Queer Travel Chat by Two Bad Tourists

Let’s travel to four very different sides of Italy: Rome, Florence, Naples and Capri! We explore the history, iconic sights and personality of each destination, break down Italy’s LGBTQ+ scene and current legal landscape, and share practical tips for gay travelers planning their own Italian adventure. From Rome’s Gay Street and Florence’s Renaissance masterpieces to pizza in Naples and Capri’s surprising queer history, this episode covers what to see, where to go and what to know before you arrive. Plus, learn how you can join our 9 Days in Italy - Rome, Florence & Naples gay group trip from April 2-10, 2027, including a day trip to Capri. SPONSORDetourshttps://www.detourstravel.com/9 Days in Italy – Rome, Florence & Naples Gay Group Trip: https://twobadtourists.com/st_tour/9-days-in-italy-rome-florence-naples/ 

In this episode, we head to Gran Canaria for a deep dive into one of Europe's most popular LGBTQ+ vacation destinations. We explore the island's Indigenous and colonial history, how tourism transformed the south, and how Maspalomas developed into a major gay destination centered around the Yumbo. We also cover the gay beach, nightlife, hotels, annual LGBTQ+ events, practical travel tips, and the best places to explore beyond the resort - including Roque Nublo, Tejeda, Puerto de Mogán, Las Palmas and more.Discover why Gran Canaria is such a strong year-round destination for LGBTQ+ travelers, combining its warm climate and beaches with nightlife, culture, nature, gastronomy and a busy calendar of events across the island.SPONSORS: Gran Canaria Tourismhttps://www.grancanaria.com/turismo/enDetours https://www.detourstravel.com/

Berkeley may sit just across the Bay from San Francisco, but this progressive California city has a queer personality all its own. In this episode, we’re joined by Wenter Shyu and Chef Sam Butarbutar, the couple behind Berkeley’s queer-owned Third Culture Bakery and its cult-favorite Mochi Muffin.Wenter and Sam share how they met and fell in love in Berkeley, turned their Indonesian and Taiwanese heritage into a bakery built around food, community and inclusion, and what it’s really like running a business together as a couple.Then we dive into LGBTQ+ Berkeley, from the city’s activist and counterculture roots to its growing Pride celebration, queer-owned businesses, incredible food scene and relaxed East Bay energy. Plus, Wenter and Sam share their local recommendations and explain why LGBTQ+ travelers should put Berkeley on their Bay Area itinerary.SPONSOR:Visit Berkeleytwobadtourists.com/bay-area-magic-whats-going-down-in-berkeleyThird Culture Bakerythirdculturebakery.com

What does retirement look like when travel, freedom and life abroad are part of the plan? We explore how LGBTQ+ people are rethinking traditional retirement, from retiring overseas or semi-retiring to creating a flexible life that allows more time for travel. We discuss chosen family, healthcare, cost of living, LGBTQ+ rights, community and the practical realities of growing older in another country.We’re also joined by Shane Clark, co-founder and president of EuroAmerican Financial Advisors. Shane specializes in investment management and cross-border financial planning for US citizens living in Europe. He explains what Americans should consider before moving abroad, including US retirement accounts, taxes, brokerage restrictions, Social Security, currency risk, estate planning and common financial mistakes.Whether you are preparing to retire in Spain, Portugal, France or elsewhere in Europe, or simply dreaming of a more travel-focused future, this episode will help you start asking the right questions.This episode is for general informational purposes and does not constitute personalized financial, tax or legal advice.SPONSOR:EuroAmerican Financial Advisorshttps://eurousafa.com/ 5 Best Retirement Destinations Abroad for LGBTQ+ Seniorshttps://money.usnews.com/money/retirement/articles/best-retirement-destinations-abroad-for-lgbtq-seniors

We explore Kindred, a members-only home sharing community that offers a different approach to travel accommodations. Unlike traditional short-term rental platforms, Kindred is built around verified members, real homes, and a credit-based home swapping model where everyone participates as both a host and traveler.We’ll explain how Kindred works, how it compares to Airbnb and other vacation rental platforms, and why it may appeal to LGBTQ+ travelers looking for more affordable, personal, and community-minded ways to travel. Interested in joining Kindred yourself? Here’s Auston’s referral link which allows new sign ups to get 5 nights free: https://livekindred.com/?invite_code=AUS.MATSPONSORS:Provincetown Office of Tourism ptowntourism.com/lgbtqDetours detourstravel.com

