The dating app Grindr has begun airing the third season of the show Host or Travel, which explores the lives of queer communities in cities around the world. At the same time, the service released data on the most popular destinations among its users. Here’s a look at what this project is all about and where gay travelers are heading most often this year.
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What kind of show is this?
Host or Travel — is a Grindr project in which participants travel the world, meet locals through the app, and search for their cities’ “hidden gems.”
Season 3 has started May 12, 2026. New episodes are released weekly on Tuesdays on Grindr's YouTube channel. This season, the show explores six popular gay neighborhoods (gayborhoods), including Sydney and Austin.
The main idea behind the project is to show the city through the eyes of its residents: from hidden bars and art spaces to coffee shops that don't usually make it into tourist guides.
Where is everyone going in 2026?
To coincide with the start of the new season, Grindr analyzed its users' behavior (chats, contacts, and movements) to compile a ranking of the most popular cities. Paris became the number one destination for gay travelers in 2026.
In addition to Paris, which took first place, the list of the most frequently visited cities included:
- Rio de Janeiro;
- New York;
- Bangkok;
- São Paulo;
- Berlin.
What else did they find out on Grindr?
Analysts studied how users use the feature "Right Now" (for casual encounters) and at what times they are most active.
- The "Right Now" feature is most popular in Taiwan, the Philippines, Lima, Buenos Aires, and Medellín.
- Peak activity Chat times vary depending on the region: in Manila, Taipei, and Buenos Aires, it’s late at night, while in San Salvador, Colombo, and Kathmandu, it’s early in the morning.
Why is this necessary?
Tristan Pinhiero, Grindr’s Chief Marketing Officer, explained that for queer travelers, finding “their own kind” in a new place isn’t just a bonus—it’s a critical requirement for the trip. According to him, users use the app not only for dating, but also to find safe spaces and see the world without stereotypes.
Sling-shaves, drag shows, and boat parties: Grindr showcases gay Sydney in a new episode of its travel show
The main character of the first episode of the third season of *Host or Travel* is — John, 49, an industrial designer from Oregon. He returned to Sydney 25 years later and decided to explore the city anew, using Grindr to find local guides.
According to John, the app is a quick way for him to find people who can show him “hidden gems” that aren’t accessible to the average traveler.
John met up with two local guides he found through the app. Sean (37), comedian. He organized a party for John on a boat in Sydney Harbor, emphasizing that life in this city is inextricably linked to the water and the beaches. James (33), dancer. He took John down Oxford Street in the Darlinghurst neighborhood—the historic center of gay culture and the site of the famous Mardi Gras parade.
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