logo
Incredible moment family realize all-time sporting great is casually sitting behind them in vacation photos

Incredible moment family realize all-time sporting great is casually sitting behind them in vacation photos

Daily Mail​24-05-2025

An American family was left stunned during an incredible moment when they realized Michael Jordan was sitting behind them during lunch at a Venice, Italy restaurant.
The moment, as captured on TikTok from user travelinang, shows Angela Terrill and her parents having a meal at the Riva Lounge about to cheers two glasses of beer when Jordan is in the background behind them.
At first, Jordan is on the phone and smoking a cigar. Another photo shows him texting while sitting behind the father.
Terrill said Jordan was at the restaurant for more than three hours, came over to their table, cracked jokes, and shook their hands on his way out of the lounge.
The restaurant where they saw Jordan was on Murano, an island off the coast from the main city of Venice.
Terrill explained on her Instagram that the moment happened in 2019, with it going viral after she posted the photos to TikTok earlier this week.
The TikTok post has already been viewed by more than 3million people and is just shy of 400k in likes.
Many have flocked to the post saying Terrill looks like WNBA star Caitlin Clark and that Jordan, at 56 in the photos, looked amazing.
'Damn not a single wrinkle,' one person said.
'I thought this post was about Caitlin Clark. You look just like her in the first picture,' a second added. 'Jordan is pretty cool, too.'
Terrill has not posted about randomly running into any A-list celebrities since, with it being hard to top shaking hands with arguably the greatest basketball player of all-time.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Should you pay in the local currency or pounds when you're on holiday?
Should you pay in the local currency or pounds when you're on holiday?

Daily Mail​

time34 minutes ago

  • Daily Mail​

Should you pay in the local currency or pounds when you're on holiday?

The summer holidays are right around the corner. You might have been able to get a cut price deal for a week in the sun and picked out the best card to avoid hefty fees. But when you're handed a card machine on holiday, should you pay in pounds or the local currency? Depending on which you pick, it could lead to a much more expensive holiday. Growing numbers of banks are offering no fees to travellers, making it easier than ever to spend while abroad. And while it's likely most do still take some physical money, the majority of major holiday spots accept card payments and contactless. It means you can spend like normal and avoid queuing to get your cash converted into the local currency. But with that comes the issue of whether to pay in the local currency or in pounds. Most restaurants, shops and cash machines give tourists the option to spend in pounds, which is known as dynamic currency conversion. Some travellers choose this option so they know how much the transaction will cost. But the correct answer is always to choose the currency of the country you're in - so euros if you're in the Eurozone, dollars in the US and so on. This is because the conversion rates used by foreign firms are always more expensive than if your bank or credit card provider converts the cost. Most UK banks use the exchange rate offered by Visa or Mastercard, which is as close to the best rate as you can get. This also applies to withdrawing cash from a foreign ATM as well. While the difference between the two figures is unlikely to diverge too much, paying a few a little more will add up over the course of your holiday. What other fees do you have to pay for using your card abroad? You'll also need to check whether your bank is charging you any other fees, which can rack up over the course of your holiday. Plenty of high street banks have moved away from charging customers for transitions and withdrawals, but you may have to sign up for a paid monthly account. For example, Natwest, Nationwide and Lloyds offer free spending for customers of their paid accounts. Others, like Monzo, Starling and Revolut, offer free spending abroad but they come with monthly limits. You can read our full list of our best picks for free spending abroad here.

Bezos vs Venice: Will the billionaire's wedding sink the city of love?
Bezos vs Venice: Will the billionaire's wedding sink the city of love?

The Independent

timean hour ago

  • The Independent

Bezos vs Venice: Will the billionaire's wedding sink the city of love?

