What are the best destinations for gay family holidays?

Top destinations include Spain, Canada, Portugal, Sweden, and Costa Rica — all of which offer strong legal protections and inclusive experiences for queer families.

Is it safe to travel as a same-sex parent in countries with different laws?

It depends on the country. We recommend choosing destinations with legal protections and positive social attitudes toward LGBT+ families. That’s where we come in — to guide your choice.

Do we need to carry extra documentation when travelling as a gay family?

Yes. Bring birth or adoption certificates, especially if only one parent is biologically related. This is important when crossing borders or checking into hotels abroad.

Are there resorts that specialise in gay family holidays?

Some boutique and all-inclusive resorts are especially welcoming to queer families. At Wide Awake Holidays, we know which ones go beyond ‘gay friendly’ to actively affirm your family.

Can we book travel insurance that covers LGBT+ families properly?

Yes. We help signpost you to policies that recognise your relationship and dependents.

How do I know if a hotel will recognise both of us as parents?

When you book through us, we contact hotels in advance to confirm inclusive service and proper room arrangements. No assumptions, no awkward check-ins.

Will our children be safe and included in family activities abroad?

In inclusive destinations, absolutely. Many hotels and excursions embrace all families equally. We recommend locations and activities where visibility is not just allowed but welcomed.

Do you offer tailored gay family holidays with flexible itineraries?

Yes. All our holidays are tailor-made. Whether you want soft adventure, beach downtime, or cultural immersion, we design it around your family’s interests and comfort.

Can we attend Pride events as a family?

Many Pride events welcome families and have kid-friendly areas. Cities like Madrid, Stockholm, and Toronto offer inclusive Pride celebrations that are perfect for all ages.

Why book a gay family holiday with Wide Awake Holidays?

Because we get it. We’re a gay-owned UK travel company that understands the extra care queer families need. We handpick inclusive properties and protect your booking every step of the way.

Gay Family Holidays: Top Tips and Inclusive Destinations

Planning gay family holidays can feel like a balancing act. You’re juggling the usual family travel checklists — passports, pool inflatables, snacks for the flight — alongside questions that many straight families never have to ask. Will both parents be recognised at check-in? Will you feel safe holding hands at the hotel breakfast buffet? Will the kids notice the stares or the smiles?

For queer families, travel isn’t just about relaxation. It’s about visibility, dignity, and comfort — for the adults and the children. And although more destinations and resorts are becoming inclusive, there’s still a difference between “tolerated” and truly welcomed.

At Wide Awake Holidays, we believe sometimes gay-friendly just isn’t friendly enough. You deserve more than acceptance — you deserve to feel completely at ease. Whether this is your first trip abroad as a family or your tenth, here’s everything you need to know to make your next getaway a joyful, affirming experience.

Practical Tips for Gay Family Holidays

Even the most seasoned travellers benefit from a bit of planning. As a queer family, the best trips happen when you’ve considered both logistics and safety. Here are some essential tips to help you travel with confidence:

Choose destinations wisely. Research local laws and attitudes.Rainbow Europe offers updated information on legal protections across the continent.Opt for countries with a reputation for LGBT+ inclusion, and double-check how families are treated.
Carry legal documents. If only one parent is biologically related to the child, travel with birth certificates or legal adoption paperwork, especially in countries where same-sex parenthood isn’t widely understood.
Book with trusted travel experts. Agencies like Wide Awake Holidays ensure that your hotels, transfers, and experiences are vetted for inclusion and comfort.
Talk to your kids. If they’re old enough, prepare them for different cultural attitudes. Keep the tone positive while offering age-appropriate reassurance.
Trust your instincts. If something feels off — switch hotels, leave the restaurant, change the itinerary. You know what’s best for your family.
Pack with visibility in mind. Bring Pride-themed clothes or rainbow items if it feels safe, but also pack for comfort and modesty in areas where discretion is wiser.
Join online communities. Groups like LGBTQ+ Families Who Travel can offer recent insights and tips about specific resorts, airlines, and destinations.

One thoughtful tip: take a family selfie in front of each landmark — not just for memories, but as a powerful sign that your family belongs wherever you go.

Spain: A Place Where You’re Already Part of the Family

How Gay Friendly is Spain?

Legal status: Homosexuality has been legal in Spain since 1979.
Marriage equality: Same-sex marriage and adoption rights have been in place since 2005.
Discrimination laws: Spain has comprehensive anti-discrimination laws, including protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Employment protections: LGBT+ employees are protected under national employment legislation.
Equal age of consent: Yes — Spain applies an equal age of consent regardless of sexual orientation.
Public opinion: Generally very positive. Spain ranks among the most LGBT-affirming countries in the world.

