Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Gay & Lesbian Travellers
Where's the party? The answer's nowhere. Although homosexuality was decriminalised in 1977 and discrimination
outlawed in 2010, you won't find a single gay or lesbian venue in Montenegro. Don't be fooled by all the men walking
arm-in-arm, or hand-in-hand in the Albanian areas. Attitudes to homosexuality remain hostile and life for gay people is
extremely difficult, exacerbated by the fact that most people are expected to live at home until they're married. In re-
cent years there have been high-profile incidents of violence against gay activists, including the brutal beating in the
centre of Podgorica in 2012 of three young men who were associated with an anti-homophobia video.
Many gay men resort to online connections (try
www.gayromeo.com
) or take their chances at a handful of cruisy
beaches. These include Jaz Beach near Budva (far left-hand side) and below the ruins of Ratac near Bar. Lesbians will
find it even harder to access the local community.
Health
Quality health care is readily available in Montenegro and pharmacists can give valuable advice and sell over-the-
counter medication for minor illnesses. The standard of dental care is also good.
Before You Go
A little planning before departure, particularly for pre-existing illnesses, will save trouble later. See your dentist before
a long trip. Carry a spare pair of contact lenses and glasses, and take your optical prescription with you. Bring medica-
tions in their original, labelled, containers. A letter from your physician describing your medical conditions and medic-
ations, including generic names, is also a good idea. If you are carrying syringes, be sure to have a physician's letter
with you documenting their necessity.
Recommended Vaccinations
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that all travellers should be covered for diphtheria, tetanus,
measles, mumps, rubella, pertussis (whooping cough) and polio, regardless of their destination. You should also con-
sider being vaccinated for hepatitis A, hepatitis B and tetanus. Since most vaccines don't produce immunity until at
least two weeks after they're given, visit a physician at least six weeks before departure.
Tick-borne encephalitis is spread by tick bites and is thought to exist in forested areas of Montenegro. It is a serious
infection of the brain and vaccination is advised for those in risk areas who are unable to avoid tick bites (such as
campers and hikers).
The US Center for Disease Control recommends a rabies vaccination for long-term travellers and 'wildlife profes-
sionals, researchers, veterinarians, or adventure travelers visiting areas where bats, carnivores, and other mammals are
commonly found'.
Sea Urchins
Watch out for sea urchins around rocky beaches; if you get some of their needles embedded in your skin, olive oil will
help to loosen them. If they are not removed, they could become infected. As a precaution wear rubber shoes while
walking on the rocks and take care while bathing.
