Inclusive Journeys: Finding Your Next LGBT+ Travel Experience

Choosing the right holiday can be life-changing. For many LGBT+ travellers, the idea of “gay friendly” is no longer enough. You want destinations where you feel truly safe, welcomed, and celebrated. That’s why every LGBT+ travel experience matters. In fact, organisations like IGLTAF have outlined key steps governments and communities can take to build genuinely inclusive travel experiences.

At Wide Awake Holidays, we believe travel should offer freedom as well as joy. Whether you’ve been on dozens of gay holidays or you’re planning your first one, the choices are bigger and more exciting than ever. You could dance through city streets at Pride, relax at an island resort, or explore a cultural capital where LGBT+ history runs deep.

Our aim is to help you discover journeys that give you comfort and connection. We work with trusted suppliers worldwide, so whether you’re based in the UK or abroad, you can book with us knowing your holiday is secure.

Here are ten essential LGBT+ travel experiences worth adding to your list. Each one offers something special, from celebration to discovery to pure relaxation.

1. Pride Celebrations Around the World: An Iconic LGBT+ Travel Experience

Standing in a crowd of thousands, surrounded by colour and music, is unforgettable. Pride events bring together people from every corner of the globe. They are more than parades — they are moments of solidarity, joy, and history.

• Madrid Pride: Europe’s biggest, with lively parades through the city centre and street parties that last well into the night.
• New York City Pride: The birthplace of the Stonewall uprising and home to WorldPride. It mixes activism with celebration.
• São Paulo Pride: Holds the record as the largest Pride parade in the world, with millions attending each year.
• Toronto Pride: Combines a family-friendly atmosphere with a buzzing party scene.
• Cape Town Pride: Highlights African LGBT+ voices in a unique and uplifting setting.

Planning Your Pride Trip

Attending Pride abroad is different from going to your local event. You’ll want to secure flights and accommodation early, as hotels fill quickly. Think about whether you’d prefer to stay in the centre of the action or in a quieter spot nearby. We often arrange packages that combine Pride celebrations with extra sightseeing, so you don’t miss the best of the destination.

Every Pride has its own flavour. Some focus more on activism, others lean into nightlife. But no matter where you go, travelling for Pride is an LGBT+ travel experience that connects you to a global community.

We can secure city break offers for major Pride events worldwide — ask us for details.

2. Island Escapes: A Relaxing LGBT+ Travel Experience

There’s something timeless about islands. They promise peace and sunshine, yet often host some of the most vibrant LGBT+ scenes in the world. Choosing an island for your holiday means you can combine daytime tranquillity with lively nights out.

Mykonos, Greece

Mykonos has long been a playground for gay travellers. Beaches like Elia and Super Paradise attract a friendly crowd. The town itself buzzes with clubs, bars, and restaurants. For something extra special, Hotel Elysium, an exclusively gay property, offers social events and a rooftop pool with incredible views.

Ibiza, Spain

Ibiza is famous for its clubs, but there’s more to it. LGBT+ visitors enjoy secluded coves, chilled beach bars, and wellness retreats alongside the nightlife. It’s a versatile choice for travellers who want a mix of energy and calm.

Sitges, Spain

Just outside Barcelona, Sitges is often called the “gay capital” of Spain. It blends seaside charm with a strong LGBT+ identity. Bars and cafés line the waterfront, and festivals like Carnival add extra sparkle.

Fire Island, USA



For American travellers, Fire Island is iconic. This car-free island off Long Island is home to a thriving LGBT+ scene, especially in The Pines and Cherry Grove.

Island escapes are about letting go. They give you the freedom to relax while still being surrounded by community. That combination makes them an LGBT+ travel experience you’ll want to repeat.

Ask us about exclusive rates for LGBT-friendly hotels in Mykonos, Ibiza, and Sitges. We also feature packages for Fire Island.

3. Cultural Capitals: An LGBT+ Travel Experience Through Art and History

Some cities are built on culture, and many have played key roles in LGBT+ history. Visiting them isn’t just about museums and galleries — it’s about walking streets that have seen decades of progress.

Berlin, Germany

Berlin is unmatched for its cultural energy. The Schwules Museum is dedicated to LGBT+ history, while the nightlife scene is world-renowned. Areas like Schöneberg have thriving queer communities, making Berlin both historic and modern.

San Francisco, USA

The Castro district is central to LGBT+ history. San Francisco mixes activism with creativity, offering film festivals, art galleries, and cultural landmarks that shaped the movement.

Madrid, Spain

Beyond Pride, Madrid’s Chueca neighbourhood is vibrant year-round. Packed with tapas bars, clubs, and shops, it’s one of the most welcoming areas for LGBT+ visitors in Europe.

London, UK

Our capital city has Soho, long a hub of queer nightlife and culture. From West End theatres to small galleries, it’s a destination rich with variety.

Hidden Cultural Gems for LGBT+ Travellers

Cities also have smaller treasures — community centres, walking tours, and local performances. These make your trip feel authentic and personal. Exploring them is part of the joy of a cultural LGBT+ travel experience.

