Category: Gay Travel

Best Countries for LGBTQ Digital Nomads

Traveling around the globe and exploring all the beauty and unique experiences this world has to offer, all while earning through remote work opportunities, truly seems like a dream. But even though the digital nomad lifestyle might be incredibly attractive, it does come with some unique challenges, especially for members of the LGBTQ community who might be discriminated against or face legal consequences in certain parts of the world simply for being themselves. This does limit the amount of destinations LGBTQ digital nomads could visit, but there are still many stunning welcoming countries you could enjoy. Here are some of the best:

The USA

The US is the ultimate dream for many digital nomads around the world, and for a good reason. Truly being the land of opportunity, you can find great job options, stunning natural surroundings, and many LGBTQ-friendly cities all across America. One of the most popular places among digital nomads is Texas, a surprisingly open and welcoming state. Here, you can rent out beautiful Brownsville apartments for your digital nomad needs, and lead a pleasant life in one of the most charming towns in Texas. Offering plenty of amenities from laundry facilities to community pools, these apartments provide everything you might need for a comfortable life in this US state.

Belgium

One of the most open European countries and second country in history to recognize marriage equality, Belgium is truly a wonderful choice for LGBTQ digital nomads. It is also a thriving country that is quite accepting of foreigners and supportive of business, making it a great location for building a successful career. Apart from providing citizenship quickly, allowing dual citizenships, and having one of the strongest passports in the world, Belgium is also known for having commendable human rights records, including protection for transgender individuals as well.

Brazil

Brazil was seen as a bastion of queer life for quite some time now, and its famous party-loving destinations like Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro have allured millions of LGBTQ nomads from all around the globe. Despite the complications that could be encountered with certain outdated laws and more conservative people, Brazil still remains among the most attractive South American destinations for queer digital nomads. The country has marriage equality and hosts some of the leading pride parades in the world, as well as offering a number of opportunities for nomads looking to do business in this corner of the world.

The Philippines

The Philippines is considered to be among the most livable and open Southeast Asian countries for LGBTQ nomads. While its legal framework isn’t particularly sophisticated, the country is quite welcoming for both Asian travelers and Western foreigners. Apart from its friendly people, English is also widely spoken in the Philippines, making it simple to do business, get the necessary amenities, and live a high standard of life for a significantly lower cost compared to many Western countries. Although Southeast Asia does have some more traditional ideals, the differences in gender and sexuality do tend to be accepted here.

South Africa

South Africa is another country that has an interesting relationship with LGBTQ rights. Although African culture tends to be associated more with conventional sentiments in terms of family and a lack of legal protection, South Africa has truly proved to be a leader in this regard by legalizing same-sex marriage and outlawing discrimination based on sexual orientation. The queer scene here is mostly concentrated in the larger cities of Johannesburg and Cape Town, but the entire country has worked on protections for LGBTQ nomads doing business in this part of Africa.

Traveling the world as an LGBTQ digital nomad might present its challenges, but there are still plenty of open and accepting destinations you can visit freely. Hopefully, one of the beautiful countries mentioned above will prove to be a suitable spot for your future travels.

Packing For an Adventurous Gay Winter Vacation

With the festive season in full swing, it is a perfect moment for you and your same-sex significant other to pack your bags and head for some quality time away from home. Still, before you go, you will have to prepare for the trip in terms of vehicle check-ups and luggage. Though we cannot help you with the former, we can provide you with a few useful tips as to what to pack for a perfect vacation in the lap of Winter Wonderland. If you want to make sure you do not leave behind some valuable gear, glance through the checklist to tick off everything you will need for an idyllic winter holiday.

The down jacket

In the middle of nowhere- and a freezing cold nowhere, what’s more – you will need a smart down jacket to keep you warm. On top of keeping you warm and safe from gusts of strong wind, a trendy down will allow you to communicate your personal style to the rest of the world, so make sure your jacket is as fashionable as it can get. After all, if your first line of defense against the cold weather can be up on the same page as the latest trends and your personal style, you should go for it as the investment will definitely be worth the extra cash.

