HE Travel - Gay Travel Tours, Gay Adventure Travel, Active Vacations

Azores

Join us in the Azores!
Enjoy a week of hiking and e-biking
July 2026

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HE Travel:

The King of Gay Travel

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The Finest in Gay Travel Tours

Adventure, culture, leisure, or luxury—HE Travel is the leader in gay travel tours and gay adventure travel for gay men. With over 50 years of experience, HE Travel has been creating exceptional LGBTQ travel experiences since founder Hanns Ebensten pioneered the first exclusively gay adventure tour down the Grand Canyon in 1973.

Formerly known as Hanns Ebensten Travel and Alyson Adventures, the company rebranded as HE Travel in 2012, uniting decades of expertise under one trusted global brand. In 2014, we expanded further with the acquisition of OutQuest Global Adventures, adding even more expertly curated gay travel tours worldwide.

A person climbing down a cave on HE Travel's Wild Kiwi New Zealand Adventure Tour.

Our small-group gay vacations are designed first and foremost for gay men, while warmly welcoming lesbians and friends. Whether you’re a solo traveler looking to meet new friends, part of a couple seeking shared adventure, or a group of friends planning something special, HE Travel offers both scheduled departures and fully customized LGBTQ travel experiences tailored to your interests, pace, and style.

From immersive cultural journeys and epic gay adventure travel to private, bespoke itineraries, HE Travel goes far beyond the limits of a typical resort vacation. Travel openly, connect deeply, and explore the world with the most experienced name in gay travel.

Our Newsletters are funny, informative, and an absolute joy to read

Find the right pace for you

We have tours for every physical activity level

SEE TOURS BASED ON PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVEL

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Artists and Architects – Exploring Japan with Martha Blackwelder

Step into the heart of Japanese art and culture for an unforgettable 12-day journey created for art collectors, appraisers and people interested in Japan. This unique tour is designed and guided by Japanese art curator and founder of Unexpected Adventures, Martha Blackwelder.

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October 27 – November 7

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Azores Gay Hiking & Cycling Tour

Join our Gay Azores Hiking and Cycling tour. It’s overflowing with adventures with all of its National Parks. On this gay travel tour, you’ll have the opportunity to hike and cycle (all clients are on e-bikes) the beautiful terrain, eat the local food and explore the lovely island of São Miguel. It is a great way to enjoy a mix of outdoor activities over seven amazing days.

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July 11 – July 18

Christmas Market Tour – Austria, Germany, France and Switzerland

Experience THE BEST OF CHRISTMAS in Europe, from Mozart and the Habsburg Empress, Sissi’s castles in Vienna, gay King Ludwig’s heritage in Munich and Bavaria, the oldest and most famous Christmas market in Nuremberg, and the most beautifully-decorated fairy tale villages in the Alsace mountains and the stunning Christmas Capital Strasbourg.

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December 4 – December 14

North Vancouver Canada Adventure Tour Aerial View

Gay North Vancouver Island Canada Adventure Tour

Enjoy this week-long soft adventure tour around North Vancouver Island. View wildlife from land and water. Meet locals and hear the fascinating history of the local area. Breathe in the fresh air on hikes and relax on one of our lodge’s massive sunset decks. This tour offers a great mix for any adventurer.

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August 9 – August 15

Wengen: Gay Switzerland Hiking Tour

Pretty much everyone in Switzerland hikes, and once you’ve experienced a week in the Alps, you’ll understand why. On this new gay hiking trip, you will revel in new panoramas every day. Hike through fields of wildflowers and tiny alpine hamlets, past waterfalls and alongside cold, clear mountain streams. Enjoy this new addition to our Switzerland hiking portfolio.

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June 20 – June 27

Antarctica Adventure & Gay Cruise

Live the explorer’s dream during this 12-night cruise through the Beagle Channel and across the Drake Passage. Our March 2026 destination is the rarely visited Eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula, called the Weddell Sea. The Weddell Sea has the clearest water on earth and an abundance of wildlife. In 2026 this is a Basecamp Cruise featuring free hiking, kayaking, photo workshop, and even snorkeling for the intrepid.

