As someone juggling a full-time day job in tech and a career as a travel author wrapping up my first book with Lonely Planet, I have major FOMO for all of the next-level LGBTQ+ group travel adventures happening this year. Picture me at my desk, surrounded by screens and spreadsheets, daydreaming about swapping content for coconuts and deadlines for dancing until the wee hours of the morning.
Until my bank account starts magically replenishing itself and my boss decides that working remotely means “from a hammock in Mallorca,” I’ll just have to live vicariously through the Instagram Stories of those lucky enough to embark on these accepting adventures. But a travel writer can dream, right? So here I am, mentally packing my bags for these pre-planned LGBTQ+ group tours happening in Europe, Africa, and beyond this year.
Consider this my official 2024 travel wish list—and if you happen to work for any of these tour groups and you’re looking for someone to write a review, you know where to find me ;) Just kidding (mostly)!
11 days of sight-seeing and saunas in Scandinavia
I mean, come on, would you listen to this description?
Experience the vibrant capital cities of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden and the stunning fjords surrounding Bergen on our first no-bus trip! Take in the sea-front cities of Copenhagen, Oslo, Bergen, and Stockholm on this 3-country itinerary featuring scenic cruises and incredible train journeys.
This trip has been uniquely crafted around beautiful boutique accommodation in the heart of each city, as well as an emphasis on beautiful cruise, train, and flight inclusions to ensure our travelers experience both the heart of each city as well as the incredible landscape along the way. That's why, as our first no-bus itinerary, we'll take an overnight cruise from Copenhagen to Oslo, a scenic train ride on the famous Bergen Railway to Bergen, and a quick flight to Stockholm to round off this pan-Scandinavia adventure together.
Since I spend so much of my time crafting itineraries for others to destinations I visit as a travel writer, I looooove the idea of having someone else plan things for me without over-packing my schedule. I’ve always been curious about traveling with Detours because they take, as they put it, “a laid-back, no-strings-attached approach to gay group travel that feels more like exploring the world with old friends than anything else.”
Unlike a lot of tour companies, Detours intentionally offers not-so-restricting itineraries that allow plenty of unscheduled time for spontaneity (or more likely in my case, relaxation). It seems like it would make for a vacation that’s less go-go-go and more choose-your-own-adventure, which I am very interested in.
Dates: June 15 - 25 // June 24 - July 4 // July 31 - August 10
Price: $3,970
What’s included: All accommodations, all transportation between tour destinations during the 11-day experience, welcome dinner and drinks, all breakfasts, walking tour in Osolo, sauna experience in Oslo, bike tour of Copenhagen
A 7-day yoga retreat on the coast of Spain
Anyone who asks me about my interests ends up listening to me prattle on about both yoga and the south of Spain at length, which is why the description of this trip almost felt like it was designed just for me:
From exploring modern principles of anatomy to ensure that our positions are safe and sustainable, to investigating ancient limbs of yoga and how they can apply in our modern lives, this week will provide a fresh outlook to your yoga practice.
We visit local markets, Totana Market on Wednesdays and Aledo Market on Sundays. We’ll spend one day at the beach for yoga, swimming, and a beach BBQ. One day each retreat we offer an alternative treatment day for Reiki, reflexology, and massages, carried out by a fully trained local lady based in Murcia, Ama. She has been collaborating with us for over 10 years.
All our accommodations are owned by us and have been built and maintained by locals employed from Totana or Aledo. Elliot is our chef with more than 40 years of experience. All of our meals are vegetarian and everything is homemade, all the ingredients sourced from local markets.
I often find myself wracked with guilt and anxiety about how my career in travel (and my travel for leisure!) can impact our planet, and I struggle to grapple with the impacts that the trips I take ultimately have on climate change as well as local communities in the diverse cultures I’m trying to see and explore. So I really appreciate that Responsible Travel specifically organizes holidays that, as they explain it, “aim to support local communities and nature, which helps bring you closer to both.”
This retreat feels like one that would be fulfilling mentally, physically, and spiritually not just for me as an individual but as a part of a larger community committed to traveling… well, responsibly.
Dates: August 5 - 12
Price: $750
What’s included: Everything except optional massage/reiki/reflexology sessions and travel to/from the retreat location
2 weeks on Greek island Lesvos for the International Eressos Women’s Festival
I read about the birthplace of Greek poet Sappho, “For the lesbian, gay, or solo woman traveler, the small fishing village of Skala Eressos offers you the opportunity truly to relax and to be yourself.”
So as you can imagine, I was already sold on a visit to this remote beach village on the Greek Island of Lesvos—and then I learned about the International Eressos Women’s Festival hosted in Skala Eressos each year, and about the trip organized to bring queer women and female-identifying allies to this annual event, described as follows:
You will enjoy inspirational workshops and talks, yoga and meditation sessions, and of course, dancing the night away with top DJs.
