Health Tips for Life & Travel
July 30th, 2016 5:28 pm
As most of you know, I've lost about 60lbs over the past year or so.  I hope to give you some good health travel tips. Don't we all seem to gain 10lbs on every trip we take?  Why? "Because we're on vacation"!   That's the best excuse ever to go for it with food. Especially at the buffets, the 4 star dining, and with all the drinking.  Face it, we ALL go overboard when we travel (no pun intended).  Here are my tips for keeping the weight down while you're away from home.

1. Don't consider yourself on a diet break.  If you watch your weight at home, watch it when you travel.  Sure, splurge here and there, but, don't make it every meal and every day. You probably worked hard to lose weight FOR your trip, why ruin all the advances you made.  Pick the best things and taste at things, too. Don't feel like you have to eat everything.  There's going to be more tomorrow.
2. Choose cheese as a dessert. If you have a high sugar and calorie dessert at every meal on a cruise you will gain 10lbs. Sugar is the devil. If you must eat it, be selective and don't do it every day. Skip sweets for a day. Cheese is high in protein, natural and goes great with nuts and fruit. You can skip the crackers which just fill you up with empty carbs. 
3. Eat lower carb foods.  You can eat more if you don't eat heavy carbs like pasta, bread and rice. Meat, cheese, fruit, veggies, beans, nuts, etc. You can fill up on these and not feel as stuffed when paired with the breads and pastas.  
4. Take a walk. Sometimes on a cruise or tour all we do is lay around or ride around.  Be sure, if you're not on a walking tour doing this, then you get to the gym or to the track and spend an hour on a brisk walk. You can listen to  music, or like I do, pray and meditate. It's good for the body and GREAT for the soul.  If you can't walk, swim. If you can't swim, do the elliptical. If you pysically can do something, just do SOMETHING. 
5. Don't drink all day.  Alcohol is empty calories. The fruity, sweet blended drinks are the worst and just full of badness in a delicious glass of joy.   Better choices: Bloody Mary. Vodka and soda. Light beers. Wine.  If you like rum and coke, make it diet coke. If you like gin and tonic, make it gin and soda.  Sometimes being at sea, especially at the start of a cruise, can exaggerate the effects of alcohol, so, on the 1st night of a cruise, especially, be careful not to drink too much. Clear alcohol and soda water is the best. I get a splash of cranberry which adds just enough flavor without a lot of the sugars you get from fruit juices. Vodka, soda and a splash for flavor is the best. 

These are all things that I've done to help me get in the best shape of my life.  I try to be as diligent as possible, but, of course, sometimes we just have to let go. Especially when we travel. Just remember to take care of yourself while you're home or away. Don't go crazy and keep healthy habits no matter where you are.
And, most important advice you can ever get: Always use sunscreen.

Tom Stephens
 
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Why you should book your RSVP and ATLANTIS EVENTS all gay cruise with Cruising With Pride
April 28th, 2016 11:00 pm
Well, there are many good reasons you should use CWP for all your travel needs, but, here's specifically why you should use us for your next ATLANTIS EVENTS AND RSVP Cruise....

1.  Pay it forward.  The most important reason to use CWP is to keep me in business.  Cruising With Pride, as I'm sure you are aware, is just me, Tom Stephens, your gay travel specialist.  As a small business owner I need your support to survive.  So, instead of filling the RICH pockets of the owners at Atlantis Events, book your cruise with me.  It costs the same, but, the small commission they give keeps me in the lifestyle to which I've grown accustomed.

2. Again, IT COSTS THE SAME!  Heck, sometimes you can actually save money because one of my clients with a less expensive cabin needs to sell it and then you can buy it from me. I work hard to get you the lowest prices and the best deals out there.  

3. Experience. I've been on over 100 cruises.  About 25 all gay cruises. I know cruising.  I can help you choose the best location for your money. I can answer all your questions about cruising. I will take the time.  Which brings me to the next point...

