Swine Flu? We have a cure......

With all the media attention on Mexico and the Swine Flu Pandemic, travelers are avoiding many of the most popular vacation spots in the Western Hemisphere, Cancun, Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta.
Travelers already booked are re-booking to other destinations in the Caribbean.
This is a hard blow for Mexico. With the press it has recently received with the drug lords and border issues, this is the last thing the tourist destinations need. While it seems that the disease has over run the country, the vast majority of cases are in Mexico City and not in the beach resorts. But people are still wary of the whole country.
Damron Vacations is offering a cure for the swine flu. Currently Damron Vacations is offering a $100 instant savings for packages to the Caribbean. Destinations like the Dominican Republic, St. Lucia, Antigua, and the list goes on. Fantastic beaches, turquoise water, frozen drinks with little umbrellas, what more is needed?
When traveling, do not forget to bring your Damron Guide. For over 40 years the Damron Guide has been helping gay travelers find places to relax and feel accepted. While some islands are not very gay friendly, all-inclusive resorts make leaving the property unnecessary.
So if the swine flu has made you postpone a Mexican vacation, let the experienced agents of Damron Vacations help you plan a Caribbean Escape. Leave CNN, cellphones, and flu reports at home and relax under a palapa and enjoy.

I Dreamed a Dream

Yes, the song sung by Susan Boyle on Britain, You've Got Talent. A rather frumpy woman in her late 40's, single, lives alone with her cat, never been married or romantically involved. Up until her death a few years past, she cared for her mother. Sounds familiar?
To an extent, her life parallels a lot of gay men's lives, except for the not being kissed or romantically involved. But there are a lot of single gay men out there that pushing 50 and wondering where there youth has gone.
Growing up every child has dreams and aspiration of how they will be as adults. Changing the world for the better through science or medicine, being happily married with children and grandchildren.
Then comes reality. Career paths take detours and never get back on track, marriages or relationships falter, health fails. Sexuality changes. Outside forces alter the options forever. But time marches on, slowly ticking away from youth to middle age.
That is what makes the song I Dreamed a Dream so poignant. The words are very cutting to core of many people's lives, whether gay or straight, married or single. Life has lost most of its excitement and has become routine. Days flow into weeks, then months and eventually years. We have become our parents, something we swore we would never do.
But all is not hopeless, life is still alive. Susan Boyle always wanted to be a professional singer, but never had the chance until almost 48. After the first few notes of her song, it looks like her dream might come true, probably long after she gave up hope. The same holds true for people everywhere. Maybe it has become too late to study medicine, or discover a renewable non polluting power source, but there are other ways to change the world and make a lasting impression. Volunteering for a cause, every locale has an AIDs hotline or fundraising committee. There are possibilities everywhere to help the less fortunate. Even when you think you life has been wasted, remember somewhere there is at least one person that smiles when they think of you.
Maybe a career change is in order? If you are bored and unfulfilled at your current position, try job.travel for opportunities in the travel and hospitality industry. Jobs in travel and hospitality are world wide and encompasses many talents. Perhaps a trip to a place you have always dreamed of visiting? Damron Vacations can help with the planning. So do not let the rest of your life pass you by, make some changes to spice it up and enjoy.

I had a dream my life would be
So different from this hell I'm living,
So different now from what it seemed...
Now life has killed the dream I dreamed...

Memories......

