Queer Travel in the United States: Unexpected Small Towns and the Importance of Inclusive Spaces with Chase Vondran

Jan 20, 2026

In this engaging conversation, Chase Vondran, a full-time travel creator and advocate for inclusive travel, shares their unique journey through queer exploration. They highlight unexpected queer-friendly towns in the U.S. and discuss the vibrancy of communities outside major cities. Chase reflects on their transition experiences and how they shape safety and visibility while traveling. The discussion offers valuable resources for finding queer spaces and underscores the emotional significance of connection in the travel experience.

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ANECDOTE

First Time Feeling Seen In Puerto Vallarta

Chase described going to a lesbian pool party in Puerto Vallarta and feeling seen for the first time in an all-queer-women space.
The event felt intentionally safe with queer-only staff and removed male gaze, which Chase called electrifying.

ANECDOTE

Discovering Saugatuck Changed Their Focus

Chase visited Saugatuck, Michigan and found a walkable small town full of queer-owned businesses and rainbow crosswalks.
That visit convinced Chase to focus on small queer towns and eventually go full-time as a creator.

ANECDOTE

Unexpected Queer Hubs in the Midwest

Chase called Madison, Wisconsin one of the most trans-friendly places they've visited with many all-gender bathrooms and queer businesses.
They also highlighted Kansas City for its trans sanctuary efforts and community-run third spaces.

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What does queer travel in the US look like beyond the big cities? And what can all travelers learn from the LGBTQ+ travel experience?

Chase Vondran is a full-time travel creator and writer based in Chicago who helps transgender and gender-diverse travelers explore safely while advocating for greater inclusion in the travel industry. After an eight-year nomadic journey spanning 20+ countries, they now focus their work on queer travel, small queer towns, and inclusive travel guides.

In this episode, co-host Dianni Hall sits down with Chase to talk about queer travel in the U.S., exploring small queer towns and gayberhoods, and understanding the realities and joys of traveling as a trans person.

This episode offers a rare glimpse into queer communities thriving outside of major cities and highlights unexpected destinations where queer people not only exist but also flourish. Chase shares personal stories from their travels as a trans person, the differences in how the world treats them before and after transition, and what travelers should consider when seeking inclusive spaces. You’ll discover resources, tips for finding queer communities, and the emotional power of feeling seen. Whether you’re a queer traveler, an ally, or curious about inclusive travel, this conversation expands how we think about travel, identity, and belonging.

How has travel helped you better understand experiences different from your own? I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.

Zero To Travel co-host Dianni Hall is a queer, second-generation Latina, solo budget backpacker, and host of the While She’s Away podcast. Learn more about her work here.

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