Michael and Matt’s
Gay Travel Blog
Recent Posts
Helsinki & Reykjavik: What Makes a Nordic Summer Pride Special?
Ever wondered how summer Pride festivals shine when the sun barely sets? Michael and I hit Helsinki and Reykjavik to see what makes each city’s celebration so uniquely, spectacularly Nordic—picture rainbow flags on the edge of the Arctic Circle, after-parties fueled by endless daylight, and communities where inclusion isn’t just a slogan but a way of life. Here’s the inside scoop on the events, the energy, and the joy of Pride above the 60th parallel!
Bangkok and Phuket Unlocked: Gay Marriage in Thailand and Epic Travel Guide
Explore city buzz and island calm with our Bangkok & Phuket itinerary. Marvel at ancient temples, shop neon-lit markets, and unwind on soft beaches—Your Ultimate guide for LGBTQ+ travellers in Thailand
Bangkok Nightlife Guide for Gay Travelers
Bangkok isn’t just another party city; it’s a place where gay travelers can truly belong, connect, and celebrate every shade of love well after the sun goes down. In this guide, I’m peeling back the curtain on Bangkok’s rainbow nightlife: from cozy queer-owned cafés perfect for swapping stories at sundown, to dazzling drag shows, rooftop bars humming with possibility, and wellness sanctuaries to recharge after wild nights out.
Grab a cocktail, bring your curiosity, and let’s dive in—your most memorable Bangkok nights await.
Best Districts to Stay in Tokyo for LGBTQ+ Travelers
Tokyo isn’t just about the mega-districts you hear about in travel ads. It’s a constellation of diverse neighborhoods with their own distinct energetic vibe and surprises around every little corner. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or with a partner, you’ll find an area scene that suits you for just what you’re looking for. Let me tell you about some great options to consider.
Europe’s Most Gay-Friendly Cities: Top Destinations for LGBTQ+ Travelers
Discover 10 fun and safe LGBTQ+ hotspots across Europe in 2025. Party in Berlin, sip coffee in Lisbon, stroll LGBTQ+ friendly streets. Pack your bags now!
15 Reasons to Visit Walla Walla, Washington This Summer
Let’s get this out of the way first: yes, Walla Walla is fun to say. Yes, it’s famous for its onions. And yes, we did eat our body weight in cherries, foraged mushroom soup, and smoothies during our time there. But if all you know about Walla Walla are the vegetables it produces, then you’re missing out on one of the most unexpectedly charming towns in the Pacific Northwest.
Located in southeastern Washington, Walla Walla is the kind of place that sneaks up on you. One minute you’re road-tripping through the Columbia River Gorge, and the next, you’re sipping Rhône-style reds at a vineyard with panoramic views and wondering if you could maybe… live here?
A Weekend Guide to Walla Walla: Washington’s Wine Country
There’s something magical about Walla Walla. Maybe it’s the way the golden light spills over the rolling vineyards at sunset, or the way the town feels like it’s been plucked straight out of a storybook. Whatever it is, this little corner of Washington’s wine country has a way of wrapping you in its warmth and making you feel right at home.
I recently spent a few days exploring Walla Walla, and let me tell you—it’s the kind of place that stays with you long after you leave. From the cozy accommodations to the incredible food and wine, every moment felt like a celebration of the “good life”. If you’re planning a trip (and you absolutely should), here’s my personal guide to making the most of your time in this enchanting town.
The Perfect Weekend in Miami: Where to Stay, Where to Eat, and What to Do in Miami, Florida.
What can we say about Miami? South Beach is the ideal hotspot for a holiday on Florida’s hippest coast. Make the most of its wide beaches and endless sunny days. In Miami, it’s not just about relaxing — there’s tons of shopping, great restaurants, and tons of great music in Miami’s best-known nightclubs and bars. For a weekend or longer escaping to Miami, here are our top recommendations of where to stay, where to eat and drink, and what to see and do in one of the most popular destinations in the world.
3 Days in Helsinki: The Perfect Helsinki Itinerary for First Time Visitors
Explore Helsinki’s best sights, restaurants, and accommodations with our 3-day itinerary. Best for first-time visitors to Helsinki to experience all the top spots.
The Ultimate Gay Guide to Key West Pride — Top LGBTQ+ Bars, Restaurants & Tours in the Florida Keys
Key West is a vibrant, fierce, and welcoming city full of pride! We’ve fallen in love with The Florida Keys and this community.
Pride is a time where the community comes together, celebrates our individuality & beauty, and remembers all those who’ve stood up for our rights before us. 🌈 Celebrating pride is a movement towards greater equality. Celebrating pride makes communities feel safe, seen, and understood. Celebrating pride is a message to others who can’t come out or do not feel safe to do so, that there are welcoming and loving communities beyond their current circumstance. That there is hope. No matter where or how you’re celebrating #pride today, we hope you feel this love and unity. ❤️
We went to Key West for Pride and there’s so much to do that we decided to pick out the top places and put them in this guide:
Ultimate 5-Day Florida Keys Roadtrip from Key Largo to Key West
Explore the Florida Keys on a 5-day road trip from Key Largo to Key West. Discover gay bars in Key West, and LGBTQ+ friendly accommodations.