It begins, as all good fairytales do, with a $10m budget, a megayacht the size of a football pitch and a network of A-listers so starry it could alter the tides: in a few weeks, Jeff Bezos ' wedding to Lauren Sánchez is set to be a spectacle of opulence. After a five-year romance, the pair have planned an extravagant celebration in the heart of Venice, a city renowned for its timeless beauty, labyrinthine canals and centuries-old architecture. But the Adriatic city isn't swooning – far from it. In fact, the locals are absolutely seething. One of the richest men on the planet is holding their home 'hostage', they say – to the Venetians, this isn't so much of a destination wedding but an occupation. Residents and activists say that the nuptials – and the pure extravagance planned for the celebration – are set to turn their home into a 'playground for the wealthy'. The 'luxury footprint' – the environmental cost of the weekend in private jets and yachts contributing to Venice's already high carbon emissions – they say, will be huge; the celebrity entourage and logistical chaos they'll bring with them a perfect example of how the spirit of the city has been eroded by unchecked tourism and commercialisation, this time with the added audacity of exclusivity. The response of the locals? Widespread protests reportedly being planned to take the city by storm and attempt to mar the so-called wedding of the year. It's not all that hard to see where they're coming from. The basics are this: reports suggest that on 24 June, billionaire Bezos and his once news anchor, now socialite fiancée, will wed on his $500m (£370m), 3,493 tonne yacht, Koru (also the tallest sailing yacht in the world). However, reports say that views from the boat, which will be anchored in Venice lagoon, will be severely restricted – it can't be moored too far into the famous Grand Canal, because it is (you guessed it) simply too big. The Amazon boss and Washington Post owner, who proposed to Sánchez with a $2.5m diamond ring in 2023, has also secured more or less all of the city's water taxis for guests, and Venice's most luxurious venues and hotels across the city, including the 14th century Venetian landmark, the Scuola Grande della Misericordia. It's one of the largest and grandest buildings in Venice – and it's right in the middle of the historic city centre, much to the horror of the locals. They've also reportedly booked The Gritti Palace, Hotel Danieli, Aman Venice, Belmond Hotel Cipriani and St Regis Venice for the three-day event. Room prices at Gritti Palace and Aman Hotel start at $3,200 per night and soar up to 10 times that amount for the most extravagant suites. Fitting for a 200-strong guest list that reads like a who's who of the global elite. Rumoured to be attending are the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Donald Trump, Barack Obama, Kim Kardashian, Leonardo DiCaprio, Barbra Streisand, Lady Gaga and Elton John; the latter two are both expected to perform. The couple themselves are rumoured to be staying at the grand canal suite at Aman Venice, at a cost of $11,600 per night. Of course, it was never going to be a humble gathering for Amazon's boss – a nerdy bookseller turned leather-jacket-wearing 'biohacker' famed for his cliché tech-bro lifestyle (ice baths a-plenty), phallic rocket launches and quest for immortality. To some, he's a genius innovator, a trailblazer in technology and space exploration – to others, the face of exploitative capitalism. He's known for his spineless bootlicking when it comes to Trump – the billionaire took a front-row seat at the US president's inauguration in January – and for reportedly paying very little tax. Despite his enormous concentration of wealth, the struggle of his workers at Amazon, who have in the past been found to be working in unsafe and unethical conditions, is regularly exposed and documented. The Venetian mayor, Luigi Brugnaro, insists that the wedding won't be that disruptive, since the city is used to hosting high-profile events, like the film festival, La Biennale di Venezia. And one report in The Times suggests that Morris Ceron, the director general of the Venice council, actively campaigned for the wedding to take place in Venice. 'Seven months ago, Domenico Dolce [co-founder of Dolce & Gabbana] told me Bezos was getting married,' he told the paper. 'I got to work to bring this marriage of the century to Venice – that's how it started.' But as the wedding date approaches, the tension between the couple's plans for a grand celebration and the city's need for preservation is only continuing to escalate. It's an undoubtedly beautiful place, but one that's undergone profound (some would say devastating) changes over the past few decades due to mass tourism. Away from the incredible architecture and romantic canals, littered with gondolas, Venice is in crisis, its residents say, and in danger of becoming 'Veniceland' – a city with all the charm of a museum, and none of the vitality of a real community. Skyrocketing rents and a city packed full of holiday homes have led to a mass exodus of Venetians. For years, locals have protested against giant cruise ships carrying day-trippers (who spend very little but cause a lot of chaos) docking so close to the ancient city to stop the physical damage occurring to its fragile foundations. And, of course, famously, Venice is literally sinking. Which, to be fair, is hard to argue with when it comes to defending a needlessly wasteful wedding for the megarich. Right now, it's slowly dropping about 1-2mm per year due to subsidence. Combined with rising sea levels, it means that Venice is facing extensive flooding threats; it now sees extreme floods every year that used to be rare. At the centre of it all, say the protestors, is a city losing its heart to too many elite events. Of which, Bezos' tone-deaf wedding is a crowning example. In the end, Bezos and Sánchez's wedding is a picture-perfect reflection of the broader issues at play. For the ultra-wealthy, the event is a symbol of success and exclusivity – but, as the Venetians taking to the streets rightly ask: what is the real price of prestige and cash for access? Bezos' floating palace, mooring up in a few weeks' time, will put the tension between old-world beauty and new-world excess firmly on display. And as the world's elite raise glasses of champagne behind velvet ropes, the locals will be raising something else entirely: placards, voices and a warning from the heart of their ancient, beloved home – that cities like Venice don't belong to the richest man in the world, no matter how sparkly the ring.

