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A decade or so ago Bhutan said they’d start tracking Gross National Happiness. GNH, as it’s called, is an attempt to measure the summed joy of a nation’s citizens. It’s meant to be an upgrade of the concept of Gross National Product. GNP is the measure of how much value is created by citizens of a nation. In this case,, instead of measuring the economy of a nation and all the things that money can buy money (and what money can buy) GNH measures how happy nations are. At least that’s the concept. It’s not exactly used in the real world yet – and for some valid reasons.

When I first hear of this I thought — oh man, it’s a way to avoid real issues from policy makers. As an economist I was trained in measuring everything in terms of money. And if it’s not measured in money you can easily play with the numbers to get the results you want. Put another way, if an authoritarian government realised it can’t boost material wealth it will try and focus on something else. Often that’s finding a group to pick on, but hey, Bhutan is not really into warfare so why not try this and set it up so they can easily fudge the numbers?

I’ve grown a bit since then, and not just in girth. I realise that salaries in London, UK are twice what they are in most parts of Canada. That doesn’t make them twice as happy. In fact more likely to be less happy as their uber-salaries get them much smaller places so they can’t recover from the city stress. There are some great studies on this. It’s also true that study after study show that folks with simpler lives have happier lives. Now that being said, I’m not throwing out our nations Protestant work ethic just yet. The old adages that “Money doesn’t buy happiness” is true, although funds certainly lubricate the process. And it’s pretty clear that the lack of money does create unhappiness. I’m sure we’ve all seen that before.

Anyway, my personal growth has me realise that when implemented well GNH would be a very positive thing that governments can do – in good times and bad. Including some level of priority for what actually makes folks happy into decision making could really shift how governments provide services. It’d have to be some fiendishly complex analysis as humans wants, desires and joys change depending on where and what they have, but it’s just clever. During WWII, for example, most folks were not happy. No shock there. What is shocking is that once Europeans had some security, then had enough food to eat, plus some basic shelter then they were no longer unhappy due to physical wants. At that point happiness was found to be all about socio-economic rankings relative to your neighbours. We’re such relics of our evolution.

Anyway, this knowledge is common place amongst eggheads, and so maybe it’s time has come. After it’s something that countries with low growth prospects and downsizing governments may be able to use to their advantage. And it seems the UK is now looking into tracking this. And that does make sense as they have years of budget cutting ahead of them; and it’ll be nice for them to point at something other than hard numbers.

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Mexico is a destination for many people looking to both relax and have a great time. This country is known for its friendly people. Some cities are big, fun, and loud, others are small and quaint with lots of culture. Gay vacations to Mexico are already a popular choice for couples and singles alike.

Though the culture of the country is typically conservative, Mexico is a tolerant, welcoming place to visit. There are anti-discrimination and gay rights laws throughout the country, and large local gay scenes in the major cities. If you are looking for gay friendly environment, then there are many places in Mexico to accommodate you.

Mexico City is the capital and one of the biggest cities in the world with lots to offer. Learn all about the country through its vast number of museums. It is even home to the world’s third largest pyramid and a host of ancient ruins. Accommodations can be whatever you like, whether you prefer modern hotels or charming bed and breakfasts.

The city was one of this first in Mexico to legalize same sex marriage. It has a large gay community, the center of which is called La Zona Rosa (The Pink Zone). It is named after the color of the cobblestones. The neighborhood is also packed with gay friendly dance clubs, but the party starts early. Many of the locals ride public transportation, which shuts down at eleven pm, so the clubs may be filled to capacity a little earlier than you might expect.

Puerto Vallarta is one of the most popular spots on the west coast. This is a quaint town that has developed over the years to provide modern convenience with ATMs and internet cafes. Take advantage of tours to the hot springs or take an excursion into the jungle with a river hike.

