5 Tips for Travelling LGBT+ With a Partner: Your Guide to Romantic Gay Breaks

April 18, 2025


Travelling as an LGBT+ couple opens up a world of possibilities for romantic gay breaks. Whether you’re seasoned travellers or planning your first trip as a couple, travelling as a same-sex couple can be enriching, affirming, and full of discovery. But it also brings a few extra considerations. These tips will help you make the most of your holiday, with comfort, safety, and romance at the heart of your experience.

1. Choose Destinations That Celebrate Love and Pride

The destination you choose can make or break the mood of your trip. For romantic gay breaks, choose countries where LGBT+ rights are recognised and celebrated. You’re not just looking for tolerance — you’re looking for joy, pride, and welcome.

Cities like  BarcelonaAmsterdam , and  Lisbon  are renowned for their inclusive atmospheres and vibrant queer cultures. Whether you’re attending a pride event, lounging on a gay beach, or dancing the night away in a local bar, these cities offer the freedom to be yourselves.

But romance isn’t only found in cities. Island escapes like  MykonosGran Canaria , or  Bali  offer sun, sea, and space to unwind with your partner. And you don’t always have to go far: the UK is home to inclusive spots like Brighton and Manchester that are perfect for a weekend escape.

How Gay Friendly is Spain?

  • Legal Since:  1979
  • Same-Sex Marriage:  Legal since 2005
  • Discrimination Laws:  Protections in place
  • Employment Protections:  Yes
  • Equal Age of Consent:  Yes
  • Public Opinion:  Highly supportive, especially in cities and coastal regions

2. Stay in LGBT+ Friendly or Exclusively Gay Accommodation

Where you stay sets the tone for your holiday. Booking a place that welcomes or even specialises in LGBT+ guests can turn a good trip into a great one. From gay-owned guesthouses to five-star luxury hotels with a reputation for inclusion, the right base gives you space to relax fully.

Ask us for recommendations. We only work with suppliers that we trust, and we’ll make sure your accommodation is suited to your needs — whether you want a quiet villa with a private pool or a lively hotel with themed nights.

How Gay Friendly is the Netherlands?

  • Legal Since:  1811
  • Same-Sex Marriage:  Legal since 2001
  • Discrimination Laws:  Comprehensive
  • Employment Protections:  Yes
  • Equal Age of Consent:  Yes
  • Public Opinion:  Exceptionally positive, particularly in Amsterdam

3. Respect Local Cultures Without Dimming Your Light

Every country has its customs. What’s celebrated in one place may be taboo in another. While romantic gay breaks are about joy and connection, understanding your destination’s norms is essential.

For example, public displays of affection might be common in the UK but considered inappropriate elsewhere, even for straight couples. In some countries, discretion in public can lead to a more relaxed experience.

At Wide Awake Holidays, we help you prepare by offering honest, up-to-date advice on your destination. Our goal isn’t to restrict your freedom, but to give you tools to enjoy it fully.

How Gay Friendly is Thailand?

  • Legal Since:  1956
  • Same-Sex Marriage:  Not yet legal (as of 2025, legalisation is in progress)
  • Discrimination Laws:  No explicit protections nationwide
  • Employment Protections:  Patchy
  • Equal Age of Consent:  Yes
  • Public Opinion:  Culturally tolerant, especially in tourist areas

4. Prioritise Safety While Staying Spontaneous

Every couple wants to let their guard down on holiday. But for LGBT+ travellers, a bit of preparation goes a long way. Romantic gay breaks can be spontaneous and safe with just a few precautions:

  • Research LGBT+ laws before you go
  • Know where your local embassy is
  • Keep digital and paper copies of ID
  • Use a VPN when accessing public Wi-Fi
  • Share your travel plans with a trusted friend

We can also help you plan safe transport and excursions with local LGBT+ friendly guides and services.

How Gay Friendly is South Africa?

  • Legal Since:  1998
  • Same-Sex Marriage:  Legal since 2006
  • Discrimination Laws:  Strong national protections
  • Employment Protections:  Yes
  • Equal Age of Consent:  Yes
  • Public Opinion:  Supportive in urban and tourist areas, mixed in rural parts

5. Make Time for Each Other (and the Unexpected)

This might seem obvious, but it’s easy to overfill your itinerary. Don’t forget why you’re travelling in the first place — to reconnect, explore together, and make memories.

Leave room for the unexpected. Whether it’s a sunset cocktail on a quiet rooftop or a spontaneous night at a drag show, the magic of travel is often found in unplanned moments.

And remember: just because you’re away doesn’t mean you need to be doing something every second. Sometimes, the best part of romantic gay breaks is simply being.

How Gay Friendly is Portugal?

  • Legal Since:  1982
  • Same-Sex Marriage:  Legal since 2010
  • Discrimination Laws:  Broad protections
  • Employment Protections:  Yes
  • Equal Age of Consent:  Yes
  • Public Opinion:  Warm and inclusive, especially in Lisbon and Porto

Jamie Says : “ I’ve spoken to countless LGBT+ couples who’ve never been on a romantic break where they could relax completely. We built Wide Awake Holidays to change that. You deserve a holiday that’s as honest and joyful as your relationship.”

Ready to Plan Your Own Romantic Gay Break?

Travelling as an LGBT+ couple should never feel like something to fear — it should feel like freedom. With the right planning, support, and destination, it becomes just that. At Wide Awake Holidays, we believe that sometimes ‘gay friendly’ just isn’t friendly enough. You deserve more.

We offer tailor-made holidays that go beyond labels. Whether you want a luxurious beach escape, a cultural city break, or an off-the-beaten-path adventure, we’ll create it with you, for you.

Call us today on  01495 400947  or use our  holiday enquiry form  to start planning your next romantic gay break. Let’s make travel feel like coming home.

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