Kelsy Chauvin

(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...

(by Kelsy Chauvin)
Greece is a destination of boundless wonder. Great food and magnificent sights are just the beginning—the very essence of Western culture was born here. Yet on top of all that magic, its capital is remarkably accessible, unvarnished, and affordable. Athens is a terrific city for both a quick layover or an extended stay, and visitors soon learn that it’s a prime destination for budget-savvy travel...
The Acropolis stands high above the city, beckoning travelers to its lofty, windswept plateau. For most, it’s an absolu...

(by Kelsy Chauvin)
There's a buzz about Kansas City. For the past few months or even years, I've heard rumblings about this Midwestern metropolis that's considered an "emerging destination" for arts, for food, and LGBT culture...

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...

(by Kelsy Chauvin)
Rolling down St. Charles Avenue in a vintage 1920s streetcar. Sampling fresh beignets at Café du Monde. Dancing to live music at Tipitina’s. Sipping Sazeracs on Royal Street.
One could try to summarize New Orleans through a particular place or dish or sight. But there’s no single experience that can explain the magic of the Crescent City. It’s a collective atmosphere, a blend of food, music, h...

(by Kelsy Chauvin)
France is hot right now. Its soccer team just won the World Cup, its president is a proudly progressive world leader, and travelers can enjoy the world's finest food, wine, and culture. But many visitors focus their vacation time on Paris -- missing out on other cities with incredible restaurants, architecture, museums, and, of course, wine. Bordeaux is one of France's most alluring cities for all of those reasons and more. Top among them is the high-speed train, new in 2017...