PV is a popular stop for the gay traveler. You can relax and enjoy fine dining in an upscale restaurant or go horseback riding when you want an escapade. There are a number of gay beaches, but you might be able to sight a school of dolphins or whales on the Playa Los Muertos. Drag shows and gay bingo are fun night time diversions.

Cancun is not just a Spring Break destination. This is the place for anyone who wants a beach vacation with the right price tag. This island was made for tourism, and the beaches are beautiful. Head to downtown Cancun to get away from the tourist traps and find local shopping and restaurants.

While it has a huge reputation as a Spring Break destination, it is also becoming a favorite for those looking for gay friendly environments. The Cancun International Gay Festival is held in May and in November there is the Cancun/Rivera Maya Gay Fall Festival. The number of gay bars is always increasing, and the beach is in the south of the hotel district.

There are many more cities to consider for your gay tours to Mexico. Only a few have been mentioned here. Look for more information online to discover the trip that’s right for you.

Howie Holben wrote this gay journeys to Mexico opinion post. He is the the force behind Spirit Journeys, a gay travel group. Spirit Journeys provides spiritual gay tours.

The majority of visitors who vacation in Iceland do so to explore the diverse natural beauty that is truly unique when compared to other popular spots for gay vacations. From Europe’s largest glacier and vast volcanoes, to the barely populated Arctic Circle island of Grimsey and the Northern Lights, Iceland offers nearly limitless opportunities to explore the outdoors in an unprecedented way. Hiking, rafting, kayaking, ice climbing, whale watching, bird watching and sea fishing are just a few of the many popular outdoor activities that travelers enjoy during their stay in Iceland and are great options for gay tours filled with adventure.

Folks who might prefer a more urban journey will also find what they are looking for in Iceland, particularly in Reykjavik, the nation’s capital, where solo travelers and participants in gay tours will enjoy numerous historical and cultural attractions, a vibrant nightlife, plenty of shopping and dining options, an expansive waterfront and museums.

Birdwatchers and nature lovers will also want to take a side trip to the small island of Grimsey, just 25 miles to the north. There is just one town on Grimsey, Sandvik, which is the northernmost settlement of Iceland and has a population of 150. The island is best known for the steep cliffs lining its shore and its abundance of bird colonies, both of which are popular draws for folks on gay vacations to Iceland. Lucky visitors might also catch a glimpse of polar bears, which sometimes show up on the shores of Grimsey after drifting on ice from Greenland.

As a fun, additional perk, travelers to Grimsey can pick up a certificate for crossing the Arctic Circle while visiting. For other outdoor adventures, solo travelers and gay tours also flock to the Vatnajokull icecap, which is Europe’s largest glacier and a popular spot for ice climbing. In total, glaciers cover just over 10% of Iceland’s geography, offering a plethora of photo opportunities and opportunities for outdoor activities.

There are also numerous waterfalls and awe-inspiring cliffs throughout the country, offering a wide variety of hiking, outdoor adventure and picture-taking opportunities. Visitors will not want to miss Videy Island, a small island just moments from the shore where travelers will find various sculptural art pieces and Iceland’s oldest stone building.

Gay vacations to Iceland require particular consideration when it comes to which time of year you should go. This is because there are three distinct natural phenomena that happen at different times of the year: the Midnight Sun, Polar Nights and Northern Lights.

Regardless of the time of year, there is one must-do activity that no gay vacations to Iceland can be complete without: taking a dip in the Blue Lagoon. This mineral-rich, geothermal seawater pool is located just 45 minutes from Reykjavik and treats visitors to a unique experience with fluorescent blue waters surrounded by black lava rocks.

Article about Iceland written by Howie Holben. Howie runs Spirit Journeys, a gay vacations outfit. Spirit Journeys presents spiritual gay travel throughout the world.

