Meet the Finalists Up For a 2022 Gay Travel Award

Nov 28, 2022

With their postcard-perfect photos, scroll-stopping videos, and inside scoop into the blue-ribbon destinations around the world, the rise of the travel influencer has expanded our appetite for global wanderlust. Professional content creators not only hold the power to inspire our travel plans, but these creative explorers and their well-honed takes are why travel is top of mind once more, even in the wake of the global pandemic.

Here are the 15 LGBTQ+ travel influencers changing the internet and shaping the way we see the world!

GAY TRAVEL INFLUENCERS, SOLO TRAVELER

Alex The Outdoorsman | @alextheoutdoorsman

Collecting memories, not things, content creator Alex Guerra is a distinctive voice amongst trans-masc creatives braving the new frontier of the digital age. Currently living in Austin Texas, Alex brings variety to his slew of accounts, regularly shifting his strategy from relatable reels to informative Q+A sessions with his followers. Evolving into an inclusive pocket of the internet where everyone is welcome, Alex opens up doors using his soi-disant brand, Alex the Outdoorsman, to reach a broader recognition of the trans experience and a sense of normalcy for his Queer peers.

A digital diarist with an audience of over 200K on TikTok alone, Alex graces his followers with the occasional thirst trap in between videos challenging the binary and their outdated perspectives on masculinity. Showing the community that they can do it all, he recently stepped into a new role as the cofounder of Mutual Love, an NFT marketplace celebrating queer creators and culture-makers while centering their communities in the crypto ecosystem. Leaving the door open behind him, Alex created the coin as a tool for queer folks to build generational wealth, access, and intellectual equity on-chain.

Asian Maple Leaf | @asianmapleleaf

NYC by way of Toronto, Barry Hoy is a content creator living it up around the Big Apple... and online. Through each New York Minute shared, the Asian Maple Leaf brand offers up a digital vignette into Barry's rainbow-coated world. From kicking off Pride Month with a splash on the 'gram to penning a blog post on the ultimate romantic getaway in Stockholm, he took his knack for turning mundane moments into unforgettable memories and built the personal travel brand we didn't know our feeds needed.

A jack-of-all-trades but master of FUN, Barry cohosts the popular video series "Making it With Pride" alongside his partner Teraj, a pop and R&B singer. The series takes the audience on a journey of a lifetime, Following the show-stopping twosome, as they attend various pride events across the globe, the series takes the audience on a journey of a lifetime. A contributing writer and editor to several esteemed publications, the Canuck creative is at his best when inspiring his audience to travel more, experience more, and love more.

For more, check out Barry's guide to NYC penned exclusively for our blog.

Carlos Melia | @carlosmelia

With an eye for the exclusive and expertise in turning tourists into travelers, Carlos Melia is the Argentinian-bred, American-Based tastemaker spotlighting as a luxury travel curator to the stars... and us regular folk too. A true citizen of the world, the Herculean social network of one million, built over two decades of globetrotting, has revealed a tight-knit community that is certainly buying what he is selling. To that end, his success seems kismet when you consider the weight of the platform he built to break down the intricacies of the world of luxury travel, one destination at a time. However, look past your screen and you'll see that Carlos built a kingdom.

Holding his Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality Management in one hand and a passport in the other, Carlos reached all ends of the Travel Industry. Rubbing elbows with Michelin Star chefs, racking up sky miles, and setting sail aboard the seven seas; the road to becoming the travel tycoon we know him as today was paved with plenty of trips. From glamping in Machu Picchu to an urban escape in Toyko, Carlos Melia is sure to take you there.

For more, check out Carlos's review of the Four Seasons Resort Nevis penned exclusively for our blog.

