Air travel in the era of Covid-19

[snotface]

We can only hope that the situation improves soon.


https://thethaiger.com/coronavirus/i-flew-out-of-thailand-to-get-a-new-visa-one-persons-experience-with-the-new-normal

[gerefan2]

I cannot see any tourists having to go through that. They just wouldn’t bother going..
It’s just put me right off!

[Nirish guy]

I see Richard Barrow was posting yesterday that the President of the Tourism Association of Koh Samui is meeting his sub committee to "Brain Storm" how they can re admit tourists to Samui,. So far the best they've come up with seems to be "....that "eligible tourists" (whoever THAT is) MUST travel to Thailand with Thai Airways then fly to Samui, then if the tourist tests negative for seven days ( consecutive days or AFTER 7 days I wonder do they mean) they can leave their room but remain in the hotel, then after 14 days if still clear they will be allowed to travel outside after being issued with a special wristband"

The fact that they will need to self isolate again on their return to almost anywhere for a further two weeks doesn't of course come into their thinking - but in reality it means that a two week family holiday to Samui, which I'm guessing makes up a large amount of their tourism is for most normal holidaying tourists still well out of reach for a while yet it seems :-(

[goji]

Even if Thailand hypothetically went for complete relaxation and set all the entry requirements as 12 months ago, there will be a reduction in tourism, as some will not travel and other would have quarantine upon returning home.

If they went tor a more realistic & sensible scenario of allowing unrestricted entry for people from countries with low infection rates, that's a more substantial reduction in tourism.

If they go for 14 day quarantine, then that's going to eliminate all of the regular 2 week tourists and probably anyone going for up to 4 weeks. Even some of us who might go for 3 months would not be certain to accept 14 day quarantine. So you have a very small number of tourists left in this scenario.

So if they want a meaningful opening up of tourism, the rules need to be realistic enough for them to actually get large numbers of tourists.

[christianpfc]

All countries in SEAsia managed (or were lucky) to keep numbers low or zero. They are all closed at the moment, and they have a lot to lose (health-wise) by admitting foreigners.

On the other hand, Brazil (of interest to me!) and Turkey (no interest) are open to everyone, they have nothing to lose (health-wise), only to gain (economical).

[goji]

All countries in SEAsia managed (or were lucky) to keep numbers low or zero. They are all closed at the moment, and they have a lot to lose (health-wise) by admitting foreigners.

On the other hand, Brazil (of interest to me!) and Turkey (no interest) are open to everyone, they have nothing to lose (health-wise), only to gain (economical).

Correct, although for how long Thailand can disregard it's economy remains to be seen. There are already lots of protests.

Those like yourself, who are young enough to have a very low risk of complications from Covid probably have a good opportunity to visit Brazil.
Once past 50, the covid death rates start creeping up & we have to think about that more carefully. I guess the travel insurance could also be expensive.
Of course, if it gets to the point where I can't go to SE Asia in December or January and covid case numbers in Brazil have fallen dramatically, then it might be time to look at that option more closely.

[colmx]

On the other hand, Brazil (of interest to me!) and Turkey (no interest)

I am curious as to what makes you interested in Brazil?

From what I can see in Ireland/UK/Spain and online on dating/rent sites the majority of Brazilians are bearded, hairy (trimmed but still stubbled), muscle gods... which is the exact opposite of what I understand your preference to be?

Colombia on the other hand is of far more interest to me!

[christianpfc]

I am curious as to what makes you interested in Brazil?

From what I can see in Ireland/UK/Spain and online on dating/rent sites the majority of Brazilians are bearded, hairy (trimmed but still stubbled), muscle gods... which is the exact opposite of what I understand your preference to be?

Colombia on the other hand is of far more interest to me!

My requirements for a holiday destination: warm weather, cheap living, some culture (architecture, museums, parks and gardens) and nature (rocks and mountains, I'm not interested in beaches except for ogling men in swimwear, but then I don't like sun, water, sand which would spoil it) and a developed gay scene (free or pay doesn't matter at the beginning).