Hawaii is a Pacific paradise that has long held a distinct allure for travelers from around the world. With a warm, welcoming native population and a well-balanced, culturally-rich blend of Asian, Polynesian and white European cultures, Hawaii is a popular destination for straight and gay vacations alike. While the LGBT community may seem a bit quiet and low-key on the islands, those taking part in gay vacations to Hawaii will find a high level of acceptance, due in part to generations of different cultures growing accustomed to living together with no one overriding cultural or religious influence.

Oahu is home to the state capitol, Honolulu, the popular tourist destination, Waikiki, and 70% of Hawaii’s population. If you plan to visit Oahu on your gay holidays, you will not want to miss La Cucaracha, an LGBT-friendly Mexican caf with authentic Mexican cuisine, margaritas and great music, or the LGBT novelty, book and clothing store, 80% Straight Inc., located in the Waikiki Grand. There are also a few bars and clubs for those interested in the scene, including Hula’s Bar & Lei Stand, Fusion Waikiki, In-Between and Angles Waikiki. If heading to the beach is more your style, Queen’s Surf and the area below the lighthouse at Diamond Head are the two spots where the community can be found any day of the year.

Those who choose a gay tour to Maui might not find a vibrant scene, other than a small area of Little Beach in Makena, but exploring quaint villages, watching the sunset atop Mount Haleakala and sunbathing near waterfalls all make Maui an enticing locale for gay tours. If exploring what is considered the most tropical and scenic island of them all is part of your plans, Kauai is sure to deliver no matter what time of year you visit. Kauai is home to a clothing optional LGBT-friendly bed and breakfast, as well as an LGBT-owned villa with a Japanese flair and a clothing optional lagoon pool, and is an ideal setting for exploring waterfalls, amazing cliffs and vast canyons.

The Big Island also has a number of friendly lodging options, one LGBT bar and several friendly restaurants and businesses. Gay vacations on the Big Island can include exploring an active volcano, walking on black sand beaches, trekking through a rain forest or standing in awe of the snow on Mauna Kea.

As the most remote island chain anywhere in the world, Hawaii is a tropical destination that everyone should have the chance to see at least once. In a single vacation to this island paradise you can ride horses down black sand beaches, attend a real luau, learn the hula, tour a pineapple plantation, explore a volcano and snorkel or scuba dive in crystal clear waters. To enjoy your Hawaii vacation to the fullest, consider partaking in a gay travel tour or enlisting the help of a travel agency that regularly plans Hawaii gay travel.

Howie Holben gay vacations to Hawaii advice. He is the caretaker of Spirit Journeys, a gay tours enterprise. Spirit Journeys proposes spiritual gay vacations all over the world.

Need to find a place to blend romance with the exotic? Then Cape Town, South Africa is a great place to visit. It is tops for gay vacations and has been for a long time. It is a beautiful place for that perfect get away for just the two of you. You will find all types of activities to catch your interest.

Bordered on the South by the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, and on the North by the towering 4,000 foot Table Mountain, Cape Town’s horizons are anything but ordinary and in constant flux with the clouds rolling off the mountain’s peaks defining the sky-scape randomly and dramatically. The perfect backdrop for an afternoon of lazing quietly on the beach, wrapped in a partner’s never ending gaze.

For places to stay, try the gay owned Glen Boutique Hotel. It offers beautiful rooms and well appointed baths. For dinner try Marco’s African Place or the Off Moroka Cafe Africaine to try traditional African food. With numerous gay-friendly places to dine and hang your hat for the night.

There is plenty to do in Cape Town once you’ve rested long enough on the beach. Visit the wine country or museums, The Bo-Kapp Museum, District Six Museum and National Gallery should not be missed. And the nightlife in Cape Town is amazing! From little bars to major clubs, Cape Town has them all.

The Rhodes Memorial is built on the slopes of Devil’s Peak. This memorial is in honor of Cecil Rhodes, a gay entrepreneur from Great Britain and founder of the Rhodes Scholarship and the DeBeers company. After you have done all this, it will be time to head back to the beaches again to rest up a bit so you’re ready for the clubs again.