I commute to work with a fellow employee. She lives about 4 blocks away and picks me up after dropping her daughter off at school. We have a great relationship, I am dramatically older, 2 FULL days, her brother is gay and lives with is partner in Chicago, and I entertain her with jokes. On Friday she asked me to bring in a picture of my family. after hearing storied about them, she wanted a visual. So today I bought in two photos, one of my mom and one of the whole family. Mom's picture was taken just before her health started to fail, taken in my parent's home at the time. The second is my brother's wedding about 20 years ago.
My mom was just past her 70th birthday and is the last picture she had taken. Though this is the picture I have in my room of her, I remember her as she was in the mid 1960s. When our birthday parties were events to be celebrated, ice cream in individual containers with wooden 'spoons, cupcakes topped with coconut tinted in different colors, birthday cake and games. For my older brother's fifth birthday there was a rented pony for rides. This was a big deal in suburban New Jersey.
The wedding picture is from the late 80s when my younger brother got married the first time. It was held in a boy's school in Subiaco, Arkansas. Yes, out in the middle of nowhere, halfway between Little Rock and Ft Smith, right near the nuclear plant in Clarksville. It was a fun time, most of us flew into Memphis to my parent's home at the time and then we drove over to the wedding. I drove my father's Tempo(a real stylish ride) with Mitzi and Dawn my two sister in laws. I remember the drive and we had a good time.
Though I only looked at two pictures memories flooded back of these events and others too, family vacations, holiday preparations and meals among others. So break out the old photo album and take a stroll down memory lane with your family. For future memories, call Damron Vacations and plan a trip off your bucket list, time will not wait.

Ancient Greece, birthplace of.......

Democracy, modern civilization and gay rights. Athens the capital of the Greek civilization was the center of knowledge and learning at its zenith. It laid the foundation of many of today's practices.
There was the democratic form of government originated in Athens approximately 500 BC. All while males were allowed to vote on the issues. Previously only the wealthy elite controlled all the power. This was a turning point and a launch of modern society.
Though still a society of classes, the poor had the same voice as the wealthy. One man, one vote. The population would meet to discuss the issues before casting their ballots. I wonder if their campaigns lasted for almost two years with ENDLESS commercials?
In regards to gay rights, homosexuality was just a part of nature. There was no stigmatism associated with it. In fact it was promoted in the army since soldiers would be less likely to leave a lover on the battlefield than just another soldier. Legions of homosexual men conquered vast areas for Athens. What gay man would have passed up the chance to watch the Ancient Olympics? Hot sweaty athletes performing in the nude. WOOF!!! Many of he Greek gods were also at least bisexual. Zeus and Ganymede, Apollo had many lovers, along with Hercules. Diana had females lovers also.
After the Classical Age and the start of the Dark Ages, homosexuality became a social taboo. Laws were enacted against homosexual acts, and people were condemned to death. Though the punishment by death faded into the past, the acceptance of homosexuals did not gain momentum until the 1960s. With the hippie movement and free love, social norms began to fall. As society relaxed, it was gradually accepted that homosexuals do exist. There are now several states that allow same sex marriages.
With the opening of closet doors, why not open your wallets and celebrate your lifestyle? Many Gay Pride celebrations are on the horizon, and Damron Vacations can help plan your trip. NYC Pride is the end of June to coincide with the Stonewall Riots that ignited the gay right movement. If Pride celebrations is not on your list of must do's, how about the Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival? Great movies and great beaches in the tropics, what could be better? These are just two of the options at Damron Vacations, so pack up the suntan lotion, or your gay pride flags and get on the move.

Looking to travel?

As the years have passed the world has become much smaller. I remember the days when people dressed to go on an airliner, and it had propellers on the engines. To fly over the ocean was incredible, that was the domain of he liners, the United States, the France, the QE II. Remnants of a long forgotten age. The France became the Norway and is currently being cut up into scrap on a beach in the Indian Ocean. The United States is rusting in Philadelphia, I once saw her berthed in Tidewater. The QE II, the last remaining liner is about to become a hotel in Dubai.
There are two successors to this lineage, both Cunard Liners, the Queen Mary II and the Queen Victoria. Both of these have purpose built hulls to cross the North Atlantic, even in rough weather. This is in contrast to cruise ships that are built to ply gentle seas. These cities at sea can carry 1,000s of passengers to exotic ports around the world.
Unlike residents of other countries, United State residents usually do not have a valid passport. Crossing the border to Canada, Mexico or flying to the Caribbean until recently did not require one. Over the past few years, since September 11th, the rules have gradually changed, starting with air passengers requiring passports and slowly adding remaining with all people traveling will need a passport starting this summer. I have actually had a passport for aver 30 years.
With the economy in upheaval as the result of the housing bubble and credit crunch, there are a lot of empty airline seats and vacant hotel rooms. Air carriers are offering discounts to fill seats and hotels are slashing rates. The dollar has gained against the euro since a low from last summer. Maybe now is the time to hit the airport and see the land of your ancestors?
I have been to Italy three times where my maternal relations hail, and would move there if I could. la dulce vita. WOOF! to all those humpy Italian men. I have only been to England once which is the closest to my paternal family, they are from England, Ireland, and Scotland. Hopefully soon I will find out what they really wear under those kilts.
Damron Vacations can help with your travel plans. Whether a cruise close to home, or a European vacation, the agents can assist in making memories to last a lifetime. So, if you do not have a passport, now is the time to get one, and start the process before the summer rush.

