Five Tips for New RV Campers

For folks considering a purchase of a new camper, here are the five top things I lucked into or wish someone had told me before I started out camping—and before investing a lot of money into an RV!

5 Van Life Lessons for LGBTQ Campers

Five of the van life lessons I’ve learned are key for LGBTQ travelers—from safe gay camping tips to finding community on the road. Read on for your next gay weekend adventure.

Weekend: Bend, Oregon

Looking for an LGBTQ-friendly weekend getaway in the Pacific Northwest? Bend, Oregon delivers stunning mountain views, outdoor adventure, and small-town charm with a welcoming vibe. Known for its high desert landscape, this Central Oregon gem offers year-round sunshine, scenic hiking trails, river floats in the summer, skiing at Mt. Bachelor in the winter, and a thriving craft beer scene. Whether you’re escaping from Portland, Seattle, or beyond, Bend is a perfect long weekend destination for LGBTQ travelers.

Quick Take: Missoula

Missoula, Montana might not be a typical vacation spot, but it’s one I’ve grown to love through family visits and repeated exploration. With its small-town charm, natural beauty, and welcoming vibe, Missoula offers a refreshing escape—especially if you’re looking for a low-key, relatively LGBTQ-friendly getaway in the Mountain West.

4+ Great Day Trips from Portland

Despite what some recent news might lead folks to believe, Portland, Oregon is a great spot to visit (or in my case: live). Yes, Portland has experienced a few issues the last several years including some things that made dramatic headlines, but there’s still plenty of wonderful sights, bites, and things to do with a […]

Maui: Part 1 – Van Camping and Touring

As much as I love the Northwest (aka: Upper Left), winter can be a gloomy drag. A solution: take two work holidays, add two weekend days, and mix in round trip flights to Maui and a camper van. Presto! Sounds simple, right? Well, kind of. Sure, Thanksgiving and the day after are work holidays for […]

About Upper Left Traveler

Welcome to Upper Left Traveler, a gay travel blog exploring the world from Portland, Oregon. I’m Travis—storyteller, adventurer, and advocate for social justice. From LGBTQ-friendly travel tips to weekend getaways and campervan adventures, I share real stories and travel insights with heart. Follow along and find inspiration for your next journey.