How to Plan a Gay-Friendly Tropical Trip to Ibiza

Ibiza offers the glitz and glamour of a gay party paradise amidst the natural beauty of the Spanish Mediterranean.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet Access
• Alternative Lifestyle Travel Services
• Travel Services
• Pencils Or Pens

1. Plan your trip to Ibiza well in advance. Make a list of the kinds of transportation, accommodations and activities you desire or need.

2. Conduct some research about Ibiza via books or the Internet. Look for the abundant hot travel deals offered on Web travel/auction sites.

3. Create a personal budget, since Ibiza offers a relatively wide array of hotel, dining and travel options ranging from inexpensive to top-notch.

4. Schedule your trip to Ibiza between May and September, when gay revelry is reaching its peak. Consider also catching some of the gay festivities on the Spanish coast in Sitges.

5. Dive into a sea of pulsating techno trance at any one of Ibiza's discos - ranging from high-energy hot spots (Angelo) to pickup joints (Bronx). Cruise the Plaza Desamparados or the Playa Figueretas after midnight to feast your eyes on some of the most beautiful bodies in the Mediterranean.

6. Rest your weary feet at a cafe in Ibiza City's Vara de Rey ("modern town's" central square) for a light lunch and an afternoon of people-watching. Stroll the streets of Ibiza's d'Alt Vila ("old town" in Catalan).

Tips & Warnings

• Cut costs by taking the Transmediterra ferry from Barcelona or Valencia to Ibiza. Your cab ride from the airport to your hotel will be relatively cheap.
• If you're planning to envelop yourself in European culture and history, go to Paris. Ibiza is a party paradise - nothing more.
• You can walk everywhere in Ibiza. Wear comfortable shoes or sandals.
• Some books and Web sites provide information for travelers with HIV or AIDS (necessary vaccines, food to eat and not to eat, where not to drink the water, and so forth).
• Carry a passport, extra cash, traveler's checks and several credit cards with you at all times.
• Impatient travelers or those prone to motion sickness should avoid the ferry ride to Ibiza.
• Carry a written prescription and doctor's letter with you if traveling with medications.