In Springtime thoughts turn to....

TRAVEL!!! Yes the weather is getting nice in the northern tier of states and spring is starting to show. Dogwoods and azaleas are blooming across the south along with daffodils and tulips. The warm weather is creeping slowly north and lingering.
The warming of the air typically leads to thoughts of vacation. A get of of town trip. With the slight improvement of the economy, maybe it is time to head to the Continent? The effects of last years spike in oil prices were air carriers reduced capacity on trans-Atlantic flights. Even with this reduction there is still an abundance of empty seats and airfare bargains are plentiful.
The European economy is not better than here and decreased travel has left hotel rooms empty in all countries and price categories. Offers of price reductions or free nights make Europe a bargain right now. With high hotel vacancy rates and discounted airfare, this might be the best time to head to Europe.
Spring in Europe is a riot of color, from the tulip fields in Holland, to lavender in Provence. Paris is abloom also. The weather has warmed and the Parisians have shed winter wear for more lively fashions. The Tuileries is full of strollers, lover and children with sailboats in one of the many fountains. Sidewalk cafes have returned their tables to the open air and people watching is back in vogue after a winter vacation. And pop into the restroom, it might surprise you.
One of the must sees in Paris is the Opera Garnier, the old opera house. It is the setting for the Phantom of the Opera from Broadway and cinema fame. Built in the Beaux Arts design, the imposing building is lavishly decorated both inside and out. The grand staircase is constructed of various colors of marble. The Grand Salon looks like Louis the XVI could hold court there. The chandelier hangs beneath a Marc Chagall mural painted inside the original dome.
One of the most recognizable structures in the world is to the south across the Seine, the Eiffel Tower. Built as a temporary structure for the World's Exposition in 1889, it is the most visited structure in the world The view is breathtaking both night and day. Take your postcards and mail form the post office on the second level and they will have a post mark from there. Also pay for the elevator ride, the stairs are a LONG walk.
If springtime in Paris has always been an item on your bucket list, why not make it happen? Damron Vacations can make your dream a reality. If getting away on short notice is a problem, maybe a fall visit with the sycamore trees putting on a dazzling display of leaves. Summer is usually very crowded and I would recommend not visiting then.

Stop the PRESSES!!!!!

In honor of 15 APR, Damron Vacations is offering 10% off on air and hotel packages of 2 nights or longer or hotel and rental car or airport transfers. This promotion is off the land portion of the package and does not apply to flights and car only or cruise packages. But then, cruises do not have a hotel stay. For the discount, the package does need to be booked on line at Damron Vacations and just enter Promo Code TAXBREAK. The last rule, there seem to be rules for everything, it has to be booked on 15 APR, tax day.

Ahoy Matey!!

It's the first Sunday of the month in Ft Lauderdale. It is sunny, with a little breeze and it is time to decide what to do. There is always the beach at Sebastian Street, lunch at Rosies, shopping, the possibilities are endless. As the day progresses, maybe a few drinks with friends?
Hmmmm, Steel? Scandals? Bill's? Even more options. Why not try the Tea Cruise? Departing along the New River at 3pm, what better way to spend a nice afternoon? With drinks, strippers, drag queens, and hot men, is there any place else to be? For three hours the Musette slowly glides past opulent mansions lining the waterfront. With live DJs spinning tunes it is a great time, and much better than standing inside dark bars that you've already spent the past two nights hopping between.
Damron Vacations is sponsoring the cruise on May 3rd. Not only do you have a chance to meet the great agents that work there, a prize package to Cancun is being offered. The package includes two tickets on Continental from the continental United States, double accommodations for three nights at the Hyatt Regency Cancun. Check out the Damron Vacations blog for all the details. So mark your calenders for May 3rd and set sail with Damron Vacations on the Tea Cruise and pretend you have your own yacht and are throwing the Party of the Year!!!

