You’ve survived the holidays – the strenuous shopping trips, workplace parties, annoying relatives and even the added pound or two. But now what? It’s time to treat yourself to a vacation!

“The most popular travel locations for young people [during winter and spring months] tend to be old staples such as Fort Lauderdale, Daytona Beach, Cancun and Cabo San Lucas,” said Desiree Sousa, longtime GLBT travel agent and owner of Out & About Travel. “In recent years, ski resorts such as Whistler and Breckenridge have seen a huge surge in younger travelers. As far as popular gay vacations, I would have to say Key West, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Springs and Puerto Vallarta.”

Vacation trends this winter are warming up.

GLBT family friendly vacations and warmer climates are popular vacation trends.

Vacations and destinations designed specifically for the GLBT community have grown considerably in the past 10 years, offering a wide range of travel plans for singles, couples and families.

Sousa said there has been a great response to GLBT family vacations.

“A lot of GLBT families were looking for opportunities to travel with other couples and their children so that the kids have more a sense of normalcy and acceptance,” she said.

However, travel options geared toward the GLBT community are limited.

“Personally, I wish there were more tour and cruise options for the GLBT family market,” Sousa said. “I think there is lots of room for growth.”

Rosie O’Donnell, former talk show host, famed actress, and lesbian mom has launched R Family Vacations to respond to the need for GLBT family friendly travel options.

“R Family Vacations is truly the most inclusive GLBT vacation offered,” the Web site says. “All of our vacations are designed for gays, lesbians, their families, and their friends. Everyone is welcome – singles, couples without children, couples with children, groups of friends, grandparents, and almost any other family configuration you can think of. We have hosted three-month-old babies and 80-something grandparents. R entertainment and programming is designed for various age groups – some exclusively for adults, some just for teens and kids, and some for everyone. We are mindful that our guests are people of all ages, genders, backgrounds, and sexual orientation.”

Whether you’re traveling with your partner and kids, with friends, or sailing solo, warmer locales are popular travel choices, particularly during winter months.

“[Great travel locations for families] would include the Florida Keys – especially Key West, Islamorada and Hawk’s Cay Resort,” Sousa says. “Mont Tremblant Ski Resort in Quebec, Whistler Ski Resort in British Columbia, Orlando – Florida, Destin – Florida, Hawaiian Islands, and Provincetown, Mass. during Gay Family Week held at the end of July each year.”

Similarly, those looking to escape the all-out party and drink-fest vacations don’t have to go too far:

“Many gay cruises and ski weeks get a bad wrap! Although there is plenty of fun to be had, you can always find those quiet spots on the gay cruises and cultural events and at the gay ski weeks,” Sousa says.

“For singles and couples wanting to avoid party atmospheres at all cost, I would recommend a gay group which is more subdued or a higher end type of gay cruise – such as a yacht or tall-ship sailing. There are lots of great gay adventure tours being offered, and even gay-oriented cooking tours which keep groups sized between 12-26 people.”

“Honestly, I just don’t think the average gay and lesbian man/woman realizes just how many travel options are out there,” Sousa says.

On the Out & About Travel Web site, www.gaytravelpros.com, the agency tries to list every gay tour and cruise offered.

With the rise of groups such as R Family Vacations and RSVP Travel, all-inclusive gay cruises and vacation packages are available throughout the winter months.

Gay niche-market cruises are making waves, from family vacations to black gay group charters.

Since RSVP Vacations jump-started the first all-GLBT cruises in the mid-’80s, the market has skyrocketed. Passengers have embraced this new vacation experience, finding these cruises a safe place where they can be free and open with their partners.

Besides a plethora of onboard activities – sometimes more than you’d find on a mainstream cruise – GLBT passengers can look forward to excellent dining and amenities, as well as friendly crowds at the gym and spa. Keep in mind that cruises are fully booked quickly, so be sure to make reservations well in advance.

