The Case for Supporting Local LGBT Businesses on Holiday

There’s more to planning a gay holiday than booking a flight and picking a trendy hotel. For many LGBT+ travellers, the choice of where to spend money is just as important as where to go. Supporting local LGBT businesses isn’t just a feel-good move — it’s a meaningful way to connect with the community, feel safer while travelling, and have a more authentic experience.

Whether you're heading off on your first LGBT holiday or you're a seasoned globetrotter, understanding the impact of your travel choices is key. LGBT-run cafés, bars, shops, and tours often provide far more than just a service — they create safe spaces, offer representation, and help challenge inequality, especially in destinations where acceptance is still growing.

This blog explores why supporting local LGBT businesses matters, how you can do it on your next holiday, and which destinations around the world are leading the way. You’ll also learn how booking with a gay-owned UK travel company like Wide Awake Holidays offers not just personal service, but also financial protection and confidence at every step.

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Why Supporting Local LGBT Businesses Makes a Difference

Travelling as an LGBT+ person isn’t always straightforward. Even in countries where same-sex relationships are legal, the lived experience of local queer people can vary widely. Supporting local LGBT businesses helps ensure your holiday money uplifts the very communities that make a destination safe, welcoming, and worth visiting.

Economic empowerment matters.

When you spend money at a locally owned LGBT café, guesthouse, or tour operator, you’re directly investing in people who often face systemic barriers. Many queer-owned businesses operate without the same support systems or funding as larger corporations. Your support helps them grow, hire, and build visibility in their communities.

Representation fuels visibility.

Gay bars, queer-led walking tours, inclusive spas, and LGBT-run boutiques aren’t just businesses — they’re lifelines. They offer safe spaces for both locals and travellers, often becoming cultural hubs for events, activism, and pride celebrations. When you support these businesses, you contribute to a more visible, proud, and empowered community in that area.

Safer experiences for LGBT+ travellers.

Let’s face it: not every destination is as open as it seems in the brochures. Local LGBT businesses often understand the risks and realities of navigating their countries. A queer-owned tour guide is more likely to know where it’s genuinely safe to go, how to avoid uncomfortable situations, and how to tailor an experience that truly respects your identity. That insider knowledge is priceless.

Authenticity you can’t buy from a chain.

There’s something uniquely satisfying about enjoying a drink at a gay-owned wine bar in Madrid or staying at a lesbian-owned guesthouse in Cape Town. You’re not just ticking off tourist boxes — you’re creating real connections, hearing real stories, and seeing the world through the eyes of people who share your identity.

Standing in solidarity.

In destinations where LGBT+ rights are still limited or under threat, your choice to support a local gay business sends a powerful message. It shows that the world is watching — and that there’s global support for the freedom to love and live openly.

But what if you’ve never thought about it this way before?

That’s okay. Many travellers have never considered how their spending could shape a destination’s queer landscape. If you’ve ever booked the cheapest hotel without checking who owns it, you’re not alone. But every holiday is an opportunity to make more conscious choices — without sacrificing luxury, comfort, or fun.

At Wide Awake Holidays, we believe that sometimes “gay-friendly” just isn’t friendly enough. Being truly inclusive means going beyond rainbow logos and digging into what really benefits LGBT people on the ground.

That’s why we make it easy for you to discover and support queer-owned hotels, experiences, and guides — all tailor-made to suit your holiday style.

How to Spot and Support Local LGBT Businesses While Travelling

Supporting local LGBT businesses while travelling doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, it can be one of the most rewarding parts of your holiday — adding personality, purpose, and a greater sense of community to your experience.

Here are some easy ways to do it:

Look beyond the big names.

Large, international brands often market themselves as “inclusive,” but they rarely represent the communities they profit from. Instead, seek out boutique hotels, independent cafés, and smaller venues that are owned and operated by LGBT people. Not only will your money stay in the community, but the experience will likely be more authentic and personal.

Ask your travel consultant.

This is where we shine. At Wide Awake Holidays, we take the time to understand what matters to you — and that includes your values. When you ask us to plan your trip, we actively seek out LGBT-owned or actively inclusive businesses where your stay, meals, and excursions support local communities. You don’t need to spend hours researching — we’ll do it for you.

