Vacationer of the Week: Sarah Francati

At Vacationer Magazine, we always enjoy highlighting queer couples and diverse families. So, that’s what we did this week. We were able to connect with Sarah Francati, who travels with her fiancée, Cindy, and sometimes their family. You can follow their travel and Tik Tok

An RN and content creator, Sarah was born, raised, and currently lives in Rochester, New York. She was able to take some time out of her busy schedule to answer a few questions and we gained some insight into her travels, especially when Sarah’s sister Emily, who has Down Syndrome, becomes part of the travel planning process. 

As you’ll learn, Sarah has a very interesting life story. Even though she’ll admit she’s a bit green when it comes to travel, it’s her wild curiosity to explore the world along with her family that made us want to feature her as our Vacationer of the Week.  

Vacationer Magazine: At what age did you receive your first passport? What was your first trip? 

Sarah Francati: I was 14 when I received my very first passport! My first trip was to Paris and Spain.

What trip or travel experience sparked your passion for travel? 

My trip to New Zealand to meet my biological family sparked my passion for travel. The country, the people, the food – just everything there made me realize how much beauty is outside the USA. 

What inspires you to travel? 

Growing up, I was never fortunate enough to have the luxury of frequent traveling. My very first trip out of the country was when I was 14 or 15 years old. Growing up with four siblings, finances were already difficult, so travel was not a priority. So now that I am financially independent, I can enjoy the luxury of traveling and I’m able to bring my family to places they were never able to see before.  Shared experiences with my family make traveling so beautiful and they have done so much for me that this is the least I can do in return. My family and my past inspire me to travel. 

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? 

I identify as a lesbian, and yes, my identity plays a huge role in where I choose to travel. There are many countries in the world that still consider homosexual relationships illegal. I make sure to do extensive research on the countries and places I choose to visit so I do not put myself in any dangerous positions. 

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? 

Costa Rica! WOW! It was such a memorable experience for us. We never once felt unsafe or discriminated against there. The first time we went we volunteered at an animal shelter in La Fortuna and that truly redefined how I view shelters. Visiting Costa Rica encouraged me to start volunteering at my own local shelter here in Rochester! I now foster kittens!

I don’t think many queer people know just how inclusive and beautiful Costa Rica is! We never once felt unsafe, and we recommend visiting if you haven’t been.

How long have you and Cindy been a couple? 

Almost three years.

How long have you been traveling together? What was your first trip together? Would you recommend it to other LGBTQ+ travelers? 

We started traveling the second we started dating actually! Cindy and I were long-distance for over 11 months before we moved in together. So, I was constantly traveling back and forth from Rochester to Florida and many states in between for almost a year! However, our first international trip as a couple was to Costa Rica! 

Was it naturally easy to start traveling with one another? What are the perks of traveling as a couple? 

It was so easy and natural. Cindy is almost fluent in Spanish so that has been so helpful in our travels. Cindy and I also are so different as individuals and that really benefits us when we travel. She is my dream travel partner, and she is always up for a new adventure!

You’ve had some transformative and or life-altering situations occur in your life including who is a cancer survivor. You’ve also assisted in taking care of your sister, Emily, who has Down Syndrome. These situations can definitely have a profound effect on a person, and they can change how you handle situations or approach life in general. How do you think these serious events have influenced the way you navigate life, including travel? 

My mom was very sick during her chemo treatment, and that’s when I stepped in and helped raise my siblings, including Emily. These situations have indeed affected me profoundly. I had to grow up very fast and learn how to see the world as an adult when I was still a child. I learned many life lessons very early on and learned how to communicate at a level that was far more advanced. Those communication skills and life lessons I have learned and endured have aided in my travels profoundly.

Do you travel with Emily? If so, are there special considerations you have to consider when you’re planning a trip? 

Yes, we do travel with Emily! However, we do not take her out of the country because change is extremely difficult for her. She doesn’t enjoy traveling as much as we do but she is slowly starting to appreciate it! When we book trips that involve her, we need to make sure that it’s months in advance because Emily will need that long to prepare. Change can be debilitating for her so spur-of-the-moment trips or adventures do not work for her.

How would you describe your travel style? 

We love being adventurous and immersed in the culture, and we are forever grateful and appreciative of wherever we go.

What are your top three favorite places to visit? Why? 

New Zealand – I have family that lives there. 

Costa Rica – it was Cindy and my first international trip as a couple

Banff, Canada – that’s where Cindy proposed

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

Portugal – That is where my donor (father) is from. (Sarah has two mothers)

Japan – for the cherry blossoms and the culture

Switzerland – for all the cheese, chocolate, and mountains

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

Portable charger

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

Elton John