15 emerging LGBT+ travel hotspots, from Osaka to Medellin
15 emerging LGBT+ travel hotspots, from Osaka to Medellin

The Independent

time2 hours ago

  • The Independent

15 emerging LGBT+ travel hotspots, from Osaka to Medellin

When we think of LGBT+ travel, it's easy to default to the usual headline-grabbing hotspots – the glitter of Mykonos, the heat of Fire Island, or the all-night glamour of Cape Town. But what if we told you the next unforgettable queer escape might just be tucked away in a mountain-ringed wine region, nestled in a lantern-lit Vietnamese town, or perched beside a windswept Danish coastline? It's time to look beyond the well-trodden rainbow route. Across the globe, a new generation of destinations is quietly – and confidently – rolling out the welcome mat for LGBT+ travellers. From drag shows in Oaxaca's hidden mezcalerías to feminist festivals on the shores of Lesbos, these places aren't chasing clout or spectacle. They're offering something far more meaningful: authenticity, warmth, and an open-armed invitation to simply be. These are the places where Pride lives not just in parades, but in everyday kindness. Where your love is greeted with curiosity, respect – and possibly a glass of something local and delicious. So, whether you're planning a soulful solo retreat, a romantic getaway that redefines the word 'intimate', or an adventure with your chosen family, this is your passport to the fabulous unknown. Best emerging LGBT+ travel hotspots 2025 1. Oaxaca, Mexico Best for: Cultural immersion and vibrant arts scene Step into a kaleidoscope of colour, creativity and culture – welcome to Oaxaca. With a heartbeat steeped in ancient Zapotec tradition and a skyline dotted with baroque churches, this southern Mexican city is a heady blend of history and avant-garde energy. Queer culture thrives here in the most organic of ways – think drag performances in tucked-away mezcalerías and queer art collectives pushing boundaries in the heart of the old town. Pride is less parade and more protest-meets-fiesta, with local activists leading the charge for rights in a country still catching up on policy. Add in legendary mole dishes, markets brimming with handicrafts, and sunsets from Monte Albán, and you've got a sensory feast with soul. A rising star on the LGBT+ map, Oaxaca is for the curious traveller craving meaning with their mezcal. Casa Oaxaca blends heritage with heart. This boutique stay near Santo Domingo is more than just aesthetics – it's a haven of personalised hospitality. It's a safe and inclusive space, and the seamless handling of same-sex couples doesn't go unnoticed. With just a handful of beautifully curated rooms and a rooftop restaurant dishing up modern takes on Oaxacan classics, it's a peaceful, private base in a city bursting with life. 2. Hoi An, Vietnam Hoi An isn't just a city – it's a living painting. With ancient streets glowing in the flicker of a thousand silk lanterns and riverside cafés whispering stories of old Indochina, it's no surprise couples flock here to bask in its honey-toned romance. LGBT+ rights in Vietnam may still be finding their footing, but the locals of Hoi An – especially in the hospitality scene – tend to be laidback, welcoming and focused on your happiness, not who you're holding hands with. This is the place for boat rides under moonlight, tailoring a silk suit to slay in, or cycling to An Bang Beach for sunset cocktails. It's slower here, in the best way – giving you time to exhale and feel safe. For queer travellers seeking somewhere softer, warmer, and wrapped in beauty, Hoi An delivers in spades. This riverside retreat is a hidden gem where the staff welcome every guest like family, so whether you're lounging by the pool or checking into a shared room, it feels easy and natural to be yourself here. The hotel's spa is an added perk after a day of exploring. With traditional décor, modern touches, and a short stroll to the Old Town, it's ideal for couples wanting something romantic without the flash or fuss. 3. Lesbos, Greece Best for: Historical significance and serene beaches Lesbos isn't just an island – it's a pilgrimage. Long before hashtags and rainbows, there was Sappho, the original queer icon whose poetry placed female