A friend who has been to Colombia and enjoyed their boys recommended I go there rather than Brazil, but he has not been to Brazil. Currently Colombia is closed to tourists, Brazil is open. Other than that, both would rank similar.

I'm in indeed interested in slim, hairless, brown twinks, but have developed a small interest in muscle. Body hair is a big no-no. In the end, I have to go there and see for myself how the boy and safety situation is. Even if no boy business, I will be one month closer to returning to Thailand (one week preparation for Brazil, two weeks there, one week processing of data).

Half a year ago it would not have occurred to me that I might spend my next holiday in Brazil. But worldwide travel situation has changed to such an extent that Brazil moved to place 1.

[sglad]

All countries in SEAsia managed (or were lucky) to keep numbers low or zero. They are all closed at the moment, and they have a lot to lose (health-wise) by admitting foreigners.


Wrong. Indonesia had 1,902 confirmed cases yesterday, bringing the total number of infections nationwide to 144,945. And the virus has spread to all of the country's 34 provinces.

https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2020/03/23/indonesias-latest-covid-19-figures.html

The Philippines has had 173,774 confirmed cases, with 4650 cases reported yesterday alone.

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/covid-19-philippines-manila-lockdown-coronavirus-13034432

My own country has 56,031 confirmed cases, mainly among our foreign worker population.

We don't even know what's really happening in a "closed" country like Myanmar or whether we can trust official figures.

So no, not all SE Asian countries "managed (or were lucky) to keep numbers low or zero".

[latintopxxx]

i suspect that a lot of these countries use the trump method...no testing so cases...simple really...

[jimnbkk]

For me, the answer is to wait until there is a vaccine that is accepted by all-concerned. Once the vaccine is available then the rules will likely change (even in Thailand). When that happens, probably next year, I will start work on a visa again. In the meantime, I'll read the forums and chat on facebook with my Thai friends.

[Dodger]

My requirements for a holiday destination: warm weather, cheap living, some culture (architecture, museums, parks and gardens) and nature (rocks and mountains, I'm not interested in beaches except for ogling men in swimwear, but then I don't like sun, water, sand which would spoil it) and a developed gay scene (free or pay doesn't matter at the beginning)..

Have you considered Tunisia?

The only reason I'm asking is because a friend of mine from England selected Tunisia as an alternate to Thailand several years ago and gives it high marks. e.g. warm weather, some culture, cheap, and he claims that money boys are plentiful. He prefers slim, brown-skinned pretty boys, as I do.

[arsenal]

Tunisia! Not particularly warm in the winter and homosexuality is illegal.

[Oliver2]

Very cute guys....the whole of North Africa was an earlier generation's version of Thailand . For sixty-plus years, British gay men travelled to Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria to meet with handsome young guys anxious for their money. Oscar Wilde and Andre Gide in the late 19th century, William Burroughs, Tennessee Williams and Joe Orton more recently.....all had good times there.
The Nubian guys of southern Egypt are, for me, the most attractive in the world. But, as with my experiences in various parts of Morocco, it's much too dangerous. This is why Thailand remains unbeatable.

[snotface]

My first overseas trip in which sexual adventures were part of the plan was to the island of Djerba off the Tunisian mainland in the mid-1980s. It was November if I recall rightly and still quite warm. I had a couple of fumbling adventures in the old town which, if not particularly satisfying, at least made me feel terribly daring. I was smitten by one of the waiters at my hotel but was far too shy to approach him. He served me my evening meal one day and as he leaned over the table I thought I heard him mutter something. As he walked away I thought to myself did he just say 'I love you'? I wasn't sure if he had really said such an extraordinary thing or desire had prompted me to imagine it. To this day I'm not sure. Certainly he showed no interest during the rest of my stay.

Then on my last morning I went to the souk to look for souvenirs and a most beautiful young man in a carpet shop made his interest so clear that even I could not misinterpret it. Bingo, right? Wrong. The previous afternoon I had eaten unwashed figs and was aware of the folly of it even as I did so. Now, with this beautiful, available creature before me, all I could focus on was the fact that my digestive system was shot to pieces and another trip to the loo (there had been several during the night) was imminent. I had to excuse myself and leave pronto.

