I don’t know what it is about 2026, but I’ve decided this is the year I stop pretending I’m a “chill traveler.”

I’m not. I don’t want museums at 9:00 AM and an early dinner. I want places where I accidentally make bad decisions, meet hot strangers, and come home with stories I definitely have to leave out at work. So, this is my honest, slightly chaotic list of where we need to go this year. Not just for the views… but for the people.

And if you’re anything like me—likely reading this on Squirt—you already know this isn’t just about travel. It’s about connection, curiosity, and yeah… a little bit of mischief. Let’s get into it!

Mykonos: I Already Know I Won’t Behave

Okay, Mykonos is a problem. This is not a “rest and recharge” destination; this is a “why did I only sleep two hours?” destination.

I’d end up at Elia Beach pretending to relax, while actually scanning the crowd like it’s my full-time job. Somehow, a beach day turns into a day party, which turns into a night out, which ends with me watching the sunrise with people whose names I’ve already forgotten. Also, the parties at JackieO’ are insane—not even in a dramatic way, just in a “you look around and realize everyone is hot and no one is going home early” kind of way.

If you’re searching for gay travel 2026, top beach destinations, or best cruising spots in Europe, this always comes up—and now I get why. I’d like to say I go for the culture, but I’d be lying.

Barcelona: The “I’m Just Going Out for One Drink” Lie

Barcelona feels like the kind of place where you accidentally fall in love for 48 hours and then never speak again. The Gaixample area is literally made for bar hopping. 

I’ll say, “Let’s keep it chill tonight,” and suddenly it’s 4:00 AM and I’m in a packed bar making “best friends” in the bathroom.

If I go during the Circuit Festival? It’s over for me. That’s not a trip; it’s a full personality change. I remember going one year and there were men everywhere. I usually get nervous in those scenarios, but I obliged and ended up getting railed behind a dumpster. Pool parties, huge crowds, zero structure… exactly my vibe. Also, Mar Bella beach is where things get a little… friendly. Which, respectfully, I support.

Puerto Vallarta: Where I Try to Convince Myself to Move

Every time I see PV online, I think: Should I just live there? The Zona Romántica is so easy. You wake up, grab coffee, walk to the beach, and somehow end up three margaritas deep by 2:00 PM talking to strangers who now know your entire life story.

Los Muertos Beach is the main character of the city, and Mantamar is where things escalate. The cruising here is unmatched; guys are always ready to get down and dirty in the brush. I’ve had my fair share of fun in those hidden crevices around the cliffs. It doesn’t feel intimidating; it feels like you can show up exactly as you are, flirt a lot, and never feel judged. Plus, it’s affordable, which means I could stay longer. Dangerous.

Sydney: A Full Event, Not Just a Trip

Going all the way to Sydney feels dramatic, but in the best way. I’d plan it around Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. It’s not just a parade; it’s like the entire city decided to throw a party and invite the world.

I picture glitter everywhere, outfits I’d never have the confidence to wear at home, and that feeling of being completely “in it.” Hitting Bondi Beach by day and the clubs by night is peak main character energy. For anyone deep-diving into 2026 pride events or international bucket lists, this is one of those trips that actually lives up to the hype.

Miami: The Last-Minute Chaos

Miami is the trip I book on a random Tuesday and arrive at by Friday. It’s easy, it’s chaotic, and I already know I’ll end up at a pool party during Winter Party Festival pretending I’m “just here to chill” while fully not chilling.

South Beach is a vibe—music, people watching, and a little too much confidence. Then there’s Haulover Beach, which… if you know, you know. It’s filled with guys looking for some “naughtiness” they didn’t know they needed. This is where I go when I’m stressed with work and just need a breather. You can find a guy to take you down and it doesn’t have to mean anything because you’ll never see them again.

Final Thoughts

The goal for 2026 isn’t a “perfect itinerary,” it’s asking: Did I actually have fun? Did I flirt? Did I stay out too late? Did I meet people I’ll never forget (even if I forget their names)?

That’s what Squirt is about, too. It’s more than just a site for cruising culture; it’s about that same curiosity and energy. I don’t need every trip to change my life, but I do want a few nights that feel a little unreal. Now, I just need to actually book something… and maybe make at least one good decision along the way. But who even makes that call?