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Bill MalcolmBill Malcolm is North America's only syndicated travel columnist. He focuses on value and pays his own way. He takes local transit and seeks to go where the locals go. He has appeared 100 times in LGBTQ publications and on websites including the IGLTA travel blog. You can find his work in GRAB Chicago, Erie Gay News, Seattle Gay News, and other places. He does this as a volunteer and does not charge for his work. He boycotts hotels and hotel chains with resort fees, amenity fees, destination fees, and other made up junk charges. He resides in Indianapolis. Follow him on Facebook. |
Articles (37)
January, 2026
Windy City Winter Break: Art Institute, Great Architecture, Fun Neighborhoods, and Great Food
Chicago is worth a visit in the winter. The museums are great. The hotel prices are more reasonable. And there is so much to do.
Your Madison Weekend: Foodie's Heaven on an Isthmus Between 2 Lakes
Put Madison, Wisconsin on your radar for a fun winter weekend getaway. Situated between two lakes, it is the one of only two cities on an isthmus. And it has become a foodie's heaven with lots of new restaurants around the Capitol Square downtown.
December, 2025
What's New in the Desert: Your Palm Springs Getaway Guide
I was in Palm Springs for the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association Global Convention. Over 750 attendees from 32 countries attended-a new record. And this is despite the drop in large corporate sponsorship support (as has also been seen at Pride events). A highlight was the IGLTA Foundation fundraiser at the Dinah Shore estate (owned by Leonardo Di Caprio). It sleeps 16 and has 6 bathrooms and can be yours for around $5,000 a night.
Your DC Holiday Weekend: 2 Holiday Markets, 27 Bars, and the Free Museums Make DC a Perfect Winter Destination
Washington, D.C. is dressed up for the holidays. 2 holiday street markets (Dupont Circle and downtown on F Street by the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery/Museum of American Art are necessary in the most walkable (and gayest) city in America. Plus, the crowds are gone tourists are exceedingly rare during this off season).
Your Seattle Weekend: Orca whale watching, 14,000 foot volcanoes, and exploring Capitol Hill
The Pacific Northwest never fails to amaze. And this trip was no exception. I saw 2 pods of Orca whales on the ferry from Bainbridge Island to Seattle. The boat cut power to 7 knots while we watched the whales.
October, 2025
Autumn Adventures in Chicago
Crisp air, golden leaves, and the shimmering skyline-fall in Chicago is a season of surprises. With stunning architecture, walkable neighborhoods, independent shops and restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife, the Windy City offers endless opportunities for exploration. Fall is the perfect time to visit: the summer crowds have dispersed, the weather is pleasant, and hotel rates are more affordable.
New Belle Isle Trail, Bike to Canada: What's New in Motown
I love Detroit, the most underrated big city travel destination. It's unique. And on the rebound. This trip I biked on the brand new Belle Isle Park bike trail which offers stunning views of downtown Detroit, Windsor (Ontario, Canada), and the mouth of Lake St. Clair. Set in the middle of the Detroit River just north of downtown Detroit, there are also museums and an indoor garden (Conservancy)
September, 2025
The San Francisco of the East: Historic Boston Never Disappoints
I visited Boston not once but twice on back to back trips for work recently. Boston is a walker's paradise full of stories about the founding of our country. It's a vibrant city with many universities, top notch transit, interesting unique neighborhoods, and part of the entire New England charm. I stayed in the Seaport District which is close to South Boston and filled with new walking trails, beaches, parks, restaurants, and hotels. It reminded me of my former home, San Francisco: very walkable, interesting unique neighborhoods, an international flair (lots of foreign visitors including Quebecers), and expensive ($2800 for a one bedroom apartment, $300+ a night for a hotel).
August, 2025
Saugatuck-Douglas-Fennville; your weekend in the Art Coast of Michigan
The Art Coast of Michigan (Saugatuck-Douglas-Fennville in Southwest Michigan) has long been the Midwest's answer to Provincetown. Miles of sandy beaches along Lake Michigan, 2 great LGBTQ resorts, and lots of shops and restaurants make it a great vacation destination.
