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What’s inside this issue
Why so many queer holidays miss the mark
The real cost of a misaligned trip
How to plan travel around who you actually are
Simple tips for getting it right
Three quick poll questions (2 seconds to complete)
Main Feature
That Trip Wasn’t “Us” At All
It started with a message I got the other day:
“Steve, we asked for hiking and culture. We got clubs and cocktails.”
And I knew exactly what they meant.
They’d booked a “queer-friendly” group trip, expecting nature, art, and a flexible, easy schedule. What they got was wristbands, late nights, and a schedule full of stuff they’d never pick themselves.
They ended up googling hiking trails by day three.
This Trip Wasn’t Built for Us
It reminded me of when I was planning my own trip earlier in the year; Croatia vs Algarve.
One beach was loud, shiny, packed.
The other? Quiet, rough round the edges, and oddly healing.
Same continent. Totally different experience.
That’s the problem.
So many LGBTQ+ holidays look great online, but aren’t built for you. They’re built for someone else (probably more buff who can pull off wearing tiny speedos).
And you’re left pretending it’s fine when really, you just want to do your own thing. If you’ve ever come home thinking, “We’ll plan it better next time”… maybe this is next time
Travel That Finally Feels Like You
Because when the trip actually fits you, everything shifts. You stop negotiating over what to skip, stop faking small talk at group dinners, and start moving at your own rhythm.
You come home with inside jokes, shared moments, and stories that feel yours, not borrowed from a crowd.
That’s what it’s like when a holiday finally reflects who you are, together.
A brief interlude …
Quick Tips: Avoiding the “That Wasn’t Us” Holiday
1. Make a joy list, not a bucket list
Write down the moments you’ve actually enjoyed most while travelling. Not what looks good online.
2. Gut-check the itinerary
If it’s trying to be all things to all people, mixing up beach, bars, hikes, hot springs, clubs, culture - you’ll probably end up being exhausted or resentful. Bin that one off.
3. Ask: “Would I hang out with this crowd at home?”
Because if the answer’s no, do you really want to spend 6 days with them?
You don’t need another holiday that feels like a performance.
If you’re ready for a trip that actually has no rigid schedules and no second-guessing if you’re welcome, I’ll help you plan it.
Just reply with “let’s chat” and I’ll take it from there.
Quick Campfire Questions
This week, we’re lighting up the campfire with Jodie Anders. Jodie has many creative talents. She excels at writing, graphic arts, performance arts, film production, film editing and just about any challenge you can throw at her.
In this mini-feature, she answers 5 quick questions about travel, identity, and what keeps her coming back for more. Grab a cup of something warm, and join us by the fire.
Where in the world are you right now?
Los Angeles, CA
What’s your go-to travel vibe? (e.g., slow & scenic, thrill-seeking)
I'm up for anything when it comes to travel. I'm mostly drawn to travel that allows me to connect with new cultures, take in nature's most beautiful or unusual sights, and experience a bit of what life is like in the places I visit. Sometimes that means a fast-paced dive into historical landmarks alongside cultural hotspots, while at other times it's about slowing down, soaking up the sun, and going with the flow of the ocean or river (because water is often part of my travels!). I'm also a fan of places that have a generally welcoming or friendly vibe. I don't want to go anywhere that will put me on edge or intrude on sacred spaces.
One place you’d go back to in a heartbeat, and why?
Barcelona or Scotland are two places I have visited more than once and would happily visit again! Both have absolutely beautiful scenery, and, depending on the time of year, fabulous weather. Both have friendly people who make you feel welcome and a rich and beautiful culture. Barcelona also has a thriving queer culture that's loud and proud, and both feel safe for me. I also really love being able to rent a car, hop in, and visit new places I haven't been before, and both of these have plenty of sites to see!
What’s your dream adventure, no budget, no limits?
I would absolutely love to travel on the Orient Express in a full-out, fabulous sleeper car. It's already a luxurious, multi-country-packed trip, so it checks many of my boxes, but the idea of traveling in style on such an iconic train without having to constantly pack and move around sounds marvellous. My other dream trip is a world cruise, for many of the same reasons! Just put me up in that top-floor, penthouse suite, please! And pamper me with incredible food, shows with stellar dancing and singing, massages, and kind helpers.
What’s one myth about LGBTQ+ travel you’d love to bust?
In my experience, LGBTQ travel often focuses on two aspects. One is whether there is a thriving queer community (often represented in the party vibe), and the other is whether it is a safe country for us. While it'd be awesome to take a queer party life trip, I find there are less opportunities that align with my age and identity, and I tend to connect with my identity in quieter ways while traveling.
Some of the best moments have come when I've found small signs of queer life in unexpected places, or met folks in other countries or cultures, where I've loved learning about how they live their truth, and I think that has been really wonderful for me. Queer life is quite diverse, and so is queer travel! Another surprise is going on non-LGBTQ-oriented trips, cruises, or tours and finding other LGBTQ+ travelers to connect with, which feels a bit like discovering treasure!
Thanks Jodie, anything else to add?
No, thank you for the opportunity to share!
Your opinion please… (if you don’t mind)
Quick Q: If you like a bit of adventure without the group tour cringe, which one sounds most useful - A, B, C or D?
- A) A stash of semi-personalised LGBTQ+ itineraries you can steal anytime (low – mid budget)
- B) 1:1 planning and curated help for your next trip (mid budget)
- C) A hosted (by me), curated LGBTQ+ escape. Not a tour. Not a retreat. Small group, flexible schedule, optional meetups, great stays, good vibes (mid-high budget)
- D) Something else that might make travel easier, safer, or just more fun
Outro
That’s a wrap on this week’s issue. If you’ve ever tried to DIY a trip and ended up overwhelmed by tabs, or second-guessing what’s actually safe, that’s exactly what I help with.
Like this issue? Forward it to a travel-loving friend. Or better yet, let me help plan your next one.
I’m Steve, your LGBTQ+ adventure curator. If you’re tired of rainbow-washed travel tips, rigid group tours, or just wondering where to go, you’re in the right place.