4. Luxury Cruises: A Floating LGBT+ Travel Experience

Cruises are one of the most social ways to travel. You get the comfort of a luxury hotel, the excitement of multiple destinations, and the energy of travelling with like-minded people. For LGBT+ travellers, chartered cruises make the experience even more special.

• Atlantis Events: Known for taking over entire ships, Atlantis transforms cruises into floating Pride festivals. Think world-class DJs, themed pool parties, and cabaret shows.
  
• Vacaya: The first large-scale vacation company built specifically for the LGBT+ community. Vacaya offers both river and ocean itineraries, mixing luxury with inclusivity.
  
• Olivia Cruises: A pioneering company catering to lesbian travellers, with itineraries ranging from Alaska to the South Pacific.
  

What to Expect on Board

Cruises designed for LGBT+ travellers include themed activities like drag brunches, comedy nights, and film screenings. You’ll find wellness options too — from fitness classes to spa treatments. The atmosphere is warm and open, making it easy to meet new friends.

Cruises can take you from the Caribbean to the Mediterranean, or even across the Atlantic. The blend of comfort, entertainment, and community makes a luxury cruise an LGBT+ travel experience worth trying at least once.

We arrange exclusive rates for both river and ocean cruises. Ask about current sailings tailored to LGBT+ travellers.

5. Adventure Holidays: An Active LGBT+ Travel Experience

For those who thrive on movement, adventure holidays are the perfect fit. They combine thrilling activities with the reassurance of travelling in an accepting group. More LGBT+ travellers are choosing holidays that challenge them physically while offering unforgettable landscapes.

• Peru: Trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with groups that celebrate diversity. Hiking through the Andes is as much about connection as it is about the scenery.
  
• South Africa: Go on safari, then try shark diving off the coast. Safari lodges with inclusive policies ensure you can relax after the adrenaline.
  
• Thailand: Learn scuba diving on islands like Koh Tao with instructors who openly welcome LGBT+ guests.
  
• Iceland: Glacier hiking, whale watching, and geothermal lagoons create a unique mix of adventure and relaxation.

Safety and Support in Adventure Travel

Adventure trips are thrilling, but they need to be safe. That’s why travelling with LGBT-friendly operators matters. Guides who understand your needs provide reassurance as well as expertise.

Choosing an adventure holiday as your LGBT+ travel experience means pushing your limits while knowing you’re supported every step of the way.



We often feature offers on guided adventure tours to Peru, Iceland, and South Africa. Ask us about active itineraries available now.

6. Romantic Getaways: An Intimate LGBT+ Travel Experience

There’s nothing like escaping with the person you love. Romantic holidays give couples time to celebrate their relationship in beautiful settings. For LGBT+ travellers, choosing destinations where they can feel comfortable is essential.

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Overwater bungalows, turquoise lagoons, and luxury resorts make Bora Bora one of the most romantic destinations on earth. Resorts are increasingly inclusive, ensuring couples feel welcome.

The Maldives

Private island resorts offer total seclusion. While the wider country can feel conservative, the resorts create safe spaces for same-sex couples to enjoy their time together.

Santorini, Greece

Whitewashed buildings, blue-domed churches, and stunning sunsets make Santorini ideal for couples. Boutique hotels with LGBT-friendly staff add to the charm.

Seychelles

An archipelago in the Indian Ocean, Seychelles offers pristine beaches and luxury resorts that embrace inclusivity. It’s becoming a popular choice for honeymoons.

Romantic getaways are about privacy and indulgence. Whether it’s dining under the stars, sharing a spa day, or simply watching the sunset, these trips turn love into an unforgettable LGBT+ travel experience.

We tailor packages to Bora Bora, Santorini, and the Maldives — often including luxury resort stays. Ask about our current specials.

7. City Nightlife: An Energetic LGBT+ Travel Experience

For many travellers, nightlife is the heartbeat of a city. Bars, clubs, and live venues offer safe places to connect, dance, and celebrate. For LGBT+ visitors, finding spaces where identity is embraced makes every night out more enjoyable.

Bangkok, Thailand

The Silom district is the centre of LGBT+ nightlife. From rooftop bars to vibrant drag shows, Bangkok offers endless choice. Clubs like DJ Station are legendary for their energy and inclusivity.

New York, USA

New York’s nightlife is iconic. Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen buzzes with stylish cocktail bars, while Brooklyn hosts underground drag shows and dance parties. History is alive too — you can visit the Stonewall Inn, where Pride began.

Berlin, Germany

Berlin has a reputation for boundary-pushing clubs. SchwuZ and Berghain are famous worldwide, while smaller bars in Schöneberg create a welcoming vibe for every traveller.

Tel Aviv, Israel

Tel Aviv is one of the most LGBT-friendly cities in the Middle East. Its nightlife scene rivals any in Europe, with beach parties and festivals adding to the energy.

City nightlife isn’t just about music and drinks. It’s about freedom — the freedom to be yourself and to meet people who celebrate that. Every night out becomes part of your LGBT+ travel experience.

We can tailor city-break packages to include the best LGBT-friendly nightlife. Contact us for seasonal offers.

