Traveling around the world is a truly amazing experience. Unfortunately, traveling isn’t always easy for some people. For LGBT+ travelers, it can be more than a little stressful or even dangerous. Some locations are extremely welcoming, while others have laws that could lead to jail for LGBT+ travelers. Knowing where it is safe, but more than that, where it is welcoming, can make LGBT+ travel amazingly better. It’s why you should use an LGBT+ travel agency that understands your needs.
Having an LGBT+ travel agent can make a world of difference.
If you’re looking for an LGBT+ friendly vacation, an LGBT+ travel agency can help you find the perfect destination and you can support an LGBT+-owned business. We can take the guesswork out of your vacation planning and research the best places for you to enjoy. With our expertise, you can be sure to have an enjoyable and safe trip that supports the LGBT+ community.
Traveling in the United States
If you’re a LGBT+ American looking to travel within the United States as an LGBT+ person, you probably already have a good idea of where you might enjoy traveling. Cities like Chicago, New York, San Francisco, or Palm Springs tend to be very welcoming to LGBT+ travelers. Likewise, cities in states like California or Massachusetts have welcoming reputations. There are many options for fantastic LGBT+ travel within the United States!
LGBT+ Travel on a Cruise Ship
Cruising is a fun and exciting way to travel all over the world. While almost all cruise lines are welcoming to LGBT+ Travel, some go above and beyond to make them feel welcome. Celebrity Cruises has been one of the first and most welcoming cruise lines for LGBT+ travelers, hosting special Pride events in June for their guests and being the first to officiate gay weddings on their ships.
In addition to Celebrity, other cruise lines have been making strides towards becoming welcoming to LGBT+ travelers. Virgin Voyages is new to the scene, but their adults-only cruises are very welcoming for the LGBT+ community. There is usually a drag show onboard. And their staff are not required to wear gender-conforming clothing.
Royal Caribbean Cruises is showing the Pride flag on all their ships this June.
There are also special cruises that, while open to everyone, are specifically focused for gay or lesbian travelers.
These are just a few examples of lines that have been especially welcoming. Your travel agent can help you find the right cruise and the right itinerary to make your vacation affordable, safe, and amazing.
Travel in Mexico and the Caribbean
Americans spend much time and money vacationing in Mexico and the Caribbean and LGBT+ travelers are no different. However, there are certain cities or islands that are far more welcoming than others. Your straight friends may have told you about the great all-inclusive resort they went to in Jamaica, but you need to know before you go that it is not a country friendly to LGBT+ vacationers. A travel agent who specializes in LGBT+ travel can tell you how much happier you will be in Curacao or Puerto Vallarta, or somewhere else. We have a list!
LGBT+ Travel Abroad
Traveling abroad as a member of the LGBT+ community can be anxiety inducing. But you can speak with your travel agent about where it is safe, welcoming, and fun! Luckily, there are a lot of places all over the world that are welcoming.
If you want to stay close to home, Canada, especially cities like Vancouver or Toronto are particularly nice to visit for LGBT+ travel. Not only is Canada regularly ranked as the top or near top safest and friendliest places in the world for gay people, but it continues to strengthen those policies. Canada is also fantastic if you are looking to explore the wilderness, enjoy theater, or just take in some fantastic cuisine.
Another option is New Zealand. New Zealand consistently ranks high for their advancements of LGBT+ rights. So, whether you are interested in sailing and beach culture, breathtaking scenery, or you are just a die-hard Lord of the Rings fan, New Zealand is not only safe, but also a fantastic place to visit.
Finally, an option for LGBT+ travel that you might not have considered is Iceland. Not only has Iceland’s gay rights movement managed to get many laws and protections in place for LGBT+ people in the country, but the people themselves are very welcoming. Iceland boasts having elected their first openly gay prime minister in 2009. Additionally, Iceland is a beautiful country to visit with stark vistas, innumerable waterfalls, volcanoes, and glaciers.
Fortunately, the media is beginning to discuss the needs of LGBT+ travelers in articles such as this by the New York Times. Even the U.S. State Department has developed guidelines and advice.
Overall, while it can feel tricky to travel as an LGBT+ person, with an experienced travel agent at your side, you can feel safe and confident in your choice for your next vacation. Being secure in the knowledge that where you travel is welcoming can let you relax and truly enjoy your vacation. We are proud to be an LGBT+ travel agency.
Want More Great Travel Tips?
We share our favorite travel tips and information every week. You can see them all here.
