What we’re about
This group is for LGBT-friendly food lovers and travelers who don’t want to wait on their friends to finally say “yes” to get out to enjoy some good eats, socialize, and see the world. Life is too short and the world is too big!
The food events in this group are member-driven so if you’d like to host a Meetup in your area (i.e. brunch, cooking class, happy hour, a meal out at a new restaurant, etc), feel free to let me know and I'll help you get it set up in the group!
The trips in this group are usually 90% solo travelers but everyone is welcome, female/male, solo/couple/friends, straight/LGBTQIA+! So let’s travel together with fun, like-minded travelers! If you have an open mind and are kind to fellow travelers, you will fit in perfectly on these trips!
NOTE: The people on these trips are from all over the States but you’ll always be connected with people from the same city on a trip so you can meet up face to face and get to know your future travel buddies prior to the trip. You’ll also be connected to the whole group via email prior to the trip so you can virtually get to know those that are from different areas. On average, the people on each trip are 90% solo travelers but it’s hard to predict the exact demographic for each trip so please keep this in mind.
Feel free to join the Facebook group to connect with past travelers on these trips, see pictures, ask questions, funny travel memes, travel-related articles, etc: https://www.facebook.com/groups/613025845523107
The trips in this group are put on by a tour company called Globe Drifters and they focus on small group trips geared towards solo travelers with the mission of giving new meaning to travel by putting the human experience at the heart of their trips. The groups are small, usually with 12 people maximum per trip and about 90% of everyone on each trip are solo travelers so you’re not stuck being the odd man out on trips with mostly couples. You’ll have the best of both worlds, solo travel with the security of a small group of other solo travelers for some company on your adventure! To contact Globe Drifters directly, you can email [info@globe-drifters.com](mailto:info@globe-drifters.com).
Upcoming events
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🎄✨ Jingle & Mingle: Chicago Holiday Hotel Lobby Tour ❄️🏨
Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel Chicago, 163 E Walton St Chicago, IL 60611, Chicago, IL, US🎄✨ Jingle & Mingle: Chicago Holiday Hotel Lobby Tour ❄️🏨
🌆 A Festive Guided Stroll Through Chicago’s Most Beautiful Holiday Lobbies
✨
It’s that time of year again for my famous Holiday Walk! Explore the best-decorated hotels, lobbies, and storefronts along a convenient downtown route. This annual tradition has grown into a full, guided holiday walking tour, complete with all of the fascinating history of the area, the grand hotels, and Chicago holiday traditions!
Get ready for one of our most magical annual traditions — a festive holiday walk down the Magnificent Mile and nearby North Michigan Avenue area, exploring the city’s most beautifully decorated hotel lobbies, sparkling trees, and twinkling seasonal displays! ✨
This route is perfect for longtime Chicago locals, visitors both young and old, or anyone who loves holiday décor, architecture, photography, or simply being a tourist in their own city. Expect tons of gorgeous lobby trees, elegant decorations, festive themes, great company, and amazing photo ops! 📸🎄
Rumor has it Santa may show up with gifts at one of our stops! 🎅🎁
We begin at the Millennium Hotel Knickerbocker and officially end at the Palmer House. Walk does NOT end where we start! This walk is longer than my regular walks because we stop inside many locations, enjoy libations, take group photos, and soak up all the festive holiday décor along the route!
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🕰️ Schedule, Meeting Info & Cost
📅 Saturday, November 29, 2025
🕚 11:00 AM – 2:15 PM
📍 Start: Millennium Hotel Knickerbocker – 163 E Walton St, Chicago, IL 60611
🎯 End: Palmer House Hotel – 17 E Monroe St, Chicago, IL 60603
🚶♀️ Distance: ~2.5 miles | Easy pace | Indoors & outdoors 🌦️
💰 Cost: $20 (cash preferred; Zelle/Venmo/PayPal accepted)
⚠️ Note: Walk ends 2.5 miles from the start — park accordingly or take public transit back.
📸 Not a dedicated photo walk but trust us — you’ll want your camera!
🎤 Led by your passionate, ever-curious guide — this a festive adventure is great for longtime locals, out of town visitors, the young and the old, architecture lovers, history buffs, and anyone who enjoys exploring the city’s holiday magic.
