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Know the gay factor when renting autos

By Project Q Atlanta

Last summer, my partner and I flew to North Carolina for a friend’s wedding. When we arrived at the Avis counter to pick up our rental car, I asked if I could add her as an additional driver, and was told it would cost $35.

As the woman behind the counter ran my credit card, she casually drawled, “Yep. It’s thirty-five dollars unless you’re co-workers, spouses or domestic partners.” My partner and I exchanged a look and I knew we were both thinking the same thing: “Is it worth thirty-five dollars to convince someone that we’re gay? In public? In a red state?”

Thriftiness got the best of me and I blurted out, “We’re a couple!” “Okay, then,” the woman smiled, “let me cancel that charge.”

While my awkward self-outing saved me $35 (and brought my relationship with the Avis woman to whole new level of honesty), it probably would have been easier for me to know the company’s policy before I arrived. Not interested in having your own Very Special Episode of Blossom at a rental car counter? Check out our list for details on the additional driver policies at some of the nation’s largest rental car companies.

travel

There’s gay in Australia beyond Sydney

By Project Q Atlanta

If you love a big gay Aussie parade (you know, the one that adds a little color to the mainstream media each year) and a crushing number of near naked guys out for fun, Sydney has what you’re looking for.

However, if you’ve “been there, done that,” or are looking for a different kind of Aussie adventure, head south, and take a chance on the States of Victoria and Tasmania.

If Sydney is Marsha, Melbourne is Jan (but we all know the later was really the cool Brady girl, right?).

Australia’s “second city” is expected to steal the spotlight from its big sister when it becomes the country’s most populous city within the next 20 years. It is already considered by many to be the arts and culture center of the country.

It’s an urban hub with cool clubs, top restaurants, historic architecture, museums, and fantastic shopping. The locals are so friendly I felt like Brad Pitt walking the streets with all the smiles and g’days (take a shot every time you hear “no worries” and you’ll be drunk in about five minutes).

Oh, and a river runs through it.

Read the full story from 365gay.com.

travel

Gay adults go to ‘Camp Camp’

By Project Q Atlanta

Forrest Clift can’t wait for summer camp.

For one week this summer, he’ll live in a cabin, sing songs in a dining hall and swim in a lake. It’ll pretty much be like every kid’s experience at summer camp.

The difference?

Forrest Clift isn’t a kid – he’s 41. And he isn’t going to just any summer camp – he’s going to “Camp” Camp.

Founded in 1997, “Camp” Camp is a week-long summer camp for GLBT adults. And when they say “summer camp,” they mean it.

“The purpose we serve is to allow grown ups to be kids for a week,” says Associate Director Susan Clinkenbeard.

“Camp” Camp’s location in southwestern Maine is complete with bunks, a mess hall and a camp store. Campers sign up for activities like pottery, hiking and “Yarn Time.” They also spend the week preparing acts for the Talent/No Talent Show because, let’s face it, camp wouldn’t be camp without skits.

And at night? Campers attend dances, of course. In fact, in addition to insect repellent and seven pairs of underwear, the packing list encourages campers to bring “flashy outfits and costumes” to wear to the evening festivities.

There are a few differences between “Camp” Camp and your regular summer camp, though. For starters, you have to be at least 18 years old to attend. And, unlike the summer camps you remember from childhood, “Camp” Camp doesn’t require campers to participate in activities. You can fill your time with structured events, or spend all day lounging by the lake. And “Camp” Camp prides itself on serving non-camp-like (i.e. good) food.

More importantly, though, the camp provides GLBT adults with an opportunity to socialize outside of the traditional gay scene.

For the full story from 365gay.com, go here.

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