Kelsy Chauvin

Fodor's

20 Great Reasons to Visit San Juan, Puerto Rico Now

(by Kelsy Chauvin)
...American’s Caribbean-island territory is still rebuilding after devastation caused by last fall’s hurricanes Maria and Irma, which wrecked the local infrastructure along with so much of the island’s other functionality and beauty. But just as Houston, New Orleans, and other destinations have overcome the havoc of extreme natural disasters, the people and businesses of Puerto Rico are restoring their home state with newfound courage. That’s where we, the travelers, come in...

EDGE Media Network

Beyond the Parade: An Insider's Guide to NYC Pride

(by Kelsy Chauvin)
It's time to start fluffing your wigs and polishing your marching (or runway) boots -- 2018 New York City Pride is almost here!

This year's NYC Pride promises to be a memorable 10-day event and perhaps a foreshadowing of even greater things to come as the city anticipates Pride 2019, which marks the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising and hosts WorldPride.
For 2018, there's a new march route, cultural and culinary events galore, the inaugural Human Rights Conference, and more ways than ever to celebrate.

Passport Online

Why You Should Visit Puerto Rico Now

(by Kelsy Chauvin) I admit I’m biased: I love Puerto Rico. So when two hurricanes, dastardly Maria and Irma, slammed the island last fall, I was worried. I followed the news, I donated to local causes (like the Hispanic Federation’s Unidos Disaster Relief & Recovery, a favorite of Lin-Manuel Miranda), and I planned a trip there in early 2018.
There’s plenty of good news and a bit of bad news. The bad news is that some of the more rural parts of the island are still without power. The good news, however, is that much of Puerto Rico is back on line...

EDGE Media Network

Historic Hamburg May Be Europe's Most Modern City

(by Kelsy Chauvin)
Germany's second-largest city is rapidly overtaking Berlin as the nation's can't-miss destination. Hamburg is home to rich history, diverse musical and theatrical heritage, an active LGBTQ community, and, especially lately, some of Europe's most intriguing urban renewal.

It seems like much of the attraction centers on the striking Elbphiharmonie. Opened in early 2017, the "Elphie" is an instant landmark whose lower third is a husky red-brick, eight-story former warehouse that...

Travel Market Report

Royal Caribbean Reveals the Next Wave of Cruising

by Kelsy Chauvin
The future of cruise travel is upon us, with major cruise lines rolling out new technology, impressive dining and cocktail programs, modern amenities, and greater adventure. For Royal Caribbean, the future comes with a $900 million investment that features new and improved vessels, ports, and features aimed to entice the “next generation of cruisers.”
That was the message behind Royal Caribbean’s splashy debut event in New York on Mar. 14. Fittingly held at the slick new South Street Seaport Pier 17, the launch event brought together travel agents, media and industry partners.

EDGE Media Network

Eastside Story: Atlanta's Hip Neighborhood & Beyond

Like nothing else, travel is full of surprises. It reminds you never to think to you already have a city pegged. For example, don't stereotype a town based on its region. Don't overlook its diverse neighborhoods or rich culture. And don't ever sell it short.
That's the story of Atlanta. The Georgia capital has long been a favorite Deep-South destination thanks to its big attractions, history, civil-rights heritage, nightlife, and culinary appeal...

EDGE Media Network

Brooklyn Bites: 3 Must-Try Mexican Restaurants

When the urge for a salty rim or tangy chili sauce beckons, consider Brooklyn -- New York's growing center of Mexican gastronomy.
Yes, some of the best eateries are taquerias, empanada trucks, and other street-food-styled joints ideal for quick dishes on the go. But there's a growing crop of restaurants setting themselves apart with uncommon and inventive ingredients, plus craft cocktails to set off the best flavors, naturalmente. Here's a look at EDGE's three favorite Mexican restaurants in ...

Fodor's

The Best Same-Sex Wedding Destinations Around the World

Marriage equality is becoming the way of the world, and it has LGBTQ couples thinking globally for their wedding plans.
Wedding bells are ringing for same-sex couples around the globe. Now that 26 nations are now pronouncing that “love wins,” many a betrothal is followed by an even more daunting question: Where to get hitched? The world map shows marriage equality dominating the Western Hemisphere and Europe, though countries like South Africa and New Zealand are in the mix too, with Taiwan, ...

EDGE Media Network

Finding Harbor Together in Newport

(by Kelsy Chauvin)
There's no better way to celebrate anything than with a vacation. Especially one with great oysters.

Those two sentences reveal my truth, that I prioritize temporal pleasure, and that traveling and eating well are vital ingredients to my happiness. With all the world's nonsense, I can always return to my own contentment formula, much of it owing to simple pleasures, like seafood.
This winter, however, I have another important ingredient in the mix: love. It sounds grand and a little cliché...

Travel Market Report

Canada’s New Hotels Worth Checking Into in 2017

by Kelsy Chauvin
This has been a banner year for Canada. To start, it’s the nation’s 150th anniversary, as well as Montreal’s 375th anniversary; plus the New York Times named the entire country the No. 1 place to visit in 2017. On top of the annual events that keep our northern neighbors in good spirits all year long, the sesquicentennial brings special festivals, concerts, public art installations, free entry to all national parks, and more.
But can Canada’s hotels handle the increase in tourist traffic? Luckily, new and renovated properties have recently opened or will soon...

gaycitynews.nyc

Kauai’s Mix of Nature and Adventure

by Kelsy Chauvin
If you think about it, Hawaiian culture is one of the most easily identified, even for those who’ve never set foot on its lush lands. How quickly we conjure up hula skirts, floral prints, tiki torches, and the soft strum of ukuleles at just the thought of the Aloha State. They’re so pervasive that visitors here might have oversimplified expectations.
As a first timer to America’s 50th state, I couldn’t help but harbor some of these stereotypical images as I — at long last —...

EDGE Media Network

Lucky 7: The Ultimate Lesbian Holiday Gift Guide

by Kelsy Chauvin
There's no denying that queer women are practical. No matter why or how we got here, we are the people who often prioritize needs over wants, and we tend to be savvy spenders and thoughtful gift givers.
In line with that thinking, the holiday season lets us employ our spending power to support women-owned and LGBTQ-friendly companies, and bestow upon our loved ones uncommon, useful, and fun presents so good they may wonder how they got through life without them. In line with that thinking, he...

Fodor's

7 Lodgings Where You Can Help Save Animals

by Kelsy Chauvin
For some, travel is a reason to unwind and do nothing. But for others, it’s the perfect time to contribute time, money, and energy to a good cause, like helping animals. There are hotels and resorts around the world that offer hands-on opportunities to care for and support species from big cats to turtles and bumblebees.

lovewinscalifornia.com

Calistoga Gay Wedding: Solage Resort | Love Wins California Weddings

by Kelsy Chauvin
Marriage equality may be a relatively recent development, but plenty of LGBTQ couples still seek an approach to their receptions that’s enduring if not necessarily strictly traditional. With its mix of old-world and newly minted spa resorts, the dreamy Napa Valley town of Calistoga makes a charming setting for a light-filled wedding party...