Use LGBT business directories.

Many destinations have local directories or community centres that maintain lists of LGBT businesses. In the UK, platforms like OutBritain and myGwork are good starting points. Abroad, cities like Toronto, Amsterdam, and Berlin have their own LGBTQ networks with guides you can follow. These often highlight queer-run hair salons, yoga studios, bookstores, and art galleries that are off the tourist radar.

Attend LGBT-led tours and events.

From walking tours in Rome’s gay district to queer wine tastings in Cape Town, these experiences are usually hosted by people who are deeply rooted in the community. You’ll get more than just history or sightseeing — you’ll get lived experience, local insight, and often, a few personal stories that make your trip unforgettable.

Choose your nightlife carefully.

Supporting a gay bar or lesbian club isn’t just about having a good time (though that’s part of it). In many cities, these venues are safe havens — especially for marginalised groups within the LGBT community. Entry fees, drinks, and tips all help keep those spaces alive. Ask locals which venues are community favourites, not just tourist hotspots.

Book inclusive accommodation.

From city hotels to countryside retreats, there are plenty of properties that proudly identify as gay-owned or LGBT-operated. Many offer a warm welcome that feels worlds apart from generic hotel chains. When possible, opt for those properties — and if you’re unsure, ask us. We have a portfolio of trusted partners worldwide that go the extra mile for LGBT guests.

Think before you post.

If you find a queer-owned gem — a gallery, guesthouse, or guided experience — take a moment to share it on your socials. A quick story or post can help others discover it too. Small businesses often rely on word of mouth, and your voice can make a big difference.

Be mindful of local context.

In some countries, being openly gay can still be dangerous. That means not all LGBT businesses will fly the rainbow flag. Use discretion, respect cultural differences, and if in doubt, ask your hosts privately how they prefer to be supported.

Travelling consciously doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort. It means adding heart to your holiday. And when you book with a gay-owned, UK-based company like Wide Awake Holidays, you’re already making a powerful choice.

Protections You Receive When Booking Through Wide Awake Holidays

Trust matters — especially when booking a tailor-made LGBT holiday. That’s why at Wide Awake Holidays, we ensure that your dream getaway is not only personal and inclusive, but also protected from start to finish.

We are proud to be a gay-owned, UK-based travel company and a fully accredited member of Protected Trust Services (PTS). That means your money is held securely in a client trust account and can only be used to pay for your actual travel arrangements — not to fund operations, marketing, or anything else. It’s financial protection you can rely on.

Every booking also includes Supplier Failure Insurance and Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance at no extra cost. These protections mean that if any part of your holiday is cancelled due to a supplier going out of business — from your hotel to your flights — you won’t be left out of pocket.

We also hold an ATOL licence, so if you’re booking a holiday that includes flights, your protection is legally guaranteed under the Civil Aviation Authority. You’ll receive an ATOL Certificate confirming what’s protected and who to contact if something goes wrong.

But it doesn’t stop at paperwork. We provide a personal travel service, which means real people are behind your booking. No call centres. No bots. Just passionate, knowledgeable consultants who understand LGBT travel and care about your experience.

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

• A travel company that reflects your identity
• Complete financial protection and peace of mind
• Access to over 200 trusted suppliers and tour operators
• Tailor-made travel that suits you, not just a template
• Ethical booking with a community-focused brand

You can also book with us from outside the UK. We welcome international clients, including those based in the United States, and offer the same personalised service, community values, and financial protection.

Where Supporting Local LGBT Businesses Truly Matters

Some destinations go beyond rainbow flags and really foster LGBT-owned businesses that shape local culture and tourism. Whether it’s queer-led tours, LGBT-run hotels, or nightlife that gives back, these places prove that where you spend your money matters.

🇪🇸 Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona has long been a hotspot for LGBT+ travellers, but its thriving local scene makes it a standout. You’ll find queer-owned tapas bars in the Gothic Quarter, stylish gay-run guesthouses in Eixample, and independent drag shows that rival anything you’d find in London or New York.

Supporting local LGBT businesses here isn’t hard — they’re woven into the fabric of city life.

How Gay Friendly is Spain?

