About Us

More than just a gay-friendly travel company

Welcome to Venturing OUT

We believe travel is not just about escaping reality, but about finding yourself within unforgettable moments. We’re committed to crafting unique travel experiences that are LGBTQ-friendly and inspire our community and allies to see the world in a new light.

Matt and Travis, the founders of Venturing OUT, fell in love while traveling the world together. Matt’s fondness of new experiences and foreign cultures, combined with Travis’ sense of adventure, led them to explore remote corners of the globe. Along the way, they discovered their shared passion for travel was more than a hobby – it was a way of life.

For Matt and Travis, travel is not just about ticking off destinations on a bucket list, but about once-in-a-lifetime travel moments and memories. Whether it’s watching the sunrise over Angkor Wat or kayaking through the fjords of Norway, they believe travel has the power to transform lives and leave lasting impacts.

As the famous writer and adventurer, Ibn Battuta, once said, “Traveling—it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” At Venturing OUT, we want to help you create your own stories by bringing your travel dreams to life. Let us take you on a journey that will change you forever.

The Power of a Travel Moment

Anyone can hop flights and see the sights, but how many travelers become fully immersed in the power of a moment? Imagine being able to hit the pause button – fully embrace one occasion – breathing it all in.

I’m talking about a moment that kindles a particular feeling within you, where your surroundings seem to slow down and you experience that rush that only comes from exploring new places.

I’ll never forget one morning during my stay in Tuscany… I decide to wake up extra early (all my friends in the villa, still asleep)…I walk outside to a view of the golden rolling hills, the morning sun reflecting off the dew on the grapevines…I slip gently into the the refreshing pool water and listen to the chirps of small birds waking up and a breeze rustling the leaves on the olive trees… I’m happily lost in the moment and am reminded why traveling to new places is so important to me.

I believe in the power of moments like this and continue to feel their lasting impression. It’s my mission to help as many travelers as I can find and experience their own.

At the surface, Venturing OUT may appear to simply offer travel itineraries. But our core philosophy is to provide our travelers with lasting experiences that stick with them long after the return home. That’s the power of a travel moment.

– Matt Meeks, Founder

Our Team

MattFounder & President

Matt’s been a writer, marketer, teacher…but he’s always identified most with being a traveler. After visiting 40+ countries, including living in East Asia, he dreamed up the concept for Venturing OUT.

TravisCo-Founder & VP

Whether jet-skiing or scaling mountains, Travis’ adventurous spirit gives Venturing OUT its heartbeat. His knowledge of Latin American destinations is impressive, plus he’s a great dad.

SamanthaTravel Advisor

Sam provides mental health resources to LGBTQ+ folks and is the type of person who helps move the equality needle forward on the daily. She’s also our go-to for epic domestic & Caribbean vacations.

JoshTravel Advisor

Josh travels off the beaten path. Think rainforests, the arctic circle, and active volcanos. He’s a social media expert and photographer, plus knows his way around the unique European destinations.

Our Mission To Transform The
Travel Industry

One of our favorite parts about travel is diversity; people from all backgrounds and lifestyles exploring the globe, and experiencing it together. And while we hope one day it’ll be safe for everyone to travel anywhere – we know that for now – we have to keep navigating a complex world.

We remain motivated to keep taking actions that impact and transform the travel industry. We do so by regularly discussing unique challenges the LGBTQ+ community faces while providing safe and empowering trip advice for travelers.

Ready to start Venturing OUT?

We want to plan your next trip

Whether you want a once-in-a-lifetime adventure with your partner, a group trip with your crew, or a completely unique and custom-made itinerary just for you, the team at Venturing OUT will make it a reality.

Start Planning