Did we mention the beaches? Do not miss the wonderful South African beaches. With all that Cape Town offers fantastic gay travel tours destinations, wildlife, beaches and nightlife, going to Cape Town is definitely well worth it; a vacation you won’t soon forget.

This essay about gay travel to Cape Town is by Howie Holben. Howie runs Spirit Journeys, a gay tours group. Spirit Journeys makes available spiritual gay vacations throughout the world.

Whistler is one of the premiere tourist destinations in the North. They make it easy to plan amazing gay vacations to Canada. The people are friendly and welcome everyone with open arms.

For a gay couple, planning a great get away can be difficult at times. There are still areas of the world that are not willing to open their minds to other life choices. Luckily, our neighbor to the north offers the kind of atmosphere that will make anyone feel at home.

Canada has many things to offer couples and they specialize in gay tourism. There are romantic packages for those who wish to connect on that level, or there are dance clubs where single people can find the love of their life. Many festivals and activities are set up in Whistler that truly shows just how open the area really is.

Planning the perfect trip

Planning a wonderful Canadian excursion may seem overwhelming, but it can be made easy by carefully considering all the options. Look over the many travel websites that cater to gay couples. They have agents who are ready to help plan the getaway and find the best deals.

There are many things to consider when scheduling things out. The first thing to ponder is when to go. Plan the trip to suit everyone’s busy life. A great idea would be to take a leave from work at the same time to make things a lot easier.

Be certain to set up a budget for the getaway. Most of us don’t have much left over by the time we pay car insurance and rent each month. One way to save for a trip is to put back a little each week. When it is time to go on an excursion, there will be tons of money to spend. This is especially great for those who wish to spend lots of time shopping while visiting the region.

Go online and carefully research the destination. Canada has many amazing accommodations, but some of them are quite expensive. One way to get around this is by going to hotel and travel websites. Some offer money saving deals for those who chose to book their rooms online. That is a quick and easy way of saving loads of money and still getting a great room. Some deals offer luxurious suites at the same price as a normal room.

Set up an itinerary of the things to see and do during the stay. Be prepared with an idea of the many tourist sites in the area. Not planning things out beforehand will cause both of you to miss out later on. The area is full of special festivals and amazing concerts featuring local and national artists.

Don’t forget to take out a bit of time for romance. An awesome vacation with a loved one is nothing without time together. Check with the hotel staff as many places offer specialty baskets filled with fare that will spark the mood.

Gay vacations to Canada can be fun providing it is planned properly. Take everyone’s want and needs into consideration when setting things up. The trip is sure to be a hit.

Gay tours to Canada pointers about Canada from author Howie Holben. He is the facilitator of Spirit Journeys, a gay tours business. Spirit Journeys offers gay vacations all over the world.

Chile is a wonderfully unique place for gay vacations that allow visitors to ski the Andes, explore volcanoes, relax on pristine beaches, and hit the clubs in Santiago’s gay district all in one day. The vast and varied landscape and landmarks of Chile include arid deserts, the Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia, the statues of Easter Island, the Elqui Valley of La Serena (long rumored to be associated with extraterrestrial activity), the Mirador de Chepu Penguin Colony, and old-world churches and architecture throughout the country.

With many cultural, historic and natural attractions to choose from, Chile offers a variety of options for gay trips, which include snowboarding or ski strips to world-renowned Andes resorts, touring Chile’s wine country, pilgrimages intent on experiencing the country’s deep tradition of Catholicism and exploring churches, family vacations on the beaches of Vina del Mar, sightseeing adventures to take in the breathtaking landscapes of Patagonia and learn of ancient island civilizations, or urban excursions centered on experiencing the cosmopolitan culture and nightlife in Santiago.

