Anthony Johnson II (but everyone calls me AJ)
Company Name: Catalyst Travel and Queer Traveling
Location: Seattle, Washington (though my suitcase insists I’m a citizen of the world)
What inspired you to start traveling?
Curiosity, connection, and a serious case of wanderlust. Travel makes the world feel bigger and smaller at the same time. I love seeing new cultures, meeting new people, and connecting with the way others live, dream, and see the world. It opens my eyes to new ideologies, new perspectives, and new ways of building connection — not just through sightseeing, but through shared humanity. (Also, let’s be real: the food doesn’t hurt either.)
How did you get into the travel industry?
It wasn’t exactly a straight line (pun fully intended). I was working in nonprofit leadership and had just finished my master’s degree in international Community Development. I started feeling that itch — like I was ready for a new kind of adventure. Travel had always been something my mom and I loved (and she secretly always dreamed about working in travel), so we decided to explore it together. Then, fate landed in our laps: the founder of Catalyst Travel was ready to retire. We worked out a legacy handoff plan, and soon enough, we were running the agency ourselves — keeping the spirit alive while adding a few sparks of our own. Over time, as I got deeper into the travel world — especially working with more LGBTQ+ travelers — I also became part of Queer Traveling, a project focused on creating safe, joyful spaces for our community to explore the world together. It’s been an amazing extension of everything I believe travel can and should be.
How do you choose destinations that are safe and welcoming for LGBTQ+ travelers?
Research is a beautiful thing — and so is community. One of my go-to tools is the IGLTA (International LGBTQ+ Travel Association), which is hands-down one of the best resources for finding safe, inclusive, and genuinely welcoming destinations around the world. But it’s not just about Google searches. In travel, and especially in the LGBTQIA+ space, it’s all about who you know. I lean heavily on firsthand experiences — friends, clients, and industry colleagues who travel all over the world and give me the real tea. Nothing beats a personal recommendation when it comes to knowing where you’ll be celebrated, not just tolerated.
Can you share a favorite queer-friendly destination—and what made it special for you?
Berlin. Berlin reminds me a lot of Seattle — progressive, green-conscious, but with a much livelier nightlife and cultural scene. There’s a vibrancy in Berlin that you can feel at street level. It’s a city that doesn’t just tolerate diversity — it thrives on it. Whether you’re walking into a techno club at 3AM or a historic museum at 3PM, there’s this sense that whoever you are, however you love, you have a place there.
What’s one common misconception people have about being queer and traveling?
That every trip is dangerous, lonely, or needs to be ultra-cautious. Because of that misconception, historically, a lot of LGBTQ+ travelers have stuck to known “safe spots,” rented private homes, kept to themselves, or traveled solo. While those strategies made sense for safety, they also boxed us into a narrow corner of the world. The beautiful shift happening now is that more of us are choosing visibility, community, and exploration — meeting new people, venturing outside the traditional LGBTQ+ “safe zones,” and realizing that connection and cultural sensitivity can go hand in hand with joy and self-expression.
Have you ever felt unsafe while traveling, and how did you handle it?
Yes. (If you travel enough, it’s almost a rite of passage.) The key is building a solid safety net before you even get on the plane. First rule: don’t put yourself somewhere you already know will be unsafe. Sounds simple, but it’s easy to forget when wanderlust hits hard. There are towns, neighborhoods, and regions that just aren’t worth the risk — and that’s okay. Second, I adjust how I present myself depending on where I am and who I’m with — not hiding who I am but connecting on shared humanity. Since I often work with different kinds of groups, I naturally find points of connection — and I apply that same philosophy when I travel. I live my fullest self as much as possible — because hello, it’s my vacation — but I also respect the local culture and customs wherever I go.
How do you see LGBTQ+ travel evolving in the next few years?
The LGBTQ+ community has a long tradition of carving out its own safe spaces through travel — survival was the name of the game. It’s why places like Puerto Vallarta, Provincetown, and Mykonos have been icons for decades. But now, that’s shifting. More queer travelers are pushing beyond the usual “safe zones.” I’m working with more and more LGBTQ+ influencers who are excited about exploring different corners of the world — not just the classic hits. We’re seeing more group trips, more event-based travel (beyond just Pride festivals), and a growing hunger for deeper cultural experiences. We’re not just sticking to the safe places anymore — we’re expanding the map.
What are some Must-Have travel gear? Do you have a favorite?
• Noise-canceling headphones (because nobody needs to hear a full toddler meltdown at 30,000 feet)
• A well-designed fanny pack (or let’s call it a crossbody bag if that sounds cooler) — easy to carry, secure, and saves your shoulders
• A tiny but mighty travel steamer — because showing up wrinkle-free is a love language
What are your top 3 bucket list places you still need to see?
- Thailand — I’m actually heading there later this year with the incredible Jonathan Mathews of Kwanchai, as part of his new Kulinary Travel brand. It’s going to be a group trip centered around food, culture, and connection — basically my three favorite things. Thailand’s been calling my name for years with its vibrant energy, legendary hospitality, and cuisine that’s basically a love letter to your tastebuds.
- Croatia — I planned a trip for a client there recently and fell head-over-heels just doing the research. Between the dazzling coastlines, the layered history, and that old-world magic you can feel walking down the streets, Croatia is high on my personal dream list.
- Peru — The food, the culture, the storytelling… Peru feels like a whole universe tucked inside one country. Beaches, jungles, national parks, ancient ruins, and a culinary scene with some of the world’s top-ranked restaurants? It’s like they packed an entire adventure novel into one destination.
Any advice for people to get the most out of their travel experiences?
Find your catalyst. I use that philosophy in my own travels and with all of my clients. Finding the catalyst behind your trip — the reason why you’re going, what you’re hoping to experience or feel — helps you build a journey that’s focused, meaningful, and unforgettable. It cuts through the noise of everything you could do, so you can focus on the best things for your time, your energy, and your money. And honestly? That’s when travel shifts from “something you do” to “something that changes you.”