4. Special personalized service. You aren't talking to an order taker, you're talking to a friend.  I've traveled with many of my clients, I call them friends and family.  I will take the time with you to make sure you're getting the best deal for your time and money. Plus, I can help you with hotels, air, insurance, etc.  

5. First to know. I'll let you know in advance when the new cruises are coming. I investigate and snoop around and get the scoop so you're the first to know and can set aside dates and plan ahead so that when it is on sale you'll be one step ahead.  Those frequent flyer seats sell out far in advance of Atlantis and RSVP announcements of events. The sooner you know the better. 

6. I'll wait on hold for you.  When RSVP and Atlantis announce their sales, they can have hold times of 10, 20, 30 minutes and more.  You call me, give me all your details on the phone or email or even texts (I can't believe it, but, I have made reservations via text now).  Then I call them and wait for you while you're off doing your thing.  Simple as that. 

7.  "THANK YOU".  I truly do appreciate my clients and hope they will continue to tell their friends about me here. It's the best "THANK YOU" that I could ever receive. 
 
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Galapagos Islands
January 20th, 2016 3:33 pm
"Wow! What a great trip! 
And Wow! What a great group of men! 
And Wow! What a great tour company in Brand "g"!  Over the Top Wow!"- Jon Curtis,  MA
I couldn't say it any better than this. My trip with Brand "g" to the Galapagos was truly one of the best trips in my life.  It's amazing how the animals have no fear of humans. Birds stay still and sit within inches of you without flinching. Giant tortoises look into your eyes with their ancient faces that remind you of alien creatures, sea lions swim by you, lay around without budging when you almost walk on them, and are so curious they will come up to you and nip at your toes. Snorkeling with penguins, giant sea turtles and sharks, watching Blue Footed Boobies feed their chicks up close, beautiful iguanas who've adapted over the millenia to their environment;  there are no words to adequately describe it. You must experience it for yourself.  
Thankful
November 30th, 2015 12:56 pm
Another year is almost through
I'm so thankful, dear, for you
For being here to share a smile
As we travel mile by mile
Whether by bus, or ship or plane
I'm so thankful once again
Because you're in my life
-Tom Stephens
Cruising With Pride
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Most Gay Friendly Travel Destinations
September 22nd, 2015 7:11 pm

Thomas Stanley is one of the world’s experts on gay and lesbian travel.
He knows and understands the gay and lesbian travel market and knows well the kinds of concerns that gay and lesbian travelers have that others may not be aware of, such as the fact that in some countries it is a criminal offense to be homosexual and it often carries harsh penalties.

Here is his listing of the world’s most gay-friendly destinations.


South Africa
South Africa is one of the most gay-friendly destinations in the world, Stanley said, and in some ways it is the most advanced country in its attitude toward gays. The modern republic of South Africa, which is only a little more than 20 years in existence, was founded on Nelson Mandela’s vision of the Rainbow Nation, a place where all people respect each other regardless of differences in race, religion, etc., and where diversity is not only tolerated, it is celebrated. 
“South Africa was the first country to have constitutional gay rights, the first country in Africa to have gay marriage,” said Stanley. “For the most part it is a more enlightened country in terms of gay rights, South Africa is extremely gay friendly.”  
Though South Africa may lead the world in terms of gay rights, most other countries in Africa are not as gay friendly. “In the French-speaking countries typically it’s legal,” said Stanley. “In the English-speaking countries, under Victorian law, it tends to be illegal to be gay.”

Israel
Turning to Northern Africa and the Middle East, Stanley said, “Israel is extremely gay friendly, though they don’t allow gay marriage.

Lebanon
“Lebanon tends to be gay friendly,” said Stanley. “In the gay districts people can be in the open, but outside of gay districts they have to be discreet.” 
Although Morocco is a moderate, not extreme Muslim country, it is not very gay friendly. “In Morocco some have been arrested for being affectionate in public, An English gentleman and his Moroccan friend were arrested for being affectionate in public, for holding hands or something like that. It goes against the norm of a moderate Muslim company that still has modesty, whereas in Lebanon women go to the beach in bikinis.”

