Michael and Matt’s
Gay Travel Blog
Recent Posts
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.
Why is Helsinki the Happiest City in the World?
The capital city of Finland doesn’t just flirt with joy, it fully embraces it in a its own weird and quirky way. While other cities might aim for a polished look, Helsinki takes a different route: real, natural, warm and welcoming. In Helsinki, they’ll tell you: “We’re not perfect, we’re happy.” And after spending a week here during Pride, exploring saunas on tiny archipelago islands, feasting on plenty of Finnish cuisine, and witnessing a design-forward city that leads with sustainability, I think I understand why it’s so happy here a little bit more.
Here’s a deep dive into what actually makes Helsinki one of the happiest cities on Earth.
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.
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.
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.
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.