José Rolón is redefining family travel for gay dads
The event planner turned Tik Tok celebrity knows all about traveling with kids.And he's willing to share what he's learned.
We recently connected with TikTok celebrity and dedicated family man José Rolón. José’s vibrant personality and commitment to community-building have made him a household name and a standout voice within the LGBTQ+ and Latin communities. Known for his innovative event planning business and viral comedic videos during the pandemic, José broke barriers as the first gay father featured on the cover of Parents Latina Magazine. He has also shared his cultural, identity, and creativity insights on platforms like MSNBC and Good Morning America.
Blending his Latin heritage with a passion for inclusive celebrations, José has redefined event planning over his illustrious career. Beyond his work, he has become a strong advocate for equality and representation, building a loyal following for his heartfelt and hilarious content. José shares insights on his travels, family life, and creative journey in this exclusive interview.
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“My first big trip was in 2000, just six months after my mom passed away,” José shares. “I’d always thought going overseas was out of reach, but when I found a $300 round-trip to Paris, I jumped on it. I even brought my college ex because he’d been there for me through the tough times. That trip gave me the travel bug, and I’ve been hooked ever since.”
These days, José brings his two kids along for the ride. Their first family trip? The Dominican Republic, where they discovered a universal truth: kids + water = pure bliss. “If there’s a splash zone, you’ve won! They’ll stay in the water until their lips turn blue!”
Planning your 2025 calendar? Don’t miss the fourth annual Gays with Kids Spring Break. Hosted by José, in collaboration with Gays with Kids and Travel Brilliant, it’s the ultimate family getaway. Previous destinations include Universal Studios, Nickelodeon Resort in Mexico, and Puerto Rico.
This year? It’s all aboard Royal Caribbean! The fourth annual Gays with Kids Spring Break is a three-night cruise that departs Miami aboard the Independence of the Seas, including a welcome reception, a dad’s night out, and a family farewell.
“At this point, it’s like summer camp—not just for the dads but especially for the kids,” says José. “These trips are special because so many kids don’t live in diverse communities. Here, they’re surrounded by 15-20 other LGBTQ+ families who just get it.”
And let’s not forget the dads’ night out. While the kids live their best lives under supervision, the dads hit the town for much-deserved mingling and cocktails. “We’re even trying to get more moms involved this year—fingers crossed!”
First-timers can expect a warm welcome, thanks to the “ambassador” kids who help newbies settle in. “It’s all about making it easy and fun for everyone,” says José. This year’s trip, which includes an overnight at the Hyatt Regency Miami, runs from April 17-21.
Another family favorite? Family Week in Provincetown. “This year, the stars aligned, and I could finally attend. It was magical—a massive beach party with hundreds of LGBTQ+ families,” José gushes. Pro tip: Do not—we repeat, do not—leave without a cupcake from ScottCakes. “It’s basically a crime.”
José recommends Greenwood Lake, Beacon, and Long Beach Island for quick weekend getaways from NYC. “One’s a beach town, one’s for art lovers, and one’s a lake retreat. Pick your vibe and go. If traveling through the Moynihan Train Hall, Rolón recommends arriving 20 minutes early, leaving time for snacks and something to read. He opts for the train over a flight as “by the time you’d get through airport security and flights, you could already be halfway there, relaxing on the train.”
When traveling, Rolón’s family opts for checked bags. He shares, “I’m a fan of oversized backpacks that can double as rollers—like the ones by Matein. With flights often full, it’s easier to go with a flexible bag you can wear if needed and sneak past in that moment they announce, ‘Sorry, we have a booked flight. We are checking the rest of the carry-ons!’”
When asked about “must-pack items,” he recommended iPads, headphones, and travel games like UNO or Mini Connect Four. And snacks, noting, “Just avoid the sugary ones, or you’ll have them bouncing off the seats, annoying the person in front of them, which, for some reason, is normally me!”
When planning a trip, Rolón plans one day for “touristy stuff,” followed by relaxation, fun, and food. He adds, “If I get bored with all the sightseeing, the kids will be extra bored!” On their recent Puerto Rico trip, they really enjoyed going to El Yunque Rainforest, known as the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. Rolón’s family loved riding down the natural waterslides and were able to surprise his family, whom he had not seen in almost 20 years.
José Rolón is more than just a planner, creator, and dad. He’s a force of nature, redefining what it means to thrive as a gay father and a Latin trailblazer. Whether he’s organizing a jaw-dropping wedding or leading a family vacation with a large group of LGBTQ+ families, one thing’s for sure: José does it all with style, heart, and a wink. Cheers to that!
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