travel — The Keenan-Blogger — 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

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.

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.”

Staycation and Cocktail Crawl with The Plaza Hotel

I’ve lived in New York since I was eight-years-old and in that time I’ve check a lot of items off my bucket list. I’ve climbed the stairs to the top of the Empire State Building, I’ve scarfed down a pastrami on rye at Katz’s deli, I’ve even kissed a boy on a rowboat in Central Park. But one iconic experience has always eluded me. So when I got an invite for one-of-a-kind stay at New York’s most famous hotel, The Plaza Hotel, I jumped at the opportunity.

“Beignet, done that.” — Four Days in New Orleans

When choosing our birthday destination this year, we had three criteria: 1) A place that was close enough to NYC that we could make a long weekend out of it; 2) A place we’d never visited (or in my case, had only visited as a child); and 3) A place that was gay friendly.

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!

Chiang Mai – Thailand’s Culture Capital

When we first started planning our honeymoon, the first thing we agreed on was that we wanted to meet elephants. We’d both had fantasies of seeing an elephant up close — and were pretty sure we would both burst into tears.

Koh Yao Noi – Desert Island Paradise

Visiting Thailand for the first time, we decided to stick pretty close to the tourist guidebook, but we wanted at least a couple days off the beaten path. Searching for some more remote destinations in addition to Phuket and Bangkok, we discovered the island of Koh Yao Noi, just east of Phuket, which remains mostly untouched by tourist operations.

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.

Bangkok – The Pearl of Southeast Asia

Flying to Thailand from the United States is not for the faint of heart. Even with a nearly direct flight, it is a seriously long trip — about 23 hours door to door from New York City. Our biggest splurge of the entire honeymoon was booking business class seats on Philippine Airlines.

Honeymoon in Thailand

When Scott and I got engaged in the fall of 2017, we had our mind set on planning the wedding ceremony, but we were just as excited to plan the big trip we would take after. Scott and I love traveling — we always say that we’re happiest as a couple when we’re exploring a new place together.

Cartagena, Spain – Port of Cultures

Cartagena, Spain is one of the oldest cities in the world. Founded more than two thousand years ago and home to some incredible historic sites and dizzying architecture, it’s the perfect city to explore on foot.

TravelAndrew Keenan-BolgerJune 1, 2018cartagena, spain, travel, paella