Name: Dean Nelson LLD, CTC
Company name: departuresXdean | Personal Travel Management
Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
What inspired you to start traveling?
I think I’ve always had an overactive explorer gene. As a small child, I was constantly out exploring the world with my dog. And as soon as I could jet away to Europe with my Grade 8 classmates, I was the first to sign up. Since then, I’ve visited over 130 countries, sailed all seven seas, and explored every continent.
How did you get into the travel industry?
As a kid, I worked part-time at my local golf course and ski hill to save money for university. After my first year, I took the summer off to return to Europe and enjoy time with friends. That trip ignited my passion for the art of hospitality. When I returned home, I immediately enrolled in a Resort Hotel Management program—marking the start of my official journey into the hospitality industry. I found my calling and have never looked back.
How do you choose destinations that are safe and welcoming for LGBTQ+ travelers?
LGBTQ+ travelers, like everyone else, love to explore the world and discover amazing destinations. That said, not every place is equally safe or welcoming to our community—so it’s important to travel smart.
I stay informed by attending travel trade conferences and building strong relationships with local suppliers who truly understand the vibe on the ground. These connections help ensure my clients have safe, enriching experiences—even in destinations that might be less traditionally LGBTQ+ friendly.
I also encourage travelers to use common sense and show respect for local customs, even if they don’t align with personal beliefs. If you’re visiting a place with different cultural norms, it’s essential to be informed. This includes knowing what’s appropriate to wear, understanding the local stance on public displays of affection, and being mindful of which apps are safe to use.
With a bit of preparation and awareness, the world can open up in wonderful ways—while keeping your journey both joyful and safe.
Can you share a favorite queer-friendly destination—and what made it special for you?
Honey, I’ve got a passport full of stamps and a heart full of memories, but let me tell you—Barcelona? She’s that girl. One of my absolute favorite queer-friendly spots.
First of all, the police? Straight outta a Tom of Finland fantasy. Like, excuse me sir, are you here to arrest me or model for a leather calendar?
But beyond the eye candy, the city is pure magic. The cafés, bars, and clubs? Super welcoming, super fab, and full of love. I’m talking delicious tapas, cocktails that flirt back, and a vibe that says “come as you are and dance like nobody’s judging your outfit.”
It’s incredibly walkable, the art and history are chef’s kiss, and don’t even get me started on the beaches—sun, sand, and beautiful humans everywhere. Shopping? On point. Restaurants? To die for. But best of all? I feel totally safe, totally seen, and totally me.
Barcelona isn’t just a destination—it’s a full-blown mood.
What’s one common misconception people have about being queer and traveling?
One common misconception is that being queer limits where you can or cannot go. With the right planning and a trusted in-destination contact, the world is your oyster.
Have you ever felt unsafe while traveling, and how did you handle it?
Yes, sadly. In 2008, I was one of the international judges for the Mr. Gay Europe competition in Budapest during Pride Week. The city was being terrorized by Neo-Nazis and far-right Hungarian nationalists who wanted to make it clear we weren’t welcome.
At times, I was terrified for my life and the lives of my fellow LGBTQ+ community members and the delegates. My veins coursed with adrenaline.
But then I met an older heterosexual couple who were marching alongside us as allies in the Dignity March. They shared how, as children, they had watched neighbors, friends, and family members taken away during the war simply for being Jewish or homosexual. They said they were there to bear witness and to fight for diversity and inclusion.
Their courage inspired me. It helped me transform my fear into the activist I became—albeit accidentally.
How do you see LGBTQ+ travel evolving in the next few years?
We’re living in a precarious time. The alt-right is on the rise, and LGBTQ+ and gender rights are being stripped away by emboldened bad actors trying to marginalize and scapegoat our community.
As LGBTQ+ travelers, we need to take extra precautions and do more homework to understand the current climate of a destination. A place that was safe a year ago may now be hostile. We’ve seen how quickly things can change—even in the U.S.
I believe we, as queer consumers, need to actively support and reward destinations that fight for us and genuinely want our business.
What are some must-have travel gear items? Do you have a favorite?
Believe it or not, one of my must-have items is a Clacker (clacking fan). It needs to be big, bold, and durable to keep me cool—you never know when the AC might cut out!
I also love my Tumella (a windproof umbrella) for sun and rain protection, my trusty man-purse to keep all my essentials handy, and of course, my pocket computer—aka my iPhone.
What are your top 3 bucket list places you still want to visit?
Top of my list:
- Rwanda – to see the mountain gorillas (and it’s fairly LGBTQ+ welcoming)
- Papua New Guinea and Micronesia
- Maldives – all places where, with the right travel supplier, you can have extraordinary experiences.
Any advice for people to get the most out of their travel experiences?
My advice for queer travelers to get the most out of their vacation experiences is to hire a trusted travel advisor. The internet is wonderful, but it is like a rabbit hole, and you can get overwhelmed, confused and you could get some outdated advice that could put you into harm’s way. Working with a travel advisor that goes into destination and meets with their suppliers, is actively learning all the time and keeping their finger on the pulse is so important. Go to your advisor with your research and ideas and then let your travel advisor do the heavy lifting so you can sit back and enjoy the experience.
