Tips For Running an LGBTQ+ Friendly Travel Agency

Travelling is one of life’s many pleasures. Planning travel can be exhausting and overwhelming altogether, but as LGBTQ+ identifying people, there are more things to consider. 

LGBTQ+ Travel Companies have made it their business to create spaces where travelers of every orientation and identity type can experience amazing adventures and be their authentic selves. 

Until the time this world becomes an accepting place, it’s best to have some tips in mind when traveling with your partner or family. 

Where and how to reach your audience

One of the ways to reach the LGBTQ+ community is definitely social media since it can significantly lower the marketing cost per booking, but don’t expect to easily find your customers. First of all do some research, note where active gay social media users are posting, and then just simply follow their lead. Good way to promote yourself among LGBTQ+ community as a friendly holiday destination, is to join in and follow posts on related Facebook groups. 

Build a digital identity

The way you present your business to your clients is one of the key points. The business idea that you have might be great, but if your marketing and online presence is weak, there is really not a lot of chance to succeed. 

Create a website that will contain all the necessary information about your business as well as the destinations you offer. Make your online presence unique. Carefully organize your workforce. Organize the people around you in the best possible way, so that the communication between your agency and your customers is flawless. And in order to  learn more about and improve your organization and management skills, you can use a website like this to help you put your organization on a higher level. 

Pick A Vibe

This part is actually really fun, since you will have to choose what type of vacation you would like to promote. Art museums and food tours or straight up chilling on the beach with endless margaritas? But have in mind one thing, LGBTQ+ travel spans from different destinations and travel styles, and ultimately it’s about travel experiences that make LGBTQ+ people feel safe and welcome. 

Diversify your advertising campaigns

Most advisers that target the LGBTQ+ consumers tend to make the same mistake, and not recognize the diversity of this community. Diversify your advertising campaigns by including different ages, ethnicities and genders. When targeting your consumers try not to forget anyone. 

Offer LGBTQ+ travel packages

Different LGBTQ+ events can be good key motivators around which you will centre your travels. Offering packages that include certain discounts or offering packages where events like Pride will be the centre of attention, could be the jackpot. 

According to recent reports, a lot of LGBTQ+ community members go for the option of celebrating their honeymoon at nice destinations, so offering honeymoon packages could be another good starting point. 

LGBTQ+ Travel companies for Inclusive tourism

There are many LGBTQ+ travel companies whose main goal is  to make the industry a more equal place. Companies like GLOW Yoga Retreats, that offer unforgettable yoga experiences at unique destinations around the world, like Bali, Morocco, Peru, and more. Or a company like Let’s Cruise Away where the owner and his crew personally host every cruise and trip organized. And many many more out there who can help you create and shape your own offer and style as a LGBTQ+ travel agency. 

It could be considered as a bold thing to organize trips like these and to run a company that centers around LGBTQ+ community, but the most important thing is that everyone deserves to travel freely and receive acceptance no matter where they go or who they love. 

Easy Tips for Safety when Traveling with Health Issues

Many people think that traveling is only reserved for 100% healthy people and that chronic-illness patients need to stay at home. That’s obviously not true, especially today when we have such great technology, fast flights and great connections between health departments. If you prepare well and get a green light from your doctor, there’s no reason why you couldn’t travel. Here are a few preparation tips for traveling with health issues: 

Get cleared by your doctor

Before you leave for your adventure (at least one month prior to your trip), make sure to consult with your health care provider about your trip. Your healthcare provider will check your condition and clear you for your trip, while also giving you all the vaccines you might need for the destination. And in case there’s something wrong, your doctor will catch it and try to cure it before you embark—it’s scary to have a medical emergency in a foreign country away from your regular doctor! 

Stock up on medication 

If you’re taking daily medication for your condition, make sure to have enough meds to last you all through the trip. And ask your doctor whether you can get a bit extra just in case you lose your luggage or get stranded at the destination. Depending on where you’re traveling, you might not have access to a pharmacy or your specific medication, so it’s best to be prepared by stocking up at home. In some cases, your insurance will only cover the costs of 30-days of medication at a time. If that’s the case with you, consult with your insurance provider and see how you can stock up on medication properly. 