Courtney Vondran | @Courtney the Explorer

Though a true-blue Chicagoan, when it comes to queer travel writer and content creator Courtney Vondran, the journey itself has always felt the most like home. Inspiring all womxn to live life colorfully, the Courtney the Explorer brand is upheld as a manifestation of her love of storytelling; a prophecy she fulfills by living with no excuses and traveling with no regret, two life lessons often referenced on her page. While we can't know when exactly the travel bug first bit Courtney, I'd imagine it was after she traded in her Midwestern roots for a summer spent abroad in Brazil. For all we know, it was in the wake of ditching her day job for a backpacking tour of South America or amidst her stint teaching English in Korea. Regardless, one thing's for sure; this frequent flyer still hasn't found an antidote.

Chi-Town's finest, Courtney professes her love for the Windy City through the thoughtful articles she writes on topics ranging from the coziest cafes to the best spots to ring in Pride Month. Creating content for sites like Choose Chicago, she also draws up solo travel guides detailing the best way to see Chicago on your own. Particularly passionate about solo travel, seeing the world on a budget, and the long-term sustainability of the travel industry, Courtney proudly proclaims that travel is her drug of choice; equating it to an introspective practice that leads us into our rich inner worlds where we can find our true selves.

Dr. Bryce | @doctor bryce

Splitting time between windy Chicago and sunny Florida, Dr. Bryce Austell is a Board Certified Surgeon specializing in Anesthesiology. Despite his busy schedule, this healthy heartthrob finds the time to totally crush it as an influencer. While Instagram is the land of the foodies to many, Bryce utilizes his platform to promote a healthy lifestyle and break down the complexities of the wellness world. Calling both his street and book smarts into play, he takes his followers along for the ride as he hits the gym, fosters community in local queer spaces and worldwide festivals, pounds the pavement on a road trip with his boyfriend, and so much more. All together, Bryce teaches us that life is all about balance.

Fellowship-trained in interventional pain management, Bryce studied chemistry and medical engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign before pursuing his Doctorate in Medicine at Rush Medical College. Devoting much of his collegiate career to researching aerospace medicine, the photo-ready practitioner published a report on the relationship between space flight and astronaut health, revealing he's always had that informative spirit. Every now and then industry leaders even call upon his all-encompassing wealth of knowledge; racking up features in big-name publications such as Good Morning America and ABC News. Though these feats are all impressive on their own, Bryce draws inspiration from all over the digital landscape, shedding a digital light on the worthy causes and moments that make his world such a colorful place.

Julie Vu | @missjulievu

For influencer Julie Vu, the pursuit of beauty shouldn't just go beyond skin-deep, it should be genderless. The crème de la crème of the beauty world, Julie is a trans creator beloved for the authenticity she shows while digitally chronicling the intimate corners of her life. Bound by her flair for aesthetics, the content she produces reigns supreme, regardless of sharing simple joys like (her coffee order, or a shopping haul) through a multi-slide story or covering tough topics with a lengthy in-feed post. No matter which way you look at it, this fierce fashionista is anything but superficial. An undisputed advocate for the Queer community, Julie was one of the first women to document her gender-reconfirming transition online, taking the obstacles thrown at her and transforming them into life lessons to share with her audience.

On top of content creation, Julie frequently holds peer education workshops and promotes her beauty brand, Deja Vu Beauty; but it doesn't end there. Crowned Miss International Queen Canada in 2019, she has even racked up a few acting credits on shows like The Switch, billed as Canada's first transgender sitcom. She stole each scene she was in during her stint as a houseguest on Big Brother Canada Season 9 and although she didn't walk away a winner, she ranked #1 in the hearts of many viewers. If you’re looking for all the beauty of an art museum, the fashion of a red carpet, and the glamor of drag in one place, you need to be following Miss Vu!

For more, check out Julie's guide to Las Vegas penned exclusively for our blog.

