Vacationer of the Week: Chloe Beth
Our Vacationer of the Week is Chloe Beth, who was born and raised in Vancouver, Canada, and within the past few years, she moved back to the city during the pandemic after living 10 years away! We wanted to catch up with the 30-year-old content creator to ask her not only about her travels but to ask her to drop some travel wisdom on us, specifically for lesbian and queer women who enjoy traveling solo. She did and she was quick to acknowledge her personal privileges that allow her to navigate the world differently than other LGBTQ+ travelers.
Beth also admits that she travels the world differently especially when traveling with her partner, Jodie. Honestly, we’re secretly jealous of some of her amazing travel experiences so far and promise to subscribe to her “live for now” mantra. Oh, and can you guess what music provides a ray of sunshine when she travels? It’s always on her travel playlist! Well, she tells us that and more, so read on to find out!
Vacationer Magazine: At what age did you receive your first passport? What was your first trip?
Chloe Beth: As a baby! I’m very, very lucky to have had parents who love to travel and brought me long on trips since I was super young. The most memorable one from my childhood was spending three weeks in Australia.
What trip or travel experience sparked your passion for travel?
Travel has always been a big part of my life. But after university, I spent about 5 years really focused on my career at a traditional 9-5 job. During that time, I had a nagging feeling that something was missing and knew I needed to make a change. That’s what sparked my first big solo trip. I resigned from my job and spent two months in Europe. During that trip was when I first realized I was queer, so it was a transformational time. I do my best self-reflection when I’m traveling.
Please tell us how you identify yourself on the LGBTQIA spectrum. Tell us if how you identify influences the way your travel. If so, how?
I identify as queer, bisexual, and pansexual, depending on the day. I’m straight-passing, so being LGBTQ+ mostly influences the way that I travel when I’m with my partner Jodie. That being said, there are some places I won’t visit based on their stance or laws on LGBTQ+ rights.
On your website, you acknowledge that you are a white, cisgender, straight-passing, able-bodied person. Do you think it’s necessary to mention that as a traveler? If so, why?
I make sure to call out my layers of privilege anytime I make travel recommendations. Being white, straight-passing, able-bodied, and cisgender greatly influences my experiences traveling. For example, because I’m feminine looking, the way people treat me in a certain location might be very different from a queer woman who is more androgynous.
I think it’s hugely important to remind people that I can only speak from my personal experience, and unfortunately, because of my many layers of privilege, my recommendations might not ring true for folks who look different than me or are differently abled. I never want to be blind to my privilege or put someone in my community at risk based on my recommendations.
What advice would you give to a lesbian or queer woman who may be traveling solo?
Always listen to your gut. Make sure someone always knows where you are and what your travel route is. Keep a cell phone on you that has service. Visit places that are recommended by fellow LGBTQ+ folks so you know they’re welcoming. Don’t be scared but be smart!
In general, what was the best advice someone gave you about traveling the world?
There’s no better time than now. I think so many of us are conditioned to wait for the perfect time to travel – when we have more money, after we retire, after we get married, etc. But travel is one of the most enriching experiences and it gives you an opportunity to tap into sides of yourself you otherwise might never get to know. So travel young and travel often.
What are three things LGBTQ+ travelers should do when visiting Vancouver?
1. Explore the Stanley Park Seawall. Starting in Coal Harbour and finishing in English Bay, this 10k waterfront loop has some of the most iconic views in the city. You see the north shore mountains, go right under Lion’s Gate Bridge, get expansive ocean views, and pass through two of the city’s main beaches. It takes 2-3 hours on foot and about an hour by bike (biking is my favorite way to do it!)
2. Visit Davie Street. If you finish the seawall in English Bay, you’re just a short walk to the Davie Street area which is the city’s most well-known gayborhood. On Davie, you’ll find drag shows at The Junction Pub, gay bars, a queer community centre, and lots of little spots to eat and drink. It’s a great spot, especially for gay men. And it’s close to the beach! It’s also the place the Vancouver Pride festival happens every summer.
3. Explore East Van, the best area in Vancouver, in my opinion! It’s more low-key than downtown and is home to some of the best restaurants, coffee shops, and breweries. And it’s super queer.
Start with Commercial Drive, which has been known as the lesbian neighborhood since the 80s. It’s also where I live today. When you’re here, stop by Mum’s The Word for a coffee or glass of wine, go to Havana for dinner, and check out East Van Brewing Company (the spot that sometimes hosts The L Word Trivia night put on by Lips Events).
East Van has another amazing area called Mount Pleasant. This spot is home to the best tacos in the city at Tacofino Ocho, my fave brewery called 33 Acres, and a queer community space called The Birdcage by ESS at 44 W 4th Ave. The area also has tons of street art and lots of shops and restaurants along Main Street.
What are your top three favorite places to visit? Why?
1. Portugal is everything! I found it to be super, super welcoming to LGBTQ+ people with great visibility, especially in Lisbon. I also love that you can surf on the beautiful, rugged Algarve Coast.
2. Canada has a special place in my heart, of course. I love how it has so many different landscapes and all major cities have different personalities. One spot that’s particularly remarkable is Quebec City. It’s the oldest city in the country and literally looks like a little piece of Europe. It’s very French. And during the holidays it’s SO festive. But dress warmly if you’re there in the winter!
3. New Zealand is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been – beaches, hills, lush green areas, it’s stunning. And the people are lovely and it has a really laid-back energy. I think it should be on everyone’s travel bucket and I’d absolutely love to go back one day.
What three places are still on your bucket list to visit? Why?
Indonesia is at the top of my list for so many reasons! First and foremost, I like to surf, and I’d love to have a little beach bum phase in Bali. Soak in some vitamin D. And secondly, I’d love to experience the culture, the temples, the cuisine, and all the different landscapes. I have my eye on Indonesia for later in 2023!
Japan because of the incredible food and culture. There’s a lot of Japanese influence in Vancouver where I live so it’d be amazing to experience the origins of that. I’d love to explore Tokyo and also spend time in the smaller cities and towns.
Spain. Because somehow, I’ve never been there! I’d love to see all the gorgeous architecture, learn about the history, and taste the food.
There are so many other places I want to go, but these are definitely my top three.
What’s one thing you never forget to pack in your suitcase?
My tripod! I love taking photos every time I travel and it’s so much easier with a tripod when traveling solo.
You’re going on a road trip or a long-haul flight. What singer or band is always on your playlist?
My favorite easy-listening music is BoyWithUke. It’s laid back and sounds like sunshine.
To keep up with Chloe Beth and her travels, you can follow her latest adventures on her website and on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok!
