Vacationer of the Week: Vivian Perez, Founder of Ladies Touch Entertainment and Travel

Vivian Perez is not only the founder and CEO of Ladies Touch Entertainment & Travel but she was also featured on our list of the top Latinx travelers to follow right now! We wanted to connect with her again to find out more about her business, designed to connect queer womxn through special events and unique travel experiences. 

Vivian was born and raised in New York City, but she currently lives in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. As our Vacationer of the Week Q&A, we discover some of Vivian’s most memorable trips, including an island vacation in a popular Muslim country. She also reveals what destinations are really popular among her womxn guests as well as what fun and exciting destinations Ladies Touch Entertainment & Travel has already scheduled for 2023!

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

Vivian Perez: I don’t really remember what age I received my first passport, but I was definitely a young child under 5 years old. My first trip was to the Dominican Republic, which is where my family is from.

What trip or travel experience sparked your passion for travel? 

The first trip that sparked my passion for travel was Costa Rica. After spending my summers in the Dominican Republic growing up, I was excited to experience other Latin-speaking countries and fell in love with Costa Rica and its Ticos. Traveling there always feels like a piece of home for me.

What inspires you to travel? 

What inspires me to travel is the beauty of mother nature such as beautiful beaches, cenotes, waterfalls, mountains, etc. as well as getting to know other cultures and customs from around the world. I have grown more compassionate through my travels, as at the heart, we all want the same thing which is to be happy and live a fulfilled life.

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 have never really liked labels and haven’t had to deal with anything that would have to change the way I travel fortunately but I do know that’s not the case for everyone.

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? 

There is definitely a controversial place – the Maldives. After visiting, I have a different perspective. I went because I heard a lot from travel professionals that it’s one of the top honeymoon destinations for the LGBT community. I didn’t believe it because of its current laws. 

Here’s the thing, yes, the Maldives is a Muslim country and conservative. They don’t even like heterosexual PDA (public display of affection) but once you leave Malé (the capital) – where you find this strict observance of these laws – where you stay is usually completely different, in particular, international hotels like Hilton, Marriott, and Movenpick. Because they cater to tourists, those locations are more open to LGBT travelers and most have their own island so it’s more private. 

My partner and I went for our birthdays and had an amazing time. Our island host clearly said they don’t get involved in the politics of people’s dynamics. They are only interested in everyone having a memorable vacation. I even spotted two lesbian couples at our resort, and they too were enjoying their time. I say this all to say that it is possible to go and enjoy your time there, but do the research so that you are clear on what to expect.

When did Ladies Touch Entertainment & Travel officially open for business? Tell us a little about your business. How would you describe it? 

Ladies Touch started back in 2006 as a social event planning company for LGBTQ women and then expanded into travel in 2016. Ladies Touch Events & Travel is about providing classy events, travel, and experiences around the world in an effort to bring women together to create new memories. 

What events or curated trips are the most popular among your clients or guests? 

The most popular trips that the women love are Puerto Vallarta, the Greek Isles, Thailand, and Egypt/Africa. Those all sell out pretty quickly.

Are there specific trips and or places that you’d recommend to queer travelers? 

I recommend Puerto Vallarta in Mexico, Mykonos Greece, and Phuket Island as they are all super gay-friendly.

What are three words to describe your travel style or personality? 

My travel style is trendy and flexible. I’m not bougie but I like quality venues that feel good. I also don’t need everything to be scripted. We can change or cancel plans to have a good relaxing day in bed if needed.

What’s the best travel tip or advice you’ve received? 

The best travel tip is to be open! Be open to different experiences, different food, and different cultures. That will help you have an amazing experience. The more you compare the destination you are at to where you are from – the less you will enjoy it.

What are your top three favorite places to visit? 

Oh, this is hard because I definitely have more than three! I would have to say Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, Manuel Antonio in Costa Rica, and Mykonos in Greece. All three just feel good to my spirit and I feel very safe in Costa Rica and Greece. Rio de Janeiro is so festive, and people are so happy despite all they go through that you can’t help but join in the fun.

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

I still haven’t scratched the surface of places around the world so on my bucket list are Moorea French Polynesia, Mozambique (Africa), and Vietnam.

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

Bathing suits! I could never have enough, and I always find a place to use them whether it’s the hotel pool, hot springs, or at the beach.

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

I’m a big fan of Latin/R&B music, new and old! So, you’ll find Sabrina Claudio, HER, Pablo Alboran, Sade, Jill Scott, etc. Smooth music is a must on those long trips!

Do you have any exciting news to share or new travel events coming up next year with Ladies Touch Entertainment & Travel? 

Yes! We have so much in the pipeline and it’s exciting considering what the last two years have been for our industry. In 2023, we are planning group trips to Cape Town, South Africa; Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; Cartagena, Colombia; Amsterdam, The Netherlands; as well as Curacao, Greece, Egypt, and a South African Safari.

For more information about Ladies Touch Events & Travel, you can visit their website and follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.