Billie Jean King has been an inspiration for gay people, and especially gay women, in sport for well over thirty years. In a time where gay people were still subject to horrific discrimination, tennis legend King had the confidence to declare that she was gay all the way back in 1981. She was the first significant female athlete in any sport to declare herself as a lesbian.
Her hand was forced with the declaration due to a palimony lawsuit filed by her former secretary Marilyn Barnett, who she'd been having an affair with since the 1960s. Coming out cost her over $2m in sponsorship revenue as partners pulled out, but she continued playing in defiance, going on to become the oldest player ever to win the Edgbaston Cup in 1983. Today, she's recognized as one of the greatest tennis players of all time and remains an activist for both women's and gay rights.
Whether celebrities are looking to be in the spotlight or escape the paparazzi, there are some popular vacation destinations that always seem to be frequented by the stars. Celeb spotting is a favorite pastime of many travelers, and you might be able to snag a photo or even an autograph when you visit these top celebrity vacation spots around the world. Although the price tags may be a bit higher in these destinations than your average budget getaway, these are some of the best celebrity vacation spots that you can start saving up to visit and enjoy the trip of a lifetime.
One of the classiest celebrity vacation spots in Europe is Mallorca, Spain. It’s known as a spot to be posh more than a spot to party. Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones have a house here, and it’s been a favorite getaway for Gwenyth Paltrow. Some of the local favorites that boast the most celebrity sightings include the Wellies Restaurant and Bar, Puerto Portals, and Es Trenc Beach.
Saint Tropez is known for its amazing beaches and blissful landscapes. Celebrity couples like Beyoncé and Jay Z and David and Victoria Beckham have been spotted vacationing along these famous beaches. The Cote d’Azur seaport is a big draw for celebs here, as well as top beach clubs like Club 55.
Perhaps the most well-known celebrity that loves Lake Como is George Clooney. He has a villa with over a dozen rooms here so he can bring all his friends along to relax, get away, and party. Villa d’Este is another popular place celebrities choose to stay because of its attention to privacy. Just ask Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bette Midler, or Sylvester Stallone!
Sure, there are plenty of celebrities that call Sydney home year-around, but there are lots of others who like to visit for a surfing and sailing getaway. Sydney’s Bondi Beach has been a top vacation pick for Leonardo DiCaprio and Hugh Jackman, and some A-list accommodations are the InterContinental Hotel and the Park Hyatt in the Rocks.