A couple of years later I made my first trip to Thailand and the business of being a sex tourist suddenly became a whole lot easier, not to mention incredibly exciting. No other destination got a look in after that.

[christianpfc]

Wrong. Indonesia had 1,902 confirmed cases yesterday, bringing the total number of infections nationwide to 144,945. And the virus has spread to all of the country's 34 provinces.

The Philippines has had 173,774 confirmed cases, with 4650 cases reported yesterday alone.

My own country has 56,031 confirmed cases, mainly among our foreign worker population.

We don't even know what's really happening in a "closed" country like Myanmar or whether we can trust official figures.

So no, not all SE Asian countries "managed (or were lucky) to keep numbers low or zero".

You are right. I was only looking at Thailand and Vietnam, where closing the country worked.

That makes it even stranger, why are Indonesia and Philippines not opening, when they have nothing to lose health-wise by admitting foreign tourist? But their country, their decision. I will take my business and my money somewhere that is welcoming to tourists.


Have you considered Tunisia?
No. But now that you mentioned it, what I heard so far (concerning gay activities in Tunisia) was positive. And indeed, it ticks all my other boxes.

However, with homosexuality being illegal, Tunisia is pretty much off the list as a gay destination.

[Aux1010]

I'm also very interested in visiting South / Central American countries (especially Colombia / Brazil / Mexico).

All my travel to date has been in Asia.

I'm not overly safety-conscious/adverse (based on a number of factors), but I do wonder if travel in that region will become increasingly more dangerous over a short period of time based on the current situation (job losses / resulting homelessness / increased pressure to support family) leading to more thefts / robbery / general opportunistic crime etc??

[goji]

On a now closed gay forum, I recall one member raving about the number of lads available in Morocco for a relatively small fee.
I was somewhat surprised, so asked him a couple of times exactly what services he was getting. Well, it turns out he was paying them so he could s*ck their c*cks.
I'd have zero interest in paying for that.

Anyhow, when someone is raving about a new destination, I think it's rather relevant to check what services are offered.
My general impression is that a bottom would have way more sex than a top in certain parts of the world.

[arsenal]

In China they normally ask 1 or 0. The other day I was asked "attack or suffer?" Made me laugh.

[Marc K]

I'm also very interested in visiting South / Central American countries (especially Colombia / Brazil / Mexico).

I'm not overly safety-conscious/adverse (based on a number of factors), but I do wonder if travel in that region will become increasingly more dangerous over a short period of time based on the current situation (job losses / resulting homelessness / increased pressure to support family) leading to more thefts / robbery / general opportunistic crime etc??

I've been to all three - Colombia (Caribbean side), Brasil (mostly Rio) and Mexico City as well as some of the over-touristed Pacific coast cities All three countries are a joy. It is not as easy (who wants "easy"?) to buy pleasure "off the rack" as it is in Thailand no doubt, but the thrill of the prowl is even more exhilarating. To me there is something far more sensual about the Latin cultures, where they are far better at communicating with their eyes and body language than are the Thai MBs or any stilted Europeans ever could. :)

But yes all three of those countries (I add Perú and also Argentina to the mix) suffer mightily from "opportunistic crime". My advice, when there obviously don't drape yourself in gold chains and baubles nor should you dress like a bum. Just dress cleanly, nicely and smile a lot! These cultures like to be smiled at, and while Thailand is known (rightly so) as the LOS, the Thais certainly do not have a monopoly in that department.

One word on Tunisia -- yes very interesting situation there with an electric mix of Arab (read, horny!), caucasian (French) (read, good food) and Berber (read, native lack of inhibition) blood. Arab baguettes (juicy), French baguettes (delectable) and Berber baguettes (late-bake).

[dinagam]

In China they normally ask 1 or 0. The other day I was asked "attack or suffer?" Made me laugh.


I hope you didn't suffer eventually.