Top 6 Things to Do in Bend Oregon — Outdoor Adventures and Tours
As one of the top travel destinations in Oregon, it can be easy to get overwhelmed with the number of options of things to do in and around Bend. One of the best aspects of Bend is it’s geographic location and the diversity in landscape this lends. As the Cascade Mountains meet the High Desert in Central Oregon, a diverse and dramatic landscape beckons to be explored. From hiking, rock-climbing, skiing and snowboarding, camping and whitewater rafting, there are tons of tour options to explore for the adventurous soul.
Here are the top things to do in Bend from a local:
Winter PrideFest in Bend Oregon — Complete Gay Travel Guide
Winter Pride is coming back next year in Bend Oregon and Mt. Bachelor with Winter PrideFest! The Pride Party consists of multiple events and group activities throughout the weekend and is quickly becoming one of the largest Winter Pride celebrations in the USA. Here’s everything you need to know about attending Winter PrideFest.
Gay-Friendly Accommodations & Tours in Playa del Carmen
Discover the best gay-friendly accommodations, restaurants, and tours in Playa del Carmen. Enjoy LGBTQ+ inclusive stays, and vibrant nightlife.
Top 8 Things to Do in Playa del Carmen
My first time visiting Playa del Carmen, I wasn’t sure what activities and excursions I should book. There is so much to do in Playa del Carmen, and even more in the jungles beyond, so as a first time visitor, I was surprised to find that Playa del Carmen is not only full of great bars, restaurants, beaches, and nightlife, but there are countless tours and excursions to experience.
Top 9 Solo Travel Destinations for Gay Men in 2025
Is there any better way to see the world than through your own eyes and yours alone? In a world that's becoming increasingly interconnected and accepting, solo travel has emerged as a liberating experience for many. For gay men seeking adventure, culture, and community, there are tons of destinations around the world that provide unforgettable experiences tailored to your specific interests. The problem? Figuring out where in the world to go and what you’ll enjoy the most!
From lively gay districts partying to the wee-hours of the morning, to sprawling landscapes with beautiful sights and people, here are some of the best places for gay men to travel to solo in 2024.
Cruise Down the Douro River Valley with this Full Itinerary (Top Sights and Wineries)
Our river cruise on the Douro River spanned 6 days throughout the valley and reached as far as Salamanca, Spain. Understandably, I held the most excitement to see Salamanca again since I once spent a summer there studying Spanish. I haven’t been back to the region since 2012, so navigating down the Douro River felt like a homecoming of sorts.
Our Itinerary:
Exploring the Baixa district of Porto, Portugal
Touring Casa de Mateus via Cais da Régua
Visiting Salamanca via Cais de Barca de Alva
Exploring picturesque São João da Pesqueira
Régua, Pinhão, and Lamego
How to Spend a Weekend in Cedar Rapids Iowa: What to Do, Where to Eat, Where to Stay
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is a hidden gem nestled in the breadbasket of the Midwest. The city boasts a rich cultural scene with numerous art galleries, museums, and theaters. The Cedar Rapids Museum of Art houses an impressive collection of works by renowned American artist Grant Wood, including his iconic painting, "American Gothic." Additionally, the Paramount Theatre showcases a variety of live performances, ranging from Broadway shows to local productions, providing entertainment for all tastes.
5 Reasons Why Key West is One of the Top Gay Travel Destinations for 2025
Key West, located at the southernmost point of the Florida Keys, is a vibrant and welcoming destination for LGBTQ+ travelers. With its laid-back atmosphere, stunning beaches, and rich history, Key West has something to offer for everyone.
Catching a redeye flight from the west coast, the trip was long but totally worth it as we descended into the aquamarine paradise. The first thing we noticed driving through the historical district was the colorful and quintessentially Caribbean architecture. Tropical pastel colors of lime and rose mixed with wooden lacework patios and awnings that sat behind charming white picket fences adorned with palm trees and heaps of bougainvillea.
8 Things You Must See in Edinburgh & the Scottish Highlands
A land of rolling hills, brisk air, and plenty of scotch. Though the weather may be a bit unpredictable, you are sure to have an enchanting visit in the land of the Scots.
We began our adventure in the capital city of Edinburgh. Arguably the historic center of Scotland the city boasts breathtaking architecture, a bustling food scene, a history of paranormal activity, and of course, the birthplace of the world’s most famous wizard. Edinburgh is an incredibly walkable city with many of its main attractions located in the central part of the city known as Old town.