Travel isn’t just about calm, relaxing getaways or being pampered. It’s also about getting adventurous and exploring places that expand your horizons—and that hopefully no one else has fully discovered yet.
Sometimes, it’s great to discover a place that’s either off-the-beaten path, or making unexpected strides in what it has to offer. A destination in your backyard like Dallas or Toronto may be familiar on one level, but when a new arts scene begins to boom (like in Dallas’ world-class new Arts District) or when a city just keeps finding more to offer (Hello, Toronto!) it’s worth recognizing.
And, of course, there are those more far-flung places which are breaking out in a more primal way. After enduring years of turbulence, Tel Aviv is emerging as a hugely popular (and sexy) gay hotspot, and places like Mexico City, Reykjavik and Cambodia are only beginning capture the senses in ways that visitors are appreciating, well beyond their gay appeal.
So, where do you feel like breaking out to next?
November 10, 2010 – UPDATE: Congratulations to Toronto for winning the 2010 award for Best Breakout Destination! Well done!
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Dallas, TX |
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Mexico City, Mexico |
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Reykjavik, Iceland |
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Siem Reap, Cambodia |
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Tel Aviv, Israel |
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Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
So, do you have a favorite for Best Breakout Destination?
We asked the nominees if they’d like to respond to their nomination, or tell you more about themselves. Here’s what we’ve heard so far!
From Michael Doughman, Executive Director, Dallas Tavern Guild:
Dallas is the place to find not only hot cowboys and cowgirls, but fine arts, museums, amazing food and a totally diverse community. Being home to the largest contiguous art district in the nation and the largest “gayborhood’ in the southwest shows that the state outlined in red has a very blue heart. Come visit Dallas and see ALL the reasons why.
From David Whitaker, President and CEO, Tourism Toronto:
It is extremely gratifying to be recognized by Logo’s TripOut Gay Travel as a breakout destination. One of the most exciting things happening in Toronto is that the buzz is spreading and increasingly our visitors are finding that whatever you’re into you can get into it in Toronto.
Check out more of the 2010 TripOut Gay Travel Award nominees!
