Travel Feature — The Keenan-Blogger

I Visited a Greek Island Which I Was Sworn to Keep Secret

You’re invited to an island in Greece whose name you’re not allowed to mention. At first, you think it’s cute, like, “Oh for sure, for sure, American tourists ruin everything. I’ll totally gatekeep this one,” but you soon realize it’s not a joke. You’re told it’s like the real life version of the island in Mamma Mia and the opposite of Mykonos. You get on a plane without any idea of what you’re going to be doing once you get there. You haven’t made a single reservation. The only pin of your GoogleMaps is the name of the hotel, which is owned by someone who is a cousin of the friend who invited you, probably. You come to realize that everyone on the island is a cousin of the friend who invited you, probably.

TravelAndrew Keenan-BolgerAugust 29, 2024travel, travel gay, greece, greece travel, beach, beaches, things to do, greek island, Travel FeatureComment

I stayed at the White Lotus hotel in Sicily so you don't have to (though you're gonna want to!)

So first things first. The question everyone asked me the second I touched down back in America — is the Four Seasons San Domenico at all like it is in White Lotus? The answer is yes…mostly. Immediately upon checking in, I noticed how seemingly familiar everything was to the fictional White Lotus hotel TV — from the outfits worn by the staff, to the iconic Sicilian ceramic head statues dotting every corner, the HBO art team clearly took inspiration directly from the hotel’s established aesthetic. The rooms looked identical, the pool, just as beautiful, even the piano player during happy hour — suspiciously similar-looking to the gal on the HBO show. As for the location itself? This is where there is a slight deviance. Parts of the show, including the infamous first scene, take place on a beach, seemingly next to the hotel. So yeah, no beach here. Those scenes were actually shot in Cefalù, a few hours drive away on the northern part of Sicily. The San Domenico sits high on top of a cliff, which makes for dramatic views from the infinity pool, but there is a thousand foot drop down to the water, making it extremely treacherous for walkable beach access.

TravelAndrew Keenan-BolgerAugust 10, 2024Travel Feature, travel gay, italy, italy travel, taormina, sicilyComment

Cape Escape: Why Martha's Vineyard Should Be Your Next Summer Destination

For my birthday this year, Scott gifted me a week at an adorable cottage in Martha’s Vineyard. Scott, being classic Scott, profusely apologized for the next eight weeks between my birthday and our trip for not getting me something to unwrap on the day of, to which I had to assure him, “Don’t be silly! This is going to be so much better than anything you could fit in a box!” Having just returned home from said vacation, I stand by my comments. A weeklong trip to Martha’s Vineyard is better than anything you can put a bow on.

San Miguel de Allende City Guide: The Best Small City in the World?

Stepping into San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, felt like walking into a dream I'd been planning forever, (or at least since we booked the trip on a whim last November). This place has been on my must-visit list ever since Condé Nast Traveler crowned it the best small city in the world. From everything I’d seen, I expected to step onto a movie set with Rothko-esque painted walls and cobblestone streets — almost too picturesque to be real. But San Miguel is far from a manufactured marvel. It’s as breathtaking and cinematic as it looks, but the vibe remains authentically Mexican and the people are some of the friendliest we’ve met in any of our travels. From marveling at the stunning architecture of Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, indulging in rooftop sunset dinners and drinks, and immersing myself in its vibrant art scene, I 👏 WAS 👏 SOLD 👏.

A First-Timer's Adventure in Mexico City (CDMX)

CDMX, we meet at last! I've globe-trotted quite a bit, but somehow, Mexico City had always eluded me. But the moment I set foot in this bustling metropolis, I knew I was in for an epic love affair. We settled into an incredible loft airbnb in the charming La Condesa neighborhood, a picturesque oasis with tree-lined boulevards, adorable cafes, and countless scenes that had me reaching for my camera and exclaiming, "Oh, gosh, that's pretty!"

Joshua Tree National Park: Top Hikes and Photography Spots

Nestled in Southern California, Joshua Tree National Park is a 1,235-square-mile haven for nature lovers, hikers, and photographers alike. Known for its otherworldly landscapes, this iconic park is where the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet, creating a stunning and unique ecosystem. Home to the eponymous Joshua Trees and an incredible variety of desert flora and fauna, it's no wonder this place attracts millions of visitors each year.

If you're looking for the best hikes and Instagram photography spots in Joshua Tree, here's my list of must-see destinations:

Ojai: Your Guide to a Perfect Day Trip from Los Angeles

So, I decided to take a break from the never-ending buzz of Los Angeles and head out on a day trip to the dreamy town of Ojai. This little gem, just a 90-minute drive from LA, is often called the Shangri-La of California. Think chill vibes, mouthwatering cafes, quirky local shops, and seriously gorgeous scenery. Let me take you through my perfect day in this charming mountain valley town.

Singapore Uncovered: A 6-Day Adventure in the City of the Future

There I was, stepping off the plane and into the city of the future: Singapore. For years, this country had been on my bucket list. I’d marveled at its ultra-modern, sustainable landscape; at its buildings that looked like giant silver surfboards; at its collision of cultures; even its cleanliness. Having honeymooned in Thailand, and performed in concerts all across the Philippines, Southeast Asia has become one of my favorite places on earth, in part because they’re literally on the opposite side of the world. And while all those destinations felt far away, Singapore was literally the farthest. Now, having returned home after a six-day whirlwind adventure, I can safely say that it’s one of the most fascinating travel destinations I’ve ever visited. From the floral majesty at Gardens By The Bay to the mouth-watering cuisine at local hawker markets, Singapore truly is a feast for the senses. Home to world-class architecture, delectable food, and lush green spaces, this “city of the future” was even more incredible than I imagined.

Caribbean Cruise with Seabourn: Eleven Days in Paradise

On December 10th we boarded the ship in Miami and set sail on their 11-Day Gem of the Antilles cruise. The second we stepped on board, the first word uttered was “whoa.” Our room was huge by cruise ship standards and boasted a beautiful veranda with a view of the Miami coastline. The common areas were opulent and spacious and all this early excitement was before we tasted our first bite of food. Seabourn has famously partnered with celebrity chef, Thomas Keller and the result is a world-class dining experience with four different restaurant options for every meal.

Nine Date Adventures in Paris

Seeing as this was our third trip to the “City of Lights,” we didn’t feel the need to go to the super-touristy spots that had felt essential on our previous visits. Instead, we talked to our travel-minded friends, did some internet sleuthing, and even put an ask out to our followers for some off-the-beaten-path recommendations. The result was six days of Parisian bliss, broken up into what felt like tiny date adventures. So if you’re planning a trip to France with someone special, here are “Nine Date Adventures in Paris.”

7 Touristy Things To Do in NYC That Are Actually Worth It

As someone who’s lived in New York City for most of my life, I’ve covered a lot of ground. With the city spanning over 300-square miles, I’m constantly discovering new places to enjoy. And while there are certainly tourist traps, there are also a lot of places that are touristy for a reason.

Catskills Getaway – Scribner's Lodge

One of the best wedding gifts that Scott and I received was a gift certificate to Scribner’s Lodge in the Catskill Mountains of New York. Built in the 1960s, the lodge is widely regarded as one of the best hotels in the region — and with good reason!

Phuket — Dream Beach Destination

After leaving the bustling metropolis of Bangkok, our first stop was the popular beachside island of Phuket. Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, is the rainforest-covered home to many of Thailand’s high-end seaside resorts. Our first stop was the Renaissance Phuket Resort and Spa.