By Richard Krieger, Director of Out World Journeys

There鈥檚 something uniquely special about family travel鈥攖he shared excitement of stepping off a plane in a new place, the laughter over an unfamiliar meal, and the joy of discovering the world together, and for queer families, travel is becoming more inclusive and accessible.  

Travel with family, biological or chosen, is about more than just the destination. It鈥檚 about connecting with a place and its people. It鈥檚 the ice cream shop your kids can鈥檛 stop talking about, the museum treasure hunt, connecting with locals, exploring ancient ruins or playing on the beach.  

And like all family travelers, selecting a destination that resonates with the family is key to a memorable journey. Choosing the right destination for a queer family trip often comes down to a welcoming community, safety, access and a good dose of fun. While many countries and cities have their arms wide open to the LGBTQ+ community 鈥� some do not. So, while you might be more adventurous on your own, when traveling with children, it鈥檚 important to select a place that provides a safe and welcoming atmosphere.  

To help get started, we鈥檝e complied a short list of our top international destinations that queer families might wish to consider when planning their next getaway:  

Portugal is laid back, beautiful, and incredibly family-friendly, kids love the castles of Sintra, tram rides through Lisbon, and sunny beaches in the Algarve and the grown ups appreciate the relaxed pace, great food, and welcoming vibe. Our most popular family activities include the Lisbon Oceanarium and Lisbon Zoo, the World of Discoveries Museum in Porto, exploring the Bussaco Forest and children-friendly cooking classes.  

Japan鈥痮ffers the perfect blend of the traditional and modern. Families can wander Kyoto鈥檚 ancient temples and have a ninja/samurai experience, in Tokyo visit the interactive TeamLab Planets, visit Lego Land and take sushi-making classes. Top of the list for families is a ride on a speed train and a visit to see the Snow Monkeys of Nagano 鈥� where hundreds of monkeys鈥� roam freely and enjoy the natural hot springs. This is one not to miss! 

Costa Rica鈥痠s ideal for nature-loving families. From ziplining through rainforests, taking part in a turtle rescue program or connecting with a sloth, there is an endless array of activities for families. Costa Rica also offers exciting visits to organic farms, where kids can milk cows and learn about farm life, take a chocolate making class or simply chill on one of the many beautiful beaches.  

Greece might come to mind more for a romantic getaway or honeymoon, but it鈥檚 wonderful for family travelers. In Athens, climb the hill of the Acropolis, watch the Changing of the Guard and take part in a mythology family tour complete with games and prizes. Rent a car and head out to the Peloponnese to explore ancient Olympia, visit local villages and farms and tour an olive oil making estate for a hands-on experience everyone will enjoy. And then of course 鈥� the Greek Islands await.  

To further ensure your family will have a great time, consider staying at IGLTA/TAG Approved Hotels. These properties have gone the extra step, completing a qualification and training processes reflecting their commitment to the queer travel community.  And key to the success of your is working with queer travel professionals like the team at Out World Journeys.  No one knows the queer world better than someone who is a specialist in LGBTQ+ travel and the expertise, knowledge and connections they possess are an invaluable resource for designing the perfect family vacation. 

About Richard Krieger: 

Richard Krieger, Director of Out World Journeys, has spent his career championing the power of travel as a bridge between cultures and communities. Richard has led Out World Journeys and Sky Vacations鈥� transformation into two of the most creative and respected brands in the travel industry and he believes deeply in the idea that travel should be joyful, authentic, and for everyone and his work reflects that mission every day. Richard is an active member of the LGBTQ+ travel community and has served two terms on the Board of Directors at IGLTA (International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association).听

About Out World Journeys: 

Out World Journeys was created to bring the same, high level of quality and service to the queer community as its sister brand, Sky Vacations does for the mainstream luxury market. With a global, expert team of tour designers, Out World Journeys focuses on itineraries that invite traveler to engage with traditional local culture and history, while focusing on LBGTQ+ culture and contributions in the places we visit. Out World Journeys is an Active Member of 性视界 and a proud member of IGLTA.听

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By: Margaret Campbell, Sr. Director of Marketing at Mayflower Cruises & Tours 

All Photos Courtesy of Margaret Campbell

Ol谩! I鈥檓 Margaret the Sr. Director of Marketing at Mayflower Cruises & Tours and last November I traveled Portugal for the first time to experience the Douro River valley at the height of the autumn foliage. I cruised onboard our parent company鈥檚 luxurious Scenic Azure for 10 days and indulged in all of the famed Portuguese specialties along my journey. Today, I am going to share my top five favorite things I picked up in Portugal and where I find them now that I am back home in the states.  

