CONTACTCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2024 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
QI?m riding a bike through New Zealand this winter and was wondering if you had any suggestions for preventing (or at least coping with) the inevitable pains that are sure to afflict my, um, rear end?
SHAUNA LIVINGSTON, Toronto
Ahe most important three things to remember before embarking on a multiday bike tour, according to Chris Cole, director of the annual AIDS/LifeCycle bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles, are a comfortable seat, a properly fitting bicycle, and time in the saddle. ?The more she rides and trains, the better she?s going to feel all around,? Cole says. While your first instinct may be to get the widest, most cushy seat available, remember that the more direct contact your body has with the surface of the seat, the more likely it is to cause chafing. Many bicyclists prefer leather seats to plastic because they conform to the contours of your body over time. No matter how unstylish they may seem, Lycra cycling shorts? lightly padded liner could literally save your arse. And to help reduce the friction between your perineum and the seat, Cole recommends keeping your sensitive spots lubricated with Butt Balm or Chamois Butter. ?It?s less viscous and more comfortable than Vaseline.? When you?re out there cruising up and down the rolling hills of Kiwi country, pedal standing up as much as possible (this is called ?honking,? a term originated in England and also used in New Zealand).
QWhen I travel I?m paranoid that the X-ray machine at the security check will damage my film, so I end up packing my digital camera instead. Can X-ray machines really harm unexposed film?
PEGGY SHARP, Reno
A The higher-powered post-9/11 security scanners used for carry-on baggage generally have no effect on undeveloped film under ASA/ISO 800—unless it passes through more than five times. To be safe put your film in a clear plastic bag without the canisters and request a hand inspection, especially if you plan on passing through multiple X-ray machines. The Transportation Security Administration advises not to place undeveloped film in your checked baggage, which is subjected to more powerful radiation. Of course, if you simply process your film before flying home, your only worry will be finding last-minute airport souvenirs for your gal pals.
QI heard that in Thailand it’s considered improper to touch someone on the top of the head. Are there any other social customs I should be aware of when traveling in this country?
JUSTIN UNDERWOOD, Santa Cruz, Calif.
AThailand may have one of the most easygoing, gay-friendly populations in Asia, but that’s no excuse to disregard the country’s long-held social mores. While the head is indeed considered the most sacred part of the human body, the feet are considered the lowliest. Thus it is impolite to point your feet at anyone or toward the altar in a temple or to put your feet up on furniture. Avoid stepping on doorsills when entering someone’s residence. Thais believe that stepping on the doorsill will offend the deity who resides there. Staring is also considered impolite—even intimidating. The smile, however, is one of the most common Thai expressions, as it is in many parts of Asia, and can be used for almost any occasion: to greet, thank, apologize, or even cover up an embarrassment. Smiling could come in handy if you accidentally, say, touch someone on the top of the head.
QStuck in the security line at the Orlando airport, I watched enviously as three ordinary travelers were whisked through the screening process without waiting in line. The person next to me said, "They must have a Clear Card." Where did this magic little card come from and how can I get one?
JAMES SUTTON, Kissimmee, Fla.
A First of all, the Clear Card has nothing to do with Scientology. It's part of a new TSA-sanctioned program called Clear Registered Traveler. Cough up $79.95 and you get a year of "expedited treatment through security." Just head to the designated Clear Lane, present your boarding pass and Clear Card to the attendant, and insert the card into a verification kiosk. By reading your fingerprint or scanning your iris, it will verify that you are a prescreened member in good standing (i.e., not a terrorist). The service is currently available only at the Orlando International Airport, but plans are in the works to expand the program to other airports.
Please e-mail your travel-related queries to question@outtraveler.com
Want more breaking equality news & trending entertainment stories?
Check out our NEW 24/7 streaming service: the Advocate Channel!
Download the Advocate Channel App for your mobile phone and your favorite streaming device!
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
Ron Amato Retrospective: 75 Gorgeous Images of Queer Men
March 07 2021 12:00 AM
Just in Time for Pride – The 15 Gayest Cities in the World in 2023
April 12 2023 6:47 PM
Turkish Oil Wrestling: Male Bonding at the Kirkpinar Festival
December 20 2022 2:20 PM
The 13 Least Visited National Parks
January 07 2023 5:00 AM
Here are the Best Gay Sex and Male Nudity Scenes in 2022
April 19 2023 5:23 PM
OnlyFans Star Reno Gold on His New Boyfriend and Travel Show
December 16 2022 3:10 PM
Get Soaked! with These 35+ Steamy Pool Pics From This Year’s White Party
May 25 2023 9:29 AM
Slovakian Jocks With Nothing to Hide
September 28 2021 3:00 PM
12 Years of Intimate Photos of Same Man - Taken by His Partner
August 29 2022 4:00 AM
20 Thirsty Pics of #SniffiesRush Campaign Celebrating Frat Life
December 16 2022 3:19 PM
Outtraveler: Featured Video
Latest Stories
This private island is the perfect romantic escape
July 15 2024 8:49 AM
Cannabis-loving husbands rule Jersey
July 12 2024 11:11 AM
45+ pics from Toronto Pride Parade and Dyke & Trans March
July 10 2024 7:38 AM
John Duff bares all in Ptown
July 09 2024 5:41 PM
Here's everything you missed at Toronto's unbelievable Pride festival
July 08 2024 3:35 PM
Electric Forest is the secret Pride festival you have to see to believe
July 05 2024 2:52 PM
Breckenridge, Colorado’s 10-Mile Pride is an unexpected haven of queer joy
June 30 2024 10:36 PM
Insomniac is making history with the EDC Orlando 2024 lineup
June 27 2024 8:07 PM
What's hot this weekend at America's lesbian bars
June 27 2024 1:15 PM
75+ pics from Los Angeles Pride 2024
June 26 2024 9:18 AM
Top 10 Airbnb Gen Z international Pride destinations revealed
June 25 2024 12:24 PM
75+ pics of Providence Pride 2024 show how the other P-Town parties
June 24 2024 11:38 AM
NYC Pride 2024: your ultimate roundup of events and deals
June 24 2024 8:06 AM
Folsom Street East: 55+ pics of NYC's wild side!
June 21 2024 3:40 PM
55+ pics of Baltimore Pride tearing it up
June 20 2024 1:19 PM