Michael and Matt’s
Gay Travel Blog
Recent Posts
3 Days in Helsinki: The Perfect Helsinki Itinerary for First Time Visitors
So you’re looking to visit Helsinki, and possibly Finland for the very first time. Where do we start!? For a country with only 5.5 million people, Finland surely packs in a ton of culture. Helsinki is located at the edge of the Baltic Sea, with its vast archipelago stretching nearly to the shores of Sweden. Whether you’re visiting during the warm and humid summer where it stays light until the wee hours of the morning, of you’re heading there to see the snow and Northern Lights, Helsinki has something to offer for everyone.
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.