Beyond the Tourist Trail: "Outside the Square" Adventures for the "Almost Independent" Gay TravellerFor the mature gay man, travel isn't just about ticking off famous landmarks. It's about enriching experiences, connecting with like-minded individuals, and discovering the heart and soul of a destination. If you're over 50, single or not, and yearning for adventures that go beyond the typical tourist trail, then "Outside the Square" travel might be just what you're looking for.
The Modern Gay Nomad: Seeking More Than Just a HolidayThe landscape of gay travel has evolved. Today's mature gay traveller seeks authenticity, connection, and value. They want to immerse themselves in local cultures, explore hidden gems, and forge bonds with fellow adventurers who share their passions and perspectives. This is where "Outside the Square" travel carves its niche, offering curated experiences designed specifically for the discerning mature gay man. Richard's Vision for "Outside the Square"I am Richard from New Zealand, and back in 2011, finding myself single, over 50, and completely over the 9-to-5 grind, I took the plunge and started "Outside the Square" OTS-Adventures. With a dream of forging a community of like minded people who would enjoy travelling together. Over the last 14 years it has evolved into what it is today from talking with the wonderful gay men who have travelled with me, about what they want in an adventure, what they fear, and what they want to experience. This personal journey has shaped OTS into the unique travel experience it is today. The Philosophy of "Less is More"A core philosophy of "OTS" is that "less is often more." trips are designed to foster a deep connection with each destination, focusing on experiencing the local culture / restaurants and atmosphere rather than simply rushing through a checklist of sights. This allows travellers to truly absorb the essence of a place and create lasting memories, we generally travel slower than other tours, spending 2-3 nights in places of interest, rather than ticking off sights. A Haven for Solo Travellers (and Adventurous Couples)I’m a person who loves the freedom of being solo, yet the travel industry is generally geared to couples. With OTS I have tried to create the kind of holiday a solo person would love to be part of, as much as a couple would. Or, as often happens, the adventurous half of a couple will join us, while their partner is at home. These days most trips are a lovely mix of gay couples and singles, what they all have in common is a desire to travel to unusual places away from the party scene, with interesting company. It’s about creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone. OTS understands and embraces the freedom of being solo, offering a travel experience that enhances, rather than diminishes, that freedom. What is "Outside the Square" Travel?"Outside the Square" travel is about venturing beyond the ordinary. It's about:
Comradeship and Connection: One of the most valuable aspects of "Outside the Square" travel is the sense of community it fosters. Travelling with a small group of like-minded gay men creates opportunities for genuine connections and lasting friendships. Sharing experiences, stories, and laughter with others who understand your perspective enhances the overall travel experience. Room of Your Own: Understanding the importance of personal space and privacy, we work really hard to negotiate affordable single room rates to keep any single supplement we may have to levy as low as possible. "OTS" ensures that every traveller has the option of their own room. This allows for personal downtime and reflection, while still enjoying the camaraderie of the group. For some tours where single room rates are high, (e.g. Botswana) then we try and buddy you up to share the cost with a fellow traveller. Quirky and Central Accommodations: Forget large, impersonal chain hotels. "OTS" prioritizes unique, centrally located 3-4*accommodations that reflect the character of the destination. These might include boutique hotels, charming guesthouses, or restored historical buildings, all chosen for their charm, comfort, and convenient location. Slower Pace: Unlike whirlwind tours that rush from one sight to the next, "Outside the Square" embraces a slower pace. With 2-3 nights in most locations, you'll have ample time to explore, relax, and truly immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. Popular Destinations: A World of Possibilities "Outside the Square" offers a diverse range of destinations, catering to various interests and travel styles. Some of our most popular 14-day tours include:
"Outside the Square" travel is more than just a vacation; it's an opportunity to connect, explore, and create lasting memories with a community of like-minded individuals. It's not for everyone, and only you know what you like. If it's party cruises, 5* hotels, luxury all the way, then we are probably not the right travel style for you, but the good news is there are some great Gay tour companies out there who cater well for this premium, faster travel style. If you think OTS may be your style of adventure then have a look at our website and sign up for our Newsletter to hear about up and coming trips. www.ots-adventures.com
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Our midyear 2024 Newsletter is out and you can view by clicking on the link below.
