East Bay city brings its own kind of magic: leafy streets, bold politics, indie bookstores, underrated food, campus culture, hilltop views, and a proudly queer-friendly spirit. With Berkeley Pride returning on August 30, 2026, it’s the perfect excuse to plan a late-summer escape. Come for Pride, stay for the cafés, culture, food, parks, and easy day trips around the Bay. Berkeley is not trying to be San Francisco. It’s inviting you to try something different.

Bordeaux may be famous for wine, but there’s far more to this elegant French city. From golden architecture and riverside sights to incredible food, nearby vineyards, and a welcoming queer scene, discover why the “Sleeping Beauty” deserves a place on your next European getaway!

We sat down with Martha to talk about both her fascinating life and inspiring journey—both literal and metaphorical—as a transgender traveler: from overcoming the anxiety of taking that first trip to finding community and discovering that kindness often appears where fear once lived; from her travel tips for trans folks to her future plans for trans-inclusive LGBTQ+ group trips with us. Oh, and how she met Pope Francis!