Wine 

This one is the obvious choice given the region. The Douro is world famous for its Port wine. Port is a fortified wine, or wine to which brandy has been added to stop the fermentation process and ultimately leaving the wine a bit sweeter and with a higher ABV, typically around 20%.  This sweet treat comes in many varieties and is often served with dessert, but I found the port tonic cocktails that our bartender onboard was serving up to be my favorite! So, whether you are looking for a Ruby, White, Rose or Tawny, try your local liquor store for bottle of Cockburns, Sandman, Croft or my favorite鈥orgadio Da Calcada.  

Maybe Port wine isn鈥檛 for you, don鈥檛 let that stop you from traveling to the Douro Valley for a wine adventure. This UNESCO World Heritage area is one of the oldest wine producing areas in the world and is home to more than 80 types of grapes and the quintas here produces many delicious whites, reds, roses and even green wines. Before traveling to Portugal, I had never heard of green wine but after tasting my first Vinho Verde at the I was converted. Their delicious sparkling Aveleda Fonte White is light, crisp and refreshing. I was pleasantly surprised by not just the Green but the white, red and rose table wines of the Douro Valley. Since being home my favorite place to pick up these regional favorites is at the Chicago land-based Binny鈥檚 stores, they have a great selection and I love sharing my finds with my friends now that the weather is finally warming up.  

Sardines  

Portugal is seafood obsessed and sardines reign supreme. Fresh, tinned, however you enjoy them, you can have them.  The legend is that sardines gained their popularity thanks in part to St. Anthony, Patron St. of Lisbon. The story goes, St. Anthony was on expedition and while trying to gain the attention of the locals, he turned to the fish and started preaching, he captured their attention and from then on, the sardines were legendary.  

Soap 

Soap making is a time-honored tradition in Portugal dating back to Claus Porto the country鈥檚 first soap maker in 1887. Since then, the people of Portugal have been producing some of the best soaps in the world and packaging them in the most beautiful wrappings. My favorites include the . I picked up a bar while shopping in Porto and it was gone almost immediately after I returned home. I haven鈥檛 gotten my hands on another bar yet, but I have been keeping my eyes out for one. I have however found quite a few other scents by Castelbels at Homegoods and World Market. These make great gifts or just nice additions to your everyday home uses.  

Cork  

Portugal is the largest producer of cork in the world. Now the vast majority of the world鈥檚 cork supply that comes from Portugal is made into wine stoppers, there are many other things that you may be surprised to learn are made from cork鈥� While doing some shopping in Porto, I picked up a pair of slip-on shoes, they are made from cork and wool and are 100% sustainable but did you know that soles are also made using cork?  

Olives  

Olive trees play an important role in the vineyards of the Douro Valley, helping to hold the steep walls of the valley in place and protecting the vineyards from washing away during the rainy season. What I found so fascinating was at each Quinta we visited the families each told stories of harvesting the olives by hand with their nets and sticks when the fruit was at the correct ripeness, either green or black. Then sharing for olive oil or eating fresh. Portuguese olives and olive oil are delicious, but they have proven to be the hardest things to find since being home. Luckily for me we live in the age of the internet and there is a wonderful Portuguese market located just outside of Boston. The has it all and they ship.  

My time spent on the Douro on the Scenic Azure with was amazing. I loved experiencing the culture, people and food. I cannot wait to plan my return trip to pick up a few more of my favorites and find my next five!  

