Kelsy Chauvin

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.

(by Kelsy Chauvin)
When you see barefoot surfers carry their boards through downtown streets, you know you’re in a cool spot. They flock to the ocean waves every morning and evening. Meanwhile, all around them are the gleaming high rises, the international tourists snapping pictures, the open-air restaurants lining the avenues. Welcome to Waikiki, the bustling beachfront neighborhood of Honolulu.
The Hawaiian state capital is unlike any other. From its perch on the south shore of Oahu, the Pacific Ocean sparkles with vast serenity, sending warm breezes through the metropolis...

(by Kelsy Chauvin)
On the enchanted isle of Puerto Rico, the 2019 forecast is sunny and inviting.

Why it’s Wonderful: With rebuilding comes opportunity, and Puerto Rico is making the most of theirs in the wake of fall 2017’s devastating hurricanes. Capital city San Juan mostly bounced back in time for winter’s peak-travel season, as did beach towns like Condado and Isla Verde. All are enjoying new and renovated hotel and restaurant openings and welcoming travelers back with open arms...

(by Kelsy Chauvin)
The romance of cruising reaches lofty new heights aboard a modern clipper ship. From the moment the sails and jibs fill with wind, sending the vessel gliding across the sea, serenity emerges.

Such tranquility is among many delights of the "unique sailing adventures" offered by Star Clippers. Its award-winning sailing excursions put wind power to as much use as possible, making them more eco-friendly than other cruises. The fleet is outfitted in luxury, from yacht-like cabins and fine dining, to fun onboard events and...

(by Kelsy Chauvin)
Most people recognize Prince Edward Island for its world-famous oysters—and yes, they are some of the world’s best. But this sweet little island in Atlantic Canada is famous for its bounty of seafood and produce as much as it is for its distinct Canadian culture. The provincial capital of Charlottetown is considered the “birthplace of Canada" in 1867. The island has its fair share of art, music, and heritage too, not to mention parks, festivals, and curiously Canadian accommodations. In other words, come for the oysters, stay for the wonder.

(by Kelsy Chauvin)
When it gets cold outside, visitors head home and locals know exactly how to explore the best of the City’s retail, culture and food. The trick is knowing how to do it without freezing your CityPASS off. NYC is home to many ingenious underground areas that seamlessly connect to the City’s subway system. Even better, this vast transit network lets visitors easily—and warmly—explore neighborhoods all over town that offer excellent shopping, dining and experiences you’ll find only i...

(by Kelsy Chauvin)
There’s a new kind of tourism budding across America, and it’s growing bigger every day. Cannabis is the future, they say. “They” are retailers, farmers, manufacturers, marketers, government officials, and a wide array of entrepreneurs who are cultivating both crops, and the tangential businesses related to marijuana, including hospitality. Consumers too are, of course, enjoying greater access than ever before, but they are restricted to either the 29 states that have legalized medical cannabis...

(by Kelsy Chauvin) Montréal is a city that seems to have it all. It’s among the world’s top culinary and cultural capitals, it’s home to chic hotels, and last year the city marked its 375th anniversary with yearlong celebrations. For LGBT travelers, the Québec metropolis also is one of the top global destinations. Yet, Montréal was missing something that’s now been made clear: A tour company that even locals can appreciate. Since 2014, Spade & Palacio (www.spadeandpalacio.com) has been introducing visitors...