Vacationers of the Week: Marco Girardi and Simone Salton, World Mappers
Our Vacationers of the Week are Marco Girardi and Simone Salton, also known as The World Mappers. The traveling couple has been together for nine years, but they decided to tie the knot in May 2022! The newlyweds are based in Trento, where Marco was born and raised, but Simone was born in Milan and moved to Puglia before settling in Northern Italy.
We connect with the gay travel bloggers and influencers to ask them about creating their World Mapper brand, organizing LGBTQ+ group trips, the best strategy to explore as much of Italy as possible, and why LGBTQ+ travelers should consider visiting Jordan and Morocco.
Vacationer Magazine: At what age did you receive your first passport? What was your first trip?
Simone Salton: First Passport with 10 years old, first long distance to Miami, Florida.
Marco Girardi: I received my first passport at 23 and I went to Brazil.
What trip or travel experience sparked your passion for travel?
Simone: The first trip to Thailand was the beginning of my passion for travel.
Marco: A trip to Egypt sparked my passion for travel.
What inspires you to travel?
Simone: The desire to explore the world, visit new destinations, and discover local cultures and flavors.
Marco: Get to know new places, new cultures, and new people, and try local foods
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?
We identify as gay men, and in some countries, it does influence the way we travel. For example, in countries where being homosexual is illegal it can be a problem to book a double room or embrace your partner. In places like this, we aren’t free to be who we are.
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?
Jordan is an example. The people are so friendly and very open to LGBTQ+ travelers. We had a very good experience with a local tour guide in Petra, who explained to us the local situation of LGBTQ+ people. It was the same in Morocco. We recently hosted a gay group tour of Italian travelers to Morocco, and although homosexuality is still not legal, they are facing a very intense process of reformation and starting to open up to this reality.
How long have you been traveling together? What was your first trip together? Would you recommend it to other LGBTQ+ travelers?
We started traveling two years after we met. Our first trip together was to Salzburg, where we returned after eight years. We absolutely recommend this destination and city for LGBTQ+ travelers.
Was it naturally easy to start traveling with one another? What are the perks of traveling as a couple?
It was so easy to share our passion for traveling. Being a couple gives you the courage to face traveling to a destination you haven’t considered before. Sharing unforgettable experiences made our relationship stronger.
Early on in your travels, you both decided to do a #FaceToFace challenge, where you take a photo of yourselves face to face in every travel destination that you visit. How and why did you decide to do this?
This idea came from a random photo during our first trip together as a couple. We decided to start a challenge by taking a #Face2Face photo in every city and corner of the world. At first, we printed them out to post on our bedroom wall, but lately, we also share them with our community and followers.
When did start The World Mappers blog and brand? What sparked the idea?
We started TheWorldMappers.com blog during the COVID pandemic because at the beginning we didn’t have time to stay home and collect all of our previous travel experiences and tips to create a personal website. Since many people were asking us for more tips about our latest travels, we decided to gather all our knowledge and create an LGBTQ+-friendly blog with practical and useful tips and guides for people who want to travel around the world.
In addition to your blog, you work as consultants and organize trips to amazing destinations! How many trips do you arrange each year? How many people are usually on an arranged trip? Are there specific destinations or trips that are popular among your clients?
We just started in 2022 with this new project of arranging LGBT-friendly trips for Italian and international LGBTQ+ travelers. We had great success with our first trip to Munich for Gay Oktoberfest with American tourists, and we also had a great time with Italian travelers coming with us to Morocco for an on-the-road adventure.
Our groups consist of 10 or 12 people because it’s easier to share the experience with a smaller group instead of a large group. People usually ask us about popular “classic” LGBTQ+ destinations like Spain, Israel, the USA, and many more, but we also want to feature and explore other off-the-beaten-path destinations.
Do you have any exciting “Travel with The World Mappers” trips planned for 2023 that you can talk about?
Sure! We have a great trip to Israel for Tel Aviv Pride in June 2023. It’s almost sold out! We are also planning extraordinary trips to Andalusia, Spain, Madeira, Iceland, and in the future Japan, Thailand, and Peru.
How would you describe your travel style in three words?
Discovering. Tasting. Exploring.
What are three things LGBTQ+ travelers should do when visiting Italy?
We recommend they get in contact with local people to discover our Italian Way of Life. Be curious and learn about our history and taste as much delicious local food and wine as your stomach allows.
Italy is a huge country and there’s so much to see. What strategy would you recommend for LGBTQ+ travelers who’ve never visited the country?
Yes, Italy is such a big country with many places to visit. We suggest focusing on some places in separate trips like Northern Italy (Lakes, Dolomites, and Venice), Central Italy (Tuscany, Rome, and the beautiful Hillside Hamlets), and Southern Italy (like the Amalfi Coast and Puglia). Of course, don’t miss out on exploring other amazing places and islands like Sicily!
What are your top three favorite places to visit? Why?
Iceland – an untouched land, full of breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders
Vietnam – to connect with extraordinary people and experience unforgettable places
Jordan – the charm of the desert, the emotion of visiting Petra, and the delicious local food
What three places are still on your bucket list to visit? Why?
Peru – we have dreamed of visiting before the pandemic
Japan – to learn more about their culture and food
Australia – to go on a road trip to explore this wonderful country
What’s one thing you never forget to pack in your suitcase?
Marco’s beard comb – no just kidding! (laughs) Our camera and tripod have become a very important travel mate!
You’re going on a road trip or a long-haul flight. What singer or band is always on your playlist?
Marco: Britney Spears (of course)
Simone: Coldplay