Plan for treatment 

If you’re receiving regular treatment that can’t wait until you return from your trip, don’t worry—there are ways to handle that as well. For instance, the website bookdialysis.com allows patients to book their dialysis treatment abroad in all the best clinics all around the world. You can choose the type of treatment, location and clinic and ensure you get your dialysis right on time so you can enjoy the rest of your vacation. With more than 50 countries and 500 clinics, you’ll not have to dig hard for a destination that will provide you with all the health treatments you need and all the fun of traveling. 

Collect all your health information 

Just in case you need to see a doctor while you’re away on your trip, make sure to have all your health information printed out and translated. This way, a local healthcare provider will be able to quickly learn about your medical history and provide you with adequate care and treatment. Write down all the medication you take as well as the dosage in case a local doctor needs to prescribe you something.  

Map out doctors and clinics

In case you need medical help while on your trip, it’s best to have information about health providers, clinics and hospitals mapped out on your itinerary. If your illness is very rare, do some research to find a health provider with some experience with your particular condition. Keep the information close to you so you can access it quickly or show it to someone who can assist you during your trip. For instance, not every doctor knows about treating dialysis patients or not every dentist knows how to treat HIV-positive patients, so do your research. 

Get travel insurance

Never start a trip without travel insurance. Your health insurance should cover medical care while traveling abroad because if not, you’ll be forced to pay for health services from your own pocket which can often be very expensive. It’s best to consider additional insurance for travel which includes healthcare and emergency evacuation (very useful if you’re planning a trip somewhere remote). 

Traveling with health conditions is possible and fun, as long as you prepare properly. Stock up on meds, locate health providers and you’ll have nothing to worry about during your adventure abroad. 

Good Oral Hygiene While Travelling

Though you may be taking a vacation from your everyday life, your oral hygiene should never be on a break. Taking care of your teeth while you travel may seem quite straightforward, however, here are a few tips on how to keep your smile perfect even when on the go.

Visit a dentist before your trip

Preventing oral problems on your trip begins long before you board the plane. Even if you’ve always taken good care of your teeth and see your dentist at least once a year, it’s smart to give him another visit particularly if you’re planning a long trip abroad. You never know whether you’ll have access to dental care when you’re abroad, so it’s better to stay safe than sorry.

Your dentist can immediately identify possible issues you may have with your oral health in the near future that may cause pain or discomfort. Dental or gum problems you thought were healed should not resurface while travelling. The last thing you’d want to do is to stop your vacation early so that you can go to the dentist.

If you need to have a cavity filled, a root canal performed, a tooth extracted, or have issues with your dentures addressed, make an appointment well in advance of the trip.

Get your teeth whitened

If you have a vacation incoming, you should definitely be prepared for having a lot of pictures taken. One of the main aspects of every holiday photo is a bright smile, therefore if yours is lacking make sure to employ your trusty teeth whitening strips for the most gorgeous of smiles! Teeth whitening strips don’t work overnight, it’s usually a treatment that works over a couple of weeks. So, it’s important to stay consistent to see the best results!

Let your brush dry

It’s best not to store your brush in a sealed container if you don’t want it to become ruined. Bacteria love the wet environment, plus, naturally, all of us have some bacteria on our teeth which get transported to the toothbrush. If you leave it wet, the germ numbers will grow and your toothbrush could even make you sick. Allowing your toothbrush to air dry before storing it in a case or holder is always preferable. Don’t forget to unpack your toothbrush, clean it, and store it in a dry place as soon as you arrive at your destination. 

Make sure to get toothbrush containers that are not completely sealed off since the germs thrive in a dark and moist environment.

Always have a backup brush

As far as oral hygiene is concerned, we’d like you to have a second, third, and even a fourth toothbrush on hand. You don’t want to lose your toothbrush while on a vacation since the complimentary toothbrushes provided by your hotel are usually too hard for your gums. You never know when you’ll need a spare toothbrush or a toothbrush head. So, you want to be the smartest person in the room? You should have a spare in your carry-on and one in your backpack or handbag.

