the blog
Follow our Story
I Built Pride Scout So You Don’t Have to Open 27 Tabs to Plan One Trip
I Built Pride Scout So You Don’t Have to Open 27 Tabs to Plan One Trip If you’ve ever planned a Pride trip, you already
GayDays Orlando Is Back for 2026. New Hotel, Same Weekend, New Energy.
GayDays is Back! When GayDays first announced the pause for 2026, I’ll be honest, it felt heavy. For a lot of us, that early June
The Merriest Market Adventure Part 4: Trains, Planes, and Tips
Eurostar wins, LNER feeds you, and the sleeper seat isn’t a vibe This last part is the nuts and bolts I wish someone had handed
The Merriest Market Adventure Part 3: UK
Rides and food in Hyde Park, a clean loop through the lights, and a day trip that lands just right I landed in London ready
The Merriest Market Adventure Part 2: France
Capital of Christmas energy, Parisian sparkle, and a full-on Disney holiday night I crossed from Germany into France already buzzing, but Strasbourg turned the volume
The Merriest Market Adventure Part 1: Germany
Berlin, Cologne, Frankfurt (plus Phantasialand Wintertraum) I kicked off my 17-day run in Germany because this is where Christmas markets feel baked into the streets.
Edinburgh in a Day: The Perfect December Itinerary From Waverley to the Christmas Lights
Edinburgh feels dramatic even in daylight, and at Christmas it hums. I’m landing at 1 p.m. and going straight for the sights that hit fast
Ultimate Holiday Market Wish List: London and Manchester’s Top Christmas Markets & Lights
England layers tradition on top of city energy, and it works. In London, I’m doing the full spread so you don’t miss a beat: Hyde
Steal My France Christmas Market Itinerary: Paris and Strasbourg
France brings romance to the season, and Strasbourg wears the crown. I’ll trace a route through the old town that hits the Cathedral, Rue du
My Germany Christmas Market Itinerary: Berlin, Cologne & Frankfurt
You’re about to see why Germany basically wrote the playbook for Christmas markets. The tradition goes back centuries here, and you feel it the second
Don’t Fly During This Government Shutdown until You do the Following
If you’ve got a flight between now and late November, you should plan for a wobbly couple of weeks. As of Friday, November 7, 2025,
Virgin Voyages Ships: The Triplets and Her Sister.
You’re cruise-curious about Virgin Voyages and you want the real talk. Here’s the guide I wish I had on my first sailing. So I have
Virgin Voyages, Made Easy: Your First-Timer Guide From Someone Who’s Sailed with them a Few Times
You’re cruise-curious about Virgin Voyages and you want the real talk. Here’s the guide I wish I had on my first sailing. So I have
How I’m budgeting this epic two-week run of holiday fun
This year I’m doing a two week Christmas Market run across Europe. I’ll be solo for at least the first week. My sister might drop
8 Travel Insurance Companies You’ll See Everywhere (And How They Stack Up For A $2,000 Cruise)
You don’t need to memorize every insurer out there. Start with these eight. They’re the names you’ll run into on airline checkouts, booking sites, and
Why I Don’t Skip Travel Insurance Anymore: Real Talk, Real Numbers, and 4 Big Providers You’ll See Everywhere
I used to gamble on trips. Fly across an ocean, book nonrefundable stuff, and hope nothing went sideways. As I have aged I have changed
5 LGBTQ Cruise Events for 2026 You Should Look Into
Planning a big queer getaway at sea in 2026? You’ve got options, and the headliners below are the heavy hitters. These are the largest, most
Atlanta Pride 2025: How the Weekend Went – Parade Joy, Piedmont Park Magic, and Nightlife Wins
I just wrapped Atlanta Pride and I’m still smiling. The whole thing felt like the city wrapped its arms around us. Piedmont Park turned into
Flying Soon During a Shutdown? Your Game Plan
So you have your flight booked, cruise paid for or Hotel reservation on the ready. Your job has approved your vacation days and this government
My Holiday Adventure Countdown: What I Do at 120, 60, 30, and 10 Days Out
Guess what. I live for fairy lights and warm cups of hot cocoa. Think Hallmark movie, but with train apps and real prices. This is
WorldPride Amsterdam 2026 – The Big Event You Should Build Your Trip Around
Amsterdam hosts WorldPride from 25 July to 8 August 2026, and I’m building my trip around five anchor moments on Museumplein plus the conference and
Amsterdam Pride 2022: My Experience at the Canal Parade, Pride March, and Street Parties
Perfect, thanks for filling in those details! Here’s a polished version of your Amsterdam Pride blog post with your real experiences woven in. It’s written
LGBTQ Christmas Markets in Berlin, Frankfurt & Cologne 2025: Hours, Maps, Food and Festive Highlights
Planning a holiday trip to Europe and want to experience something a little different? The Christmas season is magical everywhere, but a few cities in
🌈 8 of the Largest Bucket List Pride Events in the World Everyone Should Experience at Least Once
Pride is more than a parade — it’s a celebration of identity, history, resilience, and love. Across the globe, Pride events bring together millions of
📱 8 Free Apps You Must Download Before Traveling to Europe
(Germany, France & England Edition) Whether you’re catching the Metro in Paris, navigating London’s Tube, or riding the trams of Berlin, these 8 essential apps
On the Ground: Finding Markets, Fun, Food & Getting Around
Once I land in a city, I want to do three things fast: find the market, figure out my route, and learn what to eat
