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There is uncertainty about whether a mask will protect you against #Covid19, but everyone agrees that covering your face when you leave the house will help protect others if you are infected and don't know it yet. Here’s a thought: If we ALL covered our face EVERYTIME we go out, we would lower infection rates. #FACT It doesn’t have to be a mask — a bandana, a t-shirt, a dishtowel. It’s one simple thing we can all do to help protect the doctors, nurses, bus drivers, cashiers, flight attendants, #FedEx and #UPS drivers who have to be out. It will protect your family. It will protect everyone’s family. #coverit #CoverYourMouth #IStayHomeFor #WearAnyMask #beardedhomo #nastypig #mask4mask #socialdistancing #MillionMaskChallenge #6degrees #DIYMasks https://ift.tt/2y3T93v

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The best food at Denver airport; some of the best food at any airport! #denver #dia #airportfood #airport #gaytravel #teampixel #worklifebalance l https://ift.tt/38Sq0Fa

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#ilovebruno weekend in Rotterdam. https://ift.tt/2I7BkSJ

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Correspondent update: Paris & Venice by Leyla Farah

Our correspondent Leyla Farah visited Europe with her family. Here’s her update and more about Leyla below!

Paris:

The Louvre

If you spent 5 seconds in front of every work of art at the Louvre it would take you 4 months to see everything – if you didn’t sleep! The Louvre is all about planning ahead since there’s quite literally no way to see it all. Our picks for your list of “must see” items beyond the basics?

(1) Go underground to walk along the Medieval moat that protected Paris during the time of the Crusades. It was uncovered as part of an  archeological dig in the mid 1980’s, and now helps visitors trace the evolution of the Louvre from a fortress to a royal residence and finally to the museum that stands today.

(2) Don’t miss the stunning (and we mean STUNNING) apartments where Napoleon III lived in the early 19th century. They include lavishly decorated rooms, jaw-dropping works of art, and – of course – a diminutive throne.

(3) For a little extra sparkle, get up close to the display cases that feature the French Crown Jewels – including a magnificent 141 carat diamond.

The Paris Christmas Market:

If you’re visiting Paris between mid-November and the Catholic holiday of Epiphany (which marks the end of the Christmas holiday on the first Monday in January), be sure to check out the Christmas Market in the Paris’ Tuileries Garden (just up from the Louvre).

With everything from unique regional vendors and eateries, to carnival rides and ice skating, it’s fun for visitors of all ages. Be sure to try the “vin chaud” or “hot wine” for sale at nearly every eatery.

And, if you’re not afraid of heights, try to time your trip up the Ferris wheel so you’re near the top for the famous Eiffel Tower light show (which lasts for 5 minutes every hour on the hour in the evenings). There’s no better view in all of Paris.

New Food Faves:

There’s really no such thing as a bad meal in Paris, but we did discover some new favorites on our last visit.

(1) When we had a hankering for something other than a continental breakfast, we headed to the Strada Cafe (24 rue Monge) in the Latin Quarter (there’s also one in the Marais at 94 rue du Temple). We loved their otherworldly French toast topped with whipped orange butter, omelettes with pumpkin seeds (who knew?) and astonishingly good coffee. The servers also speak impeccable English, just in case your French is a little rusty.

(2) Le Bistro Marbeuf (21 Rue Marbeuf in the 8th – just off the iconic Champs-Élysées) has been a food destination for years, but it was our first visit. We were on the hunt for steak frites, and theirs didn’t disappoint, but the real standouts were an impossibly velvety carbonara and a trio of ice creams – raspberry, salted caramel and coffee – that made our eyes roll back in our heads.

Venice:

No visit to Venice is complete without a visit through the glittering gold leaf interior of St Mark’s Basilica on the Piazza San Marco – a true masterpiece of Byzantine-style architecture. But the awe-inspiring Doge’s palace right next door provides visitors with a more visceral look at the true power of the Venetian city state from the 14th to the 18th centuries.

