Journey Out Is Official OktoBEARfest Sponsor

Visit Munich. Feed the bears. OktoBEARfest is a blowout party with the MunichBears, and the group’s largest annual event. Coinciding with the first weekend of Oktoberfest, it features special events and parties hosted by the bear group, plus hard-to-come-by reserved seating in one of the beer tents at the Oktoberfest site.

What is a bear? Sometimes the subject of hot debate, the moniker can be tough to nail down. Generally it refers to a man who’s pretty much the physical opposite of an Abercrombie & Fitch model, is pretty laid back in temperament, and may have more blue in his collar than white.

Bears began coming together about 15 years ago after realizing they did not identify with the stereotypical gay male. Today there are over 500 bear clubs around the world in more than 100 countries. Hundreds of bears converge on Munich during Oktoberfest.

Oktoberfest began in Munich in 1810 as a wedding celebration. The party was so popular it was repeated the following year and every year since. 2005 will see the 172nd Oktoberfest celebration.

The event’s name is something of a misnomer. It does end in October, but actually begins three weeks earlier, in September. Journey Out’s full vacation package is from September 15 to 19, 2005.

Journey Out offers this once-in-a-lifetime chance to party with the MunichBears as part of a comprehensive five-day vacation package. Priced at $999, the tour includes hotel, welcome party, some meals, many activities, VIP passes to the MunichBears events, reserved seating at Oktoberfest and much more. Information and reservations: (800) 804-9016.

Guests joining Journey Out’s full vacation package will get their own “bear buddy.”

“Some of the MunichBears have volunteered to be partnered up with our guests,” explains Michael Brooks of Journey Out. “They can email before the trip, then meet in person in Munich. It’s a great chance to really meet the locals, share a beer or two, maybe visit a favorite restaurant, and learn first-hand what it’s like to live in Munich.”

"The friends I made while in Germany have become very special.” Said Alan Mathews, Mr. Northwest Bear 2004, about his trip to Munich with Journey Out. “See what your trips do for people – they help create great friendships."

OktoBEARfest is just one of Journey Out’s offerings. The company creates truly unique experiences: off-the-beaten-path places and activities you just can't get on your own or with any other tour company. They provide a novel twist on traditional tours: gay men and, on many trips lesbians, enjoy a carefully-researched vacation while traveling in friendly, intimate groups. Journey Out travelers are welcomed into communities who will celebrate their arrival and share their culture and traditions.

The tours are informal, uninhibited, and energetic with many unique activities; but most of all, they are designed with fun and relaxation in mind. They provide plenty of free time, options, and multi-night hotel stays (no need to re-pack all the time). There is a liberal refund policy (100% to 90 days prior to departure, minus the deposit) and a free payment plan.

Journey Out hopes their guests will make new friends, not only the people traveling together, but locals in the different places they visit. Tours include a welcome party to get acquainted and a farewell party to help with re-entry. Additional tours include La Vita Italia, an all-women’s food & wine tour; Costa Rica – the gay eco tour; and Carnaval in Rio, where guests don’t just watch the parade, they get to be in the parade.
http://www.JourneyOut.com
http://www.OktoBEARfest.com/
info@JourneyOut.com