Out and About: Traveline
<p><a href="http://traveline.com/"><img width="216" height="96" align="left" alt="" style="margin: 0pt 20px 20px;" title="Traveline" src="/files/public/userfiles/1000/blog/2010/10/logo-upper-left.jpg"></a> <em>Crash Blog: Crash Innovative Columbus Businesses. Write about it. Post it.</em> At about 50 years old, <a href="http://traveline.com/">Traveline</a> is finally coming out. As a full service Columbus travel agency, they are now catering their services to the LGBT community. Their new program, <a href="http://www.travelineoa.com/">Traveline Out and About</a>, is designed to provide specialized travel services to serve the gay and lesbian lifestyle.<!--more--> Connie Hahn, Vice President of Traveline was inspired to start this project because she saw its necessity. "We want gay communities to feel comfortable when they travel," she said. "They want to work with someone who recognizes their needs." With Columbus boasting the third largest gay population per capita, there is definitely a market for travel. "I do not know why someone hasn't thought of it before," Hahn said. "There may be national companies with the same market, but there was no local provider for Columbus." The idea makes sense. </p>
<p>There are places in the US, and many places abroad that are not accepting of difference. For example, women can't travel within many parts of the Middle East wearing shorts and a tank top; even if it is 120 degrees. In the US, there are places in the south where northerners may not feel comfortable. One of the biggest advantages to Traveline's service is that they have experienced the places they recommend. "People want a destination specialist, someone who has been there," she said. "Not someone who just knows about them." According to Hahn, there are many places in the world that are quite gay friendly, hosting special events supporting gay pride. Cologne, Germany is one of them. After returning from their <a href="http://www.travelineoa.com/2014gaygames.htm">GLBT competition</a>, she knew that Columbus needed to jump on board. The event consists of teams competing in activities like: swimming, diving, hockey, volleyball, softball and weightlifting. "This event is officially coming to Cleveland in 2014," she said. As a result, Out and About will be helping teams from all over the world book their travel. Traveline is just getting started. They plan on continually expanding by specializing their services to markets in need. Next up, the military.</p>
