Vacationers of the Week: Nomadic Boys

Vacationer enjoys talking to all types of LGBTQ+ travelers, including couples that travel together. You may know the traveling duo, Stefan Arestis and Sebastien “Seby” Chaneac, also known as the Nomadic Boys. Based in Ayia Napa, Cyprus, the 39-year-old travel bloggers-influencers have traveled around the world since they met at a gay bar in London’s Soho neighborhood almost 14 years ago. And even though Stefan was born and raised in London, and Seby was born in St. Etienne, France, but raised in Lyon ­– they appear to be the perfect match in travel and love. 

We caught up with them as they reveal why LGBTQ+ travelers should consider traveling to Malaysia and Russia, how their ethnic backgrounds influence how they travel, and why packing snacks and earplugs are essential items when traveling with one another.  

Vacationer: What was the first trip or experience that sparked your interest in travel? 

Stefan: I was 18 and I did an interrailing trip around Europe with friends when we finished school.

Seby: Watching and reading about Jacques Cousteau when I was growing up. 

What inspires you to travel?

Stefan: I enjoy learning new recipes to try back home. I also enjoy connecting with LGBTQ locals to learn what it’s like where they grew up and discovering how similar or different their experience is when compared to mine.

Seby: What Stefan said, but also love nature. I love beautiful landscapes but especially enjoy the underwater world. (Note: Seby loves fish and received a degree devoted to fish studies.)

Please tell us how you identify and how any of those identity points impact your relationship to travel.

We are a gay binary couple, and both of us identify as gay men. We have been together since we met in February 2009, so we’re coming up on 13 years together. It goes without saying, but as a gay couple, we often have to be mindful of the places we are heading to, especially if being gay is a crime. 

Does your ethnicity directly influence the way you travel or what types of travel destinations appeal to you?

Stefan: I’m Greek.  I identify a lot with Mediterranean cultures and love visiting Greece, Italy, and Spain.

Seby: According to several DNA tests I’ve taken, in addition to French heritage, I have Spanish heritage, which makes sense because I love Hispanic culture and have always longed to live in Spain or a Latin American country. When I first saw Stefan for the first time, I thought he was Spanish.

What domestic and international destinations do you feel comfortable visiting as an out LGBTQ+ couple?

Stefan: I feel comfortable visiting most places in western Europe, North America (especially Canada), Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Taiwan, Japan, and Thailand. These are all very gay-friendly places that have progressive LGBTQ+ laws, but also welcome gay travelers and couples with open arms.

Seby: Agreed. I would also include Cambodia, Nepal, and the Philippines to an extent. 

Are there travel destinations you’ve visited and enjoyed that most queer travelers would assume were unsafe?

Stefan: I’d have to say Malaysia and Dubai. It’s illegal to be gay there, but locals will quickly tell you that this law is never enforced, and you have to be caught in “the act” to run into any difficulties. Despite this, there is a large vibrant LGBTQ community in each with an underground gay scene. Not to mention the fact that Malaysia is a stunning destination for foodies and divers in particular.

Seby: Russia surprised us! We’ve both been twice and spent a long time there traveling the country on the Trans-Siberian. Before heading there, we were terrified due to the nasty anti-gay law Putin introduced in 2013. But we made so many friends in every city we visited – from Moscow to Yekaterinburg to Irkutsk – they love making friends with foreigners. 

Also, Moscow has a pretty large LGBTQ+ community and gay scene that will surprise you. Obviously, it goes without saying that you need to be super careful with PDA (public display of affection) in Russia, as much as you would in any East European country where LGBTQ rights are still catching up with the West.

What are your top 3 favorite places to visit?

Stefan: Thailand, Greece, and Spain

Seby: Thailand, Spain, and Portugal

What three places are still on your bucket list to visit?

Stefan: Antarctica, New Zealand, and Iceland

Seby: Seychelles, Australia, and Brazil

What’s one thing you never forget to pack in your suitcase?

Stefan: I have to pack my elastic bands (or rubber bands), snacks to feed Seby when he gets hangry, and a Moka pot. I love my coffee.

Seby: I can’t forget to pack earplugs (Stefan snores), noise cancellation headphones (Stefan talks a lot), and a pen – always needed when you have to fill out customs-related forms.

You’re going on a road trip? What singer or band is always on your playlist?

Stefan: Currently, I’m obsessed with Italian singer Mahmood.

Seby: I’m loving the French classics at the moment, like Jacques Brel, Dalida, and France Gall.

You can follow Stefan and Sebastien’s adventures around the world on their website, Twitter and Instagram.