Leigh Gernert
From the Greek Isles and Argentina to Myanmar and Machu Picchu, if there is somewhere you want to go, there is probably a wonderful gay cruise or tour that will get you there. Gay travel has become big business, and many suppliers now offer gay cruises, tours and resort vacations.
Having so many choices is wonderful, but how do you know which ones are reliable? Which ones provide your style of a getaway? Which offer the kind of activities you are looking for? That’s where a good travel agent who specializes in LGBTQ travel can be an invaluable resource. With 20 years of experience, I know the best tour operators and the differences among them so you can be assured of getting the trip you want.
Additionally, thanks to the volume I book and my affiliation with Tzell Travel Group, when you book through me, you’ll almost always get added amenities and potential upgrades that you wouldn’t get booking directly.
Every year, I pull together one or two small-group departures. On a recent tour of Tuscany, I based the group at Castel Monastero, a luxurious 5-star hotel near Siena, in the heart of Chianti country. A restored castle with spectacular views of Tuscany, today its luxurious rooms, gourmet dining, and world-class spa were wonderful to come home to after our days of exploration.
By day, we toured the Tuscan countryside daily visiting medieval towns with private drivers, and private English speaking guides. Highlights included lunch at the famous “butcher of Panzano” restaurant, visits to prestigious wineries and wine cellars, and ballooning over Chianti and Siena. On the last day, we took a “Rustic Tuscan meal” cooking class at the private estate of Sting and his wife Trudie Styler that is rarely open to the public.
In 2018, I also offered a trip to Cuba (see my blog post) that focused on mid-century Modernism and offered entrée into private ateliers and sites that are not on most visitors’ radar along with meetings with experts in many fields.
I also book traditional tours and cruises that are not gay-specific and have connections with all the major lines and tour operators. Knowing the ambiance, style and typical demographics of each supplier enables me to provide you with the information needed to make the right choice for you—and as with all my arrangements, I usually can provide special add-on amenities such as upgrades and value-add features that aren’t available to individual travelers.