man swimming in spring

Is an Airbnb or hotel better for LGBTQ travelers?

Which is better for LGBTQ travelers, Airbnb or a hotel? I'll be honest โ€“ for a decade I was sure I knew the answer to this question. I planned all my travels the same way. Recently, my opinion has begun to shift. If you're wondering whether to choose an Airbnb or hotel for your next vacation, keep reading. While most blog posts that discuss Airbnb or hotel don't consider LGBTQ travelers, this post is designed with us in mind, written from my extensive experiencing traveling the US and internationally and staying in vacation rentals and hotels.
woman sitting on rock

The Most LGBTQ Friendly Caribbean Islands โ€“ And 4 Not to Visit

When midwinter sets in and it's cold and dark by 4 pm on the East Coast, I crave a vacation. I tend to want to go somewhere I can be active, since I'm cooped up in my house. I want somewhere warm and sunny. The most logical place for folks in the Northeast is the Caribbean. Each time I plan a trip to the Caribbean, I make sure I pick an island where I can really relax. That means an LGBTQ-friendly island where we can be ourselves without worry of discrimination. These 11 destinations have deserved reputations for being the most LGBTQ friendly Caribbean islands.
A New Orleans swamp with lots of trees and green vegetation in the water.

New Orleans Swamp Kayak Tour Review – Everything You Need to Know Before You Book a Swamp Tour!

I knew I wanted to book a swamp kayaking tour in New Orleans. When I started researching companies, I quickly discovered that many of the swamp tour operators bait wildlife for tourists. That isn't the kind of our operator I want to support. I went down a research rabbit hole to find an ethical swamp tour operator โ€“ one that doesn't hold out marshmallows on sticks to draw alligators, or let tourists handle baby gators for selfies. I wanted to share my full review to help you plan your NOLA trip without having to do all the research! So keep reading for my full New Orleans swamp kayak tour review including what I wished I'd done differently.
mountain, sky, nature

5 Best Places to Kayak in the Hudson Valley (Local’s Guide)

Kayaking offers a uniquely peaceful way to experience the Hudson Valley's charms. Unlike hiking, my other favorite outdoor activity, I don't have to stress about about ticks โ€“ a huge public health concern in the region. Instead, I'm free to scan the shoreline and sky for wildlife. While paddling, I've seen blue herons and bald eagles soaring overhead. I've watched baby ducks swim after their mom and turtles sunning themselves on logs. If you're ready too take the plunge (pun intended), read on for some of my favorite Hudson Valley kayaking spots. Not only can you paddle along one of America's great rivers, the Hudson, there are smaller lakes, river, and marshes to explore.
person riding on boat on river during daytime

The 10 Best Places to Kayak in New York State

Growing up in Boston, I spent my childhood enjoying beaches in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. It wasn't until I moved to New York that I became a kayaker. Living by the Hudson River, kayaking was the easiest way to get out and enjoy the water. Since I took up kayaking seven years ago, I've been able to explore many of the lakes and rivers across the very large, very rural state that I now call home. That's right, most parts of New York are nothing like NYC โ€“ and I am passionate about helping people escape the city and experience the rest of New York. So keep reading for the best places to Kayak in New York state, from an unforgettable urban adventure to multi-day trips along the New York-Canada border.
Two women sitting in a green hammock

Is Adventure Travel (Finally) Becoming More Inclusive?

There are many awesome folks in the outdoors industries who are deeply committed to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). I was thrilled to see the latest data from the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) on diversity and inclusion in outdoor travel. The numbers show that adventure travel companies are making a conscious effort to expand their audience by marketing to women, people over 50, LGBTQIA people, and people with disabilities.
My Ultimate Kayaking Gear Checklist for The Perfect Paddle

My Ultimate Kayaking Gear Checklist for The Perfect Paddle

When I first dipped my paddle into the world of kayaking seven years ago, I often found myself on the water wishing I had brought this or that crucial item. Through countless adventures, from serene day trips to challenging 12-mile paddles in the Finger Lakes, I learned โ€“ sometimes the hard way โ€“ exactly what kayaking gear was essential for a safe and enjoyable paddle. That's why I've created this comprehensive checklist of everything I take kayaking with me.