How to Make Your LGBT+ Travel Experience More Eco-Friendly

Travelling the world is one of life’s great joys — especially when you get to be yourself. For LGBT+ travellers, finding inclusive, sustainable, and unforgettable holiday experiences matters more than ever. That’s why LGBT Eco-friendly holidays are becoming a rising trend — not just a feel-good choice, but a smart and ethical one too.

At Wide Awake Holidays, we believe that sometimes gay-friendly isn’t friendly enough. We’re a gay-owned UK travel company, part of Protected Trust Services, and we hold an ATOL licence for full financial protection.

Whether it’s your first time booking a gay holiday or you’re a seasoned globetrotter, this guide will help you travel more consciously while still enjoying luxury, culture, and pride around the world.

Let’s explore how to reduce your impact, support LGBT+ communities, and still have the time of your life.

Why Choose LGBT Eco-Friendly Holidays?

Sustainable travel isn’t just about recycling your water bottle. It’s about making thoughtful choices — where you stay, how you get there, and who your money supports. LGBT Eco-friendly holidays give you a way to do all that, while ensuring you’re welcomed, respected, and celebrated for who you are.

These trips:

• Help preserve the natural beauty of destinations
• Support inclusive local businesses
• Often include activities aligned with ethical tourism
• Provide a safer, more affirming experience for LGBT+ travellers

It’s not about doing less. It’s about doing better — and still having fun.

What Makes a Holiday Eco-Friendly and LGBT-Inclusive?

Here’s what to look for when planning LGBT Eco-friendly holidays:

• Eco-conscious accommodation: Think solar-powered resorts, carbon-neutral stays, and hotels that cut plastic use.
• LGBT+-friendly staff and policies: Are you recognised as a couple? Are your pronouns respected? This matters.
• Local experiences: Choose tours led by queer guides or local experts who support diverse communities.
• Low-impact transport: Walk, cycle, take the train, or join small-group tours with low emissions.
• Ethical dining: Eat local and seasonal — especially from LGBT+-owned restaurants or cafes.

The best eco-friendly holidays are rooted in respect: for the planet and for each other.

Where to Go for LGBT Eco-Friendly Holidays?

Some destinations lead the way in sustainable travel and LGBT+ inclusion. Here are four of our favourites, complete with how gay-friendly they are and where to stay.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a pioneer in green travel — and a welcoming place for LGBT+ tourists too. From cloud forests to Caribbean beaches, it’s a nature lover’s dream.

Stay at: Lapa Rios Lodge

This stunning ecolodge on the Osa Peninsula runs entirely on renewable energy and supports local conservation. It’s not exclusively LGBT+, but its staff are trained in inclusive service.

How Gay Friendly is Costa Rica?

• Homosexuality legal: Yes, since 1971
• Same-sex marriage recognised: Yes, since 2020
• Anti-discrimination laws: Yes, including employment protections
• Equal age of consent: Yes
• Public opinion: Mixed but improving, especially in tourism areas

Portugal

Portugal has become a hot spot for LGBT+ travellers. It combines gorgeous landscapes, great wine, and progressive social values. Even better — it’s investing heavily in green tourism.

Stay at: Casa do Valle, Sintra

An eco-friendly guesthouse using solar energy and local suppliers. While not an LGBT-only property, it’s gay-owned and proudly inclusive.

How Gay Friendly is Portugal?

• Homosexuality legal: Yes, since 1982
• Same-sex marriage recognised: Yes, since 2010
• Anti-discrimination laws: Yes, strong legal protections
• Employment protections: Yes
• Equal age of consent: Yes
• Public opinion: Very accepting

Thailand

Thailand is vibrant, welcoming, and full of life. While same-sex marriage isn’t yet legal, its openness to LGBT+ people — especially in major cities — makes it a popular choice. Many Thai resorts now offer eco-conscious stays.

Stay at: The Tongsai Bay, Koh Samui

A luxury eco-resort known for its green practices and discreet, inclusive hospitality.

How Gay Friendly is Thailand?

