This episode is about my recent trip to Key West Fla. and our mini Gaycation staying at the clothing optional Equator Resort for Men (did I? or didn’t I?). Keep listening to find out as I share all of the cool and interesting things to see and do while in Key West and how Island life forced me to slow down and disconnect from the hustle and bustle of my everyday life in Chicago. Everyone knows that we all need to take a break now and then to give our minds and bodies time to recharge, but I will share the effect it specifically had on my creative side as a result. www.equatoresort.com, www.fla-keys.com www.djdoran.com

Key West Episode 

We recently returned from a little winter vacation to Key West, Florida. We had the pleasure of staying at the (clothing optional) Equator Resort for Men. In the show I go into detail about all of the interesting and quirky situations that I found myself in. The main thing I realized while being there is that a change of scenery almost forces you into a state of rest and relaxation and I sure did need one. 

When you relax, you become more productive:

I’m sure all of the regular listeners know how much I have going on between my various companies, obligations, Pride Flight, and family. That being said, I rarely find myself with this much free time on my hands. It really opened my eyes to a few insights that really surprised me. Disconnecting from my usual routine ended up being more productive than I had anticipated. I explain more in the show but suffice to say that rest and relaxation can sometimes be the most productive thing a person can do. Who knows, it may very well be the thing you need right now as well! 

Getting out of your comfort zone:

As the description says, the clothing optional portion of the resort was definitely a new concept for me. I’m typically a more private person so this type of experience is definitely over in left field for me. But I have to say, it’s good to challenge your own boundaries and explore new experiences. I’ll let the podcast tell the rest of the story! 

Dealing with Stress:

There is a saying about how you don’t really know someone until you see how they act when they lose their luggage. I’m not sure that’s entirely true but there’s plenty of insight to be had when you’re dealing with stress on a vacation. In this episode I relay my hotel kerfuffle and explain how I work through these situations. 

How do you behave on an airplane.  You would think that this would be self evident, but we explore the outrageous behavior of some passengers.

I had a chance to speak with the amazing Minister of Tourism for Guanajuato Mexico, Teresa Matamoros. We talked about this off the beaten path destination in central Mexico that is trying hard to attract LGBTQ tourism.

Guanajato Mexico Episode

This week I welcome Teresa Matamoros, the Minister of Tourism for Guanajuato, Mexico, to the show to talk turkey on Guanajuato as a safe destination for LGBTQ travelers. We also dig into some deeper cut tourist spots, my husband Joe’s reluctance to leave Mexico, and common conceptions of the country’s crime problem.

Guanajuato: have you heard of it? A city of roughly 170,000 smack dab in the middle of the country, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, yet some travelers shy away from Mexico’s interior because of the American media’s portrayal of the country as being overrun by drug cartels. 

Fortunately, Teresa and I set the record straight by comparing this image to the “shocking” headlines concerning crime right here in Chicago. 

Teresa and I discuss the welcoming nature of Mexican locals, as the country remains the top international destination for American travelers. Guanajuato is similarly LGBTQ friendly, and should be on your radar the next time you’re searching for a place to visit. 

San Miguel de Allende, a smaller city in Guanajuato state, is the most popular inland wedding destination in the country, according to Teresa. That’s more great news for LGBTQ travelers, with destination weddings growing faster than any other part of the demographics’ tourist industry.  

Why travel at all, especially to places you may never have heard of? As I get older and recognize the fragility of life, I feel more and more compelled to see what the world has to offer me beyond my day-to-day life. Hopefully Teresa and I have convinced you to do the same!