Mid Year Newsletter 2024 Most trips are full for this year, but there are still places available for 2025 to Ecuador and Argentina. Also just released are the dates for our "No Single supplement" Cambodia trip in 2026 and our 2 India trips and Thailand / Laos. Hope you get to join us on an adventure soon. Hi OTS Adventurers.
Our 2024 Newsletter is out and you can view by clicking on the link below. New Year Newsletter 2024 Most trips are full for this year, but there are still places available for the Nepal trek in October. There are also 2 spots left on our "No Single supplement" Cambodia trip in February 2025. We have just added an extra departure date for South Africa Lux in April 2025 as the May trip is showing full, so there is a second chance to get onto this very popular trip. Hope you get to join us on an adventure soon. Hi Everyone
Boy who would have thought the world would change so much in 10 days. Please safe, be kind to yourself and each other, and remember those on the front line and the millions who have overnight lost their jobs and livelihood. Most of us are currently confined in lock down somewhere around the world, so I thought I would give you a update, though updates seem to be a moving target at the moment. It has certainly been an eventful few days, as the Japan "Cherry Blossom tour" was just starting when all the ground rules changed, long story short, only one other person and myself made it to Japan as we were heading there 4 days early. In the end it became a scramble to get home again before boarders closed, and airlines stopped flying. David got back to Sydney just before Australia closed up, I could not get back to my apartment in Thailand as boarder closed to non Thais. Ended up getting a flight to UK which seemed to be the only country still open. Felt a bit like flying into the center of the storm after the normality of Japan. Now in isolation for 14 days before I can move in and help care for my elderly mother who is in the UKs over 70,s isolation. So whats happening ? Firstly I want to assure you that your trip deposits are safe, and fully transferable, to any future tour, at any time, to any tour. Ignore the 90 days notice in T&C we are under highly unusual conditions you can cancel and transfer the deposit at any time. Its becoming clear that this is going to be a long and rapidly changing event, each country is reacting differently, and each is at a different stage of the Pandemic. Policies are evolving and changing all the time. Things will settle down, but this is unlikely in the next 3-4 months. Airlines, are cancelling and rescheduling flights by the min, the policy for the most part is based on a rolling time frame, where free changes or voucher credits are offered only 1-2 months in advance of the departing flight, and valid for 12 months. Offers of refunds are rare (airlines are cash challenged) If your offered a refund, take it! the Airline may not be there in a few months. You can always re- book if the the trip is going ahead.If your offered a credit to use in 12 months, usually you can use it to any of that airlines destinations. If your offered only a date change then let me know, as I am in the process of rescheduling trip dates for next year. Travel insurance. A lot of companies have suspended sales of new policies. These policies exist to reassure us when we travel, they have been hit hard with claims, and currently do not offer cover for Covid 19, for policies issued after the 20th Jan (when WHO declared the virus a known event) Of course people will only buy these policies if they offer cover, so to continue selling the companies are now in the process of factoring in the current conditions, and will soon be marketing their new policies as such. I cannot predict the future but here are my current thoughts on the trips people are currently booked on. Cambodia (May) Boarders currently closed and all flights cancelled. This trip cannot go ahead as planned, and I will look at rescheduling for next year, or later this year. Everyone who had flights booked has had a credit, so all good. No one will loose any money. Burma (June) Boarders currently closed and all flights cancelled. My June flights have been cancelled ,which indicates the airlines think June is unlikely to happen. Many of you have flights booked for this trip, June may still be outside your airlines credit policy, so keep an eye out and let me know what is offered. (If you booked through Leisa you may be able to get a 12 month credit so contact her) If you are only offered a flight date change and not a credit, then move the dates to the next scheduled Burma trip in February 2021 (See website) and I will keep the price and inclusions of the low season 0 June departure for the high season trip. Sri Lanka (July) Boarders currently closed, and all flights suspended. Visas not being issued. For those of you with airline tickets I am almost certain airlines will be