If you’re planning a trip—or already lucky enough to call Seattle home—this guide is for you. Here, I’m sharing some outstanding LGBTQ+-owned businesses, the top places to eat in Seattle, the best bars to visit in Seattle, and a variety of iconic (and lesser-known) attractions that Michael and I just can’t resist.
If Maui isn’t already on your bucket list, you need to bump it to the top. After (finally) exploring for myself, I can confidently say this island is so much more than pretty beaches and postcard-worthy palm trees. There are all kinds of variety and culture of Maui, Hawaii Island.
Discover Phuket’s gay-friendly beaches, incredible nightlife, and the LGBTQ+ adventures beyond the typical. This is your ultimate guide to Thailand’s Phuket island paradise.
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!
Discover the top things to do in Helsinki, Finland with our gay-friendly itinerary, cafés, saunas, Pride events, island escapes, and cultural gems await.
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.
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 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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
Let’s get this out of the way first: yes, Walla Walla is fun to say. Yes, it’s famous for its onions. And yes, we did eat our body weight in cherries, foraged mushroom soup, and smoothies during our time there. But if all you know about Walla Walla are the vegetables it produces, then you’re missing out on one of the most unexpectedly charming towns in the Pacific Northwest.
Located in southeastern Washington, Walla Walla is the kind of place that sneaks up on you. One minute you’re road-tripping through the Columbia River Gorge, and the next, you’re sipping Rhône-style reds at a vineyard with panoramic views and wondering if you could maybe… live here?
If you’ve ever dreamed of a place where monkeys swing through the trees, sloths nap like they’ve got nowhere to be, and falafel is somehow life-changing, then pack your bags for Manuel Antonio. This slice of Costa Rican paradise is the ultimate destination for nature lovers, beach bums, and anyone who appreciates a good jungle vibe.
Here’s your ultimate travel guide to Manuel Antonio, streamlined into three key categories: where to stay, what to do, and where to eat/drink. Let’s dive in!
If you’ve ever dreamed of an island paradise where pineapples grow in greenhouses, waterfalls double as waterslides, and hot springs are basically nature’s hot tubs, then pack your bags for the Azores. This archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic is like if Hawaii and Iceland had a baby, and that baby was raised by a Portuguese grandmother who insists you eat more seafood.
Here’s the lowdown on the top 10 things to do and see in the Azores, served with a side of wit and a sprinkle of wanderlust.
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.
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.
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.
Key West is a vibrant, fierce, and welcoming city full of pride! We’ve fallen in love with The Florida Keys and this community.
Pride is a time where the community comes together, celebrates our individuality & beauty, and remembers all those who’ve stood up for our rights before us. 🌈 Celebrating pride is a movement towards greater equality. Celebrating pride makes communities feel safe, seen, and understood. Celebrating pride is a message to others who can’t come out or do not feel safe to do so, that there are welcoming and loving communities beyond their current circumstance. That there is hope. No matter where or how you’re celebrating #pride today, we hope you feel this love and unity. ❤️
We went to Key West for Pride and there’s so much to do that we decided to pick out the top places and put them in this guide:
Explore the Florida Keys on a 5-day road trip from Key Largo to Key West. Discover gay bars in Key West, and LGBTQ+ friendly accommodations.
As one of the top travel destinations in Oregon, it can be easy to get overwhelmed with the number of options of things to do in and around Bend. One of the best aspects of Bend is it’s geographic location and the diversity in landscape this lends. As the Cascade Mountains meet the High Desert in Central Oregon, a diverse and dramatic landscape beckons to be explored. From hiking, rock-climbing, skiing and snowboarding, camping and whitewater rafting, there are tons of tour options to explore for the adventurous soul.
Here are the top things to do in Bend from a local:
Winter Pride is coming back next year in Bend Oregon and Mt. Bachelor with Winter PrideFest! The Pride Party consists of multiple events and group activities throughout the weekend and is quickly becoming one of the largest Winter Pride celebrations in the USA. Here’s everything you need to know about attending Winter PrideFest.