Whatever your style and preferences, you’ll definitely find a winter cruise vacation to float your boat.

www.romancevoyages.com

Explore the pyramids, the rolling sand dunes and thousands of years of ancient history aboard Romance Voyage’s 12-night cruise tour. This all-inclusive vacation package encompasses the most renowned sites of ancient Egypt: the awe-inspiring Great Pyramids and Sphinx of Giza, the temples at Luxor and Thebes, and the nearly lost Abu Simbel temples. Sail aboard the Sonesta Star Goddess; outfitted with only 33 luxurious balcony suites, the Goddess is one of the most elegant ships sailing the Nile. In Cairo, five-star accommodations include the Mena House Oberoi pre-cruise and the Conrad Hotel Cairo post-cruise. All tours are escorted by accredited, English-speaking Egyptologists and most meals, intra-Egypt air and land transfers, and exclusive ROmanCE VOYAGES events and amenities are complimentary. What better way to experience this ancient land and awe-inspiring beauty in such a romantic atmosphere?

www.outandaboutravel.com/SOURCEEVENTS

1-800-842-4753

Adventure, destination and an amazing gay-friendly beach resort all rolled into one! Imagine sailing on a tropical sea, gazing across black sand beaches, turquoise waters, emerald rain forests and exotic wildlife. And above all, there is the magical, dreamlike quality of the tall ship Legacy … a sense of joy and freedom and endless possibility. Source Events and Windjammer are planning a seven-day cruise to this dramatic and off-the-beaten-path destination. This cruise is sponsored by Gay Naturists International (GNI) for men who enjoy sailing nude. Explore the unspoiled Pacific coastline of Costa Rica with its virgin rainforests, whales, wildlife and deserted islands. So pack your swim trunks (or not), bring a camera and head for the tropical journey of a lifetime!

www.atlantisevents.com

Taking in the gay highlights of the Florida coast, Fort Lauderdale and ultra-desirable Key West, this enticing expedition sets sail for the exotic islands of Turks and Caicos before dropping anchor at Samana and Labadee in the Dominican Republic. An overnight in Key West allows all sorts of social shenanigans. Throughout the trip, breathtaking diving and gorgeous white sand beaches await. The glamorous Millennium boasts the ambience of a contemporary grand hotel, with spacious modern lounges, comfortable staterooms and an inviting pool deck offering ample space for sunning, relaxing, and dancing on beautiful, tiered-teak decks. Seven bars and lounges feature live music and comedy shows. A world-class casino, onboard movie theater and piano bar provide yet more distraction. As night falls, Millennium’s top decks will be transformed into the Caribbean’s most sophisticated nightclub, with state-of-the-art lighting, lasers, and sound, starring three of the world’s top DJs.

www.rfamilyvacations.com

Spend your spring break with R Family and PFLAG, sailing south of the border from our own backyard – beautiful San Diego Bay. Enjoy active excursions or explore incredible shopping in beautiful Cabo San Lucas. Spend a day getting some sunshine at the beaches of Mazatlan and enjoy the galleries and scenery in gay friendly Puerto Vallarta. The entertainment on this cruise is unlike any you’ve ever seen on another gay cruise or mainstream vacation. Passengers enjoy some of the funniest comedians, some gay, some not, and some of the best music at sea. The world-class talent brought onboard just for R Family ranges from current Broadway stars to soft rock and pop musicians. R Family Vacations is the first GLBT travel company to welcome children aboard its cruises. For the teenagers, R Family has created an incredible week of programming, with entertainment designed just for them. For children with gay parents, an R Family Vacation is a unique opportunity to meet families who are just like theirs – hundreds of them!

Girls just wanna have fun, too! Out & About Travel lists many women-exclusive tours open to women of all ages, walks of life and orientation. “Olivia is still the dominating force with all women cruises and tours,” says Sousa. “Their Club Olivia trips, which take over Club Med properties such as Turks, Caicos and Cancun are great, as they are all-inclusive and include everything – even alcohol. Their most popular cruises, based on my personal bookings, seem to be their exotic locations such as Tahiti, Galapagos Islands and the Mediterranean.”

www.outandaboutravel.com/lesbiantravel

Olivia Cruises is kicking off its 35th anniversary year-long celebration with performances by k.d. lang and Margaret Cho! You will have a chance to see one of these amazing artists in an intimate performance just for the women of Olivia. In the Caribbean Dreams Cruise, passengers will be sent on a music- and comedy-filled journey, including singer/songwriter Meg Christian and folk and social change artist Holly Near – both represent the early days of Olivia and were paramount in bringing women together and empowering the company to create a space for the lesbian community. Join the women of Olivia on these idyllic islands filled with quiet sunsets, playful adventure, panoramic views, and vibrant nightlife.

www.outandaboutravel.com/lesbiantravel

Come together with special musical guests HEART! Experience the power of community in one of the most beautiful places on earth, all the while benefiting the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation, which works to create awareness for women’s health. Chastity Bono will join the cruise as a guest speaker and celebrity auction co-chair featuring auction items from icons of our community. Enjoy the complete freedom to be yourself and celebrate your life in one of the most enchanting and historical destinations. Join your friends in a “Walk the Deck” fund-raiser led by a prominent lesbian athlete – all your donations will go directly to DSLRF. Olivia will make a cash donation to the DSLRF.

