WHAT YOU’LL FIND IN THIS ISSUE:
Why skipping the parade doesn't mean skipping Pride
3 destinations that mix LGBTQ+ acceptance with off-grid adventure
How to balance celebration with quiet connection
Activity ideas for couples and small groups (no matching t-shirts required)
Tools, links, and quick planning tips
MAIN FEATURE:
You Can Still Honour Pride, Even If You Hate Confetti
Let’s be clear: I love Pride.
I love the joy, the resistance, the unapologetic queerness.
But not everyone thrives in a packed crowd, wrist-deep in glitter, with thumping music and nowhere to wee.
And that doesn’t mean you don’t care, or aren’t proud enough, or aren’t doing Pride “properly.”
For some of us, whether we’re introverts, neurodivergent, burnt out, or just ageing like fine queer wine (I’ll pick this category, although I’m also burnt out pretty much!), the best way to celebrate Pride is with space, nature, and the freedom to be ourselves.
This issue is for those who want to mark the moment, but differently.
Pride-Adjacent Escapes Worth Planning Now
Iceland: Soak in Queer Freedom + Natural Heat
Yes, Reykjavík Pride isn’t until August, but that gives you time to plan a trip that blends wildness and visibility.
What to do:
Plan a south coast road trip: waterfalls, black beaches, glacier lagoons
Hike through Reykjadalur Hot Springs Valley — a natural hot river you can bathe in
Use Reykjavík as your base if you want to dip into the Pride programme
Travel with 2–4 people and split car hire + Airbnbs for affordability
Who it’s good for:
Small groups of friends who want to feel free, safe, and held by nature — with the option to party at the end of the trip.
Northern Spain: Forests, Cliffs & a Softer Kind of Celebration
While Madrid Pride (early July) gets the headlines, the north of Spain offers something gentler, LGBTQ-friendly communities, wild beaches, and the kind of freedom that’s quiet, not shouty.
What to do:
Hike Camino del Norte segments, such as a short stretch from San Sebastián to Zumaia
Visit Playa de Gulpiyuri or Playa del Silencio for stunning, under-touristed coastlines
Pair your escape with a few days in Bilbao or Oviedo, where Pride is more local, less commercial
Book group rooms in LGBTQ-owned guesthouses or self-catering villas with shared kitchens
Who it’s good for:
Couples or close-knit friend groups who want nature, wine, walks, and meaningful conversation, without the crowd anxiety.
Plan the vibe, not just the logistics. Make space for introverts, extroverts, and quiet wanderers.
Montréal + Québec’s National Parks: A Choose-Your-Own-Pride Adventure
Here’s the play: head to Montréal just before Fierté Pride (late July–Aug), soak in a bit of city energy, then retreat into the pine forests and lakes of rural Québec.
What to do:
Spend 1–2 nights in Montréal’s gay village, then road trip to Mont-Tremblant
Paddle in glacier-fed lakes and hike shaded trails
Cook meals together, bring a playlist, and raise a glass to whoever made this possible
You can re-enter Pride mode when you’re ready, the city’s only a couple of hours away
Who it’s good for:
Those craving balance loud and soft, city and trees, dancefloor and silence.
Planning Tips for Pride Season Your Way
Don’t skip Pride reshape it. A lakeside Pride picnic with friends is still Pride.
Think of nature as the recovery space, not the replacement.
Build your own group ritual: bring books, wear the rainbow on the trail, raise a toast at sunset.
Travel with people who respect how you recharge. Not everyone needs confetti to feel proud.
Book now. June–August gets snapped up fast especially gay-friendly Airbnbs and campsites.
💬 OUTRO
There’s no one way to celebrate Pride.
Maybe yours is in a crowd. Maybe it’s on a cliff. Whatever it is, do it on purpose.
Got your own off-the-grid plans for Pride Season? Hit reply, I’d love to feature a few in a future issue.
What’s Inspiring Us This Week:
What I’m bookmarking:
Hinsegin Dagar Pride Iceland’s official programme, if you’re planning a soft Pride add-on.
What I’m trying:
Starting a “Pride journal” one page a day through June about what queerness means to me, this year.
What I’m listening to:
Rigour and Flow — a thoughtful, curious podcast from dear friends about living with both intensity and ease. Feels right for Pride season reflections.
Who I’m inspired by:
The travel energy over at @27travels — joyful, honest, and rooted in queer connection. Worth a scroll if you’re feeling stuck.
That’s a Wrap! Here’s how we help:
We plan LGBTQ+ adventure travel for you, saving you the headache
Whether you’re hiking near home or planning a big escape, we got tips!
Got a favourite city you want us to feature next? Email me— I’m listening
POLL: Did you enjoy this post?
Until next time,
Go beyond the usual