How to Celebrate LGBT+ Love Across the World

Celebrating LGBT+ Love Through LGBT+ romantic destinations around the world

Pride, proposals, anniversaries, and honeymoons all feel easier when you choose LGBT+ romantic destinations around the world that welcome you without hesitation. Love is personal, and travel should be too. You should never have to “test the mood” before you hold hands.

If you travel often, you already know the difference between a place that tolerates you and a place that celebrates you. If you have never taken a gay holiday before, you might be unsure where to begin. Either way, this guide gives you practical ideas to celebrate LGBT+ love across the world, with LGBT+ romantic destinations around the world you can book, clear planning steps, and a quick reality-check on local laws.

Why “gay-friendly” is not always enough for LGBT+ romantic destinations around the world

Some places market themselves as welcoming, yet the experience can still feel awkward. Staff might assume you are “friends”. Hotels may offer a double bed, yet treat your relationship as something to tiptoe around. Even small things, like being asked for “Mr and Mrs” at check-in, can chip away at the mood.

A better test is simple. Can you relax in public without scanning the room? Can you book a couples’ experience without having to explain yourselves? Can you share a kiss at midnight and feel safe?

The good news is that there are LGBT+ romantic destinations around the world where romance is normal, visible, and easy. The key is matching the place to how you celebrate love.

Pick the celebration first, then choose the place

Not every couple wants the same trip. Some want city energy and late dinners. Others want quiet mornings, a pool, and a good book. Start with the feeling you want, then build the trip around it.

Here are a few ways couples celebrate LGBT+ love, and how to plan for each:

• First trip together: keep it simple, stay central, and plan one “big” experience each day.
• Anniversary: choose one signature ritual, like sunsets, a strong food scene, or a famous walk.
• Proposal: pick a location with privacy and a back-up plan for weather.
• Honeymoon: pair one lively stop with one slow, restorative stay.
• Vow renewal: choose a destination with legal recognition and straightforward paperwork, then plan a week that feels like yours.

Next, think about how open you want to be in public. Some couples want Pride crowds and nightlife.

Others want beautiful places where you can blend in and still feel comfortable. There is no “right” answer. There is only what feels right for you.

A simple planning rhythm that keeps romance front and centre

A romantic holiday is meant to feel light. So, keep your plan realistic. Book one or two anchor moments, then leave space to wander. This works especially well in LGBT+ romantic destinations around the world, where the best memories often come from unplanned evenings.

Try this rhythm:

• Morning: coffee, a walk, and one cultural stop.
• Afternoon: pool, spa, or beach time.
• Evening: dinner, one bar or show, then an early night or a late dance, depending on your mood.

Also, protect your energy. Long transfers, too many check-ins, and a packed schedule can turn romance into logistics. Keep the trip flowing, and the feelings follow.

f you want to time your trip around big celebrations, our guide to Pride festivals across the world helps you match the right destination with the right month.

Destination ideas for celebrating love in LGBT+ romantic destinations around the world

Below are destination patterns that work well for couples who travel often and couples planning their first gay holiday. Each idea includes ways to celebrate, plus a quick “How Gay Friendly is…” snapshot so you can plan with your eyes open.

United Kingdom: London sparkle, then a soft countryside escape

You do not need to fly far to find LGBT+ romantic destinations around the world that feel special. The UK is ideal for short breaks, surprise weekends, and first trips together, especially if you want LGBT+ romantic destinations around the world without a long flight. London gives you theatre, rooftop dinners, and nightlife. A countryside add-on gives you slow mornings and cosy evenings.

To keep it romantic, pick one or two plans and keep the rest loose.

• Book a show, then plan cocktails after.
• Choose one iconic nightlife area and one quieter spot where you can talk.
• For a proposal, think sunrise walks, private tours, or a table with a view.

London also has a dense cluster of long-running LGBT venues, which helps if you want flexible plans rather than a strict itinerary.

Where you stay shapes the pace. Pick a central base so you can walk home after dinner.
Service matters more than “extras” on a short romantic break.

If you’d like, ask us to check current partner offers for your chosen London hotel, and we’ll price it into your trip.

How Gay Friendly is the United Kingdom?

The UK recognises same-sex marriage and has established discrimination protections in employment and services.

• Same-sex marriage recognised: yes
• Discrimination based on sexuality: illegal in key settings
• Employment protections: yes
• Public opinion: broad acceptance in many areas, with city life often feeling easiest for visitors 

Spain: food, beaches, and LGBT+ romantic destinations around the world that stay up late

Spain suits couples who want warmth, a social atmosphere, and romance that spills into the streets, which is why it is often named among LGBT+ romantic destinations around the world for couples. Barcelona is stylish and walkable. Sitges adds beach energy and a concentrated LGBT scene. Madrid brings big-city culture and a strong nightlife mix. For couples who want sun, sea, and an easy-going scene, our picks for LGBT+ friendly beaches are a strong place to start.

To make Spain feel personal, build one small ritual into your days.

