About
Jon Soriano and Terry Koessel, a married couple from a suburb of Sacramento, California, have become unlikely but celebrated figures in the world of travel vlogging. Through their YouTube channel, “Two Gay Grandpas Travel,” they have built a dedicated following by documenting their global adventures, all under the banner of their powerful and infectious slogan: “Living Our Best Lives.” Their journey from corporate careers to digital content creators provides a detailed blueprint for a successful and authentic second act, one that recently marked its fifth anniversary and was punctuated by the birth of their third grandchild in May 2024.
Two Gay Grandpas Travel: How It Started
The foundation of the channel is rooted in the extensive pre-retirement careers of its two creators. Jon Soriano, a Filipino American born on November 2, 1957, spent his professional life as a manager at AT&T. His husband, Terry Koessel, a Caucasian born on June 23, 1957, worked in sales for a major beverage corporation. Both men retired in 2017, setting the stage for a new chapter focused on their shared passion for travel.
They launched the “Two Gay Grandpas Travel” YouTube channel in April 2019. The initial motivation was straightforward: to create a visual diary of their retirement travels primarily for their family, which includes a son and a daughter. Inspired by other travel vloggers they watched, they decided to turn the camera on their own experiences. This personal project soon found a much wider audience.
Two Gay Grandpas Travel Content: Evolution and Style
Initially, the channel’s content was heavily focused on a single niche: cruise vlogs. Jon and Terry documented their voyages with a blend of practical advice and personal charm. The global COVID-19 pandemic, however, forced a critical and ultimately transformative pivot in their content strategy. Unable to travel internationally, they purchased a travel trailer and shifted their focus to exploring their local region of Northern California and embracing RV life. This change resonated deeply, triggering a period of significant audience growth as viewers connected with their adaptable and positive approach to the unforeseen circumstances.
Post-pandemic, their content has evolved into a hybrid model. While they have eagerly returned to international travel and cruises, the popular RV-centric vlogs remain a core component of their programming. Their style is defined by its approachability, combining detailed destination guides and practical tips with the personal anecdotes and chemistry that form the heart of their appeal.
How Two Gay Grandpas Travel Makes Money
What began as a family-oriented hobby has developed into a multi-faceted digital enterprise. The primary engine of their business is their YouTube channel, monetized through standard AdSense revenue. This is supplemented by a tiered membership program on Patreon, allowing their most dedicated followers to provide direct financial support.
Further revenue streams include affiliate marketing, primarily through Amazon links for travel gear and products they recommend, and a line of branded merchandise. This collection features items like t-shirts and mugs emblazoned with their signature “Living Our Best Lives” slogan. Their success and professional standing in the travel industry are underscored by their most significant commercial partnership: an official role as brand ambassadors for the cruise line Virgin Voyages.
Two Gay Grandpas Travel's Network
Jon and Terry are active participants in the broader travel vlogging community. They have filmed collaboration videos with several other channels, including “The Other Me,” “JJ Cruise,” and “The Average Gents,” cross-promoting their content to new audiences. Their commitment to the professional standards of their new career is demonstrated by their membership in the North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA), a respected industry organization.
Two Gay Grandpas Travel: Public Reception
The public reception for Two Gay Grandpas Travel has been overwhelmingly positive. Viewers frequently praise the couple for their warmth, authenticity, and the palpable joy they bring to their videos. They are widely seen as important and positive role models, providing much-needed representation for LGBTQ+ seniors within the digital media and travel landscapes. A thorough review of their online presence reveals a notable absence of any major public controversies or scandals.
Philanthropy and Impact
Beyond their content creation, Soriano and Koessel have leveraged their platform for charitable causes. In June 2023, they organized and promoted a fundraiser for The Trevor Project, a non-profit organization focused on suicide prevention efforts among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning youth. The initiative successfully raised over $5,000 for the cause.
Two Gay Grandpas Travel Today
Five years after its launch, “Two Gay Grandpas Travel” is more than just a successful channel; it is a reflection of reinvention. Jon Soriano and Terry Koessel have transformed their retirement into a thriving second career that not only fulfills their personal passions but also inspires a global audience. As they continue to produce their signature blend of cruise, RV, and international travel content, fresh off the celebration of their channel’s anniversary and the expansion of their family with a new grandchild, they are the embodiment of their own philosophy—proof that it is never too late to start living your best life.