With the 'rainbow season' fast approaching, it's time to look at some of the upcoming destinations that provide the perfect backdrop to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) festivities around the world. From the pool parties in Spain to the high heel racing in Miami, these international events see hundreds of millions of people unite to celebrate Gay Pride.
Waving the rainbow flag.
Miami - 8-14 April
With American Idol hottie, Adam Lambert, headlining, and an expected turnout of over 60,000 spectators, the Miami Beach Gay Pride is the up and coming rainbow celebration of the Sunshine State. Pride hosts its fifth annual parade on 14 April, along with a chance to totter down Ocean Drive in style at the high heel race. As long as you own a pair of three-inch heels, you could be in with a chance of winning one of the three cash prizes of $250. Although Miami is all the more vibrant during Pride, Miami as a holiday destination is sizzling all year round.
Not to miss: Dream nightclub on Washington Avenue holds the official closing party, known as Play, with tickets costing $25.
Things to do nearby: To escape the pulse of the city, the Everglades National Park isn't too far away and the mangrove forests of the Everglades can be explored by boat, kayak or on foot.
Tokyo - 28 April -6 May
If you're looking to get your teeth stuck into some Japanese culture, Tokyo celebrates the notorious Pride Parade on the 28 April. During the night, tourists and locals can sample the gay delights of the Ni-chome areas, rife with entertainment to suit every taste. In fact, Ni-chome alone has more of gay amenities in one district than anywhere else in the world, including popular hangout spots, the Annex and Arch.
Not to miss: As you're in Japan after all, sit among the cherry blossoms and enjoy a picnic in Yoyogi Park in the afternoon of 28th. Everyone is welcome!
Things to do nearby: Head up to the top of Tokyo Tower, a distant relative of the Eiffel tower, with a 360 degree view of the city at a height of almost 1,100ft.
Celebrating the best of Pride with a parade. Credit: thisisbossi
Maspalomas, Gran Canaria - 4-12 May
Grab your swimming costume, head to Gay Pride Maspalomas and dip your toes into a different pool party every day! Splash about at the 1950s themed opening party on 5 May and, as if that wasn't enough, there are comedy nights, boat trips and free music concerts to tickle your fancy all week long, too. The grand finale of this vivacious week is the Pride Parade along the streets of Playa del Ingles.
Not to miss: T-Dance Beach Party, one of the bestselling events, takes place on 10 May from 1pm onwards.
Things to do nearby: The Playa de Maspalomas beach has some really spectacular sand dunes if you fancy lying low and topping up your tan along the coast.
Sao Paulo - 30 May-3 June
Sao Paulo currently holds the title of the largest Pride festival on the planet, with its Brazilian neighbour, Rio de Janeiro, hot on its tail in second place. It seems the ethos of Pride and the Latin America's party population effortlessly mix to create a festival cocktail like no other. As it stands, Brazil is the current hot spot for the gay traveller, predominantly the gay district of Jardins along the street of Rua Oscar Freire, is the place to be, thanks to the chic bars, clubs and boutique shops.
Not to miss: In the week leading up to the big parade, the theme park, Hopi Hari, opens its doors for the annual 'Gay Day' event.
Things to do nearby: Sao Paulo Museum of Art, located on Paulista Avenue, holds the biggest collection of Modern European art in all of Latin America.
New York's colourful costumes.
New York City - 24-30 June
Head to New York Pride and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the city that never sleeps. Over a million spectators are expected to line the lively streets of Manhattan this June. Not only this, but each borough of New York celebrates pride with a different event. You can imagine just how big, bold and boozy the New York Pride celebrations are! In NYC, the 'gaybourhoods' are Chelsea, home to the gym-toned 'Chelsea boys' and the East Village house, which has the highest concentration of bars in the entire city, including Splash and Gym. Need I say more?
Not to miss: The Rally takes place on 28 June and sets the festival off in style. The free event is located at Pier 26 in the afternoon.
Things to do nearby: Amid all of the creative festivities going on, the Museum of Modern Art, located on West 53rd Street, is the cherry on the top for art lovers.
If you're looking to kick some colour into your holiday this year, join in with some of the upcoming rainbow celebrations around the world.