Discover the best gay-friendly accommodations, restaurants, and tours in Playa del Carmen. Enjoy LGBTQ+ inclusive stays, and vibrant nightlife.
My first time visiting Playa del Carmen, I wasn’t sure what activities and excursions I should book. There is so much to do in Playa del Carmen, and even more in the jungles beyond, so as a first time visitor, I was surprised to find that Playa del Carmen is not only full of great bars, restaurants, beaches, and nightlife, but there are countless tours and excursions to experience.
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.
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.
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
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.
Welcome to Michael and Matt
LGBTQ+ Travel & Adventure
Gay Husbands Traveling the World
Hi there! We’re Michael & Matt, two travel-obsessed husbands from Portland, Oregon. Leaving the US for the first time, we quickly learned that there isn’t enough helpful LGBTQ+ travel-friendly information out there. Our goal is to change that! Through the lens of our cameras and alongside each other, we’re traveling the world to better understand ourselves and the world we live in. We hope to share our stories through refreshingly genuine and relatable content that gives you the information you need to travel just about… anywhere! Join the adventure!
Why We Started SideQuests Travel:
We’ve always believed the best parts of any trip aren’t on the itinerary. We didn’t start SideQuests to tick boxes, we started it for the stuff you can’t plan: the people you meet, the shared meals, the “holy sh*t—I didn’t know I needed this” kind of moments…
Let’s face it, we’re in a loneliness pandemic. People spend more time on computers now than they do with friends. We struggle to make connections, to feel seen, to have a sense of true-belonging within the our communities (especially within the LGBTQ+ community). Many of us may feel like we don’t know where we fit… I’ve felt that way for much of my life, but I’ve also found that when I take the opportunity to travel—I’m surprised by not only the people that are brought into my life, but how I open up as well. My walls come down. My biggest life-altering moments and ‘epiphanies’ have all happened while traveling and due to conversations with other travelers.
This is how SideQuests was born, by asking the simple question: what if LGBTQ+ folks had a safe space to travel that’s centered around building community and connecting with others?
So now, we lead small-group trips for LGBTQ+ people and the allies who love us. We curate experiences that bring us together in ways you can’t plan for but will remember for years. Many folks come solo, many come as couples. You don’t need to be “good at travel,” you just need to be up for an adventure and willing to say yes.
This is the friends’ trip you didn’t have to plan. Boutique stays, thoughtful experiences, and space to be yourself without hesitation. We’ll see the headline sights and linger where good conversation shows up. Come as you are, and leave with new friends and a bigger sense of community.
Travel for your character arc.
The Michael & Matt Travel Pack contains all of our favorite presets we’ve used to edit our Instagram pictures. Through traveling together over the last 5 years, we’ve developed these presets as our “go-to’s” no matter where in the world we may be. We designed these presets to help take your photography to the next level with stunning edits in just a few simple clicks.
Inside the pack you will find 1 ZIP file complete with 10 Lightroom Desktp preset files. PLEASE NOTE - This pack is for desktop use only and will not work on Lightroom mobile. Presets work for both RAW and JPEG images.
The pack includes 10 Presets:
1. Bay Side
2. Cobblestone
3. Canopy
4. Head in the Clouds
5. Mediterranean
6. Isla
7. On the Rocks
8. Splash
9. Horizon
10. Retrograde
Introducing: The Michael & Matt Travel Pack (Desktop Collection)
The Michael & Matt Travel Pack contains all of our favorite presets we’ve used to edit our Instagram pictures. Through traveling together over the last 5 years, we’ve developed these presets as our “go-to’s” no matter where in the world we may be. We designed these presets to help take your photography to the next level with stunning edits in just a few simple clicks.
