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  • Newsletter 328: Move to Costa Rica, Stay at Axel Valencia for Free + Cruise with us from Barcelona to Portsmouth & More

Newsletter 328: Move to Costa Rica, Stay at Axel Valencia for Free + Cruise with us from Barcelona to Portsmouth & More

Find Your Paradise in Manuel Antonio

Welcome to Royal Grand Resorts, where luxury, nature, and connection come together. Tucked away in tropical Manuel Antonio, our resort is made for unforgettable days — lounging at the pool bar, soaking in the jacuzzi, and sharing sunsets that last forever. Explore waterfalls, beaches, and the lush rainforest before returning for dinner under the stars. 

🌈 Your paradise awaits. 

Use Promo Code TBT025 for 5% off your booking. 

SPONSORED BY ROYAL GRAND RESORTS

This newsletter was written in collaboration with one or more travel brands or businesses. We may receive compensation when you click the links and make a purchase. Read our full advertising policy here.

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Sail the World, Styled Inclusively! Explora Journeys cruises are all-inclusive and inclusive to all. Their ultra-luxury, immersive, well-being–focused approach to cruising makes them a perfect fit for LGBTQ+ travelers looking to sail the world in style. Start planning with Rainbow Getaways now, and let them be your guide to a whole new world of elevated cruising. DISCOVER EXPLORA JOURNEYS WITH RAINBOW GETAWAYS

Let Love Explode: Win a Free 2-Night Stay at Axel Valencia

Valencia combines everything we love about Spain and throws it together to create something as deliciously fresh as its signature paella dish. Oranges, cathedrals, a sci-fi-looking museum complex, horchata, gay-friendly bars, authentically Spanish cuisine, gorgeous beaches, and even more gorgeous men — that’s Valencia. This is why Axel Hotels — the very first gay hotel chain in the world — is adding a brand-new venue in Valencia to their already extensive repertoire. What’s more, you can win a 2-night stay for two absolutely FREE!  

Axel Hotel Valencia is right in the heart of the action, in a majestic 17th-century building that was once a dance club in the ’70s. Inside, you’ll find a baroque-style café, a luxurious wellness club, and rooms that blend crisp elegance with homely comfort. “Let Love Explode” is the hotel’s slogan — and you’ll definitely feel the love and passion put into the brand-new hotel from the moment you enter.

So, don’t hesitate — enter now to throw your hat in the ring and your beach towel in your suitcase!

SPONSORED BY AXEL HOTEL VALENCIA

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Ski Hard, Slay Harder. Beat the winter blues and hit the Alps in Austria for Winter Pride Sölden, March 21-28, 2026. Can you conquer 144 km of slopes by day, then party with DJs, and powerhouse drag queens by night? Of course you can! BOOK NOW

Mad About Madrid with Us on September 2026

What happens in Madrid rarely stays in Madrid! At least when it comes to the lasting memories the city leaves you with. Spain’s capital city was built to impress, and we’re proud to call it our home. On our 7 Days in Spain – Madrid, Toledo & Segovia from September 17–23, 2026, we humbly invite you to visit and let us show you why we love it so much.

The trip includes a historical guided tour with David, showing off the most grandiose parts of the city center; a visit to the spectacular Reina Sofía gallery with a local gay guide; a bona fide Spanish drag show; a tapas tour; meals at the best Madrid restaurants; a gay nightlife tour with our resident Brit, Richard; and more! We’ll also take two day trips: one to Spain’s previous capital, Toledo, and the other to Segovia, famous for its ancient Roman aqueduct.We love Madrid, and after our tour, you will too.

SPECIAL OFFER! Book by December 31 and get:

  1. For solos: get a private room & pay no single supplements!

  2. For couples & friends: Save $100 per person.

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Naked Sailing in Baja California. Life’s better with a naked daddy at the wheel - so join Captain Beau aboard his luxury catamaran in November 2026 as he conquers Baja California with a crew of fun-loving gay men. Expect naked sunbathing, hidden-cove snorkeling, whale watching, and starry-night jockstrap dancing! Use ‘TBT150’ for $150 off this trip! BOOK NOW

Would You Consider Moving to Costa Rica?

