EXCLUSIVE | Ask the Travel Expert, April 2008

Ed Salvato, who's responsible for Gay.com/Travel, PlanetOut.com/Travel, is the editor-in-chief of the award-winning Out Traveler magazine.

A pre-eminent gay travel expert, Ed speaks often about gay travel and is frequently quoted in the press. He writes a monthly syndicated travel column and appears regularly on radio and TV.

Ed and his team know gay travel, and they prove it by answering your questions.

Anniversary in Aruba
My partner and I got married last year in Provincetown and I would like to celebrate our first anniversary by taking her on a first-class trip to Aruba. Can you please give me some advice?
Check our recently updated Aruba guide for some ideas. I would recommend the Bucuti Beach Resort for Aruba's most adult ambiance. Set on the island's widest beach, it's favored by sophisticated couples of all ages and types. Half are from Europe, and most are well traveled. Carnival and West-Indian-plantation motifs enliven the spacious rooms, and, because the owner-manager is an environmental warrior, the hotel is one of Aruba's greenest. They have hosted several same-sex commitment ceremonies and are actively gay-friendly. Alternatively, both Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino and the elegant Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort & Casino have both undergone major renovations in the last few months.

For quality and variety of dining, Aruba ranks near the top of Carribean destinations; visitors can choose from an array of eateries that span the culinary globe. For a truly romantic dinner, book ahead for a poolside garden table or inside the 175-year-old house at Papiamento Restaurant.

All-inclusive, straight and gay-inclusive
My partner and I want to go to an all-inclusive resort with a straight couple. We are both celebrating our ten-year anniversaries. We are looking for the Carribean or Mexico. We are low key and looking to just relax and feel comfortable. Any ideas?
I never thought I'd say this, but have you considered Sandals? Have a look at this article from The Out Traveler. Sandals really has changed its tune. Or look into one of the more adult-oriented Club Meds, such as Martinique, Turks & Caicos or the Bahamas.

Dancing on the Vegas strip with the new beau
Can you recommend some gay clubs in Las Vegas, especially good for dancing maybe? Or any "gay" hangouts I should check out next weekend with my new beau?
Check out our Vegas travel guide for some ideas of places to go out to play and definitely take your new beau to the hot club Krave!

Wedding and honeymoon north of the border
I'm looking for a place in Canada for a marriage ceremony and short honeymoon.
My top recommendations of places to get married in Canada are:
The most romantic destination -- Quebec City, Quebec
The most beautiful setting -- Tofino, Vancouver Island, British Columbia
The most exciting destination -- Montreal, Quebec
The best secret destination -- Lunenberg, Nova Scotia

The big cities, Vancouver, Montreal, and Toronto have the most options for finding marriage commissioners and wedding planners, but in tolerant Canada, marriage commissioners in most places will happily perform your ceremony.

Have a look at The Out Traveler's cover story on Cool Canada for some more ideas on choosing the setting for your big day.