Discover Peru:
Not many can say they’ve slept in a real palace before. I felt like a prince spending a few nights at Libertador Palacio del Inka, a Marriott Luxury Collection Hotel in Cuzco, Peru. Located directly next to the Inca’s largest historic temple, Temple of the Sun, Palacio del Inka holds much of its original character in its ornate guest suites. Many of which surround the Casona de los Cuatro Bustos’ stone courtyard…
We stepped off the train and immediately immersed ourselves in a flood of sounds of the Amazonian Cloud Forest. Beyond us, Machu Picchu staggered hidden behind jungled cliff-sides as scattered clouds fluttered around the bend. I’ll save you the fluff. We’ve all heard of Machu Picchu’s stunning reputation, but what I didn’t know coming to see this great place for my second time is how it would personally affect me…
I’ve never felt so spoiled walking into a hotel than when I first walked into Tambo del Inka after a full day of traveling the Sacred Valley countryside. If you’re planning your journey to Machu Picchu, or looking to experience Andean and Quechua culture, you’ve come to the right place. As you descend down the mountains surrounding Urubamba (which itself sits in a valley at 9,000 feet), the red tiled roof of Tambo del Inka highlights itself amongst the eucalyptus trees. Find yourself in the lobby warming up in front of the massive stone fireplace, then head to your room to prepare for some well deserved time at the spa. There’s really no better way to relax in the Sacred Valley than this.
Travel to Thailand:
Explore Bangkok’s LGBTQ+ scene with our first-timer’s guide, gay bars, drag shows, Pride, and culture tips to make your trip unforgettable.
Discover Phuket’s gay-friendly beaches, incredible nightlife, and the LGBTQ+ adventures beyond the typical. This is your ultimate guide to Thailand’s Phuket island paradise.
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
Explore Copenhagen:
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!
One of the most difficult things to figure out when planning a big trip is deciding where to stay. This was especially true for my friends and I when we started searching for our accommodations on our European backpacking trip. Looking into Copenhagen, we were overwhelmed with the number of options. Then, like an answer from the travel-gods, we took our search to HostelWorld and found this glorious gem... This is the essential budget travel guide to Copenhagen Denmark.
Something that is grossly underrated throughout the world and life in general, is Nordic cuisine. It's iconic, it's amazing, it's everything you didn't know you wanted or needed in life, and more. I'm here to tell you, over latter half of the 20th century, Scandinavia has gone through quite a Renaissance when it comes to the diversity and presentation over their previously classic dishes. As Scandinavia's largest metropolitan area, Copenhagen not only boasts some of the greatest and famously sought-after restaurants, but a huge variety of world-class fare. Whether you're stopping in Denmark's capital city for a quick stopover, or diving in for a long immersive experience, you won't want to miss discovering a bit of what makes this place magical, the food!
About Michael & Matt
*
About Michael & Matt *
Hello! We’re Michael & Matt! We are two travel photographers & videographers based in Portland, Oregon.. For years we’ve shared our stories over Instagram and YouTube. You already know that we love to travel and sharer our adventures online., When we’re not out in the world somewhere, Michael works as a dentist, and Matthew manages the editing and writing here on the blog. We can usually be found eating at any of the amazing restaurants in Portland, tending to our plant babies, or watching Amazing Race, Game of Thrones, or any of the Harry Potter movies at home!
Part of a white ferris wheel against a blue sky with some clouds
Two young men enjoying a day at the beach, one lifting and spinning the other, both smiling and laughing, with a sandy shoreline and ocean in the background.
A busy street in an urban area with buildings on both sides, various signs in Japanese and English, and pedestrians walking around during dusk.
Snow-covered mountain peaks with pine trees in the foreground and a partly cloudy sky above.
Aerial view of a European cityscape featuring historic buildings, church steeples, and a town square with people walking.
Two men smiling on Brooklyn Bridge; one holds a rainbow pride flag, with skyscrapers in the background and a few people walking.
Aerial view of a city with a river running through it, a large suspension bridge crossing the river in the foreground, and multiple buildings, landmarks, and a Ferris wheel along the riverbanks.
Young man in red jacket taking a photograph with a camera on a cloudy day at Machu Picchu with mountains in the background.
Step into the colorful streets of San Juan, Puerto Rico, where history meets modern life around every corner. Discover breathtaking forts, bright colonial buildings, lively plazas, and local flavors that make this city unforgettable. Whether chasing sunsets on the beach or wandering Old San Juan’s storied lanes, this guide brings you the must-see sights and hidden treasures of the Caribbean’s most vibrant capital.