Omar Ahmed | @omarahmed.co

Born in Manchester, Omar Ahmed is a digital creator currently residing in Toronto alongside his partner Matt, their pup Yvie, and their bounty of houseplants. As someone of South Asian descent, growing up gay was like playing with fire; trying to fit the mold set by the binary's outdated standards is challenging on its own, not to mention while surrounded by a traditional Muslim family. Leading a life that never quite felt obtainable to his younger self, Omar draws on his conservative upbringing when he needs a push to remain so visible online, hoping that kids from similar backgrounds can see that a life full of love and light is within reach.

With content ranging from gender-bending fashion and binary-breaking beauty to enlightening posts on the importance of representation and the impact of growing up gay in unsupportive environments, Omar is a guiding light for gay travelers curious about how the two identities intertwine. Aiming to advocate for the most marginalized members of the community, Omar actively partners with the organizations he believes better the lives of queer people of color, specifically aiming to reach trans people of color.

Ravi Round The World | @raviroundtheworld

Exploring over 34 countries and counting, Ravi Roth has trekked the globe as a blogger, vlogger, content creator, and influencer unearthing the best local places to stay and play within the Queer and not-so-Queer culture with his travel brand, Ravi Round the World. Creating itineraries for each destination based on the experiences of those who actually live there, Ravi fearlessly captures authentic experiences as the host of multiple adventure series including, his main Youtube channel as well as ‘Ravi’s Road to Pride’ and ‘The Gaycation Travel Show’, an eight-episode digital show focusing on the eight different destinations Ravi and a rotating guest correspondent explore each week. Some are off the beaten path, while some are more mainstream locals, but one thing each episode has in common is Ravi's blissful presence.

In his ever-hopeful quest to find his next "Ex-Husband", Ravi explores not only the popular, well-traveled LGBTQ+ hangouts but also the more off-the-beaten-path places worthy of visiting because of their welcoming attitude, uncovering some of the best-kept secrets of what should be on your travel bucket list. Ravi's fun-loving personality and fabulous hosting style have received high praise from press outlets such as GLAAD, People Magazine’s ‘Reality Check,’ USA Today, and Huffington Post.

Zoe Stoller | @zoestoller

An award-winning writer, educator, and speaker, Zoe Stoller is a transgender digital creator with a dream; break the stigmas surrounding the community through the creation of online resources that provide free and accessible education. Taking her gift of storytelling and turning it into a full-fledged career, Zoe has brought together a highly engaged audience of over 70,000 followers. Spreading lesser-known LGBTQ+ knowledge, mental health visibility, and overall authenticity, Zoe empowers her community to evolve into their fullest, most authentic selves.

A seasonal migrant, Zoe splits their time between Philadelphia and New York City. A Summa Cum Laude graduate of the esteemed University of Pennsylvania, the east coast creative is actively working on her master's degree in social work, expecting to graduate in the Spring of 2023. In her free time, Zoe loves to play video games, connect with her community, and spend time with their dog Winnie.

GAY TRAVEL INFLUENCERS, COUPLES

Lez See The World | @lezseetheworld

Carrying out the change they wish to see in the world, Steph and Katie Burlton are a married lesbian couple, dog-moms to a Maltese poodle named Theo, and total travel-holics turned full-time creative entrepreneurs. Child-free by choice, the couple enjoys traveling as well as musical theater, craft beer, and plant-based food and currently resides on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations; the land also known as Vancouver. In an effort to become the representation they were deprived of growing up, this philanthropic pair began sharing their love story online back in 2016, and thus, Lez See The World was born.

With Queer visibility at the core of what they do, both of the girls fill more roles than one. This past year, Lez See The World premiered its first-large scale production with a documentary-style series highlighting Steph and Katie’s local queer community. With funding for a second season already granted, Queer Vancouver: Past, Present, and Future made quite the splash for a program only six episodes long.

michaelandmatt | @michaelandmatt

Humbly self-branding as a couple of travel-obsessed husbands, Michael and Matt are a dreamy duo with such success in the gay travel space that they were the winners of The 2021 Gay Travel Awards! Based in Portland, this team of two takes to their eponymous travel brand, Michael and Matt, to deliver the first-class tips and tricks that they’ve picked up from the local guides they meet along the way.