love centre stage. Fast-forward a few millennia, and Lesbos quietly continues her legacy. Skala Eressos, Sappho's birthplace, hosts an annual International Women's Festival that draws queer women from around the world to celebrate art, identity and self-expression under the Grecian sun. But this island isn't shouting – it's inviting you in gently. Imagine lazy beach days, ouzo-fuelled dinners with locals, and thermal springs that soothe every inch of your soul. Lesbos offers a unique kind of freedom: a calm, deeply spiritual connection to queer heritage in a place where the sunsets feel personal. It's not about the party – it's about presence. Run by a family who believe in love in all its forms, Hotel Votsala is a true haven on the island's northern coast. Known for its warm, laidback vibe and literary crowd, the hotel often attracts solo travellers and couples who feel at ease being themselves. Owners and staff are low-key allies who genuinely care, creating a restful stay where LGBT+ guests are more than welcome – they're celebrated. Once synonymous with turmoil, Medellín has rewritten its story – and it's a comeback worthy of a standing ovation. Today, this Colombian powerhouse is a modern marvel: a metropolis bursting with street art, cable cars, digital innovation, and... a fabulous queer scene. The El Poblado district hums with rooftop cocktail bars, underground clubs, and rainbow flags fluttering quietly but confidently. Locals are open, flirty, and fiercely fashionable, with Pride events that blend joy with protest in true Latin style. Medellín's transformation hasn't just been infrastructural – it's been emotional. And as the city embraces diversity, it's becoming a beacon for LGBT+ travellers who want more than a party: they want to feel part of something. This is where resilience and reinvention dance hand in hand. Bold, artsy, and unapologetically stylish, The Charlee Hotel is Medellín's answer to queer cool. Located in the heart of El Poblado, it's a magnet for LGBT+ guests, with staff praised for their non-judgmental, inclusive service. The rooftop Envy bar is a favourite among queer locals and tourists alike, while the rooms offer sleek comfort with some serious flair. If you want to feel seen, safe, and a little bit spoiled, this is your spot. 5. Porto, Portugal If Lisbon is the show-off sibling, Porto is the sultry one with a record collection and a love for late-night whispers. Hugging the Douro River with pastel façades and tiled churches, Porto oozes atmosphere. While its queer scene isn't loud, it's lovingly local; think intimate drag shows in underground bars and queer-owned wine shops offering tastings with sass. The Portuguese approach to queerness? Quiet acceptance. You'll rarely be stared at here – just smiled at and offered another glass of vinho verde. Add in the endless pastel de natas, that Atlantic breeze, and day trips to the Douro Valley's rolling vineyards, and you've got a romantic getaway that slips under the radar – in the best way possible. Porto doesn't need to shout. It's confident enough to whisper. This design-led hotel turns the concept of hospitality into an art form – literally. Casa do Conto mixes industrial minimalism with poetic flourishes (verses carved into the ceilings!) and is known for its effortless inclusivity, with same-sex couples reporting smooth, respectful service, while the quiet location in Cedofeita gives guests space to breathe. Artistic, welcoming and unpretentious – this place knows how to host without fuss. 6. Osaka, Japan Best for: Culinary adventures and after-dark discoveries Tokyo may have the glamour, but Osaka has the soul – and a wicked sense of humour. Japan's second-largest city is a joyful jumble of sizzling street food, neon-lit neighbourhoods, and locals who are refreshingly down to earth. While Japan as a whole is still taking baby steps toward full legal equality, the queer scene in Osaka is alive and buzzing, especially in Doyama, the city's unofficial gay district. Here, you'll find everything from basement drag bars and karaoke dens to LGBT+ cafés that feel like family homes. It's a scene with character – scrappy, cheeky, and rich in personality. But beyond the bars, Osaka offers intimacy: strolls through Osaka Castle Park, shared takoyaki from street stalls, and nights lit by paper lanterns. For queer travellers, Osaka offers warmth in a country that's still learning – it might not be loud and proud, but it's full of quiet connection. Directly above Osaka Station, this sleek hotel is ideal for travellers who want convenience without compromising comfort. What sets Granvia apart is its excellent service and attention to inclusivity – from respectful check-ins for same-sex couples to a concierge team that knows the city's queer hotspots. The rooms are modern and whisper-quiet, offering a peaceful pause from the buzz below. For those exploring Osaka's queer corners, this hotel is a calm and welcoming launchpad. 7. Richmond, Virginia, USA Best for: Southern charm with a progressive pulse Richmond is the plot twist no one saw coming – a small Southern city with big queer energy. Once a Civil War stronghold, it's now on the front lines of cultural change. Think rainbow crosswalks, drag brunches with grits and biscuits, and an arts scene bursting at the seams. LGBT+ spaces here are inclusive by design – not just gay bars, but cafés, bookstores, and community hubs. First Fridays art walks spill into the streets with queer creatives leading the charge, and the local Pride festival is a powerful celebration of visibility and resilience. What makes Richmond so special? It's not trying to be trendy. It just is. A city with grit, grace, and a whole lot of heart – where queer folk are woven into the cultural fabric, not just pinned to the party flyers. Bold, pastel pink, and packed with personality – Quirk is a boutique hotel that's as stylish as it is inclusive. Set in a former department store, it embraces creativity with its in-house gallery and rotating local art. Its rooftop bar is the perfect place to sip craft cocktails under Virginia skies. This is where you stay when you want hospitality with a splash of sass. 8. Wellington, New Zealand Best for: Creative culture and coastal chill Wellington might be small, but it punches way above its weight when it comes to queer credentials. This breezy capital at the edge of the world is packed with indie theatres, avant-garde galleries, and coffee that deserves its own passport. The LGBT+ community here is woven into the fabric of daily life – you'll see rainbow flags in business windows, drag shows in dive bars, and trans-led collectives shaping public conversations. Pride celebrations (especially Out in the City) are family-friendly and genuinely inclusive. Add in stunning coastal walks, Middle Earth movie locations, and a food scene that's inventive yet unpretentious, and Wellington becomes more than a stopover – it's a place to belong. If you're looking for a destination that balances progressive values with laidback charm, look no further. QT isn't just a hotel – it's an art gallery you can sleep in. Every corridor bursts with bold, queer-coded creativity. The staff here are as diverse as the décor and go out of their way to make everyone feel celebrated – no awkward moments, just pure welcome. Add in plush beds, lake views and a banging brunch, and you've got the queer-friendly capital experience down to an art. 9. Chiang Mai, Thailand Best for: Spiritual serenity and slow living Chiang Mai is the spiritual soul of Thailand – and for queer travellers, it's a balm. Nestled in the foothills of northern mountains, it's a city where golden temples gleam beside hipster cafés and monks smile knowingly as you stroll past holding your partner's hand. While Thailand has long been seen as a queer-friendly country, Chiang Mai offers something quieter than Bangkok's hedonism – a space for reflection, reconnection and release. The LGBT+ scene here is small but authentic, with community-run events, local drag, and inclusive yoga retreats. It's not about the scene – it's about the setting. Hike to waterfalls, sip coconut smoothies in jungle cafés, or meditate in monasteries open to all. Chiang Mai embraces queerness the way it embraces everything: with calm, compassion, and a smile. Step into colonial-era elegance with a progressive twist. 137 Pillars House offers luxury without pretension, and inclusion without fanfare. Whether you're sipping tea on your private veranda or floating in the infinity pool, everything from the respectful, affirming staff to the spacious suites and tranquil gardens whispers luxury and radiates serenity. It's the perfect base for lovers who prefer silk sheets to strobe lights. 10. Florianópolis, Brazil Best for: Sun-kissed escapism and coastal fun Florianópolis – or 'Floripa' if you're in the know – is where Brazil's party crowd meets its surf-loving yogis. With over 40 beaches to choose from, it's got a wave for every mood: sunset cocktails in the west, all-night raves in the east, and secluded coves for you and your lover to explore. This island city isn't officially labelled a queer hotspot – but ask any Brazilian gay and they'll nod knowingly. During summer, the LGBT+ scene spills out from bars and into the sand. You'll find inclusive beach clubs, queer boat parties, and the kind of flirty, free-flowing energy that only Brazil can offer. The vibe? Come as you are. Stay as long as you like. Leave with a tan and a story. Perched on the edge of North Bay, Majestic Palace blends elegance with a playful Brazilian twist. While not marketed specifically as an LGBT+ hotel, its staff are known for their open-minded approach and warm hospitality to all guests. The rooftop pool is a magnet for fabulous travellers, and the spa offers much-needed pampering after a night out. With easy access to both beaches and nightlife, this hotel makes exploring Florianópolis a breeze – in every sense. 11. Valencia, Spain Valencia is that effortlessly cool friend who always knows the best rooftop bar. Spain's third-largest city combines beach life with baroque beauty, modern architecture with ancient alleyways, and most importantly, a rising queer scene with serious flair. While Barcelona and Madrid steal the rainbow limelight, Valencia is quietly building a name for itself with queer film festivals, drag brunches, and a growing number of queer-owned cafés and boutiques. Pride is colourful but still community-rooted, with a genuine local vibe. You'll fall for the futuristic curves of the City of Arts and Sciences, the endless cycling paths, and the sandy stretch of Malvarrosa beach. It's all about balance here – sangria with a side of substance. For LGBT+ travellers looking to skip the crowds but still soak up the sun and sass, Valencia is ready and waiting. Part Roman palace, part minimalist dream, Caro Hotel is the definition of understated luxury. With just 26 bespoke rooms and a location in the historic centre, it's perfect for couples seeking privacy and style. The staff have a reputation for warm, unobtrusive service, making LGBT+ travellers feel like VIPs from check-in to check-out. The hotel is also known for its quiet discretion, which makes it ideal for guests looking for a romantic hideaway with a queer-friendly core. 12. Hebden Bridge, UK Best for: Countryside escapes with a feminist heartbeat Nestled in the Yorkshire hills, Hebden Bridge is like something out of a pastoral poem – if that poem had a punk spirit and a rainbow flag painted on the front door. Often dubbed the 'lesbian capital of the UK', this small market town is a haven for queer women, creatives and eco-minded wanderers. It's known for its activist roots, independent bookshops, vintage stores, and riverside pubs with roaring fires. The sense of community here is strong, and inclusion isn't a trend – it's a way of life. You're just as likely to stumble across a queer folk festival as a pottery class taught by a trans artist. It's all about living slowly, meaningfully and unapologetically. If you've ever dreamt of running off to the countryside but didn't want to leave your identity behind, Hebden Bridge is the place where your whole self is not just accepted – it's adored. This contemporary boutique hotel blends urban comfort with countryside charm. With clean, modern rooms and locally sourced breakfast, it's a top choice for queer travellers who want to feel welcome without fuss. The owners have long supported Hebden's LGBT+ scene and are known for their inclusive ethos. It's also within walking distance of all the best indie cafés, queer-run galleries and river walks. Think warm Yorkshire hospitality with just the right amount of edge. 13. Aarhus, Denmark Best for: Nordic cool