Adventures, Friendships & Whale Sharks – Meet Jim Hladysh
🌈 Traveler Stories — real voices from the Pride Adventures community.
When Jim Hladysh first stumbled onto California Gay Adventures, he didn’t picture himself becoming a group travel regular. A self-described independent traveler, he was simply eager to escape the monotony of pandemic life. But one search for local hikes led him to a new world of adventure—and lifelong friendships.
“Swimming with whale sharks was pure magic. And sharing it with other gay travelers made it even more powerful.”
Even before that, he’d tested the waters with a hike to the Hollywood Sign. But it was the Mexico trip that hooked him—not only for the wildlife encounters but for the community he found along the way.
He admits he was nervous at first about sharing rooms with strangers. “But every single roommate has become a good friend,” he says. “I’ve met incredible people. Many feel like family.”
Among his favorite adventures, Costa Rica stands out. Jim beams as he recalls rafting through jungle rivers, zip-lining over rainforests, and finally spotting the elusive sloths he’d been dying to see. “By the end, we’d seen so many sloths that when the driver asked if we wanted to stop, we were like, ‘Nah, we’re good!’” he laughs.
Beyond the thrills, travel has brought Jim connections he never expected. A brief meeting with fellow traveler Randy in Costa Rica turned into future trips together across Asia and spontaneous getaways to Puerto Vallarta. “That’s what makes these trips so special. You meet people you’d never cross paths with otherwise, and sometimes they become your best friends.”
Looking ahead, Jim has Iceland at the top of his wish list, inspired by friendly Icelanders he met during a Pride Adventures trip in Peru. Greece, Australia, and New Zealand are also calling his name. “I love having something to look forward to,” he says. “Once I put down a deposit, I make payments, and before I know it, the trip’s paid off and it’s here. I’m always ready for the next adventure.”
For Jim, travel isn’t just about destinations. It’s about feeling safe, connected, and surrounded by people who “just get it.” His advice to anyone hesitating about joining a group trip?
“Just go. You’ll have amazing experiences and come home with friends you never expected.”
Whether it’s swimming beside whale sharks or laughing with new friends in the jungle, Jim Hladysh has discovered that the true magic of travel lies in the bonds we build—and the memories we share.
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🎧 Listen to Jim’s full story on the Pride Adventures Podcast: EP1: Adventures, Friendships & Whale Sharks
🌟 What’s the Difference Between California Gay Adventures and Pride Adventures?
California Gay Adventures (CGA) began as a local social and hiking group, organizing day hikes, weekend getaways, and small adventures throughout California. As the community grew closer and more passionate about traveling together, founder Chris Smith launched Pride Adventures—a company focused on larger group trips and international journeys that bring LGBTQ+ travelers together from across the globe.
Many travelers, like Jim, participate in both CGA’s local adventures and Pride Adventures’ global trips, building friendships and community every step of the way.