But what we love about this festival though is connection and community—you will meet like-minded women from around the world and share your stories, dreams, and aspirations with an incredible community of women.
And when you're not enjoying the festival's many offerings, you'll have plenty of time to explore the beauty and charm of Lesvos, with its picturesque villages, idyllic beaches, and mouthwatering cuisine.
Dates: September 4 - 18
Price: $3,500
What’s included: All accommodations, daily breakfast and dinner, return overseas airport transfers, organized group activities (windsurfing and sailing with instructors), access to optional activities on-site (kayaking, paddle boarding, rowing, tennis, mountain and road cycling, volleyball), access to on-site gym and wellness center, private beach with sunbeds and umbrellas, private pool with pool bar (though drinks and additional meals beyond breakfast/dinner are not included)
10 days in Egypt on a Nile river cruise
If The Mummy movie franchise wasn’t a part of your queer awakening (and consequently, ancient Egypt wasn’t your childhood special interest-slash-hyperfixation), then you’re probably not going to understand why I legitimately shrieked with glee when I first read through the description of this trip:
The adventure begins with an extended weekend in chaotic Cairo as our private Egyptologist—yes, it’s a thing—guides us on a journey back to the ancient world. He’ll tour us around the Great Pyramids of Giza, regale us with legends of the benevolent Sphinx and even usher us inside the tomb of Khnumhotep & Niankhkhnum—likely, Egypt’s only open gay governors.
For the latter half of the journey we’ll board a luxe cruise with other travelers and gently glide down the lush Nile River. Expect extraordinary onboard meals, exceptional amenities, a glistening pool, and fascinating tours of the temples and treasures lining the Nile’s banks.
Nine nights split between five-star hotels and luxe accommodations on a Nile River cruise… Like, did Out Adventures read my mind and organize this trip specifically to heal my inner child? Or was it conceptualized with die-hard fans of Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile in mind (which I’m actually also obsessed with)?
Either way, if I went on this trip, little seven-year-old me standing next to the paper mache mummy she made for the science fair so she could yank brains out of its nose as they did in ancient Egyptian times would be so proud of me.
Dates: November 8 - 17
Price: $5,395
What’s included: Domestic airfare in Egypt, airport transfers, private air-conditioned transportation, most meals (breakfast daily, seven lunches, six dinners), admission for all itinerary activities, and a $50 donation to Rainbow Railroad to help resettle LGBTQ+ refugees
A 7-day Christmas Market cruise on the Danube
Seeing the Christmas markets in Austria has been on my bucket list since before we even moved to Europe, so I was giddy to learn that Olivia (a travel company providing safe and celebratory spaces for LGBTQ+ women for more almost 50 years) will be organizing a cruise to do precisely that. As they describe it:
This Christmastime River cruise begins in Austria’s magical capital of Vienna, home to the sounds of Mozart, Strauss, and the Vienna Boys’ Choir. See the famous sights with a local guide or opt for a culinary tour through the Christmas markets to get a taste of all the best flavors Austria offers during this time of year.
Cruise through the wintry landscape of the picturesque Wachau Valley to Melk. Here, you’ll tour the magnificent 11th century Benedictine Abbey—one of Europe’s largest monasteries—where monks still stroll within the sacred walls.
Arrive in Passau, Germany’s charming Christmas market set against the breathtaking backdrop of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a masterpiece of baroque architecture.
In Regensburg, savor traditional sausages at Historiche Wurstküche (Old Sausage Kitchen), one of Germany’s oldest restaurants, and enjoy a tasting of German beers.
Learn about Christmas traditions as you cruise to Nuremberg, the thousand-year-old city with its medieval fortifications and gothic churches. The Old Town is illuminated with festive lights and decorations, and the Christmas market has dozens of stalls offering traditional wares, such as Lebkuchen (spicy gingerbread), Glühwein (mulled wine), and unique decorations and ornaments.
A unique holiday river cruise vacation which offers the chance to savor the views, smells, and tastes of centuries-old Christmas markets and explore historical medieval sites.
Tell me that doesn’t sound like the most magical way to celebrate the holiday season! I’m not even religious and I want to cry happy tears just imagining it.
Dates: December 8 - 15
Price: $7,800
What’s included: All accommodations, all sight-seeing tours, all meals on-board (with local cuisine options each evening), coffee/tea/juice with all meals (including premium coffee options like cappuccinos, lattes, etc.), wine/beer/soft drinks with lunches and dinners (as well as complimentary sparkling wine at breakfast), snacks available throughout the day, WiFi, bicycles for time on shore, Nordic walking sticks for time on shore, entertainment and programming on the cruise and historic talks while on shore
What’s on your 2024 travel wish list?
I’d love even more pre-planned trips/tours/excursions to pine over, obviously, so let me know what sort of travel experiences you’ve been daydreaming about for this year.