As Grindr releases its third season of the web miniseries Host or Travel, the social networking app reveals the top destinations its users are visiting in 2026.

Grindr has launched the third season of its original travel series, Host or Travel, a programme designed to show how LGBTQ+ travellers can use the app to explore destinations through local connections rather than traditional guidebooks.

The new season focuses on the role Grindr plays in helping users navigate unfamiliar places, discover local communities and find spaces where they can feel comfortable being themselves. For many LGBTQ+ travellers, gay travel has long involved more than visiting landmarks. It is also about finding welcoming environments, meeting local people and experiencing destinations through authentic community recommendations.

The latest season visits seven cities across Australia, the US, Mexico, France, the Philippines and Portugal. Episodes explore neighbourhoods, nightlife and cultural experiences that have become part of each destination's LGBTQ+ scene.

The series begins in Sydney, where viewers are introduced to neighbourhoods such as Darlinghurst and Newtown alongside harbour boat parties and local businesses. Other episodes travel to Austin, Puerto Vallarta, Paris, Manila, Lisbon and Miami, highlighting everything from drag brunches and beach clubs to cafés, art districts and late-night venues.

According to Grindr, the programme reflects the growing importance of community-led travel. Rather than relying solely on tourism websites or travel guides, users increasingly turn to local people for recommendations on where to eat, socialise and explore.

“I've traveled to a lot of cities, but there's something different about exploring a place through Grindr,” says JP, Host or Travel Season 3, Episode 5. “You're not just seeing the tourist version, you're getting the real thing, through people who actually live it. That's what the gayborhood means to me, wherever I am in the world.”

Alongside the launch, Grindr has released new insights from its global user base, revealing emerging trends in gay travel and social connection. The data shows that cross-border conversations are particularly strong in smaller but highly connected countries including Luxembourg, Japan and Slovenia.

Meanwhile, Taipei records the highest volume of messages sent on the platform, followed by Milan and Athens. Paris, Rio de Janeiro, New York City, Bangkok, São Paulo and Berlin rank among the most frequently visited destinations by Grindr users, underlining the continued appeal of established LGBTQ+ travel hubs.

The findings also reveal significant differences in user behaviour across time zones. Manila, Taipei and Buenos Aires generate some of the highest levels of late-night activity, while San Salvador, Colombo and Kathmandu see the greatest engagement during the early morning hours. Grindr's "Right Now" feature, which connects users seeking immediate meet-ups, is most popular in Taiwan, the Philippines, Lima, Buenos Aires and Medellín.

For travel brands and destinations, the data highlights how digital platforms are becoming an increasingly important part of the visitor experience. Apps are no longer used only for communication but are also helping travellers discover events, neighbourhoods and local culture in real time.

“Grindr is the digital home for the community, and Host or Travel was created from the understanding that for gay travelers, finding your people in a new city isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s crucial," says Tristan Pineiro, CMO, Grindr. "The gay community finds strength in numbers, and we built this series to celebrate that. Our users aren't just looking for dates, they're using Grindr to curate their own global adventures, find safe spaces, and experience the world through the eyes of locals who get it. That's the gayborhood in action.”

As destinations compete for LGBTQ+ visitors, the new season of Host or Travel demonstrates how digital communities are reshaping gay travel. By connecting visitors directly with local people, Grindr is positioning itself not only as a social platform but also as a tool for discovering cities through the experiences and recommendations of those who know them best.