By Andy Stark
Don’t get me wrong, I love bear runs (gay bear events) and I’ve been attending them for over fifteen years. Maybe I’m getting older, or the novelty has worn off, or I’ve developed a post-pandemic phobia of crowds, which I Google’d and it’s called Enochlophobia. Werk. But long weekends getting toasty in a beef-drenched pool surrounded by hairy heartthrobs, furry bellies and runway-quality sunglasses are beginning to seem, dare I say, monotonous.
Luckily, my newfound proximity to gay travel has opened this bear’s eyes to trips I never knew existed, and as I’ve gotten to know the ins-and-outs of these adventures, several have struck me as oso appealing. If you’re eager to discover something new with a more diverse crew, here are a few bear-friendly LGBTQ+ group tours to consider.
India
India is delightfully over-the-top. It’s bold, buzzing, and packed with sensory overload in the best possible way. Among the many forms of transportation we’ll use to navigate through the chaos are auto-rickshaws. These nifty little cars let us weave through city streets with just the right amount of breeze and bravado. Keep an eye out for the occasional cow crossing the street!
Next up? The Taj Mahal. No filter needed. This marble monument to eternal love has seen centuries come and go, but it’s never witnessed a group of bears turning up in coordinated linen looks. It’s big, it’s dramatic, and honestly? Same. We’ll take it all in at sunrise, when the light hits just right and everyone looks like a snack (even before breakfast).
From there, we’ll tour ornate palaces and forts where the royal drama is served hot and heavy: patterned walls, colorful archways, and thrones that might fit two if you cuddle.
But the real climax (ahem) is our private Holi party. Because you haven’t truly bonded until you’ve tossed fuchsia powder at your fellow bear while dancing to Bollywood bangers with a lassi in hand! No random crowds here, just our crew, some killer beats, and rainbow-splattered selfies you’ll be posting for months. Come dressed in white, leave looking like a tie-dyed daddy having a spiritual awakening.
Our 12-day Holi Festival Foray covers the highlights and hidden gems of Rajasthan in northern India! Even better, we stay at decadent 5-star hotels (with sweet, sweet air conditioning) the entire way.
Jordan
While our Jordan tour is officially an extension of our Egypt Nile River Cruise, it’s perpetually popular and many guests enjoy it as a standalone adventure. While Jordan can be hot, our tours run in March and November, when temperatures are within reason.
After we land in Amman, we’ll take a private transfer to the Dead Sea Marriott. Once we’re settled, it’s time for a salubrious float and an exfoliating mud bath, which is said to have numerous healing properties! Ask nicely and a guide might just apply the mud like sunscreen.
From there, we’ll check into Memories Aicha Luxury Camp. Think 5-star glamping with air-conditioning and hotel amenities. We recommend upgrading to the Panoramic Dome Tent which comes with a crazy view of the starry night sky from the comfort of your bed.
To fully explore the Mars-like landscape, we’ll hop in some sweet pickup trucks for a thrilling ride that follows in the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia (who may have been family himself).
For the finale of our trip, we’ll be Indiana Jonesing it through the many caves, tombs, monuments and ancient sacrificial sites that make up the Rose City, ending at the world-famous Petra. Full disclosure: there will be some walking involved, however once we’re inside the canyons and out of the sun, temperatures generally stay cool.
We’ll end our day and the trip with an authentic dinner and music under a Bedouin tent to truly connect with Jordanian culture.
If this sounds like your sort of adventure, scope out the full schedule here, or combine it with an Egypt Nile River Cruise for a comprehensive experience.
The Philippines
If your dream trip involves turquoise water, tropical heat, and a little bear mischief, the Philippines delivers in full. With over 7,000 islands and famously warm hospitality, it’s a sun-soaked playground built for adventure, exploration, and relaxation. We begin in Manila with a welcome dinner and (optional) night out before diving into the city’s culture on a jeepney ride sprinkled with top foodie spots.
Then it’s off to lush Bohol, where we’ll catch the sunrise over the Chocolate Hills and meet tiny, adorable tarsiers in their natural habitat.