Watch what you eat

Be cautious about what you eat! When we’re on vacation, we’re more likely to experiment with new foods and we are far more prone to overindulgence. Let’s face it, we can’t deny you a few bites of local cheese and a couple of glasses of that rich wine. However, how often you’re exposed to sugar is critical for oral health. Limit your daily intake of sweets to no more than one or two sweets. 

Avoid tap water

It’s best to avoid drinking and brushing your teeth with tap water while you’re traveling. In many towns, the drinking water is acidic, which weakens your teeth’s enamel. Drinking and brushing your teeth with bottled or filtered water will keep your body and teeth safe. 

No matter where you are, it’s critical you take care of your teeth. Travelling can be very stressful on your body, so make sure to nurture it when you’re on a vacation. Your oral health is just one aspect of your overall health and is extremely important if you want to be perfectly fit!

How to Eat a Healthy Diet when Traveling

If you’re on a strict diet for your fitness or health, or if you just want to look hot for all the pretty beach boys on your travels, it’s necessary to continue eating healthy when you’re on the road. However, many times, this is easier said than done, especially with all the new exotic foods and tasty cocktails. So how can you maintain a healthy diet while also having plenty of fun on your trip? Here are a few tips to keep in mind: 

Try to cook

You don’t have to cook every meal yourself, but you also don’t have to eat out three times a day. Eating at a restaurant or street food stall for every meal will show itself on the scale for sure, because those meals are almost certainly more caloric than what you make at home. If you’re staying somewhere with a kitchen, you can easily whip up morning oats or eggs and fix a fresh salad for lunch and keep your summer physique. By all means, try as many local foods as you can because traveling is always made more fun with tasting new meals. But if you keep it light throughout the day, you can enjoy a beautiful meal outside and not watch for calories. 

Eat your breakfast

Many people choose to skip breakfast when they are on the road because they are too busy or they sleep too long in the morning. However, skipping breakfast will result in plenty of fatigue and a crabby mood that can push you to make bad dietary choices. On the other hand, if you start your day with a light portion of protein and nutrients, you’ll feel full until lunch and opt for a nice afternoon salad instead of a double burger. No time to eat breakfast? Well, pack your favorite protein powder and whip up a serving in the morning. A protein powder shake will keep you full and energized for very few calories. 

Beware of buffets

If you have a buffet-type serving on your trip, be careful with your portions because it’s so easy to overeat when you’re facing a huge variety of things. To prevent overeating and endangering your stomach health, grab a plate, make one circle around the buffet, find three things you like and go for them only. Make sure to fill 50% of your plate with veggies (or fruit for breakfast), 25% with protein and 25% with whole-grain carbs. And it might be tempting to go back for seconds, but just wait a few minutes and you’ll notice that you’re not hungry anymore at all—it takes your brain a few minutes to catch up with your stomach. 

Snack smartly

If you’re a pretty active guy and love to go on many adventures during your trips, you’ll burn plenty of calories. In that case, always have a healthy snack in your bag to fuel your body properly. For instance, instead of reaching for a chocolate bar you can get at a local store, grab your homemade trail mix. A mix of fresh fruits and veggies is also a great snack idea, but you can also pack a few strips of jerky or a light peanut butter sandwich. When you have snacks with you, it will be much easier to resist grabbing fast food and stay fit. 

Drink plenty of water

You might be drinking fresh juice and tasty cocktails the entire day, but that’s not a substitute for water. Your body will be craving H2O and it’s very easy to confuse the triggers for thirst with triggers for hunger. Therefore, make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially if you’re being active on your trip. For every cocktail, drink at least a glass of water to balance things out. You’ll be less hungry, less drunk and remove any unnecessary food and drink cravings. 

There you have it, easy tips that will ensure you don’t gain too much weight on your travels. And if you do, it will mostly be some water weight and constipation that you’ll shed in no time when you get back home. Have fun on your trip, meet plenty of people, stay active, and you won’t even have time to overeat! 

