Michael and Matt’s
Gay Travel Blog
Recent Posts
Helsinki & Reykjavik: What Makes a Nordic Summer Pride Special?
Ever wondered how summer Pride festivals shine when the sun barely sets? Michael and I hit Helsinki and Reykjavik to see what makes each city’s celebration so uniquely, spectacularly Nordic—picture rainbow flags on the edge of the Arctic Circle, after-parties fueled by endless daylight, and communities where inclusion isn’t just a slogan but a way of life. Here’s the inside scoop on the events, the energy, and the joy of Pride above the 60th parallel!
Top Things To Do In Helsinki, Finland: The Perfect 4 Day Itinerary
Discover the top things to do in Helsinki, Finland with our gay-friendly itinerary, cafés, saunas, Pride events, island escapes, and cultural gems await.
Costa Rica’s Best-Kept Secrets: LGBTQ+ Adventures In La Fortuna And Jacó
Explore Costa Rica’s best-kept secrets in La Fortuna & Jacó with LGBTQ+ tips, hidden adventures, and pura vida vibes for your next unforgettable trip.
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.
Finding Gay Bars Around The World: A Global Nightlife Guide
Discover how to find the best gay bars worldwide, from hidden gems to iconic spots, with tips for safe, vibrant, and unforgettable LGBTQ+ nights out.
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.
Europe’s Most Gay-Friendly Cities: Top Destinations for LGBTQ+ Travelers
Discover 10 fun and safe LGBTQ+ hotspots across Europe in 2025. Party in Berlin, sip coffee in Lisbon, stroll LGBTQ+ friendly streets. Pack your bags now!
Top 15 Gay Honeymoon Destinations for 2025: Romantic Getaways for LGBTQ+ Couples
Explore 15 hand-picked gay honeymoon spots on five continents, legal safety, top stays, real prices, zero side-eye guaranteed. Plan your dream trip now!
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.
A Weekend Guide to Walla Walla: Washington’s Wine Country
There’s something magical about Walla Walla. Maybe it’s the way the golden light spills over the rolling vineyards at sunset, or the way the town feels like it’s been plucked straight out of a storybook. Whatever it is, this little corner of Washington’s wine country has a way of wrapping you in its warmth and making you feel right at home.
I recently spent a few days exploring Walla Walla, and let me tell you—it’s the kind of place that stays with you long after you leave. From the cozy accommodations to the incredible food and wine, every moment felt like a celebration of the “good life”. If you’re planning a trip (and you absolutely should), here’s my personal guide to making the most of your time in this enchanting town.
Top 9 Solo Travel Destinations for Gay Men in 2025
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.
3 Days in Sonoma: How to Spend the Weekend and Where to Stay
As summer began to wind down and we witnessed the temperature drop, it was enough of a sign for my husband and I to seek a peaceful escape to California’s wine country. While Sonoma is sometimes overlooked from the nearby Napa Valley, we were not only curious to see what the other side of the hills may look like but we were also drawn by its distinct reputation as the perfect home-base to exploring California wine country.
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
8 Things to Do in Osaka, Japan for First-Time Visitors
As we drifted through Southern Japan’s countryside towards Osaka, I couldn’t help but get excited thinking about the street-food I’ve heard so much about. Pulling into Osaka station, I noticed our host, Eriko, ecstatically holding a handmade sign with prominent letters, “Welcome to Osaka!” Visiting Japan in 2017, we were already well acquainted with the incredible hospitality that’s ingrained in Japanese culture, but I couldn’t help but crack a grin as we were greeted with hugs and excitement to show us her beautiful city.
Top 10 Things to Do In Honolulu Hawaii
Visiting Honolulu is much more than visiting a big city. Before I stepped off the plane onto the island, I thought the tropical paradise would be limited to me experiencing just Waikiki, but I quickly learned that I had access to much, much more—I could see the entire island! What I didn’t know is that when people say they are going to visit Honolulu, they can easily get from place to place all around Oahu. From one side of the island to the other, it may only take only a couple hours drive.
This is my photoblog of my first trip to Honolulu — for more info on what to see in Hawaii, check out our guides!
12 Best Things to Do in Copenhagen Denmark
Few places have as special a place in my heart than Copenhagen, Denmark. It's the city where I tried smørrebrød for the first time, drank my entire bodyweight in beer, and got engaged. So, 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 the trek to Europe.
This is my complete photo journal on my first visit to Copenhagen. For more on visiting Denmark, check out our guides!
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.
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.
Where to Stay in Bermuda for First Time Visitors
If it is your first time planning a trip to Bermuda and you are looking for the perfect place to stay, look no further. The Hamilton Princess & Beach Club is Fairmont’s luxury premier hotel in Bermuda, and it will make you want to never leave…