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March 17 – March 29

He Travel Gay Travel Galapagos Multisport View Of a Fun Gay Tour Group

Gay Galapagos Multisport Adventure

Join our Gay Galapagos Islands Adventure Tour. From hiking the rim of an active volcano, Sierra Negra, to swimming with penguins, our Galapagos gay land adventure will take us to three distinctly unique volcanic Islands. Meet blue-footed boobies, Darwin’s finches, sea turtles, marine iguanas, and sea lions as we explore these picturesque islands.

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February 3 – February 11

A photo of a perfectly manicured chateaux on HE Travel's Gay Spanish Treasures Tour

Spanish Treasures Gay Travel Spain Cultural Tour

This gay holiday takes an intimate group of travelers to the most picturesque parts of gay Spain. Join us and explore the culture, history, and beauty of Madrid, Toledo, Seville, Cordoba, Ronda, Gibraltar, Granada with its magnificent Alhambra, and the scenic countryside in between.

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October 17 – October 28

A group of avid cyclists on HE Travel's Puglia Villa cycling Adventure

Puglia Villa – Gay Travel Italy Bike Tour

Spend a week cycling along ancient Roman lanes, coastal drives, and mountain paths. Each night, relax at an authentic gay owned and operated agriturismo, enjoying a glass of wine from the villa’s vineyards, gourmet meals, and a dip in the pool, with cute locals always stopping by to enjoy the festivities. Read a personal account of this tour on our Gay Travel Blog.

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May 2 – May 9

Large Iguana from the gay Galapagos Cruise hosted by gay travel company HE Travel

Galapagos Islands Gay Cruise

Existing in virtual isolation for millions of years, the Galapagos Islands are home to many species found nowhere else on Earth. Join this gay Galapagos island tour and experience this abundance and variety of equatorial wildlife closely, as we walk, hike, snorkel, swim, and imagine Darwin’s dream.

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May 19 – May 25

A view of Machu Picchu in Peru on HE Travel's Machu Picchu Luxury Tour.

Gay Machu Picchu Luxury Tour

Enjoy your time exploring Lima, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Cusco. Contemplate the towering Andean peaks (Incan gods) at sunrise over Machu Picchu. Explore Ollantaytambo, one of the last remaining Incan towns. Shop at colorful Andean markets and be carried away by native music on this LGBT Machu Picchu & Peru tour. Visit one of the most impressive temples, the Golden Temple, dedicated to the Sun God. Conclude your gay Machu Picchu tour at your final hotel in Cusco, an amazing five-centuries-old mansion.

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May 26 – June 3

A group of travelers is on a raft on the Colorado River with red rocks in the distance on HE Travel's Splash Grand Canyon Rafting Tour.

Splash! Gay Grand Canyon Rafting Adventure

Marvel at the breathtaking grandeur and vistas of the Grand Canyon, ride thrilling whitewater roller coasters, hike remote canyons to cascading waterfalls, and take time for self-reflection in profound quiet, while the Colorado River whispers you to sleep each night. Our Gay Travel Blog has personal stories from our guides: Zach, Sara, Trisha, Darin and Jim.

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July 1 – July 10

August 12 – August 21

Glacier National Park Gay Adventure

Known as the Switzerland of North America, Glacier National Park is one of America’s most photogenic places! From hiking the jagged trails to whitewater rafting, your hunger for adventure will be satisfied daily. Join us for an intimate encounter with the land, sky, ice and wide-open spaces on this beautiful multi-sport gay Montana adventure!

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July 10 – July 17

Mongolia Gay Cultural Vistas Tour

The vast open steppes, deserts, and hills of Mongolia beckon us to explore their secrets on our gay Mongolia tour. During our tour, local nomadic people will show us what they are most proud of. This will include the unique design of their flexible gers (yurts), and their annual summer long Naadam celebrations of wrestling, archery, and horseback riding. We will also explore the land’s ancient history through dinosaur fossils, Bronze Age petroglyphs, and even camel riding.

