Michael and Matt’s

Gay Travel Blog

Recent Posts

Top 8 Things to Do in Playa del Carmen
Central America Matthew Schueller Central America Matthew Schueller

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.

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Top 9 Solo Travel Destinations for Gay Men in 2024
Travel Matthew Schueller Travel Matthew Schueller

Top 9 Solo Travel Destinations for Gay Men in 2024

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.

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Cruise Down the Douro River Valley with this Full Itinerary (Top Sights and Wineries)
Travel, Europe Matthew Schueller Travel, Europe Matthew Schueller

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

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How to Spend a Weekend in Cedar Rapids Iowa: What to Do, Where to Eat, Where to Stay
Travel, North America, Food Matthew Schueller Travel, North America, Food Matthew Schueller

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.

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5 Reasons Why Key West is One of the Top Gay Travel Destinations for 2024
Beaches, Travel, North America Matthew Schueller Beaches, Travel, North America Matthew Schueller

5 Reasons Why Key West is One of the Top Gay Travel Destinations for 2024

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.  

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8 Things You Must See in Edinburgh & the Scottish Highlands
Travel, Europe Matthew Schueller Travel, Europe Matthew Schueller

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.

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How to Spend a Weekend in Berkeley
Travel, North America, Food Matthew Schueller Travel, North America, Food Matthew Schueller

How to Spend a Weekend in Berkeley

We got to get away for the weekend with our friends to Berkeley. Each time we come to Berkeley, we are continually reminded of why it’s an artist’s paradise. The city and surrounding communities are welcoming microcosms fit for families and lowkey getaways. The food and drinks are hard to beat anywhere else in the Golden State. This trip we focused on exploring local vendors and finding the best local eateries around.

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Bay Area Travel Guide | What to Do & Where to Eat in Berkeley, Livermore & Tiburon
Travel, North America, Food Matthew Schueller Travel, North America, Food Matthew Schueller

Bay Area Travel Guide | What to Do & Where to Eat in Berkeley, Livermore & Tiburon

Until recently, we had yet to venture outside of San Francisco to see what else the Bay Area has to offer. We were pleasantly surprised to find that renting a car, and driving just beyond the big city, there were plenty of opportunities to explore and discover more California personality than we could have imagined. We spent a couple of days in the Livermore Tri-Valley area, then ventured to Berkeley for an immersive experience of wine tasting throughout their active industrial district, and ended the trip treating ourselves to a couple of nights in Tiburon. The trip was surprisingly charming, elegant, and full of great food and wine.

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5 Great Water Activities for Your Next Vacation
Travel Matthew Schueller Travel Matthew Schueller

5 Great Water Activities for Your Next Vacation

It’s no secret that Michael and I sometimes disagree on what activities we want to do while traveling. when we hit the lake or go to the ocean, we may go our separate ways for a few hours to do our own water activities. While you might automatically think of lounging on the beach while on vacation, you might also want to check out some exciting activities. The ideas below are ones for those who enjoy the water and want to have some fun in the sun while on their next getaway. Hopefully, this will help narrow down your options!

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Top 10 Things to Do in The Scottish Highlands
Travel, Europe Matthew Schueller Travel, Europe Matthew Schueller

Top 10 Things to Do in The Scottish Highlands

There’s no place more magical to visit than the Scottish Highlands. There is plenty to see, most notably the Isle of Skye — However, the adventures don’t stop there. There are tons of places off-the-beaten-path, and countless adventure activities that are hardly heard about outside of The Highlands. Here are just 10 of the top things to see and do in the Scottish Highlands! We hope this list helps you to plan your trip and add a few activities that will make your journey one you’ll never forget!

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The 16 Best Things to Do in Portland Oregon - From a Local
Travel, North America Matthew Schueller Travel, North America Matthew Schueller

The 16 Best Things to Do in Portland Oregon - From a Local

Portland Oregon is a quirky, eclectic mix of crazy personalities and stunning natural beauty. Every time we fly back into Portland, we’re stunned by the view of Mount Hood overlooking the emerald green forests surrounding the city. There’s no place like it, and it continues to surprise us. The city is filled to the brim with evergreens, top-tier restaurants, green spaces, bike lanes, and unique neighborhoods. Just an hour from the coast or the mountains, the options for hiking and outdoor activities are limitless.