Find your dream vacation to Portugal with a 性视界 tour operator here

About Mayflower Cruises & Tours

Mayflower鈥疌ruises & Tours is a division of The Scenic Group. The Midwest based tour operator has been providing travelers world-class guided holidays around the world for over 40 years. Today,鈥疢ayflower鈥痟as over 100 itineraries, travels to six continents and offers many different travel styles, including river cruising, special events departures, national parks adventures, seasonal excursions, domestic and international guided holidays and more. For more information about鈥疢ayflower鈥疌ruises & Tours, visit鈥�or call 800-323-7604 

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By

In survey after survey, up to 76% of consumers say that they鈥檇 rather spend their money on experiences than things. They further cite 鈥渕eaning,鈥� 鈥渋nspiration,鈥� 鈥渇un,鈥� and 鈥渓earning鈥� as outcomes they seek. Travelers can count on all of the above on one of Overseas Adventure Travel鈥檚 small group adventures. These include hands-on activities that connect them to the local culture, such as visits to workshops where local artisans demonstrate traditional crafts. Visitors can roll up their sleeves and join in, and if they like, purchase the local wares.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a win-win,鈥� says O.A.T. Vice Chairman Harriet Lewis. 鈥淥ur travelers get to engage with local people and learn something new, and our hosts gain support for the industries their families rely on.鈥� Oftentimes, the activities occur during O.A.T.鈥檚 signature A Day in the Life experiences which are woven into the trips; or though visits to sites supported by Grand Circle Foundation, O.A.T鈥檚 non-profit charitable organization. Here are just ten of the local crafts supported:

1. Australia: Aboriginal Dot Paintings

The distinctive Aboriginal dot designs are not random, but are filled with symbols that tell a visual story. Dot painting has been around for millennia, but exploded in the 1970s in Papunya near Alice Springs, where indigenous artists used it as a secret language. Other Aboriginal communities embraced the form, and today they adhere to strict rules about which techniques, symbols, and stories belong to which tribes. O.A.T. travelers are urged to only buy authentic, ethically sourced works that bear the official Indigenous Art Code seal, the 鈥済old standard鈥� among reputable merchants.

2. Laos: Traditional Weaving

While the men of the poor Laotian village of Tin Keo farm or seek jobs in the city, the women create fabulous, colorful textiles. It started as a way to be sociable with their neighbors. Today, these industrious ladies can earn a windfall of $70-80 a month selling their fabrics, all the while improving their skills and preserving an important cultural legacy.

3. Portugal: Azulejo tiles

笔辞谤迟辞鈥檚 Banco de Materiais is an unusual bank: you can deposit antique tiles and withdraw some for free. Portugal鈥檚 signature blue and white azulejo tiles date to Moorish times. The Banco safeguards these treasures, and sometimes the fire department will even collect tiles off at-risk buildings and deliver them to the bank. Employees then study and catalog the tiles and preserve them in wooden boxes where visitors can admire or buy them.

4. Kenya and Tanzania: Maasai beadwork

A Maasai collar can be the shape and size of a dinnerplate, decorated with bold-colored beads in intricate patterns. But to the Maasai people, these aren鈥檛 just pretty baubles: they tell individual life stories, map out villages, indicate marital and social status, and represent the culture. O.A.T. travelers can purchase them directly from artists when they experience A Day in the Life of a local village such as Mto Wa Mbu.

5. India: Embroidery and Textiles

India鈥檚 Ranthambore National Park is famed as a sanctuary for Bengal tigers, and while some locals have resorted to poaching them, others have found a more ethical and sustainable enterprise. Through their Dhonk and Dastkar handicraft cooperatives, local Indian women teach artisanal skills so members may earn a living outside of poaching by creating embroidery, clothing, and gifts. Supported by Grand Circle Foundation, the cooperatives now celebrate the tigers whose allure attracts a steady stream of travelers鈥攁nd crafts customers.

6. Morocco: Henna tattoos

Known as mendhi, the use of henna to paint the body with intricate patterns is a centuries-old Berber art believed to promote harmony and ward off evil. The (non-permanent) tattoos are also a symbol of female solidarity, as O.A.T. travelers discover when they visit the Imik Smik Women’s Association for Rural Development, which provides skills training for women in the A茂t Benhaddou area. As a token of friendship, members invite women visitors to participate in a traditional henna ceremony.

7. Peru: Chinchero weaving

High in the Sacred Valley, Chinchero was a 16th-century Inca emperor’s estate, as well as a resting place on the Inca Royal Road. Today, this small village is known for its weaving industry. It is entirely managed by the local women, who use plants (and in some cases, bugs) to produce their dyes. O.A.T. travelers converse with the weavers about village life and observe the process of designing and creating these vibrant garments.

