LGBT+ History Month gives us time to reflect, learn, and honour the stories of those who came before us. But does the celebration really have to end with February? At Wide Awake Holidays, we don’t think so. The visibility, connection, and community we experience during LGBT+ History Month should extend far beyond a single page in the calendar. Whether you’re someone who regularly travels on gay holidays or you’re planning your first LGBT-friendly escape, this guide will show you how to celebrate Pride abroad throughout the year — without waiting for June or being confined to one place or identity.
Travelling offers a meaningful way to connect with global LGBT communities, embrace diverse cultures, and mark our shared history. Let’s explore how you can keep celebrating, no matter the season.
Why You Should Celebrate Pride Abroad All Year Long
For many, LGBT+ History Month is a time for education, remembrance, and pride. But once March arrives, many of the conversations and celebrations begin to quiet down. That doesn’t mean they have to.
Here’s why it’s worth carrying the spirit of February with you wherever — and whenever — you go:
1. Pride Happens All Over the World
Pride isn’t a one-month event. Different countries celebrate at different times, often shaped by local weather, political events, or historical anniversaries. This creates an opportunity to join Pride parades and festivals almost any time of year — not just in June.
2. You Learn by Being There
Visiting a destination known for its queer history or culture helps turn learning into experience. You might visit museums, tour historical neighbourhoods, or simply meet locals whose stories mirror — or challenge — your own.
3. You Support Global LGBT Communities
Spending money in LGBT-owned venues, staying at inclusive hotels, and choosing destinations that value equality can uplift queer communities around the globe.
10 Ways to Celebrate LGBT+ History Month Beyond February
We’ve outlined specific destinations further down, but here are ten practical and meaningful ways you can mark LGBT+ history all year, no matter where you are:
- Plan a cultural trip to an LGBT+-friendly city with museums or monuments celebrating queer history.
- Attend off-season Pride events, such as Mardi Gras in Sydney or Pride in Cape Town.
- Book a themed group tour with other LGBT travellers — from art to activism, the options are growing.
- Support LGBT-owned businesses when booking accommodation, food, and experiences.
- Volunteer or donate to a local queer organisation in your destination.
- Start a travel journal that documents your visits to queer landmarks or moments of connection abroad.
- Take part in LGBT film festivals or art shows in other countries.
- Learn about regional LGBT movements and compare how rights vary across borders.
- Stay in destinations making progress — not just the most famous ones.
- Bring someone with you — introducing a friend to the joys of LGBT travel is a celebration in itself.
Where to Celebrate Pride Abroad (and When)
Below are some of the top destinations where you can celebrate Pride and LGBT history throughout the year. Each location offers a blend of culture, celebration, and community — and all are places where we regularly tailor trips for our clients.
1. Madrid, Spain – Summer Pride and Year-Round Openness
Madrid’s Orgullo (Pride) is a true standout — a week-long festival in early July that fills the city with parades, parties, concerts, and calls for equality. The Chueca district is alive with colour, but Madrid is a destination that values inclusivity all year round.
It’s a city that doesn’t need a reason to celebrate.
Where to stay: The Axel Hotel Madrid is stylish and unpretentious, offering a great base in the heart of Chueca.
Ask Wide Awake Holidays about current offers available for this hotel.
How Gay Friendly is Spain?
- Legal since: 1979
- Marriage equality: Legal since 2005
- Discrimination laws: Yes — strong protections
- Employment protections: Yes
- Equal age of consent: Yes (16)
- Public opinion: Strongly supportive, especially in cities
2. Cape Town, South Africa – Pride in the Sun
Held in late February, Cape Town’s Pride week is more than just a party. It’s a symbol of resilience, celebration, and progress. With stunning beaches and a growing queer scene, it’s one of Africa’s most welcoming destinations for LGBT travellers.
Pride here comes with a mountain view and meaningful impact.
Where to stay: The Glen Boutique Hotel & Spa is openly gay-owned and provides exceptional service with a relaxed atmosphere.
Ask us for seasonal rates or package deals.
How Gay Friendly is South Africa?
- Legal since: 1998
- Marriage equality: Legal since 2006
- Discrimination laws: Constitutionally protected
- Employment protections: Yes
- Equal age of consent: Yes (16)
- Public opinion: Supportive in cities, mixed elsewhere
3. Toronto, Canada – Pride Month with Purpose
Canada celebrates Pride Month in June, but Toronto’s queer energy is present year-round. From the Church-Wellesley Village to inclusive cafes, theatres, and events, the city is a beacon of progress.
