The world feels smaller when you're ready to explore it. And yet, for many LGBT+ travellers, outdated beliefs and half-truths still shape how we think about travelling safely and joyfully. Whether you're planning your first trip with your partner or you're a seasoned traveller chasing your next pride parade, it’s time to challenge some of the most common LGBT travel myths. From the safety of destinations to the idea that gay holidays are only about nightlife, let’s set the record straight.
Myth 1: LGBT+ Travel is Dangerous Everywhere Outside of Western Europe
This myth is one of the most common — and most damaging. While it’s true that legal protections and social acceptance vary widely around the world, the idea that anywhere outside of Western Europe is automatically unsafe is simply wrong. Many destinations are not only welcoming but have thriving LGBT+ communities and tourism scenes that celebrate diversity openly.
Let’s take Thailand, for example. It’s often seen as one of the most LGBT-friendly countries in Asia.
Bangkok and
Phuket are known globally for their inclusive nightlife, romantic beach resorts, and trans-friendly spaces.
Meanwhile, places like Mexico, Uruguay, and parts of South Africa have been quietly leading the way on marriage equality and anti-discrimination laws.
You don’t have to stick to ‘safe list’ clichés when planning a holiday. You just need to plan smartly. That’s where having the right travel partner comes in — someone who understands the reality on the ground and can help you tailor your trip based on both your preferences and protections.
How Gay Friendly is Thailand?
- Homosexuality legal since: 1956
- Same-sex marriage recognised: Not yet, but civil partnerships are in progress
- Discrimination protections: Yes, gender identity and sexual orientation are covered under anti-discrimination law
- Employment protections: Yes, protection under labour regulations
- Equal age of consent: Yes
- Public opinion: Broadly tolerant, especially in tourist areas like Chiang Mai and Bangkok
Thailand’s government continues to move closer to legalising same-sex marriage. Its culture, deeply influenced by Buddhist values, tends to be accepting of gender diversity, including kathoey (trans women), who are often visible in mainstream society. The thriving queer nightlife and visible Pride celebrations make Thailand a destination many LGBT+ travellers return to again and again.
Check out the romantic escapes and Pride-time offers we have available in Thailand right now.
Myth 2: Gay Holidays Are Just Parties and Nightclubs
There’s a persistent belief that all gay holidays revolve around loud music, pool parties, and all-night clubbing.
And while there’s absolutely nothing wrong with dancing until sunrise, that’s just one slice of the full LGBT+ travel experience.
Not every traveller is looking for glitter and DJs. Many LGBT+ travellers are seeking peaceful escapes, cultural immersion, food and wine experiences, nature retreats, and wellness holidays. Your sexuality doesn’t define your interests — and the industry is finally catching up with that.
Portugal is a perfect example. Lisbon’s LGBT+ scene is full of history, charm, and relaxed seaside living. You can spend your morning in the Alfama district wandering cobbled streets, your afternoon in a vineyard in Setúbal, and your evening in a small, inclusive jazz club. The country has a laid-back vibe that attracts couples, solo travellers, and even families looking for a welcoming place to relax.
Portugal also has one of the best Pride celebrations in Europe, but you’re never limited to just the big events. Whether you’re hiking in the Douro Valley or exploring medieval castles in Sintra, you can craft a holiday that feels personal to you.
How Gay Friendly is Portugal?
- Homosexuality legal since: 1982
- Same-sex marriage recognised: Yes, since 2010
- Discrimination protections: Comprehensive, including in housing and services
- Employment protections: Yes, protected under labour law
- Equal age of consent: Yes
- Public opinion: Highly supportive, especially in urban and coastal areas
Portugal consistently ranks as one of the safest and most welcoming countries in Europe for LGBT+ travellers. The country’s inclusive laws are supported by strong social acceptance, and you’ll find gay-owned businesses and queer-friendly spaces across the country — not just in the capital.
Discover our current offers for LGBT+ friendly travel in Portugal — from vineyard villas to spa breaks by the sea.
Myth 3: You Can Only Travel as a Couple or with Friends
This myth stops so many people from booking their dream getaway. The idea that LGBT+ holidays are only for couples or big friendship groups is outdated and simply untrue. In reality, solo LGBT+ travel is growing faster than ever — and for good reason.
Travelling solo gives you total freedom. You get to choose your itinerary, go at your own pace, and connect with locals and other travellers more naturally. There’s also something deeply empowering about taking time for yourself, especially when that time is spent in a place where you feel fully accepted.
Argentina is one of the top solo travel destinations for LGBT+ people. With its vibrant cities, epic natural landscapes, and progressive social attitudes, it welcomes visitors from around the world — no plus one required. Buenos Aires is known as the queer capital of South America, offering everything from milongas (tango clubs) to art tours to inclusive cafés. You don’t have to compromise here. You can explore the Andes, sip Malbec in Mendoza, or simply wander through Palermo’s leafy parks — and feel at home doing it alone.