July, 2025
Pride is Everyday in Columbus
Combine a college town (OSU) with a diverse economy, sprinkle in 35,000 LGBTQ residents and 2 gayborhoods (Short North and German Village) plus several good museums and some great affordable hotels and you are talking about Columbus, Ohio. A Midwest gem. PRIDE is every day in Columbus and so matter of fact. And so amazing for a mid-size city. In the Midwest. Columbus is the largest city in the state of Ohio. Who knew.And a happy fun loving crowd. With more bars than any other city I have been to.
Summer Fun in Washington (Special World Pride Edition)
Summer is a wonderful time to visit D.C. The museums are free, the crowds are gone, and the hotel rates are more reasonable. The nightlife is incredible with 8 new bars including one that is alcohol free. Yes it can be hot and humid so plan accordingly.
June, 2025
Raleigh the Austin of the Southeast?
Raleigh is a college town on steroids, a hipster hangout, a city of interesting reinvented fun tree lined neighborhoods, and a state capitol in a booming state that features mountains and an ocean. It's weird and funky like Austin in Texas, not an Atlanta wanna be like the big city in the state, Charlotte.
Some Like It Hot: Your Weekend in San Antonio
San Antonio is an amazing city. The plants from the West, Mexico, and east all reach their limit here making for an interesting mix found nowhere else: palms, cacti, live oaks, and more. The new Pearl District just northeast of downtown is great and features 2 food halls, restaurants, shops, and a walk along the San Antonio River (River Walk). It's a reborn area that once housed Pearl Brewery.
Waterfalls and More in the Biggest City in the Inland Northwest
Spokane is an amazing historic city in far eastern Washington. The Riverfront Park features stunning huge waterfalls. The downtown is very walkable. Towering ponderosa pines give it a feel more of the Rocky Mountains than the Cascades. The basalt lined Spokane River features a lengthy bike and hike trail. It combines an urban feel with the best of the outdoors. The new 40 mile Centennial Trail starts in Riverside State Park and runs all the way to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.
April, 2025
Spring Has Sprung in Washington, D.C. - New Museum Exhibits Make DC Perfect for a Weekend Visit
New exhibits at galleries in Washington, D.C. make it perfect for a weekend visit. And most of the museums are free. Upcoming events include the Cherry Blossom Festival, World Pride, the May open house tours of the embassies, and a new bar (the new DC Eagle) on top of the 5 that have opened in the last two years. Indeed, the district now has over 10 bars and counting.
Sunnylands Gardens, David Hockney Exhibit, Prescott Preserve Hike Highlight Palm Springs Vacation
There's always something going on in the desert. That would be Palm Springs and the other cities in the Coachella Valley. Just 100 miles east of LA, there is so much to do. This trip was no exception. I love how the city is nestled in the desert with palm trees but with stunning views of the nearby snow capped mountains. There is nowhere else like it. Like Wilton Manors, Florida, it is a LGBTQ oasis. And they both have a Hunter's bar with great happy hours.
March, 2025
Your San Francisco Weekend: Waymo Driverless Taxis and the Iconic Castro
You cannot beat a weekend in San Francisco, the city by the Bay. The homeless situation has improved, they have a new mayor, and it is the city of the future. Employees of high tech companies now live in "the City" and take premium buses to their jobs on the Peninsula. Rents are sky high. The drought is over. And there's so much to do. You may not leave your heart in SF, but if you follow my tips, you won't leave your wallet there either.
January, 2025
Runyon Canyon, El Pueblo de Los Angeles, and the WeHo Bar Scene: Walking in L A (Your WeHo Car Free, Care Free Weekend)
I recently visited Southern California and had a fun time. The weather is always good, but the winter is the best coming from cloudy and cold climates like mine. I flew nonstop into LAX and survived without a rental car. It's a lot more relaxing. I stayed at the Ramada Plaza in West Hollywood (and the Renaissance LAX and the Anaheim Marriott). All three were excellent and affordable -- increasingly important in this expensive region.