• Legal status: Homosexuality has been legal since 1979.
• Marriage: Same-sex marriage legal since 2005.
• Anti-discrimination: National protections in place based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
• Employment rights: LGBT+ individuals are protected in the workplace.
• Age of consent: Equal at 16 for all.
• Public opinion: Overwhelmingly supportive. Spain ranks among the most LGBT-friendly countries in Europe.

For a wider view of global LGBT rights and protections, ILGA World’s interactive map is a helpful tool for travellers planning with inclusion in mind.

Looking for a place to stay? Axel Hotel Barcelona is one of the most well-known gay-only properties in Europe, offering a stylish, community-focused vibe.

Ask us about current offers for this hotel when booking through Wide Awake Holidays.

🇿🇦 Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town’s De Waterkant area buzzes with queer-owned cafés, guesthouses, and art spaces.

Local LGBT businesses aren’t just businesses here — they’re cultural pillars. Supporting them means supporting a community still healing from decades of inequality.

How Gay Friendly is South Africa?

• Legal status: Legal since 1998.
• Marriage: Same-sex marriage recognised since 2006.
• Anti-discrimination: Strong legal protections, including in the Constitution.
• Employment rights: Explicit protections for LGBT workers.
• Age of consent: Equal at 16.
• Public opinion: More accepting in urban areas, though challenges remain in rural regions.

Consider Cactus House, a gay guesthouse offering intimate stays and local recommendations.

We may have tailored packages that include this property — check with us for details.

🇨🇴 Bogotá, Colombia

Bogotá’s Chapinero district is home to one of the largest gay clubs in Latin America — Theatron — and an emerging scene of LGBT-owned shops and studios. Colombia’s capital may surprise first-time travellers with how progressive and energetic its queer scene has become.

How Gay Friendly is Colombia?

• Legal status: Legal since 1981.
• Marriage: Same-sex marriage legal since 2016.
• Anti-discrimination: Protected under national law.
• Employment rights: Workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation is illegal.
• Age of consent: Equal at 14.
• Public opinion: Improving, especially among younger generations.

A great option for stay is the Chapinero Hills Boutique Hotel, which prides itself on inclusive service and a modern, urban vibe.

Ask us about any promotional stays or packages available through Wide Awake Holidays.

🇨🇦 Toronto, Canada

Toronto’s Church-Wellesley Village is more than a gay neighbourhood — it’s a thriving, open community built around local, often queer-owned businesses. From bookshops to brunch spots, your spending directly helps sustain the identity of the area.

How Gay Friendly is Canada?

• Legal status: Legal since 1969.
• Marriage: Same-sex marriage legal since 2005.
• Anti-discrimination: National protections enshrined in law.
• Employment rights: Comprehensive protections for all LGBT+ people.
• Age of consent: Equal at 16.
• Public opinion: Exceptionally positive, with strong governmental and social support.

Toronto’s The Anndore House is LGBTQ+ welcoming with queer-led events and a central location.

We can include this hotel in tailor-made Canadian holidays — get in touch to find out more.

Jamie Says:

“As a gay traveller myself, I know how powerful it feels to walk into a business and feel truly welcome. At Wide Awake Holidays, we do more than just book holidays — we help create meaningful, community-focused journeys that give back while you explore the world.”

Why Booking with Wide Awake Holidays Makes a Bigger Impact

Booking a holiday is more than just choosing dates and destinations. It’s a chance to shape the kind of world you want to travel through. When you choose to support local LGBT businesses, you’re investing in real people, real communities, and real change. And when you book through Wide Awake Holidays, that commitment goes even further.

We’re a gay-owned UK travel company that understands what matters most to you — not just safety and comfort, but authenticity, community, and pride. Every holiday we build is crafted to reflect those values. From sourcing LGBT-run accommodation to recommending queer-led tours and experiences, we make it easy for you to travel with intention.

You’re not just supporting a local business at your destination. You’re supporting one at home too.

So whether you're planning your first gay holiday or you're ready to explore the world again with purpose, we're here to help.

Call us on 01495 400947 or use our holiday enquiry form to start building your next journey with Wide Awake Holidays — where your travel dreams and your values go hand in hand.

Frequently Asked Questions