New Year, New Adventures for Everyone with VACAYA

By Jessica Graves

If your New Year’s resolutions include traveling more (and let’s be real, whose doesn’t?), there’s a fresh new approach to the way the LGBTQA+ community and its allies are vacationing, and it’s called VACAYA.

Since its inception in 2018, VACAYA has rewritten the LGBTQA+ vacation playbook with its commitment to inclusivity and creating unforgettable experiences for all travelers.

“The gay cruises were liberating, empowering, and fun, but limited to a small spectrum of people,” explains Patrick Gunn, VACAYA’s Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer, “We all shared a sense there was a sweet spot – a great “in between” – one that offered the joy of like-minded people coming together to celebrate, with more activities, destinations, and ways to personalize the experience.”

From this inspiration, VACAYA was born. The name itself speaks to the concept: “VACAYA” is a word from Polari, a centuries-old language used by the gay subculture to discreetly communicate. As the first large-scale adults-only vacation company built for the entire LGBTQIAPK community and their straight ally friends, VACAYA offers dozens of new adventures to choose from no matter what your vacation vibe.

Whether your bucket list features exotic African safaris, Caribbean ‘Queertopias’ or cruising expeditions to remote locales, VACAYA delivers. Check out some of their current offerings for 2024-25 below:

Big Cruise Bliss

Antarctica Expedition

After making history in 2022 with the first all-LGBTQA+ full-ship expedition to Antarctica, VACAYA makes a triumphant return in 2024 with a sold-out trip to the world’s most remote continent.

Caribbean Dreams

If you snagged a spot early, March brings an 8-day Caribbean Cruise hitting up Puerto Rico, St. Croix, and Antigua. It’s a party on the high seas!

Small Ship Cruises

Galapagos Islands

When it comes to boats, bigger isn’t always better. Case in point, VACAYA offers small ship cruises to the Galapagos Islands aboard a 100-passenger luxury yacht. Picture yourself sailing through the Pacific Ocean off Ecuador’s coast towards the land that time forgot and the world’s first UNESCO Heritage site.

European River Cruise

Or hop across the pond where there are still a few spots left on the 12-night Grand Northern Europe River Cruise in August and check out the famous Amsterdam Pride and Belgium’s Flower Carpet Festivals.

Resorts & Tours

Mexico

For the most authentic ‘Day of the Dead’ experience, consider a cruise to Mexico this October. During the day, relax in a flourishing oasis surrounded by a thriving tropical forest, towering palm trees, exotic flora, and tropical birds creating a natural symphony along the Riviera Maya.

South Africa

Or explore the tip of South Africa and savor the aromas of exotic spices and culinary delights, as you enjoy some of the world’s best wines, straight from the vineyards of the Cape Winelands. If adventure is what you seek, challenge yourself with a daring great white shark cage diving experience off the rugged coast of the Western Cape.

Wherever your wanderlust takes you, don’t miss the proverbial boat. Experiences like this book fast. Fortunately, you can lock in your dream vacay 24/7, from wherever you are in the world at MyVacaya.com with VACAYA’s easy online booking site.

If you’re feeling lucky, maybe, just maybe, score a ticket to paradise by entering the sweepstakes at Win.MyVacaya.com. Adventure awaits!

Adventure beckons—follow @myVACAYA on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok