Hey – welcome! Wilkommen! Bienvenue! Bienvenidos!
Ready for departure? I’m Travis, an avid traveler, explorer, and storyteller based in the Upper Left USA—in my case, Portland, Oregon. Whether you’re into top tourist destinations or off-the-beaten-path discoveries, you’re in the right place. This is Upper Left Traveler, a travel blog where I share my adventures, tips for LGBTQ travelers, recommendations, and travel reflections from around the world.
Who Am I?
As someone working for social and economic justice by day, I try to connect my travels to my values. Seeing how different communities tackle issues—from inequality to climate—gives me fresh perspective and, sometimes, hope. Then again, sometimes it’s just a much-needed escape. Either way, I believe travel inspires change, by meeting new people and experiencing different cultures, both within and beyond familiar borders.
I grew up in Colorado and caught the travel bug early during family trips to Ohio. I still remember getting wings pinned to my polyester travel suit and being invited into the cockpit—back when that was a thing! Since then, my love of air travel, road trips, and exploring new places has only grown.
What You’ll Find on This Blog
- Travel tips and destination guides
- LGBTQ-friendly travel ideas and safety information
- Weekend getaways and city guides
- RV adventures and road trip itineraries
- Air travel experiences and tips to maximizing airline perks
- Personal stories from around the globe
Whether you’re planning your next trip, looking for gay-friendly travel destinations, or just love a good story, I hope you’ll find inspiration here.
So follow along. Ask questions. Send suggestions. Use my travels as a jumping-off point for your own. Most importantly—have fun. That’s what it’s all about.
Upper Left Traveler 