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 gay travel blog where I share my adventures, tips, and travel reflections from around the world.
Who Am I?
As someone working for social and economic justice by day, my travels are deeply connected to my values. Seeing how different communities tackle issues—from inequality to climate—gives me fresh perspective and, sometimes, hope. Other times, 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
- Gay 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 airport tips
- 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.
Follow along. Hit me up with questions and suggestions. Use my adventures as hopping off points for your own. Have fun – that’s what it’s all about.