Rollin' Down the River in Eastern Europe On Our Brand New 2027 Danube River Cruise

Two Bad Tourists have taken on the seas, we’ve conquered the land—now it’s time to give the river a little love on our brand-new Blue Danube River Cruise. Join our crew from August 22-29, 2027, for a 7-night all-inclusive (yes, that includes an open bar) luxury cruise along Central Europe’s most iconic waterways.

We’ll begin and end in Budapest, famous for its grand architecture, thermal baths, and quirky ruin bars. From there we sail to Esztergom, home to Hungary’s largest basilica, and on to Bratislava, with its charming Old Town and hilltop castle. In Austria, we’ll visit storybook Dürnstein in the Wachau Valley and nearby Melk, known for its magnificent abbey. From Linz you can explore the city or visit Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart! Finally, we’ll spend time in elegant Vienna, known for imperial palaces, cafés, nightlife, and its share of cheeky saunas. All shore excursions with our gay group are included!

We believe adventure and luxury aren’t mutually exclusive and so aboard the MS Riviera Radiance, you’ll find spacious cabins, a rooftop pool, spa and wellness center, three restaurants, and a grand Titanic-style lounge and bar. Remember all meals, drinks, and tours are included—oh, and did we mention the open bar?

SPECIAL OFFER & BOOKING DEADLINE!

Reserve your cabin by April 27, 2026, before our group block expires and availability is no longer guaranteed.

Early Booking Bonus:
Book by April 2, 2026 and save $150 per person.

Solo Traveler Special:
Take advantage of our reduced single supplement — only 3 cabins remain.

This newsletter was written in collaboration with one or more travel brands or businesses. We may receive compensation when you click the links and make a purchase. Read our full advertising policy here.

From DIY to Done-For-You: MyExpatTaxes Fits Every Expat

Tax doesn’t need to be taxing! No, really—not even for expats and digital nomads trying to make sense of a tax system completely different from those of their home countries. MyExpatTaxes are the best guides out there for those needing a little help getting through the seemingly insurmountable process of filing taxes abroad.

As the most trusted U.S. expat tax service, they provide professional advice to U.S. citizens working abroad, digital nomads, and U.S. retirees. With MyExpatTaxes, users can file through a Base plan (DIY, solo) or opt for a Reviewed plan, where a tax pro double-checks everything. There's also a Premium plans, which includes working alongside a dedicated tax professional, and the option to add on a video call to review your tax return.

We’ve been using them ourselves for the last three years, and they really are the best at giving assistance when it comes to taxes! To seal the deal, they are offering a 10% discount: use the code BAD10.

SPONSORED BY MY EXPAT TAXES

The Room Begins to Take Shape

A few weeks ago we shared the idea of a small cultural salon forming in Lisbon this November.

The response confirmed what we suspected: many people are looking for a different way to travel and gather — one built around conversation, curiosity, and being in the right room with the right people.

The Lisbon Salon is now beginning to take clearer shape.

Across three days, a limited group will gather for intimate sessions led by invited writers, artists, and thinkers exploring themes of identity, memory, and belonging. These are not lectures but conversations — spaces where ideas are explored collectively and participants help shape the dialogue.

Between sessions, Lisbon becomes part of the experience. Meals unfold slowly in the city’s restaurants and apartments, while afternoons remain open for wandering through neighborhoods, galleries, and viewpoints.

The Lisbon Salon will take place November 13-15, 2026, with a limited number of places available.

If the idea resonates, you can learn more below.

SPONSORED BY GLAINNE

The Nomadic Boys Chart a Brighter Course in 2027 on Rainbow Cruise!

Diversity is the spice of the seas when it comes to LGBTQIA+ cruises, and Rainbow Cruise: The Next Chapter – A Future of Unity is all set to be the colorfully diverse ship to hit the waters in 2027.

What’s more, the charismatic duo—and our good friends—the Nomadic Boys are hopping aboard to share in five nights of fun, frolics, and floating fabulousness. Join them from September 28 - October 3, 2027, for a round trip from Palma de Mallorca with ports in sunny Palermo (Sicily) and Cagliari (Sardinia).

Alongside an eclectic range of shared activities aboard, you can expect A-tier entertainment from a diverse cast of LGBTQIA+ icons, including Eurovision winner Conchita Wurst, Germany’s favorite lesbian pop star Lucy Diakovska, and drag powerhouses Miss Ivanka T, Katy Bähm, and Pam Pengco. What’s a cruise without spicy themed parties? Rainbow Cruise’s are set to be the kind that’ll keep you up way past bedtime—KitKatClub’s infamous Piep Show, to name but one. Where the Nomadic Boys go, fun often follows, so book now and be part of what’s set to be one of the most diverse and fun cruises of 2027.

How We’re Traveling for Less with Home Swapping—And Loving Kindred

We’ve been using Kindred, the members-only home-swapping platform, for the past few months and already love it. We’ve listed our own place and booked several upcoming stays in beautiful homes around the world—perfect for longer trips where you can really live like a local. Kindred does charge a small cleaning and platform fee, but it’s still far cheaper than hotels or short-term rentals. The homes are vetted, the community is trusted, and the experience feels more personal than traditional accommodation. If you’d like to try it too, you’ll get 5 free credits when you sign up.

Gay Travel Guide to Austin

Austin is where cowboys meet hipsters. Texas, with an edge!

As the capital of the Lone Star State, the Texas city boasts a rich historical past, an innovative food scene, art, culture, and countless outdoor activities, attractions, and venues. Long a magnet for artists and musicians, Austin is also known as the Live Music Capital of the World, and it has gained further fame by hosting major national events like the Austin City Limits Festival and South by Southwest (SXSW).

Although a visit to the great state of Texas may not be on your list of gay-friendly destinations, Austin boasts a welcoming, gay-friendly culture with no shortage of LGBTQ+ events, gay bars, clubs, and attractions to keep you occupied. Don’t believe us? Head there and see for yourself, even if it’s just for the weekend.