Good Friday

With Holy Week coming to an end on Sunday with Easter, what better destination to write about than Rome. The Eternal City. Home of the Catholic Church. Full of HOT Italian men.
Rome was the predominant power at the time of Christ. The Empire stretched form England to north Africa to the western edge of Asia and most of in between. At the time the city was ruled by Caesars, and was a mixture of religions, though mostly pagan. Temples to various gods and goddesses survive to this day, though most are in ruins. One building is relatively well preserved, the Pantheon. The imposing facade with its soaring columns and large dome is breathtaking. The immense dome is an engineering feat. Done as a single pour of concrete, the shell decreases in thickness as it climbs to the oculus. A drainage system in the floor keeps rain from accumulating. And all this built around 200 AD.
The current St Peter's replaced a much older structure with construction starting in the early 1500s. In the over 100 years it took to construct, it had many architects and many variations. Michelangelo was the main contributor to the design, with only the extension of the east end into a long nave being the only modification. The large square directly in front of the entrance was surrounded by a colonnade designed by Bernini in the mid 1600s.
Jumping back to the Roman Empire times, the Roman Forum is a collection of ruins from various temples. The Colosseum is adjacent along with the Trajan Markets. All are feats of constructions and are testaments to the engineering skills of the Romans. Sheer gravity is all that hold the Colosseum up, there is no mortar in its joints.
Modern Rome offers a wonderful array of places to dine. Of course Italian is the predominate cuisine. The various regions of Italy provide a wide variety of menu options with different shapes of pasta and sauces. The section of Trastevere is a great place to wander, window shop and eat. Rome also has a lively gay scene with most of it located near the main train terminal. just bring your Damron Guide.
To get to Rome, call an agent at Damron Vacations. With over 25 years in the travel business, the agents have a vast knowledge of the city. So is ancient wonders, delicious food and even tastier men sounds like a dream vacation, Damron Vacations can make it all come true.

Holy Week

Yes we are officially into Holy Week. Christians around the world are celebrating the start of their religion. Tomorrow is Good Friday, and a long weekend in most parts of the country. It is also the week of Passover when the Jewish people escaped from slavery in Egypt.
Yes I know it is a little last minute to book an escape for the weekend, but not impossible. With the recent cold snap across the South and East Coast, warm south Florida might be the place to grab some sunshine. The white sand beaches of Miami combined with the fantastic Art Deco architecture is like having a part in The Bird Cage, remember it was filmed on Ocean Drive. Being an international destination, the sand in South Beach will be covered with barely covered hard bodies. European and South American women laying out topless, public nudity is not illegal in Miami/Dade. Latin men with almost no body fat will be covered in small pieces of spandex, making the temperature rise even a few more degrees. WOOF!!!
The nightlife in SoBe is known to be festive and starting late. This allows for a late lunch on Lincoln Road, a little shopping, maybe pick up a new outfit and then a disco nap before heading out to the clubs. Score is conveniently located in the heart of Lincoln Road, an easy walk from the South Beach hotels. The next morning maybe brunch at one of the hotel restaurants fronting Ocean Drive with a few bloody marys or mimosas to help get in the proper mood.
So with this weekend quickly approaching, call Damron Vacations and see if an escape is possible. And if not this weekend, maybe one soon? The economy seems to be at least breathing, as opposed to gasping, so maybe a little stimulus trip is needed. And if a hunky Argentinian man in a swatch of spandex isn't stimulating, better check your pulse.

