Wander. Wonder. Remember.

Our Trip Hosts

Trip Hosts are more than just guides — they’re the friendly faces who travel with you, representing Pride Adventures or one of our trusted partner brands. They help ensure everything runs smoothly while creating an inclusive, supportive, and fun atmosphere from start to finish.

Meet Our Trip Hosts

Passionate, knowledgeable, and endlessly welcoming — our trip hosts are the heart of every adventure. They guide, support, and celebrate each journey with you, turning incredible destinations into unforgettable shared experiences.

Chris Smith

Chief Adventure Officer, Pride Adventures

I’m Chris, your Chief Adventure Officer here at Pride Adventures.

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Kevin Smith

Trip Host, Pride Adventures

I’m Kevin — trip host and logistics lead at Pride Adventures, and yes, also Chris’s brother!

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Jon Talbot

Adventure Leader, California Gay Adventures

I’m Jon — one of the original members of California Gay Adventures!

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Daniel Cooley

Host, Best Man Matchmaking

I’m Daniel — matchmaker, coach, and co-owner of Best Man Matchmaking.

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Nick Read

Managing Director, Pride Expeditions - UK

I’m Nick — International Mountain Leader, LGBTQ+ travel advocate, and the founder of Pride Expeditions.

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Lynn Shrum

Founder, Women’s Adventure Travel

I’m Lynn — founder of Women’s Adventure Travel and a lifelong believer in the power of connection through shared experiences. 

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We’re often out exploring the world—but we’re never too far to connect. Send us a message and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can (usually within a day or two). Your next adventure is just a conversation away!
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Chris Smith

Pride Adventures

Hey there! I’m Chris, your Chief Adventure Officer here at Pride Adventures. My journey into LGBTQ+ travel began around a campfire in Yosemite, where a simple camping trip sparked the idea for what eventually became California Gay Adventures (CGA). Since then, it’s grown into something much bigger — a global community of queer adventurers exploring the world together.

I was raised in a conservative Mormon family in Mesa, Arizona, came out at 21, and spent years working in gay media, nightlife, and corporate marketing. But my heart has always belonged to travel and community. That’s why I created Pride Adventures — to connect LGBTQ+ travelers through shared experiences in amazing destinations.

I’ve led trips to Costa Rica, Southeast Asia, the Yucatán, and beyond. Whether we’re hiking glaciers in Iceland or sailing through the Galápagos, I’m here to help make your next trip unforgettable.

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Kevin Smith

Pride Adventures

Hi, I’m Kevin — trip host and logistics lead at Pride Adventures, and yes, also Chris’s brother! While he’s the creative force dreaming up incredible adventures, I focus on making sure every detail runs like clockwork. Together, we make a great team.

I specialize in custom travel planning, luxury experiences, and seamless group coordination — whether it’s an adventure in the wild or a high-end getaway. I’ve hosted trips to Costa Rica and South Africa, with more exciting destinations on the horizon. If you’re joining one of my trips, get ready for a well-organized, unforgettable journey.

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Jon Talbot

Adventure Leader, California Gay Adventures

Hi, I’m Jon — one of the original members of California Gay Adventures! I joined Chris on the very first CGA camping trip to Yosemite back in September 2017 and have been part of the journey ever since.
Over the years, I’ve had the honor of leading a variety of hikes and overnight adventures, including trips to the Grand Canyon and Southern Utah. I’m passionate about building community through the outdoors and love helping others experience the beauty and camaraderie CGA offers.
I’ll be co-hosting our Canada wilderness adventure in July 2025, and I can’t wait to explore with you!

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Daniel Cooley

Host, Best Man Matchmaking

Hi, I’m Daniel — matchmaker, coach, and co-owner of Best Man Matchmaking. I’m beyond excited to be hosting our upcoming Gay Singles Retreat in Thailand this October with Pride Adventures!
For over a decade, I’ve helped gay men build real, lasting connections — whether through my non-profit work, massage therapy practice, or now through matchmaking. My passion lies in creating conscious, meaningful relationships and showing people they’re not alone in the journey. I founded The Thrive Tribe to combat the stigma of HIV and support GBTQ men on PrEP, and that spirit of connection continues in everything I do today.

Whether you’re looking for love, deep friendship, or just an incredible adventure with like-minded singles — I can’t wait to meet you in Thailand and help you make the most of this experience.

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Nick Read

Managing Director, Pride Expeditions - UK

Hi, I’m Nick — International Mountain Leader, LGBTQ+ travel advocate, and the founder of Pride Expeditions. I’ve been leading mountain adventures for years and created Pride Expeditions to offer meaningful, queer-friendly experiences in some of the world’s most breathtaking — and often challenging — destinations.

Based in the UK, we launched in 2017 with a mission to create safe, empowering trips for LGBTQ+ travelers in regions where equal rights may still be a work in progress. I personally know and work with all of our local guides to ensure they share our values of inclusion, dignity, and support. From summiting peaks in Nepal to building community on Kilimanjaro, we believe visibility and presence matter — especially in places where LGBTQ+ voices are often silenced.

We’re not just about mountains; we’re about movement. Movement toward connection, pride, and global understanding.

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Lynn Shrum

Founder, Women’s Adventure Travel

Hi, I’m Lynn — founder of Women’s Adventure Travel and a lifelong believer in the power of connection through shared experiences. For over 20 years, I’ve been creating unforgettable trips designed specifically for the lesbian community, with a focus on fun, friendship, and adventure in beautiful destinations around the world.

Based in sunny Florida, I’ve built a vibrant and supportive network of travelers who are always ready for the next great escape. Whether it’s hiking through national parks, relaxing on tropical beaches, or exploring a new city together, my goal is to make every journey feel like you’re traveling with chosen family.

I’d love for you to join us in our Facebook group of 900+ amazing women adventurers — it’s where the excitement starts!

Connect with me:
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