Vacationer of the Week: Colby Holiday
Travel writer and content creator Colby Holiday is an experienced world traveler born and raised in Rome, Georgia, located about an hour-and-a-half drive northwest of Atlanta. Currently, she lives in Houston, and she was quick to give us a few recommendations when visiting the city.
In addition to her favorite picks, Holiday offered words of wisdom for solo female travelers, explained why she doesn’t conform to labels and allow them to dictate how she travels, and gave us the scoop on the best ways to capture those special moments when traveling and exploring a new place.
Vacationer Magazine: At what age did you receive your first passport? What was your first trip?
Colby Holiday: I received my first passport at the age of 21. My first time using my passport was also my time on a flight and it was to live in Germany for three months. Go big or go home, right?! I can’t remember my first trip – I would often travel or road trip domestically with my grandparents at a very young age.
What trip or travel experience sparked your passion for travel?
I’d have to say the trips I took with my grandparents when I was younger. According to them, if God wanted them to be in the air, he would have given them wings. But he didn’t, so we drove everywhere! It was then that I learned to fall in love with the journey.
However, it was my first international trip to Germany (through a college program) that truly sparked my passion for travel and ignited a desire to experience all the world has to offer.
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?
Honestly, I’m still figuring that out. I’ve identified as straight my entire life until I met my partner. I’ve tried on different labels for size, but nothing quite fits. I simply love who I love.
When traveling solo, how I identify doesn’t bare any influence on how I travel. However, when traveling with my partner (who is androgynous), I definitely research LGBTQIA+ rights and laws. We’re also very cognizant of not showing PDA (public display of affection) in more conservative places.
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? What made it a memorable experience?
While many countries in Africa have some quite restrictive policies against LGBTQIA+ communities, I found that South Africa was quite the opposite. South Africa is very liberal and was the first African country to legalize same-sex marriage. I loved walking down the streets and seeing couples holding hands and hugging. It made me feel safe and welcomed.
What advice would you give to a lesbian or queer womxn who may be traveling solo?
It’s the same advice I would give any woman traveling solo – always be aware of your surroundings! Use discernment. Always provide a loved one a breakdown of your logistics (flights, hotels, transportation, etc.) so that someone always knows a general idea of your whereabouts. Always travel with a charger and backup battery.
For lesbian or queer women, do your research on LGBTQ-friendly places. Many accommodation booking platforms have a filter for LGBTQ-friendly hotels.
In general, what was the best advice someone gave you about traveling the world?
Travel with an open mind. How you see the world isn’t how everyone else sees the world. One thing I’ve learned throughout my many travels is that there is no right or wrong, there’s just different especially when it comes to cultures and people. Having the ability to have an open mind to new experiences and new ways of life can be truly transformative. It doesn’t just make you a better traveler, it makes you a better person.
What are three things LGBTQ+ travelers should do when visiting your hometown or the place where you currently live, which I believe is Houston?
Houston is very LGBTQ+-friendly. Montrose is the gayborhood and is a complete vibe! Hamburger Mary’s and Bar Boheme have an awesome drag brunch! Sunday Funday is a thing in Houston! There are tons of places to choose from, but my favorite hangout spot is Trez Bistro and Wine Bar.
What tips or advice would you give to travelers who want to take better photos?
Pick up the camera and shoot! You can watch all the YouTube videos and TikToks, but nothing will help you get better besides actually taking photos. If you want to get better at taking photos of yourself, buy a tripod with a wireless remote (for your phone and/or camera), and practice in front of the camera. Snap a few pics, review them, and adjust until you love what you see.
What are your top three favorite places to visit? Why?
Madrid, always! I lived there for 10 months, and it is my all-time favorite place that I could visit time and time again and never tire of it. I love the energy, the architecture, and how each neighborhood is distinctly different from the next, which may be just two blocks over. It is also very LGBTQIA+-friendly.
Southeast Asia – The food. The people. The beauty. I love it!
Mexico is always a good idea. I also lived here for 3.5 years and there’s just so much to see, do, and experience in Mexico. It is not a monolith of all tacos and tequila. It is vast and beautiful with a gamut of different topographies.
What three places are still on your bucket list to visit? Why?
Finland – Sleeping in a glass dome and watching the Northern Lights has always been a dream!
Toronto – To visit specifically for Pride! I hear it’s a blast!!
Portugal – I’ve never heard anything but amazing things about Portugal and its beauty!
What’s one thing you never forget to pack in your suitcase?
A blanket! I am always cold, so I always travel with a blanket.
You’re going on a road trip or a long-haul flight. What singer or band is always on your playlist?
Oooh, I’m gonna have to say, Queen Bey! Going through her full discography means a full-on concert in the car!
You can follow Colby Holiday as she navigates the world by following @worldofwanderer on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