We head to Key West to explore one of the most iconic LGBTQ+ destinations in the world and the legendary Island House Key West. Jeff Smead, Director and General Manager of Island House, talks to us about his journey in hospitality and what it takes to run a resort that has become a global favorite for queer men. As Island House celebrates its 50th anniversary, Jeff shares how the resort has evolved since 1976 while staying true to its roots as a clothing optional, community-driven space where guests can fully be themselves.We dive into what makes Island House so unique, from its famous daily happy hour and social atmosphere to its balance of relaxation and connection. Plus, we zoom out to talk about Key West as an LGBTQ+ travel hotspot, including tips for first-time visitors, the local vibe, and why this island continues to attract queer travelers from around the world.SPONSORS:Island House Key Westislandhousekeywest.comProvincetown Office of Tourism ptowntourism.com/lgbtq

Looking for the ultimate LGBTQ+ summer getaway in the US? In today’s episode, we’re diving into Provincetown (aka PTown) America’s queer summer capital.Located at the tip of Cape Cod, Provincetown transforms each year into a vibrant LGBTQ+ haven filled with iconic events, beach days, unforgettable nightlife, and a powerful sense of community. But beyond the parties, this historic seaside town has deep roots as one of the oldest art colonies in the country and one of the most welcoming queer destinations in the world.We break down everything you need to know before you go, including the biggest LGBTQ+ events like Pride, Bear Week, Carnival, and more. We’ll also cover where to stay, from social guesthouses to waterfront resorts, as well as the legendary Tea Dance and Provincetown nightlife scene, and must-do activities like beaches, dunes, and whale watching. Plus, we’ll go over the history that shaped Provincetown into a queer cultural hub.Whether you’re planning your first trip or heading back for another summer, this episode will help you experience Provincetown to the fullest.SPONSORS: Provincetown Office of Tourism ptowntourism.com/lgbtqWhale, Hello There – Why Provincetown Is America’s Queer Summer Capitalwobadtourists.com/whale-hello-there-why-provincetown-is-americas-queer-summer-capitalDetours detourstravel.com

In this micro-episode, we share all the details about our upcoming LGBTQ+ Danube River Cruise group trip happening August 22-29, 2027. We’ll be cruising through some of Europe’s most beautiful and historic destinations including Budapest, Bratislava, Dürnstein, Melk, Salzburg, Linz, and Vienna — all while enjoying the comfort of a five-star river ship with full-board dining, included guided excursions, and an all-inclusive drinks package.We tell you all about the incredible destinations we’ll visit along the route, what’s included on the cruise and onboard experiences, and important booking deadlines and early booking saving. If you’ve ever dreamed of cruising through central Europe’s castles, medieval towns, and iconic cities, this is the perfect opportunity to join our community and travel with us.⚠️ Important:Book by April 2, 2026 to save $150 per person.All bookings close April 27, 2026 and availability is limited.Learn more & reserve your cabin: twobadtourists.com/st_tour/7-days-in-austria-slovakia-hungary-river-cruise

SPECIAL OFFER: Get $300 off any retreat between April & August 2026 with promo code TBT300We are joined by Shelby Clark, founder of Qasa, a queer-owned retreat sanctuary nestled in the Costa Rican jungle. Shelby is a certified yoga instructor, meditation guide, and somatic facilitator devoted to helping queer people unlearn performance, heal shame, and return to authenticity.Together, we explore why shame often disguises itself as success, sex, and self-control; what cruising, risky sex, and substance use may really be seeking; and how queer people can meet those longings in ways that are more satisfying, embodied, and affirming. Shelby shares how Qasa’s immersive retreats, nature-rooted practices, and community-centered care create powerful spaces for transformation.We also talk about Qasa’s groundbreaking 2024 research study on plant medicine and LGBTQ+ healing, the documentary capturing retreat experiences, and what it truly means to move from fitting in, to being desired, to deeply belonging.SPONSOR:Qasahttps://qasa.houseQueer Medicine: Research & Filmhttps://qasa.house/queer-medicine

Is Namibia safe for LGBTQ+ travelers? And what does a luxury gay safari there look like? To answer these questions, we are joined by Heiko Dörgeloh, founder of OUT Namibia, the country’s first LGBTQ+ travel concierge. Together, we explore why Namibia is quietly becoming one of Africa’s most welcoming and transformative destinations.Heiko shares how Namibian culture’s deep respect for privacy and discretion creates a surprisingly comfortable environment for LGBTQ+ visitors, and how OUT Namibia curates bespoke luxury safaris where travelers can fully be themselves. From vast desert landscapes and wildlife encounters to champagne dune breakfasts and conservation-minded luxury lodges, he reveals a side of African travel many queer travelers haven’t imagined.SPONSOR:OUT Namibiaoutnamibia.com twobadtourists.com/out-namibia-luxury-travel-concierge