Spain and Portugal
In Europe, Stanley rates Spain as the most gay-friendly destination, with Portugal coming in second.
“To me Spain is the most gay-friendly country on earth,” said Stanley. “It was one of the early countries to adopt gay marriage. It actively welcomes gay tourists, and markets to gay tourists. Spain and Portugal are probably the friendliest countries in Europe for gay people.

Sweden and Iceland
“Sweden would probably be the next one,” said Stanley, “and Iceland. Iceland is extremely gay friendly. Almost all of Western Europe tends to be gay friendly, certainly gay tolerant. In Eastern Europe it’s a different story. It’s legal to be gay in pretty much all of Eastern Europe. That said, certain countries, like Serbia, Ukraine and Russia, you don’t dare be open in public in those countries or you face threat of arrest or violence.

Hungary, Slovenia and Croatia
“Hungary is much friendlier,” said Stanley. “I haven’t sent anyone to Romania or Bulgaria for a long time, so I’m not sure about them. Hungary and Slovenia are the most gay-friendly countries of Eastern Europe. Croatia is pretty gay friendly.”

Thailand and Taiwan 
In Asia, Thailand and Taiwan are the most gay-friendly countries. “For the most part, the Buddhist countries are gay tolerant, gay accepting. Malaysia is not tolerant. Bangladesh and Pakistan are not tolerant. Muslim countries are not gay friendly. Indonesia is a Muslim country, but it also has Hindus in Bali It tends to be gay tolerant. Singapore is kind of neutral. They discourage gay events or affection, but people don’t get arrested.

China, Japan and Korea
China, Japan and Korea are gay tolerant countries. “They are used to seeing gay people,” said Stanley.

Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos
“Vietnam is very gay friendly,” said Stanley, “as are Cambodia and Laos. Vietnam allows gay weddings, but not legal gay marriage. But they will not arrest for that. Some other countries will arrest people for having gay weddings. Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos are quite good.”

Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Colombia
“South American for the most part is good for gay people,” said Stanley. “Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Colombia are gay friendly. Almost all the other countries are tolerant. Probably the least tolerant are Venezuela and Guiana. In Guiana, it’s illegal to be gay.

Mexico and Costa Rica
In Central America, the most gay-friendly destinations are Costa Rica and Mexico. “Mexico is very gay friendly,” said Stanley, “and has gay marriage now. There is one country in Central America where it is illegal to be gay and even to enter the country, and that is Belize. That said, gay clients who go to Belize, the hotels typically take care of them very well. But you’re actually committing a crime by entering Belize if you’re gay.

Cuba, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and St Martin
“In the Caribbean, painting in broad strokes, the Spanish- French- and Dutch-speaking islands tend to be very gay tolerant, including Cuba, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and St Marten. Curacao actively woos gay customers. The government finances marketing campaigns to gay clients. There are issues with the English-speaking countries, in Jamaica, and there have been some issues with the Bahamas."

In addition, Stanley cites Australia, New Zealand, French Polynesia and Nepal as all being very gay friendly.

Read the whole article here: http://www.travelpulse.com/news/features/what-are-the-most-gay-friendly-destinations.html?u=A95F5FBB-8C8F-4E0B-B8E9-5FC5282C1FE1
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Why use a Travel Agent?
August 27th, 2015 10:26 pm

Personalized Leisure Travel Services
Travel agents recognize that no two travelers and no two trips are exactly alike. We will take the time to understand your unique travel needs and interests and translate them into your own personalized travel experience. We want to show you how you can "travel better" with us.

Added Value
With our experience and travel industry relationships we can offer you exclusive service, amenities and travel specials that you won't find elsewhere. We help you get the most value for your travel budget.