• Homosexuality legal: Yes, since 1956
• Same-sex marriage recognised: Not yet, but progress is happening
• Anti-discrimination laws: Partial protections
• Employment protections: Some, though inconsistently applied
• Equal age of consent: Yes
• Public opinion: Generally tolerant, especially in tourism zones

Canada

Canada is both a sustainability leader and one of the most LGBT+ inclusive countries in the world. Whether you're skiing in Whistler or cycling in Vancouver, it's a top-tier option for LGBT Eco-friendly holidays.

Stay at: HI Whistler Hostel (Eco-certified)

Built for the 2010 Olympics, this hostel is modern, green, and welcoming. For more luxury, opt for the Fairmont Waterfront — certified green and inclusive.

How Gay Friendly is Canada?

• Homosexuality legal: Yes, since 1969
• Same-sex marriage recognised: Yes, since 2005
• Anti-discrimination laws: Comprehensive
• Employment protections: Yes
• Equal age of consent: Yes
• Public opinion: Extremely supportive

How to Travel More Sustainably on Any LGBT Holiday

Not every destination is green yet — and not every hotel has solar panels. But here are practical ways you can reduce your footprint on any trip:

• Fly smart: Choose direct flights, pack light, and offset your carbon if possible.
• Pack reusable gear: Bring a refillable water bottle, cloth tote, and bamboo utensils.
• Support queer businesses: Dine, shop, and tour with LGBT+ locals when possible.
• Skip fast fashion: Avoid buying “disposable” clothes for holiday photos.
• Be mindful with water and energy: Reuse towels, take shorter showers, and turn off lights.

One small change at a time makes a big impact when multiplied across millions of travellers.

To deepen your sustainable approach, WWF offers a simple guide to greener travel choices.

Booking LGBT Eco-Friendly Holidays with Confidence

Booking a holiday should feel exciting — not stressful. That’s why Wide Awake Holidays offers a personal service, tailored to your needs and preferences.

When you book your LGBT Eco-friendly holidays with us:

• You’re protected financially. We’re members of Protected Trust Services and hold an ATOL licence.
• Your trip includes Supplier Failure Insurance and Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance for peace of mind.
• We tailor every detail to you — from your preferred room type to inclusive experiences that match your values.
• We work only with vetted suppliers who understand the importance of both sustainability and LGBT+ inclusion.

Jamie Says:

“I’ve always believed that being seen and respected on holiday is just as important as having a great view. That’s why we choose our suppliers carefully — because eco-conscious travel should never come at the cost of feeling safe or celebrated.”

Common Myths About LGBT Eco-Friendly Holidays

You might hear some of these when planning a more sustainable trip — let’s bust them.

“Eco-friendly means basic.”

Not true. Plenty of luxury resorts have gone green without compromising on comfort or experience. You can enjoy fine dining, spa treatments, and sunset views — just with solar panels and sustainable seafood.

“It’s only worth it for long trips.”

Even a weekend away can be more sustainable. Choosing train travel over flying, shopping from local queer artisans, or staying in a green hotel all counts.

“LGBT-friendly places aren’t always eco-conscious.”

There’s growing overlap — particularly in destinations where equality and sustainability go hand in hand. Many LGBT-owned properties are leading the way in environmental awareness.

“It’s more expensive.”

Sometimes, yes — but not always. Eco properties range in price, and many offer long-term savings through perks like free bikes, refill stations, or discounts for longer stays. And when you factor in the ethical value, it’s often worth the spend.

Questions to Ask Before You Book

Making sure your holiday aligns with your values starts with the right questions. Whether you're speaking to a travel expert (like us!) or contacting a hotel directly, consider asking:

• Is your hotel powered by renewable energy?
• Do you use locally sourced food and supplies?
• What measures are in place to support LGBT+ guests?
• Do you employ local LGBT staff or support queer-led organisations?
• Is your tour group size capped to reduce impact?

These questions aren’t just helpful — they signal to businesses that travellers care about these issues. Your voice matters.

LGBT Eco-Friendly Holidays in Urban Destinations

You don’t have to be in the middle of a rainforest to go green. Cities are getting creative when it comes to sustainability — and many have thriving queer scenes. Here are three standouts:

Amsterdam, Netherlands

One of the greenest and gay-friendliest capitals in Europe. The city’s cycle-first culture and extensive tram network make low-impact travel easy.

