How to Navigate Travel and Tourism for the LGBTQ+ Community

For LGBTQ+ travellers, every trip starts with one crucial question: Is it safe — and will I truly be welcomed there?

Navigating travel and tourism as a queer person means balancing the excitement of discovery with the realities of safety, representation, and inclusivity. While the world has opened up in many wonderful ways, knowing how to plan and experience your travels confidently and joyfully as part of the LGBTQ+ community is more important than ever.

At Wide Awake Holidays, we believe travel should be affirming, fun, and freeing. This guide is designed to help you make informed decisions, avoid common pitfalls, and discover destinations that embrace you for exactly who you are.

LGBTQ+ Travel in 2025: A Snapshot

Despite global progress in LGBTQ+ rights, travel isn’t equally accessible everywhere. In 2025, more than 60 countries still criminalise same-sex relations, while others fall short on protections for trans and non-binary travellers. But there’s also good news — inclusive tourism is growing fast, and more destinations are actively welcoming queer travellers with open arms.

Knowing where to go, what to research, and how to book responsibly can transform a potentially cautious trip into the holiday of a lifetime. It’s not just about avoiding harm — it’s about choosing joy.

Pre-Travel Planning: Know Before You Go

The most empowering LGBTQ+ travel experiences begin before you even leave home. Here’s how to prepare with pride.

Research Local LGBTQ+ Laws and Attitudes

Before choosing a destination, check not only the legal status of LGBTQ+ people but also the cultural climate. In some places, same-sex relationships might be legal but still heavily stigmatised. Trans and gender-diverse travellers may face additional challenges at borders or when accessing healthcare.

Some great resources include:

• ILGA World’s LGBTQ+ Travel Map
• Equaldex, a user-updated global LGBTQ+ rights database
• UK Government Travel Advice, which includes country-specific safety updates

We recommend checking these in the early stages of planning, not just for safety, but to set expectations for your trip.

Consider LGBTQ+-Friendly Travel Providers

Choosing a travel company that understands LGBTQ+ needs can make a huge difference — not only in safety but also in the quality of your experience. That’s where companies like Wide Awake Holidays come in. We're queer-owned, and our trips are designed with our community in mind, from the ground up.

Look for tour operators that:

• Have visible LGBTQ+ representation in their marketing
• Offer itineraries that include LGBTQ+ history, nightlife, and events
• Work with inclusive local guides and hotels

Destinations That Welcome With Open Arms

While every traveller is unique, some destinations stand out for their commitment to equality and celebration. If you're looking to explore without compromising your identity, consider adding these to your list.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

One of the world's most progressive cities, Amsterdam was home to the first-ever same-sex marriage in 2001. Its Pride canal parade, gayborhoods like Reguliersdwarsstraat, and queer history museums offer a vibrant, open environment.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

PV has earned its title as the gay beach capital of Latin America. The Romantic Zone is packed with LGBTQ+ bars, drag shows, and rainbow-coloured fun, and local businesses show genuine warmth to queer travellers.

Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town boasts one of the most inclusive legal frameworks in Africa. From the buzz of De Waterkant to the city’s vibrant Pride and beach parties, it’s a cultural and coastal dream.

New Zealand

With progressive rights, gender recognition policies, and a strong Māori tradition of gender diversity, Aotearoa (New Zealand) offers both adventure and affirmation. Think queer-friendly wine tours, scenic treks, and laid-back cities.

Staying Safe While Staying Yourself

Safety doesn’t mean hiding who you are — it means being equipped and aware. Here are some ways to keep yourself secure while staying authentic.

Be Discreet When Necessary

It’s never about denying your identity — but in some countries, being visibly affectionate or discussing your relationship openly may put you at risk. Know where discretion is advised, and respect local norms where necessary.

Use LGBTQ+-Friendly Accommodation

Hotels that actively welcome LGBTQ+ travellers will usually say so — but at Wide Awake Holidays, we go one step further and only recommend places we’ve vetted for inclusion. Avoid awkward moments at check-in and feel free to be yourself from the moment you arrive.

Travel With Community When Possible

Travelling solo can be empowering, but if you’re new to LGBTQ+ travel, you might find strength in numbers. Whether it's a Pride-themed cruise or a queer-led group tour, sharing the journey with like-minded people makes it easier — and a lot more fun.

Understanding Queer Identity and Visibility When Travelling

One of the most empowering — and sometimes complex — aspects of LGBTQ+ travel is how your identity may be perceived differently abroad. While many of us are used to living authentically at home, being abroad might mean making active choices about when, how, and to what extent we express our identities.

For trans, non-binary, and gender-nonconforming travellers in particular, visibility can be both a source of strength and a potential risk, depending on where you are. Consider your own comfort levels around visibility and prepare in advance. If you're used to being "out" in all areas of life, encountering less tolerant environments may feel unfamiliar or frustrating — and that’s okay. It’s not about changing who you are, but about having the tools to adapt when needed for your own safety and wellbeing.

Packing choices, for instance, can be a form of both self-expression and strategic planning. If you’re trans or non-binary, you might find it helpful to bring layers or clothing options that let you present in ways that feel safest depending on where you are. Always listen to your instincts, and remember that taking precautions doesn’t make you any less proud — it makes you wise.

Navigating the Airport, Borders, and Transport

Even the most inclusive destinations can have challenging entry points. Here’s how to avoid unnecessary stress:

• Trans and non-binary travellers: Ensure travel documents match your appearance as closely as possible, and carry additional ID if needed. Be aware of TSA or airport-specific policies if flying via the US or elsewhere.
• Couples: While same-sex couples rarely face issues at international borders, consider using neutral language when speaking to border control in less LGBTQ+-friendly countries.
• Apps and dating safety: Use apps like Grindr or HER with caution in areas where LGBTQ+ activity is criminalised. Consider turning off location features and avoid meeting strangers in private places.