[latintopxxx]

...have to agree with marc k....Thailand definitely makes it real easy...anything from fem twinkies...to muscle guys...to older guys...to very average guys...either displayed nicely on a stage like stock...or online like ....sex on delivery...
sure places like Brazil have similar set ups...easiest place are certain saunas...not all...but lots do have money boys...and again there are lots online...but they are certainly not as docile and eager to please like in Thailand...not as cheap as Thailand...but still a bargain
Been to Morocco...was fun...but far too much effort...and good non fem bottoms were hard to find...
Turkey was good...but again there was a certain edge to the place I didnt enjoy...

[goji]

Does Brazil have easily available cute slim twinks to bottom ?

There are plenty of these in Thailand, even if they are increasingly from Laos and Cambodia.
I suspect a lot more sorting and filtering would be needed in Brazil ?

My last offer from a Brazilian was in the rental sauna in Madrid. He had an absolutely enormous muscular chest, with an equally large diameter around the gut. Must have been about 40.
I declined.

[Nirish guy]

I suspect a lot more sorting and filtering would be needed in Brazil ?

Now there's a reason to take Christian on holiday with you if there ever was one ! :)

[latintopxxx]

brazilians mbs are very much into working out...most are beautifully muscled...twinks are not in fashion...most money boys in saunas are gorgeous...can find them in saunas in europe too...particularly german part of switzerland...

[Keith]

When i was in Rio in early March met up with a London escort who was working in Rio. He was a bottom. He had an attractive Brazilian friend for a 3some, but He was a top, and did not speak English. Good show though! The Lon don guy also worked in a Club where was a live sex show, and the audience could join in! Sadly I didn't make it, as I was on business, and it started at 2am! Will closed now since Covid.

[latintopxxx]

...kinda off topic...not really mb territory...but yes quite a few clubs have a fuck show almost always after 1am...usually on a low stage in the center of the dance floor...audience participation is encourages...the guys putting on the show are awfully brave as they get molested and groped and fingered non stop whiulst trying to perform...the show is basically the start of a free for all orgy...Brazil is nice like that...full of surprises

[Keith]

Just to say the 'London' guy I talked about was an MB, located on Rent.Men, there were about half a dozen there.

[latintopxxx]

...if he;s in London then he will be charging London prices...they learn fast....in small town brazil A1 prime beef can be had for the price of budget mince in London

[Keith]

Actually, he charged Rio prices, including a really good massage , not just the usual perfunctory rub down. He us now in London, 'Marco. Now London prices!

[latintopxxx]

...apologies...must have misunderstood your original post...thought u had initially engaged his services in London...however even in Brazil they have "tourist menu" prices...so always best to do a little homework beforehand...

[Keith]

Thanks! Will bear this in mind, when, and if, I can go back! Would also like to investigate the saunas. Many years ago, pre HIV, the Sauna Leblon was full of available boys, No condoms then. I recall a room with beds lined up where you took your boy! Also steam rooms where you could just enter any arse you found! Mind you, I was young then!

[siscu58]

My last offer from a Brazilian was in the rental sauna in Madrid. He had an absolutely enormous muscular chest, with an equally large diameter around the gut. Must have been about 40.
I declined.

Most Brazilian MB that you can find in Spain are old MB who are already retired from business in Brazil because they are too used/known by the local patrons. Most have also overly used anabolic hormones and have several chronical STDs.

[sglad]

We can only hope that the situation improves soon.


https://thethaiger.com/coronavirus/i-flew-out-of-thailand-to-get-a-new-visa-one-persons-experience-with-the-new-normal

While I sympathise with the the narrator of the story in the link above and understand his motivation for making the decisions that he did, a little bit more research on his part could have saved him all that trouble and expense. There are plenty of visas available in the market now that would allow foreigners already in the country to stay on for a year (after the current amnesty ends) without having to leave the country to get them. Volunteer visas, student visas, you name it. Study Thai, self-defence, muay Thai, Thai cooking, Buddhism, whatever. And you don't even have to attend classes because there are online options available, 555! All in for 55,000Bt or so, including tuition. They will even pick up your passport and deliver it to you when all the formalities are completed. My digital nomad friends in Chiang Mai who were so worried a few months ago when the borders closed and they could no longer do visa runs are breathing easily again.