Social media was written in the stars for these two. Originally meeting through their respective coming-out videos shared on Youtube, Michael & Matt have built a king-sized community by sharing all of the intimate moments and open-door adventures that make up their colorful life together.

For a closer look into their technicolor world, check out their piece penned exclusively for our blog.

On Airplane Mode | @onairplanemode__

Daring to live the life they've always wanted, Kirstie and Christine are the 2020 GayTravel Award-winning couple capturing the world around them, one Instagram post at a time. A few years back, the NYC-based double act bought a pair of one-way tickets to South East Asia and with that, their open-ended trip around the world began. Soon, they would learn that while jobs fill your pockets, adventure fills your soul. Handed down from their desire to flee the mundane of the nine-to-five, the On Airplane Mode brand was first created to share the journey of two wives filled with wanderlust.

Big believers in blazing your own trail, Kirstie and Christine inspire their queer peers to dream big and romanticize the world around them; a place that can often feel quite scary, especially for members of the gay community. Proving that it's not all sunshine and rainbows (though a lot of it is), the pair doesn't shy away from tough topics. In light of their shared affinity for traveling the globe together, the anxiety that plagues same-sex couples on their travels is, unfortunately, no stranger to the girls; a sad truth that only rings more true when wending your way to parts of the world where religion heavily influences the culture. Striving to help queer folk looking to explore their sense of adventure without fear, the girls created one of the most-followed lesbian lifestyle brands in the digital space.

Once Upon A Journey | @onceuponajourney

It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey; a testament that rings true for Roxanne and Maartje Weijer, the Dutch wife-and-wife duo whose journey is just getting started. Nomadic for three years, the pair sold everything, left home behind, and began traveling full-time back in March of 2017, walking away with 45 new stamps on their passports. The lovechild of their time on the road, Once Upon a Journey was created with a clear vision; capture the magic of their explorations through their uniquely queer perspective.

Upon learning how many people wanted to hear their stories about traveling as a lesbian couple, Roxanne and Maartje realized the importance of visibility. With this in mind, the couple aimed to create content that inspires others by showing how beautiful the world is. Candid and brave, they do not shy away from countries that are not LGBTQ+ friendly but instead celebrate the places that are.

Our Taste for Life | @ourtasteforlife

Taking trips that would leave most speechless, the art of travel turned Charlotte and Natalie into storytellers. As true hodophiles, or travelers with a special affinity for roads, the free-spirited couple runs Our Taste for Life on the road; navigating the world from the comfort of their self-converted camper van with their pet pooch Ronnie and snake aptly named Flake. A love story for the digital age, their platform offers up a mix of story-telling, trustworthy reviews, and tried and true recommendations, aiming to enhance the gay travel experience at large.

Noting the freedom, wisdom, and excitement that travel brings into their lives, they are big believers in exploration being the best teacher while the art of adventure gives life a whole new meaning. In turn, Charlotte and Natalie use Our Taste for Life to share that meaning with the world.

The Travelling Gays | @thetravellinggays

Whether you're looking for good-humored anecdotes, gentle guidance, or some major #RelationshipGoals inspiration, Doug and Sanjay are two distinct voices making waves in the travel space. Both Brits, Doug hails from the Lake District, a famed mountainous region that has long inspired poets and painters alike, while Sanjay is a true London local; which evidently became their chosen home after meeting back in 2009 at Manchester Pride. With a decade of love under their belt, this dad duo created The Travelling Gays brand to share their adventures and laughs along the way.

Recently, Doug and Sanjay decided to embark on the biggest journey of their lives: parenting through surrogacy! Taking us along for the ride, the dad duo kept a video diary of their journey which included informative lessons on topics such as matching with a surrogate, the egg retrieval and IVF process, pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, and so much more.