Where to Stay:
Hotel Jakarta is a stylish, eco-luxury hotel with an indoor subtropical garden and zero-energy design. While not a gay hotel, it welcomes all travellers equally.

How Gay Friendly is the Netherlands?

• Homosexuality legal: Yes, since 1811
• Same-sex marriage recognised: Yes, since 2001 (first country in the world)
• Anti-discrimination laws: Very strong
• Employment protections: Yes
• Equal age of consent: Yes
• Public opinion: Highly supportive

Berlin, Germany

Berlin’s known for its alternative energy policies and progressive politics. It also has a proud queer history and some of the most diverse nightlife in Europe.

Where to Stay:
The Circus Hotel offers eco touches and is LGBTQ+ inclusive. Think sustainable materials, free tap water, and carbon offset options.

How Gay Friendly is Germany?

• Homosexuality legal: Yes, since 1969
• Same-sex marriage recognised: Yes, since 2017
• Anti-discrimination laws: Yes
• Employment protections: Yes
• Equal age of consent: Yes
• Public opinion: Very accepting, especially in Berlin

Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm’s public transport is almost entirely powered by renewable energy, and its hotels often hold eco-certifications. It also hosts one of the most inclusive Pride festivals in Europe.

Where to Stay:
Hotel Rival, a stylish boutique hotel co-owned by ABBA’s Benny Andersson, offers strong green credentials and welcoming service.

How Gay Friendly is Sweden?

• Homosexuality legal: Yes, since 1944
• Same-sex marriage recognised: Yes, since 2009
• Anti-discrimination laws: Comprehensive
• Employment protections: Yes
• Equal age of consent: Yes
• Public opinion: Exceptionally positive

Supporting the LGBT+ Community While Travelling

Being an eco-friendly traveller doesn’t stop at plastic bottles. It also means uplifting marginalised communities.

On your next holiday, consider:

• Booking with queer-owned businesses
• Donating to or visiting LGBT+ community centres
• Attending Pride events (especially in countries where visibility matters)
• Learning about the local queer history
• Buying souvenirs from LGBT+ artisans

These choices are small, but meaningful. You’re not just travelling — you’re creating change.

LGBT Eco-Friendly Travel Tips from LGBT+ Travellers

We asked some LGBT+ travellers what they've done to make their LGBT holidays more sustainable.

Ben & Marcus from Cardiff:
"We always ask our hotels if they recycle and use refill stations. It helps us choose who to stay with. Also — we pack less! Makes a surprising difference."

Sophie from Brighton:
"Instead of taxis, I walk or hire bikes in each city. It's cheap, and you get to see so much more. I also support queer-owned cafés whenever I can."

Aisha & Tomi from Manchester:
"Booking with an LGBT+ company like Wide Awake Holidays helps us know the places we visit are inclusive. That’s just as important to us as the eco side."

Their advice is simple: ask questions, do a little research, and don’t be afraid to say what you want from your holiday.

Why Book LGBT Eco-Friendly Holidays with Wide Awake Holidays?

We’re not just a travel company. We’re your travel family. As a gay-owned UK business, we know that sometimes gay-friendly isn’t friendly enough — and that goes double for sustainability.

When you book with us:

• You get tailor-made support: We work around your values, style, and budget.
• You get financial peace of mind: Protected Trust Services membership + ATOL license.
• You get exclusive access: 200+ trusted tour operators, including eco and LGBT specialists.
• You’re protected: Every holiday includes Supplier Failure Insurance and Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance.

And you’ll get us — people who genuinely care, know what makes a great trip, and fight to make the travel world more inclusive and ethical.

Ready to Plan Your Next LGBT Eco-Friendly Holiday?

If you’ve been dreaming about a holiday that feels as good as it looks, now’s the time. Whether you want tropical beaches, buzzing cities, or rural retreats — we’ll make it happen, consciously and carefully.



Phone us today on 01495 400947 or use our holiday enquiry form to get started. You deserve a holiday that puts your values and your joy first.

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