• Set one sunset ritual: the same spot, two nights in a row.
• Make dinner the main event, then let the night unfold.
• Plan one day trip that feels “just ours”, even if the city is busy.

Where to stay matters most when you are tired from travel. Choose a hotel where staff are used to couples of every kind.

That small ease matters.

If you’d like, ask us to check current partner offers for the hotel you prefer in Barcelona, Madrid, or Sitges, and we’ll price it into your trip.

How Gay Friendly is Spain?

Spain is one of Europe’s most established LGBT destinations, with strong legal recognition and protections against discrimination.

• Same-sex marriage recognised: yes
• Discrimination based on sexuality: illegal
• Employment protections: yes
• Public opinion: generally accepting, especially in large cities and coastal hubs 

“If Europe is on your list, exploring gay villages and local LGBT+ communities in Europe can turn a nice break into a trip that feels personal.

Greece: island sunsets and LGBT+ romantic destinations around the world with real history

Greece can feel cinematic, and it remains one of the most photographed LGBT+ romantic destinations around the world. Mykonos is the headline, but Athens adds food, galleries, and rooftop views, which works well for couples who want more than a beach.

Greece works best when you balance big views with slower evenings.

• Explore early, then save the best views for late afternoon.
• Book one “dress-up” dinner, then keep the next evening casual.
• Pair two nights in Athens with an island stay for the romantic finish.

Exclusively gay stays can also shape the feel of the trip. Elysium Hotel Mykonos is widely described as an exclusive gay hotel with a social pool scene and sunset bar. 

If you’d like, ask us to check current partner offers for Elysium Hotel, and we’ll price it into your trip.

How Gay Friendly is Greece?

Greece now recognises same-sex marriage, following legislation passed in February 2024.

• Same-sex marriage recognised: yes
• Discrimination based on sexuality: illegal in key settings, with protections strengthened over time
• Employment protections: yes, though experiences can vary by region
• Public opinion: mixed compared with some Western European countries, but changing, with tourist areas often feeling more relaxed for visitors 

If you’re weighing up where you’ll feel most relaxed holding hands in public, this round-up of the most LGBTQ+ friendly countries is a helpful reality check.

South Africa: big skies, wine country, and a sense of freedom

South Africa is for couples who want space, energy, and contrast, and it is a bold choice among LGBT+ romantic destinations around the world. Cape Town gives you beaches, mountains, and a standout dining scene. Add the Winelands for slow afternoons, then finish with a safari if you want a shared “once in a lifetime” memory.

South Africa is at its best when you slow the pace a little.

• Do one sunrise moment together, then a long lunch later.
• Book a private tasting, not a rushed group tour.
• Build in a rest day, so the trip stays romantic.

For a gay-focused base, The Glen Boutique Hotel & Spa is commonly described as a gay hotel in Sea Point, near restaurants and bars. 

If you’d like, ask us to check current partner offers for The Glen Boutique Hotel, and we’ll price it into your trip.

How Gay Friendly is South Africa?

South Africa has long-standing legal protections in employment and recognition of same-sex relationships.

• Same-sex marriage recognised: yes
• Discrimination based on sexuality: prohibited in many contexts
• Employment protections: yes
• Public opinion: varied, with some areas more conservative, while Cape Town is widely experienced as welcoming by travellers 

“Choosing the right stay can set the tone for the whole trip, so it’s worth reading why gay-friendly hotels matter before you book.

Thailand: weddings, street food, and LGBT+ romantic destinations around the world with fresh legal recognition

Thailand has long been loved for its hospitality and nightlife, and it is now firmly on the list of LGBT+ romantic destinations around the world for weddings. It is now also a destination where couples can legally marry. In January 2025, Thailand began registering same-sex marriages under its marriage equality law.

Thailand is easy to shape around dates, food, and shared treats.

• Treat street food like a date: one dish each, then swap.
• Book a private boat day for your island stay.
• Choose one spa experience you both genuinely want.

A Bangkok and islands split often works best: city energy first, then calm. It is an easy way to keep romance strong without feeling rushed.

How Gay Friendly is Thailand?

Thailand recognises same-sex marriage, which is a major step for the region. Anti-discrimination protections are more limited than in some Western countries, though many travellers report a welcoming day-to-day experience in major cities and resort areas.

• Same-sex marriage recognised: yes
• Discrimination based on sexuality: protections can be partial, and may focus more on gender expression in law
• Employment protections: limited compared with some countries
• Public opinion: often seen as accepting in urban and tourist settings, though attitudes vary across communities

Before you choose a destination, you can sense-check local laws and safety context using ILGA World travel resources, then come to us to tailor the trip around what feels right for you.

Mexico: beach romance and LGBT+ romantic destinations around the world with a strong community feel

Mexico is a strong choice if you want sun, culture, and a visible queer scene, and it is one of the easiest LGBT+ romantic destinations around the world for a first long-haul trip. Puerto Vallarta is a standout for couples, especially in the Zona Romántica. Mexico City works well if you want art, food, and late nights.