Earning Money as a Digital Nomad

Are you trying a non-conventional lifestyle of travelling the world and working from any part of the world? Digital nomads are taking the world by storm, as work and travel opportunities seem like a more fulfilling option for millennials and the upcoming generations. If you’re planning to become a digital nomad, or you’ve already made up your mind, but you need more ideas to make money, we’ve got just what you need in the paragraphs below.

Renting your home 

Considering digital nomads don’t have a permanent residence, your previous residence can bring you a regular income. Namely, if you own an apartment or a house, you can rent it to somebody else. One option is to have a person rent the property for several consecutive months/years. Alternatively, you can generate even more revenue if you list it on sites such as Ebab and rent it per night. As long as you have a person who will clean before and after guests’ check-in, you don’t have to be physically present to run the entire business. 

Teaching online courses

One of the very good practices that bring enough money to digital nomads is online courses. If you’ve spent several years in business, finance, or any other industry and you’ve mastered it, you’re experienced enough to teach others about it. Setting up an online course that people worldwide can sign up for will be ideal for a digital nomad. You can decide on the dates and time and the number of people that can attend one course. As long as you have a steady wi-fi connection, it won’t be a problem to teach the course from a different part of the world.

Set up a dropshipping business

Have you started a business that includes sales, but you can’t be bothered with all the shipping anymore? Are you planning to travel as a digital nomad, but still want somebody to be in charge of taking care of the fulfilment and shipping? Forget about being included in developing products, managing inventory, and similar trivialities. A drop shipping business is a way to go. Your job will be to communicate with suppliers and customers, which is always possible with a reliable wi-fi connection. Build an e-commerce site where you’ll market your products and do all the communication via your laptop. If you have any doubts about dropshipping being profitable or you being able to pay the suppliers on time, don’t worry. You can always rely on trade finance to offer security. Through trade finance, you’ll be able to pay your suppliers upfront and avoid any inconveniences. The last thing you need is to solve financing issues from a different continent. 

Doing freelance writing online

If writing was your hobby before, today it can become a very profitable career. Blog posting is a form of writing that many digital nomads practice. However, running a blog became less lucrative ever since Instagram and Facebook took over the hype and everyone started spreading their word through social media. From social media copywriting to any other type of advertising, writing will be your saving grace. Living in a foreign country means you must be speaking at least one foreign language. So why not earn money from it and do some freelance translating?

Tutoring online

Previous math, physics or chemistry teachers are now digital nomads across the world. Just because you’re on a different continent doesn’t mean you can’t share your knowledge and make money out of it. Set up several tutoring classes a week to add to your budget. If it turns out your services are in high demand, you can make it a regular gig every day.

Graphic design projects

With social media marketing being on the rise, the demand for quality graphic designs increases daily. If you have a knack for graphics, try your luck in graphic design. You can create posts for social media, websites, videos or any type of digital content. A little creativity can go a long way and bring you a significant amount of money.

Final thoughts

Living a life as a digital nomad comes with many sacrifices. You need to be prepared to be away from your family and friends because you want to see the world and live in several countries throughout the year. If you ever decide to do it, make sure you have your money-earning strategy developed and ready to be put into action. A steady income will make your life less stressful, so be sure you know for a fact that the money will keep coming even when you’re halfway across the world.

Best Countries for LGBTQ Digital Nomads

Traveling around the globe and exploring all the beauty and unique experiences this world has to offer, all while earning through remote work opportunities, truly seems like a dream. But even though the digital nomad lifestyle might be incredibly attractive, it does come with some unique challenges, especially for members of the LGBTQ community who might be discriminated against or face legal consequences in certain parts of the world simply for being themselves. This does limit the amount of destinations LGBTQ digital nomads could visit, but there are still many stunning welcoming countries you could enjoy. Here are some of the best:

The USA

The US is the ultimate dream for many digital nomads around the world, and for a good reason. Truly being the land of opportunity, you can find great job options, stunning natural surroundings, and many LGBTQ-friendly cities all across America. One of the most popular places among digital nomads is Texas, a surprisingly open and welcoming state. Here, you can rent out beautiful Brownsville apartments for your digital nomad needs, and lead a pleasant life in one of the most charming towns in Texas. Offering plenty of amenities from laundry facilities to community pools, these apartments provide everything you might need for a comfortable life in this US state.

Belgium

One of the most open European countries and second country in history to recognize marriage equality, Belgium is truly a wonderful choice for LGBTQ digital nomads. It is also a thriving country that is quite accepting of foreigners and supportive of business, making it a great location for building a successful career. Apart from providing citizenship quickly, allowing dual citizenships, and having one of the strongest passports in the world, Belgium is also known for having commendable human rights records, including protection for transgender individuals as well.

Brazil

Brazil was seen as a bastion of queer life for quite some time now, and its famous party-loving destinations like Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro have allured millions of LGBTQ nomads from all around the globe. Despite the complications that could be encountered with certain outdated laws and more conservative people, Brazil still remains among the most attractive South American destinations for queer digital nomads. The country has marriage equality and hosts some of the leading pride parades in the world, as well as offering a number of opportunities for nomads looking to do business in this corner of the world.

The Philippines

The Philippines is considered to be among the most livable and open Southeast Asian countries for LGBTQ nomads. While its legal framework isn’t particularly sophisticated, the country is quite welcoming for both Asian travelers and Western foreigners. Apart from its friendly people, English is also widely spoken in the Philippines, making it simple to do business, get the necessary amenities, and live a high standard of life for a significantly lower cost compared to many Western countries. Although Southeast Asia does have some more traditional ideals, the differences in gender and sexuality do tend to be accepted here.

South Africa

South Africa is another country that has an interesting relationship with LGBTQ rights. Although African culture tends to be associated more with conventional sentiments in terms of family and a lack of legal protection, South Africa has truly proved to be a leader in this regard by legalizing same-sex marriage and outlawing discrimination based on sexual orientation. The queer scene here is mostly concentrated in the larger cities of Johannesburg and Cape Town, but the entire country has worked on protections for LGBTQ nomads doing business in this part of Africa.

Traveling the world as an LGBTQ digital nomad might present its challenges, but there are still plenty of open and accepting destinations you can visit freely. Hopefully, one of the beautiful countries mentioned above will prove to be a suitable spot for your future travels.

Packing For an Adventurous Gay Winter Vacation

With the festive season in full swing, it is a perfect moment for you and your same-sex significant other to pack your bags and head for some quality time away from home. Still, before you go, you will have to prepare for the trip in terms of vehicle check-ups and luggage. Though we cannot help you with the former, we can provide you with a few useful tips as to what to pack for a perfect vacation in the lap of Winter Wonderland. If you want to make sure you do not leave behind some valuable gear, glance through the checklist to tick off everything you will need for an idyllic winter holiday.

The down jacket

In the middle of nowhere- and a freezing cold nowhere, what’s more – you will need a smart down jacket to keep you warm. On top of keeping you warm and safe from gusts of strong wind, a trendy down will allow you to communicate your personal style to the rest of the world, so make sure your jacket is as fashionable as it can get. After all, if your first line of defense against the cold weather can be up on the same page as the latest trends and your personal style, you should go for it as the investment will definitely be worth the extra cash.

A carbon wallet

There is no better place to keep your cards than a fashionable carbon wallet. In addition to minimizing the need for space, a trendy carbon wallet will also ward off the snow and keep your cards safely stored. For a neat bonus, your stylish accessory will show to the world that you are on trend, and it will also allow you to bring all the cards you need inside the tiniest of pockets, which is a major plus since the risk of losing your minimalist wallet out in the snow will be negligible.

Scarves and hats

Warm scarves and beanie hats are a must-have for a holiday in the middle of snow and ice. Out there in the snow, your body will be losing heat and your skin will need adequate protection from the elements, which is why scarves and hats are a must even with the warmest of down jackets. For an additional bonus, toting a stylish beanie and scarf will also add interest to your winter getup and allow you to stand out in the crowd, which is another reason not to forget some woolen accessories when packing for your frosty adventure.

