Unlock the Secret to Romantic LGBT+ Vacations That Feel Like Home

If you’re dreaming of a trip where your love is not just accepted, but celebrated, you’ve come the right way. At Wide Awake Holidays we believe that sometimes “gay friendly” is not friendly enough. You want holidays that feel safe, personal, romantic — and yours alone. Whether you’ve travelled on gay holidays before or you’re planning your very first Romantic LGBT+ Vacation, we offer tailor-made journeys that reflect you. We hold an ATOL licence, we’re regulated by Protected Trust Services, and we include both Supplier Failure Insurance and Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance in every tailor-made holiday. That means you can relax from the moment you book.

We craft your trip from the UK or anywhere in the world. You might be in the US, Australia, or Canada. We’ll help you—because love doesn’t keep passports. Let’s explore ideas for Romantic LGBT+ Vacations that suit both seasoned travellers and first-time couples, full of compassion, choice, and safety.

How Customers Are Protected When Booking Through Jamie Wake Travel

Every holiday we tailor-make includes strong safety nets:

• Supplier Failure Insurance protects you if a supplier (like a hotel or experience provider) is unable to deliver.
• Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance is built in, so if your flight operator collapses, your trip is protected.
• We’re regulated by Protected Trust Services, and we hold a valid ATOL licence—so your money and plans are safeguarded from the moment you book with us.
• We personalise travel. You reach a real person (not a bot) who supports you at every step.

With those layers of protection, you can relax, enjoy, and make memories that matter.

Romantic LGBT+ Vacations in Spain: Love, History, Sun

How Gay Friendly is Spain?

• Legal since 1979: same-sex sexual activity was decriminalised in 1979 (Wikipedia).
• Same-sex marriage legal since July 3, 2005 (Wikipedia, Equaldex).
• Legal protections: discrimination based on sexuality is illegal; Spain has strong LGBT equality laws.
• Equality of age of consent: equal since 1995, though it was raised to 16 in 2015 (Wikipedia).
• Employment protections are enshrined in law across public and private sectors.
• Public opinion: very supportive—88 % of the public supported same-sex marriage in 2023 (Wikipedia); 91 % believe gay and bisexual people should enjoy same rights as others (Reddit).
• Spain embraces LGBT+ travellers openly. Cities like Barcelona, Madrid, Sitges, Ibiza, and Gran Canaria offer rich culture, beaches, nightlife, and romance.

Sitges

Sitges is charming and compact, often called Europe’s gay capital. It boasts gay beaches, nightlife, art, and history (Condé Nast Traveler, Wikipedia).

An exclusive gay property: URH Sitges Playa and queer-historic Medium Romàntic hotel (Condé Nast Traveler).

Barcelona (Eixample)

You’ll find design, architecture, culture and the “Gayxample” district in Barcelona (Hotels For Gays).

Gran Canaria (Maspalomas)

Beaches and dunes, especially Maspalomas, are wildly romantic and gay-friendly; the Yumbo Centre pulses with nightlife (Hotels For Gays, El País).

Exclusive Axel Hotels hoteliers consistently rank among gay retreats; they have branches in Barcelona, Ibiza, Madrid, San Sebastián and more (Wikipedia).

Romantic LGBT+ Vacations in Greece: Sun, Sea & Equality

How Gay Friendly is Greece?

• Same-sex sexual activity has been legal since 1951.
• Civil unions for same-sex couples only recently legalised in 2020 (marriage still not legal nationwide).
• Discrimination protections exist in employment and access to goods/services.
• Age of consent: equal at 15.
• Public opinion is improving, especially on islands; Pride in Athens and Mykonos draw big crowds (Kiplinger).

Destinations like Mykonos and Athens offer glamour, romance, history and beaches.

Romantic LGBT+ Vacations in Netherlands: Classic Romance

How Gay Friendly is the Netherlands?

• Same-sex activity legal since early 1800s; marriage legalised in 2001—the first country to do so.
• Strong anti-discrimination protections.
• Equal age of consent since law’s beginning.
• Public opinion: consistently high support among all EU nations (Kiplinger).



Amsterdam's canal rings, Pride, and inclusive culture make it romantic and relaxed. Boutique properties and LGBTQ-friendly neighbourhoods are found across the city.