December, 2024
Runyon Canyon, El Pueblo de Los Angeles, and the WeHo Bar Scene: Walking in L A (Your WeHo Car Free, Care Free Weekend)
I recently visited Southern California and had a fun time. The weather is always good, but the winter is the best coming from cloudy and cold climates like mine. I flew nonstop into LAX and survived without a rental car. It's a lot more relaxing. I stayed at the Ramada Plaza in West Hollywood (and the Renaissance LAX and the Anaheim Marriott). All three were excellent and affordable -- increasingly important in this expensive region.
November, 2024
The Other Orlando: Eola Park, Ivanhoe District, Arts District, and More
Have you been to the other Orlando? The city has an interesting, walkable downtown including the fabulous Lake Eola Park and the hipster Ivanhoe neighborhood just north of downtown. Plus a lively nightlife scene.
October, 2024
Motor City Rebound: New Mid Town Food Hall, New Cork Town Hotel, New Bridge to Canada and More
The rebound of the Motor City continues unabated. The once downtrodden area has transformed itself. A vibrant downtown, a stunning new bridge to Canada, a new food hall in Midtown Detroit, a new hotel in Cork Town, and fun suburbs like Ferndale, Clawson, and Royal Oak are full of things to do.
Portland East: Bike Heaven, Rich in History, 95 Neighborhoods to Explore: Your Vacation in Amazing Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania will surprise you. The city is set on numerous hills as well as at the confluence of three rivers in southwestern Pennsylvania. Its hipster vibrant scene is reminiscent of more popular (but less affordable) Portland, Oregon. It is a young scene due to the universities (Carnegie Mellon, Chatham, University of Pittsburgh, and more). It has a small town feel although it is a big city. And in rich in history including the steel making days where it was dubbed "Hell with the Lid Off" due to the pollution from the mills. Andrew Salk's polio vaccine was invented here as weas Westinghouse's development of electrical machines.
September, 2024
Queer Bourbon Week, Exploring NuLu, and More-Your weekend in the Bluegrass
Louisville is an interesting mix of unique neighborhoods with a truly one of a kind brand and a Southern regional feel. Despite being just hours from Chicago, you are in the gateway to the South, y'all (yes, they have an accent), Southern charm, Bourbon, horseracing and more.
Your Summer Holiday in the Free State of Florida
Summer is the perfect time to visit the "Free State of Florida" (to use their new moniker). The crowds are gone, and the hotels are a bargain. The breeze off the ocean makes it tolerable and the nights and mornings are nice.
August, 2024
Beaches and Peaches in the Art Coast of Michigan - Your vacation in Saugatuck - Douglas, Michigan
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West Michigan's beautiful art communities of Saugatuck and Douglas have been welcoming LGBTQ vacationers for decades and 2024 is no exception. Beautiful beaches, great restaurants, and more along the southwest shore of Lake Michigan just 90 miles from Chicago make this a perfect destination. I have been coming here for years.
July, 2024
Hot Fun in the Chicago Sun
Chicago is a great city to visit any time of year, but it is even better in the summer: the Lakefront trail, the beaches, bicycling, festivals, and more. And it's one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly cities in the world. And the beaches along Lake Michigan are simply incredible.
Summer Fun in Madison: Your weekend in the 608
Madison, Wisconsin is a great city to visit but in the summer it cannot be beat. Situated on an isthmus between 2 lakes, there is so much to do: bicycling, canoeing, kayaking, and more. I grew up there and am a frequent visitor and have watched it grow into a medium sized city from just a college town (home to the University of Wisconsin).
