Let’s not pretend otherwise: gay men travel like it’s a competitive sport. But here’s the twist — whether you’re a Gen Z with a passport full of pride stamps or a seasoned gay with Platinum status on everything, the gay travel generational gap is hilarious. We’re all boarding the same plane, but we are not on the same journey.
The Gay Travel Generational Gap: A Hilarious Look at How We Vacation By Someone Who’s Had to Smuggle Both Lube and Eye Cream Through TSA
PACKING: Glitter vs. Glucosamine
Younger gays: They pack for Instagram, not for reality. Eight crop tops, three jockstraps, one pair of sneakers they will absolutely ruin at a foam party. Their suitcase is 70% Zara, 30% attitude, and 0% practicality.
Older gays: Packing cubes. Moisturizer with retinol. Sensible but still sexy shoes. A neck pillow that cost more than your rent. And yes, they brought Tums — because spicy food after 9 pm is a personal attack.
AIRPORT STYLE: Club Kid vs. Spa Dad
Younger gays: TSA-ready in booty shorts and a tank that says “Daddy Issues.” They’re going through security like it’s a runway challenge from Drag Race. One harness just in case. Always one harness. This is the gay travel generational gap at its most visible — security line as fashion show vs. linen-clad serenity.
Older gays: They arrive at the gate dressed like a business class daydream — linen blend, monogrammed luggage, noise-canceling headphones, and the calm, collected energy of someone who upgraded with points.
ITINERARY STYLE: “Vibes” vs. “Very Organized”
Younger gays: They don’t plan the trip. They manifest it. “We’ll figure it out when we get there,” they say, having done exactly zero research. Every decision is made based on where the hottest boys are going on TikTok.
Older gays: They’ve had this trip scheduled since the Obama administration. There’s an Excel sheet. A backup Excel sheet. Dinner is reserved. The wine tasting is paid in full. And the group chat was muted for everyone’s protection.
SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE: Thirst vs. Thoughtful
Younger gays: Every moment is a photo op. Posing on cliffs, shirtless in ruins, serving face in foreign bathrooms. Stories every five minutes. You’ll see more of their trip than you’ll see of your own family.
Older gays: They post once. It’s a well-lit group photo. Caption: “Had a lovely time in Tuscany. ❤️” Two likes from exes, one from a former coworker who’s now a realtor. They don’t care. They were too busy drinking wine on a terrace.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Chaos vs. Concierge
Younger gays: They’re staying in an Airbnb described as “bohemian minimalism” — which means there’s no AC and you sleep next to a succulent. No lock on the door, but at least there’s a neon “Slay” sign above the futon.
Older gays: Welcome to the hotel where breakfast is included and judgment is not. Robes? Yes. Spa? Obviously. Pillow menu? Honey, it’s already sorted by firmness. If there isn’t a concierge, it’s not a vacation — it’s camping.
NIGHTLIFE: Rave ’Til Dawn vs. Rosé by Ten
Younger gays: The trip revolves around where the party is. Berlin, Fire Island, São Paulo — if there’s a sweaty dance floor and questionable decisions to be made, they’re there. They sleep when they’re dead… or on the flight home.
Older gays: They have two martinis, chat with a sexy bartender named Fabio, and are back in bed by 10:30. They’re not tired — they just have a wine tour in the morning and won’t miss it.
SOUVENIRS: Sunstroke vs. Sophistication
Younger gays: What they bring home: three new STDs (Sexy Travel Dalliances), a broken fan from a drag brunch, and enough photos to make their ex spiral.
Older gays: They return with olive oil, handmade pottery, and a story about the local they flirted with over grilled octopus and Vermentino. It’s all very Eat, Pray, GAY.
Whether you’re a wide-eyed twink discovering Europe on a budget or a silver fox who only flies lie-flat, embrace the gay travel generational gap and remember: we’re all just trying to live our best lives abroad, preferably with good lighting and better Wi-Fi. Travel changes you — sometimes that change is spiritual growth. Other times, it’s just sunburn in a fun shape. Wherever you go, just make sure you pack three things: confidence, condoms, and common sense. (OK fine, four things. Pack the SPF too. We’re not made of leather.) And if you need destination ideas, check out our gay city guides before you book.
About The Author
Best known as one of the cofounders of luxury gay vacation company, Zoom Vacations, Bryan has been a high school English teacher, personal trainer, freelance writer, and a hotel marketing and events sales manager. He grew up in the Willamette Valley in Oregon, and his childhood was filled with outdoor adventures. His roots in the outdoors, coupled with his inquisitive teacher’s mind and his appreciation for health and fitness (as well as for fabulous hotels and resorts) have led him to adventures in every continent, including Antarctica. He has toured the ancient catacombs of Rome, swam with horses where Australia’s rainforest meets the reef, haggled with Hong Kong merchants, danced the Samba in Brazil, and has even studied ecology and group dynamics in a Scottish commune.
In addition to his duties at Zoom Vacations®, Bryan also served on the Board of the Directors of the IGLTA (International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association) for four years, and as Board Chair for two. He was one of nine travel experts featured on the Travel Chanel’s hit show, “Vacation Challenge” and was the South America Gay Travel Expert for four episodes on Logo’s Gay Travel show, Bump. In addition, Bryan has hosted gay travel shorts for Comcast, and he is the gay travel expert for several gay online and print publications worldwide.