Warm Boots

Another must-have for a perfect gay winter vacation, a pair of waterproof boots will make sure your feet are always dry and warm as you conquer cold terrain. Even if you do not have extensive packing space, you still should not forget to take the steps to weatherproof your feet as this part of your body will need all the heat it can get out there on the snow. Unless you pack the right boots for your winter holiday, you might end up with a bad case of cold or flu, which is why you should take footwear seriously if you are to venture out into unchartered snowy territory.

Sun protection

Out there in the snow, your face and lips will be exposed to the elements as much as they are when you are enjoying your summer trips, which is why it would be a good idea to pack lipbalm and sunscreen. While the lipbalm will help prevent your lips from getting chapped in the freezing wind, a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF will make sure your skin does not get burnt by the sun out there in the snow. On top of that, the sun shines brighter against the snow, which is why a pair of sunglasses should also find its way into your luggage. 

Are you ready for your winter gaycation? Be sure to bring along a trendy down jacket, extra socks and warm boots, and do not forget your carbon wallet, lipbalm, sunglasses, and sunscreen. All packed? Your perfect winter trip should be all covered then. Bon voyage, and have fun!

The Impact of New Technologies on the Travel Industry

Technological advancements impact various industries, and hospitality is no exception. They have changed how users search for, book, and experience vacation destinations. 

With high-speed internet connections, virtual reality, and AI-powered voice control, travel experiences have become more intuitive and engaging.

In this article, we discuss how new technologies benefit the hospitality sector.

Cloud Technologies

Cloud computing is the foundation of the technologies mentioned below. According to statistics, about 81% of travel businesses have already invested in cloud computing.

One of the most notable advantages of the cloud is data security. While companies still have numerous cloud-related concerns, these technologies are more reliable than on-premise data storage. From natural disasters to cyberattacks, numerous issues can result in data loss. 

The cloud provides enhanced data security options and makes it easier to comply with data privacy regulations. That is why many hospitality businesses, such as IHG Hotels and Hyatt Hotels, partner with Amazon Web Services.

In a recent guide, SuperAdmins explain that organizations should have a strict compliance strategy before migrating to the cloud. It ensures their cloud computing solutions meet customers’ demands regarding data collection, storage, backups, etc. 

By adopting the cloud strategically and ethically managing customer data, travel and hospitality firms will build trust with their target audiences.

Virtual Reality

Virtual reality refers to highly engaging 360-degree content. Unlike traditional photos and videos, VR is interactive. It immerses a user into the virtual world. 

With the help of these technologies, users can travel to the most distant corners of the globe without leaving their homes. Via physical sensations like sounds or images, they can move around the digital environment and interact with it.

The VR uses in the travel sector are multiple. Some of them are:

  • Providing virtual hotel tours: VR allows hospitality businesses to host virtual tours of hotels and rooms. That way, users can experience what the place looks like before booking it. 
  • Offering an immersive booking interface: Instead of filling out annoying website forms, users can book hotel rooms or tours via a VR headset. 
  • Promoting the hottest vacation destinations: For example, a hotel in Reykjavik may offer a virtual experience of the Northern Lights.

The Internet of Things

Simply put, the Internet of Things is the network of devices that use sensors and other technologies to exchange data with other systems via the internet. 

In the travel industry, IoT involves the integration of users’ smartphones with sensor-powered devices. 

Delivering Customizable User Experiences

The Internet of Things enables a higher level of user experience personalization. 

For example, some hotels power their rooms with sensors. Via a mobile app, users can switch the lights on/off or control the thermostat. 

On planes, sensors allow users to control the air conditioner or adjust the temperature of the seat.

Enabling Smoother Travelling 

IoT technologies improve user experiences at every touchpoint. 

Smart airports use sensors to provide passengers with real-time messages. For example, the mobile app can notify a user about the location of their baggage so they can easily find it. 

Ensuring Faster Maintenance

In factories, the IoT is an essential part of the equipment maintenance process. Sensors identify the performance problems and send alerts to the IT staff. That saves them time since they do not need to look for machinery failure causes manually. 

These technologies play a fundamental role in the travel industry, too. For example, if a light bulb stops working, the sensor activates and sends notifications to the hotel staff. 

