What Goes into Planning Our Gay Group Tours

Creating the most amazing trips in the world for a discerning group of gays, their family and friends, is no small feat.  Our travelers are well travelled and are always wanting the latest, best, trendiest and most sought after destination.  
 
As LGBT travelers we are used to being pioneers. With that in mind Zoom scours the world not only for the most up and coming destinations but for how to take Zoomers there in comfort, style and safety.  In the last years Zoom has flown to far away places like Japan, South Africa, Nicaragua, Mexico, Colombia, and Brazil (usually at the invitation of governments ready to welcome the gay traveller) just to name a few, to meet with hotels, and local guides, to taste the local cuisine and find just the right place for our Signature Zoom Events.  
 
Every Zoom destination is well researched personally by me and or Bryan Herb, Zoom's co-owners.  No detail is a mere coincidence.  No Zoom trip will be offered without our seal of approval.

Gay Marriage Around the World

Each time a country legalizes same-gender marriage, I get many emails asking me for the countries in which it is recognized.  So, on the heals of Scotland's exciting announcement...
  
Countries where same-gender marriage is legal:
Scotland (2014)
England (2013)
Wales (2013)
France (2013)
New Zealand (2013)
Uruguay (2013)
Denmark (2012)
Argentina (2010)
Portugal (2010)
Iceland (2010)
Sweden (2009)
Norway (2009)
South Africa (2006)
Spain (2005)
Canada (2005)
Belgium (2003)
The Netherlands (2000)

Zoom Highlights from 2014

It was a busy year for me and the Zoom team. I traveled a total of 161,014 miles, the equivalent of over 6 times around the world, on 69 flights and a mega yacht  to 31 countries.  
 
In addition to the scheduled tours we offered all year, 2013 had a few highlights that made it particularly special.
 
A couple on Zoom Peru got engaged on Machu Picchu (read about them in our Featured Travelers section).  
 
We celebrated many birthday celebrations, honeymoons and long term relationships in exotic locations around the world on Zoom Southern Africa and our Zoom cruise.  And for the first time, broke the Zoom record for longest lunch (6 hours) of eating, laughing and imbibing on Zoom Argentina.
  
Zoom's Marie-Noelle Marechal was invited to attend a travel convention in China to get new ideas for upcoming Zoom China tours.
  
I received a very exclusive invitation to attend the International Luxury Travel Market Americas in Mexico, where I met one-to-one with the best travel luxury hotels and suppliers and industry leaders from around the world with whom we will partner to continue developing the bespoke experiences you have come to expect from Zoom Vacations.  I then continued my research to Mexico City and the West Coast of Mexico on a most luxurious Four Season educational trip where they pulled all the stops.  They know that our clients only want the best, so they gave me a big taste of it.
  
Zoom's Bryan Herb and I researched the Orient Express Luxury train, the Royal Scotsman, through Scotland, and made great connections with London hoteliers for future trips. 
 
Bryan attended the largest tourism convention in Africa as the guest of the South African government, and continued on to Botswana and South Africa to research upcoming group and private tours in some of the world's top lodges.
  
Zoom Vacations acquired its adorable new mascot, Ms. Buddha-Licious, a rescue puppy who reminds us every day what it means to give and accept unconditional love.
  
Bryan led a lively educational panel discussion on travel to Asia at the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Convention in Chicago with guests from all over the world attending.
  
Team Zoom raised over $7,000 for the American Cancer Society, by participating in the Chicago Marathon.

Upgrade Secrets

I'm a bit of a flight/mileage/upgrade geek.  So, guests going on Zoom trips call me all the time to figure out the best way to get to a Zoom destination the cheapest and most comfortable way possible.  As many of you know, not all business class is created equal and not all business class costs the same.  So, it makes sense to do a little research to make sure the plane you are booked on meets your expectations.  On routes like Peru, for instance, some airlines fly with flat beds while others offer a modest recline in Business Class, typically for about the same price, since these routes are price competitive.

In terms of price, how can one fly First or Business Class for the price of coach? Easy!  Combine a paid ticket and miles to confirm a business class seat.  For instance, a $1000 plus 50,000 miles and a $700 co-pay equal a $4,000 business class ticket.  Better yet, look for discounted business class tickets and upgrade to first class.  I once flew to China in first class for all of $3,000 after I paid for a ticket and used upgrades.  However, often times, it makes more sense to buy a discounted business class ticket than to use miles and co pay to upgrade.  Recently, for instance, a business class ticket to Peru was going for as little as $1200.  Buying a ticket and using miles with a co-pay to upgrade would have cost more.  

For some destinations, flying Coach verses Business or First may not matter that much, but especially if you are flying from the States or Canada to Australia, it just might matter a lot!

On Tour in Buenos Aires

I am writing this from my hotel room in Buenos Aires, full of thoughts about how this city has changed since we offered our first tour here nine years ago. 