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🌟 Route & Highlights (subject to change based on group size or timing)
1.🏨 Millennium Hotel Knickerbocker – Classic 1920s elegance with a beautifully decorated lobby tree and vintage holiday charm. 🎄
2.🏰 The Drake – Historic holiday magic with garlands, a grand Palm Court tree, and a vintage Chicago feel. 🍬🎄
3.🛍️ 900 N Michigan Ave Shops – Home to one of Chicago’s largest indoor Christmas trees—multi-story, glittering, and iconic.
4.🌟 Four Seasons Hotel Chicago – Lavish lobby tree, gourmet holiday dining, and gingerbread workshops. 🎄
5.⛸️ The Peninsula Chicago – Winter dreamscape with the Sky Rink rooftop, luxury décor, and Holiday Afternoon Tea. ❄️🎄
6.🏨 InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile – Grand holiday lobby décor, Nutcracker touches, twinkling lights, and festive floral displays. ✨
7.🎅 The Langham Chicago – Shimmering gold-and-silver décor, elegant lobby tree, festive tea service & Santa nook. 🎄🎁
8.🌊 Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel – Modern, bright holiday installations and stylish seasonal décor. 🍸🎄
9.⛷️ Fairmont Chicago – Chic winter-lodge vibes, glowing lobby tree, and proximity to Millennium Park’s city holiday displays. ❄️🎿
10.🏛️ Chicago Cultural Center – Two Tiffany stained-glass domes, shimmering holiday décor, and a beautiful lobby Christmas tree. 💎🎄
11.🏙️ Cloud Gate / Millennium Park – Home to Chicago’s official Christmas tree, surrounded by holiday lights and skyline views. 🎄✨
12.🏨 Palmer House Hotel – Classic Chicago grandeur with a towering lobby tree, opulent ceilings, and holiday cocktails. 🍸
End time: approx. 2:15 PM at the Palmer House
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🎉 What to Expect
✔️ Beautiful holiday décor — classic, modern, and everything in between
✔️ Amazing photo opportunities
✔️ Warm lobbies to step inside and enjoy
✔️ Relaxed social outing perfect for mingling
✔️ Fun holiday memories with friendly Meetup groups
This event is great for newcomers and longtime regulars alike!
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🚶♀️ Route Info
- Slow-paced walk with plenty of stops
- Distance: ~2.5 miles
- Indoor & outdoor at various hotels
- Dress in warm layers and comfortable walking shoes
🎒 Bring:
👟 Comfortable walking shoes
💧 Water bottle
🌦️ Weather-ready gear
💵 $20 tour fee
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✨ North Michigan Avenue: Chicago’s Grand Hotels & Shopping Destination
North Michigan Avenue, the Magnificent Mile, has been Chicago’s premier luxury corridor for over a century. Home to iconic grand hotels like The Drake, The Peninsula, The Langham, InterContinental, and Palmer House, it has long been a playground for high society, celebrities, and travelers seeking elegance.
Alongside these historic hotels, the avenue boasts world-class shopping, renowned restaurants, and dazzling architecture, making it a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike. During the holidays, the street and its hotels come alive with sparkling lights, festive trees, and elaborate decorations.
🎄 Christmas on North Michigan Avenue – A Chicago Tradition
Since the 1920s, North Michigan Avenue has been a centerpiece of Chicago’s holiday celebrations. Grand hotels began dazzling visitors with ornate trees, sparkling lights, and festive window displays, while department stores joined the celebration, creating the city’s first holiday shopping destination. Families strolling the avenue could enjoy elaborate window scenes, towering lobby trees, and seasonal decorations, a tradition that continues today.
The Magnificent Mile remains synonymous with holiday glamour, luxury shopping, and festive cheer, making it one of the city’s most iconic seasonal destinations.
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🚇 Getting There
Public transportation is strongly recommended.
CTA Trip Planner: https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/
🚗 Driving
- Parking is limited
- SpotHero / ParkWhiz recommended
- Metered parking exists but can be scarce — check signs carefully
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📝 RSVP & No-Show Policy
✔️ Keep your RSVP updated — no-shows prevent others from joining
❌ Please cancel if you cannot attend
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🎄✨ Join us for a cozy, festive stroll through Chicago’s most stunning holiday lobbies — guaranteed laughs, gorgeous décor, and unforgettable holiday vibes!20 attendees
Thailand Trip! - Jan 2026
Location not specified yetTHAILAND TRIP!