More than just the residence of the Doge (Duke) of Venice, this palace also housed critical bureaucratic, executive and judiciary government functions. Don’t miss the “secret tour” – which covers the more delicate (or “secret”) government activities like torture, executions and political tribunals.

Feeling peckish after your tours of the architectural and artistic gems on the Piazza San Marco? Head over over to Rossopomodoro Venezia (Calle Larga San Marco, 404) where you can sit and enjoy some of the best pizza in Venice (if you’re lucky, you might even get to see them turn out and shape the dough that’s been rising for hours in enormous traditional wooden proofing boxes), or just grab a quick bite from their take away window so you don’t miss a beat.

More about Leyla

Born in San Francisco and raised in the Middle East, Leyla Farah is the product of a unique collection of ethnic roots that extend from Brazil to Norway. A world traveler from infancy, Leyla has the uncanny ability to live like a local – without sacrificing life’s little luxuries – almost anywhere on earth. Her refreshing mix of high-end standards and real-world perspective make her your ideal (wo)ManAboutWorld.

Follow Leyla on Twitter @ldfarah

Connect with Leyla at About.me/ldfarah

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Come Meet us at the LGBTQ Pavilion at the NY Times Travel Show Jan 24-26!

All travelers are welcome at The New York Times Travel Show’s third annual L.G.B.T.Q. Travel Pavilion — the biggest in the show’s history! Register here and use code LGBTQIA for complimentary one-day ticket.

The pavilion gathers 28 tourism brands offering trip-planning inspiration, experiences, tours, cruises, travel packages, hotels, luggage, travel insurance, free apps and special pavilion-only offers for the enjoyment and safety of L.G.B.T.Q. travelers and their allies, friends and loved ones. Open to the public on Saturday, January 25, and Sunday, January 26, and to trade on Friday, January 24.

For the first time ever the pavilion includes its very own stage:

Hear from the world’s leading L.G.B.T.Q. travel experts.

Enjoy original music by an award-winning Fort Worth-based queer singer.

Bring your little ones (or just yourselves) to Drag Queen Story Hour designed for the kid in all of us.

Win prizes!

Whether you’re a member of the L.G.B.T.Q. community or know someone who is, find information and travel products tailored to

your interests and needs. Snap a selfie with famous drag performers who’ll sashay around the pavilion during the weekend festivities.

Be inspired, informed and entertained. And bring a credit card: Take advantage of many pavilion-only offers on cruises, tours and more.

Follow the giant, historic, 25-foot Gilbert Baker-designed rainbow flag proudly hanging above the L.G.B.T.Q. Pavilion on the northwest side of the show floor.

These are the travel brands that you’ll meet:

AIG Travel Insurance

Atlantis Cruises, Tours and Events

Blue Walk European Walking Vacations

Choose Chicago

Collier County, Fla. (Naples, Marco Island, Everglades)

Cunard Luxury Cruises

DavidTravel

Discover Puerto Rico

Fluide Beauty

Gaybnb, Gay-Friendly B&B, Australia

GeoSure Global

HE Travel, Gay Travel and Tours

HOMOCO Queer Swim Brand

IGLTA, the International L.G.B.T.Q.+ Travel Association

Keihan Hotels and Resorts, Kyoto

NY State Tourism (I LOVE NY)

Out Adventures, Gay and Lesbian Tours and Holidays

Out in the Vineyard

OutRight Action International

Pride Japan

Pride of the Americas, Fort Lauderdale

Provincetown

ROAM Luggage

Sikeleli Travel L.G.B.T.Q.-friendly African Safaris

Quiiky L.G.B.T.Q Italy Travel

VACAYA: All-LGBT+ Cruises & Resorts

Visit Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Visit Fort Worth, Texas

L.G.B.T.Q. STAGE

Friday, January 24

2–2:45 p.m. L.G.B.T.Q.+ Travel Safety and Empowerment L.G.B.T.Q.+ consumers face unique challenges when traveling. Experts discuss the resources available for them to travel with greater confidence.

