Travel
Big Gay Party Week: What’s In Your Bag?
Feb
Vamos Festa! It’s time for a real Jol! Hooly-dooley, lets crack open a tinnie! Yes, party seasons has started and there are gays all over the world packing for the party of a lifetime. This week sees it all kick of with Mardi Gras Pride, Rio Carnival and Cape Town Pride and what an explosive way to start. Cape Town and Rio were two of the most incredible travel experiences of my life. I definitely recommend going for the experience. Mardi Gras is next on my to do gay bucket list so travel buddies are welcome!
My travelling party buddies have ranged from good friends to new love interests. Sometimes even the occasional dancefloor acquaintance from previous meets. Whoever you go with, jetting off on holiday with someone puts any type of relationship to the test. And what better way to start to suss someone out than having a peek inside their bag! (I’m not suggesting you go poking around in your latest piece of trades suitcase by the way!)
We asked a few well-known faces what we would find in their suitcases on their way to a big gay party holiday! And here is what they told us…
James Kleinmann – The Broadcaster
James is a Brit living in New York City and a busy boy. He works as a film reviewer, broadcaster and interviewer of movie stars. He’s also an actor, voice artist and filmmaker.
I’ve never been on a gay holiday or cruise. But if I was planning to go on one, I’d definitely be packing plenty of tank tops, short shorts and jock straps for the gym. Afterall, I would need to stay toned for all the obligatory topless photos! Several pairs of Speedos, as wearing the same ones every is a no no. I bought a silver leather harness for last year’s NYC Pride, so I’d be taking that along to get some more wear out of it. Not to mention lots of t-shirt’s with cheeky gay references as conversation starters. Sunglasses of course, especially for the delicate morning after the night before. Plenty of sunscreen and my favourite straw Paul Smith sunhat.
Smelling good is an important part of feeling confident. So I’d treat myself to one oof my favourite scents, Tom Ford Fucking Fabulous.
Timmy Essex – The Fitness Model
You will recognise the gorgeous Timmy Essex from our recent Best Gay Life shoot and as a regular on our IG. Timmy is a fitness model and personality who has recently relocated to London. We love Timmy here at BGL, and we are not quite sure if it’s more because of his big abs or even bigger heart!
Well I’m sure that you might be one of the best views there Timmy!
I used to be a regular on the London gay scene, hitting the clubs and bars most weekends! But now I’m in my 30s I limit this to once every couple of months. I prefer to attend the larger events, like the bank holiday and special events! Got to hit that dancefloor and shake a leg or two from time to time! Generally I go all out on these occasions. I have attended gay prides around the world; last year was London, Brighton and LA pride! This year I plan to do Gran Canarias Pride for the first time.
My essentials for this trip will be:
A few pairs of designer sunglasses,
Coconut oil to make my skin glisten and shine in the sun
At least five pairs of swimwear and a large selection of white and coloured skimpy outfits!
Less is always more for me on a beach break!
AAMYKO The DJ
AAMYKO is a well-known face (and smoking hot body) on the London DJ circuit and a resident DJ at Gymbox Covent Garden, Bank & at The Village, Soho. If you haven’t heard AAMYKO’s new Podcast Thirsty Bitches, then you need to grab your nearest device and get downloading. Presented with co host, DJ Keyth David, this podcast is the best thing on my iPhone. Keyth and AAMAYKO recently snatched the number 1 spot on the worldwide Podcast Chart. The podcast has funky tunes, intelligent chat and damn right raucous behaviour. I love it!
High maintenance you say? Me? NEVER! Packing for a holiday is already tough enough for a gay like me. Add Carnival or Mardi Gras to the mix and you can bet your bottom dildo that I’ll be taking at least of 2 suitcases and a carry on (or two).
Why? You ask… Well for me it’s all about having options in clothes, sunglasses, hats, bronzes, shoes, sex toys… I mean we could be here all day. When I’m away on holiday I like to feel like I can carry a bit of my lifestyle to whatever destination I may be jetting off to.
Some call it over packing, but for me I call it “the basics!” #SorryNotSorry
Mike Singh – The Fitness Competition Competitor
Mike is a BGL regular model and you will have seen him burning up our IG stories recently. He’s the gorgeous pint-sized fitness model that left behind his winning streak of medals in national American Fitness competitions to join us here in the UK. And damn are we glad he did. His combination of big personality, warmth and amazing physique have led to him taking the British scene by storm, so you will definitely be seeing more of him.
As a fitness model it’s all about the food, even when I go on holiday. What they say about the connection between your abs and your diet is all true, so as a fitness model you can’t have a week off. I never go anywhere without my selected protein bars and protein powder. The type of protein that I take will depend on what my goals are at that particular time.
Then there are all the standard things…sexy underwear, plenty of swimwear and a good book. Oh, and oils! I have a bit of a thing for oils, so you will always find some in my bag. Lavender oil is a favourite! You won’t believe all the benefits: aiding digestion; improving blood circulation; anti-bacterial properties…and that’s for starters. You will also always find coconut oil, that’s good for a lot of things!
Nathan Dean – The Actor and Model
Nathan is an actor and model, born and bred in London and currently living between London and LA. He is another familiar face as a BGL favourite who recently took our shoot by storm.
I used to be a regular on the London gay scene, hitting the clubs and bars most weekends! But now I’m in my 30s I limit this to once every couple of months. I prefer to attend the larger events, like the bank holiday and special events! Got to hit that dancefloor and shake a leg or two from time to time! I generally go all out on these occasions and have attended gay prides around the world; last year was London, Brighton and LA pride!
This year I plan to do Gran Canarias Pride for the first time. The essentials I will have in my suitcase for this trip will be a few pairs of designer sunglasses, coconut oil to make my skin glisten and shine in the sun, at least five pairs of swimwear and a large selection of white and brightly coloured skimpy outfits! Less is always more for me on a beach break! If you’re there this year, look out for me! And if you see me, come and say hi! I am a friendly guy!
It wouldn’t be fair if we made everyone else spill the tea and we kept our travel bag tips a secret. I asked around the BGL office and there were some interesting findings. It seems that coconut oil is a big favourite in all our bags. I also discovered that the pool parties are one of the most popular events on the circuit, so the waterproof money pouches are a must-have, and everyone here never fails to jet off with Pump! Tank top hoodie!
So go pack and go forward and party!