5G Network

5G stands for the fifth-generation wireless technology. It provides users with high-speed internet connections and decreased latency. These networks change how we communicate and exchange data. 

As such, they are essential to the travel industry. Namely, 5G perfectly matches VR or the Internet of Things. 

For example, 5G can provide immersive cultural experiences. Fast internet connections allow travelers to use VR or AR to explore new places.

Smart airports equipped with sensors also use these technologies. They provide passengers with beacons that let them navigate their terminals more successfully. 

Voice Control

Over the past few years, voice control has revolutionized the travel industry. In the mobile-first era, a growing number of customers perform searches via smartphone voice assistants. According to Google’s research studies, nearly 70% of Google voice searches use natural language. These conversational technologies make people more comfortable interacting with search engines. Above all, they simplify the customer journey.

Statistics show that tech-savvy users rely on these technologies to:

  • Look for hotels
  • Learn about in-destination activities
  • Search for flights
  • Request information on destination
  • Get vacation ideas

For businesses in the hospitality sector, that is the opportunity to provide faster and more engaging user experiences. First, the goal is to optimize website experiences for voice searches. For example, why not let a user book airline tickets or hotel rooms via their voice assistant?

Voice control and the IoT are a match made in heaven. Guests can use voice assistants in hotel rooms. For instance, they can control lighting and heating. They can even use voice search for self-service. They can obtain accurate tourist information from the voice assistant without having to speak to the hotel staff.

Over to You

New technologies have revolutionized the travel industry. 

For example, cloud computing has accelerated the digitization of this sector. It promises seamless user experiences and higher data security standards. 

Virtual reality, voice assistants, and the IoT go hand in hand with the fast 5G network. Together, they provide immersive, exciting, and personalized user experiences. 

When observing these trends, we can conclude that the travel sector will become more user-oriented in the years to come. 

Travel Influencer – Keys to Success in Travel Business

Travel businesses seemed indestructible until the pandemic, almost two years ago now. Luckily, things are slowly going back to normal, which is a perfect way for travel influencers to get back into the game. Therefore, if you’re thinking about changing a career, or you’re an influencer who wants to take a different path, it’s important to know how to do it the right way. Here are some tips that will help you succeed in the travel business as a blogger or influencer.

Invest in good visuals 

When it comes to traveling, the visual aspect matters the most. So, as a travel influencer/blogger it’s your job to create a visual presentation that will entice people to visit that exact same place. Therefore, hire a professional photographer, who’ll be able to create stunning images for your website and all social media profiles. Also, in order to boost the appeal of your content, consider using a professional online video intro maker that will make everything look exciting and presentable in a short form. Good visuals matter more than the articles/captions, especially when it comes to traveling. People want to see gorgeous beaches, luxury rooms, and exquisite services that you’re experiencing, so make sure to capitalize on that. 

Know your audience

If you’re just starting out in the world of travel blogging/influencing, then it’s important to know your audience. College-aged people are most likely less affluent, so in that case, it would be better to advertise co-working spaces in Bali, rather than luxury hotels in Paris. 

On the other hand, if your audience is mostly comprised of middle-aged professionals who earn well, then you’ll have more room to accept different gigs and advertise more expensive brands, hotels, restaurants, or products. 

Be transparent and honest with your followers

Sure, using some filters and facetuning your body is the norm in the world of social media. But, when it comes to advertising a hotel, or a resort, it’s important to be transparent with your followers, so they’ll know what to expect if they ever decide to make a reservation. If there’s no sauna, then be sure to mention that, especially if you get asked about it. Honesty and integrity play a huge role because they paint you in a good light. Plus, make sure to be genuine, consistent, and patient, especially when it comes to growing your authentic following. Buying followers might seem like a nifty idea, but that might backfire, so rather than obsessing over numbers, try to be happy and embrace the role of a micro-influencer as that might be a great career path for you.