A carbon wallet

There is no better place to keep your cards than a fashionable carbon wallet. In addition to minimizing the need for space, a trendy carbon wallet will also ward off the snow and keep your cards safely stored. For a neat bonus, your stylish accessory will show to the world that you are on trend, and it will also allow you to bring all the cards you need inside the tiniest of pockets, which is a major plus since the risk of losing your minimalist wallet out in the snow will be negligible.

Scarves and hats

Warm scarves and beanie hats are a must-have for a holiday in the middle of snow and ice. Out there in the snow, your body will be losing heat and your skin will need adequate protection from the elements, which is why scarves and hats are a must even with the warmest of down jackets. For an additional bonus, toting a stylish beanie and scarf will also add interest to your winter getup and allow you to stand out in the crowd, which is another reason not to forget some woolen accessories when packing for your frosty adventure.

Warm Boots

Another must-have for a perfect gay winter vacation, a pair of waterproof boots will make sure your feet are always dry and warm as you conquer cold terrain. Even if you do not have extensive packing space, you still should not forget to take the steps to weatherproof your feet as this part of your body will need all the heat it can get out there on the snow. Unless you pack the right boots for your winter holiday, you might end up with a bad case of cold or flu, which is why you should take footwear seriously if you are to venture out into unchartered snowy territory.

Sun protection

Out there in the snow, your face and lips will be exposed to the elements as much as they are when you are enjoying your summer trips, which is why it would be a good idea to pack lipbalm and sunscreen. While the lipbalm will help prevent your lips from getting chapped in the freezing wind, a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF will make sure your skin does not get burnt by the sun out there in the snow. On top of that, the sun shines brighter against the snow, which is why a pair of sunglasses should also find its way into your luggage. 

Are you ready for your winter gaycation? Be sure to bring along a trendy down jacket, extra socks and warm boots, and do not forget your carbon wallet, lipbalm, sunglasses, and sunscreen. All packed? Your perfect winter trip should be all covered then. Bon voyage, and have fun!

The Impact of New Technologies on the Travel Industry

Technological advancements impact various industries, and hospitality is no exception. They have changed how users search for, book, and experience vacation destinations. 

With high-speed internet connections, virtual reality, and AI-powered voice control, travel experiences have become more intuitive and engaging.

In this article, we discuss how new technologies benefit the hospitality sector.

Cloud Technologies

Cloud computing is the foundation of the technologies mentioned below. According to statistics, about 81% of travel businesses have already invested in cloud computing.

One of the most notable advantages of the cloud is data security. While companies still have numerous cloud-related concerns, these technologies are more reliable than on-premise data storage. From natural disasters to cyberattacks, numerous issues can result in data loss. 

The cloud provides enhanced data security options and makes it easier to comply with data privacy regulations. That is why many hospitality businesses, such as IHG Hotels and Hyatt Hotels, partner with Amazon Web Services.

In a recent guide, SuperAdmins explain that organizations should have a strict compliance strategy before migrating to the cloud. It ensures their cloud computing solutions meet customers’ demands regarding data collection, storage, backups, etc. 

By adopting the cloud strategically and ethically managing customer data, travel and hospitality firms will build trust with their target audiences.

Virtual Reality

Virtual reality refers to highly engaging 360-degree content. Unlike traditional photos and videos, VR is interactive. It immerses a user into the virtual world. 

With the help of these technologies, users can travel to the most distant corners of the globe without leaving their homes. Via physical sensations like sounds or images, they can move around the digital environment and interact with it.

The VR uses in the travel sector are multiple. Some of them are:

  • Providing virtual hotel tours: VR allows hospitality businesses to host virtual tours of hotels and rooms. That way, users can experience what the place looks like before booking it. 
  • Offering an immersive booking interface: Instead of filling out annoying website forms, users can book hotel rooms or tours via a VR headset. 
  • Promoting the hottest vacation destinations: For example, a hotel in Reykjavik may offer a virtual experience of the Northern Lights.

The Internet of Things

Simply put, the Internet of Things is the network of devices that use sensors and other technologies to exchange data with other systems via the internet. 

In the travel industry, IoT involves the integration of users’ smartphones with sensor-powered devices. 

Delivering Customizable User Experiences

The Internet of Things enables a higher level of user experience personalization. 

For example, some hotels power their rooms with sensors. Via a mobile app, users can switch the lights on/off or control the thermostat. 

