Death Valley National Park views with mountains and road.

The Best and Worst States for LGBTQ Family Travel

Posted inUS
Are you looking for the best and worst states for LGBTQ travel right now? Here's a list of the most LGBTQ-friendly states to visit with Trump back in office โ€“ and the ones where hostile laws make it uncomfortable and potentially unsafe if you're queer or trans. I created this list so that you donโ€™t have to worry about which states are LGBTQ-friendly and which ones are not so friendly, particularly if youโ€™re going on an LGBTQ family vacation where you canโ€™t exactly hide your rainbow selves :)
mountain, sky, nature

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

Posted inUncategorized
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

Posted inKayaking, US
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.
Drone shot of Mexico City at night

10 Best LGBTQ-friendly Cities in North America for Queer Womenย 

Posted inCanada, Travel Planning, US
North America contains some of the most LGBTQ-friendly cities anywhere, in my opinion. But how welcome you'll be as an out bi, pan or lesbian traveler really depends on where you go. I've rounded up 10 most LGBTQ-friendly cities in North America for queer women travelers. While some of these places are still on my bucket list, I've visited a majority of them and have been fortunate enough to call two of these LGBTQ-friendly cities home! So keep reading to learn the top destinations in North America for queer women!
Two bikers riding together wearing pink and purple shirts.

These Queer Bike Clubs Welcome LGBTQ+ Riders On the Road

Posted inAccess & Inclusion
We're turning the spotlight on the growing number of queer bike clubs that are working to make cycling more welcoming and inclusive for queer, non-binary, and femme-identified riders! The new wave of bike clubs celebrate diversity and cultivate supportive environments tailored to the needs of queer, trans, non-binary and femme cyclists. And they are grounded in a supportive and inclusive, all levels welcome framework. Group rides are frequently no dropโ€“โ€“ going at the pace of the slowest rider, with no pressure to speed up. And many offer gear lending libraries and skills workshops to build comfort and confidence among newer riders.
A group of Black children lean through a window smiling. They're dressed in blue t-shirts except one kid is wearing orange.

LGBTQ Travel News: Uganda Shunned, Idaho Trans Ban Blocked

Posted inTravel Trends
With the rise in extreme anti-trans laws, there is so much news out there impacting LGBTQ folks' freedom of expression and right to be ourselves. Every month, I highlight a few of the stories that most impact queer and trans travelers, with a breakdown of the issues and what you need to know now. So read on to discover the surprising New York towns welcoming trans folks, the economic impact of Uganda's "Kill the Gays" bill (including how it's making other African countries think twice about passing similarly draconian laws) and how one red state's ban on trans-affirming medical care was blocked โ€“ for now.
Onteora Lake covered I snow in winter.

A Local’s Guide to Lake Onteora Trails in Kingston NY

Posted inUS
Lake Onteora has some of the easiest and most accessible hikes near Kingston, New York. It's located up Route 28 just three miles west of Kingston, within the Bluestone Wild Forest. As a Kingston local, I've hiked each of Lake Onteora's trails multiple times, from water snowshoe treks to summer blueberry picking hikes. So read on for all the Onteora Lake Trail details and my favorite locals' tips to make the most of these accessible hikes near Kingston, NY!
Rocky outcropping at Slabsides

Hudson Valley Hiking at Slabsides

Posted inUS
Planning a Hudson Valley hiking trip and searching for the perfect day hike? Slabsides is an approachable hike near Kingston, NY that's beginner friendly, kid friendly and dog friendly. Here's a hiking route that takes you to the best spots at Slabsides, including my recommendation of where to eat after your hike.