May, 2024
Historic Boston a Walker's Paradise--your B Town Weekend
Historic Boston makes for a perfect weekend. The city is so walkable (and has such great public transit), you will have sore legs. The historic city is home to 5 or more universities, so it seems in part like a college town on steroids.
Hot Fun in the Desert Sun: Your Palm Springs Itinerary
Palm Springs is a favorite destination of mine. I have lots of friends there and there is always something new to do. This trip was no exception. Hiking in two new natural areas. A cabaret shows at Oscar's. Swimming with the USMS Masters at the Palm Springs Swim Center. A bagel at Townie Bagels and a baguette at Peninsula Pastries. And a cocktail at PSP Air Bar were among the highlights.
April, 2024
Land of Lincoln: Your Visit to Historic Springfield, Illinois
The central Illinois town of Springfield is not only the state capitol, but also the home of Abraham Lincoln, one of America's greatest presidents. Lincoln's legacy is everywhere including the National Park Service run village just south of downtown. The downtown area is very walkable and full of signs describing details about the history and role the 16th President played in the city.
Spring has sprung in Washington
Spring is the perfect time to visit the nation's capital city. The cherry blossoms are in bloom, the museums are free, and there is always something new to do. A new LGBTQ bar opens soon on 14th Street, the sixth new gay bar in a year. So the nightlife is unbeatable. And after San Francisco, it is the most walkable (and gayest) city in North America.
March, 2024
Your Charlottesville, Virginia weekend
I grew up in a college town and always love them. But Charlottesville, Virginia (less than 2 hours south of D.C.) is the best one I have ever visited. Lots of history (Thomas Jefferson's Monticello), a cute downtown outdoor mall, the historic grounds of the University of Virginia (which Jefferson founded), and a great foodie scene make this a memorable weekend. The hilly countryside sits just east of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains which are part of Appalachia.
February, 2024
Milwaukee's A Hoppin'
Milwaukee is a fun vibrant city with its own unique identity. Just ninety miles north of Chicago, it was settled by Germans and their influence persists today. Milwaukee is so well run the Mayor of Portland just came to town to get tips on dealing with the homeless. The historic Third Ward and nearby Walkers Point have many LGBTQ venues to choose from. The stunning architecture of the Milwaukee Art Museum's Quadracci Pavilion (designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava) alone makes the city worth a visit. Indeed, the "Cream City" is named for its many buildings of that color. Few U.S. cities have preserved their historic buildings (and repurposed them) as well as Milwaukee has.
January, 2024
Winter Fun in Florida Sun: Your Ft. Lauderdale/Wilton Manors Holiday
Consider a winter getaway to Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manors (The Island City which is surrounded by Fort Lauderdale, Florida). The weather is usually perfect: highs in the low 80s and rain free. There is so much to do and if you stay right in Wilton Manors, you will not need a car.
December, 2023
DC nightlife takes off with 5 new bars
Who said gay bars are dead? DC has no less than five new bars with more coming. I sampled a few on my recent visit to the DC/Virginia/Maryland metro area (DMV in DC speak) and checked out the Union Market food hall, walked with the Frontrunners up beautiful Stone Creek Park, and went to the Sunday farmer's market in Dupont Circle. I worked out at the new Gold's Gym on Connecticut Avenue as well. And I toured the Capitol and watched the Senate in action. Finally, I went to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. You cannot beat the off season in DC. The crowds of school kids are gone, the museums are quieter, and there is so much to do.
Everyone Welcome in Historic San Juan
Beaches, great food, a friendly welcoming culture, and lots to see and do in a city founded five hundred years ago make San Juan, Puerto Rico perfect for a holiday. Best of all, it's so easy: no passport needed, your phone and phone plan work, and everyone speaks English as well as Spanish. Did I mention the good coffee and rum?
New museum and spa highlight your winter vacation in Palm Springs
There's always something new to do in Palm Springs, California and this trip was no exception. The Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza is the new museum downtown just opened and show cases the fascinating history and culture of the tribes in this area.
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