2:50–3:50 p.m. Everyone Welcome HospitableMe’s signature hospitality inclusion training program.

4:15–4:50 p.m. Straight to the Bottom Line L.G.B.T.Q.+ allies discuss how to generate business in the queer travel segment in an authentic, respectful and sustainable way.

Saturday, January 25

11–11:30 a.m. Travel Safety and Confidence L.G.B.T.Q.+ consumers face unique challenges when traveling. Our experts discuss the resources available for them to travel with greater confidence.

Noon–12:45 p.m. L.G.B.T.Q. Travel: Tours, Cruises, Events and Destinations for 2020 Moderator Ed Salvato leads a lively discussion of new cruises and tours, not-to-miss events and up-and-coming hot spots around the world. Bring your travel questions!

Noon–1 p.m. Live From the World’s Largest Gay Cruise We’re patched in LIVE to the Atlantis Oasis 2020 Cruise — check out the fun happening now on the Caribbean Sea.

1:30–2 p.m. Fort Worth Presents Rachel Gollay Feel the vibe with the city’s most fascinating songwriter, the award-winning and openly queer artist Rachel Gollay.

3–3:30 p.m. So You Think You Know New York? Test your knowledge and win prizes at the I Love New York State Quiz Show.

4–4:30 p.m. Puerto Rico Presents Puerto Rico is sunny, ringed by beaches and bathed by the warm waves of the Caribbean.

Sunday, January 26

Noon–12:30 p.m. Drag Queen Story Hour The library sensation comes to the L.G.B.T.Q. Pavilion. Officially for kids, but fun for kids of all ages!

1–1:30 p.m. It’s a Queer, Queer World Inspirational stories from real L.G.B.T.Q. travelers.

2–2:30 p.m. Hack Your Trip! From getting in the right headspace, to packing your suitcase, our experts share the best travel tips, including how to take the #BestSeflie.

3–3:30 p.m. Spend It HERE (Not THERE) Representatives from our L.G.B.T.Q.+ friendly travel providers and destinations tell you why you should travel with the people and places that love you back.Please share

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Winter in Westchester 

It’s a cold December morning and we’re only about forty minutes from the city, driving north along the winding I-87, but to the east, outside the frosted car window, is a different world: acres of farmland dusted with the first snow of the year, and farther out, a silver, sundrenched lake. Around the bend, we see whitechapel churches surrounded by dry streambeds and frozen sunflower stalks. And way out there, is a solitary farmhouse, small as a thimble, nestled in the snow.

Westchester County is a collection of small towns with big city sophistication. It attracts locals and folks who want the amenities of Manhattan without the rushed chaos of midtown life. And through the years, it’s caught the eye of A-listers like Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Richard Gere, and The Clintons.

EAT:

For big shot city slickers, Westchester is an ideal long weekend, romantic getaway, or day trip. It’s where we go to unwind and unplugged without sacrificing the quality of food, art or service we’ve come to expect. Our most recent visit came with a revelation: Westchester is a foodie haven. And at the top of the list? Blue Hill at Stone Barns, a two-Michelin starred oasis of culinary and architectural brilliance (with a side of rustic charm.)

The restaurant is a venue that has hosted several queer weddings, as well. Tucked away in Pontatico Hills, Blue Hill is the star of Westchester and a destination dinner spot that gay boys make a special trip from the city to enjoy..

In Tarrytown, Goosefeather — a Cantonese hotspot inside an 1840s mansion — is garnering raves. The chef, Dale Talde, is something of a local celeb himself, having appeared as a contestant on Top Chef on two occasions. In 2019, his crab rice dish had the entire county in a frenzy, and why not? Jasmine rice, pickled jalapenos, generous amounts of locally caught crab with red and black tobiko has reimagined what we knew about Eastern cooking. 

And speaking of culinary celebs, Jean Georges himself is at the helm of The Inn at Pound Ridge, a charming getaway inside a rustic, two-story 1833 farmhouse with stone walls, wood floors, and cozy fireplaces. Jean Georges opened his upstate oasis nearly six years ago, where you can warm up with haute takes on comfort food perfect for winter nights: burgers, pastas, and wood-fired pizzas paired with local wines. 