Be professional and well-behaved

Some travel influencers get a bad rep because they expect everything for free. Of course, that is possible to achieve, but before that, you should invest time and effort to create a personal brand that the businesses will want to work with. In that case, a killer media kit speaks volumes about you. Also, begging for freebies, such as free stay or extra services isn’t the best idea: many travel businesses have it hard as it is, so always remember to be kind and considerate. Getting things for free is amazing, but you shouldn’t rely on that only, especially if you’re new in the world of influencing. Professionalism speaks a thousand languages, so be sure to behave and be polite at all times.

Work when you feel motivated and energized

Flying long distances can be stressful and tiring, often resulting in jet lags. So, it’s important to remain focused and energized while traveling. Also, once you arrive, make sure to get some rest first, because working when tired can only yield sub-par results. So rather than doing things just because you have to, give yourself a few hours off to relax and regain your energy. 

Conclusion

The world of influencing might seem saturated, but if you’re unique and create engaging content, you’ll have a chance of making it big. Travel bloggers and influencers do live exciting lives, so if you’re toying with the idea of becoming one, then these tips will help you achieve that, as long as you’re focused, professional and hard-working. 

Summer Vacation Skincare Essentials

Skincare is not a new thing in the queer community, and gay men have always cared about their appearance. However, since we were trapped in our homes for a year and now we can finally travel, it’s easy to throw your skincare routine out the window when you’re on the road. But don’t let a nasty breakout ruin your hot gay summer and pack these skincare essentials in your carryon: 

Load up on sunscreen

Don’t worry, you will get nicely tanned even when you’re wearing sunscreen. What you won’t get though, is sunburns and nasty skin peels. You don’t want to look like a lobster with a skin condition while you’re at a beach full of hot guys! So sunscreen is a must for many reasons: no sunburns, no peeling, reduced risk of melanoma, better complexion in the future, etc. And you will always have a reason to have your boo touch your back and chest to reapply your sun protection! When you’re all fresh out of the shower from the beach, apply a light after-sun lotion to help your skin cool down, hydrate and heal any damage. 

Exfoliate

If you’re a macho gay, you might refuse to participate in exfoliation because it might not be the manliest activity, but it only shows that you’re insecure in your sexuality and don’t care about your aesthetics and health. So make sure to pack a light exfoliation cream that will remove dead skin cells from your face, as well as stubborn dirt and oils. You only need a tiny pack of exfoliant because it’s a beauty step performed just once or twice a week. 

Keep it clean

If you’re traveling somewhere humid like Korea, China or any Southeast Asian country, you will notice that humidity affects your skin, opens up your pores and makes it more susceptible to dirt and thus breakouts. To stay on top of humidity, you can follow a few Korean beauty tricks and pay special attention to skin cleansing. A gentle cleanser will remove all dirt and oil from your skin after a long day of sweating, and even give it some additional hydration. You will look and feel fresh and have a clean face as a base for your makeup if you use it. 

A touch of concealer 

When you’re traveling, you don’t get to rest much. You’re always either at the beach, exploring or partying with new friends—there’s not much time for proper hydration or beauty sleep. This often results in those pesky under-eye bags and dark circles that add about 10 years to your look. But don’t worry when you have this summer tip up your sleeve, with a touch of concealer you will look fresh and rested even after a party and after-party combo! 

Love your lips

Traveling takes a huge toll on your lips. All that sun, wind, saltwater and making out can damage your lips and make them look crispy and gross. Luckily, you can always have chapstick in your backpack to protect your kisser. Also, a light lip exfoliation during your trip might be a good idea that will ensure your lips are kissable and not cracked and bleeding—no one wants to see that, let alone kiss that! 

Face masks

There always comes a time when you have to pack your bags and return home. On your flight back, make sure to use the time wisely and grab a sheet mask. These masks are paper-thin and fit into every carry-on, easy to apply and pleasant for every face. And they feel so amazing in that dry cabin air, especially after a week of wild parties, sun and physical activity. Grab a hydrating face mask that matches your skin type, apply once you take off and keep it on as you travel. When you land, your skin will hide all the evidence of a wild travel lifestyle and you’ll be ready to go back to work and look dashing. 

These few skincare items will not take up too much space in your suitcase or take up too much time when you’re traveling. However, they will allow you to serve face and body wherever you go!