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Hike from Boca de Tomatlan to Playa Las Animas - Puerto Vallarta
Travel, North America Matthew Schueller Travel, North America Matthew Schueller

Hike from Boca de Tomatlan to Playa Las Animas - Puerto Vallarta

The Beginner’s Guide to Hike from Boca de Tomatlan to Playa Las Animas in Puerto Vallarta

If you’re visiting Puerto Vallarta for the first time, you can’t miss this hike! Get out of the city for the day and explore some of the most beautiful beaches the west coast of Mexico has to offer. You’ll walk by stunning vistas, expansive and empty beaches as far as your eyes can see, crystal clear turquoise water, and quite a bit of wildlife throughout the jungle. Grab your pack, head to a bus or boat and get to Boca de Tomatlan for a hike that will make you want to return to Puerto Vallarta as soon as possible!

The hike from Boca de Tomatlan takes 2 hours if you don’t make any stops. Most people plan for 4 to 6 hours on this hike.

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Introducing: MICHAEL AND MATT PRESETS (The Travel Pack)
Travel Matthew Schueller Travel Matthew Schueller

Introducing: MICHAEL AND MATT PRESETS (The Travel Pack)

The Michael & Matt Travel Pack contains all of our favorite presets we’ve used to edit our Instagram pictures. Through traveling together over the last 5 years, we’ve developed these presets as our “go-to’s” no matter where in the world we may be. We designed these presets to help take your photography to the next level with stunning edits in just a few simple clicks.

Inside the pack you will find 1 ZIP file complete with 10 Lightroom desktop preset files. PLEASE NOTE - This pack is for desktop/laptop only and will not work on Lightroom mobile. Presets work for both RAW and JPEG images.

These presets greatly enhance contrast and color while conserving essential natural tones, giving a less-edited authentic feel while exhibiting deep shadows and striking highlights. We particularly love how they work with blues, oranges and greens. Photos taken in full-sun, ambient light and shade work well with these presets, but backlit and golden-hour shots are our favorite. Whether rain or shine, these presets will make your photos truly stand out with a vibrant and crisp touch.

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How I Met My Husband by Coming Out as Gay on YouTube
Matthew Schueller Matthew Schueller

How I Met My Husband by Coming Out as Gay on YouTube

These words changed everything. At the age of 21 and in my 3rd year studying at a conservative private Christian university in Seattle Washington, I knew I had to come out, and that doing so would shatter the world I built up around me. What I didn’t know, is that someone watching my coming out video would 4 years later become my husband.

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3 Days in New Orleans | What to See, Where to Eat & Drink, Where to Stay in NOLA
Travel, North America Matthew Schueller Travel, North America Matthew Schueller

3 Days in New Orleans | What to See, Where to Eat & Drink, Where to Stay in NOLA

New Orleans should be at the top of your travel list! Coming to NOLA, I didn’t have much of an impression of the city other than what I’ve heard about Mardi Gras. And really, I didn’t know much else about it. It’s way different than what I had pictured in my mind. My favorite surprise was the architecture. I didn’t realize that New Orleans had such a European feel…

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One Day in Madrid | Gay Madrid Guide
Travel, Europe Matthew Schueller Travel, Europe Matthew Schueller

One Day in Madrid | Gay Madrid Guide

Our first recommendation is to plan fo more than 24 hours in this beautiful city. Madrid is often overlooked by backpackers around the world when planning a trip around Europe, but it shouldn’t be skipped! The vibrant and electric atmosphere of the city will have you wanting to book a trip back before you depart. Madrid should be near the top of your must-see list and here’s why!

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Sleep in a Peruvian Palace | Libertador Palacio del Inka, Cuzco Peru
Travel Matthew Schueller Travel Matthew Schueller

Sleep in a Peruvian Palace | Libertador Palacio del Inka, Cuzco Peru

Not many can say they’ve slept in a real palace before. I felt like a prince spending a few nights at Libertador Palacio del Inka, a Marriott Luxury Collection Hotel in Cuzco, Peru. Located directly next to the Inca’s largest historic temple, Temple of the Sun, Palacio del Inka holds much of its original character in its ornate guest suites. Many of which surround the Casona de los Cuatro Bustos’ stone courtyard…

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