On planes, sensors allow users to control the air conditioner or adjust the temperature of the seat.

Enabling Smoother Travelling 

IoT technologies improve user experiences at every touchpoint. 

Smart airports use sensors to provide passengers with real-time messages. For example, the mobile app can notify a user about the location of their baggage so they can easily find it. 

Ensuring Faster Maintenance

In factories, the IoT is an essential part of the equipment maintenance process. Sensors identify the performance problems and send alerts to the IT staff. That saves them time since they do not need to look for machinery failure causes manually. 

These technologies play a fundamental role in the travel industry, too. For example, if a light bulb stops working, the sensor activates and sends notifications to the hotel staff. 

5G Network

5G stands for the fifth-generation wireless technology. It provides users with high-speed internet connections and decreased latency. These networks change how we communicate and exchange data. 

As such, they are essential to the travel industry. Namely, 5G perfectly matches VR or the Internet of Things. 

For example, 5G can provide immersive cultural experiences. Fast internet connections allow travelers to use VR or AR to explore new places.

Smart airports equipped with sensors also use these technologies. They provide passengers with beacons that let them navigate their terminals more successfully. 

Voice Control

Over the past few years, voice control has revolutionized the travel industry. In the mobile-first era, a growing number of customers perform searches via smartphone voice assistants. According to Google’s research studies, nearly 70% of Google voice searches use natural language. These conversational technologies make people more comfortable interacting with search engines. Above all, they simplify the customer journey.

Statistics show that tech-savvy users rely on these technologies to:

  • Look for hotels
  • Learn about in-destination activities
  • Search for flights
  • Request information on destination
  • Get vacation ideas

For businesses in the hospitality sector, that is the opportunity to provide faster and more engaging user experiences. First, the goal is to optimize website experiences for voice searches. For example, why not let a user book airline tickets or hotel rooms via their voice assistant?

Voice control and the IoT are a match made in heaven. Guests can use voice assistants in hotel rooms. For instance, they can control lighting and heating. They can even use voice search for self-service. They can obtain accurate tourist information from the voice assistant without having to speak to the hotel staff.

Over to You

New technologies have revolutionized the travel industry. 

For example, cloud computing has accelerated the digitization of this sector. It promises seamless user experiences and higher data security standards. 

Virtual reality, voice assistants, and the IoT go hand in hand with the fast 5G network. Together, they provide immersive, exciting, and personalized user experiences. 

When observing these trends, we can conclude that the travel sector will become more user-oriented in the years to come. 

How to Keep Your Focus When Traveling

If you’re traveling, no matter if for work or pleasure, it’s easy to get distracted and neglect your daily tasks and obligations. Your brain is in vacation mode, plus you have limited resources, irregular schedules, different diet, jet lag, little exercise and a little bit of nostalgia. However, it’s possible to stay focused and productive with these pro-traveler tips: 

Do your research

If you don’t want to waste any time on your trip, make sure to do your research and find all things necessary for a smooth trip in your vicinity. For instance, locate in advance grocery stores, conference halls, cafés, client’s offices and other things you will need to visit. This move saves you time and allows you to hit the ground running when you arrive. 

Plan ahead

You probably know you’ll be hungry on the plane or right when you arrive. Instead of wasting time and money on airport cinnamon buns and sketchy sandwiches, you can stay on track with a healthy trail mix, string cheese and some fresh fruit. Or make sure to pack a travel charger or a power bank so you can do some work at the airport or on the plane. 

Take advantage of your resources

You might not have your regular gym at your disposal or your company’s conference hall, but check if your hotel has a fitness center or meeting rooms you can use. If you’re having an outdoor adventure with camping, find a branch to do pull-ups, a bench for push-ups and some rocks to use as weights. Be creative and use whatever you have at hand. 

Stay hydrated

Make sure to always have a bottle of some sort of liquid (non-alcoholic) at hand when traveling. Staying hydrated will keep you focused, strong, sharp and healthy. When you’re traveling, you’re usually walking and talking more than usual, so you will need to replenish your lost water. If you need an extra push, you can grab a can of nootropic drink that will additionally boost your focus and alertness, improve memory, enhance learning and support mental energy—all you need for a busy day of business travel or exploration. Stay hydrated to maintain sharpness, but also prevent headaches, haziness and other health issues. 

