Europe is a huge lure for American tourists, offering culture and enchantment unlike many parts of our country and our neighboring nations. Exploring the Eurozone is much easier now than it used to be due to the practically nonexistent border crossings and procedures. As more nations apply to join the zone, exploration becomes more and more intriguing.
Two approaches can be taken when tackling Europe as a traveler. Tourists can hit the decadent party circuit or enjoy the endless cultural sites and heritage. Using these two approaches as a guideline and keeping price in mind, Europe beckons us.
Although the dollar is faring better against the euro than in the past, there will ultimately be some cities and hot spots that will demand more cash, while others are less costly. Let’s combine these search qualifications and explore the possibilities.
Party, party – we all got time fo’ dat!
Although many will argue that electronic music made its debut in Detroit and Chicago, it took hold in Europe and grew at an enormous pace starting back in the late 1980s and 1990s. One such location that captures the spirit of elektro and house is the island haven, Ibiza.
Located off the eastern coast of Spain, Ibiza (Eivissa in Catalan) is the third largest of the Balearic Islands and an autonomous community of Spain. It has enchanted partiers for years. It seems like everyone has a story and a pronunciation for this small island – the Spaniards and Brits call it Ee-bee-tha, American’s say Ee-bees-ah, and naysayers call it a gigantic mess! It is many things to many travelers, yet in the summer, it is the party capital of the world. Celebrities, millionaires and the jet set from around the world descend on this island from the months of May until late September.
To give you an idea of this bohemian island’s size, it’s about 30 miles long and 15 miles wide and can be driven in one day.
Each town has its own individual culture.
Ibiza Town and Sant Antoni, to name a few, have completely different vibes. Ibiza Town is basically the port and offers cute boutique hotels, shopping and a small center square/park.
Sant Antoni on the other hand is where the party meets the sea. Sunset cafes like the world famous Café Del Mar and Café Mambo lie directly on a street deemed the “Sunset Strip.”
A visitor will rub elbows with the most famous DJs on the planet and possibly have no idea. David Guetta, Swedish House Mafia and many others are known to pop out a sun set and the beat culture of Mark Farina is in full force after the sun sets. Best part, entrance is free! Arriving early to secure a table is advised, and as a courtesy be prepared to purchase tapas and drinks. In addition to the outstanding music, directly in front of the cafes are fire jugglers, performers and high quality international beachgoers. This mix offers an eclectic artistic start to a fun-filled night. After a day of driving or beach cruising, one couldn’t finish off the day more perfectly.
And now we reach the dream sequence, the night life – the world’s biggest, best and most luxurious parties attended by the most beautiful patrons in the world. There are also some hot messes in the mix, but we all know that’s to be expected! If you think you’ve paid an outrageous cover charge, or seen an outstanding show at a club, think again. Nothing, I tell you nothing, can compare to Ibiza. One such decadent experience is Privilege.
Privilege holds the Guinness world record for “Biggest club in the world” and nightly provides an experience like none other. Entrance price for the best nights is often close to $100 per person and the party doesn’t even start pumping till sometime between 2-4 a.m.
Puff Daddy, Madonna and local favorite, Jade Jagger are often in attendance during the summer. Housing an Olympic-size swimming pool directly behind the main dance floor and stage, each night a different party theme attends to the masses. Think Cirque du Soleil, a Roberto Cavalli fashion show and the beats of Tiesto live on stage simultaneously – there you have the main room of Privilege. You and 20,000 other dancers rocking out. There’s room for everyone on the floor and the party never ends.
After the summer is over, the music continues and there’s a world tour. Many of us know these events as they often appear in Miami, New York and Los Angeles.
Culture and tradition arrive
For those of us that are willing to leave the party and the comfort of the gay meccas, a cultural and educational vacation in Eastern Europe is second to none.
Although, Ibiza is chock full of party culture, music and beautiful bodies peppered along the shore, the island doesn’t arrive at the forefront of a travelers mind when thinking culture. So, let’s take a look toward Eastern Europe and leave Western Europe to the heathens.
Particularly interesting to travelers these days are the more recent additions to the European Union. These countries give a traveler a true look back into time and are often steeped in heavy tradition.
Many may not completely accept values such as gay rights and activism. In these places, some discretion is advised to LGBT travelers when handling oneself in public. Croatia is one such country yet the coastal city of Dubrovnik is a stunning example of culture and heritage.
Set to be an official member of the European Union in July of 2013, Croatia is home to the beautiful walled city of Dubrovnik. A very walk-able town, Dubrovnik is filled with architectural wonders in the Baroque style. This can be experienced all within the Old Town which is designated a UNESCO World Heritage spot.
As a heavily Catholic-based country, there are no gay bars in the many cities, yet all people are welcome. Dubrovnik is not a party or nightlife kinda town and keep in mind there are no direct flights into the city from the U.S., however connections are easy and fairly cheap once in Europe.
Dubrovnik itself is extremely picturesque. Ideally a summer vacation here would be preferred. The annual Dubrovnik Summer Festival is a 45 day-long cultural event with live plays, concerts and games. There are lovely churches and cobbled stone alleyways to peruse. The city boasts many old buildings, such as the Arboretum Trsteno, the oldest arboretum in the world, dating back to before 1492. The influence from the former Italian and Yugoslavian eras are strong here in both the architecture and the old world vibe on the streets.
When you are tired of sightseeing, head for the nearby beaches and the cool waters of the Adriatic Sea to relax and soak up the sun. There are several islands off the coast which have become hotspots for many Europeans and in recent years Dubrovnik has become a stop for cruise liners as well.
The nude beaches on Lokrum are a great escape. Lokrum is only about 15 minutes on the ferryboat from Dubrovnik and is basically a huge park on an island. This is the ideal spot to let your hair down and relax a bit.
Ibiza and Dubrovnik. Any traveler can delight in these two starkly different European atmospheres.
Europe is full of exciting destinations, relaxing spas and ancient culture and can offer you the trip of your dreams.
A journey to explore the offerings of Europe can soothe the soul. Take it from me, “A journey heals.”