Supporting the LGBTQ+ Community While Abroad

Travel is also a form of activism. Your money, time, and choices can directly benefit LGBTQ+ people around the world. Here’s how:

Stay at LGBTQ+-Owned Properties

Seek out queer-owned hotels, hostels, cafés, or businesses. Not only does this ensure your money is going to your community, but you’re also more likely to feel welcomed, safe, and celebrated.

Visit LGBTQ+ Cultural Spaces

Whether it’s Berlin’s Schwules Museum, the Stonewall Inn in New York, or drag theatre in Bangkok, seek out places that honour LGBTQ+ history and creativity.

Tip Fairly and Use Local Services

From tour guides to taxi drivers, make sure you're supporting locals fairly. Many LGBTQ+ workers in the travel industry rely on tourism for a living — and your kindness makes a difference.

Choosing Inclusive Experiences, Not Just Inclusive Places

Beyond where you go, what you do while you travel has the power to shape your experience — and contribute to a more inclusive world. It’s not just about picking destinations with Pride flags in the window; it’s about seeking out activities, tours, and cultural moments that are shaped by — and for — our community.

Think about experiences that centre LGBTQ+ history, creativity, or community voices. A walking tour of queer landmarks led by a local LGBTQ+ guide offers more than just facts — it connects you to lived experience.

Workshops with queer artisans, language exchanges with LGBTQ+ locals, or even volunteering opportunities through safe organisations can deepen your understanding and leave a lasting impact.

Inclusivity also applies to accessibility. If you're travelling as part of a couple with children, or you’re a solo queer traveller with mobility needs, choose experiences that honour all of your identities. At Wide Awake Holidays, we work closely with suppliers who understand intersectionality — because true inclusivity means no one gets left behind.

This isn’t just ethical travel — it’s joyful travel. Choosing experiences that are curated with inclusion in mind brings not only safety and respect, but fun, laughter, and connection. And that’s the point, isn’t it?

LGBTQ+ Travel Trends to Watch

Inclusivity in tourism is evolving rapidly. Here’s what’s shaping the way we travel as a community in 2025 and beyond.

1. Rise of LGBTQ+ Eco-Travel

More queer travellers are combining ethical travel choices with identity-affirming experiences. This includes carbon-conscious trips, local-led adventures, and stays in eco-resorts that are also inclusive.

2. Trans-Specific Travel Experiences

Tailored group tours and events designed specifically for trans and non-binary people are growing — giving space for identity-affirming, supportive travel with community.

3. Pride Beyond Borders

Travelling for Pride has become a global phenomenon, from EuroPride and WorldPride to local celebrations in unexpected places like Malta and Taipei.



4. Queer Family Travel

More same-sex parents are travelling with their children, and the tourism industry is beginning to cater to this demographic more meaningfully — though there’s still work to be done.

Jamie Says:

“As a gay traveller, I know firsthand that the world is full of beauty — but also barriers. That’s why Wide Awake Holidays exists: to help you explore confidently, safely, and authentically. Every trip we build is rooted in trust, understanding, and genuine celebration of who you are.”

Booking with Confidence: Why It Matters

When you book with Wide Awake Holidays, you’re not just buying a holiday — you’re investing in peace of mind. Here's what you get:

• LGBTQ+-led planning: Our team lives the experience, not just sells it
• Tailored travel protection: Through PTS membership, we provide financial protection and secure payments
• Genuine representation: No pinkwashing here — we work with inclusive partners around the globe
• Support that understands: Whether it’s a visa query or a question about trans healthcare access abroad, we’re on your side

Let us handle the details — so you can focus on the memories.

The Power of Representation in Travel Marketing

Representation isn’t just about rainbows in brochures — it’s about seeing yourself reflected in the travel industry in a way that feels real, empowering, and respectful. Sadly, too many mainstream holiday adverts still rely on stereotypes or tokenistic imagery that glosses over the diversity of our community.

When was the last time you saw a romantic holiday ad featuring two Black gay men? Or a campaign led by a trans person enjoying a beach break? Representation matters — not just for visibility, but because it affects where we feel safe spending our money. At Wide Awake Holidays, we actively challenge those norms by showcasing authentic, diverse queer travellers across all our materials. We don’t edit queerness out of the picture — we centre it.  We realise that we our house style uses flat vector-style illustrations to look like modern travel posters but every image focuses on members of our community.

But representation also goes beyond marketing. It’s in the stories we tell, the partnerships we choose, and the kinds of holidays we create. You deserve to see yourself not just tolerated in travel, but celebrated. That’s why every image, itinerary and interaction on our site reflects real LGBTQ+ joy — not corporate performance.

When you travel with someone who sees you clearly, your whole experience shifts. You can relax. You can laugh. You can love out loud.

Ready to Travel Proudly?

Navigating the world as an LGBTQ+ traveller doesn’t have to mean compromise. With careful planning, the right support, and a community-focused approach, you can experience travel that’s every bit as unique as you are.

Whether it’s your first time abroad or your fiftieth, Wide Awake Holidays is here to make every step of the journey unforgettable — because your identity deserves to be celebrated, not silenced.

Call us now or fill in our enquiry form to start planning your next LGBTQ+ adventure. We’ll help you find the perfect destination, inclusive accommodation, and experiences that celebrate you from start to finish.

Frequently Asked Questions