For something a little easier on your bank account, check out a new favorite, The Little Drunken Chef. 

RETREAT:

Opening in February 2020, The Abbey Inn & Spa in Peekskill is sure to be a new favorite for those looking to come to the country to be relaxed and revitalized. The inn has riverview suites, an onsite farm-to-table restaurant, and spa featuring treatment rooms, saunas and whirlpools. You can come to eat, sleep and be pampered in one of the most anticipated openings in the new year. 

Some years ago, three Westchester residents — Carey Lowell, Russell Hernandez, and actor Richard Gere, joined together to turn an old farmhouse into a rural but luxurious getaway called The Bedford Post Inn. Today, the Relais & Chateaux property is a charming boutique hotel, revered restaurant, and wellness retreat equipped with one of our favorite yoga studios. The Yoga Loft offers daily classes, workshops and private sessions to help you become a more centered, focused, and flexible you. 

 In Chappaqua, stay and dine at The Clinton’s favorite spot, The Crabtree Kittle House and Inn. The historic inn resides on a quaint, tree-lined street in rural upstate, perfect for especaping and regrouping in cozy quarters with one of the best restaurants in town (you can even reserve The Clinton’s favorite table!)

EXPLORE:

Westchester County is brimming with art, with top-notch museums, performing arts, and events. The Hudson Valley MOCA in Peekskill is our favorite, with contemporary artists and edgy works that challenge and enthrall visitors. And the new Sing Sing Prison Museum is set to be as controversial as it is educational, telling its story for the first time through tours, archived photographs, and films. 

If you’re looking to see a show this winter, check out Almost Queen — a cover band tribute to Freddy Mercury — at Port Chester’s Capitol Theatre on February 1st. We’ve also got our eyes on the Calexico and Iron & Wine show on February 5th, or the return of the elusive Lauryn Hill on February 20. At the Emelin Theater in Mamaroneck, Lisa Loeb performs on March 21.  Published in partnership with visitwestchesterny.com

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The last leg of my journey home always feels like home already. ✈️➡️ 🚆➡️🏡 In less than an hour, no matter what the hour. #airtrain #jfk #nyc #nycgo #LIRR #economical #fast #ecofriendly #allaboard #gaytravel #beardedhomo #gaydaddy #gaytravel #teampixel #6am https://ift.tt/2Syv4d5

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CheckOut: Moxy Boston Downtown

A welcoming option located in a choice area of the city, the Moxy Boston Downtown offers terrific value and plenty of inviting spaces including their small but well-equipped rooms with staff that’s super friendly but also incredibly responsive and professional. 

Location

The location is truly central. You’re located smack dab in the middle of Boston’s small but well-regarded and popular theater district with live performances of all genres available all year long. You’re steps away from other key Boston treasures including the Boston Common and Public Garden; the financial district; Downtown Crossing (retail); the New England Medical Center; and a 10- to 15-minute walk to Boston’s South End, the historical LGBTQ+ neighborhood. There are Bluebike stations (shared bike system) nearby as well as several T (subway line) stations; and if you pack light, South Station Train Terminal (served by Amtrak; bus lines; Silver Line free transport from Logan International Airport); is a mere 10-minute walk. 

Room/Bathroom

Marriott’s millennial-focused brand Moxy is a vibrant, friendly hotel concept with a youthful and fresh atmosphere and an emphasis on the experiential aspects of lodging rather than the room. While the accommodations are small they have a bed, outlets, a TV, a clean well-lit bathroom and bath amenities (though oddly lacking body lotion and shelves for bath products). Most of the rooms have 149 square feet of space (including the one we stayed in recently). The Wicked Awesome View corner rooms have 174. The all have nearly floor-to-ceiling windows with great views of the city which allow in lots of light making the room feel much bigger. Request a higher room if you like views. They are pretty much unobstructed the higher you go. And with four elevators in service you’re never waiting long even during peak periods.