Chile has a long history of influence from both the military and the Catholic Church, which means that changes in attitude and acceptance of the LGBT community are progressing slowly. The center of Chile’s gay culture lies in Santiago and this city is where gay vacationers will find the greatest acceptance, as well as the highest concentration of establishments that are gay-owned or gay-friendly. Barrio Bellavista is the seat of Santiago’s gay community and is a trendy, clean neighborhood with quaint eateries, shops and cafes, as well as the vast majority of Santiago’s gay bars, clubs and bathhouses. While you will not find any rainbow flags flowing from balconies or couples strolling hand in hand down the street, you will find gay and lesbian magazines prominently displayed at newsstands and happy couples taking tea at cosmopolitan sidewalk cafes.

The gay-owned Spanish restaurant, Capricho, is a popular first stop for a night out in Bellavista, often followed by drinks a one of the local gay bars and dancing into the early hours of the morning at one of Santiago’s gay clubs. Options for clubbing range from discos much like those found in most large cities to risqu clubs with live sex shows. It is common to begin a night out with dinner around 9 or 10pm, followed by a lively night of escapades that may not end until the sun is coming up. There are also several bathhouses ” often called saunas ” in Santiago, including a more upscale option catering to professionals. As in the U.S., HIV is a concern and precautions should be taken to ensure a safe, enjoyable gay vacation in Chile.

Santiago is conveniently situated in central Chile, making it an exceptional choice as a home base for gay adventure travel, allowing you to more fully explore all that Chile offers. Add to this the more welcoming atmosphere found in this city and it is easy to see why Santiago is a common choice for gay tours. Working with a travel agency that regularly organizes gay vacations to Chile is the best way to ensure that you and your partner, your family or your friends has a fun-filled, safe gay vacation to Chile.

Howie Holben gay trips to Chile pointers article. He is the facilitator of Spirit Journeys, a gay travel firm. Spirit Journeys proposes spiritual gay tours throughout the world.

As a communist-led country steeped in old-world traditions that influence even the most modern, advanced cities in the nation, China may not seem like the ideal location for those who are looking for gay vacations or couples; however, travelers will find that there is a vibrant scene in China, including pride celebrations, clubs, bars, neighborhoods and a level of acceptance that is on the rise as the visible, well-organized LGBT community grows. From exceptional food and fashion to beautiful landscapes and rich cultural experiences, China offers a wide variety of options and is an ideal location for gay vacations.

Hong Kong and Shanghai are perhaps the most popular destinations in China for gay tours. With visible, well-organized LGBT communities, numerous clubs, saunas, bars, restaurants and other establishments, annual pride celebrations and LGBT community events throughout the year, both of these large metropolitan areas have much to offer for LGBT travelers. Visitors will find a number of beaches on Hong Kong Island that are popular with men, as well as several neighborhoods including Hong Kongs Soho, Lan Kwai Fong and Tsim Sha Tsui in nearby Kowloon. Shanghais club scene is largely located in the French Concession district and offers a variety of options from dimly lit lounges to dance clubs.

Beijing is another large city that is both a hub for business and a center for world-class shopping, dining and fashion. Although Beijing does not have the vibrant nightlife found in Shanghai or Hong Kong, a number of bars, clubs and restaurants are beginning to appear throughout the city, the most popular of which is a dance club called Destination. Destination has a mostly male clientele, but many women also frequent this LGBT hotspot. Within walking distance are also several friendly eateries including the trendy fusion bistro, Alameda, as well as Mare, a Spanish restaurant with a romantic atmosphere.

China is a great chance to have new experiences. Get as much as you can on your gay vacation tour by using a travel agent to plan your trip.

This will allow you to explore all that China has to offer with a like-minded group of travelers in a comfortable way and will give you the opportunity to make new friends along the way. Alternatively, for a private China vacation, consider enlisting the assistance of a travel agency well-versed in planning gay vacations to China to help ensure that your gay tours are expereinced to the fullest.

Howie Holben gay vacations to China advice. He is the caretaker of Spirit Journeys, a gay tours enterprise. Spirit Journeys proposes spiritual gay vacations all over the world.