Same-sex marriage is legal across Mexico, which can make planning feel simpler.

Mexico works well when you alternate “out” days with quiet days.

• Plan one ocean-view dinner, then keep the next night low-key.
• Do one day of culture, then one day of pure rest.
• Choose a beach club day if you want a social, celebratory mood.

For an LGBT-focused stay, Almar Resort Luxury LGBT Beach Front Experience describes itself as an

LGBT luxury resort in Puerto Vallarta’s Romantic Zone with a beachfront setting. 
If you’d like, ask us to check current partner offers for Almar Resort, and we’ll price it into your trip.

How Gay Friendly is Mexico?

Mexico recognises same-sex marriage nationwide, though experiences can vary by region in everyday life.

• Same-sex marriage recognised: yes
• Discrimination based on sexuality: legal protections exist, with a history of regional variation
• Employment protections: present in law, with regional history of variation
• Public opinion: Pew Research Center has found rising acceptance over time in Mexico 
  

United States: bright cities, warm islands, and LGBT+ romantic destinations around the world that can be very local

Even though we are UK-based, we also arrange travel for clients who live outside the UK, including travellers based in the United States. If you are travelling from the US, we can still tailor-make your itinerary and source the right suppliers. If you are travelling from the UK to the US, we can handle flights and ground arrangements as part of your trip plan.

The US is easiest when you build contrast into the trip.

• Pair one city with one slower stop, so the trip has contrast.
• Choose one “shared treat”, like a private boat, a chef’s table, or a spa day.
• Leave one evening unplanned so you can follow the mood.

For adults-only, gay-focused stays, Island House Key West is widely described as a long-running gay men’s resort. 

If you’d like, ask us to check current partner offers for Island House, and we’ll price it into your trip.

For a desert escape, Santiago Resort is described as a gay men’s resort and is often noted for its clothing-optional pool. 

If you’d like, ask us to check current partner offers for Santiago Resort, and we’ll price it into your trip.

How Gay Friendly is the United States?

Same-sex marriage is recognised in the US, yet laws and public attitudes can vary widely by state.

That is why we plan trips with local context, so you know what to expect.

• Same-sex marriage recognised: yes
• Discrimination based on sexuality: protections vary by location
• Employment protections: vary by state and local law
• Public opinion: mixed by region, with strong acceptance in many major cities 
  

Pride, anniversaries, and timing your trip in LGBT+ romantic destinations around the world

If you want a trip that feels openly celebratory, timing matters. Pride season can turn a destination into a full-week party. It can also raise prices and reduce privacy, so choose the mood that suits you.

Plan in two layers. Pick your “romance base” for rest and comfort, then add one or two high-energy nights. Mr & Mrs Smith has a Pride guide that is a helpful reminder that downtime matters as much as the nights out.

If you prefer quieter romance, travel just outside peak Pride dates. You still get welcoming spaces, but with more breathing room. That can make LGBT+ romantic destinations around the world feel even more personal.

Jamie Says:

"The most romantic trips are the ones where you never have to edit yourselves. If we can remove the awkward moments and leave you with the good ones, we’ve done our job.”

Jamie Wake, Managing Director

Booking through Wide Awake Holidays: protections that matter when choosing LGBT+ romantic destinations around the world

We are a gay-owned travel company in the UK, and we believe that sometimes “gay-friendly” is not friendly enough.

If you book through Wide Awake Holidays or Jamie Wake Travel, these protections help keep your money safe.

Our personal service is built around your occasion, your comfort level, and the kind of romance you want. We also tailor-make holidays to suit individual needs, using a wide range of suppliers and tour operators.

ATOL is a UK financial protection scheme for flight-inclusive package trips and is run by the UK Civil Aviation Authority. When you book an ATOL protected trip, you should receive an ATOL Certificate.

We are members of Protected Trust Services, and our tailor-made holidays include Supplier Failure Insurance and Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance. Protected Trust Services explains that these protections help keep customer money protected when paying suppliers or airlines before travel.

Here is what that means in plain language:

• If a travel organiser stops trading, ATOL can step in for eligible flight-inclusive bookings, including refunds if you have not travelled, or help if you are already abroad.
• Supplier Failure Insurance is designed to protect your payments to end suppliers that are part of your holiday plan.
• Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance is aimed at airline insolvency risk for certain flight arrangements, which can matter when money is released to pay an airline in advance.

This matters whether you are booking from the UK or from overseas. If you are based in the United States, Europe, or elsewhere, you can still use our personal service to build a trip. We will talk you through what applies to your booking, in a way that is clear and human.



Your next step: turn celebration ideas into a real trip

You deserve a holiday where romance feels easy. You deserve staff who understand you without a performance. And you deserve LGBT+ romantic destinations around the world that match your pace, your budget, and your relationship.

Call Wide Awake Holidays on 01495 400947 to make a holiday enquiry, or use our holiday enquiry form on our website. Tell us your dates, your occasion, and what “romantic” means to you, and we’ll design the trip around that.

Frequently Asked Questions