It has certainly become more gay friendly and accepting, both in the mentality of the locals and as evidenced by anti-discrimination laws that have been enacted.  

The gay scene in Buenos Aires is better than ever, and you can go out every night of the week and find something happening.  

Also the exchange rate has become very favorable for foreigners.  Currently there is a double economy.  The official exchange rate of 6 Argentinian Pesos to the US Dollar that you get at banks and ATMs, and the unofficial exchange rate of 10 Argentinian Pesos to the US Dollar that you can get at unofficial exchange 
houses.   So, your spending money while in the country will go further if you pay with cash. 

A Different World from when we were Younger

I always get a kick out of the sentence, "why would you want to go there", as there are few places on Earth I wouldn't want to see for myself.

Arguably, almost every country has enough sites of interest and things to do to make a vacation.  Granted, of course I understand avoiding a country embroiled in a natural disaster or human-made conflict, or countries that are antigay. However, I have noticed that some people hold ill-perceived ideas about some places, originating from the past.

For instance, myself and a lot of my peers grew up during the Beirut War, and a lot of us can't get past that. It's a shame, because Beirut is often called the Paris of the Middle East, and visitors to the city now can see that it is gaining back its former glory.  Plus, there is so much to see and do outside of Beirut, throughout Lebanon, such as ancient ruins and natural wonders.

The other place about which many people have a misperceived idea is Vietnam. Before going, you may link Vietnam with war.  After a vacation to this stunning country, you'll instead associate Vietnam with impeccable cuisine, natural beauty, gorgeous hotels, and a fascinating, beautiful culture. 

The mystery behind Brazil's "super berry"

If you have been to Brazil, you have likely seen people walking around, eating a dark purple thick "drink" with spoons out of cups.  Or maybe you have tried it yourself. Whatever the case, acai has become very famous in the past few years.

The acai berry is an inch-long reddish, purple fruit, which grows on the acai palm tree, native to Central and South America. 

When you buy it as a drink, it generally comes frozen in packets and is then mixed with sugar and/or other fruit, before handed over to you.

While it has been touted for having better antioxidant properties than any other fruit and for possibly aiding in such things as weight loss, studies are ongoing, so the jury is still out.  One thing is certain, it is one of the few things for which I get hunger pains when back in the States.  I absolutely love it.

Why I love Tango in Buenos Aires

One of my favorite activities that our travelers enjoy on Zoom Argentina is learning to dance the Tango from local professional dancers. 

Tango is sexy and sensual without being overtly sexual. Before you see two men dance the Tango, you may assume that one dancer will appear feminine, and the other masculine, but this isn't the case.  Instead, the dance lends itself to an uncanny juxtaposition of individuality and communion.  

In fact, Tango is so popular that Argentinian doctors have been prescribing it for heart attack patients, saying that it can generate the same beneficial effects for coronary arteries and for the heart as walking and jogging.  Plus, it's so fun that patients have better odds of keeping up the exercise.

After our class, that evening we see the masters of the dance in action at the best Tango show in Buenos Aires.  It's truly sensational, and something that I wish everyone could see in their lifetime.

Vegan Soup on Safari: Carrot Coriander

One of the best things about being on safari is sun-downers: alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks enjoyed at sundown during evening game drives.  Usually drinks are accompanied by nuts and biltong (similar to beef jerky), but on one of our recent safaris, guests enjoyed a delicious vegan carrot and coriander soup, served in mugs.

INGREDIENTS

2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil
1 White Onion
1 Kg of carrots
2 Tablespoons of Ground Cumin
1 and 1/2 Liters of Vegetable Stock
Salt and Pepper to Taste

METHOD 

Heat the olive oil in a large pot

Add the onion, carrots and cumin, and fry on a low heat for 10 minutes.  

Add the vegetable stock to the carrots and bring to a boil.

Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for an hour or until the carrots are soft enough to be mashed with a spoon.

Place the soup in a food processor and blend until smooth.

Season to taste, and serve.

Enjoy!

Chinese Dumplings, Fresh From the Source

One of the greatest joys of traveling is trying new dishes, authentic to the destination. Even better, is when we have the opportunity to learn how to make these dishes ourselves.  

For instance, on our trip to China, a woman we know named Mrs Woo invites us into her home and teaches us how to make traditional Chinese dumplings, or Jiaozi.  Here is a recipe that we adapted a bit in the Zoom Kitchen. Perhaps this recipe can become a special addition to your next dinner or cooking party!

Ingredients

Jiaozi dough:
* 3 cups all-purpose flour
* up to 1 1/4 cups cold water
* 1/4 teaspoon salt

Filling:
* 1 cup grated carrot
* 1 TB soy sauce
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 TB Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
* 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper
* 3 TB sesame oil
* 1/2 green onion, finely minced
* 1 1/2 cups finely shredded Napa cabbage
* 4 tablespoons shredded bamboo shoots
* 2 slices fresh ginger, finely minced
* 1 clove garlic, peeled and finely minced

Preparation:
Stir the salt into the flour. Slowly stir in the cold water, adding as much as is necessary to form a smooth dough. Don't add more water than is necessary. Knead the dough into a smooth ball. Cover the dough and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.

