Weekend: Palm Springs

Palm Springs has been a favorite of mine for over 20 years—and it’s easy to see why. With its sunny weather, queer-friendly vibe, and endless options for relaxation or adventure, the desert city offers something for every kind of traveler, especially for LGBTQ folks and during the busy winter season.

One Week: Maui

Maui is one of my all-time favorite travel destinations. Read on for my favorite places to visit, personal tips, and must-do activities for a diverse mix of ideas to fit any length of stay.

Ten Days: Norway

From exploring fjords and charming villages to indulging in Oslo’s incredible food scene, Norway delivered unforgettable moments. Our 10-day journey started in Bergen during the festive celebration of Syttende Mai and ended in Oslo and was filled with personal history, cultural insight, and breathtaking landscapes.

Weekend: Seattle

Updated January 2025. Seattle is just a hop, skip, and jump away from our home in Portland, which makes it an ideal weekend getaway. Nicknamed the Emerald City for its year-round greenery, it generally shares Portland’s mild climate. This can make it an attractive spot for to escape oppressive summer heat for folks in hot […]

Four Days: Medellin

Medellin, Colombia is known as the City of Eternal Spring for its year-round mild weather. And I’d spring (pun obviously intended) at the chance to return—it was my favorite city on the trip to Colombia. Yes, I loved the nightlife in Bogotá, the heat and lively neighborhoods in Cartagena, and the spectacle of Barranquilla’s Carnaval. […]

One Week: Cartagena and Barranquilla

My first visit to Colombia was anchored around the opportunity to experience Barranquilla’s Carnaval. Inspired by stories from Colombian-American friends and others who recently traveled there, we were eager to check out Carnaval, nearby Cartagena, as well as Bogota and Medellin. Check out the links above for details of the rest of our February 2023 […]

Weekend: Bogotá

In February 2023, we made our first-ever trip to Colombia. Inspired by stories from Colombian-American friends and others who recently traveled there, we were eager to check out its cities and coastal regions and look forward to going back to see more. Be sure to check out notes on Cartagena and Barranquilla and Medellin (because […]

Lessons Learned: 5 Surprises in Colombia

Colombia packed a lot of adventures and surprises. Here are a few of the unexpected things I wish I’d figured out before we went…

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.