Best Long Haul Destinations From the US for Gay Travellers

Seven destinations worth the flight, with the legal position and what to expect on arrival.

A long flight is easier to justify when the destination is worth it, and for gay travellers the legal position and the welcome on arrival are part of that. The seven destinations below are roughly eight hours or more by air from the US. Six of them recognise same-sex marriage. Japan does not yet, and its section explains why it is included.

Each section covers the legal position and what the destination is like for gay couples, with one practical point about the trip. OOO specialists plan each of these as a tailor-made itinerary.

French Polynesia

French Polynesia has never criminalised same-sex relationships, and same-sex marriage has been legal since 2013 under French law. Bora Bora is the island most travellers picture, with overwater villas and a lagoon, and there are five resorts there known to welcome same-sex couples as standard. It is a private destination with no gay scene to speak of, which suits couples who want a quiet stay. The everyday experience for couples, from resort service to local attitudes, is set out in Is Bora Bora Gay Friendly? What Gay Couples Should Know.

Los Angeles has a nonstop flight to Papeete of about eight hours, followed by an inter-island flight to Bora Bora, and the stay can sit within a longer trip across the islands of French Polynesia.

New Zealand

New Zealand legalised same-sex marriage in 2013, the first country in the Asia-Pacific region to do so. Two compact islands hold fiords, volcanoes, glaciers, geothermal fields, and wine regions, and the luxury lodges are small, remote properties rather than large resort hotels. Los Angeles to Auckland is a nonstop flight of 12 to 13 hours, and a well-planned two-week trip covers a lot of ground, with tailor-made New Zealand itineraries built around the traveller’s dates and pace.

Australia

Australia legalised same-sex marriage on December 9, 2017, after a nonbinding nationwide vote in which more than 60 percent of Australians were in favour. Sydney is where most trips begin, built around the harbour and the beaches at Bondi and Coogee. Los Angeles to Sydney is a nonstop flight of 14 to 15 hours, and two or three weeks is the suggested length for a tailor-made trip across Australia.

Thailand

Same-sex marriage became legal in Thailand on January 23, 2025, which made it the first country in Southeast Asia to recognise it. Same-sex activity has been legal since 1956. Legal gender recognition is still missing, and everyday attitudes can be more conservative than the country’s image suggests. Bangkok pairs well with either Phuket or Koh Samui. The full legal picture, including what the 2025 law does not cover, is in Is Thailand LGBTQ+ Friendly? What Gay Travellers Should Know.

Japan

Japan is the only G7 country that does not legally recognise same-sex marriage. It is included because the travel experience and the legal position point in different directions. Many local governments recognise same-sex partnerships, and six marriage cases are now before the Supreme Court’s Grand Bench, with a ruling expected in early 2027.

For visitors, Japan runs on logistics that differ from anywhere else, with limited English signage and restaurant reservations that book months ahead. Specialists know which onsen towns welcome same-sex couples, and tailor-made Japan itineraries are built around that knowledge.

South Africa

South Africa legalised same-sex marriage on November 30, 2006, and it is still the only country in Africa where it is legal. Cape Town is the usual starting point for a tailor-made trip to South Africa, and the winelands around Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are the setting for wine estates that are also places to stay. Legal protection is stronger than attitudes in some parts of the country, so a planned itinerary that stays to the main tourist areas is sensible.

Argentina

Argentina legalised same-sex marriage in July 2010, the first country in Latin America to do so, and adults can change their legal gender without judicial or medical approval. Buenos Aires is the usual starting point for tailor-made trips across Argentina.

Making a Long-Haul Trip Work

Most of these destinations suit trips of at least two weeks. Building a rest day into the start of the trip helps, as on the Tahiti, Taha’a, and Bora Bora Escape, which opens with a single night on Tahiti to recover from the flight before continuing. Flights can be arranged as part of the trip, so the time on the ground goes to the destination.

Trans and Non-Binary Travellers

Legal gender recognition and documentation rules differ across these seven destinations. Argentina and French Polynesia allow adults to change their legal gender without restrictions, while Thailand has no gender recognition law. Trans and non-binary travellers should confirm documentation and medication rules for each country before booking, and Out Of Office specialists can advise on each.

Plan Your Long-Haul Trip With Out Of Office

Each of these trips is tailor-made, and further options are listed among the top destinations. To start planning, contact a specialist with your dates and the destination you have in mind.