I’ve been a travel agent for close to forty years having owned my own agencies in Philadelphia. When I decided to move to Florida knowing virtually no one, and had no client base I reinvented myself to become a gay travel specialist. Fortunately I have a successful track record.

One of the most interesting things I immediately learned is that many gay travelers will only travel on something that is 100% gay. The RSVP’s, Atlantis’ and gay land based tour operators love you for that. But I am sure that you have noticed how pricey some of these trips can be compared to a similar sailing or tour.

I run many gay groups cruises that will sail on a “regular” sailing as do many other successful agents across the county. I’m my mind this is the best of both worlds. You travel with many other gay men (strength in numbers) and at much more affordable prices. To my surprise the response I often get is “if is not gay I’m not interested”. Are some of us so concerned that we will be made fun of or intimidated? My experience is no!

Some gay groups can be as large as 300 – 600 men. Can’t we feel at home in this environment? The straight passengers on the sailings have been quite respectful of our gay groups. It is true that on mixed sailings you cannot nude sun bathe or get overtly sexual in public areas. Maybe it’s all about boundaries. If we are respectful of the other passengers they in turn will be respectful of us. On these groups there are many private parties and functions where we can be a bit more “fun loving”.

But this is only part of the story. I find it so intriguing that many gay travelers limit themselves as to where to go because they only want to travel “the gay way”. There are so many gay destinations for us to see worldwide yet many won’t go with a friend or two or by themselves. Hell a person traveling alone get have an amazing time in the great European cities of London, Paris, Rome, Prague, Berlin and so many more. Thy gay nightlife here is open and plentiful. Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Costa Rica will also fit the bill for a person traveling solo or with a friend or two.

Traveling is such an enriching and dynamic experience and it is unfortunate that there are only a handful of gay tour operators that run exotic trips to destinations like Peru, Turkey, China, Vietnam or an Africa Safari. And my apologies to those tour operators who do but the rates are just so high. Sometimes $1000.00 more than a similar tour offered by “main stream” tour companies.

I happen to be offering a trip to Budapest, Vienna and Prague this summer that is priced quite reasonably when compared to gay tour operators or even companies catering to predominantly to the straight market.

We live in a culture where now more than ever gay is accepted more and more worldwide. It is here in the good old U.S. of A. that gays are looked down upon. Do you know how many European and Latin American countries have legalized marriage or domestic partnership rights and legalized adoption for gay couples? And seeing a gay couple walking the street holding hands is commonplace.

The world is a vast and amazing place for us to see. And if you can afford it, you are you are doing a great disservice to yourself by not seeing what is out there. Why wait for some overpriced gay exclusive tour when you can go to these wonderful places on tours operated by companies such as Brendan Tours, Trafalgar, Globus and so many more. Maybe that first day you might feel a bit of discomfort (which I assure you is more your own perception) as the rest of the group will embrace you as part of their own. They are on vacation too. Do you think that during their trip they are really focused on our sexuality?

So we may choose to see the world and enjoy some of the most exciting experiences of your lives. Or you may choose to limit where you and miss out on a more enriching life.

I vote for seeing the world!

Paul Stalbaum is affiliated with Boca Raton Travel and may be reached at paul@cruisedesignstravel.com or 954 – 566 – 3377

The answer is a resounding YES!!!

First let me state that if you simply want to buy an airline ticket or stay in a gay B&B, you may not need the services of a travel agent.

However, gay travel agents have been one of the cornerstone small businesses in many gay neighborhoods. We depend on the sales of travel to earn our income. We provide specialized and personalized service not often found otherwise. Travel agents are important because we act as your advocate and offer objective advice about destinations, hotels, cruise lines and tour operators.

I often hear the question “Why should I book with a travel agent when I can book online or direct?” The answers really are quite simple. I will break this down into three basic components – personalized attention, unbiased information, and ongoing relationships.

A good travel agent will take the time to get to know you on a personal level. We try very hard to match you up with the best destination, hotel, or cruise to satisfy your own personal interests. Websites make everything sound glamorous and charming. Often I hear someone say that the dreamy hotel they booked online turned out to be a nightmare. Charming turned out to be tiny rooms, no elevator or off the beaten track. Do you think that the people at Travelocity or Expedia really care about you? How many times do you see horror stories in newspapers about online booking engines like Travelocity? It is very commonplace

RSVP and Atlantis are fantastic travel options for the right client but I never understand why one would prefer to book directly rather than go through a local travel agent. The same applies to regular cruises. When you book direct, that company only has the one product to sell whether it’s Atlantis or Princess or any other company. Travel agents will offer an impartial critique of the product and possibly offer alternatives. We know where not to place you on a ship or what location in a city or resort may be best for you.

One myth that needs to be dispelled is that you pay more by booking through a travel agency or get a better deal by booking direct. So not true. We derive our income from a commissions paid by the supplier. So that $1500 balcony on RSVP is still $1500 through a travel agency. Similarly if it is a non-gay trip or cruise the rate remains the same if booked with a local travel agency. Reserving through your local travel agency does not cost you any more for tours and cruises. In fact many agencies have blocked group rates on several cruise line sailings which could actually offer you lower rates and some onboard perks.

Our first allegiance is to the client. After all we want to please you so that you will keep coming back to us for your other vacations and refer your friends and family to us. The best form of advertising is by word of mouth. If you are happy with our recommendations and service, more than likely we will see you and your friends again.

I/we pride ourselves on trying to paint a vivid picture of what to expect from a city, hotel or cruise line. The more informed you are the less surprises along the way. This kind of service does not exist on impersonal websites or by booking direct. Besides isn’t it somewhat important to support your local gay businesses? Most of us use a gay realtor, a gay lawyer, and support gay merchants so why not try to keep your travel dollars local too?

In an era where personalized service is disappearing and in an economy that has seen many gay owned businesses close, your gay travel agent is a throwback to times past. Think about it, if you value your time, if you value getting the best possible service, then you will want to use the services of a travel agent.

So on behalf of me and all other gay travel agents in South Florida, we look forward to being of service and make your vacations memorable and special. We thank you for your support

Paul Stalbaum, owner of Cruise Designs Travel, lives in Wilton Manors, and is affiliated with Boca Raton Travel & Tours which is a Virtuoso travel agency.

Paul may be reached at 954 – 566 – 3377 or paul@cruisedesignstravel.com

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