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.
NAXOS GREEK ISLAND SLOWCATION!
• Dates: May 23 - June 1, 2025 (10 days / 9 nights):
• Cost: $3400 (per person, excluding flights)
• Details: https://globe-drifters.com/trip/naxos-greekisland-slowcation/
See pictures from past trips here: GREEK ISLANDS PHOTOS!
This trip is a “Slowcation” and you can read more about it here: https://globe-drifters.com/slowcations/
Below is some information. If you have any questions, you can email info@globe-drifters.com.
Experience an off–the-beaten-path Greek island paradise on our slowcation… Naxos is an authentic Greek island in the Cyclades away from the masses of tourists. It is the perfect mix of sandy beaches, stunning turquoise waters, olive groves, mountains, and local traditions. Naxos is also Zeus’ childhood home and boasts wonderful Greek food as well as amazing hospitality!
Beaches: Sun-soaked and radiant, Naxos is a great location to take your time and relax in the many sun loungers on the beach.
See what few tourists see: Visit Naxos’ inland which most visitors skip. Take in the charming Greek villages and majestic mountain ranges on the Cyclades’ largest island.
Boat life!: Channel your inner James Bond as you speed around in a boat to the idyllic village of Naousa on Paros and the picture-perfect beaches in and around Naxos.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Private Guided Tour of the Elks National Memorial + Lunch AfterElks National Memorial, Chicago, IL
Let's visit the grand hidden gem in Lincoln Park, the Elks National Memorial! It is a tribute to the bravery, loyalty, and dedication of the thousands of Elks who have fought and died for our country. It has been described as one of the most magnificent war memorials in the world, but with its monumental architecture and priceless art, the Memorial is more a symbol of peace and of the patriotism of the members of the Elks fraternity
We will have a private docent-led tour through the memorial. After the tour, we will be allowed to walk around and check out the memorial & take pictures. Since we are getting a private guided tour, there is a $10 fee per person. I will collect $10 from everyone and give it to the Elks in appreciation of the tour. Please bring CASH for the donation! If necessary, I can accept Zelle, Venmo & PayPal so I can give one big group donation after the tour. Please check in with me at the start of the tour & pay me directly~
After the tour, some of us will get lunch at one of the many nearby places:
Gorkha Kitchen Indian and Nepalese Restaurant 434 W Diversey Pkwy, https://gorkhakitchenchicago.com/
Oasis Fresh 500 W Diversey Pkwy, https://oasisfreshofchicago.com/
Matisse Tavern & Grill 674 W Diversey Pkwy, https://www.matissetavernchicago.com/
All are welcome to join! BRING CASH IF JOINING FOR LUNCH AS SOME VENUES WON'T DO SEPARATE CHECKS!A monument in the truest sense, the Elks National Memorial was built in 1926 to honor Americans whose profound sacrifices for the nation can never be recognized by mere words. With its massive dome, heroic sculptures and intricately detailed friezes, the Memorial is a distinctively American interpretation of classical greatness.
The Elks National Memorial is a tribute to the bravery, loyalty and dedication of the thousands of Elks who have fought and died for our country. It has been described as one of the most magnificent war memorials in the world, but with its monumental architecture and priceless art, the Memorial is more a symbol of peace and of the patriotism of the members of the Elks fraternity.
E.L.M. is a Beaux Arts-style domed building. Structure was planned by the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, who wished to honor members of their order who had served in World War I. A design competition was administered by the AIA. Architect Egerton Swartwout's design was selected for the building, which was constructed between 1924 and 1926. Fine marble was imported from Europe. High quality limestone came from Indiana. The building's lavish construction & interior decoration and artwork have caused it to be described as "one of the most magnificent war memorials in the world."
The Elks rededicated it in 1946, 1976, and 1994 to honor veterans of WWII, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and all subsequent conflicts. On 10/1/03, the City of Chicago granted the memorial landmark status. Besides a memorial, the building serves as the national headquarters of the Elks. https://www.elks.org/memorial/
If you are taking public transportation, please check Google Maps for directions or use CTA trip planner. https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/ easily accessible by bus and train
If you are driving there is metered street parking along Diversey Pkwy Sheridan Rd & Canon Drive, Limited free side street parking. Watch for permit parking signs. Parking can be tricky in this area so might want to use SpotHero or ParkWhiz
PLEASE KEEP RSVP UP TO DATE AND DO NOT BE A NO SHOW!
