Vacationer of the Week: Alba Balbastre

Born and raised in different villages around Valencia, Spain, Alba Balbastre works as a content creator based in Cologne, Germany. She says Cologne is one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly cities in the country. When she’s not in Germany, the 30-year-old traveler crisscrosses the globe with her spouse, Caro. 

In our Q&A with Balbastre, she tells us which region in the world queer travelers should consider visiting if they can.  She reveals more about her relationship with Caro and their travels together. And it was a hard decision, but she chooses her top three favorite places to visit and one of her picks is a Middle Eastern country. Find out what it is when we talk to our Vacationer of the Week.

Vacationer Magazine: At what age did you receive your first passport? What was your first trip?

Alba Balbastre: I got my first passport at 24. I know, a little bit late, but being European I just needed my ID card to move around. So, when I was 21, I made my first trip ever to Italy, where I lived for a year. My first trip with my passport was to Marrakech, Morocco.

What trip or travel experience sparked your passion for travel? 

I think the passion to travel is something that I always had in me. It is part of my personality, and I didn’t need any incentive. But what started it all was a year in an Erasmus program (student exchange) that gave me the freedom I didn’t have until then. Since then I have not stopped. 

What inspires you to travel?

I am a curious person by nature, and I love learning. I get bored of things easily and traveling is just what I need to have a healthy mindset. I love trying new foods, learning about new cultures and places, meeting new people, and having new experiences. There is not one thing about travel I dislike; I even love long plane rides!

Please tell us how you identify yourself on the LGBTQIA spectrum. Tell us if how you identify influences the way you travel. If so, how?

I identify as bisexual, I came to this realization in my mid-teens, probably at the same time I started developing sexuality. Until recently I never thought too much about it as I always traveled with friends or with ex-boyfriends. Since I am in a queer relationship, I of course started to inform myself more about laws and regulations, and there are a few countries I don’t feel comfortable traveling to anymore, especially the ones where being queer has a death penalty. 

Is there a travel destination that most queer travelers would think isn’t safe to visit, but you’ve visited and enjoyed it? If so, where? 

I’ve read about people who are scared about traveling to Indonesia. My spouse and I traveled to Bali in 2019 and I felt incredibly safe. When we first landed, I was scared of holding Caro’s hand, but soon after that, I realized it was ok to show affection for one another in public and it wouldn’t be a problem. 

How long have you been married? What’s your spouse’s name?

In October, it will have been two years since Caro and I got legally married, and one year since we celebrated it. 

How long have you been traveling together? What was your first trip together? Would you recommend the first destination together as a couple to other LGBTQ+ travelers?

We have been traveling together for four years. Our first trip together was to the west coast of Spain. Their laws are super advanced when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights and equality, even though people in small villages still have a slightly closed mind and will look weird at you. But to be honest, they will also look weird at you if you have colorful hair.

How would you describe your travel style in three words?

Immersive, budget-friendly, and explorative 

What are three things LGBTQ+ travelers should do when visiting your current hometown or where you currently live?

I am going to focus on where I live, Cologne, as my hometown is so small that I cannot even think about one thing to do. In Cologne, you should for sure drink a beer sitting on the Rheinboulevard at a bar or sitting on the steps at sunset. It is the perfect view of the cathedral. Visit the Belgian quarter or Ehrenfeld for lunch or dinner. There are so many cute places. And last but not least, drink a cold Kölsch in Schaafenstrasse, a popular street for LGBTQ+ locals and visitors.

What are your top three favorite places to visit? Why?

Recently, Caro and I traveled to Rome and that has for sure become one of my favorite trips because of the food, the culture, the ambiance, and the safety for queer people. It was a truly good experience despite it being the home to the Vatican.  Bali for sure is in my top three, again I love the food there, but I also love all the temples and nature around Ubud It is just amazing!

And my last pick would be Jordan. We truly loved it there, and even if we were not as open as a queer couple, you can maybe hold your hands or kiss your partner if it is a very touristic place in Jordan, like Petra, where there are more tourists than locals. It’s worth the visit. It is one of the most welcoming Arab countries.

What three places are still on your bucket list to visit? Why?

Just three? OMG, my bucket list changes every few months and there are so many places I want to visit. Japan is a constant on my list. Bora Bora would be perfect to visit for a relaxing holiday. We don’t have them very often, but for sure enjoy one from time to time, especially with that water. And finally, Cuba. It would be like traveling to the past and I’m not mad about it.  

What’s one thing you never forget to pack in your suitcase?

My phone charger and my tripod… for real! A lot of my content sometimes has to be created on my phone and I need both of them. When I didn’t have them, I had to buy new ones. So, needless to say, now I have a small tripod collection. 

You’re going on a road trip. What singer or band is always on your playlist?

Ugh, that’s a tough one. Caro is the music expert, the only band that we both really like is Queen and maybe ABBA? For the rest, I enjoy pretty much everything, especially if it is easy to dance to.