8. Japan: Hakone woodcraft

Hakone yosegi zaiku is a form of marquetry that creates intricate patterns by joining together pieces of wood. The colors鈥攔ed, white, yellow, black, and green鈥攁re not created through inks, but are the natural wood shades. Today, yosegi zaiku is popular all over Japan, but there are only about 50 artisans making it, all in the Hakone/Odawara area. O.A.T. brings travelers to the Hamamatsuya workshop to meet its fourth-generation owner, and see a demonstration.

9. Vietnam: Bat Trang Pottery and Ceramics

The village of Bat Trang may lie on the Red River, but it鈥檚 the area鈥檚 rich white clay that has made its pottery renowned for seven centuries. O.A.T. travelers have plenty of time to browse the shops, but also visit the home and studio of an artisan family and get to make their own ceramic pieces.

10. Turkey: carpet weaving

Rug weaving in Anatolia began with the arrival of Turkic tribes from Central Asia, and was a prominent art form by the 12^th century. Then as now, most carpetmakers were women who worked anonymously. The process is intensively laborious, and prices are based on the intricacy of the design, quality of the materials, and the number of knots per square centimeter.

Overseas Adventure Travel is the leader in personalized small group adventures on the road less traveled. Serving all travelers over 50, the company is known for its expertise in solo travel, and has recently published 101⁺ Tips for Solo Women Travelers which can be ordered for free .

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Marvao听

Portugal is European elegance and medieval mythology, culinary excellence and fabled wine-making tradition, granite ramparts, endless rivers, and temples of skulls and bones. Portugal is a nation of quixotic charms, one best explored on foot, at a pace that allows for a deeper appreciation of people, place, and culture (not to mention wine 鈥� delicious, bottomless barrels of wine). With two feet and a heartbeat, I set out with on an expedition from one end of this Iberian playground to the other, on an adventure that was truly immersive, experiential, and fully Portuguese.

Parque Natural de Serra de Sao Mamede

听Castelo de Vide

Castelo de Vide

Portuguese is a lyrical language, and the most common refrain is bem-vindos, or welcome. I heard bem-vindos day after day, no matter where we wandered on our walking tour. We were welcomed at cobblestone cafes in the historic heart of old Porto. We were welcomed by local farmers when wandering through the cork forests of the Parque Natural de Serra de Sao Mamade. And we were welcomed by the happy people of the cozy, red-tiled village of Castelo de Vide. In part, we were welcomed wherever we went because Portugal is a friendly, vibrant nation 鈥� but the fact that we spent so much time on our feet, trekking from one destination to the next, allowed us a unique opportunity to travel deeper into the essential nature of the Portugal experience.

Quinta Nova

听Quinta Nova

Douro

We had time to wander Arraiolos, a postcard perfect little village known for exquisite tapestries, made locally since the Middle Ages and based on Iranian designs. We spoke with artisans, explored shops and museums, and even had an opportunity to thread some needles ourselves (pro-tip: don鈥檛 use your thumb as a thimble). Out among the sun-splashed vineyards of the Douro Valley, we wandered into medieval-era orchards on the sprawling Quinta Nova grounds, plucking from the trees oranges, pears, and cherries. And Country Walkers made time for long, leisurely dinners, the sort people have been enjoying in Portugal for centuries. We dined out among the stars, were entertained by local concertina virtuosos, and feasted on national fare, like am锚ijoas 脿 bulh茫o pato, a type of clam stew, alheira sausage, notable for including proteins other than pork, and, of course, delicate bites of famed Iberian ham. Fabulous table wines accompanied every meal, while port put an exclamation point on each evening; we sipped on wines from legacy producers and craft artisans like Dow鈥檚, Cockburn鈥檚, Taylor鈥檚, 鈥� and more.

Herdade do Esporao

Evora

My Country Walkers experience was a throwback affair, a glimpse at travel in Europe as it may have been a generation ago. It was an opportunity to disconnect, enjoy the countryside of the rolling Douro and the rugged Alentejo, and immerse myself fully in the unique tapestry of local life. I felt welcome with every step, and can鈥檛 imagine traveling through Portugal in any other way.

Douro

Interested in learning more about Flash’s journey?听听Read more about it on听听the听性视界 blog听and听check out听Country Walkers’听.