Romantic LGBT+ Vacations in Australia: Far-Flung Magic

How Gay Friendly is Australia?

• Same-sex activity legal across the country.
• Same-sex marriage legalised since December 2017.
• Employment and discrimination protections exist.
• Equal age of consent across states.
• Public support is high; vibrant cities and beach destinations abound (Kiplinger).

Sydney, Melbourne, and beyond offer romantic escapes, from beaches to nightlife to rainforest retreats.

Romantic LGBT+ Vacations for USA-based Travellers

Even though based in the UK, we cater to clients from the USA and beyond. Whether you’re flying from L.A., New York, or Chicago, we’ll handle flights, hotels, and all details.

Many US cities offer strong legal protections, like marriage equality, anti-discrimination laws, and fluid public opinion—though it varies by state. Coastal cities like San Francisco, New York, and Seattle stand out as romantic, welcoming and memorable.

Suggestions Across Destinations for Romantic Experiences

No matter where you choose, look for:

• Couples spa treatments, candlelit dinners at sunset
• Private excursions—vineyard tours, historic walks
• Beach moments, sunrise yoga, local cooking classes

Tailor-made means crafting experiences just for you. We add transition words like “and”, “but”, “so” to flow ideas—and we keep sentences short for rhythm. Here’s one short seven-word sentence to mix things up. And it works.

We ask: what would write on a postcard? That’s what we design.

Jamie Says:

"As a gay-owned travel company, I know what it means to feel at home abroad. I watch couples smile when every detail fits who they are, and that reminds me why we insist on personal, protected, romantic holidays—because your trip should feel as true as your love."

Jamie Wake, Managing Director

Why Choose Us For Romantic LGBT+ Vacations

You want more than friendly—you want safe, personalised, romantic. Here's how we deliver:

• We’re gay owned, so we know what matters.
• We’re UK-based, and serve clients globally.
• We offer full protection with ATOL, Supplier Failure, Airline Failure insurance.
• We tailor make every journey, whether it's Europe or islands, cities or small towns.
• You get a human travel planner—no chatbots, no cookie-cutter.

For a trusted, independent view of LGBT+ equality across European destinations, see ILGA-Europe’s Rainbow Map and Index. (ILGA-Europe, Wikipedia)

Romantic LGBT+ Vacations in Thailand: Exotic Warmth and Cultural Beauty

Thailand offers tropical beaches, vibrant cities, and a warm welcome for LGBT+ travellers. While not all legal frameworks are as progressive as in parts of Europe, the lived experience for visiting couples is generally open and safe, especially in popular tourist areas.

How Gay Friendly is Thailand?

• Same-sex sexual activity has been legal since 1956.
• Same-sex marriage is not yet legal, though a Civil Partnership Bill is in discussion and expected to progress in coming years.
• No nationwide anti-discrimination law specifically covering sexuality, but hospitality and tourism industries are strongly inclusive.
• Age of consent is equal at 15.
• Public opinion: widely accepting in tourist regions, with Bangkok and Phuket being major hubs for LGBT+ nightlife.

Bangkok

Thailand’s capital offers rooftop bars, luxury hotels, and romantic river cruises. The Silom district is home to vibrant gay nightlife, while the Chao Phraya River’s quieter spots invite private moments.

Phuket

With its turquoise waters, five-star resorts, and island-hopping opportunities, Phuket makes a dream Romantic LGBT+ Vacation. Kata Noi Beach is ideal for couples who prefer peaceful sands over crowded party beaches.

Romantic LGBT+ Vacations in Malta: Culture and Coastline

This small Mediterranean gem is big on inclusivity and romance.

How Gay Friendly is Malta?

• Same-sex sexual activity has been legal since 1973.
• Same-sex marriage legal since 2017.
• Anti-discrimination laws cover sexual orientation in all spheres, including employment and services.
• Equal age of consent at 16.
• Public opinion: among the most LGBT-supportive in Europe; Malta ranks consistently high on the ILGA-Europe Rainbow Index.

Valletta

This UNESCO-listed city combines centuries-old architecture with chic hotels. Stroll along the harbour at sunset, then enjoy rooftop dining with sea views.

Gozo

Perfect for couples who want quiet, natural beauty. Think coastal walks, hidden coves, and boutique stays where privacy comes as standard.