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August 20 – August 30

SW Gay Colorado Dude Ranch Adventure Tour

SW Colorado Dude Ranch Gay Adventure Tour

Grab your cowboy gear and head to a gorgeous Colorado dude ranch for a week of ranch-style activities. Enjoy horseback riding, fly fishing, whitewater rafting(depending on water level), amazing meals, and more. After each exhilarating day, you’ll have plenty of time to relax with a cold beverage, enjoy the scenery and enjoy the pool. The views are stunning from any spot on the property. Join us and experience the delights of the San Juan National Forest. This is an adult only week experience at the ranch. There is a 220 pound weight limit to be able to ride a horse on this tour.

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September 6 – September 12

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Scotland Gay Multisport Adventure Tour

Take a journey to marvelous Scotland and enjoy the many adventures that await you. The landscape is gorgeous and the wildlife is majestic. Spend a week hiking, canoeing, zip-lining, and more. The charming villages we stay in along the way will take you back to a simpler time.

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September 20 – September 27

Lake Como Amazing view on HE Travel tour

Gay Lake Como, Italy Adventure Tour

This Gay Lake Como tour offers fun activities with personalized attention each traveler’s interests. During the day we will enjoy hikes and e-bike rides through the scenic mountains of northern Italy. To wind down, we will enjoy fine dining with local wine in beautiful off-the-beaten-path settings. Come discover why some of the rich and famous (George Clooney for example) have also adopted this magnificent area for their lakeside villas and adventure playground!

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September 12 – September 19

a photo of a creperie where people eat delicious breakfast

Capitals of Central Europe Gay Cultural Tour to Budapest, Vienna, Prague

During the height of the Holy Roman Empire, Central Europe nurtured architectural and musical influences that continue to this day. Enjoy our gay cultural tours with walking, concerts, rejuvenating baths, and ample time to explore.

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September 23 – October 5

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Greek Classics: Gay Travel Greece Cultural Tour

Visit classic landmarks of Greece’s Golden Age in Athens, Sparta, Monemvasia, Olympia, and Delphi, and wander the lanes of ancient coastal villages of the Peloponnese Peninsula. Conclude your time in Greece with our relaxing 3-day optional extension to the picturesque (and very gay-friendly) island of Crete.

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October 7 – October 17

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Gay Malta Cultural Tour

Malta’s beautiful islands have long prompted territory wars, and some of its temples were built long before Stonehenge or Giza’s pyramids. When visiting now, Malta will remain for you an unforgettable experience. With some of the most sparkling waters in the world, Malta’s man-made monuments are a complement to these islands’ natural beauty.

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September 14 – September 21

A poolside view at the Puglia Villa on HE Travel's Puglia Villa Culinary Experience.

Puglia Villa Culinary Experience Gay Travel Italy

Savor the rich traditions of Italy’s Adriatic coast in Puglia. During the day, you’ll wander through historic towns, seaside villages, Swabian castles, and ancient cave homes that long pre-date the Renaissance. Each evening, unwind at our restored 14th-century villa and enjoy dinners made with fresh local ingredients, including extra virgin olive oil pressed from the villa’s own trees.

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October 17 – October 24

famous tenryuji garden on the HE Travel gay japan tour

Japan Gay Cultural Tour

Our gay Japan tour starts in modern Tokyo, then spends two nights in the traditional samurai village of Takayama. Next is Kyoto, with its abundance of temples and gardens and a visit to an art museum built into a hillside. Our unique Extension visits either the world-renowned Benesse Art Site on Naoshima Island or the beautiful remote lush Iya Valley (Benesse in 2026) and Hiroshima to see both the solemn Peace Park and beautiful Miyajima Island. And if you have extra time, join us for a night in a Buddhist monastery in the mountain village of Koyasan.

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October 24 – November 2

Safari: Tanzania and Zanzibar Extension

Walk on the wild side in Tanzania! This gay safari hits all the best spots, starting from Arusha with distant views of Mt Kilimanjaro, to Tarangire National Park to see herds of elephants. We then climb up the East African Rift to a wild wonderland of exotic animals who have created an ecosystem in the basin of a great volcanic crater. Many cultures have left their imprint and we visit a few, including ancient hominids found at Olduvai Gorge and the current Maasai warriors closely guarding their prized cattle from natural predators. The last half of our safari is spent on the expansive savannas of the Serengeti, said to be the greatest assemblage of wild mammals in Africa.

