I think it is probably illegal to go to bed early with a good book in Barcelona. Something about an early night is just wrong in the land of flamenco, fiestas and nights out starting at midnight. But no fear, a little bit of sun and some Gypsy King music and I am back in my 20s – flinging caution to the wind, staying up all hours and quaffing too much red wine.

I entered the world of romantic mini-breaks many moons ago when I first met my partner, Andrew. Like Bridget Jones, we headed for the British countryside in search of log-burning fires, long walks and romantic meals in quaint pubs.

Our relationship survived and we have long since deleted the memory of the awkward owner of the bijou hotel whose discomfort with us as two gay men was never communicated but clear for us to feel.

A therapeutic vaccine was developed that can temporarily brake growth of the HIV virus in infected patients, a possible step forwards towards a functional cure, say a team of Spanish scientists.

A group of 36 people recorded the best recorded therapeutic result for therapeutic jab, based on immune cells exposed to HIV virus inactivated with heat, the team stated to AFP.

Whether your hemisphere is about to descend into the depths of winter or if you’re basking in spring’s warm sunshine - it’s always important to have a plan as to when and where you’re going to get your next dose of GBT or gay beach time.

Gay beach time is about enjoying the best that summer has to offer, maybe you’ve got a new pair of swimmers to show off, you’re rocking a new pair of sunglasses, or you just fancy topping up your tan by promenading slowly up and down a busy foreshore.

It’s Catalan, it’s Italian. But, most of all, Alghero is Sardinian in every aspect. This coastal city in northern Sardinia, facing Spain, is an old seaside resort, once home to royals and dignitaires, now mainly to backpackers and cheap-flight travellers. But visiting Alghero is always ‘posh’, due to its glamorous allure, its vibrant nightlife and a lot of things to do.

I’m pretty sure that I’m the last person in the world to have visited Barcelona.

Having spent a weekend there I can totally see why everyone raves about it.

After a fairly shaky start to summer in the UK, my house-mate and I decided that we needed some emergency GBT (Gay Beach Time) and after a bit of price-comparison on the most likely gay beach hotspots, we booked a reasonably priced flights-plus-accommodation package through Expedia.

With temperatures in the high C30s, Spain's beach-side party city is kicking into celebration mode for this weekend's Pride festivities.

The gay district of Eixample (referred to by locals as 'Gaixample') has been getting busier each night as the weekend draws near - we've met quite a few Americans and Canadians (many of whom were in town for the departure of a big RSVP Gay Cruise).