While the dough is resting, prepare the filling ingredients. Add the soy sauce, salt, rice wine and white pepper to the grated carrots, stirring in only one direction. Add the remaining ingredients, stirring in the same direction, and mix well.

To make the dumpling dough: knead the dough until it forms a smooth ball. Divide the dough into 60 pieces. Roll each piece out into a circle about 3-inches in diameter.

Place a small portion (about 1 level tablespoon) of the filling into the middle of each wrapper. Wet the edges of the dumpling with water. Fold the dough over the filling into a half moon shape and pinch the edges to seal. Continue with the remainder of the dumplings.

To cook, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add half the dumplings, giving them a gentle stir so they don't stick together. Bring the water to a boil, and add 1/2 cup of cold water. Cover and repeat. When the dumplings come to a boil for a third time, they are ready. Drain and remove. If desired, they can be pan-fried at this point.

The Seven Natural Wonders of the World

I just came back to my hotel room, after a great day snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef with our group, and it got me thinking: what makes something considered one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World?

I did a little research and found compelling reasons for each of the current 7 Natural Wonders.  Here is a list, as well as why they are, well, wonderful.

The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest individual formation created by living organisms. 

The Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, are naturally occurring lights that create intriguing and spectacular displays in the sky.

The Grand Canyon is an almost unbelievably massive gorge located in the state of Arizona, created by the Colorado River.

Paricutin is a cinder cone volcano in Michoacán, Mexico. It's the youngest in America and its birth was witnessed by a human.

Victoria Falls is a waterfall in southern Africa on the borders of Zambia and Zimbabwe. It is considered to be the world's largest sheet of falling water.

Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world, reaching a peak of 29,029 feet and the greatest altitude on the earth's surface. 

Rio's Guanabana Bay has been eroded by the Atlantic ocean and is surrounded by majestic mountains that offer many different perspectives of the harbor. 

Currently, Zoom Vacations visits Four of the Natural Wonders:  the Great Barrier Reef, Guanabana Bay in Rio, Mount Everest, and Victoria Falls.  

Yachting over Cruising

People have often asked us why Zoom Vacations offers yachting voyages instead of big cruises.  If you join us on one of our yacht voyages, you will have your answer in about two seconds, as you are welcomed aboard with friendly smiles, a cold towel, and a glass of champagne. 

Our mega-yacht voyages embody great attention to detail, customization, quality, and casual elegance-- all hallmarks of a Zoom Vacation.

Since the yachts are smaller we can visit smaller ports, inaccessible to larger ships, and we can stay longer at each destination.  The food is exquisite, and since it is all inclusive, our time onboard is simply effortless.  Once you start comparing the two experiences, you realize that there truly is no comparison.  Pictures of a recent yachting adventure can be found on our Facebook page.  In fact, the photo above is from one of our stops at St. Barth's in the Caribbean. 

Social Media, a Travel Resource

Social media has replaced the paper postcard as a means to communicate with friends back home. Facebook in particular continues to let our friends and family know where we are, that we're safe, we're enjoying ourselves, and what we're up to, in real time.  

And it's not  just about what we're writing but also what we're posting, such as movies, articles, and pictures, that help our friends and family travel and experience the destination vicariously.  Facebook can also help us connect with locals when we're traveling. While I was on Zoom Peru just a few weeks ago I posted that I was going to Lima and one of our Zoom alums contacted me and we met up after not having seen each other for a few years. 

So, as you can see, social media has closed the circle connecting us with family back home while at the same time connecting us with friends locally when we are abroad.  Facebook has become a travel resource. 

During Zoom Vacations tours, we update our page on Facebook with periodic photos of the trip, allowing you to see the tour unfold in realtime.  If there is a trip you've been considering, following Zoom on Facebook can be a great way to see what you may experience on the tour.  Plus, it gives you the opportunity to learn more about the destinations you have or have not been to.  

Travel Makes Everything Taste Better

Is cappuccino really better in Rome? Is ceviche really more tasty in Peru? 

Sometimes, when I am home, I get an uncontrollable yearning for food just the way I had it somewhere else; usually on a sunny beach, a 2,000 year old piazza, a crowded fragrant market, or in the kitchen of an attentive cook. My yearning is usually followed with the conviction that we just don't know how to make a ceviche like they make it in Peru! Is it that the fish was literally caught hours ago off the coast of Lima, or is it that the limes used to cure and cook the fish, were grown in the Peru terrain and taste differently, or is it that my table was overlooking a 2,000 year old pre-Inca pyramid, and all these things came together at that one moment to heightened my senses, create an emotional response that triggered a tastier, more memorable ceviche than the overpriced version I can get at the fancy gourmet eatery in my home town?