Ecuador may be a small country, but it is home to an expansive cultural and geographic diversity, which includes an array of indigenous groups with distinctive, unique cultures and languages. With tropical rainforests, snow-capped volcanoes and picturesque coastlines, Ecuador offers landscapes and varying climates that make any month of the year an excellent time for relaxing gay travel or enticing adventures.

The Galapagos Islands are often the main reason visitors come to Ecuador, but the mainland also has numerous sightseeing opportunities and activities that make Ecuador gay tours memorable and fulfilling. Whether you are seeking an adventurous outdoor vacation, a spiritual retreat or gay travel that includes experiencing Quito’s LGBT community, relaxing on the beach and exploring tropical rainforests, you are sure to find that Ecuador is a beautiful, interesting, diverse country. As soon as you take your first step off of the airplane, it will be easy to see why Ecuador is such a highly popular travel destination.

Quito is unquestionably the center of LGBT life in Ecuador and has a growing community. La Mariscal is the neighborhood where you will find the most friendly establishments, including cafs, bars, clubs and a new community store called Rainbow Connection. There is a Pride celebration in June each year in the bohemian neighborhood of La Mariscal, and this is the place to see and be seen on Friday and Saturday nights throughout the year.

Sitting 9,200 feet above sea level and with the 13,000-foot volcano, Pichincha, nearby, Quito can be – quite literally – a breathtaking city when you first arrive, but you are sure to acclimate soon after arrival. Many streets are lined with shops, cafs and art galleries, and the historic center of town has been dubbed a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, increasing the appeal of this diverse city. Major attractions include the Centro de Arte Contemporaneo, the Museo de la Ciudad, the Capilla del Hombre Guayasamin and the Parque el Ejido, which is lined with open-air stalls with handicrafts for sale.

Legal rights have expanded over the last decade or so, which has made gay tours to Ecuador more enjoyable; however, there is still a strong air of machismo and public discretion is advised in most areas. One way to increase security and ensure that gay vacations to Ecuador are safe and fun is to participate in gay tours organized by travel professionals well-versed in arranging community excursions and ensuring that visitors experience all of Ecuador’s glory with minimal concerns.

This will allow you to focus on enjoying your Ecuador trip, while professionals manage the logistics of the journey and make sure you do not miss out on the most enticing natural, cultural and historic attractions.

The creator of this post about Ecuador is Howie Holben. Howie operates Spirit Journeys, a gay vacations business. Spirit Journeys advances spiritual gay travel all over the world.

First dates are often terrifying. You need to meet all expectations that your date is asking from you which can turn out not the way you have thought it would be. And one of these is the way you talk to your date. The following are some of the things that you should not be talking about during your first date.

The main person you should not be talking about during your first date is your ex. No one likes to listen to you whine all evening about how you and your ex broke up and how you handled such relationship. Your first date is rather much interested on what keeps you interested these days than those that are irrelevant.

Family is another topic you should not be discussing yet during your first date. Family is a private topic and one that should be discussed once you get to know your date much better.

The same as the item above, never talk about your family problems with your first date or in any kinds of date. Problems usually bring down the mood and you would somehow sink the entire experience.

The next thing that should not come out of your mouth during the first date is how much money you earn and how much you can spend in one night. It might come off as something that you should not be talking about during the first date and would rather be a topic of discussion when you two are married.

Talking about how money is difficult is also a big no-no during first dates. No one wants to talk about how difficult life is when you have no money. It is downright awkward and should be avoided at all cost.

Sometimes, we tend to run out of ideas and even topics to discuss. So we blurt something out and chances are, you will be talking about current events, religion, sexuality, or any other preferences which should be reserved for individuality.

And last but not the least, never ever try to talk to your date about your favorite sexual positions. It is offending and disrespectful especially to a woman that you have not met before.

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