Travel: Wake Up Somewhere Amazing
Points Of Difference | Japan Ski Trip | Paris And Normandy Cruise | VACAYA Kimberley Cruise | Prince And Palaces India Tour #sponsored
For over 15 years, Adam Bold has curated unforgettable travel experiences for LGBTQIA+ guests through his boutique company, Points Of Difference Travel And Events. From snowy peaks to glittering cruise decks, he’s built a business on community, connection, and a flair for the fabulous. He spoke with DNA about gay ski weeks, squid sashimi, and the importance of simply feeling welcome.
You organise fabulous holidays and events for the gays! That’s a pretty cool job, yes?
Absolutely. It’s a joy and a privilege. Before I founded Points Of Difference, I worked in theatre as a lighting designer. I loved crafting those magical moments where the audience would gasp, laugh, or let out an “awww.” Now I get to create those moments in real life – whether it’s curating a jaw-dropping New Year’s Eve party, building community on a snowy mountaintop, or organising gorgeous getaways with hand-picked experiences.
But the real joy is the people. When people are on holiday, they genuinely want to have a good time. That’s the magic of Gay Ski Week Australia, for example, I can guarantee everyone’s there to enjoy themselves. It creates this uplifting energy that’s quite special to be part of.
What was your goal in starting Points Of Difference? Did you feel there was a gap in the market?
It actually began as an events business – group theatre nights, art gallery tours, and dinners. It was all about creating social spaces where LGBTQ+ people could connect, especially those of us who weren’t into bars and clubs. Travel came later when I hosted a group on a cruise and had that lightbulb moment. Cruises already deliver a solid product, but I realised that with a bit of hosting flair and attention to detail, we could turn a great trip into something truly special.
As for luxury, I think people misunderstand it sometimes. Luxury isn’t just five-star hotels. It’s not having to worry because someone else has smoothed the way. It’s arriving somewhere breathtaking, or returning to a freshly made bed in your stateroom. Luxury is ease, and feeling looked after. That’s where hosted experiences shine.
Are LGBTQIA+ travellers also price-conscious?
Absolutely, but in nuanced ways. Some guests love a flash sale or an inside cabin deal. Others are happy to upgrade to a suite, or pay extra for a premium drinks package or skip-the-line access. But here’s the thing: even those who can afford the fanciest option might choose to dine with the group because connection is the real luxury. People are seeking value and meaning—not just discounts.
Do you offer messy holidays – camping, trekking, getting dirty?
Technically, yes. But there’s a big difference between camping and glamping with a Pinot and a hot shower at the end of the trail. We’re definitely looking to expand into curated outdoor adventures. Australia does that kind of travel brilliantly – gourmet walking tours, luggage transfers, epic scenery. I’ve even talked with Frock Hudson about leading a cheeky hike. A drag queen and some shirtless locals?
Post-covid, we’re also very focused on showcasing what’s in our own backyard. Skiing is already a “messy holiday” in many ways and we’ve made that work spectacularly well. Through our Virtuoso network, we’re starting to explore more adventure travel options too.
What’s been the biggest challenge for the business?
Covid, hands down. No travel, no income, no events for over two years. And now, rebuilding takes more than turning the tap back on. Many suppliers are gone. Relationships have to be rebuilt.
Personally, I’ve also had to learn to balance creative perfectionism with business reality. I’m more marketer than salesperson by nature. But sometimes you have to get things on sale, refine as you go, and trust that your intention shines through. If something goes wrong, it’s about how you handle it – with transparency and grace.
Let’s talk snow. How’s the skiing these days?
The past two seasons have been warmer, yes, but every year we’ve had snow during Gay Ski Week. Sometimes it’s a few centimetres, sometimes half a metre. But the real beauty of Falls Creek is how the snow transforms the village – alpine gums dusted with white, the whole place takes on a magical energy.
Gay Ski Week Australia now runs from late August, and the timing still works well. But even when the skiing isn’t perfect, the vibe is. People eat, spa, party, connect… and repeat. That’s what makes the week so memorable – it’s more than just snow.
Are your events inclusive or mostly for gay men?
We’ve naturally built a strong following with gay men 35-plus, but everyone is welcome. We’ve had non-binary guests, trans travellers, and lesbian couples join us at Gay Ski Week and on our cruises.
That said, marketing to a wider mix is a challenge. Campaigns targeting gay men need different imagery than those targeting lesbian or trans travellers, and that essentially doubles your workload and budget. It’s something we’re always working on.
I often get asked by women, “Are there many women on your trips?” And I always say, “If you all booked in, there would be!” We’d love to see more diversity and are very open to working with people to co-create tailored offerings.
Do you offer men-only trips?
We haven’t done many that are exclusive, but there’s absolutely a market for it. Some gay men prefer a men-only space, and that’s valid. I’m currently recruiting a group of 20 men for our hosted ski trip to Japan next March based at Club Med Kiroro Peak in Hokkaido. It’s framed as a men’s trip mostly for marketing simplicity, but it’s not exclusionary.
We’ve found that it’s quite easy to run concurrent groups – men’s groups, women’s groups – on the same cruise, for example. It often just comes down to where you sit at dinner.
What’s helped you stay in business when others haven’t?
Community connection, no question. From the start, we’ve focused on creating welcoming, well-hosted spaces where LGBTQ+ travellers feel seen, safe and welcome. I’ve hosted many of our trips myself, and when something goes wrong, it affects me too. That shared experience builds trust.
We’ve also stayed nimble. When ski lifts were grounded for three days due to windhold last year, we pivoted. We don’t panic, we adapt. And being small means we can shift gears quickly.
Relationship-building is also key. Some guests join our mailing list at Midsumma or Fair Day… and don’t book until two years later. Others return year after year. That loyalty means a lot.
Why do LGBTQIA+ people like to travel together? What makes it special?
It’s about comfort, safety, and joy. One guest told me, “I come to Gay Ski Week because I get to ski with other gay boys.” That’s it. You’re among your people. You don’t have to second-guess holding your partner’s hand. You just get to be.
And we bring the fun. After our first Gay Ski Week, a local business owner said, “Those Gay Ski Week people are quite fun, aren’t they?” We are. We show up in style. We dance. We create moments. It’s not just a holiday, it’s an experience. It’s often the start of lifelong friendships.
Are LGBTQIA+ travellers more demanding?
Yes, but in the best way. We know what we like. We notice the details. We speak up. I think that comes from the confidence of living openly and knowing our worth. It’s not about being difficult—it’s about expecting quality. And when things are done well, we really appreciate it.
That said, holidays are also about letting go. Part of what we create is the space for guests to relax, stop micro-managing, and just enjoy the ride.
What are your highlights from doing this work?
Watching the final night of Gay Ski Week from the edge of the room and seeing everyone dance and connect. That smile during the NYE fireworks when everything’s finally gone to plan. A guest who came post-breakup and left with new friends. Those are the real rewards.
And selfishly? I get to do some fabulous things. I love cruising. I love the alpine air. I love discovering new places and connecting incredible people to our equally incredible guests. It’s a privilege.
What’s your best advice for getting the most out of a holiday?
Let go. We’ve done the planning so you don’t have to. Don’t overschedule. Leave space for discovery. Say yes to new experiences, especially the unexpected ones. When I was in Japan, I gave the squid sashimi a go. It was still moving at the table. That was a stretch! But hey, try it once, if you don’t like it, don’t do it again. At least you’ll have the story (and the photos!).
Pack smart. I don’t pack light, but I do pack strategically. Packing cubes are magic. And be aware of baggage policies. Air New Zealand gives you two bags, others charge like wounded bulls.
And finally, trust your host. You don’t have to know everything up front – that’s why we’re there. Join the group when you feel like it or sneak away for a romantic dinner. That flexibility is part of the luxury.
So, what’s next for Points Of Difference?
A lot! We’re celebrating the 15th Gay Ski Week Australia this August with fantastic early bird deals. We’ve launched our Out On The Rivers Paris And Normandy Cruise for 2026, we’re doing packages for VACAYA’s Kimberley Cruise, the Frosty Fruits Ski Trip Japan Edition in March 2026 (hosted at Club Med Kiroro Peak in Hokkaido), and our first-ever Prince And Palaces Tour: A Royal Discovery Tour Of India, which includes a chance to meet Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil, India’s first openly gay royal.
We’re also running a short Sydney Sampler Cruise in November for anyone curious about joining a hosted trip. And beyond that, our full-service travel agency is growing. We now help clients book everything from luxury escapes to tailor-made tours, even if they’re not joining one of our events. Give us a call!
At the heart of it all, our mission remains the same: to help LGBTQ+ travellers wake up somewhere amazing.
#sponsored
