LGBT Travel Safety Tips You Need to Know Before Your Next Trip

Whether you're planning your first gay holiday or you're a seasoned LGBT+ traveller, staying safe while abroad is more than just common sense—it's essential. LGBT travel safety isn't about limiting your experience. It's about empowering it.

At Wide Awake Holidays, we understand that sometimes "gay-friendly" just isn't friendly enough. That's why we've put together this in-depth guide to help you travel smart, stay safe, and fully enjoy the world around you.

Why LGBT Travel Safety Still Matters

You might assume the world is more inclusive than ever. And in many ways, it is. But for LGBT+ travellers, cultural and legal differences can still pose risks. Discrimination, harassment, and even legal consequences are real threats in some destinations.

What’s safe for one traveller may not be safe for another. For example:

• A same-sex couple holding hands in Amsterdam is unlikely to raise eyebrows.
• The same gesture in parts of the Middle East could lead to arrest or worse.

LGBT travel safety isn't about fear—it's about being prepared. With the right knowledge, you can confidently explore just about anywhere.

Discrimination, harassment, and even legal consequences are real threats in some destinations. The Human Rights Campaign offers regularly updated information on global LGBT rights to help you stay informed before you travel.

Planning Your Trip with LGBT Travel Safety in Mind

Preparation is everything. Before you even book, take time to:

• Research local laws and customs around LGBT rights.
• Check government travel advice (the UK Foreign Office and other countries offer LGBT-specific tips).
• Read LGBT traveller reviews to get honest insights into what it’s really like.
• Use a specialist LGBT travel company like Wide Awake Holidays.

Being informed before you go can make all the difference.

Protecting Yourself While Travelling: The Essentials

No matter where you go, there are simple steps that every LGBT+ traveller should take:

• Keep a low profile in countries where LGBT+ identities are criminalised.
• Avoid public displays of affection in conservative areas.
• Use private transport if you feel uneasy walking.
• Don’t rely solely on dating apps—they’re often used by police in anti-LGBT sting operations.
• Use a VPN to protect your identity online.
• Carry emergency contact details, including the nearest embassy.

Ask yourself: would I feel safe doing this at home?

Booking with Confidence: How Wide Awake Holidays Protects You

Every tailor-made trip through Wide Awake Holidays includes key consumer protections that give you peace of mind:

• We are a member of Protected Trust Services (PTS), which means your money is held in a trust account until you travel.
• We hold an ATOL licence, protecting any package that includes a flight.
• Supplier Failure Insurance (SFI) is included as standard.
• Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance (SAFI) ensures you're protected if your airline goes bust.

These protections (except ATOL protection) apply whether you’re booking from the UK, US, or beyond.

Jamie Says:

"Safety should never mean settling for less. It’s about making choices that protect your joy. That’s why we tailor every holiday with your wellbeing in mind."

Top Destinations with a Focus on LGBT Travel Safety

Here are four destinations that strike a balance between excitement and inclusivity—along with practical safety advice for each.

How Gay Friendly is Spain?

• Legal since: 1979
• Same-sex marriage: Legal since 2005
• Discrimination protections: Yes, including in employment and housing
• Employment protections: Comprehensive
• Equal age of consent: Yes
• Public opinion: Strongly supportive, especially in urban centres

Spain remains a go-to for LGBT+ travellers. Barcelona and Sitges are famously inclusive. Madrid Pride is one of Europe’s largest. For a more laid-back vibe, Gran Canaria’s Maspalomas is home to the all-gay resort Los Almendros.

Looking for a hotel deal in Spain? Ask us about our exclusive offers for Sitges and Madrid.

How Gay Friendly is Thailand?

• Legal since: 1956 (decriminalised)
• Same-sex marriage: Legalised in 2024
• Discrimination protections: Partial, protections exist but vary
• Employment protections: Some exist
• Equal age of consent: Yes
• Public opinion: Generally accepting, especially in tourist areas

Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket are favourites among LGBT+ travellers. Thailand's vibrant nightlife, inclusive attitude, and rich culture make it ideal. While generally safe, it's wise to remain discreet in rural areas.

