Vacationer of the Week: Carlos Melia
With more than 28 years of experience in the travel industry, Carlos Melia is not only a luxury travel jetsetter, but he’s a luxury travel curator and concierge, planning bespoke travel experiences and dream trips for people who want to satisfy their wanderlust.
Based in Miami, the 47-year-old entrepreneur is a founding member of the LGBT Advisory Board for Belmond Limited, a hospitality and leisure company. And today, he has created the Luxury Gay Travel Network (LGTNetwork), a service designed to narrow the existing gap between mainstream luxury travel hospitality suppliers, and leading gay travel professionals. Meet our Vacationer of the Week… Carlos Melia!
Vacationer: At what age did you receive your first passport? What was your first trip?
Carlos Melia: I was 2 years old. Quite frankly, I don’t remember my first trip, but I do remember Mar del Plata where I used to vacation with my parents.
What inspires you to travel?
I enjoy searching for authenticity, discovering the true soul of a destination through its people, culture, and DNA.
Please tell us how you identify yourself on the LGBTQIA spectrum. Does it influence the way you travel?
I travel and behave like a mainstream traveler. My sexual orientation does not influence the way I travel at all.
Which domestic or international destinations do you think will be popular places to visit in 2022?
Domestic regions like Montana, Utah, and Wyoming. This is what people are looking for in the post-Covid era; where you can combine beautiful destinations, luxury infrastructure, easy access, and experiences. Internationally, I think Central and South America, will be popular too. I’m just guided by my intuition of many years in the travel industry as well as how my clients are behaving.
Is there a travel destination that most queer travelers would think isn’t safe to visit, but you’ve visited and enjoyed it?
I can only speak from my own travel experiences and having curated memorable experiences for my personal clients. Some would be Oman, Russia, and or Tunisia. What made them memorable, the mere fact that I was positively surprised by being proven wrong about my prejudgment that these destinations that most queer travelers would think are not safe to visit.
What’s the best tip you’d offer travelers?
My best tip would be to always remain curious.
What’s are your top 3 favorite places to visit?
Tunisia, Thailand, and Italy
What three places are still on your bucket list to visit?
Mongolia, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan
What’s one thing you never forget to pack in your suitcase?
I never forget to pack my trekking shoes to explore. I enjoy hiking if I’m in nature, and if I’m in a city or town, I walk and use local public transportation to mix and mingle with the locals.
What travel trend or travel industry change are you excited about?
Space Travel
You can follow Carlos Melia’s luxurious travels on Instagram!