Take it easy with alcohol

If you’re traveling for fun, you will probably grab a few cocktails at the beach to relax, but make sure to keep it moderate to prevent feeling useless the next day (you don’t want to waste precious vacation time on hangovers). If you’re traveling for work, you will probably do some business over dinner and drinks, but make sure to be responsible and professional. A drunken tweet just takes a moment, but remember that they last forever and everyone present at the bar will have a camera to record your irresponsible and disrespectable behavior. 

Maintain daily routines

How do you usually start your day? Is it with a light jog, meditation or shower and skincare regimen? Try your best to maintain these practices when you travel as well. You might not want to introduce new habits to your routine while you’re traveling, but make sure to keep up with the practices you’re used to. Maintaining your daily routines will put you in the right mind-frame. 

Think about all the things you do that make you feel stable, productive and focused like reading, good diet, meditation, working out and other smaller rituals. Allow these habits to ground you no matter where you are, and you will get to enjoy clarity and comfort without getting distracted by a new pace of life. And expect to achieve all the travel goals you set before you. 

Employ technology

Today, technology is small enough to follow you wherever you go. You can do a lot of work tasks on your smartphone or tablet while traveling or relaxing in your hotel room. Just make sure to always pack the right chargers and consider investing in a power bank. This way, you will have the technology to rely on and save yourself a lot of time. 

Being on the road brings a change of pace for all travelers, but it’s not impossible to stay focused and productive. Make sure to follow your daily routines, practise healthy habits and rely on preparation and technology to keep you on track. You will come home fresh, fit, healthy and with a planner full of finished tasks. 

5 Best LGBTQ Honeymoon Destinations in 2021

The concept of traveling and enjoying your honeymoon has changed drastically in 2020, and it’s safe to say that 2021 won’t be too different. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a great time on your honeymoon. On the contrary, if you find the perfect LGBTQ-friendly destination, you’ll surely end up having the time of your life. So, here are five places you should definitely consider when planning your honeymoon.

Italy

It doesn’t matter if you’ve already been to Italy before or not – visiting this amazing place is one of the best things you’ll ever do in life! Planning a great LGBT honeymoon in Italy sounds like a lot of work, but it’s actually easier than you can imagine, as long as you know what to do and what to expect.

Start by booking your plane tickets and finding accommodation a few months in advance – this will help you save some money and make your life a lot easier. Also, make sure you’ve packed everything you’ll need when traveling around Italy and try to remain as stylish as possible. Finally, invest some time into learning more about Italy and making a list of places you’re going to visit while you’re there, and you’ll surely have a wonderful time!

Malta

This might seem like a surprising destination at first, but Malta will give you everything you’re going to need on your honeymoon. It’s a rather secluded place that isn’t popular with all tourists, which means you’re going to have all the privacy you’re looking for. All newlyweds are going to appreciate that, especially when we’re talking about LGBTQ couples who like to keep things simple and easy.

On the other hand, Malta is famous for its amazing scenery and some of the best beaches in the world. You just need to spend some time looking for the most secluded spots, but once you find them, you’ll be surprised how amazing and picturesque Malta really is.

Dubrovnik

Every coastal destination in Croatia will give you a chance to feel like a member of the royal family while vacationing there, but Dubrovnik is the prime jewel in this offer. This amazing place has been around for centuries and has always attracted people from all over the world, giving them precisely what they need – even if they don’t know what exactly they’re looking for!

For example, spending your time in the open sea might not seem like the best way to spend your honeymoon, but it’s an exciting idea you simply have to explore. If you like it, you could even think about researching those powerful motor yachts for sale that will take you wherever you need to go and make sure you’re safe and protected at all times!

New York 

This is one of the most exciting places in the entire world, and we all deserve to visit New York at least once in our lives. But, if you’re looking for the best LGBTQ honeymoon destinations out there, you need to keep in mind that New York is better than it sounds.

With so many things to do here, you won’t have a problem finding ways to spend your time. From taking a walk in the park to visiting Broadway – literally whatever you do in New York will be memorable and epic. So, start planning and saving money for your unique NYC honeymoon you’re never going to forget!

