How to Plan a Gay-Friendly Trip to Fire Island, New York

Fire Island fuses rustic resort charm with lavish luxury for an ideal highbrow gay holiday.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Guide books
• Budget
• Train schedules
• Ferry schedules

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

2. Research Fire Island via books or the Internet. Look for hot travel deals via Web travel/auction sites.

3. Determine your travel budget wisely since Fire Island prices can quickly clean out your pocketbook.

4. Schedule your trip to Fire Island between Memorial Day and Labor Day, when the weather is warmest and festivities abound.

5. Partake in island merriment at the Island Club, or stop in at one of the many private house parties (if you're lucky enough to get an invite). Plan to attend at least one of Fire Island's three summer soirees: Invasion of the Pines (Fourth of July weekend), White Party (July) and Morning Party (late August).

6. Explore Fire Island's two primary gay enclaves: Cherry Grove for great gastronomic delights and the Pines for partying. Cool down at the beach, go clamming in the bay or go cruising in Fire Island's Sunken Forest.

Tips & Warnings

• Traveling from New York City to Fire Island is simple: Take the train from NYC to Sayville, Long Island. Then catch the ferry from Sayville to Fire Island.
• Hotels are scarce on Fire Island. Reserve well in advance, or consider sharing a house for summer vacation.
• Plan at least three months in advance if you want to attend an island party weekend.
• Some travel books and Web sites provide information for travelers with HIV or AIDS (necessary vaccinations, what to eat and not to eat, and so on).
• Consider consulting a gay travel agent.
• You'll find flesh throughout Fire Island.
• Beware of strict cancellation policies.
• If you hike, check yourself thoroughly for ticks, which may carry Lyme disease.
• Fire Island provides very few amenities. Prepare accordingly.