Barry quit his 9-to-5 to travel the world with his fiancé Teraj – and discovered the joys of group travel along the way.
Travelling and blogging about my experiences started as a side passion. But in 2023, it became a full-time adventure when I left my job in finance to explore the world with my fiancé, Teraj. Together, we’ve seen 35 countries and counting. But group travel turned out to be the unexpected highlight of our travels.
We were initially hesitant about group travel. We were used to travelling alone as a couple, so the idea of joining a group left us feeling uncertain – you never know who you’ll end up travelling with. However, our recent Intrepid Premium Baltics trip through Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, with nine other travellers from around the world, exceeded our expectations.
The benefits of group travel as a gay couple
One of the most striking things about Intrepid is the community it attracts. Their trips foster connections that often evolve into lifelong friendships. We found ourselves surrounded by open-minded travellers who shared our love for adventure, exploring new places and experiencing diverse cultures – and many of us are still in touch.
Friendships are just one of the benefits of group travel. Safety was one of the main reasons we chose to go with a group, and it proved invaluable. Let’s face it – as exciting as the unknown can be, anxiety can creep in when visiting unfamiliar locations. Stress and vacation should not mix – ever! There’s immense relief in having Intrepid handle the logistics, especially in destinations where navigating language barriers or local customs might otherwise feel overwhelming.
One of the biggest advantages is safety in numbers, especially for gay couples visiting destinations with limited LGBTQIA+ rights or conservative attitudes (the same applies for single travellers). Travelling as a group offered us peace of mind, making it easier to relax and explore without concerns about visibility or safety.
Embracing group travel
The thought of travelling with a group might feel daunting at first, especially for those used to travelling alone or as a couple. As a gay couple, the idea of ‘coming out’ to the group and sharing our identity added another element of concern.
However, Intrepid quickly put us at ease with their warm, inclusive environment. From the very first day, everything – from the way our leader Ricci welcomed us during the welcome meeting to how friendly and open-minded everyone in the group was – helped us feel completely at home. This atmosphere of acceptance allowed us to fully embrace the group dynamic, set aside any concerns and genuinely enjoy the journey.
One of the unexpected joys of group travel was how much the group dynamic enriched the experience. Sharing memorable moments with others added depth to the trip. Everyone sees the same sights, but each person brings a unique perspective, leading to meaningful conversations and bonding experiences.
For instance, during our Baltics trip, we discovered how passionate Australians are about their coffee. It became a running joke throughout the trip as we playfully rated the coffee quality at different restaurants and even vending machines.
The debrief dinners were another highlight. Each evening, we gathered as a group to share impressions of the day, exchange laughs and gain fresh insights that we might not have considered on our own.
That said, we also found ways to balance private moments with the group dynamic, which was important to us as a couple. We carved out time to pursue personal interests, like going out in the evenings to check out local gay bars and explore the LGBTQIA+ scene in each city. These moments gave us a better understanding of the local queer community and allowed us to connect with destinations in a way that felt personal.
Estonia, which has recently legalised same-sex marriage, stood out as the most progressive of the three countries. While the nightlife was relatively quiet during our visits, we couldn’t help but notice the symbols and sense of pride in the bars we visited, from rainbow décor to a strong sense of belonging. Although we didn’t get the chance to meet many queer locals, the welcoming atmosphere spoke volumes about the strides these communities have made.
For someone like me – who usually travels solo or as a couple – it was refreshing to see how much value group travel could offer. It wasn’t only about discovering new destinations – it was about creating shared memories, building meaningful connections and finding the right balance between group experiences and personal explorations.
Tips for LGBTQIA+ couples considering group travel
If you’re in an LGBTQIA+ couple, group travel can offer a safe and enriching way to explore the world, especially in destinations where LGBTQIA+ freedoms are limited. Here are a few tips:
1. Choose a supportive travel company
Intrepid proudly supports LGBTQIA+ travellers, fostering an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere, while offering resources on most destinations around the world.
2. Personalise your experience
Research additional activities you’d like to explore outside the group itinerary to make your trip even more memorable. Like us, you might want to visit local gay bars in the evening to check out the ‘scene’. While group trips may not always be tailored specifically for LGBTQIA+ travellers, you can personalise the experience and make it your own.
3. Consider Premium options
For LGBTQIA+ travellers, choosing an Intrepid Premium trip can be especially beneficial. Most meals, tips and other essentials are covered, and they also include extra-comfortable accommodation in vetted, welcoming locations, simplifying your budget and keeping stress to a minimum.
Reflecting on the journey
Travel should be fun, enriching and stress-free – an opportunity to embrace the world and connect with others. Intrepid trips offer that experience while fostering a sense of community, and for us, those connections became some of the best parts of our journey. Although we had plenty of free time to explore independently, I often found myself gravitating toward the group or smaller subsets of it.
One of my favourite memories from the trip came on our final evening in Vilnius. A handful of us gathered on a rooftop for a drink, overlooking the city’s twinkling lights. As we reminisced about the past few days, sharing stories and laughter, I realised just how much these people and experiences had added to our travels.
From exploring Old Town Tallinn with its historic medieval buildings to visiting Svētavots (Holy Springs) Nature Park in Cesis, Latvia – where we participated in a traditional Latvian ritual of washing our hands and faces in the spring’s waters for blessings and good fortune – the trip was filled with unforgettable moments. The springs, surrounded by lush gardens and bathed in the gentle afternoon sun, felt truly magical, especially with a smiling Latvian grandma guiding the ritual.
Our farewell dinner in Vilnius was emotional, knowing the trip was ending and goodbyes were near. It was the perfect way to bring everything full circle. I realised it wasn’t just about seeing new places; it was about creating lasting memories and meaningful connections that gave the journey its true meaning.
As a gay couple, we felt completely supported and at ease throughout the entire trip – something we never take for granted when travelling to new destinations. And as we said our goodbyes, I knew this wouldn’t be our last group adventure.
Barry and Teraj travelled on the Premium Baltics trip. See what’s new in Europe for 2025.