Sydney

Here’s another great place to visit, and you’ll be amazed to notice how welcoming and LGBTQ-friendly people in Sydney are. They’ll be happy you’ve chosen their city for your honeymoon and won’t have a problem helping you around and making sure you’re having a great time – and that’s something all newlyweds are going to appreciate!

People who have already visited Sydney claim it’s the perfect honeymoon destination for everyone who’s looking to have a great time and enjoy their trip. There are lots of reasons why that’s the case – wonderful scenery, thrilling attractions, and cool activities – so don’t hesitate any longer and start planning an Aussie honeymoon right now!

Planning an LGBTQ honeymoon is never easy, but if you start on time and respect your spouse’s wishes as well, you’ll surely have a great honeymoon after all!

LGBT Guide: How to Travel Safely in 2020

Visibility and acceptance of the LGBT people grows every day, so travelers have a wider range of options when it comes to exploring the world. Still, being a gay traveler has its dangers, especially if you choose to travel freely out of the closet. Additionally, 2020 surprised us all and made our travel plans even more complicated. All in all, if you’re planning a trip this year and want to ensure you’re safe on all fronts, here’s what to pay attention to. 

See your doctor

Before you even start planning your trip, make sure to see your doctor (about 6 weeks before your trip). Aside from confirming that you’re healthy enough to travel, this will ensure you receive all necessary vaccinations and refill your prescriptions. It’s also a great idea to ask your health practitioner for hygiene trips and the best ways to avoid COVID-19. Just be ready to stock up on masks, wet wipes and hand sanitizer. 

Grab a local SIM card

Sure, you might want to have a small digital detox while on vacation, but staying connected is very important for your personal safety. Once you get to your destination, grab a local SIM card so you can freely use travel apps, contact your family, update your itinerary and call emergency services. It can also be useful for checking articles on your destination’s  LGBT-friendliness. 

Get good insurance

Having good travel insurance is the key to a safe trip. No matter what befalls you—a sprained ankle, stolen possessions or a canceled flight, you will be protected by your travel insurance so you can sleep peacefully. Additionally, if you’re planning a road trip for your next travel adventure, don’t forget to check a few attractive insurance offers that include vehicles. Keeping your car insured will help you stay safe on the road, especially if you grab a deal that includes roadside assistance. Don’t even start your road trip without having a plan on what to do in case your car refuses to cooperate. 

Get an Uber

If you’re not taking your own car, you’ll probably need to catch some sort of transportation, usually a taxi. However, make sure to always choose a licensed taxi, especially at airports since they are notorious for taking advantage of tourists. For instance, an illegal taxi driver might deliberately deceive you and take you somewhere else if you’re not careful. One of the best ways to remove a lot of stress out of your trip is to download Uber where everything is done via an app, from taking care of payments to checking out the route. Also, the fair is calculated per distance, so you’ll always get a good price. 

Download Google Maps

Another great app that can ensure you’re safe while traveling is Google Maps. It’s one of the best ways to ensure you get from point A to point B safely and efficiently. You can use it to calculate the distance between places, help you plan your trip better, find the nearest bank, ATM, supermarket and such. Also, it contains a lot of useful public transport information that will ensure you take the right route and stay safe. 

Don’t flaunt what you have

If you love your lux Rolex or your diamond engagement rings, it’s best to leave them safely locked away in your hotel room. Having valuables with you will not only boost the chance of getting them accidentally lost, but also make you a target for muggers. 

Prepare for safe sex

You’re probably going to have a lot of sexy fun on your vacation, so make sure to bring plenty of protection. Depending on where you’re going, you might find it hard to acquire condoms or lube, especially the quality kind, so come prepared.

Avoid excess alcohol and drug use

When you’re away from home on your fun vacation, you might be more inclined to drink or take drugs. While there’s nothing wrong with going a little wild in coffeeshops in Amsterdam or ordering special 2for1 deals in Sydney, you need to understand how these substances will affect your body and your mind. Also, when heading out, always stay with a trusted travel buddy so you can keep each other safe. Plus, partying with a friend or SO is always more fun! 

If you plan your trip well and follow these safety tips, every LGBT traveler can have a blast and come back home full of nothing but positive vibes and good memories. 