Tired of doomscrolling through bad news and worse weather? Why not look into the possibility of moving abroad to the most gay-friendly country in Central America? Often called “The Switzerland of Latin America” due to its peaceful spirit, political stability and exceptional quality of life, Costa Rica has become a top destination for LGBTQ+ expats seeking both freedom and fulfillment. It’s easy on the eyes, too with pristine beaches, lush rainforests, towering volcanoes, and a variety of microclimates to choose from.

Gay Costa Rica’s 2026 Scouting Trip in March 2026  is your chance to explore the country for yourself before making up your mind. The trip includes daily transportation, stays in charming boutique hotels, and a dedicated work session in San José. You’ll also receive professional guidance from local experts—lawyers, tax advisors, bankers, real estate agents, medical tourism specialists, and immigration professionals—so you can make informed decisions about your move.

Curious but not quite packed yet? Join the FREE webinar on December 4 at 6:30pm CT, hosted by Gay Costa Rica, for the full scoop. Because paradise isn’t found—it’s planned.

SPONSORED BY GAY COSTA RICA

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Back to Barcelona & Sitges. Our 7 Days in Spain tour has been an indisputable success for five years running…so much so that from May 13-19, 2026, we’re going back once more for a week of sightseeing, tapas, beaches and wine in Barcelona and Sitges. VISIT SPAIN

Spain, Morocco, Portugal, France and the UK In One Generous Package!

Our Moroccan Marvels & Mediterranean Wonders cruise from July 26 - August 5, 2026, is all set to be every bit as fabulous as it sounds.

This epic 10-night adventure will take us from Barcelona, Spain, all the way to Portsmouth, UK. First stop: Tangier, a vibrant port city on the northern tip of Africa where cultures mix and converge. Next, we head to one of our favorite European capitals—Lisbon, Portugal, bursting with color and charm. From there, we’ll swing back to Spain and dock in La Coruña on the lush, green northern coast (you’ll swear you’re not in Spain!). Then it’s on to the port nearest Bilbao, home to world-class Basque cuisine and the iconic Guggenheim Museum. Our final call is Bordeaux, France—the wine capital of the world, because everything’s better with a bottle… or three.

As always, you’ll enjoy our group perks: shared dinners, onshore excursions, cocktail parties, and—best of all—instant friends.

SPECIAL OFFER!

  1. For solos: join for just $2,350 and get a private cabin. Only 1 cabin left at this price.

  2. For couples & friends: Book a Sea Terrace cabin by December 4 and get a free $150 Bar Tab plus save 10%. That’s just $2,544 per person. Terms apply.

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Italian Vistas to Spanish Sunsets. After three amazing years cruising the Med with our partners-in-crime Virgin Voyages, we're back for more! Join us June 21–28, 2026, for 7 days in Spain, France & Italy—stopping in Rome, Tuscany, Cannes, and Ibiza. SPECIAL OFFER! Solo travelers pay just $2,065 for a private cabin. CRUISE WITH US

Got to Have Tapas or Two in Madrid

Four restaurants, seven tapas, four drinks, three hours…that’s the score for our brand new Madrid LGBTQ Tapas Tour! Join our local LGBTQ+ guide and passionate foodie for an exploration of the best places to eat in Madrid’s local gayborhood, Chueca. From tabernas to markets, you’ll learn all about Spanish food and drink -  while also getting a crash course in the area’s LGBTQ+ history. May your stomach be ever full and your glass never empty. 

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Puglia Pride Party: Celebrate Loud & Proud 🏳‍🌈 August 28–30, 2026: Join Italy Gay Travels for the vibrant Big Pride Party! Three days of Pride energy with beach bashes, boat parties, and club nights from just €199. Room Matching Program Available. Book by December 31 with code TWOBAD for a free drink! BOOK NOW

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