This fall, Europe has once again come up with what you might call another pair of milestones in gay/lesbian visibility in general, and travel in particular: dedicated gay tourist offices in London and Amsterdam (not surprisingly, both in countries headed by queens).

The Dutch came (so to speak) first by a nose, when Amsterdam’s mayor presided over the August 29 opening of the Gay Tourist Information Centre (GAYtic), right downtown near Dam Square at Spuistraat 44. Run by an adjacent shop called Gays & Gadgets, it offers got a “kit” ready for all fags and dykes who wander in, including a gay map; a pair of local queer rags; up-to-date flyers, brochures, and party invites; discount coupon book; and a “surprise gadget.”  Knowing the Dutch, I’m almost afraid to ask about that last one. Anyway, the idea is to order said kit online at their site ahead of time, but if you just show up (Monday-Saturday 11am-8pm, Sunday noon-8pm), I’m sure you’ll be well taken care of.

Meanwhile, London’s Gay Tourist Office opened on October 22, also at a very conveniently central address: 30 Lisle Street, just off Leicester Square and right up the street from Picadilly Circus. Open daily except Sunday from noon till 6, it’s got knowledgeable staff, all sorts of queeraphernalia, ticket booking, WiFi, general tourist info, and even bar service (speaking of bars, conveniently, it’s just upstairs from one of London’s more popular homo watering holes, the two-level Ku Bar). Frankly, at the moment it’s much better for walk-ins than online; web site’s still pretty basic (if you want to try some sodomitic searching before leaving home, you’re better off trying a bunch of others, like DiscoDamaged.com, GayLondon.co.uk, GayLondonTravel.com, LondonGay.co.uk, London.GayCities.com, LondonGayMan.co.uk, QXMagazine, and SeenQueen.com).