Many of our solo clients say that travelling alone helped them reconnect with themselves and experience local LGBT+ communities in a more meaningful way. You’re never really alone when you're part of something global.
How Gay Friendly is Argentina?
- Homosexuality legal since: 1887
- Same-sex marriage recognised: Yes, since 2010
- Discrimination protections: Strong protections in place across most sectors
- Employment protections: Yes, including gender identity protections
- Equal age of consent: Yes
- Public opinion: Very supportive, especially in Buenos Aires and major cities
Argentina has been a leader in LGBT+ rights in Latin America. It was the first country in the region to legalise same-sex marriage and one of the first in the world to allow people to legally change their gender without surgery. Public opinion is largely supportive, with strong pride celebrations and inclusive tourism infrastructure.
Take a look at our solo travel deals and immersive cultural packages in Argentina today.
Always check the latest local laws and protections through trusted resources like
ILGA before you travel
Myth 4: Luxury Means Straight-Only Resorts
Too often, luxury travel is associated with heteronormative experiences — couples' massages for him and her, king beds with floral arrangements, and staff who assume you’re “just friends” if you’re the same gender. But times are changing. Luxury no longer means fitting into someone else's expectations. And it definitely doesn’t mean straight-only.
High-end, LGBT-specific resorts are thriving — and Spain is leading the way. From stylish boutique hotels in Barcelona to all-male clothing-optional resorts in
Gran Canaria, there's no shortage of elegant places where you can fully be yourself. These resorts blend premium service with true inclusivity, creating experiences that go beyond simple tolerance.
In Maspalomas, the gay village of Playa del Inglés is home to several upscale, gay-only resorts. Many of these hotels offer spa treatments, rooftop terraces, and adult-only zones that balance luxury with community. You can wake up in a designer suite, sip cava by the pool, and never feel the need to explain who you’re travelling with or why.
And if your idea of luxury is peace and privacy, Spain also offers countryside fincas and cliffside villas — many of them gay-owned or actively inclusive. You deserve a holiday where every part of the experience, from check-in to cocktails, feels welcoming and relaxed.
How Gay Friendly is Spain?
- Homosexuality legal since: 1979
- Same-sex marriage recognised: Yes, since 2005
- Discrimination protections: Comprehensive protections under national law
- Employment protections: Yes, including specific guidelines for public and private sectors
- Equal age of consent: Yes
- Public opinion: Extremely supportive, particularly in Catalonia, Madrid, and the Canary Islands
Spain has long been a leader in LGBT+ rights, both legally and socially. From the energetic Pride events in Madrid to the intimate queer communities in
Sitges, Spain feels proudly inclusive. It’s a country where many LGBT+ travellers return again and again — not just because it’s safe, but because it feels like home.
Explore our premium hotel offers and gay-only resorts in Spain to make your next holiday unforgettable.
Myth 5: It’s Too Complicated to Plan an LGBT+ Holiday
It can feel overwhelming at first. Picking a destination, checking safety laws, wondering if hotels are genuinely welcoming, and trying to avoid awkward assumptions at the check-in desk. But planning your LGBT+ holiday doesn't have to be stressful — especially when you don’t do it alone.
That’s where Wide Awake Holidays makes a real difference.
We're not just another travel company. We're gay-owned, UK-based, and part of the Protected Trust Services network. That means every holiday you book through us is fully protected. You’re covered by ATOL if you book a flight-inclusive package, and all tailor-made trips include both Supplier Failure Insurance and Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance. Your money is safe in a trust account until your holiday is complete.
But more than that — we get you. We know what it’s like to worry about how you’ll be received. We understand that a “gay-friendly” badge doesn’t always mean friendly in practice. That’s why we believe sometimes gay friendly is not friendly enough. We hand-pick our suppliers, only work with properties we trust, and tailor every experience to you.
Let’s take Canada as an example. It’s a vast country full of cultural, natural, and culinary wonders. And it's also one of the most inclusive nations in the world. Whether you’re exploring Montreal’s Plateau district, skiing in Whistler, or sipping wine in Niagara, the country’s open approach to diversity makes it one of the easiest places to relax — and be yourself.
You shouldn’t have to compromise to travel. You just need someone who knows how to do the work for you.
How Gay Friendly is Canada?
- Homosexuality legal since: 1969
- Same-sex marriage recognised: Yes, since 2005
- Discrimination protections: Comprehensive national protections
- Employment protections: Yes, federally and provincially
- Equal age of consent: Yes
- Public opinion: Overwhelmingly positive, especially in major cities and tourist areas
Canada is consistently ranked among the most LGBT-friendly countries in the world. Pride events take place across cities large and small, and public institutions regularly promote inclusion. It’s also home to several gay-only accommodations and queer cultural hubs, particularly in Toronto and Vancouver.
