Two Philly Guys Create New Gay Travel Site

The story behind Fagabond

The men behind Fagabond may be mugging in the photo booth, but they're serious about gay travel (courtesy of Jim Werner)

Partners in life and business, Mike Sheridan and Jim Werner were first inspired to create Fagabond in 2007. Tired of using the same old websites to plan their oh-so-gay vacays, the couple decided to create a full-service travel site exclusively for the LGBT community. Werner, who works at a tourism and marketing organization, and Sheridan, at a luxury hotel, may both live in Philly, but their new site spans everywhere from popular gay destinations like Asbury Park and P-Town to New Orleans, Austin and San Francisco.

“While the descriptions and headlines are tongue-in-cheek,” says Sheridan, “we want people to actually enjoy the planning stage – the content is informational, accurate and compelling for a gay person mapping out their next getaway.”

As Pride month comes to an end and summer kicks into high gear, the site is using some unique features to woo would-be travelers, including a booking widget from Travelocity. Sheridan says it gives an LGBT-focused lowdown – including destination descriptions, nightlife picks, must-try restaurants and fabulous events –  for 20 of the country’s top LGBT-friendly cities, including Philly. Users can also find new travel deals on a daily and weekly basis and sign up for the e-newsletter to keep on top of deals.

“Our goal for users is in the tagline – Same Sex. Different Travel,” says Werner. “It’s where the gay community can find the information that will help them choose their destinations, plan their trips and book their stays – all for gays, all by gays and all in one place.”

Users can also reserve hotels and book flights and cars and pre-order tickets to attractions right on the site. In the coming months, the guys say the website will continue to grow, adding LGBT news, events and additional city profiles.

To help ring in the summer, Fagabond is currently offering a special deal for new users. Now through July 31, travelers who book their trips on Fagabond will receive $25 off total expenses. “This exclusive deal is available only to those who use the Travelocity widget on Fagabond to reserve their hotels,” says Sheridan. And to qualify, the stays must take place by December 31.

For more information about Fagabond and to find out which cities are spotlighted, click here.