Hello hello — Happy Sunday! Here's what's on tap this week:
🫦 Top global cities for cruising revealed
🏨 Axel Hotel’s plans for the next 5 years are amazing
🗞️ Travel Briefs: News for gays on the go
🔥 GoQueer’s Hot 10 Deals: Our favorite escapes this week
Top 5 Cities for Cruising Revealed by New Study
Well, we know where you’re going on your next trip!
The German sex worker directory Erobella has put together a “global gay cruising index,” ranking the world’s greatest cities… for cruising for sex.
Erobella ranked cities based on the number of gay saunas, cruising clubs, gay bars, and public parks a city has to calculate an overall Cruising Score.
Seven of the top ten cities are all in Western Europe—a divide Erobella traces back to the AIDS crisis.
Fear-driven and “moralistic” policies drove the closure of most bathhouses in the two gayest cities in the U.S.—New York and San Francisco—which also happened to be hotspots for the epidemic.
Western Europe, however, took the opposite, more pragmatic approach.
Instead of shuttering bathhouses, leftist and socialist governments repurposed saunas into education and prevention centers.
So which world cities are best for cruising? Here’s what Erobella says:
🇬🇧 London: “At the top of the index is London, scoring 29 out of a possible 40 points. The British capital stands out above all for its abundance of cruising opportunities in public parks (10/10 points) and its strong offering of saunas and gay bars.”
🇩🇪 Berlin: “Right behind is Berlin (26/40 points), renowned for its legendary fetish club scene, which is considered world-leading.”
🇫🇷 Paris: “In third place comes Paris (25/40 points), boosted by its high density of gay saunas (10/10 points) and clubs.”
🇪🇸 Madrid: “Madrid (22/40 points) also scores well for its sauna scene, though it lacks cruising parks.”
🇪🇸 Barcelona: “Barcelona earns 18/40 points, benefiting mainly from its vibrant club scene.”
New York and SF come in at numbers six and nine, respectively.
GO DEEPER: Explore the full list here.
⚖️ Q&A Time:
Do you ever 'cruise' for sex on vacation?
Last Week’s Results: Last week, we asked: Does the United States need more high speed rail?
100% said yes
0% said no
We’ve actually never seen such a unanimous decision before 😂 Not a single vote for no. Here’s what some of you had to say:
“I love train travel. I don't want to drive. I want to surf on my computer, have a beer, talk on the phone, et al...”
“Absolutely. An effective form of transport and great way to enjoy your trip without the hassle of driving”
“We are stuck in the 20th Century and it’s so late to get this started, but as the saying goes, better late than never. In addition, our major airports need relief!!”
“But the trains only survive with government subsidies. Americans are not giving up their cars.”
“Because it will help us get from A to B faster, plus, even before the Orange Twat came in, we were and are seriously falling behind the rest of the world, in high speed travel.”
“But not until the trash is out of office and we have people in position to make sure nothing goes wrong.”
“It is a backward country compared to the rest of the world”
Axel Hotels
What Axel Hotels has planned for the next 5 years might amaze you
Axel Hotels is going global—and queerer than ever. The queer-focused hotel brand, born in Barcelona, is expanding fast—with new openings this year in Mykonos and Bilbao, and more coming soon to Valencia and Porto. Known for its rooftop Skybars, sexy-meets-cozy vibes, and commitment to the LGBTQ+ community, Axel is still pushing the envelope more than two decades in.
What’s really interesting, though, is where they’re headed next.
The brand is gearing up to nearly triple its footprint over the next five years. A new franchise model, bold international targets, and a renewed focus on creating safe, welcoming spaces around the world—it’s a big swing. But if anyone can pull it off with style and attitude, it’s Axel.
Travel News for Gays on the Go
What’s worth knowing in queer travel this week — from major headlines to the best finds worth your clicks.
⚖️ Queer Politics & Rights
The FBI is reportedly preparing to categorize trans people as “violent extremists”
Trump is asking the Supreme Court to restore his anti-trans passport policy
A man was arrested for allegedly threatening to shoot up a Phoenix LGBTQ+ bar over Charlie Kirk’s killing
Who are the Log Cabin Republicans, the LGBTQ+ conservative group?
The Trump admin was waiting for something like Charlie Kirk’s death to attack free speech rights
🔥 Trending & Viral
How to protect your mental health during Trump's second term, according to LGBTQ+ experts
Meet the “death doulas” who help LGBTQ+ people die with dignity
The sexiest reality show of the year is here: Watch 'Willam's Dark Room Duel' trailer
🏳️🌈 Travel Inspiration
The world’s best cities for gay cruising revealed
The history—and future—of sapphic festival The Dinah
The secret Pride destination where gays are going wild
‘I went to a Pride march above the Arctic Circle – it changed my perspective on what Pride means’
6 must-see New York spots for any gay Lady Gaga fan
‘Queer Eye’ alum Bobby Berk and husband Dewey Do showcase the best of Vietnam
What makes this gay guesthouse in rural southern France such a hidden gem?
10 gay bars worth traveling for—did your favorite make the list?
Is a “no sex gay weekend” possible? This Brit thinks it makes things more friendly
📈 Culture & Visibility Wins
Meet the Black gay entrepreneur running to be a Southern state’s next senator
The purest queer joy: 50+ pics from LGBTQ+ adult summer camp
Madonna announced a new album and says she’s heading ‘back to the dance floor’
40 lesbian power couples who are winning at life and love
🧳 Tips, Hacks & Warnings
LGBTQ+ employees traveling abroad for work feel less safe. What should companies do?
What bottoms need to know about using Ozempic, according to medical professionals
💋 Sexy Stuff
Check out the hot bears enjoying this year’s Sitges Bear Week in Spain
Dylan Efron is going viral for THAT 'Dancing with the Stars' debut
Bake Off winner John Whaite shares the impressive amount he made on OnlyFans
These masc lesbian thirst traps are taking TikTok by storm
Category is: Hot Travel Deals — 10s across the board.
Morocco: Grand Tour & Kasbah Route – 11 Days from $1,299: Wander colorful medinas, sip mint tea under the Atlas Mountains, discover Casablanca, Fez, Marrakech, and more. Flights, 9 nights in charming hotels, transfers, and half-board included—adventure, culture, and stunning landscapes await.
P-Town Guesthouse – 20% Off Fall Stays: Stay 2+ nights at the Brass Key Guest House this fall and save 20% with promo code 2420. Luxurious, award-winning, and welcoming to all, this off-season gem is perfect for a stylish escape by the sea.
Barcelona Getaway – From $649: 4 nights at a well-located hotel with flights and daily breakfast included. Explore the Sagrada Familia, wander the Gaixample, and savor paella this winter—up to $225 in savings with code TZBAR200!