Best Tips for an LGBT Road Trip

Going on a road trip is one of the most adventurous things in the world, especially if you’re doing it with your close friends. Still, getting in a car and hitting the road is simply impossible to do unless you plan everything first. Investing your time and energy into details such as your destination, accommodation, food, budget, and activities might take a while, but this is ultimately going to take your road trip from average to amazing. If you too are planning a road trip adventure as well, here are a few gay-friendly road trip tips that might end up going a really long way.

Choose your destination

This is probably the most important decision you’re going to make during this entire process, but there’s a problem when you’re choosing a destination for an LGBT road trip – not all destinations are as LGBT-friendly as you may expect. Even though we’re living in the 21st century and consider people to act friendly towards tourists, you’d be surprised to hear about the problems LGBT tourists are facing when they’re on vacation.

Therefore, picking a destination is something you need to do very carefully. Take your time, look into some of the most LGBT-friendly places in the world, and pick a spot where you’ll feel welcomed, safe, and good. Also, be sure to talk to your travel companions and hear them out – they might recommend a destination you didn’t think of or vice versa, so take their wishes into consideration too.

Pick your companions

Speaking of your travel companions, this is another issue you need to address carefully. While most people think that who you’re traveling with isn’t as important as where you’re going, that’s actually not the case. Just imagine being stuck in a car with three or four people you hate for a week or two – yes, not going in the first place is much better than that!

Your companions should be the people you know for a while and who you’re comfortable around. These people will share every waking moment of your time with you, so you need to feel relaxed enough to behave naturally instead of having to pretend you’re someone else. It’s not about your sex or sexuality – after all, your companions don’t necessarily have to belong to the LGBT community at all – but about spending time with someone you generally love spending time with.

Fix your car

Just because you’re going on a road trip doesn’t mean you should be left stranded in the middle of the road. Still, this definitely happens more often than you can imagine, and it will certainly happen to you as well unless you’re traveling in a car that’s properly maintained and ready for such a journey. Doing these things isn’t easy, but it’s just something you have to do if you want to be able to get home from your road trip.

Maintaining your car regularly means checking the engine, inspecting the fluids, changing the oil, and replacing the tyres. The latter might easily be the most important thing of them all, so looking into those reliable 4wd tyres could end up saving your life. Having the wrong tyres might ruin your trip quite easily, so replacing them before hitting the road is definitely a great idea. 

Pack your essentials

One of the benefits of traveling by car is being able to bring as much luggage with you as you want. Unlike airplanes, cars give you an option to pack literally all your essentials, so make sure you’ve packed everything you’re going to need on your road trip. This might not be easy, but dedicating some time to this issue is way better than realizing you don’t have some of your stuff while you’re in the middle of nowhere.

Packing for your perfect LGBT summer road trip means packing a number of crucial items – from your documents and your clothes to your formal wear and your skin products. In the end, you need to pack your less formal clothes as well – after all, finding a lover is just the thing all single young people are hoping for on their road trip.

Going on a road trip is always fun and exciting, but if you’re going on an LGBT road trip this summer, you can be sure you’re going to have the time of your life! Being surrounded by others who are just as fun and wild and free as yourself will make this road trip an occasion you’re going to remember forever.

How to Plan a Perfect Summer Adventure

Planning a trip is one of those things that we all enjoy, but it can be nerve-wracking, especially if you’re planning a trip with someone and you cannot come to an agreement. To make matters worse, 2020 has got us by the neck, so we cannot really go for just any type of trip. Regardless, this is the time to start thinking about summer, for two reasons. One – it will be useful to know where you will spend your summer days and two – it seems that more than half the year has passed without us doing anything worth remembering. So, it’s our job to make the most out of this summer. In order to have the best trip, you don’t have to go big or break the bank. There are so many different options that you can go with, so take a look at a couple of our ideas:

Travel locally

They say that the grass is always greener on the other side, which is very visible in the industry of travel. All of us, you and I included, love to go someplace abroad, discovering a new LGBT-friendly destination, forgetting that we have so many beautiful places in our own country. So this summer might be the one for you to travel locally and explore amazing and not so distant places. Being a tourist in your own country might just be what you need, so use this opportunity to do it in 2020, because – if not now, then when?