Snow bunnies will be flocking to these hot ski getaways – grab your seat on the ski lift soon!

www.gayskiweek.com

The oldest event of its kind, Aspen’s Gay Ski Week is a not-to-miss opportunity for the avid skier, snowboarder or partier. Enjoy cocktail receptions, boutiques, a comedy night, dancing, live music and some of the best skiing you’ll experience. The Aspen Club and Spa will be hosting for a day, giving access to Aspen’s premiere spa and gym. The Aspen Club offers highly advanced fitness equipment, the world-renowned SpaAspen and the internationally recognized Sports Medicine Institute, a healing center that combines time-honored knowledge with contemporary medicine. Compete in the Downhill Costume Contest and try for the grand prize of $500. In a twist on the week’s “Mining” theme this year, Friday’s event at The Sky Hotel owes its inspiration to the name of the 1998 film “Velvet Goldmine” – a fictional extravaganza based on the early ’70s London freak show that was Glitter Rock. Hearken back to the era when sexual ambiguity was briefly in vogue, and rock stars (a là David Bowie) were heralded for appearing on stage in futuristic drag.

www.gaywhistler.com

Now in its 16th year, Whistler’s party-centric atmosphere has morphed into the well-rounded WinterPRIDE, with a more diverse après-ski lineup, including health and wellness symposiums, cooking classes, and tons of activities for snow bunnies and non-skiers alike. Nearly 3,000 snow-worshippers are expected to attend this much-anticipated event, which caters to both men and women. Whistler and Blackcomb mountains offer the most ski-able terrain – more than 8,000 acres – and skiers have the opportunity to test one of the 2010 Winter Olympics sites! Come to see DJ John Miller, DJ David Knapp, the cast of Cirque du Soleil, the “Queerly Canadian” comedy night and Debra Giovanni from Last Comic Standing. Melissa Ferrick plays WinterPRIDE’s Women’s Night of Music at the Rainbow Theatre. This intimate concert Friday night is going to be special. Enjoy a cocktail and some fabulous music with your new friends! Ferrick is fierce and funny, passionate and real … and not to be missed!

www.gayskitrips.com

www.telluridegayskiweek.com

In the heart of the San Juan Mountains of southwest Colorado, the Victorian-era town of Telluride rests at the bottom of a valley at 8,750 feet. The ski lifts and gondola bring skiers from the center of town to the center of the Mountain Village ski resort at 9,500 feet. Surrounded by 14,000 foot peaks, the ski area boasts more than 3,500 vertical feet, more than 80 runs for all abilities, and a high-speed lift system. During Telluride Gay Ski Week, the home base is the highly-rated, four-star, Hotel Telluride in the center of town. Throughout the week events occur on and off the mountain- social mixers, wine tasting, concerts, dinners, après-ski, charity benefits, and dance parties. You’ll meet some of the locals as well as gay skiers/snowboarders from around the country. OutWest creates a smaller group within the context of the gay ski week. So make it easy on yourself and don’t go alone.

www.mammothgayskiweek.com

Elevation 2008 , the sixth annual Mammoth Gay Ski Week, is growing as quickly as Mammoth. With tens of millions of dollars spent in the past few years, “Mammoth has been swept up by a tornado of transformation that could soon make it the ne plus ultra of West Coast ski areas,” commented SKI magazine. When you come to Elevation, you also get more options than just big dance parties. Elevation 2008’s signature aprés-ski events are more social, bar-oriented events, where you can meet (and buy drinks for) friendly GLBTs from all over the country. Some highlights of Elevation 2008 will be CLIFFHANGER, the biggest party we’ve ever thrown, with superstar DJ Roland Belmares returning for his second Elevation. Another highlight will be THE PARTY AT 10,000 FEET. Take a night-time ride in the gondola up the dark mountainside to the mountain-top tea dance. The entire mountain will be yours! Yes, it’s pitch black for about eight minutes going up the mountain, so if you’re scared of the dark... bring someone to cuddle with. World-renowned DJ Brett Henrichsen will be returning for his fourth Elevation. Brett has spun every major party in the world, including the main event at Sydney Mardi Gras, Gay Days Orlando, White Party Miami & Palm Springs, and every other giant event you can name.

It’s not too late to book your winter getaway of a lifetime! Whether you’re a single stud muffin, in a steady relationship, or member of a GLBT family, there’s something for everyone this wintry season. Hit the slopes or the sand for your best vacation yet!