Welcome to your go-to space for all things travel, curated with love, creativity, and soul. Here, we share insider guides to LGBTQIA+ safe destinations, elevated travel tips, foodie finds from around the globe, and behind-the-scenes stories from our curated voyages. Whether you’re planning your next escape or just daydreaming about where love and adventure might take you, the Meraki Journal is here to inspire, inform, and celebrate your journey.
Santorini Beyond the Sunsets: An Elevated LGBTQIA+ Guide to Greece
Packing Smarter: 7 Elevated Travel Hacks Every LGBTQIA+ Adult Should Know
Why Virgin Voyages is the Perfect Match for LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Santorini may be famous for its sunsets, but there’s so much more waiting for LGBTQIA+ travelers. From hidden beaches where you can relax without worry to rooftop dining that feels like pure magic, here’s how to experience Greece the Meraki way — elevated, curated, and unapologetically inclusive.
🌍 Santorini Beyond the Sunsets: An Elevated LGBTQIA+ Guide to GreeceWhy Santorini?
Santorini is one of those places that feels like it was made for postcards — whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches, and sunsets that make you forget how to breathe. But for LGBTQIA+ travelers, there’s more to this island than the Instagram shots. Santorini is welcoming, vibrant, and brimming with culture just waiting to be discovered.
🌈 Safe & Welcoming Vibes
Greece has long been a beloved destination for LGBTQIA+ travelers, and Santorini is no exception. From inclusive nightlife to cozy boutique hotels, the island makes it easy to relax and be yourself. PDA? Absolutely. You’ll find locals and tourists alike embracing love in all its forms.
🍷 Elevated Culinary Adventures
Santorini is famous for its wine — specifically its crisp Assyrtiko varietal grown from volcanic soil. Pair that with seaside tavernas serving up freshly caught seafood, and you’ve got a foodie dream come true. Our curated itineraries always include elevated dining experiences so you can taste the island as much as see it.
🌊 Curated Experiences
Beyond the Oia sunsets, Santorini offers hidden beaches, catamaran cruises, and private tours of ancient ruins like Akrotiri. Whether you’re seeking culture, romance, or adventure, there’s a bespoke way to experience it.
✨ Why It’s Meraki Perfect
Santorini combines everything we love — culture, cuisine, connection, and beauty. For couples, it’s one of the most romantic destinations on earth. For solo travelers, it’s a chance to immerse yourself in a place that welcomes authenticity. And for curated group voyages, it’s a destination that bonds people together.
👉 [Explore Curated Greek Isles Voyages with Meraki]
Why Packing Matters
Packing might not sound glamorous, but anyone who’s ever had a suitcase burst open mid-airport knows it can make or break a trip. At Meraki, we believe travel should be stress-free, so here are 7 curated tips to help you pack like a pro.
1️⃣ Roll, Don’t Fold
It saves space, reduces wrinkles, and makes your suitcase feel like a curated puzzle instead of chaos.
2️⃣ Use Packing Cubes
Elevated organization at its finest. Categorize by outfits, activities, or even colors — no more digging for that one shirt.
3️⃣ Always Bring a “Day Bag”
Keep essentials (passport, sunscreen, charger, lip balm, and snacks) in a small crossbody or backpack. Bespoke tip: pack a rainbow bandana or pin for visibility and pride on the go.
4️⃣ Layer, Don’t Overpack
Think pieces you can mix and match. Elevated travel is about looking good and feeling good, not lugging 5 pairs of shoes you won’t wear.
5️⃣ Keep a Digital Copy of Everything
Passports, itineraries, insurance — store them in your phone’s cloud. Safety is sexy.
6️⃣ TSA-Friendly Toiletries
Invest in travel bottles and a clear pouch. Elevated = stress-free security lines.
7️⃣ Leave Room for Treasures
Trust us — you’ll shop. Whether it’s local wine, artwork, or a cheeky souvenir, always save space for memories.
✨ Why This Works
Packing smarter means less stress, smoother travel days, and more energy for the adventures that matter. When you travel with Meraki, we even send curated packing lists designed for your specific trip — because we know what makes an LGBTQIA+ traveler’s experience smoother, safer, and more fun.
👉 [Get Your Meraki Pre-Trip Packet Today]
🚢 Why Virgin Voyages is the Perfect Match for LGBTQIA+ Travelers
From adults-only fun and endless dining options to inclusive vibes where love is love, Virgin Voyages is changing the way we see cruising. Here’s why it’s our go-to for elevated, curated group voyages — and why it should be at the top of your travel list too.
Setting Sail, the Meraki Way
When it comes to cruising, not all experiences are created equal. For LGBTQIA+ travelers, choosing a line that values inclusivity, fun, and elevated comfort makes all the difference. That’s why Virgin Voyages has quickly become our go-to partner for curated voyages — because it’s not just a cruise, it’s a vibe.
🌈 An Inclusive Vibe from Bow to Stern
Virgin Voyages doesn’t just welcome LGBTQIA+ travelers — it celebrates us. From diverse entertainment to open-minded crew, you’ll feel safe, seen, and celebrated the moment you step onboard. Forget hiding affection or wondering if you belong — this is a space where love is love, cocktails flow freely, and connection comes easy.
🍷 Elevated Dining & Drinks
Say goodbye to boring buffets. Virgin Voyages serves up 20+ eateries, each curated with Michelin-level chefs behind the menus. Think rooftop-style tacos, modern Korean, steakhouse indulgence, and even late-night pizza — all included. Pair that with world-class cocktails and champagne delivered anywhere on deck (yes, even your hot tub), and you’ve got a dining experience as elevated as the views.
🎶 Curated Entertainment & Nightlife
From drag shows and cabaret-style performances to DJ sets that go until sunrise, Virgin Voyages creates unforgettable moments night after night. Every sailing feels like a celebration of diversity, freedom, and pure joy. And with adults-only sailings, you can dance, laugh, and live authentically without distractions.
🌍 Bespoke Shore Things
Forget cookie-cutter excursions. Virgin Voyages calls its excursions “Shore Things” — curated cultural adventures designed to immerse you in each destination. Whether it’s a wine-tasting in Tuscany, exploring hidden beaches in the Caribbean, or joining a Pride celebration abroad, every stop is an opportunity for something unforgettable.
💃 Why It’s Perfect for Our Community
For LGBTQIA+ adults and allies, travel is about more than destinations — it’s about connection and safety. Virgin Voyages nails both, creating a space that feels elevated, curated, and authentically inclusive. Whether you’re traveling solo, with your partner, or joining one of our Meraki curated voyages, you’ll find your people here.
✨ Ready to Sail?
At Meraki Travels LLC, we’ve partnered with Virgin Voyages to create curated group voyages designed specifically for the LGBTQIA+ community and allies. Think of it as a perfect blend of elevated comfort, bespoke experiences, and a community that celebrates who you are.
👉 [Start Your Virgin Voyages Journey Today]