✍️ By: Chris Smith, Chief Adventure Officer
What does it mean to celebrate Pride when the world feels heavy?
That was the question on my heart as we headed to Puerto Vallarta for one of our most joyful, adventure-filled weekends of the year. And by the end of the trip, I had my answer—because this group, this community, reminded me exactly why we show up.
From the moment we landed, we were surrounded by beauty—sunshine, ocean air, rainbow flags, and the incredible energy of people who came together to celebrate who they are.
💥 We marched in the Puerto Vallarta Pride Parade.
🎭 We danced under the stars at Rhythms of the Night.
⚡ We pushed ourselves during the Extreme Adventure Tour—ziplining, ATV-riding, freefalling, and flying like superheroes.
⛵ We wrapped it all up with a catamaran cruise, wind in our hair, music blasting, surrounded by laughter and chosen family.
But this trip wasn’t just about adrenaline and fun.
It was about belonging.
Because in a time when LGBTQ+ rights are under fire—when books are being banned, identities questioned, and morality weaponized—it can be easy to feel isolated or overwhelmed. That pressure weighs on all of us. Some days, it weighs on me.
And yet… in Puerto Vallarta, we created a space where none of that could steal our joy.
We celebrated each other. We made new friends. We held space for laughter, connection, and vulnerability.
💛 One first-time solo traveler said this was the first time they felt truly seen.
💛 Another said they hadn’t laughed that hard in years.
💛 And for many, this was more than a trip—it was healing.
This is what Pride Adventures is all about.
Yes, we explore the world—but we also explore what it means to live boldly, love freely, and find community wherever we go.
So if you’ve been wondering whether you belong here, the answer is: you do.
And if you’ve been carrying the weight of the world, come release it with us.
There’s a place for you on the next trip. On the next hike. At the next dinner table. On the next catamaran.
👉 Check out the full recap video here
👉 Explore upcoming trips
👉 Join the CGA community
With pride and gratitude,
Chris Smith
Chief Adventure Officer
Pride Adventures – Connecting LGBTQ+ Travelers Worldwide
Check out our Substack article here.
