Argentina’s distinctive reputation looms large in imaginations oceans away from its borders. There’s so much to take in, and such immense distances to travel to do so.
13.05.2024 - 19:33 / forbes.com
‘ Out in the World: An LGBTQIA+ (and Friends!) Travel Guide to More Than 100 Destinations Around the World ’ is National Geographic’s first travel book aimed at the LGBTQIA+ community. Authors Amy B. Scher and Mark Jason Williams dive into 120 destinations — from Austin to Antarctica — and what makes them both great vacations as well as inclusive for every traveler. I spoke with Scher and Williams about the need for this book and what they love most about travel.
What motivated you to write a travel book for the LGBTQIA+ community?
Mark Jason Williams: We wrote this book because it didn't exist. The LGBTQIA+ section in travel guides is usually in the back and focused on hotspots and bars and clubs. Those things are great but they're not for everyone. Sometimes I want to go to a small town and go antiquing and stay in a welcoming inn. We wanted to create a book that was inclusive and provided lots of different ideas and inspirations for various types of travelers.
Amy B. Scher: Our litmus test for this book was is this somewhere we could take our mom? We want the same diversity that other communities have access to. We all know the places to go for Pride, what can we do beyond that? There's drag brunches in the book but also places you could go on a family reunion. The idea was to create a curated list of safe and welcoming destinations.
How has being part of a same-sex couple affected your travel experiences?
ABS: Until I met my future wife I had never dated women before. As a single woman I had to think about places I could and couldn’t go — like many straight people. But I never thought about places I couldn’t go as a same-sex couple. When we got married I wanted to go to Marrakesh. I was lovingly told by some family members that — at that time — they worried it might not be welcoming. It made me understand what the community deals with, not being able to freely be themselves as they travel. But I’m happy to say that things have really changed there and it looks like we’re finally going after 15 years together.
MJW: My husband and I checked into this boutique hotel once and there was a welcome card that started with “Welcome Mr. & Mrs.” I was upset because I had exchanged emails with the concierge and they knew that we were a gay couple. I brought it to the attention of the innkeeper. She said, “I have a lot of gay friends. We're not homophobic.” And that made me realize: we're beyond the obvious homophobia but there are still ways we’re not being welcoming to the community.
What was one of your favorite places you travelled for the book?
MJW: Antarctica is one of the most epic mind-blowing soul-healing journeys that I've ever been on. You're at the end of the world. I was so close to a
Argentina’s distinctive reputation looms large in imaginations oceans away from its borders. There’s so much to take in, and such immense distances to travel to do so.
Bonaire stands out as a holiday destination in the Caribbean for several unique reasons.
New dads have a lot going on, so why not give him a Father’s Day gift that will make life a little easier? Traveling dads must stay organized and balance fatherhood with their own needs and responsibilities, so we looked for gifts that would meet his needs and provide a little something extra. Whether the new dad in your life travels with his baby or is on the road without his family sometimes, you can find gifts here that will make travel easier, help him stay stylish, or simply empower him to have more fun on the road.
It’s no surprise that dad lives in t-shirts, especially when traveling. They’re comfortable and don’t require much thought. But, let’s face it, his faves are probably starting to show the effects of his love.
Comfortable clothes make travel so much easier for both dads and kids. Matching clothes make travel so much more fun.
Viking has revealed its latest scientific advancement on board Viking Octantis by adding real-time environmental DNA (eDNA) sequencing of phytoplankton.
In an unusual move from the State Department, a “worldwide caution” travel alert was issued on May 17, warning of “increased potential for foreign-terrorist-organization-inspired violence against LGBTQI+ persons and events.” The blanket global warning for US citizens traveling overseas comes ahead of Pride Month and advises travelers to “stay alert in locations frequented by tourists, including Pride celebrations and venues frequented by LGBTQI+ persons.”
In 1961, future West German chancellor Willy Brandt declared: “The sky above the Ruhr must be blue once more.” His words were greeted with what sounded like applause but was actually his audience falling off their chairs. Because the Ruhrpott, or Ruhrgebiet, an agglomeration of industrial cities that includes Gelsenkirchen (where England will play their opening match of the European Championship this summer), Dortmund (which hosts group matches as well as a semi-final), Essen and Duisburg was a place where the chimneys of the coal, iron and steel industries poked up above the smog like candles on a giant grey birthday cake. You were more likely to slip in unicorn droppings than breathe clean air in the Ruhrpott.
Medical Tourism, whether it is traveling domestically or internationally, is on the rise. A year ago, several doctors who provided their opinions to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons for a roundtable on the subject pointed to cost as one of the main drivers for this upward trend. While price is certainly a factor, the reasons aren’t only cost-based. Medical Tourism Magazine, the digital publication for the global medical tourism community, points to privacy and anonymity in addition to access to advanced treatments not offered domestically as additional key drivers.
Mother’s Day falls on Sunday, May 12 this year. If you’re looking for some last-minute Mother’s Day gifts for your travel-loving mom, consider eye makeup. That’s a failproof present if your mom enjoys wearing makeup on her adventures. With seemingly endless options out there, I’ve narrowed it down to some fun makeup choices that are travel-friendly and long-lasting. There’s something for every makeup lover, so consider choosing a few products to create your own little Mother’s Day gift basket.
Tauck will have a busy year in 2025, with several new itineraries set to make their debut. The line is also boosting its capacity on the Seine River and unveiling the new Tauck River Academy for travel advisors.
Whether one’s mother is just starting to take lessons or is the Singles Champ of her club, anyone can benefit from some serious tennis coaching. Since many tennis programs are also located in destinations that are tempting vacation spots as well, holiday time goes along with the training.