FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions we receive most often about our relationship, our world tour and the way we travel.
This FAQ gathers the recurring questions we get through messages, Instagram and everyday conversations with future travellers.
About us as a couple
Who are you?
We are Matthieu and Sébastien, a Swiss gay couple based in Lausanne. We are currently doing a one-year world tour across more than ten countries.
How long have you been together?
We have been together since October 2016. Our story started in Lausanne after months of almost-meetings.
How did you meet?
On a dating app. After months of texting without meeting, we finally met one evening in Lausanne in October 2016.
Are you married or in a civil partnership?
We keep that part private. Our commitment is built day by day through trust, communication and teamwork.
What is the secret of your relationship?
No secret recipe: we talk a lot, we express both tension and love, and we operate as a team that consistently supports each other.
About our world tour
Why did you decide to do a world tour?
The idea matured over time. We eventually decided not to postpone this project to an uncertain “later”.
How long does your world tour last?
One year, roughly 360 days on the road.
Which countries are you visiting?
Our route includes the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, South Korea, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Taiwan, Peru and Colombia, among others.
How did you prepare the project?
We prepared for months: route, long-stay insurance, gear, budget planning, banking setup and return planning.
How do you finance the trip?
With savings planned in advance. We are not sponsored, which gives us full editorial freedom.
Travelling as a gay couple
Is it difficult to travel as a gay couple?
It depends on the country. In some places it feels very easy; in others we naturally adapt to local context.
How do you handle less LGBTQ+ friendly countries?
We research before arrival, stay realistic and discreet when needed, and choose accommodations where we feel safe.
Have you had bad experiences related to your orientation?
Very few. Most encounters are warm and respectful rather than hostile.
What is your position on LGBTQ+ rights?
We are not full-time activists, but we always stand up for LGBTQ+ rights whenever they are challenged.
Our travel style
How do you choose destinations?
We combine our personal wishes and negotiate compromises. We prefer spending real time in each country rather than racing through many places.
Do you stay in hotels or hostels?
Mostly hotels. We like having a calm private space after intense days.
Which languages do you speak?
Sébastien speaks French, English and Spanish. Matthieu speaks French and English, with some basic German.
Questions we still enjoy answering
Who cooks and who does the dishes?
Matthieu cooks, Sébastien does the dishes. A tacit agreement that works perfectly.
Do you ask for one double bed or two single beds?
Always one double bed. In rare awkward moments, we simply keep it natural and smile.
Why do you share your trip publicly?
Because we love writing, photographing and documenting. And because honest stories can genuinely help other travellers.
Where can people follow you?
On Instagram and TikTok (@matthieuandsebastien), and on this website for longer-form content.