- Explore Pilsen's Vibrant Street Art with Local Guide Luis Tubens!National Museum of Mexican Art, Chicago, IL
Discover the vibrant murals of Pilsen on a walking tour with local guide Luis Tubens! This tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich cultural and artistic heritage of Pilsen, known for its stunning public art. Luis, a seasoned guide with deep roots in the community, will share the stories behind the murals, highlighting the neighborhood’s Mexican identity, heritage, and activism. Note for those who have done this tour before, this is new route this year, so we will view all new murals!
Join us for one of our most favorite walking tours of the season! It will be a great walk on a lovely fall Sunday afternoon. It's a multi-meetup group event! While it is not a strict photo walk, there will be many opportunities to take pictures!
There is a $25 fee per person. THIS IS A PAID PRIVATE NEIGHBORHOOD WALKING TOUR OF THE BEAUTIFUL & HISTORIC PILSEN AREA WITH AN EXPERT GUIDE. Your tour will be led by Luis Tubens, who has many years of experience leading tours of the Pilsen area. He is the co-founder of the Pilsen Public Art Tours Company.
The tour is approx. 1.5 miles of walking and about 2 hours long.
Please dress appropriately for the weather, remember to hydrate and wear your walking shoes, and hit the bathrooms before you come! Lastly, please be prompt as we will only wait a few minutes after start time to begin our tour.
EVERYONE PAYS $25 UPFRONT AT THE START OF THE TOUR SO THAT I CAN PAY OUR TOUR GUIDE Luis!
After the walk, some of us may grab a bite at 5 Rabanitos across the street from the National Mexican Museum of Art: 1758 W 18th St, https://5rabanitos.com/ All are welcome to join! BRING CASH IF JOINING FOR LUNCH AS VENUE WON'T DO SEPARATE CHECKS!
Just minutes from downtown Chicago, come explore some of the most vibrant walls in the city. PIlsen Public Art Tours was created by two community-invested art educators. With a natural love for the arts and two decades of combined organizing and art engagement practice, PPAT is distinctly positioned to offer an in-depth educational experience. Their walking tours connect participants to the themes, history, and messages of the local public art.
Rich in Latino culture, Pilsen is a neighborhood that overflows with music, art, culinary tradition, and nightlife. It’s home to award-winning restaurants, iconic music venues, and sensational murals as far as the eye can see. Maybe that’s why it was named one of the “12 Coolest Neighborhoods Around the World” by Forbes.
In the late 19th century Pilsen was inhabited by Czech immigrants who named the district after Pilsen, the fourth largest city in Czechia. The population also included in smaller numbers of other ethnic groups from the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Although there was an increasing Mexican American presence in the late 1950s, it was not until 1962-63 when there was a great spurt in the numbers of Mexican Americans in Pilsen due to the destruction of the neighborhood west of Halsted to create room for the construction of UIC. Latinos became the majority in 1970 when they surpassed the Slavic population. The neighborhood continued to serve as port of entry for immigrants.
Luis Tubens is co-founder of the Pilsen Public Art Tours. He has given thousands of tours of the iconic murals in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood. For 10 years he worked for the National Museum of Mexican Art as an art educator. From there, he worked for 4 years as the outreach coordinator for then, 7th District Cook County Commissioner Jesús “Chuy” García, whos’ district covers Pilsen. He also studied under the legendary muralist Jose Guerrero. His knowledge of the murals comes from years of studying Mexican art and from his relationships with community organizations and muralists. He currently resides in Pilsen and when not giving tours he works as a performing artist.
If you are taking public transportation, please check Google Maps for directions or use CTA trip planner. https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/
If you drive, there is metered street parking on 18th & 19th streets plus some free spots on side streets. Watch for no parking and permit only signs.
PLEASE KEEP RSVP UP TO DATE AND DO NOT BE A NO SHOW!
- Thailand for Lantern Festival Trip! - Nov 2024Bangkok, Bangkok
THAILAND FOR LANTERN FESTIVAL!
• Dates: November 5 - 19, 2024 (15 days / 14 nights)
• Cost: $4050 (per person, excluding flights)
• Single supplement: $775
• Details: https://globe-drifters.com/trip/thailand-trip-for-lantern-festival/Check out pictures from previous trips to see what we do, where we go, and who goes on the trip: THAILAND TRIP PHOTOS!
For more information or if you have any questions, please email info@globe-drifters.com.
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. Join us for one of the most coveted events in travel… The mass lantern release in Chiang Mai! This highly anticipated event sells out fast and is a bucket list item! It is an awe-inspiring sight to witness thousands of lanterns drift into the sky.
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.
- *DATE CHANGE* Autumn Walking Tour of the Scenic Bucktown NeighborhoodSt. Mary of the Angels School, Chicago, IL
DATE CHANGE! MOVED FROM 10/13/24 to 11/10/24!
