Kelsy Chauvin

There are always more ways to fall in love with Italy. The art and architecture, the history and culture, the food and wine: They all offer guaranteed travel joy, topped off by Italian warmth, whether from the sunshine or the hospitality.
Yet some of Italy’s most enticing cities can feel overrun with other travelers. The key is to explore beyond the usual stops, dine strategically, and make your vacation budget match your appetite. Here’s a rundown of great ways to eat like a doge, away from the hungry hordes in three incredible Italian destinations.

June Pride month is always big, but this year in New York City, expect a next-level blowout thanks to WorldPride NYC. Like the Olympics of LGBTQ Pride, WorldPride takes place every other year in different cities around the world. In 2019, it's heading to the U.S. for the first time, in combination with the city's Stonewall50 anniversary, which commemorates 50 years since the Stonewall uprising in Greenwich Village.
The extravaganza of events is unfurling like a bedazzled rainbow flag across New York...

Travelers bound for Mexico’s Caribbean coast have a new option for an all-inclusive getaway at the Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort & Spa. Opened in late 2018, the property is situated 18 miles north of Cancun Intl. Airport, in a privately developed area of Quintana Roo called Costa Mujeres.
Built with eco-friendly design and infrastructure, the luxury resort offers a rich mix of relaxation, dining, and entertainment--plus a celebrity tie thanks to the brand-new Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre, a sports and activity hub also located on the resort’s 51-acre waterfront property. Nadal himself...

For lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender travelers, a welcoming place to stay is perhaps the single-most important element of planning a trip. After all, nobody wants to plan a relaxing vacation only to have their bliss diminished by feeling unwelcome or unsafe. So with both Pride and summer-travel seasons ahead, we've rounded up this list of the world's top LGBT-friendly accommodations (or cities) around the world.

Pride in the greatest city the in the world is going big this year. Record-setting big, with LGBTQ WorldPride events across New York City already starting to roll out on the way to a blowout late-June weekend that’s part commemoration, part celebration.
Why all the gusto? Because 2019 marks a half-century since the Stonewall uprising...

There are more than 8.6 million citizens of New York City, and they’re pretty much all in a hurry. They’re also shrewd, outspoken, and proudly able to survive in a metropolis that tends to punish the meek. The buzzing subway system alone is a symbol of how this city works: part ballet, part battlefield. Residents and visitors alike can see why New York is considered the greatest city in the world, and well worth the effort of learning its idiosyncrasies to better enjoy its mystique. Here’s a rundown of common mistakes to avoid, all while moving through town like an ace.

Sonoma County, California is the perfect destination for a one-of-a-kind road trip. Across this Northern California county is a scenic, mellow highway network that's ideal for a road trip. While travelers will find a few hillsides that are recovering from last years’ wildfires, more than 90 percent of Sonoma County was untouched, and its bustling restaurants, nature reserves, 425 wineries (only one lost to fire), cultural landmarks, and other sweet spots are open and ready to welcome visitors...

Mexico has topped many news feeds lately. But this is not a political story. Rather, it’s a story about the abundant reasons why Mexico should top many travelers’ to-do lists.
For starters, Mexico is vast. It’s comprised of 32 states; and just like each American state, each one has its own character and landmarks. The choices for how best to enjoy Mexico’s diverse destinations are plentiful, and entirely up to your travel predilections. But as you plan your visit, here are a few tips to keep in mind for a vacation that’s truly magnifico.

The aurora borealis, better known as the northern or polar lights, usually appears around the Arctic Circle. It forms what’s known as an “auroral oval” around earth’s magnetic north pole, a visible band that varies based on solar activity (i.e. sun storms that emit charged particles around 18 hours prior to their arrival in our atmosphere).
For many, seeing the northern lights dance across the night sky is a dream come true. But, there’s a magic formula to catch them — and it starts with finding a prime location.

(by Kelsy Chauvin)
Known as the Caribbean’s “Isle of Flowers,” Martinique is a unique tropical destination, not just for its vibrancy, but for its Creole tradition and French heritage. With vivid flowers that bloom across its hilly parks and botanical gardens, boats that bring fresh catch to open-air dining tables, and, come Carnival, Martiniquais celebrate in themed parades of color and costume. This year's events take place from March 2 to March 6. Here's our guide for Carnival and beyond.

(by Kelsy Chauvin)
Travel is all about discovery. And while many destinations welcome diverse visitors, not all of them are sure to be friendly toward out-and-proud lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender travelers. On the bright side, members of the LGBTQ community tend to be both adventurous and prepared. With that in mind, queer couples know to flex their travel savvy when pondering their next Valentine’s Day, adventurous getaway, or everyday vacation. Here are some pointers for crafting the perfect—and safe—vacation to suit your fancy.

(by Kelsy Chauvin)
Heading up the coast of Cape Cod is a like exiting reality and entering a dreamy, queer bizarro world. The narrow Atlantic peninsula— itself shaped like a hook, a flexing arm, a come-hither gesture—invites travelers up the central highway, bay and ocean waves lapping at each side. At last, the highway runs out, and there at the very tip is Provincetown: the LGBTQ capital of New England. Welcome to the gayest town in America.