• Dates: January 5 - 19, 2026 (15 days / 14 nights)
• Cost: $5200 (per person, excluding international flights)
• Single supplement: $875
• Trip details: https://globe-drifters.com/trip/thailand/
See who goes on these trips and what we do & see: THAILAND TRIP PHOTOS!
If you have questions, email info@globe-drifters.com.
Travel around Thailand on a small group, 15-day trip and explore its temples, jungle, and beautiful beaches! From island hopping on a long-tail boat to jungle trekking in one of the oldest rainforests in the world, you won’t be disappointed in the Land of Smiles. Thailand’s stunning landscapes and laid-back vibe make it the perfect getaway! Thailand’s breathtaking landscape, mouth-watering food, relaxing massages, and laid-back vibe make it the perfect travel destination. Did we mention a massage is only $8?! No matter your style, Thailand has something for everyone.
Shop like a local: Visit Bangkok’s largest and most authentic fresh market, where locals buy their daily ingredients—from fresh fruits and vegetables to creepy-crawly delicacies—before learning to cook authentic Thai dishes with a local chef.
Picture perfect beaches: Visit the laid-back town of Railay, accessible only by boat and pedestrians. The beaches here are straight from a postcard!
Sleep in a treehouse!: Stay the night in a teak forest in treehouse bungalows. This is a one-of-a-kind experience that not many tourists get to see.1 attendee
Cuba Trip! - Mar 2026
Location not specified yetCUBA TRIP!
• Dates: March 14 - 22, 2026 (9 days / 8 nights)
• Cost: $2700 (per person, excluding flights)
• Single supplement: $450
• Detailed itinerary, visa info, FAQ, etc: https://globe-drifters.com/trip/cuba-march/
See photos from previous trips here: CUBA TRIP PHOTOS
For more information or if you have questions, please email info@globe-drifters.com
Cuba travel, legal and local… Thanks to the small group size, we avoid the big, government-run establishments, most of which US travelers aren’t allowed to patronize. As a small group, we can also dine at privately owned restaurants to support everyday citizens. Our groups of 12 travelers or less can visit smaller, more off-the-beaten-path places for more meaningful interaction with locals. Below are some of the things that make our small group trips to Cuba unique:
Authentic, local interaction: Your own dedicated Cuban trip leader throughout the trip will be your friend and show you Cuba through the eyes of a local.
Playa Larga: A sleepy beach town on the Bay of Pigs to escape the hordes of travelers at the major tourist hotspots. It’s a great place to witness everyday Cuban life in a typical Cuban town.
FAC: The Fábrica de Arte Cubano is a great place to mingle with Cubans over a drink while listening to live music and admiring works of art by local artists.1 attendee
Portugal Slowcation! - Apr 2026
Sintra, PTPORTUGAL SLOWCATION!
• Dates: April 9 - 19, 2026 (11 days / 10 nights)
• Cost: $4450 (per person, excluding flights)
• Single supplement: NONE!
*Room upgrades available for premium rooms.
• Details: https://globe-drifters.com/trip/portugalslowcation/
Check out pictures from previous trips to see what we do, where we go and who goes on the trips: PORTUGAL PHOTOS!
If you have any questions, please email info@globe-drifters.com.
What is a slowcation? Click here to find out: https://globe-drifters.com/slowcations/
Experience the magic of Portugal at your leisure on our slowcation… Explore Sintra’s fairytale castles, verdant hills, and charming cobblestone streets returning each day to a dreamy 19th-century estate. Then, head to Porto for wine tasting, golden sunsets aboard private sailboats, and strolls through colorful, lively neighborhoods. With hands-on experiences, unforgettable meals, and time to truly connect with each place; this is Portugal at your pace!
Portugal like a local: Step off the tourist trail into authentic Portuguese traditions. Learn the art of cheese making at a family-run dairy farm, paint your own azulejo (traditional tile), and wander through the unique landscapes of a working cork plantation.
Fairytale castles: Roam through Sintra, where enchanting palaces, lush gardens, and picturesque streets reveal centuries-old legends and hidden gems at every turn.
Douro Valley delights: Sail in style down the Douro River and indulge in the finest wines at exclusive quintas nestled in the scenic, rolling hills of Portugal’s award-winning wine country.1 attendee
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