and cultural curiosity Often overshadowed by Copenhagen, Aarhus is Denmark's best-kept queer secret. This compact, coastal city blends cutting-edge architecture with hygge charm and a surprisingly dynamic queer scene. It may be small, but Aarhus has a big heart – with LGBT+ art exhibitions, university activism, and a Pride parade that's short but mighty. You'll find rainbow flags waving proudly in independent cafés, queer collectives hosting open mic nights, and even drag shows in local libraries. It's a city where queerness is met with a shrug – and that's a beautiful thing. Add in world-class museums, bike-friendly streets, and easy access to windswept beaches, and you've got a destination that feels both progressive and peaceful. Aarhus proves that queer-friendly travel doesn't always have to come with glitter cannons – sometimes, it's the quiet places that make the loudest statements. Hotel Oasia is a minimalist dream that doesn't skimp on service. Located just a short stroll from Aarhus Station, it's known for its warm welcome and inclusive vibe, where every guest is treated with equal care. Featuring Danish design details, a calm colour palette, and a commitment to comfort, this is the perfect place to unwind after exploring Aarhus's creative corners. Quiet, stylish and effortlessly inclusive. 14. Mendoza, Argentina Mendoza is a wine country with a wild side. Nestled at the base of the Andes, this region is synonymous with Malbec, majestic views, and magic moments – especially for LGBT+ travellers seeking something a little off the beaten path. The area's reputation as a queer-friendly destination is growing fast, thanks to queer-owned wineries, inclusive wine tours, and a nightlife scene that blends rustic charm with Argentinian passion. Mendoza Pride is small but mighty, and the local community is warm, open, and ready to toast to love in all its forms. Spend your days cycling between vineyards or soaking in thermal baths, and your nights sipping wine beneath starlit skies. It's sensual, soulful, and seriously scenic – a true hidden gem for lovers. This luxury wine lodge blends vineyard views with boutique-style pampering. LGBT+ guests rave about the attentive staff and the seamless way same-sex couples are treated – no assumptions, just respect. With an on-site hammam, yoga deck, and personalised vineyard experiences, Entre Cielos is the perfect romantic retreat. Whether you're in the mood for a candlelit dinner or an afternoon massage, it's a slice of heaven in the highlands. 15. Hobart, Tasmania, Australia Best for: Artistic flair and wild natural beauty Hobart is a glorious contradiction – remote yet cultured, rugged yet refined. Perched on the edge of Tasmania, it's quickly becoming Australia's most surprising queer-friendly city. The annual TasPride festival is inclusive and intimate, celebrating the full LGBT+ spectrum with a strong community vibe. But Hobart's biggest queer calling card? Mona – the Museum of Old and New Art. It's provocative, political, and unapologetically queer in tone and content. Beyond that, there's wild hiking, penguin-spotting, and artisanal everything – from gin to cheese to poetry slams. The LGBT+ community here is small but passionate, and the city's creative spirit makes it easy to feel at home. If you're looking for a mix of edge, elegance and eucalyptus forests, Hobart is a cool-weather wonder with a warm welcome. LGBT+ friendly hotel: MACq 01 Hotel This luxury hotel on the Hobart waterfront tells the stories of Tasmania's diverse characters, including queer voices. With its sleek design and storytelling concept, MACq 01 celebrates identity and difference, making LGBT+ guests feel deeply seen. Offering stunning views across the harbour and being both equal parts stylish and soulful, it's a hotel with heart and heritage. Aidy Smith is an award-winning TV presenter, broadcaster and specialist within LGBT+ travel, food and drinks. He is the presenter of Amazon Prime's highest-rated drinks-themed travel series, The Three Drinkers and the only global TV presenter with Tourette Syndrome. You can follow his travel and lifestyle adventures at @Sypped or this neurodivergent advocacy work at @DisLabeled.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store