Toronto combines culture, comfort, and celebration.
Where to stay: The Drake Hotel is artsy, inclusive, and located close to the action.
Ask us about promotions and inclusive packages.
How Gay Friendly is Canada?
- Legal since: 1969
- Marriage equality: Legal since 2005
- Discrimination laws: Yes, across all provinces
- Employment protections: Yes
- Equal age of consent: Yes (16)
- Public opinion: Extremely supportive
4. Sydney, Australia – Mardi Gras Magic in February
Sydney’s Mardi Gras Festival, held in late February, is a world-famous mix of politics, art, and pure fun. The city is open-minded and lively, with beaches, nightlife, and culture rolled into one.
The energy is electric — and inclusive.
Where to stay: QT Sydney offers flair, style, and central access to all events.
We can advise on Mardi Gras packages for your travel dates.
How Gay Friendly is Australia?
- Legal since: 1997
- Marriage equality: Legal since 2017
- Discrimination laws: Yes
- Employment protections: Yes
- Equal age of consent: Yes (16)
- Public opinion: Broadly positive
5. Berlin, Germany – History, Art, and Pride Year-Round
Berlin is a city with deep LGBT roots and a non-stop calendar of queer events. Pride (CSD) takes place in late July, but the city is alive with drag shows, art exhibitions, and community gatherings throughout the year.
Berlin is loud, proud, and deeply aware.
Where to stay: Hotel Berlin, Berlin balances style and substance.
Ask Wide Awake Holidays about our special rates and events calendar.
How Gay Friendly is Germany?
- Legal since: 1969
- Marriage equality: Legal since 2017
- Discrimination laws: Yes
- Employment protections: Yes
- Equal age of consent: Yes (14 with consent rules)
- Public opinion: Very positive in urban centres
6. Lisbon, Portugal – Small Pride, Big Welcome
Lisbon hosts its main Pride parade in June, but the city offers year-round charm and warmth to LGBT travellers. The Bairro Alto and Príncipe Real districts are lively, walkable, and filled with LGBT-owned venues.
Lisbon is laid-back, inclusive, and filled with heart.
Where to stay: Memmo Príncipe Real is a boutique gem with incredible views.
Ask us about available upgrades and inclusive travel extras.
How Gay Friendly is Portugal?
- Legal since: 1982
- Marriage equality: Legal since 2010
- Discrimination laws: Yes
- Employment protections: Yes
- Equal age of consent: Yes (14)
- Public opinion: Very positive in cities
Jamie Says: “Pride isn’t a date — it’s a mindset. That’s why we help people celebrate it everywhere, not just in the usual spots. Your holiday should reflect who you are.”
Why Book with Wide Awake Holidays?
We know what it feels like to search for a trip that reflects you — and to feel disappointed when the promise of “gay-friendly” falls flat.
At Wide Awake Holidays, we offer more than a rainbow sticker in a window. We design real, thoughtful, and safe LGBT travel experiences.
Here’s What Makes Us Different
- We’re proudly gay-owned and based in the UK.
- We offer personal travel services tailored to you — not a template.
- We’re members of Protected Trust Services and hold an ATOL license, meaning your money is protected and your plans are safe.
- Every tailor-made holiday comes with Supplier Failure Insurance and Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance— built-in, no extra charge.
- We give you access to over 200 travel suppliers, including exclusive LGBT-friendly hotels and tours.
Wherever you want to celebrate Pride, we’ll make sure you feel welcome, informed, and looked after.
New to LGBT Travel?
If you’ve never been on a “gay holiday,” you might wonder if it’s for you. You don’t need to attend Pride events or go clubbing to enjoy the benefits of LGBT-focused travel.
Think about this:
- Would you like to travel without second-guessing how you’ll be treated?
- Would it feel better to hold hands freely on holiday?
- Are you curious about LGBT life in other countries?
If so, you’re ready.
Whether you’re going solo, travelling as a couple, or taking a trip with friends, we’ll guide you to the right destination at the right time — no judgement, no pressure.
Ready to Celebrate Pride Abroad?
You don’t need to wait for February or June. You don’t need to fit a stereotype. You just need a passport and a desire to see the world as your full self.
Let us help you choose the perfect city, hotel, and timing to celebrate Pride abroad — in a way that’s comfortable, meaningful, and entirely yours.
📞 Call us now on 01495 400947
💬 Or use our holiday enquiry form on the website to get started
Your next holiday doesn’t have to be ordinary. Let’s make it personal. Let’s make it proud.
