Michael and Matt’s
Gay Travel Blog
Recent Posts
What to do in Kansas City | Complete Winter Travel Itinerary
Kansas City has often been described as the Paris of the Plains. Many travelers, including myself are skeptical about venturing to the Midwest during the winter because of the cold weather. There’s no way I would willingly subject myself to the polar-plunge! Luckily, this cultural center of the Midwest really lights-up during the winter months while the city prepares for the holidays. With surprising cuisine, tons to see, and whiskey that warms my heart and mind, how could I miss visiting Kansas City during this cheery time of year!? Here is the full itinerary of where to stay, what to see, and where to eat and drink in Kansas City.
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.
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…
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!
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…
Sumaq Hotel | Stay at the foot of Machu Picchu
We stepped off the train and immediately immersed ourselves in a flood of sounds of the Amazonian Cloud Forest. Beyond us, Machu Picchu staggered hidden behind jungled cliff-sides as scattered clouds fluttered around the bend. I’ll save you the fluff. We’ve all heard of Machu Picchu’s stunning reputation, but what I didn’t know coming to see this great place for my second time is how it would personally affect me…
Tambo del Inka Resort & Spa | Paradise in the Sacred Valley
I’ve never felt so spoiled walking into a hotel than when I first walked into Tambo del Inka after a full day of traveling the Sacred Valley countryside. If you’re planning your journey to Machu Picchu, or looking to experience Andean and Quechua culture, you’ve come to the right place. As you descend down the mountains surrounding Urubamba (which itself sits in a valley at 9,000 feet), the red tiled roof of Tambo del Inka highlights itself amongst the eucalyptus trees. Find yourself in the lobby warming up in front of the massive stone fireplace, then head to your room to prepare for some well deserved time at the spa. There’s really no better way to relax in the Sacred Valley than this.
Bohemian Barranco Gem | Casa Republica Boutique Hotel
Bohemian Barranco is a one of Lima’s most artful districts. Full of vibrancy, Barranco melds classical Spanish culture with an oceanfront, free-spirited vibe. Turn down one of the neighborhood’s most classical streets, and just beyond the trees of its flower-filled park lies Casa República…
Hike to the Border of Myanmar | Thailand Backpacking
We wanted to experience Thai culture in the most tight-knit and eco-friendly setting possible, on a hike in the jungle with a local, eager to show us where she grew up. It was my husband Michael’s and my honeymoon. Far from the resorts, we wanted to see Thailand in its everyday context…
What On Earth Do I ‘Do’? | The Collective Cry of the Creative Millenial
Now, 4 years later, self-employed and running my own business as a freelance photographer, I question my past choices. Could I have been right about the job-security, guaranteed high-pay, and prestige to make an easy-going life? Could I have been misguided, blinded by my passion to create amongst an army of counter-culture misfits? From what it looked like, the creatives I followed online were wildly successful and doing monumental things all around the world. If they can do it, so can I.
I followed the notion that if you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.
Now I understand that by doing what I love, I never stop working.
An Unexpected Journey to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market | Matthew & Michael
You have to understand that nearly all of the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market tours leave early in the morning - and many book out in advance. Michael and I are late risers. We missed that opportunity, and with limited time in Bangkok, we set out to get there under any and all circumstances. This is something we could NOT miss being in Thailand. Guide to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market!
Amazing Sights from the Oregon Coast
This week, I had the spontaneous opportunity to head to the beach with a few new friends to say goodbye to summer. Here’s a few photos from our journey through the coastal mountains and down to the cliffs and beach next to the Pacific…
24 Hours In Bangkok | 5 Things You Must See!
My husband Michael and I flew into Bangkok with smiles on our faces, as we were just starting out honeymoon trip and experiencing Thailand for the very first time! With all the chaos of planning a wedding, we actually didn't exactly plan out what we would be doing in Thailand, let alone our first day in Bangkok. Really, we just knew that we wanted to see as much of the city as possible with the little amount of time we had allotted there. And with that, we set off! This is the essential budget travel guide to Bangkok Thailand.
8 Reasons to Visit Tokyo | Matthew & Michael | LGBTQ Backpacking
There are plenty more than 8 reasons to visit this incredible city. It is, at it's heart, where the most advanced and high-tech metropolis in the world meets ancient history. Futuristic high-rises tower next to quaint yet powerful shinto shrines. Millions of people file through Shinjuku's Central Station, making it the busiest train station on earth - and yet one can find peace and quiet in neighboring Yoyogi Park. Tokyo is a city for all of the senses. It's overwhelming, brilliantly invigorating, and there's nothing better for a novice traveler than a plunge into the city.
Copenhagen Downtown Hostel Review | Backpacking Europe
One of the most difficult things to figure out when planning a big trip is deciding where to stay. This was especially true for my friends and I when we started searching for our accommodations on our European backpacking trip. Looking into Copenhagen, we were overwhelmed with the number of options. Then, like an answer from the travel-gods, we took our search to HostelWorld and found this glorious gem... This is the essential budget travel guide to Copenhagen Denmark.
Where to Eat in Copenhagen | Backpacking Europe
Something that is grossly underrated throughout the world and life in general, is Nordic cuisine. It's iconic, it's amazing, it's everything you didn't know you wanted or needed in life, and more. I'm here to tell you, over latter half of the 20th century, Scandinavia has gone through quite a Renaissance when it comes to the diversity and presentation over their previously classic dishes. As Scandinavia's largest metropolitan area, Copenhagen not only boasts some of the greatest and famously sought-after restaurants, but a huge variety of world-class fare. Whether you're stopping in Denmark's capital city for a quick stopover, or diving in for a long immersive experience, you won't want to miss discovering a bit of what makes this place magical, the food!
What To See In Copenhagen | Backpacking Europe
Copenhagen has a special place in my heart. It's the city where I tried smørrebrød for the first time, drank my entire bodyweight in beer, and got engaged! I may be a bit biased, but I do believe Copenhagen should be very close to the top of the list when thinking about making a trip to backpack Europe.... This is the essential budget travel guide to Copenhagen Denmark.
Rome in One Week | Essential Budget Travel | What To See, Eat & Do!
In this blog I will share some of my favorite spots around the city, from off-the-beaten path restaurants, fantastic accommodations, to what to see when you're in a pinch for time. Rome is the ultimate romantic and beautiful destination that needs to be on the top of your list of where to visit! Here is the essential budget travel guide for seeing Rome in one week!
How To Find Cheap Flights | Travel Hacking
This is everything you need to know in how to find cheap flights. Tracking hacking at it’s finest! You want to travel the world, cheaply, in a way that you can see amazing new places while not restricting your day to day diet to just instant ramen? Here’s what you have to do!
24 Hours in Stockholm Sweden | A Beginner's Travel Guide
What to see, where to eat, and what to do when you only have 24 hours in Stockholm Sweden! Visiting Stockholm for the first time? Here is the essential travel blog for your trip!