Embrace nature

Another way to play this summer trip game is to not spend it on a beach, but rather in nature. Summer is not for sea only; you can also have a memorable and relaxing time generally in nature. Try to find different camps, cottages, mountains or even national parks where you will spend a couple of days during the summer. Yes, this type of holiday might be completely different than the summer holidays you’re used to, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try it out. Make sure to have high-quality equipment, which means that you can always go with Tekto Gear, bring some warm clothes and your camera because you will need it. Spending your summer in nature is an entirely different experience that you should try out.

Why not a road trip?

Then again, why not organize a good road trip? Road trips are always very popular, but this year it seems that they will be more popular than ever. If you want to, you can even travel to a different country, rent a car, or simply take your car and just drive. You need to worry about several things when it comes to a road trip, so it would be very good if you planned everything in advance – the stops, the number of days you will be spending there, check the weather. Make sure to know what to pack, as packing for a trip is never an easy endeavor.

No matter where you go – choose authentic

If 2020 taught us something, it’s that we can never be sure what life has in store for us. Because of that particular fact, it is our job to enjoy our trips as much as possible and try to understand life on Earth as much as we can. That is precisely why authentic trips will be huge this, and in the years to come. See what other cultures are doing, try to understand how different people live by emerging into their world. You do not have to go to Asia or Africa to do this – there are people living a very different life in your vicinity. Visit cottages and live in the woods for seven days. Try to see what life on a farm feels like for a week. All of these things will not only bring you relaxation and distance you from your daily hustle and bustle, but they will also provide you with a new experience that you will definitely remember in years to come.

2020 might not have been the best year so far, and that’s why we need to redeem it with a powerful summer. Your summer trip must be unique and unforgettable – that should be your goal. 

5 Honeymoon Packing Mistakes no LGBT Couple Should Make

Packing is always a daunting process. Even though it is regarded as fun as you are packing for a nice trip that you probably cannot wait for, there is that thing about packing that makes us just a bit nervous. This is especially important if we tend to forget things at home or make packing mistakes that we realize once we arrive at a certain destination. When it comes to honeymoon packing, though, we have to bring our best game. This trip is probably one of the most important trips that we will ever make, so in order not to forget anything and make the most out of this trip, you need to have a certain checklist that you will make several days (or even weeks) before your trip. Take a look at the five biggest honeymoon (packing) mistakes that LGBT couples make, so that you don’t:

Finding a bad destination

This might not have anything to do with packing whatsoever, but it is definitely one of the biggest LGBT honeymoon mistakes there are. LGBT couples can travel most of the world, yes, but they can certainly find themselves in a country that is not entirely LGBT-friendly. For example, if you want to celebrate your LGBT honeymoon and you want to do it with style, make sure to stay away from countries such as Russia (which banned Pride Parade for the next 100 years and where violence towards homosexuals is not frowned upon), or certain African countries such as Nigeria, Senegal, Uganda or Ghana. You can travel there if you want to, of course, but you will have to go back in the closet for the duration of your honeymoon, which might not be exactly what you want out of this trip. This is why you should always go for safe options, such as Sydney, for example, which is a great LGBT honeymoon destination, Europe or New York City.

Not packing all the queer essentials

However, if you opt for a good destination, then you might want to pack all the queerest things that you want. Since you are married, you will probably want to leave your latex pants at home (unless that is what you and your spouse really want). But, one of the most common essentials for queer people that is slowly and slowly becoming a bigger part of their routine is the makeup. This, however, does not only include the foundation or the concealer that many use, but mascara, eye shadow, eyeliner, or any other products that many LGBT people use nowadays. For each of these, you probably have your favorite brand, and it might be a bit difficult or perhaps even expensive to buy at your new location. Opting to buy mascara online or finding an eyeliner that is very similar to the one that you use and having it delivered to your hotel is a great ideal. This is how you will save time on going shopping and you will get everything that you need. And we all know how good-looking we want to be on our honeymoon.

Forgetting the documents

This is not only important for the LGBT honeymoons, but for all of them – and it is so important that we simply have to include it in this list. You cannot forget important documents such as the passports, the IDs, the accommodation confirmation and the plane tickets. These are the documents that you should prepare beforehand – put them on your desk or your table just to make sure you do not forget them. Also, do not forget to bring your money and your card.

