Travel that creates space for connection, vulnerability, and a whole lot of joy.
Why We Started SideQuests:
We’ve always believed the best parts of any trip aren’t on the itinerary. We didn’t start SideQuests to tick boxes, we started it for the stuff you can’t plan: the people you meet, the shared meals, the “holy sh*t—I didn’t know I needed this” kind of moments…
Let’s face it, we’re in a loneliness pandemic. People spend more time on computers now than they do with friends. We struggle to make connections, to feel seen, to have a sense of true-belonging within the our communities (especially within the LGBTQ+ community). Many of us may feel like we don’t know where we fit… I’ve felt that way for much of my life, but I’ve also found that when I take the opportunity to travel—I’m surprised by not only the people that are brought into my life, but how I open up as well. My walls come down. My biggest life-altering moments and ‘epiphanies’ have all happened while traveling and due to conversations with other travelers.
This is how SideQuests was born, by asking the simple question: what if LGBTQ+ folks had a safe space to travel that’s centered around building community and connecting with others?
So now, we lead small-group trips for LGBTQ+ people and the allies who love us. We curate experiences that bring us together in ways you can’t plan for but will remember for years. Many folks come solo, many come as couples. You don’t need to be “good at travel,” you just need to be up for an adventure and willing to say yes.
This is the friends’ trip you didn’t have to plan. Boutique stays, thoughtful experiences, and space to be yourself without hesitation. We’ll see the headline sights and linger where good conversation shows up. Come as you are, and leave with new friends and a bigger sense of community.
Travel for your character arc.
Mini FAQ:
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Nope. Treat the trip like an all-you-can-eat buffet. We set a great table full of options… but you build your plate however you’d like. Pick what serves you and skip the rest!
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The majority of our travelers come solo! We can match you with a roommate based on gender identity and your rooming preferences. When pairing with a roommate, we always provide two beds per room so no one is sharing a bed. If you want your own space, private rooms are offered on many trips for an extra cost.
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Yes. We vet partners, work with local guides, pay attention to neighborhoods, and have plans for the just-in-case so you can actually exhale.
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Totally. Most guests arrive not knowing anyone. We introduce everyone on the group chat many months before the trip actually begins, so there is time and space to get to know some of the others if you’d like! The welcome dinner helps break the ice, and there’s built-in free time if you need a breather. Everyone goes at their own pace!
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All bodies welcome. Trips include a mix of activities with options and breaks. We’ll flag anything more strenuous and offer alternatives when we can.
“What started as two husbands traveling the world and building community online has grown into a travel initiative with heart—one that values vulnerability, joy and curiosity as much as plane tickets and passport stamps.”
— Anonymous
Our Values
Authentic Connection
We create space for real relationships to form—between travelers, with local communities, and with yourself.
Inclusive Community
While most of our travelers identify as LGBTQ+, we welcome anyone who shares our values of openness, curiosity, and respect.
Responsible Travel
We partner with local businesses, minimize our environmental impact, and ensure our presence benefits the communities we visit.
Transformative Experiences
We believe travel should change you. Our trips are designed to challenge, inspire, and create space for personal growth.
Thoughtful Curation
Every element of our trips is intentionally selected to create a journey that balances discovery, connection, and joy.
Safety & Support
We prioritize both physical safety and emotional well-being, creating brave spaces where you can fully be yourself.
Hey there,
I started SideQuests because I wanted something I couldn’t quite find anywhere else.
I wanted travel that wasn’t just about checking places off a list or racking up stamps in a passport—I wanted travel that meant something. I wanted space to breathe, to belong, to meet people who saw the world a little differently, and who were also trying to figure themselves out in the process.
The truth is, I think many of us—especially queer folks—spend a lot of our lives feeling like we’re not quite on the “main quest.” Like the world didn’t write a story for people like us to fully belong in. So we improvise. We explore. We take the long way. We go on “side-quests”.
Somewhere along the way, we start to realize that the side-quest is the story.
That’s what SideQuests Travel is all about. These aren’t just group trips—they’re intentional, joyful, messy, hilarious, soulful journeys with people who want more than a vacation. People who want to show up fully, laugh until they cry, sit in silence under starry skies, and leave a little changed.
So if you’ve ever felt like you were searching for your people—your party—this might be it! Let’s go somewhere beautiful together.
With warmth and wonder,
Matthew Schueller
Founder, SideQuests Travel