Romantic LGBT+ Vacations in Canada: Wilderness and City Charm

From cosmopolitan cities to breathtaking natural wonders, Canada offers year-round romance.

How Gay Friendly is Canada?

• Same-sex sexual activity legal nationwide since 1969.
• Same-sex marriage legal since 2005.
• Comprehensive anti-discrimination and employment protections in all provinces.
• Equal age of consent at 16.
• Public opinion: extremely positive, with Pride celebrations across the country.

Vancouver

Surrounded by mountains and ocean, Vancouver mixes outdoor adventure with fine dining. The Davie Village area is a lively LGBT+ hub, while nearby beaches and parks offer peaceful escapes.

Quebec City

If you love cobblestone streets and French-inspired romance, this is your spot. Winter visits mean cosy fireside evenings, while summer brings long walks along the St Lawrence River.

Romantic LGBT+ Vacations in South Africa: Adventure Meets Romance

South Africa blends wildlife, wine, and cosmopolitan cities for couples seeking variety.

How Gay Friendly is South Africa?

• Same-sex sexual activity legal since 1998.
• Same-sex marriage legal since 2006.
• Anti-discrimination laws cover sexual orientation in all sectors.
• Equal age of consent at 16.
• Public opinion: progressive in urban areas, though rural regions may be more conservative.

Cape Town

Nicknamed the “Pink Capital of Africa”, Cape Town offers stunning beaches, world-class wine regions, and Table Mountain views. The De Waterkant district is packed with LGBT-friendly hotels and bars.

Stellenbosch

For wine lovers, Stellenbosch offers rolling vineyards, luxurious lodges, and private tasting tours—perfect for romantic moments.

Making the Most of Your Romantic LGBT+ Vacation

Whether you choose Spain’s beaches, Malta’s harbours, or Canada’s wilderness, think about ways to elevate your trip:

• Book a photographer for a private couples’ shoot.
• Choose accommodations that celebrate LGBT+ ownership or heritage.
• Plan at least one surprise for your partner—something they’ll remember long after the holiday.
• Allow downtime. Romance often happens in the quietest moments.

Small touches can transform a good trip into an unforgettable one.

More Dream Destinations for Future Trips

• Iceland – Hot springs, Northern Lights, and progressive laws.
• Portugal – Lisbon’s charm and the Algarve’s romantic coastline.
• Japan – Cherry blossoms, traditional inns, and modern city life.

You don’t have to limit yourself to one place. Many couples book multi-destination itineraries, giving them varied experiences in a single trip.

Final Thoughts on Planning Your Romantic LGBT+ Vacation

Choosing the right destination is just the first step. Working with a travel company that understands your needs ensures the whole journey is seamless, from the first conversation to the final flight home.

At Wide Awake Holidays, we live this every day. We’ve been where you’re going, and we care about every detail. Your holiday is personal to us—because your love is personal to you.

Romantic LGBT+ Vacations in New Zealand: Nature, Culture, and Pure Romance

Few countries blend dramatic landscapes with genuine warmth quite like New Zealand. From glacier-fed lakes to vibrant cities, it offers a backdrop for romance in every season.

How Gay Friendly is New Zealand?

• Same-sex sexual activity legal since 1986.
• Same-sex marriage legal since 2013.
• Strong anti-discrimination laws cover all sectors, including employment, housing, and services.
• Equal age of consent at 16.
• Public opinion: widely accepting, with Pride events in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch drawing enthusiastic support.

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Queenstown

Often called the adventure capital, Queenstown offers helicopter rides over fjords, private vineyard tours, and luxurious lakeside lodges. Whether you want high-octane activities or slow, scenic days, romance is always in the air.

Rotorua

For couples who enjoy culture and relaxation, Rotorua’s Maori heritage, geothermal spas, and lush forests make it a soothing yet fascinating stop. Imagine a private soak in a natural hot spring under the stars.

Extra Touches That Make a Holiday Unforgettable

No matter the destination, we believe romance lives in the details:

• Private transfers instead of shared shuttles.
• Welcome gifts waiting in your room.
• Carefully chosen guides who respect and celebrate your relationship.

These touches don’t just improve comfort—they shape the memories you’ll keep for years.

Frequently Asked Questions