The favourite places of Bailey Mills

Vancouver-based world traveller, wine enthusiast, lover of food, and an avid Netflix binge-watcher, Bailey Mills left his career in the film industry to pursue his flair for adventure around the world. With experience working in a fine-dining kitchen, he loves immersing in a new culture, cuisine, and adventures. Mr Hudson speaks to Bailey about his passion for travelling, his blog dedicated to LGBTQ travel and world recipes, The Gay Globetrotter, and some of his favourite places.

How has your content evolved over the years?

I update posts fairly regularly, especially while revisiting destinations. Recommendations change, and destinations change, so I find that super important.

Recently, I have had a heavy focus on delivering recipes that I have learned from my travels and focused on showing my readers how to create authentic cuisine from around the world right in their kitchen. We all eat, and can all connect through our food while we travel!

Photo: Matthew Schueller

“Thailand is a beautiful country, and you experience some of the world’s best cuisine, friendliest people, and serene landscapes”

Is there still a need for LGBTQ travel content?

Yes, 100%. The LGBTQ community, like any other minority, needs access to information that will help keep them safe while doing what they love. Today, it is illegal to be LGBTQ in 70 UN member states, with 26 of said countries having a penalty from 10 years in prison to life. It is important for anyone in the LGBTQ community, hoping to see the world has access to information that helps keep them safe.

Which destination has lived up to the hype?

Thailand. While being a heavy tourist destination, Thailand is a beautiful country, and you experience some of the world’s best cuisine, friendliest people, and serene landscapes. While travelling Thailand, you can spend as long or as little as you’d like throughout different provinces, leaving you the freedom to create your trip as you’re on it. Plus, it’s super inexpensive!

Photo: Andrzej Suwara

“New York City will always have a special place in my heart. It’s fast, crazy, fun, and you never run out of places to explore”

Which destination hasn’t?

I loved the city of London, but after flying 9 hours, it felt like I got off of the train and entered a more expensive version of my home city of Vancouver, and expected more of a culture shock.

Have you ever stolen anything from a hotel?

I always take the mini bottles of lotion and shampoo if I have opened them, once used they can’t be given to another guest!

Which is your favourite city, and what makes it so special?

New York City will always have a special place in my heart. It’s fast, crazy, fun, and you never run out of places to explore. The food is great, clubs are fun, and there are such a rich history and interesting vibe throughout the city.

“In the regular world, humans thrive on routine. While you travel, you throw everything about routine out the door”

What is your best-kept travel secret?

Always put your house keys in one spot in your suitcase and leave them until you’re home. I learned this the hard way while arriving home jet-lagged and realizing I lost my house keys, then had to wait hours for a locksmith.

Also, print out copies of your passport and ID. Keep them in your hotel safe in case anything happens.

Where in the world have you felt happiest?

Mykonos! It was one specific moment, actually. I was laying on Platis Gialos beach, Ricky Martin playing in my headphones, a glass of pinot grigio, and a plate of pita bread while I watched the sunset over the water. The perfect moment achieved.

What about travel do you enjoy the most?

The spontaneity! In the regular world, humans thrive on routine. While you travel, you throw everything about routine out the door and get to experience so many new cultures, cuisines, experiences, and places you never thought you’d experience. You can truly fly by the seat of your pants, and wake up each morning with no idea what’s going to happen. It’s exhilarating.

Any recommendations for gay travellers?

Don’t be afraid of a destination because you’re LGBTQ. And don’t travel exclusively to LGBTQ centric destinations. There is so much more of the world to see outside of the bubble we live in, and once you’re out there seeing it, you’ll thank yourself.

Brush up on your travel safety, but don’t be afraid to go to those places that are out of your comfort zone. Some of the best experiences I had were in destinations I would never have expected to visit.

Several photos in this story courtesy of Matthew Schueller.

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