Back at our riverside resort where, we’ll enjoy a relaxing paddle-boarding excursion. Whether you’re sitting down or standing up, you’re bound to get the hang of it eventually!
Get ready to show off your cutest skivvies, because our next island hop takes us to an absolute showstopper. Welcome to El Nido on Palawan Island.
This is the quintessential Philippines stop, where limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, and crystal-clear waters set the stage for an epic day of cruising (no, not that kind) packed with snorkeling, swimming, and unreal views.
From there, we go fully off-grid on uninhabited Ginto Island. This one-night castaway experience involves beach camping, fire dancing, stargazing, and zero Wi-Fi.
It’s sort of like summer camp, but all-gay, wonderfully tropical, and with the entire island to ourselves. For more info on this unique experience, check out our blog here.
Note: CPAP users will need to bring a portable travel battery for Ginto Island. Those might run $200 – $500, but they’re totally worth the peace-of-mind that you’ll be able to get quality rest, wherever you may be!
Hopping onward, we’ll cruise over to our posh resort on Cauayan Island. With beachfront villas, an infinity pool, and both wooden walkways and nature trails surrounding the property, there’s plenty to do. Or you can plop down with a spectacular view and do nothing at all – the essence of vacation!
Finally, we wrap things up in Boracay, the crown jewel of Philippines. White Beach is the main event, with powder-soft sand, endless sunsets, and plenty of opportunities to strut your stuff. Whether you’re diving into watersports, sailing on a traditional paraw, or just living your best beach bum life, Boracay delivers. Plus, it’s the perfect spot to add on a few days (or months) to your vacation.
Our 11-day Island-Hopping Adventure combines Filipino culture with nautical nirvana, beachy bliss, and resorts you’ll never want to leave. It’s designed for bears who want it all: relaxation, new friends, and a tan that tells your friends back home exactly what you’ve been up to.
Croatia
We’ve saved the best for last, as our Croatia Gay Dalmatia Cruise is hands down the most bear-friendly trip we run. It’s also one of our most popular cruises so we recommend booking as early as you can.
After we land in Split, we’ll bond with our fellow shipmates over local fare at an included dinner. Disco nap if you need to, but this is the night to go out. Academia Club Ghetto and X Club are the places to be.
Muster up because we’re off to board our private luxury yacht, the Rhapsody, for a 7-day cruise along the historic Dalmatia coast. This ship has everything – spacious cabins, (some) private balconies, multiple bars and lounges, a glorious sun deck – plus, our very own chefs.
The immaculate itinerary has us island-hopping to charming ports unreachable by larger cruise ships, like Bol, Hvar, Vis, Korčula, and Trstenik. Our yacht pulls right into these ports, docking with ease and allowing us to hop on and off at will over the course of the day. Some days, we’ll even hit multiple ports in one day.
But prepare for the most epic finale, because we end the cruise in Dubrovnik.
These days, most bears know Dubrovnik as King’s Landing from Game Of Thrones. If only your 2019 GoT viewing party could see you now, sailing in like Daenerys Targaryen with the wind in your chest hair. There is no shame, shame, shame in it.
After a guided walking tour and cable-car ride up to the mountain overlook, we’ll settle in for an included gourmet dinner – a feast for kings (and queens).
If Croatia is a must-see, check out our Croatia Gay Dalmatia Cruise for a look at the full itinerary. This one always sells out far in advance, so don’t be dragon, ‘cuz the cabins will be gone faster than Robert Baratheon in season one!
Bear with me here…
If you made it this far and you’re still wondering what a gay bear run is, I can tell you it doesn’t involve running. However, bears do tend to move with haste when we’re thirsty. Or when there’s a sale on flannel shirts.
Like me, most of my bear friends enjoy the bear run scene. Many of them are simply unaware there’s an alternative form of gay travel, and while I’m certainly not advocating for my friends to forego bear runs, I do believe there’s merit in exploring the world, meeting unique people with interesting perspectives, indulging in authentic local cuisine, and gaining a diverse array of friends along the way.
And don’t worry, the bear runs will still be there when you get back 🙂
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