Vacationers of the Week: Jared Dailey and Jordan Taylor
Jared Dailey and Jordan Taylor are known as the cruising duo JJ Cruise. These 32-year-old content creators travel the world, allowing their followers the opportunity to tag along on every journey and offer their cruise tips and take on their most recent adventures via YouTube and Instagram.
So, you get to know these two a little better, Dailey was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, and Taylor was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Currently, they live in South Bend, Indiana, where they give us the scoop on what queer travelers should do when visiting their hometown for the first time.
But that’s not all they give us the details about as our Vacationers of the Week. Read on to find out more details about this fun gay couple, their travel style as well as what’s next on their travel bucket list!
Vacationer Magazine: At what age did you receive your first passport? What was your first trip?
Jared Dailey: I was 21 and my first trip was to Cancun, Mexico for spring break during college.
Jordan Taylor: I was 16 when I received my first passport and my first trip was to Moscow, Russia for volunteer work.
What trip or travel experience sparked your passion for travel?
In 2018, we took a trip on the Royal Caribbean Harmony of the Seas and that really made us fall in love with cruising! From there, we decided to travel the world via cruise ship and share it with everyone on YouTube via JJ Cruise.
What inspires you to travel?
We love experiencing new cultures and we make it a point to seek out LGBTQ+ communities everywhere we go. It’s inspiring to see our communities around the globe celebrate life in so many different, yet familiar, ways.
Please tell us how you identify yourself on the LGBTQIA spectrum. Tell us if how you identify influences the way your travel.
Jared: I identify as bisexual, and Jordan identifies as gay. That said, we are two happily married men. We are influenced by our sexuality when we travel as we prioritize finding local LGBTQ+ establishments to visit, shop and support while we are there.
Is there a travel destination that most queer travelers would think isn’t safe to visit, but you’ve visited and enjoyed it?
No, we actually prioritize travel to destinations that are accepting of us and that are truly safe spaces. We want to use our dollars to support these economies first as they deserve to be celebrated and supported.
How long have you been traveling together? What was your first trip together? Would you recommend it to other LGBTQ+ travelers?
We have traveled together since 2015 when we went to New York City for Jordan’s debut as a songwriter. We love traveling together and find it rewarding to experience different destinations and cultures together as a couple as supposed to alone or with family. Experiences together are such valuable memories that are hard to replicate at home.
Was it naturally easy to start traveling with one another? What are the perks of traveling as a couple?
We usually find it easy to travel together but know that’s not true for everyone. The best perks of traveling as a couple are being able to share dishes to taste lots of different foods. We love trying unique foods.
How would you describe your travel style in three words?
Curious, Diverse, Experiential
We’re traveling to South Bend, Indiana. What are three things LGBTQ+ travelers should do when visiting for the first time?
1. Go to R Bar for a local drag show.
2. Go to a Notre Dame football game.
3. Take a tour of the Michigan Wine Trail to taste local wines.
What are your top three favorite places to visit? Why?
1. San Juan, Puerto Rico for the culture, food, and nightlife
2. Barcelona for the tapas, sangria, and people
3. Puerto Vallarta for the sunsets, mountains, and historic gay neighborhood
What three places are still on your bucket list to visit? Why?
1. Sydney, Australia for the people, terrain, and culture
2. Amsterdam for the infamous nightlife
3. South Africa for a safari
What’s one thing you never forget to pack in your suitcase?
Camera gear
You’re going on a trip. What singer or band is always on your playlist?
Kelly Clarkson (Jared’s Favorite)