Our top destinations for peace and mind for LGBTQ+ travellers
When it comes to holidays, it is often hard to decipher what destinations are suitable and safe for LGBTQ+ travellers. Whilst you can never guarantee safety, you can certainly take precautions and research the places you are travelling to regarding their laws and social attitudes affecting LGBTQ+ people, as well as the sizes of the LGBTQ+ communities in these destinations and how they are catered for. For those who just want peace of mind on holiday and do not want to worry, we have compiled a list of our top five safest destinations for gay, lesbian, and transgender holidays to save you time. If you want to know more about any other destination, get in contact and we can break down how safe and inclusive that destination is for you.
Sitges & Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona stands as a vibrant beacon of inclusivity and diversity, making it a top destination for LGBTQ+ travellers. The city’s warm embrace of the community is evident through its lively gay scene, particularly in the Eixample district, affectionately dubbed “Gayxample.” Here, streets are lined with gay-friendly bars, clubs, and cafes, each offering a unique slice of Catalan hospitality. Barcelona’s commitment to LGBTQ+ rights and its colourful annual Pride celebration further cement its status as a welcoming haven. Beyond the nightlife, the city’s rich tapestry of art, architecture, and gastronomy offers endless exploration opportunities, ensuring a travel experience that’s as enriching as it is joyous.
Sitges is one of Europe’s top LGBTQ+ travel destinations – and it’s not hard to see why. Around an hour outside of Barcelona, Sitges is a beautiful destination full of pristine beaches, cobbled streets lined with quaint cafes and bars, and a large gay community. There are also regular events throughout the calendar year that draw LGBTQ+ travellers to this beachy town, such as the huge annual Pride events with gay parties on the beaches. Although neighbouring Barcelona is often thought of first, Sitges has recently climbed the ranks to challenge it as the number one destination in Spain for gay travellers.
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Thailand
Thailand welcomes LGBTQ+ travellers with its renowned warmth and friendliness, offering a vibrant scene that combines rich cultural experiences with a lively gay nightlife. Cities like Bangkok and Pattaya are famous for their inclusive atmosphere, featuring a plethora of gay bars, clubs, and events, while islands like Phuket and Koh Samui offer serene retreats with gay-friendly beaches and resorts. The annual Bangkok Pride and Phuket Pride are both highlights in the LGBTQ+ calendar, celebrating diversity and love in a spectacular fashion.
Beyond the party scene, Thailand’s Buddhist culture promotes a level of acceptance and tolerance, making it a destination where LGBTQ+ travellers can explore stunning temples, indulge in exquisite Thai cuisine, and enjoy the country’s natural beauty with a sense of belonging and freedom.
Greece
Greece has long been celebrated for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality – and now it steps into the spotlight for its progressive strides in LGBTQ+ rights, including the recent legalisation of gay marriage. This beautiful country offers a welcoming atmosphere for LGBTQ+ travellers, from the historic streets of Athens to the idyllic islands of Mykonos and Santorini, known for their vibrant gay scenes and inclusive parties. Greece combines breathtaking views, crystal-clear waters, and legendary nightlife with a newfound commitment to equality, making it an increasingly popular destination for gay travellers seeking both romance and adventure in a culturally rich setting.
Mykonos is known as the LGBTQ+ hub of Greece and is perfect for the traveller who longs for stunning landscapes, beautiful beaches, traditional little villages, and a good gay scene. This Greek Island is known for its welcoming nature and is often chosen as a honeymoon destination for LGBTQ+ travellers due to how romantic and inclusive it is. Mykonos Town, however, is a great place to visit for solo travellers for its lively gay party scene, full of bars and like-minded people to meet and make friends with.
Costa Rica
Renowned for its “Pura Vida” lifestyle, Costa Rica is not just a sanctuary for biodiversity and sustainability, but also a welcoming paradise for LGBTQ+ travellers. Costa Rica proudly stands as a beacon of progress in Central America for LGBTQ+ rights, having legalised gay marriage in 2020. This landmark achievement highlights the nation’s commitment to equality, making it an enticing destination for LGBTQ+ travellers.
From the lively gay bars and inclusive cultural events in San José to the friendly community and beachfront resorts in Manuel Antonio, this Central American gem offers a mix of urban excitement and serene beach escapes. Adventure seekers and nature lovers alike can revel in activities like zip-lining through lush rainforests and surfing on pristine beaches, all within a nation that celebrates diversity.
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Bora Bora – an island in French Polynesia – stuns visitors with its crystal-clear waters, lush verdant vistas, overwater bungalows, and unique wildlife. It is one of the most beautiful, secluded, and stunning places on Earth, and also one of the most welcoming, friendly, and inclusive too.
In French Polynesia, no laws against same-sex sexual activity have ever existed in the collectivity, and LGBTQ+ travellers are afforded all the same rights as heterosexual people. The concepts of gender identity here are also very different to Western culture – Tahitian culture recognises a third gender called ‘Rae Rae’ – meaning ‘men who are raised as women’. This makes it a perfect destination for everyone in the community – but its breathtaking scenery makes it especially perfect for same-sex couples looking for a romantic getaway, wedding, or honeymoon destination, where they can be open and authentic about who they are.