8. Wellness Retreats: A Restorative LGBT+ Travel Experience

Not every holiday has to be about parties or adventure. More LGBT+ travellers are choosing wellness retreats to recharge. These trips focus on health, balance, and relaxation — all within safe and inclusive environments.

Bali, Indonesia

Yoga retreats in Bali welcome guests from around the world. Combining meditation, healthy cuisine, and spa treatments, they give travellers the chance to reset both mind and body.

Costa Rica

Eco-lodges in Costa Rica offer wellness programmes surrounded by rainforest. From morning yoga to natural hot springs, you’ll find a blend of nature and calm.

Spain

The Canary Islands host LGBT-friendly wellness resorts with full spa facilities. Programmes often include pilates, nutrition workshops, and guided hikes along volcanic landscapes.

Sedona, USA

Known for its red rock landscapes and spiritual energy, Sedona has retreats designed for healing and self-discovery. LGBT+ visitors are welcomed into holistic wellness programmes.

Wellness holidays can be solo or shared with a partner. They’re about creating space to breathe, away from the pressures of daily life. A wellness retreat is an LGBT+ travel experience that restores you inside and out.

Ask about our tailored wellness retreats in Spain, Bali, and Costa Rica — with seasonal offers available.

9. Group Tours: A Social LGBT+ Travel Experience

Travelling alone doesn’t mean being lonely. Group tours are an excellent way for LGBT+ travellers to see the world while building friendships. These tours combine sightseeing with connection, creating shared memories that last long after the trip ends.

Italy

Food and wine tours in Italy bring small groups together. From vineyard visits in Tuscany to pasta-making classes in Rome, you share culture through cuisine.

Japan

Cultural discovery tours in Japan include visits to temples, bustling markets, and Tokyo’s LGBT-friendly districts. Travelling as part of a group ensures comfort while exploring.

Canada

Outdoor lovers will enjoy Canadian group tours. Think hiking in the Rockies, kayaking on turquoise lakes, and spotting wildlife in national parks.

Why Group Travel Works for LGBT+ Travellers

Group tours provide safety, support, and camaraderie. They are perfect for solo travellers who don’t want to travel alone, but also work well for couples and friends. Sharing experiences with others who understand you creates community.

Choosing a group tour is an LGBT+ travel experience that balances independence with belonging.

We offer exclusive LGBT+ group tours worldwide. Speak with us for current itineraries.

10. Festivals Beyond Pride: A Celebratory LGBT+ Travel Experience

Pride may be the best-known celebration, but the LGBT+ calendar is packed with festivals that showcase art, music, and community in fresh ways. These events are powerful reasons to travel, offering experiences that go beyond parades.

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras

One of the largest LGBT+ festivals in the world, Sydney Mardi Gras is a vibrant mix of parade, concerts, and cultural events. The city becomes a global hub for travellers looking to celebrate diversity.

Frameline Film Festival, San Francisco

The longest-running queer film festival, Frameline brings together filmmakers and audiences to explore LGBT+ stories. Screenings across San Francisco highlight voices from around the globe.

Queer Lisboa, Portugal

This international film festival celebrates queer cinema in a city known for charm and inclusivity. It’s a more intimate way to experience LGBT+ culture.

DragCon, UK & USA

RuPaul’s DragCon in London, Los Angeles, and New York offers a playful, colourful experience. Fans gather to celebrate drag artistry, meet performers, and enjoy performances.

Festivals show the diversity of LGBT+ culture. They highlight how identity can be expressed through film, art, and performance. Attending one adds depth and joy to your LGBT+ travel experience.

We often feature packages linked to major LGBT+ festivals worldwide. Enquire about what’s currently available.

Jamie Says:

Travel should never be about fitting in — it should be about standing out in joy. The right LGBT+ travel experience gives you freedom, comfort, and connection. That’s what we aim to deliver at Wide Awake Holidays.”



Jamie Wake, Managing Director

Your Holiday Protections with Jamie Wake Travel

When you book with Wide Awake Holidays, your holiday is safe from start to finish. We know peace of mind matters as much as the destination. That’s why every booking includes layers of protection.

• ATOL licence: Protects your holiday if flights are part of your package.
• Protected Trust Services membership: Ensures your money is secure until your trip is complete.
• Supplier Failure Insurance: Covers you if a hotel, airline, or service provider stops trading.
• Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance: Safeguards your booking if an airline ceases operations.

These protections aren’t optional extras — they’re built in. They mean your LGBT+ travel experience is supported no matter what.



Why Choose Wide Awake Holidays?

We are more than a travel agency. As a gay-owned company, we understand the importance of safety, inclusion, and detail. We tailor-make every holiday to fit your needs — whether it’s a romantic escape, a Pride trip, or an adventurous tour.

Our global network of suppliers and tour operators gives you access to exclusive packages. From the UK, Europe, or further afield, we can plan your journey. Every trip is personal, and our team is here to make yours unforgettable.

Call to Action

Are you ready to plan your next LGBT+ travel experience? Wide Awake Holidays is here to design a holiday that’s safe, personal, and memorable. Speak with us today by calling 01495 400947 or complete our holiday enquiry form on the website. Let us turn your ideas into your perfect trip.

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