Vacationer of the Week: Ravi Roth
This week, we’re shining some festive light on Ravi Roth, known for his Ravi Round the World brand. This 37-year-old Vacationer of the Week has traveled to 34 countries, including Chile, Scotland, and Bali, and he has more places to explore on his travel wish list.
Roth is a Queer influencer from Dalton, Pennsylvania, located just outside of Scranton. He currently lives in New York, where he is also a vlogger and host of multiple travel adventure shows on YouTube. So, we decided to catch up with him before the holiday to see where he’s traveling next, what inspires him to travel, and what travel trend he’s excited about.
Vacationer: At what age did you receive your first passport? What was your first trip?
Ravi Roth: My first trip outside of the USA was when I was 27. I went to London, Paris, and Barcelona.
What inspires you to travel?
What inspires me to travel is learning the local Queer culture in each destination and inspiring others to travel.
Please tell us how you identify yourself on the LGBTQIA spectrum. Does it influence the way you travel?
I identify as a Queer man. My identity influences everything that I do. I was able to start an empire because of how I identify and what I represent.
Which domestic or international destinations do you think will be popular places to travel to in 2022? Why?
I think warm destinations will be a hit in 2022. Travel is opening up now to most of the world and many people want an escape from the cold. I also think that many road trips are still happening in the US due to different folk’s levels of comfort.
What do you like the most about solo travel?
I love solo travel because I love to be able to immerse myself in a destination. I love going to a destination and having a loose plan that way there is room for improv. I base a lot of my activities on the suggestions of locals.
If you have to travel with someone, what would be the ideal travel companion for you?
The best type of person to travel with is someone who understands the lifestyle of an influencer. Sometimes we must stop and do multiple photos or videos. I love traveling with folks in my industry because we lift each other up and get what needs to be done.
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?
Safety within travel varies for each person. What may seem safe to me, a cis white gay man may not be safe for a black trans person. We must be mindful while sharing stories of safety because it varies from person to person.
What’s the best tip you’d offer travelers?
The best advice I can give a traveler is to not plan everything out and to leave room for improv. Leave room for error. Let expectations go and immersive yourself in the local culture.
What’s are your top 3 favorite places to visit?
My favorite destinations have been Kauai, Hawaii; Stockholm, Sweden; and Cape Town, South Africa.
What three places are still on your bucket list to visit?
I still want to travel to Iceland, Thailand, and Vancouver.
What’s one thing you never forget to pack in your suitcase?
I never forget to pack my selfie stick and external charger.
You’re going on a road trip? What singer or band is always on your playlist?
On my road trip, it is RuPaul all the way!
What travel trend or travel industry change would you be excited to see happen?
I would love to see leadership in the Queer travel space evolve to represent more Black, Brown, Asian, Trans, and Non-Binary voices. We can only evolve if it starts from within.
