• by Karl Greenberg , August 31, 2010

TripOutGayTravel.com, a division of MTV's Logo network, is getting its list together of the best destinations and services for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) travelers.

The nominations lead up to a series of awards in the fourth quarter based on consumer voting online and through Facebook and Twitter. When people vote, they can alert and encourage friends or followers to cast their votes as well on things like "Sexiest Place on Earth," "Best Breakout Destination," "Ultimate Luxury Hotel" and "Best Gay Bar in the World."

The initial nominations have already been made by journalists and gurus covering the LGBT travel market, per the site. Readers can vote for best gay destination, tour operator or hospitality service starting now at TripOutGayTravel.com, with results to be announced in early November.

Chicago and London were nominated for having the best gay bars. The former also was nominated for best U.S. destination; the latter for best global destination.

Las Vegas is also nominated for best U.S. destination as well as "Sexiest Place on Earth." The city's SkyLofts at MGM Grand is up for "Best Luxury Hotel." Dallas is nominated for "Best Breakout Destination" and "Best Gay Bar" for the Round-Up Saloon.

Other nominees for best global destinations are Berlin, Buenos Aires, Madrid, Montreal and New York City.

Nominees for best U.S. destination include Fort Lauderdale, Philadelphia, Provincetown, Mass., and San Francisco.

American, Delta, JetBlue, LAN, Southwest and Virgin America were nominated as best airlines for LGBT travelers. Hotel nominations were Ace, Andaz, Axel, Four Seasons, Hyatt and Kimpton.

Sexiest places on Earth for LGBT travelers? In addition to Vegas, Barcelona, Key West, Rio de Janeiro, Tel Aviv and Palm Springs, Calif. also were nominated.