Not planning the activities

Even though it is your honeymoon and you will probably be doing whatever you want to do, you should have at least a plan of what you want to visit and see. The destination that you choose for your honeymoon will probably be decided for a reason, and that reason is most commonly the things that the newlywed couple wants to see there. If you want to go to a popular touristic destination such as Paris, for example, or any other major city in Europe, and you want to visit some of its most iconic landmarks and museums, you will probably have to book your tickets in advance (such as for Anne Frank’s House in Amsterdam, for instance). Do not make this mistake and plan everything in advance. It is better to be safe than sorry. This is also important so as not to forget an important piece of equipment that you might need for your destination there. 

5. Leaving the day after the wedding

Contrary to popular belief, it is not the best idea to leave for your honeymoon the day of your wedding or the day after. You will need at least several days to relax after the big celebration, and secondly – why the rush? Take your time, see how the wedding went, have those memories and experiences settle down just a bit, and then opt to travel with your spouse. This is how you will manage to enjoy both of these events – as both are equally important. Also, this might result in forgetting something very crucial.

Your honeymoon is sacred and you need to plan it very carefully if you want to experience it in the best possible way. Make a checklist and also think about the mistakes other couples made – this is how you will ensure the perfect packing. Have a great one!

How to Pack for a European Fall City Break

Touring through European cities means seeing many exciting places, learning a lot of history, swimming, and of course, taking a lot of pictures. If this is your first time traveling there, here is a helpful guide of the essential things you will need.

Shoes

First, let’s talk about shoes since they take up so much space. You have probably made different outfits in your head and can’t wait to wear them, but if they include more than two pairs of shoes, forget about it. All you need are versatile shoes like, white sneakers that will go with any outfit and occasion, or a trendy pair of loafers, and some stylish sandals or slides, which are a better option. If you absolutely have to pack another pair, make sure those are comfortable sports sneakers you can travel in, and then wear them for walking or when you go sightseeing.

Clothes

Regardless of the type of vacation you are having, make sure you pack some extra shirts, in case you get wet or dirty. Pieces that can be both casual and formal are men’s polo shirts, which are a classic you can’t go wrong with. Wear it with shorts, pants, or jeans, and it will look stylish, plus they are very comfortable. Pack some basic monochrome t-shirts, a long-sleeved shirt for a night out, and for a crazy night out, take out your favorite print or trendy t-shirt which you didn’t have the chance to wear.

Pack two pairs of jeans, one pair of pants, and just in case, at least one shorts, because it can get hot. Don’t forget sweaters and a light fall jacket. Denim or leather are perfect because they will keep you warm, they go with everything, and they are super trendy. And, of course, don’t forget your favorite bathing suit because you never know where you will have a chance for a quick dip at least. 

Cosmetics

Keeping your skin protected when traveling is pretty hard, which is why you need to have at least some basic skincare products in your cosmetics bag. A face wash, a moisturizer, some wet wipes, sunblock, a deodorant, razors, and at least a concealer will be enough, although you can pack some other go-to products. Make sure to pack travel sizes, and for the purpose of traveling light, you can get all your bath essentials once you get there. And since your cosmetics bag will probably hold these items, condoms, band-aids, and a basic meds kit should be there as well. 

Accessories

The first and most important thing is a bag or a backpack, whichever you like better. It’s convenient because you can carry it wherever you go, pack all your personal belongings, and even pack something you bought there. 

A wristwatch is the main jewelry piece you need, but if you are a fan of bracelets or necklaces, do pack them, just don’t wear them while you get through airport control. A cool cap can complete your style, so if you like wearing them, pick your favorite and pack it. Sunglasses and a belt should also be on your list. 

Fun and games

In the fun and games section, we will include all the technology since that’s where a lot of the fun is. Your phone, charger, a speaker, headphones, power bank, and a camera are some of the essentials. You can take photos, record, listen to music, talk to people, and get maps and directions when you need it. If you know you will be attending a crazy party, do pack something fun like a wig, glitter, funny clothes, or even just socks or underwear that is at least silly. If your type of fun is a bit calmer atmosphere, a kindle or a book are a good choice.