Busy Weekend

It is Monday morning and the work week has resumed. Why does it seem that Saturday and Sunday are much shorter than the weekdays?
After the CLIA 3Sixty trade show on Friday for 2Go Media, I changed into some jeans and headed to happy hour. It was quite crowded since the rodeo was in town, lots of tourists and many people that usually do not head out. It was a fun night watching the boys, home safe and sound just after 10.
Saturday was filled with the second half of the CLIA trade show. Nowhere near as busy as Friday, but productive. Afterward, Elsy and I went to The Alibi for a few drinks. As a fellow blogger for the gay and lesbian market, Elsy found a great source for pictures. The many rainbow flags was a dead give-away, and living a sheltered life in Boca, she did not realize how many more business had been established.
The mechanical bull set up in front of the bar provided the scene for a cute little Latino boy. She just smiled at him and he was astride the beast. Inside, some additional photo ops and a few adult beverages. After a quick refresh at home I walked to a sports bar to watch UNC beat Villanova. GO HEELS!!!! There was a rather hunky guy that was a fellow Tarheel in the gas station I stopped in for LOTTO, tried to get him to meet the alumni group. The final for the NCAA is tonight when Michigan State will get their last loss for the season.
Sunday afternoon was spent on my bicycle. My roommate and I biked to the beach and watched the people. Most of the people were locals since we were sitting at a small park in a residential area. After a nice break it was off to Birch State Park and watch the boats on the Intercoastal. A beverage stop at a convenience store provided a drink and new LOTTO tickets, before turning north and peddling 55 blocks north.
Though my weekend was full, it was also very relaxing. I got a nice bit of sun and plenty of exercise. Many people end up living in places where they have vacationed. Besides wonderful weather in Ft Lauderdle, the gay and lesbian community is strong and sexual preference is not much of an issue in the city. IF you have always wanted to live somewhere new, why not contact Damron Vacations and plan an exploratory trip? Whether it is a gay mecca like Ft Laudedale, Palm Springs or West Hollywood, or maybe something more laid back, the agents at Damron Vacations can help you get there.

Vacation Deals

Even though the economy is starting to show some signs of life, most people are still cautious over spending on luxury items, extravagant meals, designer labels, unnecessary travel. While all of these items are are fun, they are not needed for everyday life. But there are ways around this.
Most websites have places to sign up for specials. Restaurant websites offer coupons and sign up for emails. I just got one today from a dinner I frequent for a burger and milkshake for $8.99, YUMM!! Department store chains offer discount sections on line, TARGET's site also offers free shipping for orders over $50.
Many vacation websites have an email list for specials, Damron Vacations has that option. And when you sign up now, you receive $100 off your first booking of 4 nights or more, restrictions apply. After enrolling, you will receive a weekly newsletter with promotions from Damron Vacations. Makes it easy to find good deals on vacations.

Deals on a Budget

With small glimmers of hope in the economy starting to appear, maybe it has reached bottom. Car sales were down, but not as much as forecasted, factory orders increased, all signs of a recovery. Jobs are still being lost, but not at the record rate in months past. Let's all keep out fingers crossed and the worst is over.
But even with a little ray of economic good news, going overboard is not a smart idea. A loosening of the purse strings might be in order though. Maybe a treat out to dinner, one of the first luxuries that gets cut in a downturn. There are many options to find bargains. One is the site Restaurant.com, it offers discounted gift certificates at many local eateries. Just enter your zip code and press go. My local newspaper has the same deal on Friday morning's online edition. Many popular eateries have promotions that can be purchased, but quantities are limited. To me it is a good incentive to try a new place, $25 worth of food for $10 is hard to beat.
Many hotels are offering discounts too. Having a person pay a reduced rate is better than an empty room. Many establishments are trying to keep valuable employees, this may mean reduced hours for everyone, as opposed to reduced number of staff.
These great deals are also available on Damron Vacations. Many high end hotels are offering reduced rates, spa credits, food & beverage credits to name a few of the perks offered. Combining these with a reduced flight cost could make a quick trip easy, convenient and affordable. With tourism down worldwide, hotel rates in Europe have dropped and flight deals abound. The dollar has also rallied against the euro, so once there, prices are affordable. Too many months of frugality can lead to an over abundance of stress, so break out the debit card and treat yourself to a nice meal of maybe a trip, so call Damron Vacations or check out the webiste for your travel needs.