Meet Globetrotter Sion Walton-Guest
Sion Walton-Guest runs the gay travel blog, The Globetrotter Guys. Now in its eighth year, he works with destinations all over the world to create content on and highlight LGBTQ+ travel to those destinations.
Naturally, Walton-Guest is in a prime position to look ahead to the future of gay travel in all its trends and nuances. “When it comes to being a frequent traveller, I’ve finally (in the last 18 months) managed to make it my full-time job to do so, and have been privileged to travel to and share some amazing destinations,” he tells Vacationer.
Follow his travels @theglobetrotterguys (his DMs are always open to chat and he might just give you some advice). On his Instagram account you will find guides on many subjects, from traveling solo to living nomadically in various countries. If you prefer detailed written travel guides, go to the website.
We caught up with Walton-Guest to find out more about his passion for travel and how it all began.
When did you get your first passport and what was the first trip you took with it?
Sion Walton-Guest: Testing my memory here, but I am fairly confident it must have been when I was 3 years old as my Mum took me to Disneyland Florida and that is where I had my third birthday. I have a few vague memories from it! However as an adult, my first trip at the age of 18 without my parents was to Sri Lanka with my best friend (his Dad lived in Sri Lanka so we had somewhere to stay).
What travel experience sparked your passion for travel?
There are multiple elements to this. Like I mentioned, my first trip as an adult was to Sri Lanka and I went for six weeks in total. Whilst most guys at school were going on ‘lads, lads, lads’ vacations to Benidorm, my first travel experience was a huge adventure and set the standard very high for what I can gain from traveling.
That trip was the spark which was further enhanced post university when I went away for 9 months to work in Australia and travel south east Asia. I then returned to the UK and worked in corporate tax for 5 years but didn’t have the same passion for tax (shocking I know!). So in 2018 I quit tax, and embarked on another 2-year travel adventure and this is when I created The Globetrotter Guys.
Where do you call home, and if Vacationers were coming to visit, what are three things they absolutely must do in your town?
Right now, I live in Manchester. I say ‘right now’ because I am selling my house and planning on going nomadic as soon as possible for a year or so.
But if anyone finds themselves in Manchester then they must visit the gay village for a night out, explore the city via its canals and grab food at Ashas, one of my favourite places to eat.
What are your top three favorite places in the world so far? Why?
Let me start with my number one of all time, South Africa. I spent three months here and fell in love. Every day had the wow factor, whether that was from the food, the beaches, natural wonders like Table Mountain or the wildlife. This really felt like a destination that delivered on everything you could possibly look for.
Second but on par, Antarctica. I think I spent the entire trip with my mouth hung open, I could not believe what I was seeing. I felt like I was in a David Attenborough documentary and have never felt so excited to be anywhere in my life, especially as I was able to go kayaking with humpback whales!
Finally, I recently went to Jordan, which was very interesting from a gay travel perspective. But the places I visited like Petra and Wadi Rum were simply spectacular, Wadi Rum in particular made me feel like I was on Mars!
What three places are still on your bucket list to visit? Why?
Number one is the Galapagos islands, I love scuba diving and I really want to experience that here (and ideally see hammerhead sharks).
Second, I love hiking so I would love to hike and see Machu Pichu.
And finally I want to do an Arctic cruise so that I can see polar bears. Essentially, anything to do with nature, animals and being active!
What’s one thing you never forget to pack in your suitcase?
A Pride flag! I need to be representing no matter where I go!
Window or aisle?
Aisle so I can pee when I like without feeling awkward about asking people to move.
What are your main travel concerns, priorities or motivators in 2025/2026?
My concerns mainly fall around places where LGBTQ+ rights seem to be sliding backwards and to make it a priority in those places to try and highlight that LGBTQ+ businesses and people still exist and need the support of people traveling to those destinations. For example I have had push back for going to Florida but want to highlight welcoming places like St. Pete and Tampa.
In terms of motivators, my content on Jordan recently sparked a lot of conversation and debate which I found interesting and important. I’d like to do more destinations akin to Jordan where LGBTQ+ travel becomes more questionable because again, LGBTQ+ people still exist there and should not be forgotten about.
Where are you next headed to and why? What is the first thing you will do as soon as you arrive there?
Next up I a heading back to Wales (where I am from) for Xmas and the first thing I will do is ask my Mum to put the kettle on!