offering a credit for Sri Lanka for July, if offered take it. If only offered a time change then let me know and I will give you some new dates for next year. Peru (September) Peru is currently in lock down and transiting Chile is also not happening, however this is 6 months away and the landscape will be very different by then. Some airlines will no longer be flying and some hotels will have gone under, however, my feeling is this trip is likely to go ahead. For this trip we can revisit and see what is happening in the world in June-July. I will move full payment from 60 days prior to 30 days to give us more time. Airlines will need to be flying again, what is certain is the schedules will be reduced. Travel insurance will also need to have caught up with the situation for me to say its a good idea for us to go. Boarders will have to be open. So for Peru keep things open, I will keep you updated, you can cancel anytime and move your deposit to a future trip, or hold off making a decision and we can make it together early July. Many of you have your flights booked for this trip, including myself, airlines are likely only to release their policy on September flights around 60-90 days before, as they will be hoping things are getting back to normal by then. If the situation in July is still not looking good, then the trip will be postponed for a year. September is the best time of year for this trip and I will reschedule for the same time as long as the airlines are offering 12 month credit. Argentina (November) Boarders closed and the country is in total lock down. If things are not back to some type of normal by this stage, then there are unlikely to be any airlines to fly on anyway. So lets re visit this closer to the time. No one I know of has booked their airfare, other than me, so hold off please!! Argentina could be very hard hit and the economy is very fragile so, this is a wait and see. 2021 Tours The world will be a different place, but lets hope they will all be going ahead as planned. I am an optimist, and always believe something good will come out of this, lets hope the world learns, and starts working together to prevent future pandemics getting so out of hand. Lets make politicians Increase health funding, and up preparation and prevention. This pandemic may actually help climate change, and society may start focusing more on, food production, health care and the basics of a good healthy life, rather than mass consumerism. For me the one good thing with now being unemployed, is I can help care for my Mother who has dementia, and get to spend a bit of time with her while she still knows who I am. Wishing you all strength and goodwill to get us through these difficult times. Remember we may be upset we are loosing a holiday, but for many people in the countries we visit who rely on our tourism dollar, they have lost their jobs and livelihood. The wreckage from this is at many levels. As a "One man band" I am lucky I don't have to lay anyone off, but this week have to break the news to all the locals who make our trips so enjoyable, that this year they will have no income. Your deposits are safe, they are in a trust account. A huge thank you also to the front line, health staff battling this virus, and the many essential services keeping food on our tables and the basics of life happening. We salute you. "Wash your hands" be kind to each other. Stay safe. Richard Hi All
The Mid year newsletter is now out, with trips through to the end on 2019. For next year our NEW trip is Sri Lanka. There is still place on the Peru trip this year and also Tango 2 the one week adventure to discover Buenos Aires, and Montevideo. All the others are full this year sorry. Also in the planning is a trip to Japan in March 2020 for the Spring Blossom. Yes this is this years GREAT new adventure and it's coming together nicely, we are adding a 3 night 4 day optional addon to explore the upper reaches of the Amazon Jungle as for many this is a once in a lifetime trip and a must see. Contact me for more information.
Hi everyone, a number of you missed out this year on the Bali Boys and the Argentine Tango as they filled up so quick. I have added another Tango trip with timings more suited to USA flights and also managed to squeeze in time to run another Bali Boys next year on the 1st June 2019. Also please consider the Peru Gay Adventure Tour this fall.
Thinking of putting together a 2 week Morocco Trip for Oct 2014, anyone who has been and has some tips and suggestions please let me know. Also anyone who may be interested in joining a trip to this fascinating part of the world get in contact.
Few of us boys on the 12 night cruise on the magnificent 5 star Diamond Princess from Sydney to Auckland 28th January 2014 say hi if you your on the same ship and we can meet up. Another interesting tour is our South Africa Lux Gay friendly Tour.
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