Your Travel Advisor
There are hundreds of details that go into every trip. We can be your guide for everything from what to pack before you leave to all of the "must see" attractions. We can offer you insider tips and advice, and handle all of the arrangements so you can focus on enjoying your getaway.

Peace of Mind
If anything should go wrong during your trip you can rely on us to get you the information you need to make it right. We also offer you a wide variety of Travel Insurance options to protect your vacation investment.

We are Travel Experts
Travel is our passion and our life work. It's what we do all day every day. We have been to many of the cruises, resorts, off-the beaten path excursions and planned trips to the destinations you want to experience. Our first-hand travel experience, education, and ongoing training with tourism boards, cruise lines, resort chains and other travel company's make us travel experts who can make sure your vacation turns out just the way you imagine, every time.

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To Friend or not to Friend?
August 10th, 2015 6:33 pm
I've been told that some people on my Facebook page are put off by my political and Christian posts and that I will lose clients because of it. I hope I can share on my FB page what I want without people deciding not to use me in a professional way at Cruising With Pride. IF you don't like my politics or my religion you can just un-friend me rather than cause it to make you so mad you take it personally and decide not to do business with me. I am a PROUD gay man, a PROUD Christian and a PROUD Democrat. That doesn't mean I don't have straight, atheist, Jewish, etc, friends. and Republican or Libertarian friends and can agree to disagree on things. I've added a LOT of clients to my FB page. A LOT of my clients I consider friends, or, at least acquaintances who I like to see there, or, they friend me, and, why would I refuse someone, but, if it means losing clients perhaps I shouldn't add them. There are some of the responses I got from my Facebook friends:
"Democrat---Republican---Independent--non-voters----we are a democracy---we all have our own beliefs. Christian or Not, gay, bi-sexual or straight, None of these has anything to do with choosing a TRAVEL AGENT. Some folks just need to get over it and stop trying to change other folks. And that's all I have to say about that."-Herald
"Tom. You are very professional when you have to be and playful when you have to be. I like that about you. I always take the high road and would do so in this situation. As a Christian you can forgive. Use kindness to move on."-Tony
" It too bad you even have to post something think this. Everyone should have the right to speak their mind, love who they want, Vote they way they want. and and pray to what ever God you believe in. Diversity is what makes this Country The Greatest and keeps us all in Check. Who wants to be just like everyone else. What a boring World this would be. Keep up your posts. 
the rest can piss off.  Cheers!" -James
"Tom, you can set up a "Fan Page" for your business. This will help you manage your friends and "Facebook Friends" from your clients. You can add business content to your Fan Page and personal content to your personal page. The you can truly separate clients from friends. That's what I would do."-George
"I consider this a social site. I don't include my business acquaintances as friends. I don't discuss politics or religion at work. The two should remain separate."-John
"You continue to be you! Post whatever you want because that makes you who you are. I am proud to know you and would never be upset over opinions or life choices you post about."-Chad
"You can't always mix business with pleasure..."-Shannon
 
So, I'll probably be more discerning who I add to my Facebook page and hopefully we can all be adults and agree to disagree on things.  That's what makes the world more interesting, right?  Even when you're all wrong and I'm right :-)
 
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Travel to Anti-Gay Countries
July 28th, 2015 3:45 am
What do you think about traveling to a country where you could actually be killed for who you are? Coda Tours is offering a tour to IRAN. No joke! A gay tour to IRAN! Would you go? http://coda-tours.com/…/destinatio…/africa-middle-east/iran/

Besides this trip, there are gay cruise and tour companies who visit Russia, Kenya, Jamaica, etc.  I have traveled to countries where it's illegal to be gay. I was turned away from Morocco on a gay cruise the day before we were to arrive because the government couldn't guarantee our safety.  I went to St. Petersburgh before Russia went dark against us and am so sad that I don't know if I should send my people there for their own safety. These are the things we have to consider as individuals and, especially, as a travel agent who seeks to make his clients trips the safest and most wonderful possible.
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