The Do’s and Don’ts of Gay Travel With Vincent Jones

By Alexander Rodriguez

As the weather starts to heat up and our winter pounds start melting off, we are starting to think about travel destinations, speedos, and vacation hookups… oh yeah, and getting some summer culture from far away locales. To be honest, I am the worst traveler. I always over-pack, under prepare and spend all my money on the first couple of days of travel. By the time I come home I am frazzled and look like Wendy Williams before rehab. This year, I wanted to check in with an expert that I trust who is equal parts knowledgeable traveler and sassy confidant.

Meet Vincent Jones, the Founding CEO of Citizen Jones Travel, with over 50 countries under his belt (and in his hotel room). After life took an expected turn by way of a car accident that took a year to recover from, he turned his life from the non-profit world to travel. Taking his message on the road, he is an innovative connector with a passion for building dynamic communities around a common purpose and finding creative solutions to advance progressive change. His career spans the worlds of philanthropy, non-profits, politics, government, communications, and travel. Vincent served as Deputy Director of Campaigns and Senior Program Officer at the Liberty Hill Foundation, was executive director of the Center for Health Justice, led a youth civic engagement project for California Common Cause, and was Associate Director of the National Teen Leadership Program. He was also the LA County Field Representative for Sen. Barbara Boxer and worked in senior positions on her 2004 and 2010 campaigns as well as those of other statewide, federal, and local campaigns.

He gave me advice on what to wear, how to handle foreign hookups, vacation spots that go overlooked, and locales in our own backyard to explore.

Why did you make the transition from non-profit to travel?

Thinking I was going to die when I saw a car speeding toward me and surviving, made me question a lot about my life. One big question was ‘am I happy with how I’m spending my time?’ The answer inspired me to shift more of my focus from my public affairs consulting practice to building a lifestyle brand centered around travel.

What was one of the most memorable trips you can remember from your youth?

My youth?! I’d like to think I’m still youthful now. But my most memorable early trip was my first journey to Africa. The plan was to go to Senegal and Sierra Leone with my then-boyfriend to spend the holidays with his family. We ended going to The Gambia and Guinea as well due to an unexpectedly canceled flight. That trip was memorable because I experienced every emotion. It was the first time I met a boyfriend’s family; it was profoundly emotional on a personal level as a Black man in Africa; and it was so much damn fun.

What are some of the most overlooked trips everyone should add to their bucket list?

South Africa is amazing. So gay-friendly. Rich culture. Safari is out of this world. Brazil is not to be overlooked but most people go to Rio and skip Salvador de Bahia which is a mistake. Havasupai Falls in Arizona is magical. The 8-mile hike it takes to get to the campground and then the 14-mile round trip hike to get to all the waterfalls gives you so much time think and reflect, so the journey becomes cathartic.

Are there areas that LGBT couples should not consider traveling to?

It depends. I believe that we should not rule out any place BUT we need to be mindful of the local conditions and decide if we’re willing to adjust. A good travel advisor who is a member of the International LGBT Travel Association, like Citizen Jones Travel, can be so helpful with this.

What do most people do wrong on their trips? What should they be doing differently?

Do not try to recreate your life at home when you travel. Get out of your comfort zone a bit and spice it up a bit. Try to eat at least one thing you’ve never tried before. Do two things you’ve never done before. And try to learn three new things that could impact how you do things when you get back home.

We know that traveling with someone can be tiresome, even if you really like them. What tips can you give on traveling with a companion?

My golden rule for traveling with people is that you are responsible for your own happiness. That means if you want to do something that no one else is suggesting, suggest it. Or if you don’t feel comfortable doing a certain activity, speak up. Don’t assume people can read your mind and don’t expect someone else to make your trip amazing.

What dangers should people be aware of while traveling?

Don’t be fooled by the cute stranger you just met and want to hook up with. I mean hook up with him but be safe. Make sure any valuables are secure. I’m not suggesting that foreigners are thieves. I am suggesting that many thieves see travelers as an easy target. I know someone who brought a guy home and when he woke up in the morning all his stuff was gone. The guy packed up his luggage and rolled it out of his hotel room.

Do you have any California staycation places that we should consider?

Carmel is beautiful and a great place to unplug or getaway with a boo. There’s a private winery in Santa Ynez on the Foxen Canyon wine trail that has a cute guest house to rent. It works for a staycation. Sequoia & Kong’s Canyon National Park have some beautiful campsites, hikes, rivers, and all that good stuff. Of course, the well-known spots like Palm Springs, Russian River, San Francisco, West Hollywood and San Diego are great too.

What is the one-night stand with foreigners’ etiquette while traveling?

Anything goes really. I’m an advocate of trying to connect with someone because that great hookup could end up helping you to experience a place like a local. I’ve had hookups abroad that have turned into long-term friendships and even a real relationship.

What are the travel outfits that must be packed?

Omg. This is such an impossible question. Let’s be honest, we all take photos to share on social media nowadays. I try to be aware of that when I pack. A few good speedos are a must, because I don’t want every pic of me in the same one. A versatile jacket that looks good in photos is key. You’ll need one sometimes and might as well make sure it looks good in photos. In general, you should make sure to think about where you’re going and what might look good in photos at those spots and be comfortable to wear.

You can find out more at www.CitizenJonesTravel.com
And follow Vincent on Instagram and Facebook: Citizen Jones Travel