Searching for a distinctive activity this fall Sunday afternoon? Interested in delving into the history of Chicago and its diverse neighborhoods? Join us for our newest neighborhood walking tour! We're venturing into a new area on the northwest side, highlighting the Bucktown neighborhood. Bucktown is sure to captivate those who are passionate about small businesses, architecture, and history.
Discover the architectural and historical gems of Bucktown on a walking tour that brings the past to life. Explore the vibrant streets, marvel at the intricate designs, and dive into the stories that shaped this unique Chicago neighborhood.
The walk promises to be delightful on this beautiful early autumn afternoon. It's an event that brings multiple meetup groups together! Although it's not exclusively a photo walk, there will be ample chances to snap photos!
There is a $20 fee per person. THIS IS A PAID PRIVATE NEIGHBORHOOD WALKING TOUR OF THE BEAUTIFUL & HISTORIC BUCKTOWN DISTRICT WITH AN EXPERT CHICAGO GUIDE. Please check out another walking tour that I have developed for the Bucktown neighborhood.
Beginning at Saint Mary of the Angels School, the tour will feature a collection of majestic Polish Churches, historic vintage residences, and contemporary modern condominiums. Additionally, it will encompass numerous parks and a variety of charming local pubs, as well as businesses that are no longer in operation.
The tour is approx. 2.3 miles of walking outside so wear good walking shoes and proper outdoor clothing for the Chicago fall weather.
Note that the tour ends about 8 blocks or 1 mile from where we start, so park accordingly if you drive. We start at the Saint Mary of the Angels School at 1810 N Hermitage Ave, and end at Margie's Candies at 1960 N Western Ave, so I suggest parking somewhere in the middle
EVERYONE PAYS $20 UPFRONT AT THE START OF THE TOUR
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After the walk, some of us may grab a bite at wonderful Mexican Restaurant, called Manchamanteles https://www.manchamantelesrestaurant.com/ All are welcome to join!
BRING CASH IF JOINING FOR LUNCH AS VENUES WON'T DO SEPARATE CHECKS!Some stops featured on the walk:
Saint Mary of the Angels School
St Mary Of the Angels Catholic Church
Lottie's Pub (aka Molly's Pub on Chicago Fire)
Churchill Park Ball Field
Map Room
Covenant Presbyterian Church formerly All Saints Cathedral
Manchester Lofts formerly the Manchester Building
St Hedwig Catholic Church (Blessed Carlo Acutis Parish)
Condos Formerly Wojciechowski Funeral Home
Formerly John & Lor's Variety Store
Ray's Bucktown Bed and Breakfast
Apartment Formerly Sheilka’s Funeral Home & Korean Church
Senior Citizens Memorial Park
Holstein Park
Margie's CandiesPart of the West Town and Logan Square Community Areas. Roughly bounded by North, Ashland, Western, and Fullerton Avenues, Bucktown, is a vibrant neighborhood in Chicago, has a rich history that dates back nearly 200 years, even before Chicago was officially incorporated as a city. Bucktown gets its name from the large number of goats raised in the neighborhood during the 19th century when it was an integral part of the city's famed Polish Downtown. The original Polish term for the neighborhood was Kozie Prery (Goat Prairie).
Bucktown is primarily residential, with a mix of older single-family homes, new builds with edgy architecture, and converted industrial loft spaces. The neighborhood's origins are rooted in the Polish working class, which first began to settle in the area in the 1830s. A large influx of Germans began in 1848 and in 1854 led to the establishment of the town of Holstein, which was eventually annexed into Chicago in 1863. In the 1890s and 1900s, immigration from Poland, the annexation of Jefferson Township into Chicago and the completion of the Logan Square Branch of the Metropolitan Elevated Lines contributed to the rapid increase in Bucktown's population density. Three of the city's most opulent churches designed in the so-called "Polish Cathedral style" - St. Hedwig's, the former Cathedral of All Saints and St. Mary of the Angels - date from this era and all located within Bucktown
Originally a primarily Polish working-class area of small homes, saloons, and churches, it has experienced significant gentrification in recent years. Today, Bucktown is known for its trendy shops, bars, and vibrant arts scene, reflecting its dynamic history and diverse cultural influences
If you are taking public transportation, please use google maps or CTA trip planner. https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/
If you are driving, there is metered street parking along main streets plus free on surrounding side streets but pay attention to parking signs especially permit parking! REMEMBER WALK DOES END WHERE WE START!
PLEASE KEEP RSVP UP TO DATE AND DO NOT BE A NO SHOW!