Spain isn’t just legally supportive — it’s socially warm. Pride events like Madrid’s are family-friendly and widely celebrated. Towns and cities embrace all kinds of families, from Barcelona’s trendy districts to beach towns in the Costa del Sol.

Want to stay somewhere truly special? We recommend the Lopesan Baobab Resort in Gran Canaria — a spacious, family-friendly hotel with a reputation for inclusivity and incredible service. Ask us about current offers available for your next stay.

There’s something beautifully ordinary about being a queer family in Spain. Ordinary in the best way — no stares, no whispers, just nods and smiles from locals as your child darts through a plaza or asks for another scoop of helado.

Spain was one of the first countries in the world to legalise same-sex marriage, and that progressive attitude filters into everyday life. Family is central to Spanish culture, and that openness extends to families of all kinds. You’ll see two dads pushing a pram in Madrid and no one batting an eye.

Cities like Barcelona, Valencia and Seville offer museums, beaches, and parks with space to roam. Meanwhile, the Canary Islands — especially Gran Canaria — are warm, easy-going, and famously LGBT+ inclusive.

If you’re looking for a hotel that understands how to greet queer families without fuss, let us recommend family-friendly resorts in Costa del Sol and the Balearics. Ask us about current offers — we know the places that won’t just tolerate your family, but truly welcome you.

Canada: Wide Spaces, Warm Welcomes

How Gay Friendly is Canada?

Legal status: Homosexuality has been legal in Canada since 1969.
Marriage equality: Canada legalised same-sex marriage nationwide in 2005.
Discrimination laws: Comprehensive protections exist under the Canadian Human Rights Act, including gender identity and expression.
Employment protections: Strong anti-discrimination employment laws at federal and provincial levels.
Equal age of consent: Yes — applies equally regardless of sexual orientation.
Public opinion: Overwhelmingly positive. Canada consistently ranks among the most LGBT-inclusive countries globally.

Canada doesn’t just legalise rights — it affirms them. Pride events are widespread, even in smaller towns, and public services often feature inclusive family representation.

For your next gay family holiday, we recommend the Fairmont Waterfront in Vancouver for urban comfort or Hotel Place d’Armes in Montreal for cultural charm. Ask us about our latest family-friendly packages.

Canada isn’t just legally inclusive — it’s culturally affirming. From the moment you land, whether in Vancouver or Toronto, there’s a calm confidence in how queer families are acknowledged. Not celebrated with fanfare — just gently, consistently, respectfully seen.

In Vancouver, we’ve helped families enjoy bike rides along the sea wall, afternoon visits to the aquarium, and dinners where no one flinches at two mums asking for a highchair. You’ll find that even children’s museums and science centres include diverse family illustrations in their exhibits.

The legal side is strong, too. Same-sex marriage has been legal across the country since 2005, and anti-discrimination protections are widespread. But what makes it truly special is the normality. Your family just fits in.

If you’re after a hotel that balances comfort with connection, the Fairmont properties in Vancouver and Quebec are standouts. We can build a full-family itinerary around your pace — from mountain rail journeys to inner-city parks.

Speak to us about our latest offers for Canadian gay family holidays.

Portugal: Quiet Confidence and Sunny Simplicity

How Gay Friendly is Portugal?

Legal status: Homosexuality has been legal in Portugal since 1982.
Marriage equality: Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2010.
Discrimination laws: Portugal has comprehensive laws protecting against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Employment protections: Strong protections are in place under Portuguese employment law.
Equal age of consent: Yes — equal for all sexual orientations.
Public opinion: Generally supportive, especially in urban and coastal tourist areas.

Portugal is one of those destinations where everything feels softer — the light, the ocean breeze, and the way people treat each other. For queer families, that calm is more than aesthetic. It’s emotional. You feel it when a hotel receptionist addresses both parents by name, or when a beachside café smiles at your kids before asking about your order.

Lisbon is colourful, creative, and wonderfully walkable. Kids love the trams; parents love the tile-covered buildings and welcoming attitude. Public spaces are well-kept, and you’ll often find rainbow families sitting in parks without raising eyebrows.

In the Algarve, sandy beaches meet relaxed service. This region is a favourite among queer parents looking for space and sun without the noise. We’ve arranged villa stays for families with newborns, and all-inclusive escapes for those who simply want to relax — no questions asked.

We recommend the Pine Cliffs Resort in Albufeira for its family-friendly villas, direct beach access, and discreet, inclusive service. Ask us about current offers to this peaceful and picturesque destination.

Ask us about family resorts in Albufeira or Lagos that offer full-service comfort with warm Portuguese hospitality. We know the properties where you'll be seen, respected, and left to enjoy your time together.

Sweden: Where Equality Feels Effortless

Sweden doesn’t just have inclusive laws — it has an inclusive mindset. As a queer family, you’ll find the everyday experience refreshingly uneventful in the best possible way. No awkward glances. No need for explanations. Just space to enjoy being a family.