Flash is a journalist, photographer, and author based in Wyoming. His work has been published by AFAR, GQ Magazine, USA Today, Voyeur Magazine, Reader’s Digest, Get Lost Magazine, Celebrated Living, Asian Geographic, Food and Travel, American Cowboy, and more. Flash is the reigning 2016 SATW Bill Muster Photographer of the Year.

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Douro听

Sao Pedro do Corval

Portugal is the little things. It is whistling ceramic roosters hand-made in a studio in Sao Pedro do Corval. Portugal is stomping grapes in an ancient lagares in a family-owned vineyard in the Douro Valley. It is walking miles over dusty dirt tracks between 2,000-year-old olive trees, while a towering castle stands sentinel on a nearby hillside. Portugal is grassroots agriculture and temples of skulls and bones, ancient monolithic sites and world-class cuisine, textiles and pottery and long walks over cobbled streets. Portugal is all these little things and more, little things you can only experience when you slow down and fully immerse yourself in the mystery, majesty and allure of the Iberian Peninsula. Recently I traveled to Portugal with , the global leader in small-group guided walking adventures, for an expedition from historic Porto to modern Lisbon, with stops to experience the pastoral bliss of the Douro Valley, the rugged hillscapes and castles of the Alentejo, and countless local wonders in between.

Quinta Nova听

Quinta Nova听

Quinta Nova听

I knew that my Country Walkers expedition was going to be a different sort of travel experience from the moment our party stepped foot in the Douro. A UNESCO World Heritage darling, the Douro Valley region has become a tourism darling in recent years, and it鈥檚 easy to see why 鈥� from our elevated position high above the river, the Douro is a postcard-perfect vision of Old World Europe. We spent our first day walking among a verdant carpet of old wine vines, and stopped to visit an olive oil mill, and, of course, a family-run winery with a history that stretches back centuries (all the way to Britain). Too many trips are focused on checklists, when they should be focused on experiences. Country Walkers doesn鈥檛 want their guests to 鈥渟ee this, this, and this,鈥� and is instead focused on 鈥渆xperiencing this, fully, and completely.鈥� Our group dinners at Quinta Nova de Nossa Senhora do Carmo epitomized this ethos 鈥� our candlelight dinners were characterized by Chef Jose Pinto鈥檚 unique take on traditional fare, and included extended wine tastings, wonderful conversation, and concertina music.

Herdade do Freixo

Mosteiro do Crato

Evora听

I knew that we would spend considerable time walking through vineyards and olive orchards, but I didn鈥檛 expect to wander through one of the world鈥檚 only skeleton temples, which we experienced at the Igreja do Sao Francisco, a 12^th century Gothic wonder in the heart of bustling Evora.听 I knew we would visit castles and ancient kingdoms, but I didn鈥檛 know that I鈥檇 stand in the center of a bullring in the castle of Reguengos de Monsaraz. I knew there would be wineries and Port and table wine, but I didn鈥檛 expect to learn so much about agriculture and eco-farming at the Herdade do Freixo do Meio, a sprawling agricultural co-op known for producing artisanal meats and vegetables. I knew there would be charming boutique hotels, but I didn鈥檛 know I鈥檇 spend my mornings in beautiful gardens and atmospheric crypts of converted monasteries, like the Pousada Mosteiro do Crato, for centuries known as the Flor de Rosa Monastery. And I knew to expect cultural marvels and historical allure, but I had no idea that we would flit between rock giants at the Cromlech of the Almedres archaeological site, where 5^th century (BC) monoliths still call out to the stars.

Capela dos Ossos

Cromeleque dos Almendres

Cromeleque dos Almendres

Portugal is all the things I love about Europe 鈥� the pace, the grace, the idyllic countryside and the atmospheric medieval cities 鈥� and a thousand surprises I could have never anticipated. Country Walkers gave me an opportunity to go beyond guide books and become fully immersed in local culture, lore, and legends. I can鈥檛 think of any other way to experience Portugal.

Interested in learning more about Flash’s journey?听听Read more about it on听听the听性视界 blog听and听check out听Country Walkers’听.

Flash is a journalist, photographer, and author based in Wyoming. His work has been published by AFAR, GQ Magazine, USA Today, Voyeur Magazine, Reader’s Digest, Get Lost Magazine, Celebrated Living, Asian Geographic, Food and Travel, American Cowboy, and more. Flash is the reigning 2016 SATW Bill Muster Photographer of the Year.

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