Amenities

  The focus of the Moxy brand is on the shared spaces which are playful and inviting. At the Boston property, which opened in late 2019, the ground level includes a photo booth — with very flattering theatrical lighting — encouraging guests to share their pictures on their social media platforms. The second floor “Living Room” includes most of the width of the tall, slender modern tower and offers grab-and-go options, a snack-and-light-bites oriented restaurant (in partnership with a local restaurateur), a full bar and cafe. Upon check in you’ll receive a  voucher for a Moxy cocktail.  

There’s plenty of space in the Living Room to spread out and work. There’s also a foosball table and nostalgic board games available to patrons. This area is open to the public. The rooftop Mezz, which is only open to hotel guests, is an unfinished space with seating and an outdoor balcony with stunning views of the city. Grab a cocktail on the second floor and head up here to soak in the views.

The hotel also offers a small gym which has several cardio machines, a good selection of free weights and other machines, mats and medicine and Bosu balls. You can also fill your refillable water bottle at the fountain.

A note on service: The staff here is young but very professional and super friendly. If you wish to be addressed with your honorific, perhaps try the Ritz Carlton. If you want to engage in friendly banter with a truly hospitable staff, the Moxy is the better choice.

Gay Factor

The brand’s friendly, anything-goes vibe encourages self expression and uniqueness, both of which make LGBTQ guests feel comfortable and welcome. Showing up with your same-sex partner at check in for example doesn’t raise an eye. You’ll almost always find other queer guests as well as staff. If anything, guests older than millennials may wonder whether they’ll be welcome but we’ve found in our many Moxy stays that it’s not about age as a number but rather as an outlook. If you’re an app-based person of any age, you’ll like it here. If you like the idea of spending less time in the room and more just and out exploring or chilling with a Chai tea or cocktail among other travelers in a common area, you’ll like it here. If you want more upscale experience or more services, you may want to just go across the street to the W Boston; but you will be welcome here no matter what your age. 

Rates

Like most properties in Boston the rate here can really vary especially depending on events including theatrical and other performances in the nearby cultural venues. During a recent holiday stay we found rates of around $100 per night, which is extraordinary given the amenities as well as the Bonvoy points you can accumulate. At peak times including graduation season (there are many institutions of higher learning throughout the region), rates throughout the city can be exorbitant. Those periods may be a good time to cash in those Bonvoy loyalty points but reserve as far in advance as the system allows.  

Ready to go

Tape here for rates and reservations at the Moxy Boston Downtown. 

About the CheckOut

ManAboutWorld highlights properties we have recently and personally stayed at, and is editorial, not advertorial. Like virtually all travel publications, we sometimes accept discounted and sponsored travel, but ManAboutWorld is beholden to no one but you. Our recommendations are based solely on the experience and opinions of our editorial team and trusted network, putting our readers’ interests above all. If you ever have an issue with anything we recommend, please  let us know. We always have your back, and your travel satisfaction in mind. Read our full disclosure here.Please share

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Stumbled upon an old friend in Frankfurt! #exploreuniworld #rivercruise #christmasmarket #luxurylifestyle #gaydaddy #beardedhomo #gaytravel #riverqueen #queens #teampixel https://ift.tt/2P999Y2

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The Alchemy Lab at #sixsensesdourovalley offers classes in making your own citrus body scrub. Or you can pick up a professionally prepared jar at the spa. #outoftheordinary #gaytravel #beauty #bodyscrub #exfoliation #diy #citrus #teampixel #wearetravelgays #husbands https://ift.tt/2Yag31Y

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#sixsensesdourovalley is in the heart of northern #portugal, surrounded by incredible history and beauty, like this 18th century palace and gardens #gaytravel #gayswhotravel #duorovalley #wine #teampixel #outoftheordinary #weekendgetaway #palace https://ift.tt/34EvnGo

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Castle and Contrail. #romania #castle #contrail #teampixel #gaytravel #bluesky https://ift.tt/2NSwAmt

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Things @andersoncooper and I have in common: 1. Yale College 2. David Barton Gym 3. Brazilians 4. A speaking slot at #thrivesummit19 #gaytravel #lgbttravel #beardedhomo #gayswhotravel #gaydaddy #alwayssanfrancisco #sanfrancisco https://ift.tt/2Me7JZA

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Inclusive Hospitality via AIG Travel, Skift and HospitableMe’s Ed Salvato

AIG Travel partnered with Skift on the trend report The Business Imperative for ‘Inclusive Hospitality’ which examines why vulnerable travelers matter spr.ly/60121Du1k with insights from yours truly (the even included me in my own Q&A page!!) and Depart Smart. LGBTQ travel safety is important topic that we focus on at HospitableMe.

To learn more about what we do at HospitableMe, visit us online.

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It's not all beer in Munich this month. Check out the delicious craft cocktails at @muniqo.bar, the chic rooftop bar at the @andazmuc, with great views of the city. #cocktails #rooftop #hyatt #andaz #worldofhyatt #gaytravel #munich #münchen #oktoberfest #teampixel https://ift.tt/2nK8PU8

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Puerto Rico Launches 2 New LGBTQ Winter Weekends 😎🌈 & more!!

AVENTURA! is a New, Inclusive LGBTQ Weekend in Vieques

Vieques is a sleepy beachside paradise off the coast of Puerto Rico where wild horses roam and tiny tree frogs sing. It’s an island famous for its black sand beaches and Caribbean sunsets. And now it finally has its own LGBTQ weekend! 

On November 7-10, 2019, Aventura Vieques will kick-off a queer, rustic, sun-filled weekend full of food, art, culture and adventure!

Join us to and be part of queer Vieques history when we chill, party, dance and meet with LGBTQ people of all ages, races, body types, orientations and gender identities. No passport required for Americans!

San Juan’s New Winter PrideFest is Coming! Escape the cold this winter and join us in Puerto Rico for WinterPrideFest, an epic four-day queer extravaganza celebrating love, culture, and diversity.

From December 12-16, 2019, we’ll be raving on the beach, dressing up for the NYC-style vogue ball, and snapping selfies with the stars of RuPaul’s Drag Race at the biggest LGBTQ club in San Juan.

Book your tickets now for Winter Pride Fest!

Fort Lauderdale to Host First-Ever Pride of the Americas Fort Lauderdale will make history in 2020 by hosting the first-ever ‘Pride of the Americas.’  The inaugural event expects more than 350,000 visitors from Alaska to Argentina to convene on Fort Lauderdale’s sandy white beach.

The celebration will showcase conferences and symposiums, an international arts festival, concerts and a huge parade. Mark your calendar now and make plans to join us to celebrate Pride with some of the most incredible countries and people from North, South and Central America, along with the gorgeous Caribbean islands.

The Chesterfield Palm Beach The Chesterfield Palm Beach is an architectural gem which integrates British elegance with southern coastal charm. A one-of-a-kind boutique destination, each room and space in the hotel has its own unique charm and distinctive characteristics. From wonderful, light and breezy spaces that evoke a sense of English summer time, to the uniquely stylish chic.

LGBTQ TRAVEL SAFETY GUIDE When traveling to a country where sexual orientation or gender identity is criminalized, queer people deal with layers of complexity. Our new, expansive travel safety guideaddresses safety for all LGBTQ travelers, with insights, anecdotes and recommendations from some of the most important and influential voices in the travel world.

Download a PDF version of the guide here: http://bit.ly/LGBTQtravelsafetyguide

Or download the mobile version in the free ManAboutWorld App

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The first Sunday of Oktoberfest (which falls in September) is Rosa Wiesen aka Gay Sunday at the largest tent at the fair. #oktoberfest #gaytravel #beardedhomo #scruff #gayswhotravel #beer #munich #teampixel #6500gays #travel #bucketlist https://ift.tt/2McxVDB