Stockholm is perfect for a city break. From the ABBA Museum to the Vasa ship and open-air parks with playgrounds and cafés, it’s a capital that lets children lead and adults breathe. And unlike some cities, public transport here is a joy — clean, safe, and stroller-friendly.

What stands out in Sweden isn’t just the policy. It’s the attitude. Whether you’re checking into a Scandic hotel (known for their inclusive culture) or grabbing lunch at a museum café, your family isn’t “different.” You’re simply guests. Visitors. Parents with kids in tow.

Want to explore further? We’ve helped families add Lapland rail journeys and Midsummer picnics to their trips. Let us create a tailored itinerary that gives you culture, calm, and confidence.

Ask us about the best Swedish destinations for your next gay family holiday.

Costa Rica: Nature, Nurture, and No Assumptions

For families who thrive on adventure, Costa Rica is a dream — but it’s also a quiet revelation for queer parents. In a country where biodiversity reigns, difference is celebrated in nature, and increasingly, in people too.

From the rainforest to the reef, Costa Rica is a playground for kids and a reset button for parents. Families can hike through cloud forests, spot sloths in the wild, and unwind in hot springs — all while being met with warmth and curiosity, not judgement.

Legal protections are improving. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2020, and while rural areas may be more reserved, tourist-friendly destinations like Manuel Antonio are known for their openness. The community here is used to diversity — and that includes families like yours.

We often recommend splitting your stay: a few nights near Arenal’s volcanoes, then beach time in Quepos or Tamarindo. Family-run ecolodges and boutique hotels offer gentle hospitality and privacy — ideal for queer families.

Let us guide you to the places where Costa Rica’s “pura vida” really means pure peace.

What Protections Do You Have When You Book with Us?

When you book with Wide Awake Holidays, you don’t just get a personal travel service — you get peace of mind. As proud members of Protected Trust Services and holders of an ATOL licence, your booking is protected in case of supplier failure or airline disruption.

All tailor-made holidays include:

Supplier Failure Insurance (SFI)
Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance (SAFI)
ATOL protection on flight-inclusive packages
100% financial protection through our PTS trust account

We handpick our suppliers and work with only the most reliable, inclusive tour operators. You can trust us to create a travel experience that’s secure from the moment you enquire to the day you return.

Ready to Book Your Own Gay Family Holiday?

No two families are alike — and that’s exactly how we like it. At Wide Awake Holidays, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all travel. We listen, we tailor, and we recommend experiences that celebrate who you are.

Whether you're after a week by the sea, a multi-country adventure, or a last-minute escape that ticks all the boxes, our team is here to help. And because we’re part of the community, we understand what matters.

Let us help you plan a holiday where your family feels safe, supported, and truly seen.

Call us on 01495 400947 or use our holiday enquiry form to get started. We’re ready when you are.

What are the best destinations for gay family holidays?
Top destinations include Spain, Canada, Portugal, Sweden, and Costa Rica — all of which offer strong legal protections and inclusive experiences for queer families.
Is it safe to travel as a same-sex parent in countries with different laws?
It depends on the country. We recommend choosing destinations with legal protections and positive social attitudes toward LGBT+ families. That’s where we come in — to guide your choice.
Do we need to carry extra documentation when travelling as a gay family?
Yes. Bring birth or adoption certificates, especially if only one parent is biologically related. This is important when crossing borders or checking into hotels abroad.
Are there resorts that specialise in gay family holidays?
Some boutique and all-inclusive resorts are especially welcoming to queer families. At Wide Awake Holidays, we know which ones go beyond ‘gay friendly’ to actively affirm your family.
Can we book travel insurance that covers LGBT+ families properly?
Yes. We help signpost you to policies that recognise your relationship and dependents.
How do I know if a hotel will recognise both of us as parents?
When you book through us, we contact hotels in advance to confirm inclusive service and proper room arrangements. No assumptions, no awkward check-ins.
Will our children be safe and included in family activities abroad?
In inclusive destinations, absolutely. Many hotels and excursions embrace all families equally. We recommend locations and activities where visibility is not just allowed but welcomed.
Do you offer tailored gay family holidays with flexible itineraries?
Yes. All our holidays are tailor-made. Whether you want soft adventure, beach downtime, or cultural immersion, we design it around your family’s interests and comfort.
Can we attend Pride events as a family?
Many Pride events welcome families and have kid-friendly areas. Cities like Madrid, Stockholm, and Toronto offer inclusive Pride celebrations that are perfect for all ages.
Why book a gay family holiday with Wide Awake Holidays?
Because we get it. We’re a gay-owned UK travel company that understands the extra care queer families need. We handpick inclusive properties and protect your booking every step of the way.