Where I’m Going (and Why I’m Taking Trains)
When I plan a Christmas Market run, I want a mix: classic German markets, a little theme-park magic, and a couple big-city “wow” moments. I
6 Essential Things to Know Before Planning Train Travel
Train journeys offer a nostalgic, comfortable, and scenic way to travel — but they come with their own quirks. Before you book that window seat,
How I’m Planning a 2025 European Christmas Market Trip
How I’m Planning a 2025 European Christmas Market Trip (from a 40-something gay Black traveler) I’m a Hallmark-movie holiday person. Give me fairy lights, mugs
5 Essential Steps Before Planning Your Major European Vacation
Here’s a handy pre-trip checklist to help you prepare—complete with savvy tips for flights, Christmas market resources, and more. 1. Pick Your Trip Length, Timing
Epic Universe + Gay Days Orlando: How I Did It, What I Loved, And How I’d Plan 2026
I hit Epic Universe on June 8, 2025, just a couple weeks after opening, and it felt like stepping into a movie you don’t want
Finding Rainbows Abroad: Relocating for a More Comfortable and Affordable LGBTQ+ Life
For many LGBTQ+ individuals in the United States, the pursuit of a truly welcoming and affirming environment, coupled with the ever-rising cost of living, can
Disneyland Paris: My Real-World Playbook You Can Copy
After 2 trips to Europe at the end of 2024; I thought it was time to put pen to paper for my Disneyland Paris destination
Travel Blue: Colorado
Colorado, with its stunning mountain landscapes, vibrant cities, and progressive culture, is a welcoming haven for LGBTQ+ travelers. From inclusive destinations with must-see sights to lively Pride celebrations, the Centennial State offers unforgettable experiences for everyone. Here’s your guide to the best LGBTQ+-friendly spots and events in Colorado.
Travel Blue: California Part 2
Palm Springs: The Desert Oasis of LGBTQ+ Life Palm Springs is a well-known LGBTQ+ getaway destination in Southern California. With its year-round sunshine, stylish resorts,
Travel Blue: California Part 1
California has long been a haven for the LGBTQ+ community, and it continues to stand as one of the most inclusive and diverse states in
Changing Your Gender and Name on a U.S. Passport: A Guide
If you are a U.S. citizen who has transitioned or is transitioning and wish to update your passport to reflect your true gender and name,
Travel In Pride: Travel Blue
With the most recent election, the landscape for the LGBTQ community in the U.S. is set to shift toward a much less inclusive and welcoming
Can AI plan your Vacation?
Planning a Dream Sydney Mardi Gras Getaway with Google Gemini Introduction Dreaming of a vibrant, unforgettable getaway? Sydney Mardi Gras is the ultimate celebration of
Dancing Under the Rainbow: A Night of Pride at Disneyland
Calling all Disney lovers and Pride enthusiasts! Are you looking for a magical way to celebrate your true colors? Look no further than Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite! This dazzling after-hours event transforms the Happiest Place on Earth into a haven for the LGBTQIA+ community and allies.
A Park Bathed in Rainbow Light
Imagine stepping through the iconic Disneyland gates and being greeted by a breathtaking spectacle.
Pride After Dark: My Magical Night at Universal’s Hidden Gem
Forget the Castle and fireworks shows – this past weekend, I embarked on a different kind of fairytale adventure: Pride is Universal! Nestled within the iconic Universal Studios, this secret (well, almost) after-hours party is a vibrant celebration unlike any other.
Imagine stepping through the familiar Universal Studios entrance, but not only looking at the globe but the familiar arch bathed in a dazzling display of rainbow lights. Gone were the usual park crowds rushing from ride to ride, replaced by a kaleidoscope of color and identities – a sea of smiling faces from the LGBTQIA+ community and allies, all united for a night of self-expression, joy, and community.
Should Uplift be your new Favorite Travel Hack?
I am sure that a lot people have seen things like Quadpay, Afterpay or shopping websites when you are buying the new Coach Messenger bag
Planning a Cruise Solo?
Waiting for a family member to join you on a trip is becoming less and less of a requirement in the current digital age, especially
Virgin Voyages Part 2
The fact that Virgin Voyages is working on reinventing the wheel for cruises makes them my cruise line of choice. One of the things that
Virgin Voyages Part 1: Solo Sailor and More
Let me wade into the Virgin Voyages discussion. From the perspective of a fat, middle-aged gay black male solo sailor. A lot of others have
Amsterdam Pride 2022. Bucket List Pride Part 2
Unlike Curacao Pride, but very similar to Rio Carnival, street parties are a big thing for Amsterdam Pride. And I attempted to drop in on
Amsterdam Pride 2022! Bucket List Pride #1
As many of you who have seen my Bucket List right here, I got to live one out. I sat down and Booked my trip
Remote Work Vacations
Working from Home is becoming more of the norm since we welcomed Covid-19 into our world and the pandemic became a continued mindset. Over the
Am I a Disney Adult?
I am not a fully Disney Adult, but at this point I can certainly say that I am related to a few. After growing up
Bucket List: Destinations
Each year through TV, Movies and Social Media we all discover new destinations or even events that we have to see and witness firsthand ourselves.