people.

 

Sensations offers packages to Mykonos from £439 per person twin-share including breakfast and flights.

 

Best for clubbing and wild nights

 

Where? Ibiza.

 

Why? The legendary island clubbing paradise isn't just for families and boozy straights; it was also one of the first European resorts to welcome gay travellers. Gays and lesbians call the island's capital, Elvissa, home. The gay community has a long history on Ibiza dating back to the earliest days of disco. Dancing until dawn is almost compulsory here.

 

Sample product: Respect Holidays, ranked by readers of the Pink Paper as the best holiday company in the UK, offers seven nights from £199 per person twin-share including flights, studio-style accommodation and transfers.

 

See also: Sitges. The Spanish equivalent of Brighton offers a gay beach in pole position along the seafront drag. Club nights are legendary. Stay at the Respect Madison Residence for seven nights from £199 per person twin-share including flights and transfers with Respect Holidays.

 

Best for the great outdoors

 

Where? Iceland.

 

Why? Iceland has been targeting the gay market with a vengeance – and for good reason. With the Blue Lagoon perfect for soaking in during the day and hundreds of cute blond Vikings to ogle by night, the combination is ideal for the gay traveller looking for more than a beach. Amazing scenery and spectacular geysers are all fantastic for the nature lover, while horse trails and jeep excursions cater to the more adventurous.

 

Sample product: book a three-night midweek adventure excursion through Icelandair Holidays. Prices start at £299 per person for three nights' accommodation with flights.

 

See also: Switzerland.  US-based Alyson Adventures specialises in adventure travel for the gay market. Alyson is running a seven-night Alpenglow hike through the Zermatt trails from July 3-10. The cost is $1,195 per person twin-share, excluding flights.