One popular choice is Babylon Bangkok—a well-known gay men’s resort with spa, pool, and on-site bar.

Enquire now to check availability at LGBT-friendly hotels in Bangkok and Phuket.

How Gay Friendly is South Africa?

• Legal since: 1998
• Same-sex marriage: Legal since 2006
• Discrimination protections: Yes, enshrined in the constitution
• Employment protections: Yes
• Equal age of consent: Yes
• Public opinion: Progressive in cities, more conservative in rural areas

Cape Town is South Africa’s LGBT+ capital. From Table Mountain to wine tours in Stellenbosch, there’s plenty to enjoy. The city is home to several gay bars and the annual Cape Town Pride.

Men’s-only guesthouses like The Glen Boutique Hotel offer inclusive luxury.

Ask us about our South Africa packages, including flights and safari extensions.

How Gay Friendly is the USA?

• Legal since: Varies by state; national decriminalisation 2003
• Same-sex marriage: Legal since 2015
• Discrimination protections: Partial, varies by state
• Employment protections: Nationwide since 2020
• Equal age of consent: Varies
• Public opinion: Mixed; highly positive in most cities, less so in rural areas

Cities like San Francisco, New York, and Palm Springs are renowned for their inclusivity. But some southern or rural states still pose risks, especially for trans travellers.

In Palm Springs, INNdulge is an iconic gay men’s resort with pool, spa, and a welcoming atmosphere.

Want to explore America safely and in style? We’ll plan a trip that matches your comfort level.

Real-Life Tips from Our Travellers

We regularly hear from customers about their experiences. Here are a few highlights:

• "Wide Awake Holidays didn’t just book our holiday—they made sure we felt safe every step."
• "Being in a gay resort in Thailand made all the difference. We could relax completely."
• "Knowing our booking was protected made it easier to enjoy the moment."

A little care can go a long way. It’s more than a holiday—it’s a sense of freedom.

Choosing the Right Accommodation

Not all "LGBT-friendly" listings are equal. Ask these questions:

• Does the hotel actively welcome LGBT+ guests?
• Is it close to LGBT+ nightlife and community spaces?
• Are the staff trained in inclusivity?

When you book with us, we only suggest properties we’d stay in ourselves.

Travel Insurance That Covers LGBT+ Travellers

Many insurers now include protections for LGBT+ travellers, including:

• HIV medication coverage
• Gender marker flexibility
• Coverage for discrimination-related incidents

Find the right policy that doesn’t leave you exposed.

Tips for Trans and Non-Binary Travellers

Travelling while trans or non-binary comes with specific considerations:

• Always carry documents that match your travel identity
• Prepare for additional screening at airports
• Use apps like Equaldex and GeoSure to check local attitudes

We’re here to support you with planning that respects your identity.

Staying Safe in Nightlife Settings

For many LGBT+ travellers, nightlife is a highlight of the holiday. Whether it’s a beach party in Mykonos or a drag show in Berlin, the atmosphere is often electric. But excitement shouldn’t come at the expense of caution.

Here’s how to enjoy LGBT+ nightlife with confidence:

• Stick with people you trust. If you're travelling solo, consider joining group outings or tours designed for LGBT+ travellers.
• Watch your drink. Never leave it unattended or accept drinks from strangers unless you see it being poured.
• Know your exit routes. Familiarise yourself with the layout of the venue in case you need to leave quickly.
• Keep your phone charged and with you. If local SIMs are available, consider getting one for data access and emergency calls.

Many LGBT+ venues are safe spaces—but not all attract the same crowd. Don’t let the rainbow signage give you a false sense of security. A short burst of caution can prevent a long night of regret.

Staying Connected Without Sacrificing Privacy

Wi-Fi in hotels and cafés might be convenient, but it isn’t always secure. If you’re using LGBT-specific apps, forums, or booking tools abroad, your digital footprint can be revealing.

