Upset that gay marriage was repealed by Maine voters (albeit by a narrow margin)? My advice: go to Maine, spend your money, enjoy one of America's most beautiful states, make your presence known as gay and lesbian travelers. The key demographic that enabled this repeal to pass is fading, passing on, losing influence, becoming increasingly irrelevant. Had a similar vote been held in other states with gay marriage, it's quite possible the results would have been similar. History is on the side of basic human rights. The disappointing outcome of yesterday's election is a small bump in a long road.

Here's a gallery about one of my favorite Maine towns, Ogunquit.

I had the pleasure earlier this week to spend a few days exploring Vail, one of the world's most impressive ski destinations - as much for its sheer variety of ski terrain and resort amenities as for its scenic yet convenient location just off I-70 in Colorado's Rocky Mountains. Vail isn't secluded or cozy - it's an unabashedly larger-than-life ski community, and in recent years, as Aspen and Telluride have attained an increasing share of the GLBT ski travel market, Vail has steadily boosted its image as a gay-friendly getaway. The town's Vail Gay & Lesbian Ski Week, held January 27 through January 31 in 2010, continues to gain traction, and although there are not specific gay bars or accommodations in town, you'll generally find that hotels, condos, restaurants, and bars in these parts are quite progressive, sophisticated, and welcoming of GLBT visitors.

Here's my guide and photo gallery to gay-friendly Vail, including tips on approaching this mammoth - and incredibly beautiful - mountain. I'm an intermediate skier, so I've generally written about the ski terrain with a mid-level skier or snowboarder in mind. I'll be adding several more images and recommendations to this gallery in the coming weeks, including a number of additional hotels and restaurants.

The lackluster economy has torpedoed hotel rates in Las Vegas, where high-end properties that sold for $300 or $400 a night a year ago now sometimes offer deals dipping below $100, especially on weekdays when the city doesn't have any big conventions in town. Now - and right into winter - is a good time to try out some of the newer, swankier resorts in the city, such as Palazzo and Encore, or to book a room at one of the luxury stalwarts, like the Four Seasons or Ritz-Carlton Las Vegas. Here's a profile of the city's gay-friendly lodging scene, with recommendations at all price points.

Also be sure to take a look at my article on gay nightlife in Las Vegas, as well as the new photo gallery I've created on Sin City. I'll be adding more pictures over the coming week.

I'm just wrapping up a two-week adventure in Mexico, having spent the last six days in three beautiful cities - all with highly distinct charms - San Miguel de Allende, Mexico City, and Puebla. (I can also say my hotels in these three places - Casa de Sierra Nevada in San Miguel, Hotel Condesa in Mexico City, and La Purificadora in Puebla - have all been exceptional). I'll be writing plenty more about these cities in the coming months, as I will the friendly, culturally rich, and affordable city of Guadalajara, the second-largest metropolis in Mexico, which somewhat to my surprise, has a remarkably vibrant gay scene.

I'd long heard about the elegant buildings and churches that make up the city's historic center, the stylish shops and cafes of the fashionable suburb of Tlaquepaque, and the easy proximity to the beloved town of Tequila, home to the Sauza, Jose Cuervo, and numerous other fine distilleries. Indeed, there's much to see and do in Guadalajara and the surrounding region. But I hadn't known that the city has nearly two-dozen gay bars as well as gay-friendly colonial B&Bs and plenty of welcoming restaurants and cafes, the majority of them within easy walking distance of the central Plaza Tapatia.

I'll soon be creating a comprehensive guide and gallery to gay-friendly Guadalajara, as well as more detailed reviews of different places to stay, eat, and socialize. For now, here are just a few quick highlights I'd suggest any GLBT visitors to the city rank among their top priorities:

Viewing the brilliant (and mammoth) ceiling murals by Jose Clemente Orozco inside Instituto Cultural Cabanas, a former orphanage at one end of the City Center's main plaza that's been converted into a spectacular cultural arts center.

Eating tacos al pastor (delicious shepherd's-style lamb, pork, or goat tacos prepared at numerous street carts and small cafes around the city) or one of the frozen ice desserts (flavored with vanilla and walnut) sold by street vendors in Tlaquepaque.

Partying into the wee hours at one of Guadalajara's vibrant, friendly, and wildly energetic gay nightclubs - Black Cherry is the swankiest, Circus Club also has a great high-decibel sound system and a very hot crowd, Angel's is popular after-hours on Saturdays, and Club YeYe is a relaxed but hip gay cocktail bar - these are mostly in the City Center or nearby Zona Rosa

Staying at one of the city's old-world elegant B&Bs, such as the posh and gay-friendly Villa Ganz in Zona Rosa, or more affordable but still highly charming gay-owned (mixed gay/straight clientele) options near the City Center, such as La Perla and Old Guadalajara B&B.

Dining at some of the city's more sophisticated, high-end restaurants, which are still relatively affordable compared with other large North American cities. Two of my best meals were enjoyed at Hacienda Real San Pedro along the main Independencia pedestrian way in Tlaquepaque (stellar contemporary Mexican cuisine) and Cocina 88, a hip spot near Guadalajara's City Center that specializes in contemporary Mexican seafood and steaks and also has its own on-site wine shop.

Taking cooking classes or simply enjoying a student-prepared meal at the highly regarded Escuela Culinaria Internacional, one of several excellent culinary schools in Guadalajara.