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November 9 – November 18

A side view of the SS Karim docked on HE Travel's Nile in Style Tour.

Nile in Style: Gay Egypt Cultural Tour

Egypt has enchanted visitors throughout history and our gay Egypt tour is no exception. The riches of antiquity are our destination and our backdrop as we cruise through the land of the pharaohs.

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November 21 – December 2

November 20 – December 1

handsome group of men with the horns in the background on the HE Travel gay adventure in patagonia Chile

Patagonia: Bottom of the World – Gay Chile Adventure

Our small gay Chile tour group will revel in the vastness and natural grandeur of this remote region, with a focus on adventure! Enjoy hiking and kayaking through the varied terrain of Patagonia, all with a friendly group of gay travelers! Read more about how we developed this tour on our Gay Travel Blog.

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December 4 – December 13

Costa Rica Gay Travel: The Dream Adventure Tour

This gay Costa Rica dream adventure is the perfect mix of adrenaline and relaxation. We’ll start the tour in amazing accommodations hidden in the Dry Tropical Forest next to a river fed by thermal hot springs. Dine under the stars. Listen to the sounds of nature and get the blood pumping with activities of zip-lining and rappelling. The last three days of the tour will be at a deluxe Pacific Coast resort, including sailing on the calm bay.

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December 7 – December 14

Gay Thailand Temples and Cultural Tour

Our friendly gay Thailand tour will have us visiting several lush and historic regions of this diverse land. Explore Bangkok, a national park along the River Kwai, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, and many other amazing locations including a verdant jungle hideaway near Phuket. Wander among ancient temples, markets, and ruins all while lodging in amazing hotels that reflect the character of their surroundings. Extend your stay on our optional 2-night extension near Phuket’s beautiful beaches and gay-friendly nightlife.

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January 8 – January 22

A big pyramid on HE Travel's Mayan Wonder Tour for Gay Travel

Mayan Wonders of Yucatan Tour

Travel to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula to be immersed in the history of Mayan civilization while exploring ancient temples. Join a fun gay group to climb the ruins, walk along an endless sandy beach in Playa del Carmen, swim in a deep blue cenote, and learn about the Spanish conquest of this ancient land.

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Bali Gay Cultural Tour

Experience Bali’s culture, history, people and cuisine firsthand as you visit its colorful temples, rice terraces, markets and natural attractions including hot springs, volcanoes, and lush jungles. The island of Bali, its people, plus its many religious shrines and sites are permeated with Balinese Hinduism, which has its roots in Indian Hinduism and Buddhism.

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March 27 – April 5

Morocco Magic and Mystery Gay Travel Cultural Tour

Morocco has a natural seductiveness, a charisma which attracts travelers like an exotic lover. Our gay Morocco tour takes us to beautiful ancient cities and modern metropolises; from the gorgeous coast to quaint remote towns on the far edges of the desert. Morocco’s arms are open for all who recognize its romance.

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October 11 – October 21

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Italy Unveiled Gay Cultural Tour of the Amalfi Coast and Puglia

Join an exquisite gay cultural tour of Italy with a congenial gay group. We will explore the Amalfi Coast, Capri and the enchanting regions of Basilicata and Puglia. We’ll delve into the history of Pompeii, and delight in the natural splendor of the region. We’ll admire the tenacity with which ancient residents settled the cliffs and islands of the Mediterranean.

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September 26 – October 5

Gay Travel Türkiye Cultural Tour

From Istanbul to the ancient city of Ephesus, and the beautiful Turquoise Coast to the mysterious landscape of the Anatolian heartland. On this gay travel Türkiye tour, we’ll explore the best of this fascinating crossroads of civilization. Enjoy stunning city sites, archaeological wonders and a boat ride along the coast in a classic vessel on our gay tour of Türkiye.

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October 4 – October 16

Culinary Tours

HE Travel is known for offering the finest gay cultural tours on Earth. These tours range from “relaxing” to “soft adventure.”

Adventure Tours

Since 1973 HE Travel has set the standards of Gay Adventure Tours. Theses tours range from “soft-adventure to high-adrenaline.”

Custom Tours

Want something a little more customized for you? Maybe you want a romantic holiday, an extension on a tour, or a holiday with friends?

Adrenaline Club

Gay guys and lesbians can be pretty tough. From canyoning to bungee jumping, the adrenaline club is for the most adventurous gay travelers.

From the Blog

International Travel Update: Middle East Flight Routes and HE Travel Tours

International Travel Update: Middle East Flight Routes and HE Travel Tours

As many travelers have seen in the news, the current conflict in parts of the Middle East has raised understandable questions about international travel routes and airline connections.At HE Travel, the safety and comfort of our travelers is always our top priority. Our team actively monitors global travel conditions and works closely with airline partners to ensure that all tour

Zachary’s Notes – January — On the Road, On Purpose

Zachary’s Notes – January — On the Road, On Purpose

January is always a strange and wonderful month in travel.

The holidays are barely behind us, calendars are suddenly serious again, and yet… this is when the year truly reveals itself. Plans solidify. Conversations turn real. People stop talking about travel and start committing to it.

For me, this past month has been spent almost entirely in motion. Between continents,

Zachary’s Notes – October 2025:

Zachary’s Notes – October 2025:

After the Storms: Finding Calm, Connection, and the Courage to Travel Again

Two years, four hurricanes, and one long stretch of personal repair. Zachary Moses shares how storms—both physical and emotional—reshaped his outlook on travel, resilience, and the meaning of moving forward.

By Zachary Moses, Chief Experience Officer, HE TravelPublished October 2025

Weathering

Zachary’s January 2025 Notes: Weddings, Holidays, and Customer Appreciation

Zachary’s January 2025 Notes: Weddings, Holidays, and Customer Appreciation

This January has been a month of celebration, reflection, and gratitude. Here’s a glimpse into my personal and professional highlights as we kick off 2025, and Customer Appreciation Month!

A Special Wedding Ceremony

I had the honor of officiating the wedding of my dear friends and neighbors, Nancy and Dave. Nancy requested a short and sweet ceremony without public vows,

Zachary’s Notes – August 2024 – Nostalgia

Zachary’s Notes – August 2024 – Nostalgia

We’re entering the third month of our season in Salt Lake City.

We’re still here for a couple of months more. I was worried that I would be forced to go back to Florida early, to deal with a hurricane flood, caused when Hurricane Debby descended on the Big Bend region this last week. The storm brought us a large tidal surge, but luckily the water came up shy about 3 inches below

Zachary’s Notes – Excavator Adventures & Travel Updates – July 2024

Zachary’s Notes – Excavator Adventures & Travel Updates – July 2024

It has been a while since I’ve written my travel notes…

I’ve been extremely busy. Other than a few trips to Southeast Asia, I’ve stayed at home this winter in Cedar Key, Florida.

Trisha and I are still rebuilding parts of our house from Hurricane Idalia flood damage, and I’ve tried to keep myself as local as possible, while we fast-track repairs. Even working at speed, I

Plant a Tree Program

6816

As of today we have planted

trees.

HE Travel has become increasingly aware of the environmental impact traveling causes. Since travel is part of our name, we believe it is important to help offset the damage…

Testimonials

Vikings and Volcanoes

“Our Iceland trip was great. What a unique and fascinating place to visit—from the glaciers and the tectonic plates, to the waterfalls, geysers, and lava tubes. Great guides and a great group of guys.”

Ron Roman

Oak Park, IL

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Octopus’s Garden

Octopus’s Garden Scuba Trip

a diver lurks above vibrant coral off of saba

“The location was amazing. It’s hard to choose what I loved most about this destination, the food, the locals, the diving, hotel was amazing and friendly staff. Our hosts were most accommodating and every F&B place that we attended served an amazing dinner, the trip should be called Dine and Dive. If you’re looking for amazing views, diving and want to feel like a local, Saba is your place! I cant wait to return.”

Michael Tapia

Las Vegas, NV

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Jewels of India

“Seeing the Taj Mahal and the Mt Everest flight were on my ‘bucket’ list. It was my 16th (I think…) trip with HE travel and my 6th with Andrew as guide. Y’all must be doing something right… :=) Now if my bank account could have some time to catch up! The Kathmandu pre-trip was very good and the Everest flight was a dream come true.”

Jack Alden

Charlotte, NC

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