Consider these digital safety tips:

• Use a VPN whenever you’re connected to public Wi-Fi. This keeps your browsing private and can help you access content blocked in the country you’re visiting.
• Log out of apps when not in use, especially dating apps that use location tracking.
• Change passwords before and after your trip, especially if you logged in from unfamiliar networks.

Even in inclusive countries, it’s wise to protect your digital presence. After all, LGBT travel safety isn’t just physical—it’s digital too.

Dealing with Harassment or Trouble Abroad

If you experience verbal abuse, threats, or physical harassment, how you respond can make all the difference.

• Stay calm. Don’t escalate the situation unless your safety is at immediate risk.
• Move to a public space where others are around.
• Contact local authorities only if you feel it’s safe to do so. In some countries, reporting a homophobic incident could backfire if local laws don’t support LGBT rights.
• Call your embassy or consulate. They are there to protect you and can help with emergency travel documents, legal support, or even temporary accommodation.

It’s uncomfortable to imagine these situations, but preparedness leads to better outcomes.

What to Do if You're Detained

In high-risk destinations, even perceived LGBT+ behaviour can result in questioning or detention. While rare, it’s best to know what to do:

• Remain polite and non-confrontational.
• Request legal representation or consular support.
• Avoid signing documents you don’t understand.
• Contact your embassy immediately.

Booking through Wide Awake Holidays means you won’t face this alone. We help all our clients with detailed advice based on the laws and customs of your destination.

How to Vet Excursions and Activities

Booking activities might seem straightforward, but some operators may not welcome LGBT+ travellers—or may expose you to uncomfortable situations.

To avoid surprises:

• Choose LGBT-friendly guides and providers. We work with many who specialise in LGBT+ guests.
• Avoid excursions in ultra-conservative areas unless accompanied by a reputable guide.
• Ask us in advance if you’re unsure whether an activity is appropriate or welcoming.

Wide Awake Holidays offers excursions you can enjoy without second-guessing your safety.

Safety and Respect: The Balance

Being open and being safe shouldn’t be mutually exclusive. The trick is to:

• Know your rights
• Respect local customs
• Trust your instincts
• Travel with experts who understand your needs

When you’re informed, you travel with confidence.

Why LGBT Travel Safety Shouldn’t Be an Afterthought

Your holiday should be about joy—not worry. But not all destinations are created equal, and not every travel provider understands what you need.

That’s where we come in.

At Wide Awake Holidays, we:

• Tailor every trip to your personal safety and comfort
• Know the destinations that welcome you fully
• Offer full consumer protection under PTS and ATOL
• Understand LGBT+ life from the inside out

This isn’t just what we do—it’s who we are.

Why Solo LGBT+ Travellers Need a Different Strategy

Travelling solo can be liberating—but it also comes with unique safety concerns, especially for LGBT+ individuals. Without the buffer of a companion, you're more visible, more approachable, and sometimes, more vulnerable.

If you're travelling alone, consider the following:

• Register with your embassy before travelling so you're accounted for in emergencies.
• Let someone know your daily plans, especially if you're heading off the beaten path.
• Avoid over-sharing with strangers—just because someone seems open doesn't mean they’re safe.
• Use check-in apps or share your location in real time with a trusted contact back home.
• Trust your instincts. If something feels off, remove yourself from the situation.

There are also huge upsides to solo LGBT travel: the freedom to follow your own rhythm, meet new people, and grow in confidence. You just need a clear safety plan.

When you book with Wide Awake Holidays, we’ll help make sure your solo adventure is built around both freedom and reassurance. Many of our customers start out as solo travellers—and return with lifelong memories, new friends, and complete peace of mind.

Book With People Who Get It

When you choose Wide Awake Holidays, you’re choosing:

• A gay-owned company that understands the real challenges LGBT+ travellers face
• The security of ATOL and PTS protection
• A personalised service that respects your identity
• Tailor-made trips designed with your comfort in mind

Ready to plan a trip where you feel safe, seen, and celebrated?

Call us on 01495 400947 or use our holiday enquiry form to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions